Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer.

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.