Written Answers Nos. 48-74
48. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the main provisions and the current status of the Heritage Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19972/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Bill, which has passed all stages in Seanad Éireann, passed Committee stage in Dáil Éireann yesterday. The Bill has three main Parts, amending the Canals Act 1986, the Wildlife Acts and the Heritage Act 1995.
The principal purpose of the Bill is to implement the Report of the Critical Review of the Heritage Council approved by Government in 2013.
The Bill also amends the Canals Act 1986 to allow the making of bye-laws by Waterways Ireland for the regulation of boating and management of the canals.
The Bill also provides for controlled burning of vegetation under strict regulation in the month of March on a pilot basis for a two year period, and for the managed cutting of roadside hedges, under strict regulation, in August, again for a two year pilot period. The Bill also clarifies the powers of authorised officers under the Wildlife Acts and harmonises the provisions of the Roads Act 1993 with the Wildlife Acts.
Burning of vegetation in the month of March
The provision in the Heritage Bill is not a blanket approval allowing the indiscriminate burning of vegetation in March. The legislation provides for Regulations (on a two-year pilot basis) to allow burning in certain areas of the country, at specified periods in the month of March, for example where burning has been impossible earlier in the year due to adverse weather.
Cutting of hedges in August
The Regulations will require that any cutting of roadside hedges in August may only be of the current year's growth. Heavier cutting must still be done during the existing permitted period, i.e. between September and the end of February. There will be a public consultation process including consultation with relevant stakeholders in finalising these Regulations which are for a two-year pilot period.
Harmonising the Wildlife Act with the safety provisions in the Roads Act
Section 70(2) of the Roads Act obliges landowners to ensure that vegetation on their land is not a hazard to road safety. A local authority may serve notices on landowners to deal with vegetation, for safety purposes, along public roads. However, the Wildlife Acts state that such works may not be undertaken by landowners.
The conflict between these two pieces of legislation needs to be resolved and so the provision in the Heritage Bill is designed to harmonise both sets of legislation, clear up any confusion and remove conflict.
Regulation of boating on the Canals
The amendments to the Canals Act will allow Waterways Ireland to make bye–laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals and will enhance the ability of Waterways Ireland to manage these waterways for the benefit of all their users.
Our waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. There are over 500 boats on the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation and Waterways Ireland is seeking to encourage more visiting boats onto the waterways. The existing bye law regime is not conducive to advancing this objective. The proposed bye-laws are intended to encourage tourism and leisure craft users by supporting the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals and by enhancing Waterways Ireland’s ability to manage, care for and maintain the canals and to help to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity for all waterway users.
The Heritage Council
In implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Critical Review of the Heritage Council approved by Government in 2013, this Bill will refocus the activities and functions of the Heritage Council, with a particular emphasis on engagement with communities and local authorities. The Bill also introduces the non-remuneration of Board members while continuing their entitlement to expenses incurred in discharge of their duties, reduces the size of the Board and removes the requirement for statutory Standing Committees on wildlife, archaeology, architectural heritage and inland waterways. The Heritage Council retains the right to set up Committees as it sees fit.
49. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a location (details supplied) will commence hosting exhibitions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to say that an exhibition entitled Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again will open on to the public on 6 July 2018 at the location referred to by the Deputy .
The new cultural offering will add to Ireland's reputation as a centre of literary celebration. The exhibition will take visitors on a multi-sensory journey from Heaney’s origins through his remarkable poetic career.
The exhibition will draw on the National Library’s extensive archive of Heaney documents and will feature the poet's original manuscripts as well as letters, unpublished works, diary entries, photographs, notebooks and multi-media recordings.
50. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she was consulted in relation to the sale of a studio (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was consulted by my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Heather Humphreys about the matter referred to by the Deputy. Both myself and Minister Humphreys welcomed the acquisition of the studios referred to by a company which proposes to invest in the facility in the future.
51. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her Department's funding contribution to a project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19897/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers consists of a design, construction and operation of a new facility with a capacity of approximately 6,000 persons, capable of accommodating a range of events including concerts, festivals, family entertainments, cultural, sports, exhibitions, conferences and trade shows.
