Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

Spending on arts and culture is about more than funding certain areas of the sector that are perceived as only being for the elite. It is about enhancing the quality of life for all. Community arts, in particular, promote development, social inclusion and community cohesion. There is an intrinsic value to arts and culture as well as significant scope to enhance the economy and to drive local economic regeneration and the tourism sector. The Minister has a particular interest in the arts. Does he agree it is important to encourage and nurture the wealth of imaginative and artistic talent in our community? Does he also agree that not only will the local community benefit, but also the country, making it more attractive as a location for arts tourism and that, therefore, more funding is needed?

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