Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
206. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider a matter in relation to the Saint Patrick's Festival (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9306/23]
View answerThe St Patrick's Festival is a key driver for the tourism industry, presenting a world class event that showcases the very best of Ireland as a destination, showing our incredible culture, heritage and traditions to a global audience through quality experiences. In addition, St Patrick's Festival continues to be a key driver of employment and opportunity for the creative sector. As a civic celebration, the Festival is important for fostering a collective, inclusive spirit locally and nationally.
The St. Patrick’s Day National Parade is one of the largest gatherings of people in Ireland with approximately 500,000 people expected to come into Dublin city centre this year on March 17th. While my Department and Fáilte Ireland provide funding to the St Patrick’s Festival, the organisational and logistical arrangements for the parade are entirely a matter for the St. Patrick’s Festival company, the body responsible for organising the festival and parade.
With regard to the report in question, I understand that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has written to the organisation in question regarding publication, I further understand the organisation has advised that it is committed to publishing the full report after the relevant legal review had taken place. I would welcome early publication of the report given the importance of the subject matter. I further understand the organisation has advised that they are engaging with the victims/ survivors through their appointed independent review panel, which is chaired by Dr. Shannon, around the process of the report’s publication and that this engagement is underway at present.
