Written Answers Nos. 621 - 643
621. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the schemes, grants and amounts he and the National Transport Authority provide to fund the development of park and ride facilities, by local authorities and by county, for each of the years 2011 to 2015 to date, in tabular form. [40281/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the provision of Park and Ride facilities. The NTA also oversees the capital funding available for investment in public transport measures in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The NTA has published its draft Transport Strategy for the GDA covering the period 2016 to 2035 and a public consultation process has recently closed. The draft Strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA for the next two decades. The draft Strategy proposes that Park and Ride facilities will be provided to facilitate those living beyond the local walking catchment of rail, or feasible alternative public transport services, to access destinations through the public transport network. Approval for projects included in the draft strategy would be subject to availability of funding.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply, and in particular, for the provision of a breakdown of amounts allocated on a county basis for years 2011-2015. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
622. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the huge transport problems for those with a disability during and following the construction of the new Luas line, as they will lose their taxi service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40315/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the Luas Cross City project. Dublin City Council (DCC), in consultation with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, is responsible for the making of bye-laws regarding the location and number of taxi ranks in the Dublin City area. The making of such bye-laws is a reserved function of the local authority and I have no function in the matter.
Planning for short-term and permanent taxi ranks arising from the Luas Cross City project is discussed by the Luas Cross City Traffic Forum which includes representatives of the NTA, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), DCC, Dublin Bus, and An Garda Síochána.
In the light of the NTA's involvement in the Luas Traffic Forum, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed response. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
623. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 23 September 2015, if he will provide the information he referred to during the oral discussion with regard to the 190 tons of ammunition and bullets which had been transported over Shannon from the United States of America to Afghanistan; and his views on the matter, having undertaken to provide this information on the day. [40392/15]
View answerThe Deputy referred to 190 tons of ammunition and bullets in the course of the oral discussion on 23 September last. My private secretary wrote to the Deputy on 2 November with the further information I undertook to provide in the course of the oral discussion, namely the monthly breakdown of the number of US soldiers who had passed through Shannon Airport in 2015 and the situation regarding the 48 hour notice period for munitions permit applications. I am unclear as to what further information the Deputy is now seeking. The Deputy's concerns appear to relate primarily to foreign policy considerations, which are not my responsibility. My Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and that Department's views are taken account of before permits are issued under Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. The primary purpose of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, is ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board. Ammunition and bullets are classified as both munitions and dangerous goods. The Irish Aviation Authority is consulted on all applications for permits for such goods and such goods must be packaged and stored in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation dangerous goods regulations.
624. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Dublin Bus has applied to the National Transport Authority for funding of extra buses in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40413/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, and for the provision of bus fleets for operation of PSO services throughout the country.
My Department provides funding each year to the Authority for public transport projects and programmes, including a rolling programme of fleet replacement and refurbishment for buses used on Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann PSO routes. Funding will continue to be allocated for this purpose in 2016, in line with commitments made in the context of the new Capital Plan 2016-2021. The Plan also envisages the enlargement of PSO bus fleets in response to market growth.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
625. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact the construction of the N17 motorway from Tuam to Gort in County Galway, together with accommodation and ancillary works thereto, will have on the recommissioning of the railway line from Athenry in County Galway to Claremorris in County Mayo, pursuant to the west on track campaign which, when re-opened, will provide strategic connectivity for freight from Ballina in County Mayo to Foynes deep water port in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40448/15]
View answerThe extension of the Western Rail Corridor was postponed by the Government in 2011. Under the Government's new Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021", the priority for heavy rail infrastructure is to provide the necessary funding for maintenance and renewal programmes to bring the level of funding on the existing network up to the required "steady state" level. There will be no Exchequer funding to reopen heavy rail lines anywhere on the network.
The new Capital Plan includes a commitment that the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways. The potential for investment in rail freight in the West can be considered in that context.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I understand that an agreement is currently under negotiation between Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with regard to the reinstatement of rail infrastructure in the event that the railway line should ever be recommissioned.
626. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed construction of a new bridge (details supplied) over the railway line between crossings 137 and 138 on the Sligo to Dublin railway line; the costs that have been expended to date in putting up cameras at these crossings; the cost involved in the planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40526/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Issues relating to the construction of bridges on the rail network are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Exchequer funds are made available each year for investment in railway safety, asset renewal and maintenance. Since 2014 these funds are governed by the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC), a requirement under EU rules. The works covered by this contract are prioritised by Iarnród Éireann based on appropriate risk assessments. Therefore any works relating to the construction of a new bridge over the railway line between crossings 137 and 138 on the Sligo to Dublin railway line would be a matter for Iarnród Éireann under this contract.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Eireann for a direct reply in relation to the specific matters raised. If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
627. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to lobby the Canadian Government to recognise drivers' licences issued by the Irish authorities and held by Irish persons seeking work in Canada. [40528/15]
View answerDriver licensing in Canada operates at provincial, not national level. Ireland has at present driver licensing exchange agreements in operation with two Canadian provinces, Ontario and Manitoba. We will shortly be bringing in an agreement with Newfoundland & Labrador.
