Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

I thank everyone for coming in here again. I am pretty certain I have seen more of them than I have of my family in recent weeks, but it is extremely important we talk about the funding of the arts. Many artists really appreciate the effort that has been put in, the widespread funding and especially the basic income.

It is good news the pilot funding for that has been extended. I have a couple of quick questions to clarify matters based on something Deputy Ó Snodaigh said. It is extended to the six months and comes again in February. Will those who are existing recipients be excluded from receiving funding in future and what will happen to them? They would face a very uncertain future if they are in the middle of projects. Will there be some sort of scheme for them if they are excluded from the new scheme, whatever form it takes?