Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. As she is well aware, the increases of late have come from a low base. For seven years, the arts suffered severely. My understanding is that public funding for the arts and culture represents just 0.11% of GDP, which places Ireland at the bottom of the European league table. The average European level of funding is more than four times what we provide. While I am sure the Minister is doing the best with whatever money comes her way and she must work with what she has, is it not time that the Government took a more positive approach to the needs of the arts community? There should be a strong acknowledgment of the importance of the arts and their positive effect on a people. The money being provided to them does not reflect that, however.

See this speech in context