Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I can only assume the Minister's declaration yesterday indicates the county is now exceptionally law-abiding. Depending on where one comes from, one might assume the Minister is particularly happy with the progress of the hurling team this year. I am not sure of the reason. Irrespective of internal amalgamation in any county, such as amalgamation of the city and county councils, be it in Limerick or Waterford, for example, I genuinely hope there will never be amalgamation in respect of two or three counties, as mooted at one stage. I hope the Leader will keep an eye on this. My reasoning is that loyalty to a county is one of the most intrinsic elements of community life. This is diluted the moment there is amalgamation affecting two counties. I hope we are finished with that idea and that it will not be realised.

Yesterday at a committee meeting we discussed the appointment of a new chairman for the National Concert Hall. The debate widened very much into the area of arts and culture. I was very impressed with the unanimity of members regarding the importance of the arts and culture, not just to social life but also to economic life. I was very cheered when I understood the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht would be appearing in the House yesterday or today to discuss this matter. He is a Minister for whom I have great regard, he is down to earth and there is no codology whatever attached to him. I would have liked the debate to have occurred before the summer recess and I hope the Leader will arrange for it soon, perhaps on the first day after the recess. There is a train of though that arts and culture should be at the bottom of the list for funding but this does not take cognisance of their economic value and particularly the positive image of Ireland they generate abroad.