Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is disappointing to hear that artists who have already been on it will not be considered. These artists deserve an ability to plan for their future. Some have been tied into mortgages, etc., and they are going to be at a loss with this. I also mentioned that people with disabilities were stripped of basic allowances and even medical cards through means tests if they participated. I ask the Minister to look at that again. I also ask him to look at comedians being considered under this tranche. It is disappointing, in the context of the Bill proposed by Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh that we debated last week, that artists and comedians are not allowed to apply for this funding.

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