Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I did not get a chance to speak yesterday when I had intended to call for a debate on the arts. I am thankful to the Leader who anticipated my request when he announced he would arrange for such a debate in his summing up. I would like such a debate to be held before the August recess and my county colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, should be present because his credentials in promoting the arts and being proactive in County Kerry are well-established. The Minister would welcome the support of this House as he faces into the pre-budget talks because as every Member is aware, in recessionary times the arts and culture in general are vulnerable. I believe it was Hitler who once stated that when he heard the word "culture", he reached for his revolver and politicians tend to forget about culture when the purse is empty. The arts are of great importance, particularly in the regions. Our art centres and arts festivals already are shivering at the prospect of massive swingeing cutbacks in their budgets. I refer to events such as the Galway Arts Festival, the Kilkenny Arts Festival and of course Listowel Writers' Week. Arts centres nationwide perform a fantastic service in the promotion of the arts.

I also welcome the Minister's initiative regarding his plans for the Bank of Ireland building. He should receive the support of the entire country on this issue and I am not in any way impressed by the bank's attitude to the Minister's proposal. In addition, while I bow to Senator Mac Conghail in this regard, I note how the debate on relocating the Abbey Theatre has been put onto the bleachers for at least ten years.

Senator Norris has form on this as well. I would like to reopen the debate and make sure that we get capital investment for the relocation of our national theatres in the city and regions.

I commend the leader of this side of the House, Senator O'Brien, and Senators MacSharry and Byrne for the fantastic work they put into the Home Protection Bill which I hope will be adopted by the Government. My party suffered odium and blame for the recession, more than it was entitled to, but is now prepared to be part of the solution. This Bill is part of the solution for people who are oppressed. I would like to see the matter dealt with in a non-political way. If the Government wants to table amendments they will be taken on board. I commend my colleagues for their initiative.