Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The reality is that these measures still require money. As the Deputy knows, decisions in these areas are taken by the Arts Council, not by me. The council organises its budgets. We spoke to the agencies when we originally made our contribution to the adjustments made in July this year on behalf of the Government. My understanding is that it has not really had a direct effect in stopping projects or withdrawing their funding. However, some projects which it was anticipated would take place have not come to fruition this year, although they may well begin next year. This represents a small amount of money spread over a number of projects. I do not disagree — nor would anybody else — about the importance of these projects, particularly because they affect small communities and the benefit is there for all to see.

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