Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I am delighted to hear that, we must ensure the arts and culture remain at the heart of Irish life and that their contribution to a well rounded society is fully recognised and realised. We believe the Government's downgrading of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht is wrong and the arts community is frustrated about it. The arts constitute a very important industry which creates many jobs and has a major impact nationally, as we can see from the year we have just had. Will the Minister assure us of her commitment and say the arts are a priority? Until the portfolio is restored to the lead role it had for almost a quarter of a century, there are real doubts about the Government's commitment. Will the Minister suggest to the Taoiseach that he reconsider and include the arts in the Department's title?

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