Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Will she clarify whether there is a new date by which the grant has to be spent? She will be aware the sector, as well as other arts venues and the wider hospitality sector, is experiencing increasing costs. Local employers in particular in these sectors are highlighting with me rising energy and insurance expenses, and I am sure she is hearing the same from all the venues she cited, given she seems well aware of many of the ones in west Cork. Just as these businesses are beginning to recover from the pandemic, they face those rising costs as well. While these issues are not directly under the Minister's portfolio, they are a major concern for everyone in the arts and hospitality sectors.

Will she outline her engagement, if there has been any so far, with other Ministers regarding the rising costs for these sectors? Is she considering any schemes to assist small and medium businesses in arts and tourism?

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