Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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351. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to financial assistance for aquariums (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15287/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Under the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003, my Department has responsibility for the inspection and licensing of zoos and aquariums in the State. The role of my Department is regulatory and its functions do not include the provision of funding or grant aid to zoos or aquariums nor does it have a remit with regard to the day to day management of the zoos. There are currently 68 licensed establishments in the country.

While my Department does not have resources to provide direct financial assistance, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been in contact with zoos and aquariums throughout the COVID-19 crisis with the aim of providing any assistance possible and establishing the issues facing the industry at this time. Officials from the NPWS have also been in frequent contact with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), the main representative body of the industry in Ireland as well as the UK.

Cognisant of its role as the regulatory authority for zoos and aquariums in the State, my Department is examining the issues around funding for the sector in the context of the Government's overall response to the difficulties faced by many businesses across all sectors as a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.