Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Ministers and the officials and thank them for their time.

I concur with Senator Warfield in respect of the National Library of Ireland issue. It is very important to have that report under section 108 of the 2019 Act back as quickly as possible. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is responsible for this area in the context of legislation that may be forthcoming. This is an important issue. There are a lot of physical and social records being lost from websites that are gong offline. It is important to keep those archives for future generations. I urge the Minister to prioritise the report and try to speed up the changes that are needed in that regard.

Will the Minister address the issue of the pub and restaurant sector? There is significant concern among those in the sector that they do not have enough of a voice at the tables that matter. Will particular consideration be given to ensuring representation of pubs and restaurants on the board of Fáilte Ireland in light of their very important role in tourism and hospitality? I ask her to address the issue of pubs and restaurants not being included in the Fáilte Ireland business continuity grant scheme. That is of concern to the sector.

There is much uncertainty and fear, as well as many rumours, in respect of further restrictions coming in. The word "lockdown" is even being used. There is a requirement for certainty and clarity for the tourism and hospitality sector as it plans for the period up to Christmas and into the new year. Will the Minister give clarity and certainty to the sector today in the context of its plans for the next six weeks in particular which, it is to be hoped, will be a very busy period for all in the sector?

I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, on his work to try to get more money into the sports capital programme. It is very important and he has my full support. It is important the fund be increased given the significant demand that exists. Will the allocations under the local scheme be announced before Christmas or is it more likely to be after Christmas?

In the context of large-scale projects, given the time that has elapsed since the announcement of those grants and the significant construction inflation in the meantime, does the Minister of State consider there will be a requirement for top-ups of some of those grants for projects that were funded?

What is the position in respect of the appointment of a new CEO to Sport Ireland? Is there a timeframe for that? What is the process? Does the Minister of State have further information on that appointment?