The Complex is the only multi-disciplinary arts centre in Dublin's north inner city. It combines a performance space, a gallery and 18 artists' studios. It is also about to close. Management of the Complex have been talks with the Government and the city council since 2018 to secure the long-term future of this centre but it has now been served with a notice to quit. The city council passed an emergency motion on the issue and there is due to be a public meeting on the issue on Thursday. As Minister for public expenditure, is Deputy Chambers aware of this issue and will he commit to engage with Dublin City Council and with his colleague, the Minister for Finance, to work on a solution to protect this key cultural space for Dublin city centre?

I thank the Deputy. I am familiar with the Complex and its important role for many in the arts community. Obviously, the specific capital needs in terms of any acquisition will be a matter for the Minister for arts. I will reflect on what the Deputy said and I am happy to engage with my colleagues on that matter. Obviously, if there has been immediate notice given, I do not know the facts on how quickly that is moving. It will be a matter for the Minister for arts to respond to and I will ask him to do so.

My question is on that same topic because I understand the Minister attended two meetings with both members of the board and management of the Complex, along with the former Minister, Paschal Donohoe, over the past number of months. He is obviously very familiar with the situation. The Complex's ask is very simple, in that it has secured funding from DCC and it has a loan but the third part of the jigsaw is securing funding from Government. The reality and the context here is that for the past 20 years, we have counted up to 52 losses or closures of arts spaces and studios in Dublin. The reality is that Dublin is being hollowed and culture cannot compete with capitalism.

The Minister has engaged directly with the Complex. There was a hope the Government would step in. The Department of culture has made it very clear it is not in the business of purchasing or ensuring the long-term lease for properties. We are asking what the Minister will do to save this arts space in Dublin?

I recognise the role of the Complex for many in the arts community. I will engage with colleagues on it again. That particular notice has been advanced and I understand the urgency of the issue but I will engage with the Department of arts and culture on it and revert.