Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The blockage over the past couple of years has been Covid-19 and the fact that a great many organisations were not able to meet as they normally did and had to go online. We missed the benefits of the arts, culture and creativity. They are so important for our well-being, in particular mental health and well-being. It was brought into sharp focus during Covid-19. I firmly believe enhanced collaboration and integration across the arts, health and social care sectors through a focus on creative health and well-being could systemically and sustainably embed these benefits in Ireland.

To inform this approach my own Department, together with the Department of Health, the HSE and the Arts Council, are collaborating to host a very important national symposium on 22 June which will consider the evidence base regarding the health benefits from creative arts and discuss arts and health activities in hospitals that can help deliver better health outcomes for patients and their carers. The Senator will be aware of the Covid-19 concerts that were held in nursing homes over the past two years. Now they are delivering these concerts to community nursing units and day care centres, which is absolutely phenomenal.When I attended an outdoor concert in Dungarvan Community Hospital in my constituency, there was one particular lady there with dementia who could not remember anything. As soon as the music started, she knew every single word. It was absolutely phenomenal.

They will also explore the operational role of the arts, cultural and creative sectors in delivering healthcare and well-being in the community. The Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 will therefore focus on the following strategic areas: creative youth; creative communities; creative industries; creative health and well-being; and creative climate action and sustainability. I think it is an area that we all very much welcome because people have missed out so much in the past couple of years. To see young people, middle aged people and older people enjoying the arts, culture and everything we have so much of in this country is very important.

There is a huge amount of detail in the response and I acknowledge that. If the Senator has any further questions, he can take them up with the Minister, if that is okay. I thank him for his interest.