Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the Deputy's comments. As I said, a dedicated funding stream has not yet been identified. We certainly have not agreed the budget for next year at this stage, as we are only beginning those discussions, having finished discussions on the capital budget side. Like all spending issues, I am sure there will be a reduction in the funding available for festivals next year, although it will not be huge. In fact, because of the Gathering, it may turn out that there will be an increase because festivals with a Gathering element will be supported, or at least it is intended that they will be supported. I accept the Deputy's remarks and agree with him in principle.

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