Written Answers Nos. 210-218
210. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Fáilte Ireland intends to sell a property (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps that will be taken to ensure the premises will be utilised for marine education and training and marine tourism purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26386/14]
View answerI have no direct role in relation to the sale or future use of this property as this is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
211. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide maps of the proposed new Ballyvourney to Ovens road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26403/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
212. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the Oilgate to Rosslare roads scheme, if the proposed corridor can be narrowed in order to allow home owners in the area to sell their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
213. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a decision has been made on an application for a sports capital grant in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26449/14]
View answerI can confirm that an application has been submitted by this club under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support is noted. I hope to announce allocations later this year.
214. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve tyre labelling in view of the fact that there is not an independent body assessing each tyre and awarding the rating; his plans to establish such a body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26457/14]
View answerThe labelling of tyres to ensure consumers are provided with relevant and comparable information relating to the consumption of energy and other parameters during use is a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and my Department has no role in the matter.
215. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the declining popularity of the Irish Open; the steps that will be taken to encourage high-profile golf players to participate in the event; his views on the importance of the Irish Open from a tourism perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/14]
View answerThe European Tour is responsible for the operation of the Irish Open golf tournament and is therefore responsible for the playing field for the event. However, I note that all the top Irish golfers, who are amongst the biggest draws for spectators, are playing at the event this year despite the many other demands on them. Attendance figures have been very good in recent years and indeed the event in Royal Portrush was the first "sold out" tournament in the history of the European Tour.
From a tourism perspective, the Irish Open provides a platform for the promotion of Ireland as a golf destination and Fáilte Ireland have long been a supporter of the event. I have asked the agency to provide you with further detail as to the work they do with the European Tour to promote and support the event. If you do not hear from them within ten working days, please contact my private office.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which a wheelchair accessible grant remains available to PSV licence holders whose business requires transport of persons in wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26561/14]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, including issues pertaining to a grant scheme for the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please notify my private office.
217. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 13 May 2014, his views on any outcome of the LRC conciliation process in relation to the fact that residential care staff sleep over and have had their duty hours and payments calculated in a manner which has been suggested is a breach of the EU Working Time Directive. [26470/14]
View answerI am informed by the Child and Family Agency that, despite detailed management proposals to move towards compliance with the European Working Time Directive having been provided by management, significant differences between management and unions remain. The matter has now been referred to the Labour Court.
218. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cumulative total of unapproved salary top-ups currently being paid under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27079/14]
View answerGovernment pay policy is clear that remuneration rates for civil and public servants must be appropriately approved and sanctioned in advance of payment. Pay policy is underpinned by administrative and legislative requirements. I can confirm to the Deputy that staff employed in my Department and in public service agencies under the aegis of my Department are paid in line with approved civil and public sector pay scales.
