Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We should invest in artistic events in areas like theatre, sculpting and painting, which are part and parcel of Irish life. I really think we need to look at this. It is a sad day for Ireland when two political parties oppose the investment of a minor amount of money in the arts. I should also mention that a library in Sallynoggin, which is one of the most deprived working-class areas of Dublin, is to be closed. We need a debate on the importance of the arts in Ireland. We need to consider where we need to go and how we can support these people, who need support like every other worker in the Civil Service, the public service and the factory line. Artists are a hard-working part of our community. I doubt that any other group is as much at risk. Rather than criticising the investment of money in the arts, we should be directing more money into them. Having expressed my disagreement with Fine Gael and the Labour Party, I have to say I agree with Fine Gael's point about pensions. I have said for the last six years that I completely support the idea of compulsory pensions. When Séamus Brennan came in and made that suggestion about ten years ago, I think I was the only voice in favour of it.