Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
699. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will outline all plans for the Diaspora Centre, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin; the stage they are at including origin of all funding; if any staff have been appointed at this stage; and the pay scale of same. [43179/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has no specific plans for a diaspora centre in Dún Laoghaire. A special working group, established by Fáilte Ireland, has considered the concept of a diaspora centre. It is proposed to tender for options in the coming months. The centre might not necessarily be a new building or museum. It could also be an online project or be accommodated in an existing institute.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is a commercial State port company. While my Department has oversight responsibility for the corporate governance of the port company, staffing and pay issues are an operational matter for the company, in which I have no function.
I have referred the question to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company for direct reply to the Deputy. If he does receive a response within ten working days, please contact my private office. It is existing Government policy that port companies are commercial entities that are required to fund capital investment without recourse to the Exchequer.