This is a public private partnership project led by the local authority. My Department has committed funding of €12m to the local authority, which is itself contributing €8m to the project. A Service Level Agreement is in place between my Department and the local authority setting out the terms and conditions of the grant of €12 million and to date, €1m has been paid to the local authority. Since the initial grant was allocated, the cost of the project has, however, increased significantly. As a result, the local authority has approached my Department seeking an additional contribution of €10m to the project.
My Department is analysing the application for additional funding while seeking to ensure prudent management of the grant. The project has significant procurement, state aid, legal and match funding complexities and the Department’s analysis aims to ensure that this flagship development is delivered in line with legal requirements and in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
52. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1949 declaration of a Republic in 2019; and if plans will include all political parties. [17971/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 18th April 1949, The Republic of Ireland Act 1948, came into operation and the State became a republic.
The 75th anniversary of that significant event arises on 18th April 2024. I will consider how this anniversary might be appropriately remembered in consultation with my Government colleagues.
I am also happy to discuss the issue with the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations, which I am in the process of reconvening.
53. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the funding allocation for the National Museum of Ireland will be accounted for in view of the lack of a financial controller on its staff. [20135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the National Museum of Ireland is a statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997, I have no responsibility for the day to day operations of the Museum. It is a matter for the Museum itself to decide on the optimum staffing arrangements. I am informed that the finance department in the Museum is currently staffed by:
1 Accountant on a contract basis
1 Finance Officer at HEO level
1 Clerical Officer.
My Department is not aware of any issues in relation to the Finance Department and notes that the performance delivery agreement between my Department and the Museum serves to ensure that resources are used in an effective and cost effective manner to deliver quality services to the public. The agreement includes details of the requirements for financial drawdown. As with other state agencies, the Museum is also subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the findings of the independent review of orchestral services in RTÉ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20001/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the Boaden report in respect of the future of the National Symphony Orchestra, NSO, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the report's recommendation that the NSO become a national cultural institution; the action she plans to take on foot of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19979/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 66 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 earlier today.
55. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports being provided by her Department for built heritage projects in County Limerick for 2018 and 2019. [19919/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
Financial support for the protection of architectural heritage is provided by my Department through a number of schemes. These schemes are administered via the local authorities.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. The BHIS is designed to leverage private capital for investment in a significant number of labour-intensive, small scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment. €2m has been provided for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2018. 370 projects have been approved for funding, including 36 projects in Limerick City and County aggregating €108,000 in grant aid.
The Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) enables conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. €1,324,000 has been provided for the Structures at Risk Fund 2018. 76 projects across the country have been approved for funding, including two projects in Limerick aggregating €35,000 in grant aid.
Details of all projects funded under both schemes are available on my Department’s website and all local authority websites. While the closing date for the 2018 schemes has now passed, my Department remains in contact with local authorities throughout the year to ensure the best use of funding, including by reallocating unused funding where, for example, projects do not go ahead.
My Department has provided €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2018 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. My Department’s National Monuments Service also works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes for 2018 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
In terms of funding for future years, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027 represents a major capital investment scheme of close to €1.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our built heritage across the country. More details on the commencement and completion dates for projects and programmes, as well as the timing of the expenditure in relation to them, will emerge as we go through the process of appraisal and planning as required under the Public Spending Code.
58. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports available for built heritage projects in counties Longford and Westmeath. [19974/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
Financial support for the protection of architectural heritage is provided by my Department through a number of schemes. These schemes are administered via the local authorities.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). The BHIS is designed to leverage private capital for investment in a significant number of labour-intensive, small scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons. €2m has been provided for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2018. 370 projects have been approved for funding, including 16/projects in Counties Longford and Westmeath with an aggregate grant aid of €100k.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. €1,324,000 has been provided for the Structures at Risk Fund 2018. 76 projects across the country have been approved for funding, including three projects in County Longford with aggregate grant aid of €50,000 and three further projects in County Westmeath with an aggregate grant aid of €43,000.
