Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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374. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views regarding the ability of aquariums to remain in business and the potential negative impact closures could have on tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22003/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Government has introduced some very effective supports for tourism businesses and employees since the pandemic began last year, including the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the CRSS, the EWSS and the PUP. The Government has stated that there will be no cliff-edge ending to these supports.

Specific support for such businesses in question is a matter for my colleagues the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O'Brien TD, and Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD. I understand from them that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been involved in discussions with the zoo sector throughout the period of the pandemic in connection with difficulties faced by the sector as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and to consider how that Department might be of assistance.

In November 2020, Minister Noonan announced funding of €1.6 million for the zoo sector, to encompass all licensed zoos including aquaria. The funding was allocated in the form of a grant scheme, open to the 69 licensed establishments in Ireland. This was aimed primarily at preventing an animal welfare crisis as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Of the total amount of €1.6 million, a fund of €500,000 was available to assist small and medium sized zoos and aquaria. This financial support from my colleagues recognised the vital role played by our zoos and aquaria as networks for global conservation of biodiversity, as centres of learning and places where lifelong memories of families and children are made. This emergency funding will also safeguard employment and stimulate local economies in recovering by ensuring the continued operation of viable zoo establishments throughout the country.

As Minister with responsibility for Tourism, I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery and I continue to engage with bodies representing the visitor attractions sector. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.