Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I also thank them for all of the work that they have done over the past four months in a very challenging time for everyone.

In the presentation this morning, Ms Licken referred to Cruinniú na nÓg, which is the free initiative for young people. What was done in that programme aimed at young people? I ask because many young people were attracted to the scheme. While that programme was aimed at young people, those who were really affected by the lockdown were older people. Has anything been planned for the latter? This issue was referred to earlier in response to a question posed by Deputy Ó Snodaigh. Will a proactive programme be put in place for older people during the year?

I was chair of the arts committee of Cork City Council for a number of years and it always occurred to me that because there was such a large number of groups, there was never sufficient funding.

How can we use local authorities to get funding to organisations that are serving communities and providing a significant contribution to the arts? We need to work with local authorities more on that issue. What will be done in that regard?

Many arts groups that have been in contact with me are complaining about the level of bureaucracy. Ms Licken referred to a fund of €20 million. Can the bureaucracy involved in applying for grants or supports be eased? What is being planned in that regard?