Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I agree with the Minister's comments on the protection of the arts and Deputy Deenihan's contribution. It is important in a cultural way, as the people engaged in the arts do so because they love it rather than it being a job. They want to do it and beyond almost any other profession they have a total commitment to the sector. As I mentioned when discussing the arts exemption, many of these people are poorly paid. Another significant point is the number who are employed in the area and the spin-off to the economy. I urge that the money be protected in the budget. It is a soft target and I am concerned that it might suffer as a result.

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