Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

472. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will refuse permission to Foras na Gaeilge to sign a long lease on a proposed headquarters in Dublin in view of the recommendation in the report of the Moore Street consultative group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18261/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Firstly, I should explain that the recently published report of the Moore Street Consultative Group is currently being examined in the Department and its recommendations will be considered by Minister Humphreys. Any executive action must await that consideration and would be premature in any event pending the establishment of the oversight group that the Group itself envisages being put in place to take forward its recommendations.

The accommodation needs of particular organisations and related lease arrangements are, of course, also subject to procurement rules, compliance with the planning and development code and the suitability and availability of appropriate office space to meet the particular needs of the organisation when actually required.

In regard to Foras na Gaeilge, I must stress that the provision of office accommodation for its staff is an operational matter for that agency. I understand that Foras na Gaeilge has pressing accommodation requirements which arise, principally, from the ending of the long-term leases on its current headquarters on Merrion Square and its office in North Frederick Street. Accordingly, in accordance with section 5 of its Financial Memorandum, Foras na Gaeilge submitted a comprehensive business case to its two Sponsor Departments seeking approval for a proposal to move to a new headquarters in Amiens Street. Following consideration of the business case, both Sponsor Departments gave approval in principle for the move earlier this year. Both Departments are currently considering a request for final approval of the proposal.