Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Miley, who has responsibility for running the event and he is very clear in what he wants to do. I am concerned that it does not appear to have a comprehensive budget. I have spoken to representatives of a number of community groups in my area who are anxious to be part of The Gathering Ireland 2013 and see it as their civic duty. However, it is not clear what kind of funding will be available to these groups in the organising and promotion of such events. I accept, as the Minister said, that there is a level of activity among small communities involving things like family gatherings. I believe there should be some assistance with the cost of the communications that need to be put in place.

Other groups are seeking to organise larger events and it is unclear whether the State will be in a position to provide the necessary funding. That matter needs to be clarified relatively quickly because as the Minister and the Minister of State both know, people who are coming from our important tourism markets cannot decide to do so at the last minute. While it may apply to those coming from our nearest neighbour, which is a very important tourism market for us, people coming from the United States would make those decisions now towards the end of the year if they are planning on coming here next summer or autumn. I ask the Minister to provide information on the overall budget.

See this speech in context