Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is why these hearings are important in the context of their place within budgets. Ultimately, that is up to councillors. During the recession, we were adamant in ensuring we would not cut from that sector even though many people saw it as low-hanging fruit. In fairness, Tom Dowling, the county manager in Meath at the time, was adamant that would not happen.

I will touch base with Mr. Cavanagh, Mr. Hannaway and Mr. Hayden. St. Mary's Musical Society, Navan, which is my local musical society, will launch its Christmas productions this Friday. I am a long-standing member of the society. It will put on 11 productions in December. I wish it well. Reference was made to the challenges faced in this context and the societies that are performing well. St. Mary's Musical Society, Navan is self-sufficient and generates big income to meet its costs. How many societies among the membership of the Association of Irish Musical Societies are of a similar standard to that society?