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

I thank the Deputy. As I said earlier, I have had no direct engagement with Theatre 57. I am not aware of any contact they have made seeking to meet me unless it has not been brought to my attention. The Deputy says she is disappointed but I have no awareness of the group trying to contact me in any way. I am aware of Theatre 57 but not of any intimation that its members want to meet me.

The Government is focused on increasing funding for the arts. The Taoiseach has repeatedly committed to double funding over a ten-year period and this year's Estimates contain a 13% increase in funding for my Department. There was a €6.8 million, or 10%, increase in funding for the Arts Council which is very important and should, I hope, help the group the Deputy has referred to, which could now be called Theatre 82 with its increase of members. Obtaining this funding may help those members of the group who are interested in broadening their careers. There is also €1.2 billion in capital funding for culture, heritage and the Gaeltacht under the national development plan.

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