Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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751. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to avoid the cancellation of an international event (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18118/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels funding for sport through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, in this case, Horse Sport Ireland.  I would suggest that the group mentioned by the Deputy contact Horse Sport Ireland directly to see if they can be of assistance.

  My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy.  It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects.  These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.  While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in events, it does not have a role in the assessment of applications or the awarding of grant aid assistance under that funding programme.  Similarly, the Department has no discretionary funds at its disposal to assist with tourism proposals.

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.