Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1724. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position in regard to expressions of interest from potential partners to develop and operate a national diaspora centre; the reason the process has not progressed beyond a preliminary stage; if a timetable has been set for the completion of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/14]

Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1725. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport arising from the decision to seek expressions of interest from potential partners to develop and operate a national diaspora centre, if the promised committee to assess any recommendations made by Fáilte Ireland has yet been established; if he will elaborate on the chair and the membership of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1724 and 1725 together.

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.

In 2013 Minister Varadkar asked Fáilte Ireland to carry out a feasibility study on the development of a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum and the most suitable means by which it could be financed, developed and managed.

Following receipt of that study Minister Varadkar asked Fáilte Ireland to seek expressions of interest from interested parties in order to identify a suitable project and partner to develop a National Diaspora Centre. Fáilte Ireland called upon interested parties to submit applications for consideration for the development of a Centre by 11 July 2014.  These applications have since been received and I am at present considering the most appropriate next stage in progressing the concept, having regard to the wider context of the Government's diaspora policy.