Details of all projects funded under both schemes are available on my Department’s website and all local authority websites. While the closing date for the 2018 schemes has now passed, my Department remains in contact with local authorities throughout the year to ensure the best use of funding, including by reallocating funding where, for example, projects do not go ahead.
My Department has provided €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2018 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. My Department’s National Monuments Service also works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes for 2018 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
In terms of funding for future years, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027 represents a major capital investment scheme of close to €1.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our built heritage across the country. More details on the commencement and completion dates for projects and programmes, as well as the timing of the expenditure in relation to them, will emerge as we go through the process of appraisal and planning as required under the Public Spending Code.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she will be in a position to continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters among young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish culture and heritage are indisputable assets when it comes to promoting Ireland's image and reputation at home and abroad among all age groups.
My Department supports a broad range of programmes and initiatives across its remit to promote Ireland’s image, including in particular the Creative Ireland Programme and Culture Ireland.
The remit of Culture Ireland, a division of my Department, is to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide thus strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation. Strategic priorities include providing support for the international presentation of Irish artists and arts organisations, developing new and diverse international audiences and markets for Irish arts, and linking culture into the Government’s international promotion strategy in tandem with other relevant Government Agencies.
This year, Culture Ireland is presenting Culture Ireland GB18, a year-long programme of Irish arts in Great Britain that aims to showcase Irish artistic excellence in partnership with significant UK institutions, venues and festivals, to build on the unique (and in many respects shared) cultural relationship between the two countries and expand the reach of Irish culture to new audiences.
Great Britain is a key market for Ireland in terms of tourism, trade and investment promotion and the GB18 programme enables us to use our culture and heritage as a unique door-opener for Ireland and Irish business, and an effective means of articulating our values at a time of change in Ireland's wider relationship with Britain.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement.
Pillar I - 'Enabling the Creative Potential of Children' and Pillar II - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme will see considerable investment this year in highlighting numerous events of a cultural and heritage nature across the country.
For instance, a sum of €3m (€2m from my Department and €1m from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government) has been allocated to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. In addition, each local authority has been allocated funding to host Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of day of youthful creativity that will be held on the 23 June 2018 and which is specifically targeted at children and young people. Further details regarding Cruinniú na nÓg will be made available shortly.
The Creative Youth Plan, an initiative under Pillar I launched in December 2017 is underpinned by the principle that the arts and culture need to be at the centre of education. This will by its very nature increase interest in Irish culture and heritage among young people. Work is currently underway in progressing the 18 actions contained within this plan which can be accessed at https://creative.ireland.ie/en/library
Pillar V of the Creative Ireland Programme aims to enhance Ireland's global reputation as a creative and cultural nation and presents an unique opportunity to create a unified articulation of Ireland's values, capabilities and beliefs for the outside world with direct and indirect economic and social benefits. The www.ireland.ie website articulating this vision was re-launched in March 2018 as a cross–sectoral initiative to showcase Ireland as a place to live, to visit, to invest, to study, and do business in.
We will continue to work across Government in 2018, to further enhance Ireland's cultural and artistic reputation, particularly in the context of the recently launched ten-year plan "Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027" which sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. This plan can be accessed at http://www.chg.gov.ie/news-centre/news-centre-publications/
60. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the Heritage Bill for the breeding of birds and bees during the month of March; the engagement her Department has had with concerned NGOs such as the organisation and An Taisce regarding the draft legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19981/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties including from An Taisce and the organisation in question, proposals were announced in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures is included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016.
I am aware of a recent submission made to my Department by the organisation concerned on the provisions on hedge cutting and burning in the Heritage Bill and various organisations have raised their concerns at meetings with my Department.
The Bill has completed its passage through Seanad Éireann and completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann yesterday.
In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts remain in force.
62. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of plans to pursue ownership of Granard Motte. [19973/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the State’s long association with Granard Motte which came into its care in 1926. Because the monument is in my guardianship, as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it enjoys a high level of protection under the National Monuments Acts. Any ground disturbance or other works at or in proximity to the monument can only take place with my formal consent under those Acts. Also, the Office of Public Works is charged with maintaining the monument and has full access to it for that purpose.
