Results 3,661-3,680 of 9,549 for speaker:Jack Chambers

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...

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

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 5 together. I thank Deputies Ó Ríordáin and Boyd Barrett for their questions. Eligibility for social welfare supports, as the Deputies will be aware, is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and neither I nor the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, have any statutory functions in that regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that...

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

Jack Chambers: I thank both Deputies for the questions. To respond to Deputy Boyd Barrett, I am informed that there were 150 people at the stakeholder forum, representing 50 resource organisations and representative organisations, including representatives from Arts and Disability Ireland. Similar to all income, the payment will be reckonable for the purpose of social welfare means tests. Whether a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: The Minister, Deputy Martin, sends her apologies. She has a bereavement in her family and cannot be here this morning. 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...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: Fáilte Ireland is working hand in glove with key sectoral bodies on the tourism and hospitality oversight group, which is pivoted to focus on supporting the industry to address some of its immediate recruitment challenges in the months ahead. Obviously, matters relating to wage rates are set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and we are working with the Department as...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourism Industry (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I refer to the long-term retention of employees in the industry. That is why Fáilte Ireland is developing an excellent employer programme to showcase good employers across the industry and to help businesses improve their employer practices and reputation. The programme aims to reposition the industry as an appealing and rewarding place to work which can attract and retain talent....

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Policy (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: I am aware of the demand for artist workspaces and cultural spaces that exists in Dublin City.  For this reason a capital allocation of up to €3 million has been made to Dublin City Council specifically to assist in the provision of artists’ workspaces in Dublin. The City Council has been examining a range of sites for their suitability to best capitalise on the...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Promotion (5 May 2022)

Jack Chambers: In Budget 2022, I secured an additional €67.6 million funding for tourism, thereby bringing the overall tourism services budget to €288 million.  Part of this funding will enable the tourism agencies to market Ireland's tourism offering, including the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand, at home and abroad.  Fáilte Ireland's plans for 2022 include driving demand...