The savage cuts inflicted on the arts community this year were nothing short of disgraceful and the way the council administered these swingeing cuts also left much to be desired. In Waterford, for instance, where funding for arts organisations on average was cut by 25%, the most extraordinary cut was inflicted on our professional theatre company, the wonderful Red Kettle Theatre Company which has done the country proud, both at home and abroad. The company's funding was cut by an extraordinary 47%. How can the Minister reconcile this with the fact that Waterford is designated as the centre of excellence for theatre? Their appeal obviously fell on deaf ears, as they were told it was okay if they did not do a production this year. This is an option which the company could not contemplate and they are fundraising to keep the show on the road.