Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I start by echoing the comments of Senator Hoey on the disgraceful attack on that student. It should not have taken place anyway but the fact that it seems to be motivated by homophobia, makes it even worse. I certainly hope the school concerned and An Garda Síochána will take strong action.

This Government has a very proud record with regard to support for the arts. We have seen a significant increase in Arts Council funding and the introduction of the basic income scheme for artists. There are commitments towards very significant developments in the national cultural institutions, at the National Concert Hall and, indeed, at the Abbey Theatre. I would go so far as to say that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, will be shown to be perhaps the greatest Minister for the arts in modern times because of what she has achieved. For us, we all know the importance of cultural tourism and the importance of the arts within our own communities. I raised this at the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media last week. We need to look at developing an arts capital programme along the same lines as the sports capital programme. To be able to develop our arts infrastructure in our communities, such as our theatres, music venues, and other facilities, this is crucial. We all know the joy and the experiences the arts, music and drama bring to our communities. The next step, beyond those national levels of investment and the support that is given to professional arts organisations, is to further support community arts and, indeed, arts through our local authorities. I would like a debate on the future of the arts in Irish society with the Minister.

I also congratulate all those who won in the Young Social Innovators competition. Many of us in this House would be aware of the great work that young social innovators do. I mention two Wexford schools that were particularly successful in the programme. The students of Creagh College, Gorey, won the Fun-Raising award with their project Fash-Back, which looked at ways of fundraising to combat the problems surrounding fast fashion. There was also was the project by the students of Meánscoil Gharman, Inis Córthaidh, entitled Mannie Unmasks Masculinity, where they talked about the importance of men showing emotions. These are two very worthy and important projects and we send our congratulations to all involved in Young Social Innovators.