Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)

The last point the Deputy made is the most important. All these arts centres will only be as good as the local community that supports them. No amount of schemes, interventions and grants will ever supplement what the local community can do by attending and supporting artists, whether touring or local. That is the most important issue. Whether they are in parish halls, purpose-built centres like the Dunamaise Arts Centre, hotels or wherever, the most important thing people can do to have a vibrant arts community is to support the artists and go out on a Friday or Saturday night, or even the middle of the week and see what is on in the local area, be that in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Rathdowney or wherever. These events need support and do not survive without support and the Government cannot do it all on its own.

On the Deputy's comments about this being the most positive response he has received since he came into the Dáil, I am flattered and thank him very much. I encourage the Dunamaise Arts Centre to put in its application. Obviously once that is in, that will be assessed according to the strict criteria within the Department.

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