Results 9,641-9,660 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen
- Sports Capital Programme. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: Sometimes issues are picked up because of timing but not long ago I articulated a similar and strong view on sport. When we discuss sport we must understand the huge impact that can be made at a very young level by the money invested by sporting bodies throughout the country in training and facilities and the access children are given to sport. The Deputy is fully aware that the quality of...
- Tourism Industry. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 16, 23, 25 and 34 together. In response to Parliamentary Question No. 3, I outlined the tourism performance so far this year. There is no doubt that the period to date in 2009 has been very difficult for tourism globally which has been reflected in overseas visitor numbers to Ireland. There have been significant declines in GDP, personal spending and...
- Tourism Industry. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I agree with the Deputy on this point. I introduced a Valuation Bill a number of years ago and I have always believed that rates should be based on current market conditions and real value and income levels and not a notional level based on the size of the property. One could have a very large property with no activity taking place in it. It is open to local authorities to make themselves...
- Tourism Industry. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I am aware of the problem. I have had some interaction with the Irish Hotels Federation on this issue and it has made that point clear to me. I do not believe it is widespread but the Deputy was right that there are instances where hotels are literally sustaining themselves. They are turning money but are not profitable and are not even covering their costs because of certain protections...
- Tourism Industry. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: It needs somebody with a very particular level of skills given the complexity of this area. I am anxious that the quality of that board is unassailable in terms of the depth and breadth of its knowledge, as is the Minister for Finance. I believe the Minister for Finance has said to the Deputies' party leaders that if they have particular people in mind, they should talk to him. I am in the...
- Tourism Industry. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: The National Asset Management Agency has traction. There are issues to be resolved and the Minister for Finance is open to that on Committee Stage. Our discussion demonstrates the complexity and the pitfalls for various sectors. I am glad we are all alert to them and are working to try to ensure we do not create even more problems for ourselves. There will be good people on the National...
- Film Industry Development. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 of today.
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: Within the remit of the Department, the National Development Plan 2007-13 makes provision for allocations to the culture sub-programme, the sports sub-programme and the tourism programme. The Department's role in the culture sub-programme relates to the development of Ireland's cultural infrastructure. The aim is to protect and showcase our cultural heritage, to support the Government's...
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: Is the Deputy referring to the product development fund?
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I saw a fantastic television programme on TG4 recently, more by accident than design, on surfing in the west. It is extraordinary that some of the big names in world surfing have only now discovered the west.
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: That did not seem to bother them. These were high-end surfers and they were blown away by the quality of waves. Recently, I opened Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in Inistioge, County Kilkenny. They reminded me of the Mount Congreve Gardens, Kilmeaden, County Waterford, which are world famous, but there is no coherence in marketing their tourism potential. Many bodies working in similar...
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: A substantial amount of funding has already been spent under the national development plan. Clearly, the economic circumstances that have not just hit Ireland but the rest of the world have been beyond anyone's expectations. The national development plan will still be in place. However, the economic downturn and the lack of resources will change the timeframe to deliver some of these...
- Departmental Funding. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I have had several discussions with the family at Birr Castle. I am aware of what they have achieved. The Office of Public Works has been effective in assisting in some of their efforts. The Deputy is correct that we cannot allow that investment to die away. For the next year, we will try to find the resources to sustain, even at a minimal level, many of these facilities and not allow...
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 42 together. A programme of works for the Natural History Museum, agreed between the National Museum of Ireland, the Office of Public Works and my Department, is under way. It is designed to facilitate the reopening of the museum in as short a timeframe as possible, having regard to the need to meet key health and safety concerns. The programme includes...
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: The type of refurbishment the staff and others wanted is going ahead and should be completed in another month. Ironically, the exhibition in Collins Barracks has been successful with many school tours booked in for this exhibition. As a result, the museum does not want to move before Christmas. It is believed the best time to move was February. Visitor numbers are up for the museum...
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: The storage was sourced in Swords. I believe that has been done. The access to that storage is important and I have no note to suggest that it will not go ahead. I can check up on that for the Deputy.
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: Strange as it might as it might seem - or maybe it is not strange, maybe I am using the wrong language - the numbers are very healthy and stronger-----
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I hope I am giving the figures based on the tours that are specifically booked in. There may well be some numbers based on the fact that Collins Barracks houses much more than the Natural History Museum. I understand, although I stand to be corrected, that the consistent booking of school tours etc. is very high and that they like the way the exhibition has become much more accessible in...
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: I agree with the Deputy. I see two essential projects, about which the Deputies might agree with me, the Natural History Museum, and the National Library, which is also adjacent to this House. It is a priority. I have recently been through the library, from its bowels to the work being done. To be kind, it is unsatisfactory.
- National History Museum. (24 Sep 2009)
Martin Cullen: The value of the artefacts and historical items stored is immeasurable.