Results 6,921-6,940 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications (15 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: 350. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a disadvantaged area scheme 2013 payment will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the circumstances in this case and the undue hardship being caused by the delay. [43415/13]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Administration (8 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: I propose to take Questions Nos. 608 and 609 together. No decision has been made on the timing of any future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme. Any future rounds of the Programme will be advertised in the national press. Any interested group should register on as this will be the only way to apply under any future rounds of the Programme.

Seanad: Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, who is unable to be here, I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I thank Senator Quinn for the publication and tabling of the Bill and I note in passing his exemplary record in terms of advancing Private Members' Bills on a variety of useful and topical subjects. While welcoming the opportunity to speak...

Seanad: Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: Senators will be aware that the Government announced in December 2011 that it had decided not to proceed with legislation to abolish upward only rent reviews. It will be recalled that the proposals which were brought before Government at that time had the particular aim of providing relief for tenants whose businesses might otherwise be viable were it not for the adverse impact arising from...

Seanad: Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: However, points of conflict with the Constitution were identified during the development of that legislation and on the advice of the Attorney General it was not possible to proceed with it. In particular, it was clear that in order to strengthen the ability of any retrospective legislation to survive a constitutional challenge, provision would have to be made for a scheme of compensation to...

Seanad: Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: We are all aware of the difficulties which confront the retail sector and small and medium enterprises at this time, but we have to be realistic in terms of acknowledging what we can and cannot do. One of the key objectives of the Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013 is to bring about a change in the amount of rent which has been agreed as a result of a contractual arrangement...

Seanad: Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: The Senator is not often present in the Chamber.

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: As Deputies know, for any major sports event to be held in the country, the national sports body concerned must issue an invitation. If it is the soccer World Cup, the FAI must issue an invitation; if it is the rugby World Cup, the IRFU has to issue an invitation and so forth. However, Fáilte Ireland has a section that deals with bringing international events to the country and during...

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: I agree with the Deputy. Who would have thought ten years ago that we could host such a one-day event in Dublin? It was great to see it happening and I would like to see more events like it taking place. Hosting any international event sends the very strong message that we are well capable of hosting such events. It also sends a message about what we have to offer. When people come to...

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: The rates issue is serious and one that needs to be dealt with at Government level. It is not part of our brief or responsibility. It is, however, a matter that I am concerned about because the sporting facilities in question are major. The burden to which Deputy McLellan is referring will create a major problem. With regard to the question by Deputy Durkan and that of Deputy McLellan,...

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: On the hosting of the Rugby World Cup, we recently had meetings with the IRFU. Fáilte Ireland has supported it with some funding to carry out a feasibility study. We will be meeting the IRFU shortly and I hope it will have an update in this regard. I would love to see the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. We are well capable of hosting the event. We should put some funding aside now to...

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 655, 656 and 657 together. These questions relate to employment and economic benefit from the sports sector. Sport makes a significant contribution to the economy and is an important driver of growth and employment. The sports sector's contribution to the economy includes sports tourism, ticket sales, subscriptions and the cost of playing sport,...

Other Questions: Job Creation (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: In 2012 a total of 35,000 people came to Dublin for the Notre Dame versus Navy American football game. Ticket sales were worth €100,000. Revenue was created for the city through spending in taxis, restaurants and pubs, and that resulted in much employment. A survey carried out by DKM economic consultants for the Department indicated that every €57,000 spent on construction...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: VAT Rate Increases (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: First, I take this opportunity to compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, who two years ago was brave enough to reduce the VAT rate, from 13.5% to 9%. People forget that in those very serious economic times he had the vision and foresight to do so. I hear people talking and I have met the hospitality sector. I have met the publicans and the hoteliers and, of course, they all...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: VAT Rate Increases (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: Deputy Noonan is a good Minister. He is one who knows what is happening on the ground. He certainly responded in the past when the circumstances were even more difficult and I hope he will do the same again. Since then, Germany, France and Switzerland have reduced their VAT rate because they see how important tourism is to the economy and the country. The fact that the sector could create...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: VAT Rate Increases (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: This question is about the VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector. I am very conscious that the tourism and hospitality industry would like to see the 9% rate continue throughout 2014 and beyond. I am supportive of retaining a reduced rate but I am conscious that this can only be justified on the basis of clear evidence of the impact of the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sport and Recreational Development (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: I have no responsibility in relation to the HSE or the operational structures established within the HSE. It is entirely a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE as to how their operational structures are organised. The contribution of sport to health and the prevention of illness and disability is very significant. The health benefits that can be gained from participation in sport...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Facilities Provision (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: I have had no discussions with the Department of Education and Skills regarding the issue raised by the Deputy. Schools are eligible to apply for funding under the Sports Capital Programme when they apply jointly with local sports and community groups.  Under the 2012 round of the Programme, schools that showed that they were sharing facilities with local groups, through formal...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Expenditure (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: All applications received under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme were first checked to ensure eligibility and then eligible applications were initially assessed against the following criteria (the final 4 criteria only applied to regional and national projects): Selection Criteria Increase in the levels of active participation/ improved standards of sporting performance, especially...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (1 Oct 2013)

Michael Ring: The normal procedure for the hosting of international sporting events is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in question in Ireland.  In this case, it would be a matter for the FAI to decide if it wishes to make a bid to host the Homeless World Cup in Ireland.  If the FAI decides to make a bid, my Department will...