Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

This morning we have had a number of pertinent contributions on the importance of the arts and artists in Ireland. It is through the arts that we demonstrate our distinctiveness as a nation. As a small nation, we are punching way above our weight in the artistic world and the envy of many countries. From the Book of Kells to Riverdance, it is clear that is exactly what gives us status in the world. The return on any investment in the arts is more than hundredfold. Various surveys of tourists to Ireland show that the arts figure among the first four or five requirements. Another element to consider is the great sense of pride the arts give us as a nation. This occurs at community, national and international levels. It would be a retrograde step, therefore, to consider cutting investment in the arts. It is one thing to take the success and potential of the arts for granted, it is another to believe that in a competitive world our current status will continue if we do not sustain it. I, therefore, ask the Leader to set time aside for a comprehensive debate on this issue.

The time has come to focus on policies, not personalities. In the media, this Chamber or anywhere else we are not helping the people we are supposed to represent. That negative and disruptive message extends way beyond the shores of Ireland. We should make a decision to deal with any policy we want to put to the people. The day of the cult of personality in politics and the manner in which it is handled in the media must come to an end or we will do much harm to the body politic and the confidence of people. This will haunt us in the future.