Mr. Pádraig Ó Flannagáin:

Thank you, Vice Chairman. Senator Cáit Keane asked about the establishment of new branches and the use of buildings. New branches are being formed all the time. It only takes a few enthusiastic people who can organise themselves, put their application together and set up a structure. They will receive every assistance they need from their local county board or from head office. Anybody in the organisation would be happy to help them. There is even the added advantage that the subscription to head branch that is normally payable for insurance purposes is paid for them in the first year to get them up and running. There is no obstacle to the establishment of new branches, and we welcome any and all in this regard. It would be nice to see every area represented if possible.

In regard to the availability of premises, my advice to new branches would generally be to concentrate more on activities. Schools and halls are usually available locally. One might get bogged down with other issues instead of focusing on what is important, which is the music and the Gaeilge. Branches can and usually are run in classrooms, halls and similar. Chun críochnú, gabhaim buíochas don choiste as ucht éisteacht linn inniu.