Marie Moloney (Labour)

I welcome the Minister to the House. It is nice to see a fellow Kerry person. I know the arts are in good hands because I know how passionate he is about the sector. I also know that if anything can be done to help the sector he will do it. I will try to fit my questions into one minute. The funding of cultural centres for the performing arts, such as Siamsa Tire, has reaped benefits for the community as a whole. Members of Siamsa Tire have toured the world showcasing Ireland in storytelling, song and dance. In turn, they have enticed tourists to visit Ireland for more of the same. It is well known that cultural tourists stay longer in Ireland and spend more. Likewise, Riverdance has increased Ireland's standing on the cultural map. No one should claim that the arts cannot do much for this country's recovery. That is not the case because tourists flock here, perhaps not for the weather but for our hospitality, cultural richness and traditions. I will get to the question because I can see that the Cathaoirleach is getting cross.