Results 6,761-6,780 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (25 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: First, as I pointed out, the Minister has no function in regard to the administration of the scheme. However, I accept what both Deputies have said and I accept the point about the frustration of the members, especially those who have paid into the scheme. People want to know what their pension rights will be when the time comes to draw their pensions. I want to put on the record that the...

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (25 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I thank the two Deputies for raising this important issue. I should make it clear that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has no function in regard to the administration of the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme, IASS. The resolution of the funding difficulties in the IASS is primarily a matter for the trustees, the members of the scheme, the companies participating in the...

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (25 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: Sure.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Eligibility (25 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: The exact assessment criteria to be used for the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme are currently being finalised. 

Other Questions: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: The Deputy will have to wait until tomorrow.

Other Questions: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: The Deputy is correct - sport is something that brings everyone together. During the past five years of the serious economic downturn sport was the one thing that lifted the souls, minds and spirits of the people. I thank the GAA for making its facilities available because the bid could not happen if it did not do so. There will be representatives of both Governments, North and South, on...

Other Questions: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: Part of the Deputy’s question is related to what the bid for the Rugby World Cup will do for the country, in particular in terms of tourism. There is no doubt that this is one of the events we could stage. Deputy John O’Mahony has referred to the GAA which will also be involved in the committee. This is an opportunity on which the country cannot pass and I hope we can make a...

Other Questions: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 108 and 850 together. Last November, the Government considered a memorandum on the discussions and analysis to date on a potential bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. While the memorandum identified a number of challenges, the great potential of the event is also clear and I believe that hosting the Rugby World Cup on a cross-Border basis...

Other Questions: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I agree with the Deputy that this would be a great opportunity for the country. With regard to the sports capital programme and the funding we provide each year to rugby in this country, we were delighted this year to be able to keep our funding to the Irish Sports Council intact. I was delighted that rugby got its fair share of the national cake. Tomorrow meetings will take place in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Heritage Sites (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: We appreciate the point, and that is why Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the OPW and all the agencies work together. Deputy McLellan is quite correct. We have proven the point in the past year, with a 7.2% increase in tourism. It has been phenomenal - the best increase since 2008, and from North America the best increase ever. Last year we received...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Heritage Sites (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: Deputy McLellan is quite correct. The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and I attended a number of public meetings throughout the country, where we met all of the stakeholders. We covered much of the country and then we held a meeting in Dublin with all the State agencies. I am confident about this report. We had Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and State agencies doing it, but this will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Heritage Sites (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: Responsibility for policy on national heritage sites rests with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, while the Office of Public Works is responsible for day-to-day matters, including investment, management and maintenance. Nonetheless, my Department and the tourism agencies recognise that these sites are an important part of our tourism offering.  In that context,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Promotion (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: The Wild Atlantic Way is still being developed with the signposting of the full route due for completion by April 2014.  Accordingly it is too early to assess or comment on what changes may emerge in terms of the level of use or footfall.  Of course, the route links what are already central attractions for the overseas visitor to Ireland.   From this year...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sport and Recreational Development (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I understand that discussions have taken place between Fingal County Council, the local boxing club, and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association on securing a premises for the club.  I also understand that following on from a site meeting, correspondence was received by the Council indicating that the club would be interested in exploring further an offer...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Applications (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: In December I was delighted to be able to announce that I had secured €40m in funding for the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme.  The Programme is currently open for applications and all the requirements in relation to making an application are set out in the guide to making an application which is available on the Department's website .   Working with my...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Heritage Sites (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I refer the Deputy to my reply to priority question 90 on this topic today.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Application Numbers (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: In total there have been 2,907 successful registrations for the 2014 Sports Capital Programme.  This figure may change slightly if it is discovered, when reviewing applications submitted, that some of these organisations are not entitled to apply under the SCP, for example private/commercial organisations or organisations with no involvement in sport. A...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 843 together. The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Applications (18 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: The online registration system for the Sports Capital Programme was opened in September 2013.  The launch of the website and the 2014 round of the Programme were accompanied by a significant communications effort to ensure that a maximum number of sports clubs and organisations could apply for funding.  Over 2,900 organisations successfully registered prior to the deadline. Once...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Land Parcel Identification System (12 Feb 2014)

Michael Ring: 180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in resolving the dual claim issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/14]