Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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62. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of persons (details supplied) operating boats to Sceilig Mhicél; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2555/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It has been decided that the dates for the visitor season at Skellig Michael for 2016 will be 14 May to 2 October, weather permitting. These are virtually the same dates as last year, with no curtailment of the length of the official season.

I appreciate that Skellig Michael has gained somewhat of a greater profile this year because of Star Wars and that there is an expectation that more visitors will come to the area as a result. However, it must be appreciated that the Island has a finite capacity to deal with large numbers of visitors due to the fragility of the Island and the impact large numbers of visitors would have on the sensitive historic structures.

In previous years, there has been significant pressure from local interests to have the visitor season at Skellig Michael extended. However, as has been stated many times previously, this has not been possible because a significant amount of work needs to be done in the period immediately prior to the official opening. During this period, the site needs to be prepared to receive visitors and have significant Health and Safety preparations for the forthcoming season carried out. In particular, the site is fully assessed after the winter, any hazards cleared from public areas and any necessary repairs carried out. These preparatory works are absolutely necessary in advance of opening the island to the public.

In previous years, visitors have been landed on the Island outside of the official visitor season dates. This activity cannot be condoned as, prior to the season, the Island remains in an unsafe, unprepared condition and is without Guides who provide the trained emergency response including radios, defibrillator, oxygen, first aid etc. Such unauthorised landings are potentially very hazardous for visitors.

Understanding that Skellig Michael is typically unavailable to visitors because of bad weather in particular approx 30 - 40% of the season, officials in the OPW and the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht have, in tandem with Fáílte Ireland and a local Tourism group based in Portmagee, been developing alternative tourism options in the immediate area which are not so weather dependant and which can be enjoyed by visitors. The officials in both Departments will continue to develop these alternative offerings and would hope to make them available to visitors this year.