Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that agricultural shows which are not a member of an association (details supplied) are treated equally in terms of access to grants and funding. [26522/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department engages annually with relevant representative organisations in supporting the annual farm shows calendar.

This is in recognition of the potential for such events in the agricultural calendar to contribute positively to both Ireland’s reputation as a destination of choice for such events, as well as broader economic ad social benefits, including benefits to the rural economy and society.

The Department engages via the relevant representative organisation, namely the Irish Shows Association (ISA), in terms of providing relevant funding. This funding is typically utilised to cover insurance costs in respect of the nationwide show's calendar that the ISA organises. Engagement via a single representative organisation is in keeping with the principle of maximising value for money for the funding provided across a wide stakeholder group.