David Norris (Independent)

The Minister has a track record and we are lucky to have him. It all comes down to funding. How can we help? Can we have more of these sessions? Can we have this sort of debate regularly, with an interchange of questions and answers? Thank God we have people like Senator Fiach Mac Conghail and Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell who are central to the arts debate. The Abbey Theatre is an international gem. I was thrilled by the Abbey's production of "John Gabriel Borkman" which has an international audience and export potential.

The Trondheim report clearly showed a substantial increase in mental health well-being through involvement in local cultural activities. I am thrilled that we have 70 theatres all over this country, which means that every community can have access. They must continue to be funded. Can we help in any way and, if so, how can we do so?

As regards the Irish language, Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann is so important, as is the GAA. The language is one of our distinguishing characteristics. I was over in the Aran Islands and that community needs support. People sometimes say it is disproportionate but they are an island community, which is different from communities on the mainland.