Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

As I know too well. It was a pity, when we had so much money in the country with which we did not know what to do, that all of these challenges were not faced. Obviously, there was the lack of a vision, to which Senator Fiach Mac Conghail referred.

The proposer and seconder of the amendment, Senators Tony Mulcahy and Ivana Bacik, expressed strong views. Senator Ivana Bacik, especially, expressed her views to me and I will have further conversations with her. Senator Mary Moran only had two minutes in which to contribute, but she certainly raised important issues.

Senator Labhras Ó Murchú and I have known each other for a long time. He had a vision for Comhaltas which, more than anyone else, he has achieved. He had to fight to get support for the organisation during the years. I remember the 2003 Bill in that regard. It is now paying off in a big way, not only from a cultural point of view but also from an economic point of view. One can see the spin-off in what is happening in Cavan and the increased interest in Irish music all over the country. At one time it was not cool; now it is very cool such that every youngster in the country wants to be able to play an instrument. I acknowledge the role Senator Labhras Ó Murchú has played in that regard. I thank him for his balanced contribution in which he was not political or anything like it. It is a pity some of his fellow party members in the Dáil did not consult him before they spoke last night.

I hope I have mentioned and thanked all of the Senators who spoke. In this House we can formulate an arts policy. I have my own vision, but none of us has a monopoly of knowledge or wisdom of the arts. Anyone who thinks he or she has will be disappointed because there are many who have much to contribute in different ways, both at a practical and an intellectual level. They include those from an academic background but also from a performing background, be it in the visual or performing arts. We all have something to contribute in our own way. None of us is a total expert. I look forward to the rest of the debate, which will inform me and a broader audience.