Ms Katherine Licken:

I will ask my colleagues to come in on some of the matters raised by the Deputy. Cruinniú na nÓg is in its third year. Last year and the year before, we ran it as physical events in the community, working with local authorities. This year, with very little time, we pivoted to make it a digital event. I am glad that its success has been recognised. Ms Banotti will speak about it, the arts committees and the work the Creative Ireland programme has done with the creative teams in local authorities. Mr. Falvey will address our programmes for the funding of local arts groups.

On the Arts Council and the €20 million allocation, it is independent in its funding and funding decisions. We will take up the issues relating to bureaucracy, form-filling, etc., with it.