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

That is the reality. People should not underestimate their connection with and influence on young people if they visit a school for even half an hour every year. Gabriel Fitzmaurice is a great Kerry poet. He was principal teacher in a school in Moyvane. Now he is visiting schools. He has produced one of the best children's poetry books in the country and he is visiting schools with great effect. That is a good idea and it should be considered. I fully agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh on the three foundations of arts policy; engagement, excellence and inspiration. They can certainly change the whole narrative in this country. Some time ago, I was in west Belfast for Féile an Phobail, which is one of the biggest festivals in Ireland. I can see how Féile an Phobail has changed the mindset of people in west Belfast. In addition, it has been very successful in crossing boundaries into other communities as well. If it can work in a place like Belfast where two communities were at loggerheads with so much division for so long, it proves they can work together and that the arts transcend all boundaries. I was delighted to attend that festival. I was described there as the "first Southern Minister" to go North. I reminded them that I was from the Republic of Ireland, of course, but I was delighted to be there.

We were speaking earlier about social inclusion. I was involved in that NESC report on social inclusion which was published in 2007. I took it seriously and went to all the meetings we held. We engaged with many people around the country. At that time, I said there are communities around Ireland that have not been touched by the arts, so touring is very important. I acknowledge the Arts Council's programme this year which involves an expenditure of more than €1 million on touring to all parts of the country. It is not just to regional centres, but also to community halls and other venues. That work is most important. The Arts Council should keep up that policy, which is for the whole country. Senator Mac Conghail's Abbey Theatre is for all of the country too. It is a national theatre and its productions should be seen in Donegal, Galway and Kerry and elsewhere along the western seaboard. People should know the Abbey is there, as it is a national cultural institution for everyone.

As regards resources, I agree that young people who are on social welfare may have skills, such as film production, sound technicians or camera operators, but they cannot get work at present. There should be flexibility, tolerance and understanding that because of the nature of the film industry a person might be lucky to get one gig during the whole year because there is so little activity going on. I have heard that from people who are very busy in whatever capacity. I agree with Senators that there must be an understanding of the position of people in the film industry, or artists generally.

I think I have referred to most of what Senators raised in the debate.