Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)

I welcome both Ministers. The Department's portfolio covers sport and culture. It encompasses everything that is good about Ireland in terms of volunteers and what they are doing. Last night, we had a very long committee meeting with some departmental officials. I left with many questions even after getting some very thorough answers as to how €5.3 million was wasted by the Arts Council and most of the people involved in that process are still sitting there.

I have a few questions for the Minister.

I read that the objective of arts funding is to generate high-quality experiences for the public to engage with and a programme to develop talent and provide services that support the work of artists. With this in mind, will the Minister explain why organisations such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and talented people such as comedians are not included? To me, the profession of the comedian, who gets up on stage, is one of the most difficult out there. It is a wonderful art. Are there any other entertainers - I call them artists - who are not getting the support? I will let the Minister answer that question first.