Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week in the House, the Taoiseach said he did not want to see any man or woman working in the arts to be discriminated against. There is consternation in the arts industry this morning after the announcement yesterday that the lower paid, those earning under €20,000, have got nothing. They are the most vulnerable and the most in need of supports. There are three different layers for different turnovers and grant aid but there is nothing for those earning under €20,000. This has been going on for the past 12 months and it should have been sorted out long ago. I have raised this many times.

What the Taoiseach said last week must be lived up to. These are ordinary dancers, players, singers and artists, ordinary decent people. They need support because we will lose them. We will lose a wealth of talent and entertainment value to our people who need it so badly. Will the Taoiseach please look after this cohort of the lower paid? They are not big lobbyists. Senator Eugene Murphy is chairing a committee with them now with which I am involved. They need support.

See this speech in context