Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)

I am concerned about the mention of demand-led. We know the problem is that there is a capping of very low amounts such as €20,000 or €150,000. We know about that demand, so it is not really demand-led because it is not actually matching the need that is there.

I acknowledge what the Minister of State said in relation to the Dublin City Council partnership. In fact, it has a positive example in the FLUX studios in Chatham Row, for example, where the council owns a space providing affordable workshops for artists and space for workshops, exhibitions and performances and indeed an anchoring place for cultural groups. However, we need far more of that. Perhaps the Minister of State might update me on the Liberties cultural campus, which we heard was to come online in a similar way. What is the progress on that? In terms of demand-led, I am making this demand but also it should not be solely a demand. This should be something driven by the Department as a positive for society and for culture. As has happened across many previous governments, the Department should look to fund and create these spaces because when the spaces are created, the possibilities open up and the artistry and creativity emerge. That is what genuinely leads to a creative society, where everyone can both see and participate in culture, rather than having so many people competing for such small amounts of money.