Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for engaging. I worry that the money and supports are not getting down to ground level, that is, to ordinary musicians who might not have the wherewithal. Significant funding is going to certain groups. I raised this at the Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht when Fáilte Ireland appeared before it. It is a big agency and has a number of sources of funding because it had the wherewithal to apply. I am worried about the man in the van, the girl in the van or the two together in a van, such as a duet like Fran Curry and Muriel and bands like that, or people such as Willie Bun, a fabulous entertainer. They are not able to get it. They need to be looked after because not only are they suffering because they cannot work and earn money, but the people are missing hearing, engaging with, dancing to and enjoying their musical talents.

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