Results 1,961-1,980 of 7,556 for speaker:Catherine Martin

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Seirbhísí Oileán (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: Tá Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin ar cheann de na bealaí cósta sainithe is faide ar domhan, agus 2,600 ciliméadar ar fad inti. Téann sé síos an cósta thiar ó Leithinis Inis Eoghain sa tuaisceart go baile álainn Chionn tSáile, Contae Chorcaí, sa deisceart. Is earnáil eacnamaíoch ríthábhachtach í an...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: A number of issues were raised. On the question of the two out of 17 routes, I will bring that matter to the attention of my officials. Perhaps it will engage with CIE Tours. I will also bring the question of Achill Island and the Tourism Ireland twinning initiative to my officials. We may get back to the Deputy on that. There are incredible opportunities for screen tourism given the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: While we head into 2023 in a relatively strong position following last year's rebound in international visitors, I am conscious that there are immediate challenges facing our tourism industry. Notwithstanding this, we must continue to plan for further recovery in the sector and build for a sustainable future. In budget 2023, I secured an additional €5 million allocation for the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tourism Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I absolutely agree with the Deputy. The new national policy to mainstream sustainability that is under development requires such joined-up thinking around sustainable travel. It also requires joined-up thinking across Departments. We need to include food tourists, as the Deputy said. That would make sense. We are trying to drive people out of the capital city and into the regions for...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Film Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: The section 481 film tax relief and any changes to the relief are a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Finance. I am sure that the House will join me in congratulating "The Banshees of Inisherin" on the four BAFTAs it secured on Sunday night, especially Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan for their best supporting acting roles. This film was supported by section 481. I would also...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Film Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I am very supportive of content in Irish language. I am engaging with stakeholders to identify what will work best. As a publisher-broadcaster, TG4 commissions its content from the independent production sector, supporting jobs in the Gaeltacht regions, in particular. While increased activity in audiovisual content production may be of benefit to TG4 in commissioning content for its...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Film Industry (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: Responsibility for the section 481 film tax relief ultimately lies with the Minister for Finance. There are great things happening. Cine4 is a collaboration between Screen Ireland, TG4 and the BAI. Since its introduction back in 2017, Screen Ireland's budget has more than doubled from €16.9 million in 2017 to a record of €37.9 million. That has meant that Screen Ireland now...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourist Accommodation (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: The Lough Derg: Visitor Experience Development Plan 2020-2024 and action plan outlines the strategic direction that Fáilte Ireland and various agencies, including three local authorities, are working towards in the development of Lough Derg and its environs as a tourist destination. Tipperary County Council is also focusing its work on Lough Derg through its Tipperary Transforming:...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourist Accommodation (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: We will take the Deputy’s ideas on board, including alternatives, such as glamping, as well as the greenway experience of Lough Derg, and I will link in with Fáilte Ireland in that regard. Publicity is taking place. Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, has invited a crew from NBC to film for the "Today" show and "Open House", a real estate show that reaches...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourist Accommodation (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: What the Deputy is saying will fit very well with what we are doing. We are developing a national, sustainable tourism policy. It is about getting into the regions and promoting sustainable types of tourism, including the accommodation the Deputy mentioned, as well as for longer stays in the regions. Fáilte Ireland has a lot of business supports that it provides to the region's...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tourist Accommodation (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: -----but I can talk to the Minister about that.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Sport and Recreational Development (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I was waiting for the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, to take that question. We do not have detail on that just now. I expect it shortly, but I do not have the exact date just yet. If the Deputy wishes to wait, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, will have a more detailed answer for the Deputy.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Sport and Recreational Development (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I do not know. I think he may be just coming into the Chamber. We absolutely value the sports capital and equipment programme. As the Deputy knows, last year's was the biggest ever and we saw it reach every county and club that needed it; far beyond what was expected. We are after going through the process and it will require some negotiation with the Minister for Public Expenditure,...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Policy (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture. The pilot was the number one recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which I established in 2020 to examine ways in which to help the arts sector recover post pandemic. I was very pleased to have been able to deliver on this recommendation. Payments...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Policy (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: Fáilte Ireland helps to support tourism industry growth in Ireland through its ‘Tourism Development & Innovation’ Strategy for Investment 2016-2022 which underpins all of its investment in tourism capital projects, including all grant schemes and strategic partnerships. This funding supports tourism capital investment projects and initiatives by both the public and...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Policy (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: As the Deputy will be aware, the Immigrant Investor Programme was established over a decade ago and is under the remit of the Minister for Justice. I understand that this programme was designed to encourage investors and business professionals from outside the European Economic Area to avail of opportunities for investing and locating their business interests in Ireland and to acquire a...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Data (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 115 together. The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture. The pilot was the number one recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which I established in 2020 to examine ways in which to help the arts sector recover post pandemic. I was very pleased to have...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Promotion (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: Ireland’s rural towns and villages are central to Ireland’s tourism product. Apart from its overall economic importance, the importance of tourism to local and regional economies cannot be overstated. In many rural areas, it is the only employer of note outside of agriculture. Analysis published by Ernst and Young on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Irish Tourism shows a...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Policy (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 107 together. I have previously made clear my views that the lower 9% rate of VAT needed to be extended for the tourism and hospitality sector. This Government's commitment to supporting the tourism and hospitality sector over the past few years during the Covid pandemic, and the current economic challenges, is clear and consistent and today's...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Promotion (21 Feb 2023)

Catherine Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 108 together. I refer the Deputy to Question No. 41 of 26 January last, when the matter of eco-tourism was addressed. Ecotourism is defined by the World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO, as all nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures...