Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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249. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for a festival in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22510/17]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies 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 festivals through the National and Regional Festivals and Participative Events Programmes, it has no role in the administration of those funding programmes.  Similary, my Department has no discretionary funds at its disposal to invest in festivals or in any other tourism proposals.

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