Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the week during which we will discuss the arts and a Labour Private Members' motion, I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, for funding, through Fáilte Ireland's national festival and events programme, of almost €2 million for festivals throughout the country. This includes €200,000 for the Galway Arts Festival, €1 million for the Saint Patrick's Day festival, €100,000 for the Wexford Festival Opera and €90,000 for the Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, to mention but a few. These festivals are the back bone of our tourism industry. We have seen very significant growth this year. If one looks at festivals alone, they are responsible for the employment of more than 11,000 people. When one takes into account volunteerism and community spirit, it accounts for 50,000 volunteers nationally. This is very positive news for the tourism industry. I commend the Minister of State and the Government on the continuing investment in this area.