Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the witnesses for their contributions. A small observation in the context of the speakers on each side of the room is that there is a slight gender imbalance on both sides. I thank them all for their work.

The purpose of the work the committee is doing relates to supporting the community, voluntary and local arts sector. There is a clear acknowledgement of the support that is given to the professional arts sector but this is about how we can build up the, which, in turn, will lead to support for the professional sector. Many artists move from the community and voluntary sector into the professional sector. Building on this report, we hope there will be recommendations that will impact on the budget and that Ms Nash and Ms Banotti can go on to discuss and shape Government policy.

To follow on from an issue raised by my colleague, Senator Carrigy, I have a question for Ms Kennelly. There is a significant amount of support for the professional side but, as Senator Carrigy stated, there is a need to give further consideration to recognition by the Arts Council of musical theatre as an art form, as well as how the amateur drama and musical sector can be further supported. This issue was raised when the Irish College of Musical Theatre and other organisations appeared before the committee. I am thinking of people such as Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Killian Donnelly, all of whom emerged from local arts initiatives. There are many other examples, including in other disciplines. Apart from the GAA, amateur theatre and musicals involve the largest number of people nationally. The RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival has just been completed. It is a huge celebration involving people across the country but the level of support available is limited. I know the witnesses responded to Senator Carrigy on this issue but I am interested in how we can enhance and develop those supports.