Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I repeat that we often underrate the huge employment in our creative industries. It is spread throughout the regions. The industries are not just good employers but are also important for the well-being of our society. It is important to put in place robust measures to provide adequate support for all the artists and their support personnel, to ensure we do not lose these key artists and this sector. They are very important for this country and for the reputation of this country abroad. They bring a good and positive message from this country to other continents in normal times.

See this speech in context