Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I met him on the street. He was out enjoying the music too. It was fabulous. Some of my family and members of our group won an all-Ireland rince set there. They were in Ballina this year and are hoping to go to Doire. I am delighted that it is going to Doire and I wish CCE well with it. I think it will be bigger and better. It is a matter of bringing us together. There are disparate groups and they do not get any cohesive support from Government or public bodies. I compliment the Tipperary development group which is running a course on the making of uilleann pipes. It has sponsored several students of different ages to come to Dublin to learn to make that wonderful instrument. We must value what we have and now in a recession is the time to really examine it because in the boom time we forgot about these things. It is our culture, heritage and identity and we must nurture and support it.

I would like to talk to our guests again at other committees. I welcome them and thank them for their work. Comhghairdeas ó chroí le Labhrás Ó Murchú agus a bhean chéile, Úna, for all the entertainment they give in Brú Ború, a fabulous centre in Caiseal na Mumhan. Businesses from all over the world visit it. I go there a couple of times a year and there are people from different continents. CCE does good work abroad too. The work it did to showcase our heritage at recent events in Dublin Castle and elsewhere during our EU Presidency was tremendous. We are lucky to have it to do that. We should respect it. We do not promote it enough.

I have no question except a freagra for the Vice Chairman about Cavan. I would have no questions about that. In fairness to RTE, Mary Kennedy did a fabulous show the week before the Fleadh last year. I was very impressed with the arts linkages in Cavan. I am sure that will happen in Derry. I could not get over how it had been broadened out and it can be broadened out much more. Senator Ó Murchú's saying is very appropriate, ní neart go cur le chéile. I say onwards and upwards.