Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response which confirmed that Dublin is the only St. Patrick's Day festival funded by Fáilte Ireland. We are all aware of the benefits that the capital city gains from this funding. Earlier this week, I noted an article in The Irish Timesby the chairman of the Grow Dublin Tourism Advisory Board, which indicated that the Dublin festival is worth €50 million in revenue. He also said that it attracts 100,000 tourists to the capital, as well as enhancing the city's reputation as a place to visit. I have no difficulty with that because it provides a good return on a solid investment. However, I would welcome the Minister of State's supplementary response concerning the funding of other festivals around the country. Every region should have an opportunity to apply for funding and get the benefits of the festival.

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