Reaching these agreements is a complex process, which involves the licensing authorities on each side conducting detailed comparison of the two licensing regimes, so that each can be satisfied that the two regimes are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA has been working for some time with the relevant authorities in each of the Canadian provinces. This has led to the agreements which I have mentioned, and I am confident that we will in time have similar agreements with the remaining Canadian provinces.
628. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address matters (details supplied) in relation to the review application and decision of 2 November 2015, under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 to 2003, to the Information Commissioner, case number 150068; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40535/15]
View answerThe Review Application and Information Commissioner's Decision mentioned by the Deputy relates to an FOI request made to the then National Sports Campus Development Authority, now Sport Ireland, which is a body under the aegis of my Department. Sport Ireland, and previously the National Sports Campus Development Authority, is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act and is responsible for the processing of FOI requests relating to the body, including decisions regarding the release or withholding of records. I have no role in that process.
I am confident that Sport Ireland will comply with the decision of the Information Commissioner.
629. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of legal fees, and the amount of money in settlement of legal cases, paid by the National Sports Campus Development Authority in each of the years 2011 to 2015 to date; if he has full confidence in the executive and board of the authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40536/15]
View answerSport Ireland is the new statutory body for sport, resulting from the merger of the National Sports Campus Development Authority and the Irish Sports Council. Sport Ireland was established on 1st October 2015 and in accordance with Section 30 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, the Authority and the Council stand dissolved on and from that date. I can assure the Deputy that I have full confidence in the Executive and the Board of Sport Ireland, which I appointed with effect from 1 October 2015, and that I also had full confidence in the previous Executive and Board of the Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response in relation to legal fees and settlements paid by the Authority or by Sport Ireland during the period requested by the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
630. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to add an outer orbital motorway route to complement the M50 along the South Drogheda, Navan, Newbridge corridor, to the capital investment plan; his views on the need for a new outer orbital motorway for the significant populations of Dublin and east Leinster, and to alleviate pressure on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40542/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan in the period to 2022 were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. This report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with some targeted investments to improve the existing network. The Capital Plan reflects the overall funding envelope available in the period to 2022 and there are no proposals to amend the plan. In this context, adding additional road capacity around Dublin is not a feasible option within the timeframe of the Capital Plan.
I am conscious of the pressures on the M50 and, in the short to medium term, it is a case of optimising the operation of the M50 and improving public transport. The re-opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel for services on the Kildare commuter rail line next year and the new LUAS Cross City line, which will be in operation in 2017, will be of significant help in this regard. The Capital Plan also envisages significant ongoing investment in replacement and enlargement of the PSO bus fleet.
As regards the operation of the M50, TII is assessing what additional measures can be taken to ensure that the motorway operates as efficiently as possible, including for example the use of variable speed limits depending on road conditions.
631. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to consult with the Road Safety Authority regarding a submission (details supplied) on the advantages of rear-facing children's car seats, as their usage would be a cost-effective way of reducing injury and death, as per statistics in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40565/15]
View answerEU requirements regarding child restraints systems for motor vehicles are transposed into Irish national law by the European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations – S.I. 240/2006. The RSA advises me that children should be kept rearward-facing for as long as possible and should only be moved to a forward facing child seat once they have exceeded the maximum weight for an infant seat or if the top of the child's head is higher than the top of the restraint system.
Given the high level of misuse among parents using rearward-facing child restraint systems, the limited range of 'extended' restraint systems available and the lack of retailer expertise in this area, the RSA are of the opinion that extending the use of restraint systems to four years of age would be counterproductive. Technical difficulties associated with the fitting of some 'extended' rearward-facing restraint systems may even exacerbate the already high levels of misuse.
Instead, I am advised that a greater road safety dividend can be gained from educating parents on the correct use and installation of restraint systems under the existing regime. To assist in this process, the RSA has introduced the 'Check it Fits' service which travels the country teaching parents how to correctly fit their child car seats. Data collected during these checks has shown that 80% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted.
If the EU mandates the use of 'extended' rearward-facing restraint systems to four years of age, both the child car seat and automotive industry will need to provide more retail options for parents. Details regarding the fitting of child car seats is available on the RSA website www.rsa.ie.
632. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of public consultation regarding the marker signs for the Wild Atlantic Way, with particular reference to their design, size and scale, which many feel is obtrusive and unsuited to the locations, and with regard to the purpose of the markers to identify photograph opportunities for visitors. [40639/15]
View answerWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these projects. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard and I would ask you to contact my private office if you do not hear from Fáilte Ireland within ten working days.
633. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce new powers to allow An Garda Síochána to fine cyclists in breach of the law on the spot, and to collect fines on the spot, as happens in other European countries, where the police have the power to escort offenders to the nearest automated teller machines if the offenders do not have the funds on them. [40658/15]
View answerI do not intend to introduce new powers to allow Gardaí to collect cycling fines on the spot. Under our Constitution, all citizens are entitled to their day in court when accused of committing a crime. A cyclist intercepted while committing a fixed charge offence has the option of paying the fixed charge amount within the prescribed timeframes or having their case heard in a court of law. If a fixed charge notice is not paid within 56 days, a summons to appear in court will issue.
634. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to immediately review the current road works on the N71 Muckross Road in Killarney in County Kerry, due to drastic reductions in the width of the road, which is of major concern to local residents and businesses, and is a highly trafficked tourism transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40677/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
635. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that when a motorist avails of an early national car test appointment, as invited to do so in ongoing media advertisements, that the new certificate will be dated from the date the previous certificate was due to expire, rather than from when the car was tested. [40704/15]
View answerThe RSA has statutory responsibility for the NCT. There are two options available to motorists who wish to have their vehicles tested before their NCT due date. They may either have their vehicle tested up to 90 days in advance of their test due date without affecting the validity period of the test certificate issued or the next test due date. Alternatively, a vehicle may be submitted for voluntary early testing more than 90 days in advance of the test due date. Under this voluntary early testing option, depending on the age of the vehicle, that is whether the vehicle is subject to biennial or annual testing, the certificate issued will be valid for either two years or one year from the date of a successful test.
The RSA informs me that the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) makes every effort to ensure that customers understand the implications involved in taking a voluntary early test. When such a test is booked online, the NCTS website clearly displays a message to this effect. NCTS call centre agents also provide this information to customers. Additionally, the Voluntary Early Test letters issued by the NCTS to customers clearly states that availing of the option to test early is completely voluntary and asks customers to note that their test due date for future years will be reset to the date their vehicle passes.
With the vast majority of vehicles registered in the first half of the year, traditionally this has proved to be a particularly busy period for the NCTS. Enabling motorists to opt for early testing is a demand levelling measure which assists in spreading demand for tests more evenly across the year.
636. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of the documents that are being withheld by the National Sports Campus Development Authority; his views on the decisions of the authority and Sport Ireland in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40725/15]
View answer637. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the conduct of the National Sports Campus Development Authority, and in particular its use of the taxpayers' money in a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40726/15]
View answer638. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Sports Campus Development Authority is now a part of Sport Ireland; if the handling of a file (details supplied) from 1 October 2015 was sanctioned by Sport Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40727/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 636 to 638, inclusive, together.
Sport Ireland is the new statutory body for sport, resulting from the merger of the National Sports Campus Development Authority and the Irish Sports Council. Sport Ireland was established on 1 October 2015 and, in accordance with Section 30 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, the Authority and the Council stand dissolved on and from that date. The Sport Ireland Act provides that anything commenced and not completed by the Authority or the Council before 1 October may be carried on after that date by Sport Ireland.
As was previously the case for the Authority and the Council, Sport Ireland is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act and is responsible for the processing of FOI requests relating to the body, including decisions regarding the release or withholding of records. I have no role in the process.
I understand that the FOI request to which the Deputy refers, has been the subject of a recent decision by the Information Commissioner. I am confident that Sport Ireland will comply with the decision of the Information Commissioner.
639. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of jobs that were supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta in each town situated within the three parishes (details supplied) in County Donegal, by town, in each year since 2005, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40107/15]
View answerThe figures in the following tables relate to full-time, part-time and seasonal employment in the towns within the three parishes referred to by the Deputy in the period from 2005 to 2014. The trends in employment for the towns listed broadly reflect the experience of similar towns on a regional and national level. It can be seen that there was a fall in employment within Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies during the economic downturn. There was also most notably a reduction in employment in the Gaoth Dobhair area following the decision of companies such as Largo Foods to close facilities there in the last two years. Significant efforts are underway to address this trend which includes the activation of the priorities set out in the Gaoth Dobhair task force report published earlier this year.