I appreciate the significance of this national monument and its appeal to the people of Longford. I am strongly in favour of full ownership being acquired by the State. Unfortunately previous negotiations towards that end on behalf of my Department and Longford County Council failed to achieve a successful result. In that context, the Deputy will appreciate the constraints of public procurement policy with regard to the purchase price and the requirement for value for money to be achieved.
However, following further communication between my Department, the local authority and the Office of Public Works the negotiations are being reopened and I hope there will be a positive outcome.
63. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the refurbishment of the National Concert Hall will proceed as part of Ireland 2040; when the works will go to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20008/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder its plan 'Investing in our Culture, Heritage and Language' the Government intends to invest €460m in a significant number of capital projects in our National Cultural Institutions over the period 2018 to 2027. Included in this figure is €78 million for the re-development of the National Concert Hall.
Investments under this plan will be subject to appraisal and evaluation in line with the Public Spending Code. This includes the consideration of a range of options prior to committing any funding to the project, an evaluation of the financial and economic implications of the project prior to procuring the project, and robust project management arrangements throughout the implementation phase.
More details on the delivery of this project will emerge as my Department goes through this process of appraising and planning for this important investment.
64. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to offer a grant or bursary scheme to parents wishing to send their children to the Gaeltacht; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19901/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that under the provisions of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (Irish Learners' scheme) the cost of attending recognised Irish summer college courses is subvented by way of a daily grant (currently €10 per student) which is payable to qualifying householders who provide suitable accommodation to attending students.
This investment (in support of the overall objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2022 ) accounted for exchequer expenditure in excess of €4.07m in 2017 and provided learning opportunities to more than 26,000 students who resided with 659 registered households while attending courses provided by 49 recognised Gaeltacht Irish summer colleges.
I understand that a number of organisations, including Educational and Training Boards, in addition to a number of Irish summer colleges, currently provide scholarships in order to further enable attendance.
By way of underpinning the measures in hand in support of the language and, by extension the 20-Year Strategy, the issue of scholarships is currently being considered.
65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her Department’s review of the cap in the percentage for the arts scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20003/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 1997 the Government approved the inclusion in budgets for all Exchequer-funded capital construction projects of up to 1% as funding for an art project, subject to an overall cap of €64,000.
Under the terms of the Scheme, funds to commission a per cent for art piece are factored into and funded from the overall budget of each capital project by the public body undertaking it. This is a matter for each project promoter or commissioning body.
My Department has responsibility for the promotion of the Per Cent for Art Scheme and set out guidelines in 2004 to assist project managers to operate the scheme and to provide a common national approach to its implementation. Guidelines on the Per Cent for Art Scheme are available on the Public Art website www.publicart.ie. and on the Department's website.
The current cap was set by Government in 1997 and given the period which has elapsed since the cap was last adjusted in 1997, my predecessor asked the Department to conduct a review of the scheme. My Department has carried out an initial scoping exercise on the operation of the scheme and will now be consulting on a more formal basis with Departments and Agencies who operate the scheme. I expect to receive proposals for changes to the scheme in the coming months.
67. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta conas a chinnteoidh an tAire go bhfuil an t-airgead atá curtha ar fáil do phleanáil teanga caite ar phleanáil teanga agus é tagtha chun solais nach raibh ach 11% de mhaoiniú do phleanáil teanga caite uirthi. [20139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAr mhaithe le cabhrú tuilleadh le feidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, a bhfuil an próiseas pleanála teanga mar chuid lárnach de, bunaíodh ciste faoi leith in 2014. Baineadh leas as an gciste seo ó 2014 i leith chun cúram a dhéanamh d’fheidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga, ar cuireadh tús lena fheidhmiú ar an talamh an bhliain sin, chomh maith le maoiniú a dhéanamh ar raon de thograí, bearta agus tionscnaimh faoi leith mar thaca breise d’fheidhmiú na Straitéise agus don phróiseas pleanála teanga, dá réir.
