Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's reply and his commitment to the arts and culture. That is not in question. I note that the programme for Government commits the Government to working with stakeholders in the arts community to develop new proposals aimed at building private support for the arts in Ireland and exploring philanthropic sponsorship or endowment fund opportunities.

What steps has the Minister taken to end the arts sector's dependence on State funding? Will he consider engaging with the private sector on this matter? I urge the Minister to make this a priority.

Yesterday, the Government announced a jobs initiative, with particular focus on the tourism industry. Arts and culture play a hugely important role in tourism. How does the Minister think the Government's jobs initiative will boost the arts sector and attract investment for that sector?

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