Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
126. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the oversight in place within her Department to monitor the spending of State funds and governance matters in an organisation (details supplied); and if she is satisfied that all good governance procedures are being adhered to. [27842/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides annual support for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their work in the conservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, dance and language. The organisation was founded in 1951 and has grown to have some 400 branches today across Ireland, Europe, the Americas and in the Asia-Pacific region. From the beginning, the organisation has high achievements in compiling a substantial archive of recordings, in the education and training of musicians, dancers and teachers along with their organisation annually of the Fleadh Cheoil – the largest cultural festival in Ireland each year. Additionally, a network of cultural centres at regional and local level operate under the auspices of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
It is important to note that these impressive outcomes rely entirely on the voluntary effort of the members. Although a national organisation – with international reach – the structure defined in their constitution accords significant autonomy to the members at branch level, in the county boards and the provincial councils, ultimately overseen by a national executive.
In relation to official funding and governance, my Department meets with the management of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann several times each year to review performance in the context of an annual agreement between the parties.
I am satisfied that the Departmental has in place arrangements for oversight in relation to official funding and that Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have a clearly defined constitutional structure with strong internal arrangements for governance in all matters of the organisation, membership and finances.
