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

I accept fully that there has been massive strides made in terms of funding for arts and I also acknowledge that basic funding for arts has gone some way, but none of that will mean anything if we do not have a culture of mentorship. It is extraordinarily difficult for artists to get a start in this country. One of the ways that can be fostered is by artists helping other artists. The Scene + Heard festival did that for six years in Dublin. It will not exist anymore which needs to be lamented in this House. Politicians and Ministers have a role in fostering that culture in this country.

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