Wednesday, 25 Nov 2015

Written Answers Nos. 219-224

Public Transport

Questions (219)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

219. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for information relating to the tendering process and construction of bus shelters in County Tipperary; the section in his Department that recommended sanctioning the project; the funding provided; the body, a local authority Bus Éireann or the National Transport Authority that tendered the works; the cost to the Exchequer for each bus shelter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41956/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of bus stops and bus shelters throughout the country.

Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.  

Rail Services

Questions (220)

Robert Dowds

Question:

220. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of annual subvention to Iarnród Éireann for each of the past five years. [41962/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Departmental Funding

Questions (221)

Robert Dowds

Question:

221. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the Gaelic Players Association in the years from 1999 to 2015 in tabular form; if he is satisfied with the operation of the scheme, or if he has any plans to recast it; if he is satisfied that the scheme provides value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the funding of the GAA Inter-County Players Support Schemes.  I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Departmental Agencies

Questions (222)

Sean Fleming

Question:

222. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will list all new State agencies or bodies established under the aegis of her Department since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41871/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy to Question Number 274 of November 19th, in which I confirmed that no agencies or State bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group have been established since 2011.

National Concert Hall

Questions (223)

Martin Heydon

Question:

223. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider supporting a performance of "Shackleton's Endurance" in the National Concert Hall during 2016 to mark the commemoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41886/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The National Concert Hall has curatorial independence in relation to its programming. The Deputy should note that the National Concert Hall recently launched a full programme of events to mark next year’s centenary of the 1916 Rising. Details can be found on www.nch.ie.

Departmental Funding

Questions (224)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

224. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that is available to a music festival (details supplied) in County Cork; if increased funding is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42041/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Festivals which encompass arts or heritage programming may qualify for grants from certain bodies under the aegis of my Department. Primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council has a Festival and Events Scheme and there are two calls for applications each year. Information on the funding available under this scheme can be found on the website of the Council at www.artscouncil.ie. While the Council is funded by my Department it is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, and specifically in its funding decisions. I understand that festivals are also supported by my colleague, Mr Paschal Donohoe, TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, through Fáilte Ireland. Further information in this regard is available at www.failteireland.ie.

Support for festivals may also be available from the relevant local authority through its arts office and heritage office.