Ms Patricia Crosbie:

In regard to the professional stream, I agree on the need for engagement with schools. I have done it. We have awarded some children scholarships to work with Cork City Ballet, two of whom ended up dancing on the Cork Opera House stage, which in their wildest dreams they never thought they would do. One of them said to me that she never thought she would walk inside the door of the Firkin Crane building let alone the Opera House. Engagement does happen and it works but we need help. This meeting provides us with the opportunity to get that help.

In regard to professional dancers, as in the case of so many other artists, it is a really hard profession.