Vol. 413 No. 2
3 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if he will request national entertainment institutions, especially those in receipt of Government financial support, to draw up plans to facilitate the attendance of working class and unemployed people at their performances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I will bring the Deputy's suggestion to the attention of the Arts Council through whom the Government's funding of some of those institutions is provided. I will also bring it to the attention of the National Concert Hall which is directly funded by my Department.
I thank the Taoiseach for taking that issue on board. In bringing this matter to the attention of the Arts Council and the National Concert Hall, will he support the idea that some particular evening, but preferably each evening, some seats would be reserved at a reduced rate for the unemployed or those who have difficulty meeting the cost of the average ticket? Does the Taoiseach have any views about some of the more extravagant events where tickets cost up to £100 and which receive either directly or indirectly Government funds? Does he agree that some effort should be made to help those who are entitled to, and do, enjoy these cultural events but simply cannot afford that type of expense?
I would think any enlightened institution would have plans to help the more disadvantaged in our society. As the Deputy is aware, the Government have indicated their general wish in this area through special concessions for the old and for other sections of the community. All these institutions have to look after their own commercial viability but to the extent that it is possible I would expect that all institutions, both in the public and the private sectors, would do what they can within the limits of their budgetary requirements to facilitate the disadvantaged sections of the community.
I would ask the Taoiseach to look at the traditional place that the gods, or their equivalent, had in allowing people like myself when a student, to attend many events which otherwise I would not have been able to attend. Some of our newer establishments do not provide this facility. Perhaps when the Taoiseach has discussions with the people running these institutions, he will raise the possibility of access for those who are less well off.
The traditional gods is an essential feature of any reputable place of entertainment.
The Taoiseach has a direct lead there himself.
