A Chara, - I wish to add my voice to the growing chorus of concern and disappointment at the contents and recommendations of the recent Report on Irish Traditional Music from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language.
There is no doubt that this document does not deal adequately or comprehensively with the many varied strands of activity within the spectrum of Irish traditional music, ranging from individual solo performance to academic research at university level. Also, the objectivity of the report is drawn seriously into question given the fact that the rapporteur, Senator Labhras O Murchu, is a central figure in the two organisations around which most of the report is based, namely Comhaltas Ceoltoir Eireann and Bru Boru.
It is my opinion that this report is seriously flawed and should not have been endorsed and recommended by the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language. This document should be withdrawn, and a new report, dealing fully and objectively with all facets of Irish traditional music, should be commissioned. Sufficient time and resources should be made available in order to give due deliberation to the many diverse issues within this complex topic.
For the record, I wish to state that this letter is being written solely on my own initiative. Furthermore, and with particular reference to the letter by Senator Labhras O Murchu (April 19th), I have not had any discussions with any "campaign organisers" or "cohorts who have endeavoured to orchestrate a negative reaction to the Irish Traditional Music Report." Indeed it may well be said that it was Senator O Murchu himself who ensured such a reaction, given the contents, or lack of them, of his report.
Traditional music is far too important to the soul of this country to be treated in such a superficial and blatantly partisan manner. - Is mise, Matt Cranitch,
Kerry Pike, Co Cork