Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

It is important to have an informed debate. We should realise that a significant amount of money has been invested by the State in cultural institutions. None of these is being closed and none will have their services reduced from existing levels. The Minister is simply proposing a rationalisation of the back office services to cut out duplication and multiplicity and to make savings for the taxpayer in order that we need not make them in other Departments. The Minister should be complimented on this and supported on it rather than the usual grá mo chroí from the Opposition of opposition for opposition's sake.

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