Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Byrne for raising this important matter. It is timely that we are discussing it a couple of days in advance of Culture Night. I also thank the Deputy for his obvious passion for this subject matter and the active role he plays in the amateur arts world in his community.

Ireland is renowned for producing world-class art, both amateur and professional. That is why it is this Government's ambition that we continue to do that into the future. The Government places significant value on culture and the arts sector. That is why it is distinctly called out in the programme for Government. We recognised in the programme for Government that they are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement. I hope we will achieve that over the lifetime of this Government. I will pass on the Deputy's specific ideas and feedback to the Minister and ask him to consider how those can be used to better support arts organisations.

We have spoken about professional artists, about local dramatic societies and about the really amazing work that groups like Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann undertake up and down the country. I take this opportunity to thank everybody involved in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which I believe took place in Deputy Byrne's neighbouring constituency and in the Ceann Comhairle's constituency. I commend everybody involved in that. It was absolutely terrific. I was lucky enough to spend two nights there. It was an amazing showcase of the talent, both amateur and professional, that Ireland offers. That is something the Government is committed to supporting. As I have stated, the Government has committed to examining the feasibility of minor capital works grants schemes to support arts and culture facilities that are not supported through the Arts Council. I will take Deputy Byrne's feedback in relation to that cap on board and present it to the Minister. These plans are, of course, resource dependent, as is everything, and as we are getting towards the crunch when it comes to budget negotiations this year, I expect this to be discussed there.

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