Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. McGowan spoke about amateur theatre being the bedrock of professional theatre. I know even from speaking with some colleagues in Leinster House that a number of us have been involved in amateur theatre and musical productions over the years. Whether we could stage a full production with some Members, I do not know, but it could be a challenge in the rebuilding process. We must commit to supporting the Arts Council and looking at ways of rebuilding our communities. It is very important.

My first question was touched on earlier. In many ways, the people who run dance and drama classes are professionals, along with the often freelance theatre directors who operate in our local communities. They are the backbone of both the amateur and professional theatre sector so what extra support or clarity do they require?

A second question is perhaps more positive and leaves aside the funding issue. Could we speak about how theatre and the arts will help to rebuild our communities? I often like this period to having wrapped cotton wool around ourselves and there shall be scars when we pull it back. Everybody in this community has a very important role to play in rebuilding the places in which we live.