Arising from the Tánaiste's reply to Question No. 5, I should like to ask him if his reply refers to the action proposed to be taken to ensure that adequate funds are available to the Arts Council for 1989. In the Estimates the budget for the Arts Council was cut back by 13 per cent. Is the Tánaiste aware that the Director of the Arts Council has said that they cannot fund any body or guarantee any funding for any festival next year until they have restored to them the money they need for their year-toyear running? Will the Tánaiste say if he is aware of that statement and when it is proposed to restore the funding from the national lottery to the Arts Council, something that is of great urgency?

That matter is under examination along the lines suggested by the Deputy but it is premature at this stage to say what the outcome of the examination will be. The Cork Theatre Company has received substantial help over the years by the Arts Council. I understand the Deputy's concern.

When does the Tánaiste expect the examination to be completed?

It will be just a matter of weeks.