Proposed mergers and changes to governance structures could have a detrimental impact on Galway's strong arts and culture sector, if not fully debated.

That's according to Galway East TD Michael Kitt whose Fianna Fáil motion to protect the arts was voted down by government.

Deputy Kitt is calling for a cost benefit analysis of any proposed changes including any mergers of the National Cultural Institutions.

He says The Arts Festival brought in 17 and a half million euro to the local economy last year alone and is an example of why the sector must be protected.