Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Questions (39)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the mission statement of her Department in respect of media, tourism, arts, culture, sport and the Gaeltacht, with particular reference to the urgent needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; the extent to which she has engaged with the stakeholders involved; the parameters within which she expects to be in a position to assist towards maintaining and increasing employment and public interest in the sectors in the difficult times presenting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27366/20]

Written answers

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht

Following the announcement by the Taoiseach in June of the establishment of my Department bringing together a range of functions previously held by three different Departments of State, my Department is now in the process of developing a new mission statement and Statement of Strategy to encompass its broad remit.

In this context, it will be important to recognise the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the sectors supported by my Department.  The public-facing and audience driven nature of the arts, culture, tourism and sports means that each time there is an escalation for any county in the Level applicable under the Living with Covid Plan those sectors have been among the hardest hit. The Government is acutely aware of these challenges.

Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport are integral parts of the fabric of society, supporting economic activity, physical and societal well-being. Well-being should a core principle underpinning how we continue to live with COVID-19, as it will be fundamental to public confidence and resilience as we manage the crisis over the longer term.

My officials and I are in regular contact with stakeholders, industry, governing bodies and representatives in all of the sectors for which I have responsibility.  I have established a number of sector specific taskforces to map out plans for the recovery of the tourism, arts, culture and sports sectors and ensure those sectors remain viable and resilient as we continue to deal with the pandemic. Those taskforces include:

- The Tourism Industry Taskforce;

- The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce;

- The Night-time Economy Taskforce, and;

- An Expert Group on Return to Sport.

I will consider the views and recommendations of these taskforces in the context of Budget 2021 and in mapping out how to best help those sectors remain viable going forward. With the upcoming Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will continue to review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19.