Professor Kevin Rafter:

I am open to hearing all advice. I do not have a monopoly on good ideas. Capital expenditure is a matter for the Department. Through the Project Ireland 2040 programme, a figure not shy of €500 million will be invested in national cultural institutions such as the National Library, the National Archives and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. It is a mixture of spending spread across the Department. The Arts Council, on the other hand, is responsible for current expenditure.

The Senator is entirely correct about disability and disadvantage. Some people experience barriers to access and, as demographics change and the population greys in its age profile, we need to be conscious of that. There will be more people, they will live longer and, one hopes, their ability to enjoy that time will mean they will be able to visit national institutions such as the National Gallery or the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork to see great works of art. We need to be conscious of the facilities that will be available for people. As I mentioned, disability and disadvantage are on the radar.