Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 728: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, through his Department or any agency attached or directed by him funding is available to purchase a property to obtain the stated property for public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29410/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy and it does not have a budget for the purchase of historic or other properties. Fáilte Ireland operates the tourism capital investment programme, which provides support for the development, by third parties in the public or private sector, of certain categories of visitor attractions, visitor activities, and tourism infrastructure. However, I am informed that the operational guidelines for this programme specifically state that the purchase of land or buildings is not eligible for funding. The operational guidelines are the basis on which the Programme received approval from the European Commission under state aids rules.

The management of the tourism capital investment programme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I am referring the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply so that it can provide further information about the programme. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.