Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Having spoken to representatives of a number of the organisations in question, it is certainly the view they are expressing. When my party was in government I challenged Ministers on this matter and insisted consultation was not meaningful enough. I ask the Minister to reflect on the matter.

While I do not like to attach a value to the arts, the sector supports approximately 80,000 jobs and contributes approximately €4.7 billion annually to the economy. If one downgrades or undermines the arts, which I am not suggesting is being done, including through the merger of key organisations, it will have indirect knock-on effects on the economy. We must avoid such a scenario.

I had hoped the motion would either secure all-party support or the Government parties would at least approach Independent Senators with a view to formulating an agreed wording for the motion that could have been acceptable to all Senators. No one wants to vote on issues of cultural significance or, for that matter, related to sport, about which I know a little more than I do about the arts. Unfortunately, while we do not want to vote against what the Minister is doing, in light of the concern expressed by the sector, we are obliged to support the motion.