Results 101-120 of 20,682 for speaker:Mary Hanafin

Written Answers — Hotel Sector: Hotel Sector (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: Economic circumstances are making trading conditions difficult for most businesses at present. These difficult conditions are exacerbated in the hotel sector by an overcapacity in supply. This is proving to be a complex situation to resolve and I believe that, inevitably, it will require a market led solution over time. In recent weeks I have received copies of the IHF's pre-Budget...

Written Answers — Budgetary Submissions: Budgetary Submissions (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 120 together. Policy in the areas of tourism, culture and sport is kept under constant review, in consultation with key sectoral interests. I meet many of the stakeholders in the tourism, culture and sports sectors on a regular basis as part of this ongoing consultation process. In the tourism sector, since my appointment as Minister for Tourism,...

Written Answers — Corporate Governance: Corporate Governance (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: The statutory framework for the various agencies under the aegis of my Department are the subject of regular review to ensure that each agency is fit for purpose, that there is an appropriate separation of functions between the Department and its agencies and that transparency, openness and accountability apply. The current situation is that I am responsible for the formulation, development...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: Capital funding for arts and cultural projects supported by my Department is provided from the Cultural Development subhead, D5, of Vote 35 of the Revised Estimates Volume. Under this subhead, capital grants are awarded for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure throughout the country. Integrated arts centres, theatres, museums, galleries, arts studios and creative and...

Written Answers — Art Collection: Art Collection (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 43 together. I refer the Deputy to my previous replies on this matter. There is concern that the sale of Irish art works by the organisations referred to would depress an already troubled market place for Irish art. I have pointed this out to the Bank of Ireland and, emphasised the deflationary and displacement impact which the sale of a significant...

Written Answers — Arts Funding: Arts Funding (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 44 and 110 together. Government Policy in this area is set out in the Programme for Government. This policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism. The Government appreciates...

Written Answers — Sports Funding: Sports Funding (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: Under the Sports Capital Programme, funding is allocated to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. For a variety of reasons it can take grantees a number of years to draw down funding allocated under the Programme. Where delays are excessive, or where the project has ceased, the Department will withdraw the...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: The most recent published figures from the CSO show a reduction of 15.7% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the first three quarters of 2010 compared to the corresponding period of 2009. Figures for the third quarter of this year show that the fall-off is slowing down, at just over 8% compared to the corresponding period of 2009. While any decrease is disappointing, the figures...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: The overall tourism services budget of the Department was increased to over €153 million for 2010, representing an increase of 3% on 2009 expenditure outturn. The Tourism Marketing Fund in 2010 has a provision of €44.25 million. This is enabling the level and value of investment in overseas marketing of Ireland to be maintained in real terms in 2010 as recommended in the report of the...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 114, inclusive, together. Tourism is a key driver of social and economic development at both national and regional levels in Ireland. Through the strength of our tourism brand and the quality of the tourist experience, tourism also plays a central role in creating a positive image of Ireland. Part of my role, as Minister with responsibility for...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 119 together. The financing of the tourism, culture and sport sectors will be in accordance with the provisions of the four-year economic plan. In that context, I remain fully committed to assisting these sectors as much as possible over the coming years. Moreover, I will remain in ongoing contact and consultation with the key stakeholders so that my...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: With regard to the tourism, culture and sport sectors, safeguarding existing jobs and supporting job creation has been my priority since taking up office as Minister. In particular, it is my policy to develop and support the tourism industry in partnership with those bodies that represent tourism business. Despite the difficulties in our public finances, the Government increased the tourism...

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I have not statutorily devolved any areas of my responsibility as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. In other words, I remain directly responsible to Dáil Éireann in respect of my portfolio in the tourism, culture and sport sectors. I have non-statutorily devolved responsibility for a range of matters to my colleague, Mr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with special...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: Safeguarding existing jobs and supporting job creation can only be achieved by promoting the robustness and vibrancy of the sector. I have sought at every opportunity to do just that. The sports sector is a major contributor to the economy, a contribution which includes sports tourism, ticket sales, subscriptions and the cost of playing sport, together with the purchase of sports equipment...

National Aquatic Centre (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: No agreement has been reached in regard to the costs. I know the sports campus has been in contact with its legal advisers but they are not able to predict what the cost claim is likely to be at this stage. If agreement is not reached on that, it obviously will be referred to the Taxing Master. There is obviously correspondence between the legal advisers on both sides. Whatever that...

National Aquatic Centre (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: A number of issues were raised by Dublin Waterworld Limited which has been in contact with me and with all Deputies present in the Chamber. As this case has been before the courts, including the Supreme Court where it was determined upon, I do not think it appropriate to reopen all the issues which precede my time in this position. However, I have replied to Dublin Waterworld Limited on the...

National Aquatic Centre (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I reiterate I will not reopen issues determined by the Supreme Court. This case went to the High Court and the Supreme Court and was returned to the Supreme Court in regard to costings. I do not think it is appropriate to discuss it again because a final decision has been made. It preceded my time and relates to 2004.

Departmental Staff (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: A total of 154 staff are currently working in my Department. Of this figure, 44 staff are working in the National Archives which is part of my Department and a further 30 work in the divisions with responsibility for arts, culture and the film sectors. In 2010, these divisions manage a budget of €153 million and undertake functions in regard to ongoing policy formation, financial...

Departmental Staff (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: I would be interested to hear from the Deputy exactly which of the quangos in my Department she feels should be removed. When we talk about any one of them on an individual basis all of us can appreciate the value of what they do. The Arts Council does what it does as does the Irish Film Board. For its size the Irish Film Board generates enormous interest in film in this country and brings...

Departmental Staff (24 Nov 2010)

Mary Hanafin: We are going over the point again but in reality there are only the two agencies. There are sensitivities given that one agency is a North-South body which has the international remit to market Ireland as an island. There is a great deal to be said for being able to go to the United States and promote Ireland as an island at peace which can attract tourists. There are particular...