Written Answers Nos. 289-308
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the average length of time taken by the Revenue Commissioners to revert to customers via the online inquiry system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4858/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it strives to reply to queries received through both the MyEnquiries system and through the post within 20 working days during non-peak periods and within 25 working days during peak periods.
Revenue has also advised me that it received almost 2.5 million queries via MyEnquiries in 2021, of which 88% were dealt with within 20 days (68% within 5 working days) and 91% within 25 days. Where a query has additional complexity or where further information is required from the taxpayer or tax agent, then the time required to finalise matters may extend beyond the usual 20-day or 25-day period.
Finally, if the Deputy is aware of a specific case that is experiencing extended delays, he should advise Revenue of the details so the matter can be addressed.
290. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance his views on the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the European Union Taxonomy as being compatible with contributing to fighting climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4883/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong supporter of the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities because it constitutes a valuable science-based tool to classify, to guide and to help mobilise investments in activities that will help us achieve carbon neutrality. It is a voluntary tool aimed primarily for use by financial services firms and large companies.
In December 2021, the European Commission shared with Member States a draft Delegated Act under the Taxonomy, which would see certain natural gas and nuclear investments deemed sustainable during a transition period if they meet a range of conditions. Following the receipt of observations from Member States, the European Commission is deliberating as to what approach to take.
As the Deputy will know, Ireland’s Climate Action Plan acknowledges that we will use natural gas as part of our energy mix, particularly as a base reserve to provide supply when renewables are unable to meet demand, which will help provide consumers and businesses with the confidence to electrify. This is likely to be the case for other Member States as well. However, it does not necessarily follow that all activities necessary to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 should be included in the Taxonomy.
in relation to the draft Delegated Act, Ireland has submitted observations to the Commission expressing doubt over whether their draft text takes the appropriate approach on natural gas, particularly with regard to emission limits, while recognising that natural gas will be necessary for the transition to net zero while providing energy security across European countries.
We have encouraged the Commission to continue its plans to develop an extension to the Taxonomy beyond environmentally sustainable economic activities that would cover intermediate performance, which could be an appropriate way of reflecting the performance and impact of transitional activities.
The generation of energy from nuclear power is statute-barred in Ireland and the Government has no plans to revisit this legislative prohibition.
292. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an explanation or reason from the Revenue Commissioners with regard to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to VAT charges for dentists will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5047/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.
The VAT treatment of the supply of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Exemptions from VAT for certain activities in the public interest are set out in Chapter 2 of Title IX of the Directive. These provisions are transposed into Irish legislation in Part 1, Schedule 1, VAT Consolidation Act 2010. Paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 1 provides for an exemption in respect of the supply of professional dental services.
The exemption from VAT in respect of dental services is not dependent on the legal form of the taxable person supplying the service. It is the nature of the service that informs the VAT treatment. The legislation which transposes Article 132 of the Directive, and Revenue’s interpretation of the legislation, ensures that the exemption from VAT to the supply of dental services is applied consistently and in a manner which is not dependent on the legal form of the person supplying the service. In accordance with the Directive and CJEU jurisprudence the VAT exemption applies to dental services provided by a clinic, a principal dentist, or by an associate dentist, where those services are provided to a patient.
Where a principal dentist receives consideration in respect of fee sharing arrangements and the nature of services consists of the supply of facilities for the carrying on of a dental practice, Revenue views this as a taxable supply of services within the scope of VAT. The final consumer in this fee sharing arrangement is not a patient availing of a supply of dental services to which the exemption applies.
Revenue has been clear at all times regarding the VAT treatment of dental fee sharing arrangements and has outlined its position in correspondence and meetings with the Irish Dental Association.
294. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that social care workers are not listed by the Revenue Commissioners as a profession and are unable to claim flat-rate expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5063/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe flat rate expense (FRE) regime is operated by Revenue on an administrative basis, where both a specific commonality of expenditure exists across an employment category and the statutory requirement for the tax deduction as set out in section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, is satisfied. Specifically that the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment by the employee concerned and that such expenses are not reimbursed by his or her employer.
