Vol. 732 No. 1
32 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he has given any consideration yet to a commitment in the programme for Government to identify buildings in the National Asset Management Agency which could be used as suitable local arts and culture facilities. [10709/11]
36 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he has identified any buildings held by the National Asset Management Agency which may be suitable for cultural facilities. [10621/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 36 together.
The programme for Government contains the following commitment: "We will seek to capture some public good from NAMA by identifying buildings that have no commercial potential and which might be suitable as local facilities for art and culture". My Department recently wrote to NAMA requesting a meeting to discuss this commitment. Accordingly, until that meeting takes place and I can get some idea of the thinking within NAMA on this proposal, it is not possible to give a definitive answer on specific buildings.
I welcome the work the Minister has done in this regard by contacting NAMA. It is a very worthwhile venture. The Minister touched on this issue in his previous answer when he spoke of providing facilities for young people and trying to involve the younger generation in the arts and in the creation of art and culture. I welcome that he has made progress on this. When he has more information on this I ask him to let the House know the outcome of such contact.
When I was on the benches opposite, where Deputy Troy is now, I mentioned a few signature buildings in this city that might be suitable for this purpose so I hope to pursue what I spoke about now that I am in my present position. If the taxpayer were to see buildings that had been in NAMA being used for cultural purposes, by young people in particular, that would be a very welcome development.
Throughout the State local groups, including amateur dramatic and music groups, rehearse and prepare in dilapidated and inadequate facilities while brand new buildings lie idle. What criteria are being used to identify local groups which require new facilities? When does the Minister expect to get back the information?
Basically, we hope to have discussions with NAMA as soon as possible and we have written to it requesting it. I contacted NAMA directly in two cases in which buildings related to the arts were involved which are housing arts projects at present. NAMA seemed to be sympathetic. It was appointed by the House to get a return for the taxpayer.
However, one must consider social capital as well. There should be a social and cultural return and this may be equally as important as getting a good financial return. People should consider where NAMA buildings are located and whether they are available throughout the country so that communities can focus and put in place arrangements to try to acquire these for community purposes. It could lead to many possibilities. I thank the Deputy for the direction of her question. When I am speaking to the NAMA people I will bring this to their attention.
I agree with much of what the Minister has said about NAMA. Being involved in the industry myself, I am convinced most of the stuff with which NAMA is liable to flood the market will be sold at a good deal less than its real value. In the case of as much of the property as possible, whether for sports, cultural or residential purposes, the more that remains in State hands, the better for the country. Does the Minister agree that in many cases not only will there be arts and cultural benefits, but there will be a better return for the taxpayer as well given that much of what will be sold off will be bought by foreign investors at a knock-down price?
One must balance the financial return with the cultural and social capital that could materialise as a country if we acquired these buildings. This balance must be struck. I agree with the Deputy that we should keep an open mind on acquiring some of these buildings. However, we should acquire them for the right reason because any benefit to the country may be in the future rather than the present. We should weigh up the best use for them and determine who are the people to acquire these buildings where there is a local community demand. I realise the Deputy is a good community worker, he understands the relevance of acquiring a building that is in place and ready-made for a community and he understands the social capital that could be gained from this. In my discussions with NAMA I will emphasise this consideration and that it is not simply a matter of getting a monetary benefit. Other benefits might arise which could be of major use for the future of society, our communities and especially our young people.
Some community groups will have a particular interest in a NAMA building. Has the Minister put in place a process for how these can make an application to take ownership of such a building? If so, will the Minister advise the House of this process? Is there potential to get an economic return for NAMA with buildings in the case of aspiring artists who are finding it difficult to get venues or buildings in which to produce art? Is there another avenue we could explore to facilitate aspiring artists by allowing them into some buildings at a nominal rent for a small period to help them to get established?
It is appropriate for the Deputy to ask the question because I have been asking the same question myself recently. This is the next mechanism NAMA should put in place. It has acquired property and has gone through all the legal and logistical challenges up to now. Next, the conditions and procedures to encourage the type of project that could attract community involvement should be put in place. I am aware from my inquires to NAMA that it has not done this to date.
However, I am aware of several initiatives involving people who are interested in getting together as a community to do expressly what the Deputy is suggesting. I hope they can put together a package for community groups and that there will be a facility available to allow community groups to organise and get the resources together to acquire some of these properties, wherever they are in the country. Since the taxpayer owns them, there should be a public list of properties available from NAMA. This would be helpful and then people could decide what is appropriate for community involvement. That is the next stage. NAMA should consider the possibility of community involvement as well as waiting for investors to come in, as Deputy Wallace noted, to buy up the properties. NAMA should consider the community aspect as well.