Ós rud é go bhfuil an próiseas pleanála teanga mar chuid lárnach d’fheidhmiú na Straitéise, ba ghá féachadh chuige, i gcomhthéacs an chúraim atá sannta dóibh faoin bpróiseas, gur cuireadh maoiniú a dhóthain ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d’Fhoras na Gaeilge araon chun a chinntiú go mbeadh sé curtha ar a gcumas tacú mar ba ghá le hullmhúchán pleananna sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta, sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus sna Líonraí Gaeilge de réir mar a bhain sé leo faoi seach thar an tréimhse.
Leagtar amach sa tábla a leanas an cionnroinnt den chiste iomlán a caitheadh go sonrach ar an bpróiseas thar an tréimhse 2014 go 2017:
|
- |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€200,000 |
€259,875 |
€340,125 |
€735,000 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
- |
- |
- |
€81,553 |
|
Beart agus tionscnaimh eile ar leas na Straitéise go príomha |
€299,879 |
€286,125 |
€659,152 |
€613,000 |
Mar a bhaineann sé le 2018, ní miste a nótáil go bhfuil allúntas ar fiú €2.65m curtha ar fáil faoin gciste sa bhliain reatha. Ós rud é go bhfuil an próiseas ag gluaiseacht ar aghaidh i mbliana ó ullmhúchán pleananna go dtí feidhmiú pleananna ó 2018 ar aghaidh, tá an ciste iomlán curtha i dtreo an phróisis chomh maith le roinnt bearta nua faoi leith a ndéanfar a mhaoiniú ar bhonn lárnach mar thaca breise do.
Tá mé muiníneach go mbeidh ar chumas na Roinne an maoiniú cuí a chur ar fáil agus an phróiseis ag dul chun cinn.
68. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she has taken to resolve the emerging difficulties within the film industry. [20136/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish film, television and animation industry is experiencing a period of sustained success and critical acclaim. Over the last number of years, Irish talent has been a consistent presence at the Academy Awards, with Nora Twomey’s debut animated feature, The Breadwinner, leading the Irish charge at this year's ceremony alongside other nominations for Irish talent including Saoirse Ronan, Consolata Boyle, Martin McDonagh and Daniel Day-Lewis. The industry’s current flourishing is the result of the Irish Film Board’s years of investment in Irish creative filmmaking talent, made possible through consistent Government backing as well as Section 481, which plays a crucial role in attracting inward production to Ireland.
In partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation, my Department commissioned an economic analysis of our screen based creative industries. The Report by consultants Olsberg SPI with Nordicity found that the Irish audiovisual industry, comprising Film, TV and animation; commercial advertising; and video games, supported 14,370 full-time equivalents jobs in 2016; with Gross Value Added amounting to €857 million and an estimated €191 million in export earnings for Ireland. The industry also provided valuable cultural exports reaching substantial global audiences and bringing benefits to other industries such as the tourism sector.
This Report will provide an input for the development of an industry-wide long term plan for Ireland as a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation under Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme. The Plan will set out an agenda to further develop the Irish Audiovisual Industry and in that context my Department will work with the Film Board and all sectors of the industry to address any barriers to continued success. I intend to publish this economic report and associated plan shortly.
69. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú maidir leis na limistéir Phleanála Teanga i nGaillimh agus, go háirithe, maidir le stádas na bPleananna Teanga sa Chathair agus sa Chontae; cé mhéad plean atá faofa ag an Aire agus cé mhéad airgead atá curtha ar fáil chun na pleananna seo a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20132/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAr mhaithe le tacú le feidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga mar a leagtar amach é faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, cuireann mo Roinn cistíocht bhliantúil ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d'Fhorás na Gaeilge chun cuidiú le heagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe a roghnaíonn an tÚdarás agus an Foras chun pleananna teanga a ullmhú agus a chur i bhfeidhm i leith na Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta, na mBailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na Líonraí Gaeilge mar a bhaineann sé leo faoi seach.
Maidir le Cathair na Gaillimhe atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas mar cheann den sé chinn déag de bhailte féideartha a d'fhéadfadh a bheith aitheanta in am trátha mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta, ís í an eagraíocht Gaillimh le Gaeilge, atá freagrach go príomha as plean a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú don chathair i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe.
