Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available for community and other groups marketing Ireland or holding events, festivals and so on internally and abroad as a destination based on the traditions of Halloween or Samhain; if there is national coordination of such a theme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42418/19]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.  Although it provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in festivals and participative events, among other things, my Department has no role in the administration of the related programmes.

Festivals play a key role in delivering enjoyable visitor experiences and opportunities to engage with our culture, people and places, as well as helping attract visitors to areas beyond traditional tourism hot-spots and outside peak times of the year.  With specific regard to festivals relating to Halloween and its origins in the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain, I know Fáilte Ireland’s newest festival, Púca, aims to position Ireland internationally as the home of Halloween.

Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy with further detail of the funding and other supports it offers for Halloween- or Samhain-related festivals or participative events.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.