The FRE regime was established to apply a uniformity of approach to tax deductibility for expenses of large groups of employees and to facilitate ease of administration for both Revenue and employees. The expense should apply to all employees in a particular category and not be discretionary. I am advised by Revenue that it will consider FRE applications where a large number of employees incur broadly identical qualifying expenses, which are not reimbursed by their employer. The regime applies to employees across a wide range of trades and professions.
Applications are generally made by the representative bodies in the employment sector concerned, and are considered by Revenue based on the specific commonality of expenses within the employment category and compliance with the strictly applied, statutory requirement for a tax deduction. The fact that social care workers are not included in the most recent FRE list is a result of an appropriate application not having been made to Revenue. I am further advised by Revenue that should a submission be submitted from the representative body, outlining the expenses incurred by social care workers, which satisfy the legislative conditions, it will be considered.
Finally, all employees retain their statutory right to claim a deduction under section 114 of the TCA 1997, in respect of an expense incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of their employment, to the extent, which the expense is not reimbursed by the employer. It should be noted that PAYE workers can claim section 114 expenses by completing an Income Tax return at year end. The simplest way to do so and claim any eligible section 114 expenses and any other tax credit entitlements is by logging onto the myAccount facility on the Revenue website.
295. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a single parent who is living with a partner who is unemployed is unable to claim tax credits for their child, even in cases in which they are supporting them alone (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Deputy’s the question relates to the qualifying criteria which must be met in order for a claimant to receive the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit (SPCCC).
I am advised by Revenue that section 462B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides that the SPCCC will be available to a single person who has a “qualifying child” resident with him or her for the whole or greater part of the year of assessment. The credit is granted in the first instance to the primary claimant who may, if he or she so wishes, relinquish it for the year of assessment to a secondary claimant.
A single person, for the purposes of the SPCCC, is an individual who is not:
jointly assessed to tax as a married person or civil partner;
living with his or her spouse or civil partner; or
cohabiting with a partner.
A qualifying child includes a child born in the tax year, a child who was under the age of 18 at the start of the tax year, or a child who was over the age of 18 at the start of the tax year if he or she is either in full-time education or is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from maintaining themselves (having become so incapacitated before reaching the age of 21 or whilst in full-time education).
Further information on the SPCCC is available in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-41 which can be found at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-41.pdf.
Where an individual is cohabiting with a partner, he or she will not therefore be entitled to the SPCCC. The Revenue office which deals with the individual’s tax affairs will be able to assist in determining the full range of credits and reliefs which he or she may be entitled to claim, based on their personal circumstances. Contact details for Revenue offices can also be found on the Revenue website at this link: www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/index.aspx.
The arrangements and associated legislation for the purposes of payments or allowances under the remit of the Department of Social Protection in relation to married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and her Department.
Finally, I might take this opportunity to make a general point in relation to the differences in the tax treatment for married couples or civil partners compared to a couple who is cohabiting. In situations where a couple is cohabiting, rather than married or in a civil partnership, each partner is treated for the purposes of income tax as a separate and unconnected individual. Because they are treated separately for tax purposes, credits, tax bands and reliefs cannot be transferred from one partner to the other.
The basis for the current tax treatment of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs. Attorney General (1980). This decision was based on Article 41.3.1 of the Constitution where the State pledges to protect the institution of marriage. The decision held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple, both of whom are working, to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income.
To the extent that there are differences in the tax treatment of the different categories of couples, such differences arise from the objective of dealing with different types of circumstances while at the same time respecting the constitutional requirements to protect the institution of marriage. Cohabitants do not have the same legal rights and obligations as a married couple or couple in a civil partnership which is why they are not accorded similar tax treatment to couples who have a civil status that is recognised in law. Any change in the tax treatment of cohabiting couples can only be addressed in the broader context of future social and legal policy development in relation to such couples.
296. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the development of a roadmap to promote greater use of lower-carbon building material in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft Roadmap document which was in preparation over the past number of months has now been completed by the OPW. The document outlines key areas of guidance for lower-carbon building materials in construction supported by examples of best practice in this area. The use of lower carbon building materials in construction will play an important role in reducing our emission by 51% by 2030.
In terms of next steps, the draft Roadmap document will form the basis of a consultation process to be held with key stakeholders which commenced in November 2021. This consultation process will road-test the content of the draft Roadmap and will incorporate appropriate feedback ahead of finalisation and approval of the Roadmap in Q1 2022.
297. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider including other categories of workers, such as social care workers, who have also had to attend work throughout the lockdown periods, in the Covid recognition payment. [5065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are many thousands of people across the country who went above and beyond over the course of the last two years. The continued contribution of so many people in all walks of life has been essential to getting us through this difficult time. Collaboration and solidarity have been the hallmark of our national approach to COVID-19 and the measures announced on 19 January are true to those principles.
After careful consideration, the Government made the decision to give all the people of Ireland a national day of recognition and commemoration on the 18th of March this year, and another permanent public holiday in February commencing in 2023.
The Government took many factors into consideration when coming to a decision in relation to any additional recognition measure for specific sectors, however it ultimately agreed that acknowledging certain frontline healthcare workers in the public sector and in private nursing homes and hospices in particular was the most fair and appropriate, whilst acknowledging all other healthcare workers and sectors with the public holidays.
This is a balanced package of measures that will benefit all workers across the economy, while also recognising in particular the risks faced by certain frontline healthcare workers during this pandemic.
298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are plans within his Department to remove the requirement for all six Standards in Public Office Commission members to sit together to make decisions; and if so, the timeframe for same to be implemented. [4472/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration is being given to lowering the limits in relation to gifts to public officials that are subject to mandatory declaration, refusal or remittance or to removing the ability of TDs and Senators to accept money as a gift; and if so, the timeframe that this will be implemented. [4473/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra300. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department is considering the introduction of a requirement for appropriate public officials who have an interest in or signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country to report that relationship; and if so, the timeframe in which this would be implemented [4474/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 298, 299 and 300 together.
The matters to which the Deputy's questions refer fall to be considered under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (cited together as ‘the Ethics Acts’).
The 2020 Programme for Government contains a commitment to “reform and consolidate the Ethics in Public Office legislation” and last autumn I brought proposals to Government for a review of the statutory framework, as the first step in delivering on this commitment.
In brief, the review, which is ongoing, is examining:
- Ireland’s existing ethics legislative framework,
- The recommendations of relevant tribunals of inquiry,
- Recommendations made by SIPO based on its operation of the current regime,
- The views of key stakeholders;
- Current EU/international best practice; and
- The views submitted by way of a public consultation.
The review process has been underway since September, with formal stakeholder engagement and the public consultation element commencing in November. In this regard, let me acknowledge the submission made by your party to the consultation, which closed recently. The Review's outcome will inform proposals for legislative reform that I intend to bring to Government during 2022.
In this, I will seek to take full account of the views of all interested parties, including on the issues referred to in the Deputy's questions, and my Department remains open to further engagement on this important policy agenda, which is so significant for the health of our democracy. My ultimate goal is an easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and effectiveness of our public administration.
301. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a series of issues in relation to construction costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4742/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been significant and sustained increases in the prices of a broad range of commonly used goods and materials in the construction sector. Commencing with steel and timber in the second half of 2020, inflationary pressures broadened out to impact a range of other commonly used materials throughout 2021. Not all materials are experiencing price increases but the breath of increases and the range of materials impacted has not been experienced in well over a decade.
It is important to note that not all projects are impacted to the same degree. That will depend on whether the range of materials specified are subject to price increases in excess of the normal or anticipated level of inflation for that material, whether the contractor has agreed fixed prices with their suppliers in advance of the increases or whether the contractor was in a position to stockpile the necessary materials.
