Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The point raised by Deputy Upton is of fundamental importance and highlights the difficulties that arise when an organisation of this nature has a monopoly and is the only one being funded by the State. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sets the standard with regard to traditional Irish music and if one does not meet that standard, one has nowhere else to go. That is a bone of contention among certain people.

I do not intend to diminish the good work that is being done or deny that opportunities exist. However, the Minister stated in his initial reply that if I required further information, I should ask him for it. In the context of the various projects, I inquired as to the identities of the owners of the various properties but the Minister did not provide this information. Does Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann own these properties or is it the local organisations? He also referred to the leaseholds on various properties but he did not indicate the identity of either the lessor or the lessee. I would be grateful if the Minister could provide information in respect of these matters to me privately.

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