Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will continue to stay close to them and support them financially as best we can.

On the Design & Crafts Council, there was a funding increase in the budget in the past year of €1 million and, in 2023, there was a €500,000 increase from the capital carryover. The budget for the council has almost doubled in the past four years. I attended the trade and craft fair held in the RDS a number of weeks ago and it was remarkable in respect of the number of exhibitors and the interest of international buyers. Sometimes, we see craft and design as cottage industries or some such thing. They are a very significant part of Ireland’s economy and of its reputation and brand internationally.

We should take them seriously in terms of their economic contribution. I hope we can do more with them in the next couple of years.