Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he or his officials have had with the Minister of State in his Department regarding a sharing of duties and or portfolios; the areas the Minister of State has expressed specific interest in; if those areas have been assigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14218/17]

Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the delegated functions to the Minister of State in his Department. [14015/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 75 together.

On 19th May 2016 The Taoiseach announced the appointment of Patrick O'Donovan T.D. as Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with responsibility for Tourism and Sport. 

Based on this, I subsequently assigned the responsibilities set out below to Minister O'Donovan on an administrative basis in July 2016. In February 2017, Minister of State O'Donovan expressed his concern about confusion surrounding his role and responsibilities within the Department due, in his view, to a lack of certainty and clarity in the absence of a clear set of delegated functions. The Minister of State sought a clear set of delegated functions to address this.

I am aware that the previous Minister of State Ring had responsibility for sport and tourism at this Department but did not have a statutory delegation of functions. His functions were, as currently with Minister O'Donovan, assigned on an administrative basis.  

Responsibilities of Minister of State O'Donovan.

-Minister of State O'Donovan has general responsibility for sport, with a particular focus on:

-the Sports Capital Programme;

-the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme;

-engagement with Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships in relation to promoting participation in sport, recreation and physical activity and the promotion of high performance sport;

-oversight of the National Sports Campus; and

-engagement with the institutions of the European Union on sport matters, including attendance at the Council of Ministers when significant sports issues are to be discussed and attendance by a Minister is required.

-Minister of State O'Donovan also has general responsibility for domestic tourism, with a particular focus on:

-development of tourism product;

-domestic tourism marketing;

-Tourism generating events including festivals, sports, business, and cultural tourism

In addition to the allocated responsibilities, Minister of State O'Donovan will support the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross, TD, in relation to:

-Oireachtas business;

-international commitments;

-attendance at public events; and

-other matters as may be required.