Na Rosa (An Clochán Liath)
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Seasonal |
|
2005 |
217 |
33 |
17 |
|
2006 |
229 |
30 |
13 |
|
2007 |
181 |
48 |
19 |
|
2008 |
151 |
21 |
4 |
|
2009 |
127 |
11 |
0 |
|
2010 |
103 |
15 |
1 |
|
2011 |
101 |
11 |
3 |
|
2012 |
113 |
7 |
2 |
|
2013 |
124 |
16 |
0 |
|
2014 |
132 |
12 |
0 |
Gaoth Dobhair (Na Doirí Beaga/An Bun Beag)
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Seasonal |
|
2005 |
870 |
203 |
103 |
|
2006 |
953 |
257 |
109 |
|
2007 |
925 |
182 |
83 |
|
2008 |
1003 |
65 |
21 |
|
2009 |
846 |
44 |
10 |
|
2010 |
633 |
40 |
9 |
|
2011 |
684 |
33 |
3 |
|
2012 |
632 |
36 |
0 |
|
2013 |
619 |
40 |
0 |
|
2014 |
507 |
36 |
0 |
Cloich Chionnaola (An Fál Carrach)
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Seasonal |
|
2005 |
89 |
27 |
19 |
|
2006 |
90 |
41 |
24 |
|
2007 |
80 |
22 |
26 |
|
2008 |
77 |
19 |
16 |
|
2009 |
88 |
17 |
6 |
|
2010 |
87 |
15 |
6 |
|
2011 |
69 |
16 |
5 |
|
2012 |
78 |
10 |
4 |
|
2013 |
72 |
13 |
0 |
|
2014 |
70 |
18 |
0 |
Gort an Choirce
|
Year |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Seasonal |
|
2005 |
25 |
21 |
39 |
|
2006 |
32 |
43 |
14 |
|
2007 |
37 |
54 |
11 |
|
2008 |
58 |
10 |
2 |
|
2009 |
69 |
5 |
1 |
|
2010 |
55 |
10 |
1 |
|
2011 |
55 |
10 |
4 |
|
2012 |
62 |
7 |
4 |
|
2013 |
63 |
3 |
4 |
|
2014 |
41 |
5 |
4 |
640. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to extend the burning season for farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40435/15]
View answerVegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity. In that regard, a review of the current legislative provisions was initiated to ensure that they remain both effective and balanced. The submissions received, during a public consultation process on the matter, have been published on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at http://www.npws.ie/legislation.
Following the end of the public consultation period, I established a Working Group, consisting of officials from my Department, to consider the submissions received and to report back to me with a range of proposals. I expect to announce the outcome of the review in the near future.
Any changes to the closed period for cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, as provided for in section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976-2012, would require amending legislation.
641. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht from which fund or funding mechanism she provided funding for the Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40462/15]
View answerA grant of approximately €1.747m was provided under my Department's Gaeltacht Support Schemes towards the development at Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. The centre was developed by the local community through Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne in cooperation with my Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
642. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action she is taking to resolve the ongoing issue in Portaneena in County Westmeath, which has been previously brought to her attention by a person (details supplied). [40464/15]
View answerI have been informed by Waterways Ireland that responsibility regarding the ongoing issue in Portaneena, Co. Westmeath that has been raised by the Deputy is a matter for Westmeath County Council.
643. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding staffing levels in the National Parks and Wildlife Service in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40654/15]
View answerMy Department directly employs some 565 staff, who operate across a broad range of functions within my Department’s programme areas (Arts, Culture and Film, Heritage, Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Islands and North/South Co-operation). As the Deputy will appreciate, the staff of my Department are allocated to these various functional areas on the basis of need, having regard to a number of factors including overall resource availability. The majority of administrative staff are based in departmental offices in Dublin, Killarney, Na Forbacha, Co Galway, and Wexford, with regional and field staff (mainly at professional, technical and industrial grades) dispersed across the country. Of the total Departmental staff, 283 work in the area of natural heritage through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. In addition, approximately 70 further seasonal staff are engaged during the year to assist the NPWS with its activities. The staffing requirements in this area, as with all other areas of my Department, is the subject of on-going consideration in light of the overall business needs and within the pay framework approved for 2015. Within this context, I am satisfied that the NPWS continues to fulfil a comprehensive and valuable role in the conservation and protection of our natural heritage and delivers and excellent service to the public.
Staffing requirements for both Killarney National Park and Killarney House remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department’s overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015 and 2016. As the final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works at Killarney House is currently ongoing, the nature and extent of posts required, including their budgetary implications, have yet to be finally determined.
