Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Regarding Senator Cummins's point on amendment No. 119, he mentioned Limerick-Shannon. That is a metropolitan area strategic plan. It is not for primary legislation to define a city commuting zone but I am more than happy for anyone in the regional assembly to have a role in that.

To go back to Senator Flynn's comments, it is not the case that there is any discrimination against the Traveller community in what we are doing here in this Bill. Far from it. It is quite the opposite. Regarding some of the measures that have been brought on access to cultural space, access to cultural space in terms of criteria attached to funding for development of cultural spaces usually incorporates everybody and is fully inclusive. That should be the case with all funding for cultural spaces. I again go back to the point raised by Senator Higgins about the local role in the development of arts strategies, cultural policy and play policy within local authorities. There is a very strong function there. Best practice guidance is what the State will provide to give guidance to local authorities but it is up to local authorities to provide those facilities. The State has put in significant funding in terms of the RDF or RDF town centre first heritage revival scheme, THRIVE, funds to support local authorities to develop. There is no shortage of vacant buildings, including former banks and post offices, in the country that can be used and adapted to become cultural spaces. Local authorities need to be creative. Even public open spaces can be used as active spaces for cultural activities. This is hugely important. Regarding amendment No. 131, it was unclear to me so, if the Senator wishes to resubmit it on Report Stage, that might be useful.