In addition to price inflation, there is a shortage of certain materials and longer delivery periods. These increases and shortages are predominantly associated with disruption to global supply chains from the onset of the pandemic, rising energy and transportation costs, Brexit trade disruption and increased demand driven by stimulus packages announced globally. It is not evident yet as to the duration of these market conditions, the potential for further volatility or price increases, or whether prices might return to prior levels.
Government policy (through Circular 33/06) requires all public works projects that are delivered under the Exchequer-funded element of the National Development Plan to be procured in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). Public works contracts are fixed price contracts, which are to be comprehensively defined prior to tender. The contractor prices for the risk of increases in the cost of labour, materials and certain changes in law for the periods specified.
Whilst the provisions contained in the public works contracts dealing with price inflation have operated to deal with inflationary pressures over the years since their introduction, the price movements experienced on construction materials over the past 12 months have arisen suddenly and with no warning. In response to this challenge, I announced a series of measures in November to address the risks posed.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) issued procurement guidance to assist public bodies in managing the challenges they face concluding ‘live’ tenders in light of the significant price increases that have arisen since tenders were submitted. This guidance is aimed at contracting authorities who have invited or received tenders and covers the following situations:
Where tenders have been received but a Contract is yet to be awarded,
Those live tenders where the deadline for receipt of tenders has not passed; and
Tenders that are yet to commence.
With reference to future tenders, the OGP published interim amendments to the provisions in the public works contracts on 7 January 2022. Within certain parameters, these amendments will reduce the level of risk of extraordinary price inflation that contractors will have to bear, while also enabling the Exchequer to obtain cost reductions should exceptional price reductions occur during the course of the works.
The measures are designed to encourage confidence in the tender process and to mitigate against the over-provision for price inflation in tender prices. This is achieved by addressing the risk of price inflation in the period between tender submission and award through the introduction of limited indexation of the tender price. The fixed price period has been reduced to 24 months from the date of contract award. Mutual cost recovery within the fixed price period is now permitted for material price changes in excess of 15%.
With respect to contracts that have been awarded prior to the introduction of these measures on 7 January 2022, the pre-existing provisions for inflation contained in the public works contracts published prior to that date continue to apply as these were the terms entered into by the parties.
Further amendments on price inflation will be developed for consultation with stakeholders in 2022, which will form part of the ongoing Capital Works Management Framework review.
302. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of Acts or sections or other provisions of Acts for which a commencement order has yet to be signed in his Department; the reason for the delay; when commencement orders will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Title of Act or sections/provision of Act where commencement order not yet signed |
Reason for timeframe |
Planned date of signing |
|
Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 |
The Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 was published in June 2018, passed in March 2019 and several sections of the legislation were immediately commenced. In July 2021, the remaining sections of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 were commenced with the exception of subsections (2), (3) of s.6. This commencement allowed for establishment of the Data Governance Board and the introduction of a comprehensive new Data Sharing and Governance Framework for the Public Service. This represents a significant development in the Government’s drive to provide transparency on the efficient use of citizen data to deliver public service. Subsections (2) and (3) of s.6 of the Act have not yet been commenced as they overlap with the Data Protection Act 2018. The reason for delaying commencement of these sections is the substantial programme of work required, including public consultation, to transition impacted public bodies, i.e. those which do not have specific enabling legislation in place, from a position of reliance on s38 of the Data Protection Act 2018 for data sharing to one of using s6 of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019. |
31st December, 2022. |
303. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected timeframe for a panel transfer to counties Cavan and Monaghan for a person (details supplied); the steps taken to ensure the appropriate recruitment sequencing has been followed at phase 1 level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivil Service Mobility offers an opportunity for staff members to apply for Mobility (i.e. transfer) through an open and transparent system.
It is one of a number of arrangements put in place to fulfil the requirements of Action 15 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan which calls to “expand career and Mobility opportunities for staff across geographic, organisational and sectoral boundaries” and Action 14 of the People Strategy for the Civil Service which calls for the further expansion of a coherent Mobility policy to facilitate staff development.
The country is divided into 46 zones/locations for the purpose of the mobility scheme. Counties Cavan and Monaghan are encompassed by Zone 9 and 10.