I appreciate the Minister's stand and I believe we are on the same wavelength.
33 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the assistance he will give the Office of Public Works and Donegal County Council in their joint promotion of the Grianán of Aileach fort at Burt, County Donegal, with its historic significance on a par with the Hill of Tara. [10616/11]
The ring fort of Grianán of Aileach is a national monument in State ownership. The site is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Office of Public Works. My Department provides funding under the built heritage capital programme to the OPW to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic properties and national monuments in State care. It should be noted that there has been a significant reduction in the budgetary allocation to this programme in recent years. My Department has been engaged with the OPW with regard to this site and has co-operated in the production of a heritage guide to the Grianán, published in 2010. This guide summarises the results of the conservation works undertaken between 2004 and 2007 and gives an outline of the historical and archaeological significance of the site.
Following a meeting on 30 September 2010 between officials from the OPW, my Department and key stakeholders, it was agreed that the heritage guide would be made available through local tourist outlets, that signage at the site would be improved and that there would be ongoing co-operation with stakeholders through the county council's heritage officer to explore possibilities for highlighting the site's importance. I am pleased there is a little good news for the Deputy and progress is being made.
Grianán of Aileach on the Donegal-Derry border is a magnificent historical location set in spectacular surroundings with panoramic views. The fort overlooks Inishowen to the north giving good views of Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. On a clear day, one can see five of the nine counties of Ulster from Grianán's parapets.
It sounds lovely, Deputy, but can I get a question from you?
I am getting to it. As such, it represents a major tourism attraction in the north west. However, it is an under-resourced and under-funded attraction. My colleague, Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn, extends an invitation to the Minister to visit the site. Will the Minister accept Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn's invitation? Will the Minister commit to investing in improved amenities at the site?
I assure the Deputy when I go to Donegal I will visit the site. As a former history teacher, I have referred to the site in the past. I thank the Deputy for reminding me and ensuring that I recall the importance of the site. However, this is a site where something has happened and where the OPW is doing something. A guide and proper literature are now available and it is more of a positive story than that of other sites throughout the country. I am keen to visit the site when I go to Donegal which, hopefully, will be before July. I thank the Deputy.
I was interested to listen to the response of the Minister on the cut in funding in recent years and what the OPW is doing now. Given the announcements to try to boost tourism, it is vital that as much work as possible is done in conjunction with every Department to try to enhance and promote these areas. There are many areas throughout the country of great culture and heritage.
A question please, Deputy.
They will be a valuable asset in terms of attracting tourists. What are the Department's plans to improve advertising and to promote our cultural and heritage sites?
I agree with the Deputy that in this country we do transition and translation well, but we do not do transmission. We have spent a lot of money to develop cultural facilities, but often people do not know about them. Transmission is vitally important. With modern technology, including Facebook, iPhone apps and other means of communication, we can tell people about our attractions in an inexpensive way. Proper websites are important, with other means of communication about which the young people in the Visitors Gallery would be able to tell us. Modern technology must be used much more; it is inexpensive, but it can be used to tell people about our archaeological sites, monuments and attractions.
Deputy Jonathan O'Brien is a Corkman, as is the Acting Chairman, Deputy Ciarán Lynch.
There is a Cork lady present also.
True, but Deputy Sandra McLellan is from a different constituency. I was in St. Fin Barre's Cathedral recently and appeal to the Cork Deputies to take an interest in this remarkable building. It is a national treasure that needs attention, as it is taking in rainwater. The organ which is unique needs to be repaired.
Despite the Minister's charming of Cork, I must interrupt him, as he is over time.
I would like all Cork Deputies to take an interest in the restoration of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and I will not be found wanting because I am very impressed by the building. It will take some action to rectify it.
34 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the date on which he will commence a review of the opening times of our cultural institutions; and the date on which this review will be published. [10619/11]
While my Department provides funding for the national cultural institutions, the board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters relating to the institution, including opening hours. I do not have a statutory function in day-to-day operational matters. All of the institutions will be required to carry out a formal review of their opening hours in accordance with the commitment given in the programme for Government. I am aware that opening hours are a matter which is routinely kept under review by all of the institutions and the fact that they are now operating in a much changed financial situation and with reduced Exchequer resources will potentially impinge on the outcome of all such reviews. My Department will continue to actively promote and encourage additional public access to the collections held by our national cultural institutions within current budgetary constraints, pending the outcome of the reviews.
