Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I also received representations in respect of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. No one denies it does excellent and important work but issues arise with regard to the level of transparency relating to matters of accounting. In addition to the funding provided by the Minister's Department, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs also supplies Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann with a substantial amount of money. Has the time come to examine the overall funding of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the context of investigating from where it emanates and how it is used?

It appears Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has a monopoly with regard to Government funding for traditional music and culture. Are there other organisations which might benefit from such funding? Due to the fact that Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann seems to have a monopoly, perhaps the organisations to which I refer, and which could benefit from the provision of substantial funding, are being excluded.

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