Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Yes, many of the amateur societies as well.

I wish to make two final points. With Cork becoming European city of culture in 2005, the Government has to contribute as much as possible towards making it a success. Cork already has a lively cultural life, but some extra support may be needed and should be given.

It is unfortunate that the collapse of the institutions in Northern Ireland has put something of a dampener on North-South cultural co-operation. The island, as a whole, provides, in many instances, a greater critical mass which makes some ventures possible. The previous Northern Ireland Minister for the Arts was interested in developing that co-operation. I urge the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to bear that dimension in mind.

I wish the Minister success with the Bill. It ought to be said – I do not believe anyone has yet done so – that funding for the arts through the Arts Council rose by an enormous amount during the past eight years, both under the previous Government and its immediate predecessor. It is on a far higher plateau than before and, therefore, far more artistic activity is receiving support. In the coming years we may have to, more or less, consolidate on a plateau and perhaps make the same amount of money go further. I hope the Bill will provide instruments for the Minister to do that effectively.