Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Again, I acknowledge the Minister’s work and commitment to this issue. In addition to being the Social Democrats' spokesperson on the arts, I am also its spokesperson on social protection. I do not necessarily share the Minister's the same level of regard for the way that Department has operated. The scheme will be innovative and new. I hope it will be operated on the basis of trust. I hope we give the payment to the artist without subjecting them to the type of scrutiny that, for example, one-parent families currently receive from the Department of Social Protection. Let us make this initiative one that demonstrates trust in our systems, by paying our artists. For me, that would be the most important thing about how the initiative will operate.

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