Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has responsibility for communities and he has been a very good Minister for community affairs but we are specifically referring to amateur and semi-professional community organisations. There has been significant, much-needed support for the professional sector. The Minister of State should be clear that if support is not provided now for amateur theatre, amateur pantomimes, Christmas shows and others, those community organisations will die. That is the reality. Decisions and financial investments are currently being made in respect of pantomimes, three-act festival plays and so on for the new year. There is no certainty provided in that regard. There is an urgency to this issue and a support package needs to be put in place.