Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are all conscious of the letter that was signed, sent and published by 300 artists about the policy of the National Theatre, the Abbey Theatre, which has given cause for concern about whether there is a national policy for the Abbey and whether the Government is committed to it in terms of the historic significance of the Abbey, its original objectives and how they can be met in a contemporary world. Allied to that is the very real concern about the huge difficulties that artists generally have in making meaningful returns on their work. The average income for many artists is around €22,000 per annum. That comes from 144 artists who were surveyed between August and October last year. There is a real issue and concern within the arts community. I ask the Minister to meet the Theatre Forum and update and brief the House on the issue.

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