From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
By: Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; Catherine Martin
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A Cheann Chomhairle agus a Theachtaí,
Tá áthas orm an deis a fháil labhairt leis an Teach maidir le Meastacháin Bhuiséad 2022 (Fiche Fiche a Dó ) de €1.197bn (Aon bhilliún, céad nócha a seacht million) do mo Roinn agus léargas a thabhairt ar roinnt de na bearta chun tacú le teacht aniar agus fás na n-earnálacha a bhfuil mé freagrach astu.
Individually and cumulatively, these sectors are an integral part of the fabric of our society, most particularly in rural and regional areas where they support economic activity, physical and societal well-being. This was never more evident than during the pandemic.
As we rebuild these vital sectors, we must not lose sight of the valuable contribution they make to people’s everyday lives and livelihoods, all across Ireland, and enable them to contribute to the resurgence of a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Budget 2022 has been informed by ongoing engagement with the sectors and communities which come under the remit of my department. That engagement will continue as we implement policies and programmes to support re-growth and development.
Total funding for the sectors supported by my department is as follows:
€288.5m for Tourism services, representing an increase of €67.6m. This increased allocation will help address immediate survival issues while also enabling further resilience and recovery as we reopen to international tourism and transition to a more sustainable future. The increased funding will allow for:
This very significant response to the impact of the pandemic recognises the vital contribution of tourism to our overall economy, and jobs.
Whilst our primary focus to date has been on survival, we now have an opportunity to re-imagine our tourism sector in the wake of the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on mainstreaming the principle of sustainability from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
Total funding for Arts & Culture amounts to €346.5m.
Budget 2022 represents a recognition by Government that bold steps are necessary for our much treasured arts, events and cultural community to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before. I believe the extensive package of supports proposed under Budget 2022 will allow for this recovery.
Budget 2022 recognises the value that arts, culture and entertainment brings to people living in Ireland and abroad. And to the important role that artists play in our society. This was particularly evident during the pandemic. It signals a new dawn for the sector, building on existing COVID-19 supports and providing a solid foundation for the sector to grow and thrive.
Funding for the Media and Broadcasting sector will also be increased in 2022.
In conclusion, I am satisfied that the increased allocation for my department in 2022 resulting in a total of €1.197bn which will deliver very diverse but critical work programmes.
It is a key milestone on our roadmap to recovery, designed to ensure that we emerge from the shadow of COVID-19 stronger and with a renewed sense of hope and focus. Our clear objective is to support a strong and sustainable tourism industry; a vibrant arts and culture sector; a dynamic sports and media sector and a landscape in which our first language can continue to grow and flourish.
Go raibh maith agaibh.