John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry starts his contribution by saying it is a rumour and then builds his entire case based on that rumour. I suggest we wait for the facts to emerge before we start with the histrionics, but that is not the point I wish to make today.

The Cork Film Centre is a voluntary arts group based in Cork, providing support, training and equipment for a vibrant arts community in the city and county, especially among many community groups.

Some of the groups deal with youth groups and areas of underprivilege. The Arts Council announced yesterday that it intends cutting funding to the organisation by 50%, which requires the Cork Film Centre to let go its more experienced staff. Without them, the centre will be unable to operate. Next year, the Arts Council proposes to reduce funding to zero, which makes it untenable. I ask the Leader for a debate on arts policy and cuts in particular. We should invite the Minister to the Chamber. Some cuts are necessary, unpalatable as they are, but others are counter-productive. This is a case of the latter and I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht to the Chamber to discuss arts policy and cuts.