Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, and I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for his late arrival. I am grateful for the presentations by the witnesses.

We are approaching the summer camp and arts project period of the year. My constituency is diverse; there is an affluent area and a not-so-affluent one. I see very few arts projects in the less affluent areas. Just because I do not see them does not mean they are not there, of course. I have been to the Lir Academy. There is very little engagement with the arts and arts projects for young people and children in flat complexes and more disadvantaged areas. What initiatives are being undertaken to even out that discrepancy?

On another topic, several European countries have brought in schemes aimed at removing the cost of participating in various arts clubs, sport clubs and cultural activities. Iceland and Germany have done so, for example. They have brought in a leisure card and children get €350 to enable them to join an arts or sport club. That has made a big difference, especially in Iceland. Is the Arts Council aware of these initiatives in Iceland and Germany? Would a similar scheme be welcomed by and of benefit to the arts sector in Ireland?