I raise the issue of Dublin Zoo. Zoos across the island are under pressure but Dublin Zoo is in big trouble and we woke this morning to the news that it might face closure. I need not tell the Taoiseach that a closure would be devastating for local employment and the economy, as well as for tourism. Dublin Zoo is one of our key tourist attractions and has occupied a special place for children and families right across the island for generations. The director of the zoo, Dr. Christoph Schwitzer, was quoted today as saying that one cannot switch off a zoo when one goes home. He also remarked that one cannot furlough an elephant, a zebra or a giraffe. There is a need for funding. I have been in touch with the Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, about this issue over the last few months. He wishes to be helpful but the fund of €500,000 for zoos is just not enough. I am sure the Taoiseach, like me, does not want Dublin Zoo or any of the other zoos to face closure. I appeal to him to intervene and to ensure the necessary supports are made available. Generally, the zoo is a not-for-profit organisation and does not rely on public moneys but it needs help now.

The Government does not want Dublin Zoo to close and we will do everything we possibly can to ensure it stays open. I will be working with the Minister to make sure that happens. This issue came up the last time I was in government, when Bertie Ahern was Taoiseach. To give him his due, he engineered a significant investment for Dublin Zoo which set it in train to become the very modern facility it became. He was a great advocate for the zoo. I was listening this morning and it has been some time since capital funding has been allocated to the zoo by the Government. Given the extraordinary circumstances of a global pandemic, which is a once in 100 years event, the Government has to intervene and work with Dublin Zoo to make sure it is available for generations to come. I intend to act on that.