Mary Henry (Independent)

The Arts Council's five year plan was accepted by the Government but at the end of the year its funding was cut dramatically with the result that now there is a large shortfall in the money it can offer to performing companies. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come into the House to discuss the matter? In various areas, the resurgence of festivals and arts programmes has been extremely important for tourism, not just the local population. We need to address this issue before we enter the summer tourist season when the really serious effects of companies' not giving performances will be felt.