Mr. Joe Hamill:

Comhaltas is funded by the arts side of the Department. In 2014 its annual allocation was €1.59 million. From the Department’s perspective, this supports a large range of branches of musical activity, much of it voluntarily organised in many places. While it is quite a large allocation - it did take a hit like other parts of the Department’s Vote - we see it as delivering much for us. Comhaltas was particularly successful during Derry’s tenure as city of culture when it brought its annual Fleadh Cheoil there. This had positive implications across the island. It was of particular financial benefit to Derry, but in broad cultural terms, it was a very big win from a national point of view.