James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for coming here to discuss the issue of investment in the arts with particular reference to the negative impact of cuts on performing companies and the communities they serve. The last budget saw drastic cuts, which amounted to about €4 million, imposed on the arts in general.

I draw the attention of the Minister to the Backstage Theatre Company, based in my own county of Longford, which is designated as a centre of excellence for theatre. This has enhanced the cultural infrastructure for the entire midlands region. This company, established in 1995, had its funding cut from €216,000 to €190,000 in 2003. This, together with the already disturbing shortage of touring companies in the region, has made it difficult to maintain programme standards in our community and has had a negative impact on staffing levels at Backstage, which has already lost one member.

Without the prospect of increased and sustained funding it is impossible for companies such as Backstage to plan and keep up programme standards to the levels that have been enjoyed throughout the country heretofore. The blood, sweat and tears that go into any artistic endeavour will not be enough to keep theatre companies and artistic groups together and functioning effectively. Dependable capital investment is required. I hope the Minister will bear this in mind when considering future funding levels. It is essential that the crucial role of the arts in society be recognised and maintained and that the specific role of this theatre company be recognised in the 2004 budget allocation to the arts. Appropriate funding should be put in place within the overall arts structure to ensure that coherent development of this sector can be achieved.

I know the amount of effort and energy put in by the people who operate the Backstage Theatre Company and it is a sad day when the Department cuts funding to this body. People give hours of voluntary time and effort to the theatre and it is a centre of excellence in the midlands for the arts. The Minister should consider increasing funding for this group next year.