Ms Maureen Kennelly:

Mr. McGowan mentioned the contribution of the sector being "immeasurable". That has been the case. However, we now have new measures of social impact which will show us the absolute value of the arts. It has now been proven that the arts are second to none in helping to develop empathy and many other good qualities. Research has shown that 61% of people said the arts were critical for their well-being, and that speaks to the point made by Deputy O’Sullivan concerning these productions and activities making people feel good and explains why people need them.

We absolutely understand the priority of keeping those small rural organisations and events going. We recently presented Brightening Air, which was a season of events throughout the country. One of those events involved sending a boat with a light show down the Shannon and it was experienced by communities across nine counties. Turning to Cork, not that everything is about Cork, obviously, a fantastic scheme that was part of Cork Midsummer Festival gave arts gifts to more than 300 people. For example, the opera singer Majella Cullagh might have greeted people on their doorstep with a beautiful aria, or it could have been a performance from John Spillane or many other artists. Therefore, this question of access and inclusion is evident in events which get into the heart of communities. This aspect also speaks to the point made by Ms Walsh regarding one of the possible benefits of the last 16 months. It has been possible for people in Waterford, for example, to access the National Symphony Orchestra, NSO, on a Sunday morning. This last year, therefore, has shown us how much wider our reach and inclusivity can be. We can, of course, do so much more with continued investment.