Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

While so much of the State's focus has been on saving the bodily physical health of our people, we must remember that protecting the soul of our State is also extremely important. Ensuring that the arts and our culture survive and thrive is just one way that we can make this happen. The Irish spirit is creative and artistic and has shown itself to be resilient during this crisis. We need to do what we can to make sure that the cultural and artistic capacity of communities and volunteer groups is strengthened.

They should be directly supported, given that they, like so many others, have suffered a crippling loss of revenue.

How theatres and community presentations come through this will require real imagination and practical insight, and, of course, a strong commitment. Many theatres across this State were adversely impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A well-known theatre in my own constituency, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, had just commenced an impressive and moving musical production, called "The Hired Man", before the onset of the pandemic. I had the pleasure of attending one of the first nights of this production, which I have to say was absolutely breathtaking. The production showcased the amazing talent of many participants from the small rural town of Birr, a town of great character and spirit where the arts flourish. Will theatres such as Birr Theatre and Arts Centre be provided with grants to offset some of the losses that they have incurred during this pandemic? I am urgently calling for grants to be made available to ensure that the arts continue to flourish in all parts of this State. Is there a breakdown of finance to be directed to theatres available yet? Will the Minister please ensure that grants are available urgently to ensure the survival of our theatres in the future?

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