Results 3,221-3,240 of 9,116 for speaker:Jack Chambers

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: 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 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 Policy (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, namely, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. With specific regard to the development of tourism product offerings such as the proposed Irish Sea Way walking trail, these are operational...

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 ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Artists' Remuneration (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I was halfway through the supports for 2022 and I will now give other details on additional supports. There is €50 million for the live performance restart grant scheme to support the recovery of the live performance sector. There is €4 million for the music and entertainment business assistance scheme. This is specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses...

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

Jack Chambers: Throughout the pandemic we have been very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts, culture and live entertainment industry and the Government remains committed to the live entertainment sector as the industry recovers following the lifting of all restrictions in January. To this end, more than €50 million has been provided in a suite of supports for the live...

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

Jack Chambers: I thank Deputy Cairns. I appreciate what she has outlined and the businesses that require support in her constituency in Cork South West. As I referenced in my initial response, the drawdown will happen. The payment process for the scheme will commence shortly and I appreciate the need for it. Payments will issue on a rolling basis as grantees submit their documentation. All payment...

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

Jack Chambers: I thank the Deputies for their questions. I am taking these questions on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, this morning. I will ask her to revert on her engagement on insurance and other matters with the respective Departments. I know Deputy Murnane O'Connor's strong advocacy for Carlow and all things in many areas in Carlow. I appreciate what she has said relating to the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Artists' Remuneration (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: As I said earlier, in the case of the disability allowance, for example, it will be possible for many people to avail of the basic income and retain social welfare benefits in addition to the moneys received from the pilot scheme. However, it is important to stress that, as part of that, every individual's case is different in terms of their household income. The Deputies will know how...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Artists' Remuneration (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: The basic income for the arts, BIA, is a pilot scheme, the outcomes of which will inform future policy on the manner in which the State provides supports to artists. The Department expects a high volume of applications and it will not be possible to provide funding to all eligible applicants. The pilot scheme will run over a three-year period and the intention is to research the impact a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Artists' Remuneration (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: When the basic income pilot scheme was announced, it was always going to be for a specific cohort that was selected as I referred to in my initial reply. However, the supports for the arts and culture sector secured in 2022 are very clear. There is €25 million for the basic income scheme for artists and arts workers. We are maintaining the Arts Council allocation at a record level...