There has been much talk about the Arts Council. I agree with Senator Ó Murchú, although Senator Ulick Burke made little of the concerns he expressed. However, there is a perception abroad that the Arts Council is elitist, non-representative and unaccountable. I agree with this. It is more than a perception, it is a fact for anybody who has been involved in the arts world and who understands what is going on, particularly when it comes to the traditional arts and music and the role the Arts Council has had – or rather the role it has not had – in that regard.