Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I would love to be in that zone but unfortunately it is not the reality. However, when these people request a meeting and four of them travel to meet a Minister irrespective of who is Minister, one must acknowledge and appreciate it. If they are very positive and recognise that resources are stretched at present but are still prepared to try to do something, then one must accommodate it and ensure their enthusiasm is used as much as possible and that we capitalise on the opportunity. I felt very positive after the meeting and we will continue this engagement. I hope also to create a forum with a number of interested parties in education. I know it exists already, but I would like to expand it so I can enter a conversation with people involved in education provision in the arts throughout the various sectors during the next four years.

With regard to study, we have looked at the economic value but we must also look at the creative imperative and creative dividend the country gets from the arts. People state the Irish are creative and we have proven this. For such a small nation, we are very creative people. We must measure this also in the context of economics.

As I described him on a number of occasions at international fora, and with all due respect to other Senators, Senator Mac Conghail is Senator for the arts.