Ms Dee Forbes:

The Deputy may remember that we commissioned a report with Helen Boaden on the future sustainability on both orchestras a number of years ago. The outcome of that was the recommendation that RTÉ could no longer fund both orchestras. The Government decided that additional funding would be made available for the National Symphony Orchestra, NSO, to become part of the NCH. Yes, that money will remain with RTÉ and additional funding has been provided for the transfer of that orchestra to the NCH, which will take effect from Monday of next week.