Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Expo 2000.

John McGuinness

Question:

118 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is in receipt of a submission from an organisation (details supplied) in Kilkenny, regarding a future use for the Irish pavilion which is now being used for the Expo 2000 mission to Hanover, Germany; if, in the context of this submission, she will agree to locate the pavilion in Kilkenny city; if she will further outline the other interests being expressed in the pavilion; and her policy in relation to the issue. [13916/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I am in receipt of a submission of 3 June 1999 from the organisation in question regarding a future use for the Irish pavilion at the end of 2000, which will take place in Hanover Germany, from 1 June to 31 October 2000.

In the response of 30 July 1999, the organisation was informed that the post use of the Irish pavilion, covering the financial implications and the procedures applicable in relation to the disposal of a Government asset, was being discussed by the inter-departmental and agency group (IDAG) established to oversee Ireland's participation in 2000 with a view to arriving at recom mendations grounded in the principles of transparency and accountability.

The IDAG recommendations were submitted to me this week, and therefore I hope to be in a position to make a decision in the matter shortly. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate at this stage to comment on the other interests which have been expressed about the pavilion or, about its use or location at any particular site in Ireland.