State Bodies Numbers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (413)

Seán Kyne

Question:

413. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he shares concerns regarding the future of an Údáras na Gaeltachta -run company (details supplied) in County Galway on which many local companies rely; and if consideration will be given to arranging a consultation process with experts in this industry who could provide insight on courses of action which would safeguard the future of other local businesses while building upon the expert growth already evident. [3087/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The company referred to by the Deputy is a fully owned subsidiary of Údarás na Gaeltachta. As the Deputy will be aware, Údarás na Gaeltachta is a statutory organisation with an independent board that operates under the aegis of my Department. Accordingly, I have no function in regard to day-to-day operational matters of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Having said that, I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that the company in question is performing satisfactorily and that there is a process in place to secure a strategic partner to ensure the long-term future of the company and its stakeholders. I also understand that the position of local indigenous companies is a key criterion in the decision making process regarding the future of the company in question.