Tuigtear don Roinn go bhfuil an eagraíocht i mbun comhairle phroifisiúnta a lorg faoi láthair chun cabhrú leo i dtreo tús a bheith curtha le hullmhúchán an phlean gan mhoill.
Ina theannta sin, ar ndóigh, agus mar a bhaineann sé leis na bailte seirbhíse trí chéile, tá Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge ag leanúint orthu chun a chinntiú go ndéantar dul chun cinn breise in ullmhú pleananna teanga sna bailte éagsúla atá faoina gcúram.
Maidir le staid reatha an phróisis i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe trí chéile, tá an próiseas idir lámha i ngach aon cheann den 10 limistéar pleanála teanga faoi láthair. Ceadaíodh plean teanga Chois Fharraige le gairid agus, mar a bhaineann sé le Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe, tá pleananna teanga á mbreithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair i leith limistéar na Ceathrún Rua chomh maith leis an limistéar Dúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh.
Lena chois sin táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh pleananna i leith na limistéar Ceantar na nOileán agus Conamara Láir á gcur faoi bhráid mo Roinne chun críche faofa faoin Acht go luath agus ceaptar go mbeidh pleananna i leith na limistéir faoi leith: Maigh Cuilinn; Bearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach; Oirthear Chathair na Gaillimhe; agus an tEachréidh curtha faoi mo bhráid mo Roinne an bhliain seo chugainn.
Fágann sé seo uile go bhfuiltear ag súil leis go mbeidh feidhmiú pleananna idir lámha i ngach aon cheann de na limistéir pleanála teanga i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe faoi dheireadh na bliana seo chugainn chomh maith le dul chun cinn suntasach déanta maidir le plean teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe san achar ama céanna.
70. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the plans contained within the Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 plan for caring for Ireland’s national monuments, including Clonmacnoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19913/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has thousands of unique archaeological monuments which represent over 7,000 years of settlement on this island. They are in every locality and community and provide tangible links to our ancient past, a sense of place for communities and focal points for social enjoyment and economic regeneration. There are over 1000 national monuments in my care, as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In recent years investment in these sites has necessarily been confined for the most part to conservation and maintenance works by the Office of Public Works which is responsible for managing them on a day- to-day basis.
To enhance the preservation and presentation of our heritage estate for the future, the Government will over the course of the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 invest €30 million in our national monument sites. My Department will work closely with the Office of Public Works to ensure that these sites are conserved and presented to the highest quality. Where feasible, additional sites and monuments will also be acquired and public access improved. The quality of the visitor facilities will be improved throughout, including enhanced animation of the sites, improvements to interpretation facilities and upgrades to the visitor infrastructure at all of our primary national monument sites.
Through my Department’s strategic partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Office of Public we will strengthen the care of our key heritage sites across Ireland’s ancient east, the wild Atlantic way and Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Key projects include the planned improvement works at Brú na Bóinne, Tara, Céide Fields, Skellig Michael, Valentia Cable Station, the Rock of Cashel and other key monastic, armada and medieval sites. In the case of Clonmacnoise, the capacity of the facilities, in particular carparking, is currently being looked at by the Office of Public Works.
In addition to making our archaeological heritage more open and enjoyable to everyone, the increased funding now being made available will also directly support new employment in the heritage, conservation and archaeological sectors.
71. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that will be provided by the State to commemorate events following the public consultation into the way in which the significant events of the 1918 to 1923 period will be appropriately remembered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and themes of the period from 1918 to 1923 will continue to be informed by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. The Advisory Group has examined the submissions received under the public consultation process and is now considering the advice that it will provide to Government.
In 2018 my Department is providing €850,000 towards commemorative events and programmes under the Decade of Centenaries including a funding allocation of €5,000 programme to each local authority. This will support local authorities in developing commemorative initiatives to encourage people of all ages to explore the significant events and themes of 1918. Activities will be aligned to the thematic strands of the State Centenary Programme for 2018 and the guiding principles of the Second Statement of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. Funding for future years will be considered in the context of the overall approach by Government to the next period as part of the normal Estimates process.
72. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [20261/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [20262/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the breakdown of the consultancy services and value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [20263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 74, inclusive, together.
