Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome to the House. Amateur groups are currently rehearsing for performances in spring 2016, and recent changes in access to performing rights - the fact that the application process for performing rights for certain plays is no longer under the Drama League of Ireland but has transferred to an agency in London - are causing difficulty for new agencies, which do not understand the challenges for local amateur groups. One challenge is that the London-based agency will not grant rights to perform in community centres and parish halls. They will also only grant a specific number of performance rights and if groups are lucky enough to qualify for all-Ireland drama competitions, there can be delay in getting additional performing rights. We must also remember that local drama festivals are extremely important to local towns and villages. In my own county, festivals such as those at Kiltyclogher and Carrigallen are very important to local businesses and economies. We also have drama groups in Tubbercurry in Sligo. I know this is a difficult area for the Minister and I would appreciate any support and assistance she could give on this issue.