Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegation and, in particular, if the committee does not mind me being parochial, Ms Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh from Offaly. She has been a tremendous representative both local and nationally for Comhaltas and we are all very proud of her in Offaly. The work Comhaltas has done over the years and the experience of the Fleadh in Tullamore reflected what the delegation said about other experiences nationally. It is marvellous that it will be held in Derry this year and it will be a great experience for all the participants. The young participants from Derry will be so proud to be able to play in their town and county. That is the value of moving the festival around. It is great that young people can compete in their own county, giving them extra pride.

Comhaltas flew the flag for Irish music when it was not popular to do so. It is almost cool now to be able to play an Irish instrument whereas years ago there was much competition from other musical influences from other parts of the world. I am looking forward to the Leinster Fleadh in Edenderry. My nephew will be playing at it, so I will be rooting for him.

I find the Treoir magazine a marvellous way of keeping track of what is happening in Comhaltas. I did not realise how global Comhaltas has become. Our music and entertainers are gateways into business. It is not just about preserving the culture and enriching peoples’ lives but opening doors to other activities abroad.

I thank the delegation, Comhaltas and Senator Ó Murchú for all the work they do in this area. We need to iron out the categories as to what comprises Irish music. Are musicians folk, traditional or contemporary? How do the various radio stations categorise them? Do they slot all Irish music into the "Country and Irish" category?

My local radio station, Midlands 103, is terrific for promoting traditional Irish music and young emerging Irish musicians. It is providing not just a community service but is also a successful business and will receive a midlands gateway business award. What is the relationship between IMRO and the regional radio stations? Does IMRO use the same criteria in calculating levies for these stations as it uses for RTE and larger stations?