Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a couple of issues with the Deputy Leader. I seek a commitment from the ESB to provide funding of €500,000 to develop a community facility in Lanesborough, County Longford, following the closure of the Lough Ree power plant. I recently met Kieran Mulvey, the just transition commissioner, who has put proposals to the ESB to provide that funding for both Lanesborough and Shannonbridge. Yet, the ESB has not made a commitment to do so. I ask the Deputy Leader to write to the ESB encouraging it to support the measure that has been put forward by the just transition commissioner.

I support the comments by my colleague, Senator Cummins, regarding the arts and dance sectors. It is important for the Minister to come into the House to discuss the arts and dance sectors, as well as other sectors covered under her wide portfolio, including the broader tourism and hospitality sectors. There are a number of issues in that respect, including the representation of members of the hospitality industry on many of the tourism boards. That needs to be dealt with.

Under the current Covid-19 resilience and recovery plan, the guidance for the dance sector is identical to sport, yet all outdoor sport, camps etc. are going ahead. In response to a recent parliamentary question, the Minister stated that indoor team group sports, including dance and exercise, would be considered in late June. It is far too late for the summer season to consider that in late June. Many of these organisations are dependent on summer camps etc. to fund their organisations and keep themselves viable. I echo Senator Cummins in asking that the Minister would come into the House and give an earlier decision as to when indoor camps can go ahead. The issue also arises with respect to swimming. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, could perhaps address both areas. Swimming is another major issue and no commitments have been given with respect to swimming camps or lessons.