Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. As the House knows, Galway is known for its cultural identity and its place as a cultural hub for the west, thriving on the distinctive platform that it gives to music, theatre, film and the Irish language. One could not help but see it as a natural competitor for city of culture status, given that Galway has fostered creativity throughout its history.

I will pay particular tribute to the Limerick campaign to be named city of culture. It also deserves that title. Unfortunately, we were not successful in the final.

Galway's exceptional cultural landscape is renowned throughout the world. Its success has been a result of the Galway community nurturing and encouraging talent and giving it a platform, and good cultural policy at council and Oireachtas level. In this regard, I pay tribute to our Sinn Féin council team and my colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

An important strength that Galway has is the accessibility of its culture regardless of financial means. One need only walk down Shop Street to see and hear Galway's vibrancy. I am concerned that the by-laws proposed by Galway City Council were drafted without consulting the busking community. Under them, a street performer would only be able to perform in any one space for a maximum of two hours and "shall not act, say, do or sing anything that is likely to cause alarm, distress or offence to any member of the public". Drum kits would be forbidden and amps would be allowed, albeit only battery-powered ones and only up to 6 p.m. A street performer must "immediately cease a performance in circumstance where a crowd have gathered thereby stopping the movement of pedestrians". These drastic measures would hinder audiences and artists alike and are unbecoming of a city that should be embracing such culture. I would be interested in the Minister's comments in this regard. The artists of Galway will be key to the success of 2020. How does the Minister intend to address the ability of an artist to earn? As cultural budgets were decimated throughout the economic downturn, the ability of artists to support themselves through their work was also decimated. I fear that although artists will be front and centre in the pageantry of Galway 2020, true incentives and fair pay may not be in place.

We need only consider initiatives like Creative Ireland, which has spent a lavish 30% of its budget on marketing itself and looks more like a window dressing exercise for the Department than the vision set out in the Culture 2025 framework, which sought to create cultural infrastructure and an ability to earn. Will the Minister outline how her Department intends to make the events accessible to audiences but also artists who are struggling to make ends meet?

I am concerned about the emphasis placed on the Irish language. While we are on the subject of accessibility, Galway is officially a bilingual city. The Irish language is central to every initiative that Galway undertakes, making it open and inclusive to the large cohort of people whose first language is Irish, those who wish to be communicated with in Irish and those who wish to learn Irish. Every presentation that has been given on Galway 2020 publicly and to politicians has been exclusively delivered through English. Sinn Féin's council leader, Councillor Mairéad Farrell, has been particularly vocal on this issue.

Galway has much to be confident about as we approach 2020. The city thrives consistently due to its culture and the people of Galway can be proud of this achievement being recognised. I share the views of every Senator when I wish them every success. I commend those involved in the Pálás cinema, which at long last looks set to open soon.

The Minister's Department has been on record as saying that it would provide funding to Galway and its two authorities for the delivery of events. Will she give any detail as to how much funding will be provided? Galway 2020 has the potential to be a major stimulus for the city's economy, if adequately funded. I trust that the Minister will agree with me on this and support Galway in every way possible.