Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom i dtosach báire tagairt a dhéanamh don chlár a rinne "Prime Time" an oíche faoi dheireadh faoin phictiúrlann nua atá á thógáil i nGaillimh. A few nights ago, "Prime Time" highlighted the development of the arthouse cinema in Galway. It chronicled a host of serious issues with the way that the project progressed. We should investigate these. Although it is a local matter, it points to a broader issue within the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs as to why proper oversight was not in place. We have been told that €6 million in State funding was invested in the arthouse cinema project and that a further €1 million will be needed, and there are questions about the fund-raising used to supplement the State funding and so on, but it appears from the report that at no point was there proper oversight of whether moneys were available, a proper business plan was in place, etc.

A number of substantial capital projects have been earmarked for Galway in the context of it being awarded the European Capital of Culture 2020. I am sure that capital projects are being undertaken in other parts of the State. In this light, it is important that the Minister attend the House to discuss how her Department is overseeing such projects. I also seek a debate on regional economic development with the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. I would like to find out the Government's vision, particularly for the west. We are far behind in the development of infrastructure, and there are serious issues with broadband, water and sewerage. In addition, there has been a haemorrhaging of citizens as a result of emigration. Schools have closed as well. It is important, therefore, to see how the Minister of State's regional economic development brief will address those matters. How will it create jobs in the west and what is the Minister of State's vision in that regard?

Ba bhreá liom dá bhféadfaimid an díospóireacht sin a bheith againn go luath.