Mr. Aodhán Ó Dubhghaill:

The future provision of orchestral music in Ireland is so much in everybody's hands here at the moment. Whether we are able to go to Navan, Cork or Limerick in the future is all dependent on future funding. We currently do not have that funding, which does not allow us to get outside the Pale. That is our big ambition for both orchestras. My daughter has a music school in Macroom in County Cork and is teaching 150 pupils. Those kids need to be able to see and be part of the future of orchestral provision in Ireland.

My own background is in music. The orchestras are 70 years old and I have been part of them for at least 40 years, which does not augur well for my future. As well as being able to bring the big repertoire to people - the Beethovens, Mozarts and Bachs of the world - we also have to be able to encourage our own indigenous musicians, composers and conductors. Without the funding, we cannot do that. We have heard of people like Seán Ó Riada, Bill Whelan or Shaun Davey. The members may not know those names but they will know the pieces. They will know "Mise Éire", "Riverdance" and "The Brendan Voyage". All these pieces that have gone on to international acclaim over the years have come through our orchestras, musicians, composers and conductors. That is what we need to protect for the future and that is what we are trying to do with this report and its outcomes.