Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I compliment the Fianna Fáil Party for tabling this motion and I thank the Deputies for sharing time with us.

I believe in a society that values creativity, imagination and expression. The arts enrich our lives. Everyone should be given the opportunity to participate and enjoy the arts and to appreciate the value of the arts, which is more important.

I come from a proud county, south Tipperary - Tipperary now - where we value our arts, culture and heritage. The Minister was in Tipperary last week in Athassel abbey looking at the wonderful architectural heritage and praising the work in south Tipperary under the chairmanship of Michael Fitzgerald and arts officer, Lisa McKenna. They have done excellent work and I am shocked to think the Minister is the same man who is introducing this-----

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