Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Travel and subsistence. Deputy Nash asked about subhead A7 and the contribution to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The contribution this year will be €1.59 million which is a reduction of 5% on last year. I recognise that Comhaltas is one of the most important cultural bodies in the country and it yields a considerable return for the investment made. The Fleadh Cheoil is the biggest outdoor event in the country attracting massive numbers which will increase in this very important year as Derry is the European city of culture and the fleadh will attract 300,000 people if not more. Comhaltas operates in every community in the country, including my own community. We set up a Comhaltas branch a few years ago and there are now 60 young children playing music who would not have played only for the presence of Comhaltas. It also operates a programme in the local primary school whereby every youngster from second class upwards can play an instrument while some children in sixth class can play five instruments. This would not have happened without Comhaltas. I have no problem defending the allocation I make to Comhaltas because of its contribution to Irish society, communities and all the volunteer work these people take on for the love of Irish music, song and dance. It is money which returns a significant multiplier.

I refer to important pieces of art held by the main banks-----