Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with the issues raised by the Deputies. On Deputy Boyd Barrett's point about the need for a roadmap and the need for artists, especially performing artists, to be clear regarding what their future prospects can be, insofar as that guidance can be given to many at present given the current uncertain times, I will follow up with the Arts Council and the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, on this matter.

If Deputy Boyd Barrett was going to raise such a specific issue relating to an individual and a concert, some notice that he was going to do so would have been helpful. I might have been in a position to give the Deputy the answer, or the answer that great artist wants. In the absence of him doing so, I am not in position to answer the question, but I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, because the Deputy raises a very serious point. Perhaps it is the case, and I hope it is, that because the significant additional funding was agreed in the Cabinet only last week, the Arts Council and interests in that sector have just not had enough time to give the clarity which Deputy Boyd Barrett is seeking. The significant additional funding was announced only recently.

On his point about taxi drivers, I repeat what I said about my willingness to approach the National Transport Authority.

We will debate the issues Deputy Doherty raised when I hope we get to his amendment.

Again, Deputy Mattie McGrath referred to misleading people and blackguarding vintners and pub owners.

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