Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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12. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the constraints on Údarás na Gaeltachta, given its successful management of business facilities, which facilities are currently at 90% capacity; and the steps that her Department will take to ensure that Údarás na Gaeltachta has the resources to undertake the expansion necessary for further job creation. [37991/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, I very much understand the importance of job creation in retaining sustainable communities in Gaeltacht areas. I am also very cognisant of the ongoing challenge of maintaining existing jobs, in addition to creating new jobs, in the Gaeltacht. In that context, I wish to acknowledge the important enterprise and employment function of Údarás na Gaeltachta as the regional economic agency for the Gaeltacht.

I am well aware of Údarás na Gaeltachta's proposal to increase its capital budget over a period of time to €12m per annum. I am also very aware and supportive of the case advanced by the organisation that such an increase in funding would enable it to create an additional 300 jobs per annum. The case for funding outlined specific measures including the upgrading of its existing property portfolio and the provision of new property solutions in a number of geographic and sectoral areas.

In that context, I have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that its property portfolio has achieved almost full capacity with only a small number of vacant property options available to existing and prospective clients. With regard to the Gaeltacht in Co. Galway, I understand that there are a number of projects which require capital investment in order to address the specific needs identified by expanding enterprises.

Finally, the Deputy will be aware that Údarás na Gaeltachta's capital allocation for 2016 is €5.687m. While I am of course cognisant of the significant pressure on capital resources at this time, I am continuing to seek further funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta under the Revised Estimates process for 2016.