Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

An example of the type of work funded by the Tipperary arts office is a local group called Phoenix Productions in Thurles. Each year the group produces a cabaret performance and a full musical theatre production. The age of the cast generally ranges from 14 to 20 years of age. To date, some 400 young people from the locality have benefitted from the overall life experience of the project. Participation affords the cast members a unique opportunity to gain self-confidence in a public forum by being on stage and they have positive interaction with people of different age groups, backgrounds, schools and ability. The cultural lessons of teamwork, mutual respect, application and discipline are learned and no one is excluded. Anybody who wishes to participate is allowed to do so. This group has produced some fantastic performances in recent years and is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. I would like the arts office in Tipperary to fund the group, through the Department, because it is finding it difficult to survive financially. There is significant voluntary effort and commitment involved and the group deserves support.

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