Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo. Although a developed and costed proposal has not been presented by the sector to my Department, the cost of introducing a leisure card as outlined by the Deputy could potentially involve a very significant level of Exchequer support. On the basis of a national scheme with coverage extending to all children and young adults in Ireland under the age of 25, currently totalling some 1,500,000 people, with a weekly subvention of just €10 per week or over €500 per annum,…

I agree that investment in sport, physical activity and cultural opportunities yields huge benefits for young people. That is why we put significant investment into all aspects of this Department for 2023, in particular given that one of the major challenges facing sports clubs and grassroots organisations is around energy costs in the coming months, so they can maintain their level of activity to promote participation. That is why we have secured an overall €60 million fund for community, arts, Gaeltacht and sport…

It appears to be working well in Iceland, where there is a subsidy system for leisure activities from age six to 18. There is a similar model in France, which has a culture pass that gives all under 18-year-olds €300 to spend on art, music, theatre and other cultural activities. I believe Australia has an active kids programme which provides $100 vouchers towards sport and active recreation costs each year. We need to look at all policy initiatives or ideas around how we promote participation opportunities and acti…

My Department runs a small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme. The scheme is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government moneys and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000. My Department provides funding to support Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, which is the largest gr…

I take the Deputy's point about the festivals in Mohill, Manorhamilton and many other areas. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, has responsibility for insurance reform. He has advanced legislation on insurance. There is also a Cabinet sub-committee that specifically addresses insurance issues. In the sports sector, we are engaging on the challenges that certain sporting organisations and community groups are facing. Every Deputy or Senator is well aware of the challenges that certain groups or act…

There is an action plan on insurance reform. It is not a case of the sub-committee reporting. Rather, there is ongoing implementation of recommendations, legislation is being advanced and there is regular engagement with the sector around the challenges that community organisations and festivals are facing. Significant progress has been made. It is a key Cabinet sub-committee with a cross-departmental focus, including from the perspectives of the Departments of Finance and Justice. I will bring to the Minister of S…

Businesses are facing cost inflation and other economic stresses, including rising costs in food and energy, increased wages in a competitive recruitment market and the cost of insurance. The aim in budget 2023 is to support the tourism industry to recover and grow in a sustainable way. A total of €214.762 million is being provided for tourism. We have secured €15 million in continued additional funding for overseas marketing of Ireland as a leading holiday destination. This includes €5 million to develop further a…

We are conscious of the increased costs for businesses as well as the tourism and hospitality sector's importance for employment. That is why a specific scheme has been developed and announced by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, namely, the TBESS, which will provide businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills up to €10,000 per month. It in this context that we want to support businesses with their increased energy costs. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, has secured specific …

It was important for us to have provided a humanitarian response for those who arrived from Ukraine. Thankfully, we have been able to provide accommodation and support for people when they arrive. It has been very important. I hope Deputy O'Donoghue is not suggesting-----

I do not think that we should-----

We must be very careful not to-----

Deputy O'Donoghue must be very careful to not suggest that those who are arriving from Ukraine-----

I think-----

The Deputy should be very careful. We are providing a strong humanitarian response for those who arrived from Ukraine. We have an obligation to provide-----

-----accommodation and welfare to those who have arrived.

To apportion blame to them, however, around the-----

I respectfully ask the Deputy-----

The Deputy should be respectful-----

We should be very respectful-----

-----and considerate-----