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Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Ceisteanna (128, 141)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her long-term ambitions to develop the various portfolios under her aegis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55088/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she anticipates progress towards achieving her Departmental mission objectives in respect of each heading; the extent to which she can use ongoing monitoring to reflect progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55087/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 141 together.

My Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 published in August of this year sets out the actions that my Department will take over the coming period to enrich the quality of life in Ireland through supporting the development of tourism, culture, arts, sports, media and Irish language.

In addition to their immense inherent value, these are valued by all of our communities and are important resources for social cohesion, individual and community wellbeing and for the presentation of Ireland as an attractive destination for tourism and sustainable inward investment. These sectors are of great economic significance to Ireland, they generate both domestic and export earnings and employ people across the country, a fact made even more apparent by the impact of the pandemic.

The diverse yet related range of sectors served by this department has been amongst those most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Statement of Strategy sets out the priorities for my Department over the next few years to ensure these sectors recover and grow in a manner that underpins social cohesion and supports strong, sustainable economic growth, with a focus on a number of cross cutting goals of equality, diversity, social inclusion, the Irish language and environmental sustainability.

This work will be progressed within the context of the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future which outlines an inclusive vision of an Ireland for all ages, where the arts and culture thrive, the Irish language is nurtured and developed, a safe digital environment facilitates the use of technology, and sport inspires us to lead healthier and better lives. The Programme charges the Department to deliver across a range of commitments some of which involve collaboration with other government departments and state agencies. These are reflected in the strategies and actions outlined in this document.

The Government's Economic Recovery Plan sets out the framework of actions for an investment led recovery leading to a renewed and restructured, people-focused economy. Decarbonising the economy and addressing regional and sectoral imbalances are particular priority areas under the plan. It also sets the context for a coherent, national response to the urgent need for Climate Action, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the outcome of BREXIT. The plan recognises the broad context for the Department’s work, in terms of its capacity to support economic recovery and resilience, and its contribution to individual and collective wellbeing.

The extensive package of supports announced under Budget 2022, which resulted in the increased total allocation for my department in 2022 of €1.197bn, includes:

- €288.5m for Tourism

- €346.5m for Arts & Culture

- €181.2m for Sports and Recreation

- €5.5m for establishment of new Media Commission and an increased finding allocation of €44.933m for TG4.

Details of the strategies to be followed by my Department in the delivery of these diverse but critical work programmes and the indicators to be used in tracking progress towards achieving the intended outcomes are set out in the Statement of Strategy.

I welcome the Deputy’s interest in the work of my Department and look forward to providing further detail in respect of the progress attained in respect of individual programmes in due course.

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