Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to the development of a diaspora centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45027/12]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to the development of a national diaspora centre; the possible location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44942/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 64 together.

There is significant potential for Irish tourism in the development of an appropriate centre focusing on the Irish diaspora.

The Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, published in November 2011, includes a commitment of support for a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum should a suitable project and partner be available.

Accordingly, I asked Fáilte Ireland to carry out a scoping study on the development of such a centre and the most suitable means by which it could be financed, developed and managed. A small group, under the chairmanship of broadcaster John Bowman, was set up to inform the terms of reference that will guide the scoping study. That group's work is complete and the tender documents for the study including the terms of reference will be available on the eTenders website in the coming week. I look forward to reviewing the outcome of the scoping study which will inform future developments and next steps.