Results 1,641-1,660 of 3,053 for speaker:Mary Upton

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (14 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 171: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons transferred from Dublin under the decentralisation programme; the number of transferees who have responsibility for arts, sport and tourism, respectively; the number of persons retained in the Dublin offices with the relative responsibilities as stated; the target number that has been set for his Department...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Mary Upton: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion, which was put forward by my party. I particularly wish to focus on the sensible proposal for a substantial programme of school building. The opportunity that exists to concentrate on a substantial school building programme that will absorb some of the unfortunate spare capacity in the house building sector. The CSO figures for employment...

Written Answers — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 285: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will amend the sports capital programme to ensure that it supports the increased participation of persons who are currently not active in sport; his views on whether the funding for the sports capital programme is regressive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17681/08]

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 289: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish, through Fáilte Ireland, an innovation fund to promote and support the development of tourism products that are new to the market here and to promote best practice, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 290: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop a rolling programme of national culture, musical and literary festivals to enhance the tourism product here, in particular through the establishment of a new fund of €28 million for the creation of a small number of major annual events...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 291: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to undertake a strategic review of new and developing markets to identify the investment and actions needed to realise their potential. [18088/08]

Written Answers — National Conference Centre: National Conference Centre (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 292: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to put in place a strong promotional programme for the new National Conference Centre in Dublin with a view to doubling the level of business tourism to Ireland from €400 million to €800 million per year over the next ten years. [18089/08]

Written Answers — Regional Conference Centres: Regional Conference Centres (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 293: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to investigate the feasibility of a regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area. [18090/08]

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 294: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to encourage the tourism agencies to highlight national games here to a greater degree in their promotional activities and continue the policy of attracting suitable major sporting events to Ireland. [18091/08]

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 295: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to implement in full the Fáilte Ireland Competing Through People Programme. [18092/08]

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 296: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to develop, with Fáilte Ireland, rural based package style holidays through which bed and breakfast owners and farm holiday operators can offer activities such as walking, angling, golfing and cycling in addition to the provision of accommodation and quality...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 322: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the rising cost of living and the serious difficulties families have trying to cope, it would be possible to pay the children's allowance twice monthly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18548/08]

Olympic Games. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Is there a possibility of fast-tracking some of the developments in train, such as in Abbottstown? A 200 m track has been proposed. Why do we not go for a long-term strategy and seek a 400 m track and encourage top-class athletes to avail of such a facility? I am interested in fast-tracking the filling of gaps which will be identified and highlighted in the national audit. As the Minister...

Olympic Games. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: It is important that whatever happens sporting interests are protected. We should have no intervention that would hamper our athlete's opportunities for success. Has the Minister met Mr. Pat Hickey of the IOC? Perhaps he has not had an opportunity to do so since taking up his new portfolio. It would be important to speak to him and representatives of the athletes. I accept the Minister's...

Arts Plan. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: I broadly agree clarity is needed because of the confusion surrounding the plans. These various slightly contradictory reports are not doing the arts any favours as they are generating confusion and a lack of clarity. I welcome the Minister's proposal that we move forward and agree on a plan.

Legislative Programme. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 79: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the Irish Sports Council (amendment) Bill to be published; the reason for the delay in the publication of this Bill; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of publication and legislation is hampering the work of the Irish Institute of Sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/08]

Legislative Programme. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: I congratulate the Minister on his appointment and send good wishes to his predecessor, Deputy Séamus Brennan. I thank the Minister for his reply, but it does not get to the heart of what I am trying to establish here. An institute of sport was first mooted by the then Minister, Deputy Jim McDaid, in December 2001 following the Sydney Olympic Games. There was an Athens review in 2006, when...

Legislative Programme. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: I am glad to hear that, but we have been talking about this since 2001. I worry that we will spend another seven years talking about it. It appears to me that the Minister will not have anything in place prior to the Olympic Games. How will the funding be distributed to this new organisation? Will it come via the Irish Sports Council, or will it come independently? What exactly is the...

Legislative Programme. (13 May 2008)

Mary Upton: When can we expect the Bill to be published?

Written Answers — End-of-Life Vehicles: End-of-Life Vehicles (8 May 2008)

Mary Upton: Question 14: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will publish the report into the presence of Irish and foreign registered car write-offs on roads here; the contacts his Department has had with the Revenue Commissioners as regards information on the number of car write-offs on roads here; if he will reform the National Vehicle Driver File to tackle the problem of car write-offs; his...