Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I thank all of the contributors for giving us a real insight into the potential of the creative sector and acknowledge their message that further investment in this area has the potential to yield many benefits for the economy.

I have a question for Ms McBride, whom I also compliment in terms of how she manages to stretch the Arts Council budget so significantly. Ms McBride spoke at length about the potential of small festivals and their draw for overseas visitors and so on. What percentage of the Arts Council budget is allocated to small festivals and what type of relationship does the council have with the Association of Irish Festival Events, AOIFE, which is the umbrella body for the small festivals? It is headquartered in my home town of Ballinasloe, hence my interest in it.

In regard to the availability of space, obviously, because of increasing economic activity, Dublin is a real challenge. In parts of rural Ireland outside the greater Dublin area, there is much excess space which, unfortunately, became available as a result of the downturn in the economy. In Ms McBride's view, is there potential for the Arts Council to expand its activities outside Dublin?

Ballyfermot College of Further Education obviously has a great story to tell. If there was one particular thing that the witnesses would like the committee to do or to impress upon Government that it should do, what would it be?