Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
692. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which he expects Fáilte Ireland to issue the call for expressions of interest in connection with the possible development of a national diaspora centre, which he said in his statement of 3 March would be made within a matter of weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17495/14]
View answerAs I informed the House previously, I have decided that expressions of interest should be sought to establish if there is a suitable project and partner available to develop a Diaspora Centre based on the study commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I asked Fáilte Ireland to issue the call for expressions of interest, which was placed on their website last Thursday 10 April and is available at the following weblink:http://www.failteireland.ie/News-Features/News-Library/National-Diaspora-Centre.aspx. The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is 11 June.
Responses to the call will be assessed initially by the Fáilte Ireland executive. Their findings will then be submitted, alongside the expressions of interest, to a committee comprising of an independent Chair and representatives of relevant Departments and other interested parties. I will consider the recommendations of that committee and advise the Government if there are suitable projects or partners available to advance the development of a National Diaspora Centre.
