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

I thank Deputy Shanahan for his contribution.

In case I did not mention it earlier in the Dáil, as the Deputy mentioned social welfare supports, there is a dedicated help desk in my Department for anybody to call. If anybody is listening in, I ask him or her to avail of it if there are concerns.

On the stabilisation fund, the Deputy sort of alluded to the fact that he wants to ensure there is funding for the arts. Recovery is dependant on the rate at which the level of restrictions on economic activity can be varied in accordance with the prevailing public health guidance but my priority is to ensure optimal use is made of available resources to sustain the sector through this challenging period. We continue to consult, as I said, with the cultural organisations.

Deputy Shanahan mentioned the Spraoi festival in Waterford. There was €295,000 - quite a bit of money - given towards that. In any event, it is not yet cancelled but, obviously, it is an issue for them in terms of gatherings outside. It can be looked at. Certainly, if the Deputy needs any assistance, our Department will help him in any way we can.

See this speech in context