Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Supporting the Irish Community: London Irish Centre

2:35 pm

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the delegates. We have all heard of the London Irish Centre and the good work it is doing. While I have often visited London, I have never been in the centre. My daughter moved to London two years ago where she set up her own business. I must tell her to ensure she calls in to the centre. Perhaps on the next occasion I visit London I might visit it with her.

Mr. Barlow has mentioned that there are 130 Irish organisations in London, including a branch of the GAA and so on. I have not checked, but I am sure they are all listed on the centre's website. Deputy Catherine Murphy discussed the issue of housing with the delegates. I am interested in discussing the issue of enterprise with them. Mr. Barlow has said the centre hosts cultural evenings and so on. Does it ever host enterprise evenings, through which it could network with agencies such as Enterprise Ireland?

The comedy festival was mentioned. Irish people are noted for their comedy. Irish comedians who have gone to London have done very well; some of them have taken over the BBC, but I will not mention any names. During one of my visits to London I attended a comedy festival. It was probably hosted by the London Irish Centre, but I did not realise it at the time.

I congratulate the centre on its work. In working together we can be stronger. This is Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland. In working together to preserve our culture we are stronger. Perhaps the delegates might respond to my comments on the 130 Irish organisations in London and the enterprise issue.