Results 5,861-5,880 of 9,175 for speaker:Jack Chambers

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Policy (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I will certainly relay Deputy Ó Cathasaigh's feedback. I see Deputy Calleary is present and I know that when it came to the greenway in Mayo, with which I am very familiar, a lot of local work and engagement with landowners allowed that to progress but I am sure this is something that Fáilte Ireland will engage with. It is the early iteration of this, as I referenced. It has four...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Policy (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: There is ongoing collaboration on this between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development under the outdoor recreation scheme and a partnership is in place that provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreation infrastructure and the enhancement of existing outdoor infrastructure. In February 2022, a figure of €50 million was announced for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Promotion (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: In autumn 2021, the Minister brought to Government a report developed by the sustainable tourism working group, which was established under the aegis of the Department. The report identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices ahead of the development of a new national tourism policy. The successful implementation of these actions will shine a light on areas...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Promotion (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: As I referenced in my initial answer, there is significant work ongoing to market this and particularly to encourage the arrival of tourists to Ireland through ferry companies. That is why €594,000 is being used to promote ferry travel to Ireland. The Deputy referenced Rosslare Europort being so close to Waterford, and the huge sustainable progress that was made there in the tourism...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Promotion (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I thank Deputies Ó Cathasaigh and Leddin for their points. I think everyone would support the development of a sail, rail and trail offering to link the regions. That is why the development of a national tourism policy will seek to mainstream sustainability. The development of the new policy will involve extensive consultation with the tourism industry, as well as our communities, to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 11 and 41 together. Recruitment continues to be a significant challenge for the tourism sector, with up to two thirds of businesses reporting reduced capacity due to staff shortages. My Department and Fáilte Ireland have been collaborating with industry and other Departments to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to addressing the labour...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I appreciate what the Deputies say about Mayo and west Cork and that is why Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the key sectoral bodies and the tourism and hospitality oversight group, which is pivoted to focus on supporting the industry in its immediate recruitment challenges. Fáilte Ireland is supporting businesses to address vacancies in several ways. Regionally, Fáilte...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I hear what everyone is saying about Mayo, west Cork and Kildare. That is why significant work is ongoing by Fáilte Ireland with the ETBs, the Department of Social Protection on pathways to work and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on permits and visas as was referenced. We are all aware of businesses and restaurants in our local areas and people across the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Funding (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: My Department's role in tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies in implementing that policy. With specific regard to research and development of our tourism product, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland as the national tourism development authority. With regard to expenditure on...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Funding (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: The Deputy is correct in saying that tourism is worth hundreds of millions - billions - of euro to the Irish economy and that is why I said that €2.6 million has been spent to produce those consumer planning insights and on an economic and industry analysis. The results of this research are used to inform a strategic approach to investment in tourism product development. As I have...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Funding (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: In 2021, 1.1% of Tourism Ireland's core budget was spent on research. In 2022, research will account for 2.52% of the core budget. I appreciate what he has outlined around certain areas that warrant research and a focus. A number of ad hoc projects in specialised areas are being undertaken to try to embrace opportunities for the tourism economy to recover first. Tourism Ireland in 2022...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Reports (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: The media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change. These changes are for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we consume media content. The Government is committed to putting in place a framework that will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Reports (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I have a figure to hand. Did the Deputy want to ask about the number of staff in the media commission?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Reports (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: We estimate that approximately 121 personnel will be required for the start-up phase of coimisiún na meán with a number of these to be hired before formal establishment. An additional 33.5 staff are sought for coimisiún na meán to deliver on the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission. In addition and as provided for in the Online Safety and Media Regulation...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Reports (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I wish KCLR well. We all understand and know the importance of local radio. The Government is putting in place a framework which will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media sector to encompass print, audiovisual, radio and online media. The media sector is a vital part of our democracy and our society as a whole that is also undergoing many changes, for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Swimming Pools (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together. In response to the fallout caused by Covid-19, my Department provided funding of €2.5 million in 2020 to support those responsible for publicly accessible swimming pools in responding to the challenge associated with maintaining such pools and the effort to reopen within Covid-19 safety protocols. An additional €3.2...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Swimming Pools (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I thank the Deputy. Perhaps I can revert to him regarding the progress being made on these specific projects. I do know the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus project has an allocation of €5 million. We can provide an update on that project directly to Deputy Richmond. I agree, though, that there is a broader demand which must be met. Part of the national swimming strategy and our work...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Swimming Pools (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I agree. Part of what we fund every year, through funds from dormant accounts, and what we are trying to do in the context of our Sport for All approach is ensure that there is inclusion across all sports, including swimming. All providers should be continuing or strengthening what they were doing prior to the onset of Covid-19, especially for people with disabilities. They should be...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regulatory Bodies (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will, when enacted, formally dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, and establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services and the new regulatory framework for online safety. Coimisiún na Meán will also have...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regulatory Bodies (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I thank the Deputy for his questions. I have made reference to the executive search process and the work ongoing between the Public Appointments Service and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. That is expected to happen in this quarter. We estimate that approximately 121 personnel will be required for the start-up phase of Coimisiún na Meán with a number of these to...