Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I propose, with the agreement of the committee, that we write to the Minister to express the view that the EWSS remain in place until box office capacity and income are restored to reasonable levels. I know theatres and arts centres throughout the State are making projections both with the EWSS and without it. The projections without it are grim and unsustainable. I would like the committee, with the agreement of members, to write to the Minister to express that view.

I wish to ask about capital investment. I know Professor Rafter and Ms Kennelly have talked about the spatial and regional policy that is going to be rolled out. Ms Walsh has also talked about spaces. In terms of workspaces and artist spaces, what is the demand across the State? What is the need that exists? Do the witnesses have any idea what kind of capital investment would be required to meet that need of artists for workspaces?

When the Minister appeared before the committee on 20 April, I asked her what the plan was for Creative Ireland post-2022. She admitted the current programme was due to end and stated that Department officials had been preparing plans for Cabinet. Has the Arts Council advised the Minister about the future plans for Creative Ireland?