Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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15. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the increased supports that are being provided for the Design and Crafts Council by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52688/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) promotes the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking, and informing Government policy.

DCCI’s activities are funded by my Department through Enterprise Ireland. In 2022, my Department will provide an additional €1 million in funding, up to a total of €5.6 million, to support the work of the Design and Crafts Council Ireland in what is an extremely valuable indigenous industry in Ireland.

The funding will be used by DCCI to initiate new programmes under their new 5-year strategy (2022-2026). The Council have demonstrated their ability to drive high value returns from previous funding received and have additional goals to drive continuous improvement in the sector. The additional funding will assist the sector to build capacity and generate additional export sales and online revenue opportunities, increasing market diversification by client companies and underpinning sustainable growth.

The design and craft sector play a vital role in our economy, providing sustainable jobs right across the country and contributes to our culture of enhancing Ireland’s international reputation for excellence in design and craftsmanship. DCCI also provides a broad range of advice to clients as well as ongoing engagement with the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland in pursuing the commercial development of the design and craft sectors both nationally and internationally.