Mary Moran (Labour)

I welcome the U-turn by the Ulster council of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on its decision to support Derry's bid for the All-Ireland fleadh next year. I would also like to compliment Senator Ó Murchú on the work he has done in this area as president of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. As a former music teacher and as someone who has been involved in the fleadh at local level, I know the importance of this cultural event. All the children who have participated with me see it as an All-Ireland event, not a North and South event. As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, I have been to Monaghan, Armagh and Belfast where we have seen the excellent work progress in recent years. The decision to hold the fleadh in Derry next year would be very beneficial to progress and I would welcome that.