Mobility moves for Executive Officers are made in accordance with the following organisational sequencing which is applied nationwide rather than per zone/location:
50% Open: 25% Interdepartmental* : 25% Internal.
*one in every two Interdepartmental vacancies to be filled by Mobility.
The timing of vacancies, and the filling of same under the nationwide sequencing is subject to the business needs of each individual organisation.
The applicant has access to the Mobility system and can view their waitlist positions for each of their chosen Mobility applications. An applicant does not need to be at the top of a waitlist in order to be made an offer. In some instances applicants with waitlist positions as high as 35 are being made offers. This occurs where applicants on the list ahead of them are either ineligible, or have their applications placed ‘on-hold’. It can also occur where an organisation are taking multiple applicants off the list at the same time.
For further information on the scheme please visit the Mobility website at: https://hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/.
304. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the acquisition of the former Inagh Garda station by an organisation (details supplied) [4989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all surplus properties, including the former Garda station at Inagh are treated in line with the disposal policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property is to:
Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.
If no State requirement is identified, or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
The OPW sought alternative State uses in line with the above policy and in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 11/15: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets. (DPER Circular 11/15). Clare County Council expressed an interest in acquiring the former Garda station property and the OPW sought a valuation from the Valuation Office. On receipt of the valuation, the property was offered to the Council for sale.
Clare County Council subsequently advised the OPW that Inagh Voluntary Housing Association was the party interested in acquiring the property and requested that the OPW transfer the property directly to the Housing Association.
However, voluntary housing associations are not prescribed State Bodies governed by the Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets (DPER Circular 11/15). Therefore, in the absence of an agreed proposal from a State body to acquire the property, the OPW must dispose of the former Garda station on the open market in an open and transparent manner. The OPW will inform Inagh Voluntary Housing Association of when the auction of the property will take place, so that it will have the opportunity to bid on the day.
In the meantime, if the Council or other State body expresses an interest in acquiring the property, in advance of an auction, the OPW will consider an intra-State transfer proposal.
305. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the full estimated amount of funding required for the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme, estimated at €51 million, is ring-fenced and guaranteed. [5052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council on behalf of the Office of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. On completion, the scheme will protect 236 properties in the town. The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1.3 billion for flood risk management over the period National Development Plans 2018-2030. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi annual capital allocation. The Office of Public Works is committed to funding this project.
306. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the review of the large-scale infrastructural fund will be completed; if there is scope for awarding new grants to projects which missed out under the first set of allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4330/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027.
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and, thus far, approximately €86.4m has been awarded to 33 different proposals. The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the amount available to allocate and it was not possible to allocate grants to many worthy projects.
While the priority in the short term is to advance all of the successful projects, as it is now two years since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in drafting the Review. I expect this work to be finalised shortly.
Once that Review is complete the scope for awarding any additional grants and the timing of any new call for proposals will be considered.
307. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the auction set to take place on 29 January 2022 for the purchase of the 1916 medal presented to a person (details supplied); if she has considered this as an opportunity to acquire the medal for the State to be displayed in a museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4350/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the item in question and share the Deputy's regard for the life and achievements of the person concerned. The curatorial responsibilities of the Directors and professional staff at the National Cultural Institutions include the consideration of possible acquisitions to strengthen the national collections. It is a constant process of assessment that includes the consideration of our national heritage interests in a changing environment, the ongoing review of the existing collections in relation to our national heritage and the action to be taken when opportunities arise for the acquisition of heritage items through donation, purchase or bequest.
The consideration of acquisitions not only looks at the possible addition but also at the extent and condition of current holdings to assess how the national collections would be enhanced. A National Cultural Institution can seek the support of the Minister on a case specific basis in the event that a particular acquisition, considered to be important, is likely to require more than the resources available to the institution at that time.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on the significance or possible interest to acquire any item that is currently open to bidding in a public auction.
308. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a museum (details supplied) will open again; and if the museum will continue in the current form as a public museum for the foreseeable future. [4428/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked the agency to provide further information directly to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
