Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett for his question and for acknowledging that this is a polarised debate, or perhaps we might say discussion. It is already clear from media reports that there are very different viewpoints to the debate and it has to be said that the direction taken by the current Abbey Theatre directors has been positive in many respects.

Developments that have been lauded include increased audiences, greater diversity of productions, gender balance and financial performance.

I note what the Deputy said about artists and actors in general and the struggle they have. It is not an easy profession. By its nature it is precarious and there is an onus on the Government to try to support their livelihood in any way it can. We are trying to do that through a social welfare scheme. There are currently 46 writers and artists participating in the pilot scheme and over 80 have participated in it since its commencement. As I said, it is under review currently and we are considering, hopefully, trying to extend it. There has also been greater funding for the arts, as I mentioned in my earlier reply.

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