Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The importance of the scheme in assisting local cultural events cannot be underestimated. Local community events connect residents, keep traditions alive and contribute new elements to the cultural sector. They are hugely important. Scoil Acla, the Ballina fringe festival and the Ballina salmon festival are a few of the hugely important events of significance to towns. These events help to attract new visitors to towns and villages, show what makes each locality unique and build a strong sense of pride in communities. Does the Minister intend to strengthen the national allocation for 2022? Will there be an increase in the maximum grant of €5,000 on the back of rising costs and inflationary pressures? I would like to get the Minister's thoughts on that.

See this speech in context