John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My good colleague and friend, Senator Currie, said much of what I was going to say about Dublin Zoo. I will, however, reiterate what she said about Government support at a time we have given unprecedented support to organisations such as sporting bodies, and justifiably so, because of the financial stress they are under. An institution such as Dublin Zoo certainly warrants support from Government.

It launched a fundraising campaign this morning and I encourage people to get behind the zoo. I have fond memories, as do, I am sure, many people in this Chamber, of visiting Dublin Zoo as a kid with my family, with school tours in primary school and in recent years with younger family members. More than 1.3 million visitors go to see such amazing animals each year and that costs money. As the director of the museum said, and as Senator Currie echoed in her contribution, one cannot furlough an elephant nor turn of the lights of the zoo when one goes home at night. We have all seen the fantastic work done the workers in the programme on television and the great joy it brings to see these animals up close and in person.I reiterate the calls for further Government support for Dublin Zoo. I imagine that Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is facing a similar situation.