Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach, as a regular visitor to our city, will be aware that it was a great and fitting honour for Galway to be named the European Capital of Culture but, as we know, matters have not gone as planned for a number of reasons, including the pandemic. As a legislator, I am aware of the serious concerns relating to Galway 2020, the company that was established to deliver the programme of events. It was revealed at a Galway City Council meeting last week that in excess of €18 million has been spent despite no major events having taken place. That money was provided by the Government and the EU. In spite of the fact that no events took place, €18 million of a possible €19 million has been spent. I share the concerns of my colleagues on Galway City Council at the level of spending in light of the cancellation of all events. The Government is due to provide an additional €5 million in funding in the coming weeks for a revised programme of events. Questions must be asked because this is taxpayers' money. There is a duty on all public representatives, including everybody in this House and in Dáil Éireann, to ensure that public money is spent appropriately and in accordance with the regulated guidelines. I am asking the Deputy Leader to contact the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to ensure that the appropriate measures relating to funding are outlined. If an audit is required and I believe it is at this stage - it should be pursued via the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.