Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Latin quotation, "Ars longa; vita brevis", is often rendered in English as, "Art is long; life is short". It might well mean we have limited time to reflect and make statements about the world about us that will outlast us and form a basis of understanding for future generations. Why is this important and how is it done? The quotation is particularly poignant when we talk about philanthropy. Through the arts, we not only have the language to communicate but a platform to inform and educate generations to come about who we are and what we are becoming. If we do not communicate this, someone who knows little about us and does not speak our language, the language of our times, will tell them. It is important that we speak honestly about ourselves and our experiences of our time. This we can do in an enduring way through the arts, not only for our time but for always. I, therefore, welcome any initiative proposed to fund the arts.

As chair of my local arts centre in Ballina and a witness to the hard work done to raise funds to build that centre and theatre, which we are very fortunate to have, and furnish them with modern equipment, I realise the arts need all the help they can get. Clearly, the Minister has been thinking outside the box. Recognising the economic constraints and in sympathy with the national campaign for the arts conducted by arts organisations and artists, which campaign draws attention to the pressure they are under owing to reduced arts funding, the Minister has come up with two exciting programmes. I commend him on incentivising would-be philanthropists to provide a legacy for future generations. As with the tax incentives that helped make Ireland a haven for film and create some great films on this island, and which promoted the sector while bringing much-needed jobs and revenue to our shores, these new programmes will doubtless offer similar great possibilities. I congratulate the Minister and look forward to seeing the programmes explored to their fullest.

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