I support this very simple Bill, which seeks to recognise comedy as an art form that should be supported by the Arts Council. Every week, in this city and across Ireland, we have comedians on stage in pubs, comedy clubs and theatres. They are really important when it comes to keeping venues, particularly smaller ones, open. Irish wit and humour is well known across the globe. I heard one Irish comedian say that performing in Ireland is harder than anywhere else because everybody in the room thinks they should be on the stage. I was really surprised to see that stand-up, sketch and improv comedians cannot apply to the Arts Council for bursaries that are open to other performers, especially when it is considered that our small island punches so far above its weight when it comes to producing well-known comedians who are so successful on the international stage. This Bill will ensure that comedy will get its own specific funding scheme. It will not be lumped in with everything else. I have heard from performers that this is important in making them feel valued and making them feel that their art form matters. Most importantly, it is keeping those comedians here in Ireland and not losing them to places like England, Scotland, Canada and New Zealand, all places where comedy is a registered art form. Some have raised questions as to whether there is an element of snobbery behind why comedians are not included. I suppose that stems from the fact that comedy is a very accessible form of art that can be put on in small venues in nearly every community across this State. However, instead of that being a reason to look down on it, it is even more of a reason we should support it. I am disappointed to see that the Government says it will delay this Bill for 18 months and I am not clear on its reasoning. The Government points to the review of the Arts Council but that is totally unrelated to this Bill. I ask the Government to drop its plans to delay this Bill, allow it to progress to Committee Stage and let us recognise comedy as a living, breathing form of art that is valued and supported here in Ireland.

Sentiment score: 0.39