Given our economic circumstances and improved access to Ireland by air and sea, we must create a cultural hub. To do so, we must ensure our national cultural institutions are user-friendly. When will the reviews be completed and the recommendations implemented? Does the Minister agree the review of opening hours could include an audit and a user satisfaction survey to determine appropriate opening hours?
When I saw this question, I asked what the opening hours were. Our national institutions are open for considerable periods, although the opening hours could be improved. The National Gallery of Ireland is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The National Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Chester Beatty Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Crawford Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and closed on Sunday.
I looked for the figures for costs, such as for the IMMA. If it had to open for an extra hour each evening, it would cost €250,000 per year. There is a cost involved, but there are many tourists and visitors and people who wish to conduct research or visit the institutions at night who must be considered. The Government made a commitment in respect of the reviews taking place and we hope to show outcomes, whereby opening hours will be extended, especially during peak season.
35 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with the various stakeholders in the public and private sectors with a view to identification of a precise methodology to facilitate incentivisation of job opportunities and thereby assist economic revival. [10703/11]
42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his priorities with a view to enhancing opportunities for national economic recovery; if the employment creative potential has been quantified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10702/11]
43 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to develop arts and culture as an area with potential for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10700/11]
101 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to ensure cultural initatives from his Department are used as a mechanism for job creation. [10843/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 42, 43 and 101 together.
My Department has responsibility for the arts, heritage, the Irish language and the islands which I am confident will play a key role in the the country's economic recovery. Since taking office, I have met and engaged with a wide range of stakeholders across the various sectors within the remit of my Department and I know these sectors can and will continue to contribute to achieving Government objectives to support the protection and creation of jobs. While the arts, culture and creative sectors are important for the social, cultural and educative benefits they bring to communities around the country, they also constitute a significant sector of the economy, in terms of contributions to GNP and employment. As such, they can make an important contribution to sustainable economic recovery. Over 3.5 million people visited our national cultural institutions and other cultural organisations supported by my Department last year. The priority in 2011 is to ensure that what the national cultural institutions offer to the public continue to draw large numbers of visitors, both domestically and from abroad.
My Department also provides funding towards cultural initiatives aimed at enhancing the cultural tourism product and the provision of employment in the cultural tourism sector. This year Dublin Contemporary 2011 will be an internationally recognised and acclaimed contemporary art exhibition and event in Dublin and provide a highlight for cultural tourism in Ireland on a global scale. My Department continues to support the provision of genealogical research into family histories and encourage roots tourism. This is an area with huge growth potential.
Film, television and digital content production sits at the heart of the creative knowledge economy and represents an important investment proposition for Ireland. The Irish audiovisual industry can be a positive force for change and be part of a national solution to drive economic growth by providing high quality local employment; increasing inward investment; promoting "brand Ireland" and our "cultural ambassadors" who represent Ireland abroad; contributing to cultural tourism initiatives; and improving our export capacity culturally and financially.
As Minister with responsibility for heritage, Ireland's rich heritage can play a central role in national economic recovery. During my term of office I will promote the role which Ireland's heritage has to play in making Ireland an attractive destination for sustainable tourism and inward investment, both in terms of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department which operates Ireland's national parks and nature reserves and of our unique built heritage which distinguishes us and makes Ireland an attractive tourist location for both visitors and Irish people. While resources are limited, I will look to work creatively across the Government and with partner bodies such as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust and other heritage interests in delivering high quality heritage protection and promotion.
The Deputies will be aware that Údarás na Gaeltachta, the State agency responsible for promoting the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht with the overall objective of ensuring Irish remains the main language of the region, also comes within the remit of my Department. Údarás na Gaeltachta encourages investment in the Gaeltacht through a range of incentives for new enterprises and support and assistance for existing businesses. I will be seeking to support it, within available resources, to continue its strategy of attracting new enterprises and investments and protecting existing employment in its client companies.
I listened attentively to the Minister's reply which reinforced the need to look to the private sector for future funding for cultural events. He stated he has already engaged with philanthropists in this regard. The Minister spoke eloquently about that fine cathedral in Cork. I remind him we have fine heritage buildings right throughout the country and in particular in Westmeath we have such buildings awaiting grant assistance from his Department. Can he give any indication of when those grants will be announced?
