Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. In the few weeks since I was appointed, I have been concentrating on the July stimulus package to see what supports I can give immediately to the sector, which has been devastated by Covid. In answer to Deputy Duncan Smith's earlier question, I mentioned the commitment in the programme for Government on the night-time economy task force, which will be announced next week. I am working on the art sector task force. In recent months, we have been engaging with a range of stakeholders from throughout the arts and culture sector. Of the €25 million funding, €20 million went to the Arts Council. This is leading to new bursaries and commissions, including supports for freelance artists and those seeking to develop projects on a collaborative basis. I will establish this task force and it is a priority. We have to do it right and engage properly. As I said, the immediate short-term priority for me was the July stimulus package and those supports. I am on the Cabinet sub-committee and I am fighting for it.

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