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

I agree with Senator Norris about mental wellbeing. One of the reasons I appointed an adviser who was working with the Arts Council was that this person was very familiar with what was happening in the arts world in Dublin. I also wanted him to act as a cultural broker. He will negotiate with all Departments having any connection with the arts. He has been in contact with the Department of Education and Science and we will be engaging with the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am making a special trip to Kilkenny to engage with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Minister for Health understands the therapeutic value of the arts for mental health and wellbeing. The hospice in Tralee has a very good programme and the arts can have a significant effect on the terminally ill. I am in favour of supporting such programmes.

I know that Senator Paul Coghlan claims total credit for Killarney House-----