Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
149. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposal presented by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will engage with the organisation and respond to its proposals. [15324/20]
View answerMy Department has been in discussion with the organisation concerned in relation to these proposals, which I am currently pursuing with Government colleagues.
The health, leisure and fitness sector plays an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of the Irish population and I am aware that it has been significantly impacted by both the three-month closure and the continuing capacity constraints associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sector is also an important source of employment for young people in particular, in positions such as lifeguards, fitness instructors, swim teachers and summer camp coaches. It has been estimated that some two-thirds of the total sector workforce of 12,000 is aged 34 years and under.
Work on the preparation of the July Stimulus package is nearing completion. I believe that it will contain a series of measures and supports that will be of benefit to this sector.
