Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister seems to be missing the point. It is not that it would be more comfortable but rather it would be efficient. People are questioning why we proceed with building new arts facilities around the country — although everybody wants their own arts facility — when we are unable to provide performances in the existing facilities. Neither can the existing facilities make plans for necessary refurbishment. For instance, a facility will not be able to pay for a new lighting system out of a single year's allocation; it must be able to plan ahead. If it makes sense to plan ahead at Government level then it surely makes sense at this lower level also.

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