Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the senior Minister, I retain responsibility for the arts which are in no way diminished in the new portfolio. They are not being downgraded. I have met a number of arts organisations. Last week, for example, I met the National Campaign for the Arts. The arts have a vital role to play in rural Ireland. The Deputy will be familiar with the new, state-of-the-art Garage Theatre in Monaghan which is a very important amenity for the local community. We also have the Ramor Theatre in Cavan and the wonderful Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig. It is unique in many ways and I was delighted to be able to approve funding of €200,000 to assist in the construction of a new recording studio.

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