Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On page 32, it is stated that in the context of the Creative Ireland consultations, there was a widespread desire for creative spaces, studios, performance spaces and simple work spaces where artists and other creatives could experiment and collaborate. It states that the Department would work with local authorities to identify such spaces. I assume that spaces come under part 3 of the plan, which covers investment in local arts and cultural infrastructure nationwide. I cannot see it coming under other commitments, such as in the financial area. Has the Department started this process? What work has been done? Can our guests clarify whether the €40 million includes the spaces to which I referred? A building always seems to be the answer to everything but I hope the right questions are being asked. Will the building be relevant in ten years' time? What art forms will be practised in ten years' time? How will they improve the financial well-being of artists who earn around €10,000 per year? A building should be the end point of a much deeper development. The financial commitments identified in this plan could be greater and, given that artists are struggling to make ends meet, is it wise to not prioritise spaces as much as we prioritise national cultural institutions? Some of the national institutions have not been looked after for a long period but they are all in Dublin.