Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Finance will present the budget next week and we shall see exactly where we stand. It does not in any way invalidate my view which I have shared with the House in terms of the value of many programmes. I intend, no matter what resources are available, to try to support these programmes. I agree, absolutely, that the touring programme, in all its guises, is enormously successful and that it should be expanded and promoted. However, as I said, the Arts Council will make the decision. It certainly knows my general approach and views as regards its value.

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