Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I am sure the Senator did. I must apologise to the Senator as I missed the beginning of his contribution. There was something of a cock-up with regard to the starting time but perhaps that was my fault. It certainly was not that of the Senator. I have no doubt the Senator made some good points.

However, I revert to basics. I do not wish to labour this point because the Minister's heart is in the right place. He seeks to optimise the funding but because the Government is paying out so much more money than it is taking in, it must be extremely careful. Moreover, he who pays the piper must have some say with regard to calling the tune because in this case, that is the taxpayer of Ireland. The Government must be very careful in this regard and the Minister is being more than careful in how he is balancing things out. He is a safe pair of hands who lives and breathes the arts. As all Members opposite accept this point, I repeat it would be a pity for a division on this matter to be necessary and I certainly hope there will not be one. The perception abroad regarding some of these points is completely inaccurate, and in fairness to Members on the other side, I believe they recognise this. Consequently, I appeal for common sense and for Members to allow the amendment to go through. Senator Norris noted earlier there is little between the respective positions, perhaps a few words or a few paragraphs. While he made a few brief points, I do not have to hand the notes I made on them. However, he noted Members were aware of the Minister's commitment and that little separates them on this issue. Consequently, I plead with Members to accept the amendment and to avoid a division.