Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Upton is being a bit disingenuous in regard to specific areas and figures. The figure she refers to for 2005 was €66 million but that had jumped 21% from the previous year and was only €54 million in 2004. On the question I was asked, the figure was €45 million in 2000 and €68 million in 2010. The key point made by the Deputy was on the need to ensure the arts are not a soft option. I assure her the arts and culture sector is not a soft option for cuts in the coming budget or for the next four budgets. The figures in today's plan will outline this. We accept the importance of the arts sector, particularly at a time of difficulties for communities throughout the country. Whereas the sector will of course have to take a cut, like everybody else, it is not a disproportionate one.

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