asked the Taoiseach if he has had any discussions with the Arts Council with a view to providing assistance to Irish circus families.

3.

asked the Taoiseach if he will provide moneys to enable the Arts Council to assist Irish circus families whose livelihood is in danger of becoming extinct and thereby ensure the survival of the Irish circus tradition.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

I understand that the Arts Council have been considering this matter. I have not had any discussions with them on it.

Is the Taoiseach aware that there are five Irish circus families besides this one trying to make a living out of a population of 4,500,000? Does he not consider that the families who have given great entertainment to the Irish people deserve some subsidy from the Government? Will the Taoiseach recommend that to the Arts Council?

The question is only concerned with the Arts Council, the body for which I have particular responsibility. As the Deputy is aware, they are independent in the administration of their funds and it would be a matter for them to consider this in their own jurisdiction. I can tell the Deputy that this matter is under consideration in a number of Departments that have an interest in it. Perhaps we will be able to bring something forward to be of assistance.

I should like to know whether the Taoiseach would be sympathetic to the situation of the Irish circus families and whether he has seen their seven point plan containing a list of suggestions?

I should like to know if the Taoiseach will see his way, either through the Arts Council or after discussions with some of the Ministers who would be concerned, to meeting those families on all or any of the points?

I should like to tell the Deputy that I am very sympathetic to this group of people, many of whom I know well. They provide a very important public service and have done so over the years. They provide good employment and are very much a part of the life of our people. The various points raised by the families affect a number of different Departments and they are under examination in those Departments at present.

Make them Ministers of State.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I take it that the Taoiseach agrees that that form of Irish culture would suffer grieviously if those circus families were to be squeezed out of existence and prevented from touring the country. Is the Taoiseach aware that the Arts Council are of the opinion that, in order to render some of the assistance mentioned in the seven point plan put forward by Mr. Fossett, an amendment of the law would be necessary? If that is so, I should like to know if the Taoiseach will take steps to have the law amended?

I ask the Deputy to bear with me for another short period of time. It is a bit premature to say whether or not the amendment of any legislation would be involved but I can assure the House that the matter is under examination in the relevant Departments.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I take it that the Taoiseach has been advised by the Arts Council that an amendment of the law would be necessary?

As I mentioned in my reply. I have not discussed this matter with the Arts Council as yet.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Taoiseach accept that there is great concern that this form of Irish traditional amusement might be squeezed out of existence by foreign enterprises?

I accept that such concern exists and I would share such concern.