Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a model in other Departments for similar associations. There are more than 100. It is administered through the ISA, in the same way as AIMS. It is eligible for grants only on production of receipts of actually putting on a show so it is completely transparent. However, many people are putting in so much time voluntarily spending months rehearsing and putting on these shows to full houses. I do not believe they should have to spend their family time fundraising actually to put on that show. I strongly ask whether something could be considered. There is a template from another Department on a similar scheme where money is sanctioned. It is administered through the mother organisation, ISA. A similar thing could be done through AIMS. Other members, such as Senator Malcolm Byrne, are involved in musical societies. The work that goes into it and the enjoyment that so many of us get out of it is fantastic. I feel strongly on that point. I would like that to be taken away and looked at. I might come in again later, but I will let the next speaker in now.