Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I respect the arm's length principle but because the art forms I mentioned are not specifically listed, they have been excluded from certain grants and bursaries. That is why those involved in comedy - 1,400 people who signed a petition organised by Ailish McCarthy - are of the view that they need to be specifically mentioned. The same goes for musical theatre, which was a recommendation by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media. Theatre costume designers are recognised but not fashion designers for the people or those involved in fashion design for art. The same goes for storytelling and seanchas. While the Minister has said that, I believe we need to look again at the legislation to specify or be more open so there is no exclusion of art forms from grant aid.

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