Ms Carol Carberry:

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. The culture and tradition that is Irish dancing has been thrown into total disarray by the pandemic. The financial loss to teachers and many others connected with the sector can probably be estimated. What cannot be quantified however are the long-term effects on the well-being of our dancers, who are our main concern. The lack of dance classes prevents the students from experiencing a sense of achievement when they learn and perfect a new step or movement and the loss of interaction with their friends leaves many of them feeling sad and lonely. The dancers normally involved in top level competitions are in danger of losing their motivation and confidence. Dancers are missing something important in their lives that they love and enjoy.

Dance has often been described as “the joy of movement” and Irish dance is the chosen hobby of many young children, teenagers and indeed some adults. Children need physical exercise and mental stimulation outside of their academic studies. Irish dance classes are run in a professional manner by highly qualified people and teach not only dance but also discipline and good behaviour and encourage self-worth and self-esteem. Young people are happier when they have structure and continuity in their lives.

As schools have now reopened safely, I am of the opinion that Irish dance classes should be permitted under level 3. I appreciate the many difficult choices facing Government and elected representatives but I ask them to give children, whose chosen hobby is Irish dancing, a chance to pursue their dreams of winning a world championship or perhaps being part of Riverdance or Lord of the Dance.

I thank members for the opportunity to speak to them today about something I am passionate about, that is in my blood and that I have been involved me for most of my life.