A breakdown of expenditure by my Department in 2017 in the categories of training and development and incidental expenses and travel and subsistence is set out in the following tables. There was no expenditure incurred by my Department on consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews in 2017.
It should be noted that the figures provided for 2017 are based on provisional outturn and may be subject to revision, as part of the finalisation of my Department's 2017 Appropriation Account.
Training and Development and Incidental Expenses
|
- |
Training and Development |
|
- Courses, conferences and seminars for Staff |
€54,017.97 |
|
- Educational Assistance (refund of academic fees) |
€55,018.40 |
|
Training & Development total |
€109,036.37 |
|
Official and State Entertainment |
|
|
- Official Entertainment |
€105,295.63 |
|
- State Entertainment |
€475.00 |
|
- Official Gifts |
€6,943.87 |
|
Entertainment total |
€112,714.50 |
|
Library & Information Services |
|
|
- Subscriptions to Journals/ Magazines/ CD Roms |
€14,867.50 |
|
- Books/ Maps |
€4,741.70 |
|
- Purchase of Government Publications |
€124.20 |
|
- On Line Databases |
€9,629.36 |
|
- News Services/Media |
€1,658.83 |
|
- Research Materials and Costs |
€24,323.60 |
|
- Newspapers |
€71,492.95 |
|
- TV & Licenses |
€2,444.98 |
|
- Transcription |
€1,733.38 |
|
Library & Information Services Total |
€131,016.50 |
|
Advertising, Photography, etc. |
|
|
- Advertising |
€35,528.55 |
|
- Conferences and Seminars |
€2,164.60 |
|
- Photography |
€10,968.96 |
|
- Website |
€17,576.70 |
|
- Advertising in Publications |
€5,086.90 |
|
- Iris Oifigiul - Publication of Notices |
€7,037.00 |
|
Advertising, Photography, etc. Total |
€78,362.71 |
|
Translations |
|
|
- Translations - Irish Language |
€10,375.65 |
|
- Translations - Other |
€211.50 |
|
Translations Total |
€10,587.15 |
|
Administrative Expenses |
|
|
- Doctors Fees, Medicine and First Aid Supplies |
€2,355.48 |
|
- Professional Subscriptions |
€381.18 |
|
- Off-site Storage |
€6,032.95 |
|
- Couriers |
€1,047.38 |
|
- Flowers |
€297.50 |
|
- Refreshments (Tea/ Coffee/ Water) |
€25,383.77 |
|
- Miscellaneous Expenses |
€31,996.19 |
|
- Health and Safety Supplies |
€2,729.02 |
|
- Administrative/Cleaning services support |
€25,604.71 |
|
Administrative Expenses Total |
€95,828.18 |
|
Bank Charges & Fees |
|
|
- Bank Charges |
€220.00 |
|
Bank Charges & Fees Total |
€220.00 |
|
Legal and Advisory |
|
|
- Legal Fees |
€9,727.05 |
|
Legal & Advisory Total |
€9,727.05 |
|
Clothing and Uniforms |
|
|
- Staff Uniforms |
€7,038.39 |
|
- Footwear Allowance |
€190.00 |
|
Clothing & Uniforms Total |
€7,228.39 |
|
Total expenditure in 2017 on Training and Development and Incidental Expenses |
€554,720.85 |
Travel and Subsistence
|
- |
Home Travel |
|
- Subsistence |
€35,342.08 |
|
- Hotel Costs |
€7,376.59 |
|
- Taxi |
€22,483.48 |
|
- Mileage |
€40,819.06 |
|
- Other travel expenses - misc. |
€6,166.31 |
|
Home Travel total |
€112,187.52 |
|
Foreign Travel |
|
|
- Subsistence |
€36,041.82 |
|
- Hotel Costs |
€115,830.52 |
|
- Air Tickets |
€257,006.05 |
|
- Taxi |
€5,376.10 |
|
- Mileage |
€5,990.84 |
|
- Ground Transport |
€56,050.89 |
|
- Other travel expenses - misc. |
€29,937.34 |
|
Foreign Travel total |
€506,233.56 |
|
Total expenditure in 2017 on Travel and Subsistence |
€618,421.08 |