Perhaps the Deputy could be more specific in his contribution. I presume the Deputy refers to a number of heritage grants administered by the Department which will be announced shortly. I am visiting the Heritage Council tomorrow and I will bring to its attention his frustration with the non-announcement of these grants. I hope when they are announced the Deputy will be pleased that some of the projects to which he refers will receive grants.
St. Fin Barre's cathedral in Cork should be of particular interest to all of us, in particular to Deputy Ciarán Lynch and Deputy Sandra McLellan who represent Cork city and county respectively. It is of national importance and vital that the cathedral is properly preserved. We must ensure it is not damaged further by rain. Those grants will be announced shortly.
How will the Minister's Department facilitate and support the full implementation of Fáilte Ireland's cultural tourism strategy? Is there scope in the strategy for co-operation with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport?
There are two agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, dealing with tourism on the island of Ireland. The section of my Department dealing with tourism is located in Killarney, County Kerry. It is imperative that these bodies work in close co-operation with each other. Before Christmas I produced a policy document on tourism and I received feedback from the tourism industry which suggested a disconnection between Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I suggested in my policy document that the two agencies should work from the same building. Tourism Ireland is a 32-county body which promotes the island of Ireland and which was established as a result of the Good Friday Agreement while Fáilte Ireland promotes indigenous tourism. I agree with Deputy McLellan on the importance of agencies working in close co-operation to promote our considerable number and quality of attractions to a broader market both at home and abroad, in particular from our main markets such as the UK, USA, Germany and other European countries.
The forthcoming visits of President Obama and the Queen of England will be very important showcase events for this country. It is hoped our cultural facilities will be highlighted and be on view around the world during these visits. It will be a great opportunity to sell our country and its cultural attractions.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 32.
37 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the funding made available to the Irish Heritage Trust each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10704/11]
The Irish Heritage Trust was established to acquire for public access major heritage properties where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is an imminent risk to their heritage value. It was established in 2006 and is designated as a charity under the Companies Acts.
Current funding has been provided from the Vote of my Department towards the operational activities of the trust. A total of €360,000 was allocated in 2006; €500,000 in 2007; €520,000 in 2008; €484,000 in 2009; €436,000 in 2010; €375,000 in 2011. In addition, capital funding of €5 million was allocated in 2007 towards the conservation and presentation of Fota House in County Cork. This property was acquired by the Irish Heritage Trust that year. The financial resources available to the trust have declined, in line with the significant reduction in funding to the built heritage in recent years. These resources will continue to be constrained.
My Department has commenced a review of the operation of the trust against the backdrop of the current economic and budgetary position and in accordance with the intention that the trust would be reviewed after its initial period of operation.
Deputy Stanton has a particular interest in this question. I intend to visit Fota Island in the near future. The other Deputy from that constituency might like to join us on the visit.
I thank the Minister.
38 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to extend the culture night event to other cities on the next occasion that it is held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10622/11]
44 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to make culture night a twice yearly event as promised in the programme for Government and if he will consider extending it to other cities outside of Dublin [10708/11]
45 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to make culture night a twice yearly event. [10618/11]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 38, 44 and 45, together.
Culture Night 2011 will take place on Friday, 23 September 2011. On culture night, arts and cultural organisations and venues, including the national cultural institutions, extend their opening hours until late in the evening to allow for increased free access to the various collections, workshops and other events. Culture night has grown from a relatively small scale cultural event staged in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national cultural event it now is, with over 500 cultural venues across 20 locations throughout the country participating in Culture Night 2010.
Temple Bar Cultural Trust co-ordinates the Dublin culture night event in association with the Council of National Cultural Institutions, Temple Bar cultural quarter, Dublin City Council, art and cultural institutions and other agencies. My Department has provided funding to the trust for the event since 2006 and in 2008 requested the trust to consider an expansion of the culture night model to cities and towns outside of Dublin. The success of this matched-funding initiative in 2008 led to my Department agreeing to fund further expansions in 2009 and 2010. Last year's event was the most extensive culture night to date, with the participation of locations from Cork to Donegal and Galway to Wexford, including Gaeltacht regions for the first time.
Plans for the 2011 event are well under way and my Department recently invited applications for participation in regional Culture Night 2011. We hope to further develop the 2011 event as a unique offering of memorable experiences involving local arts, culture, heritage and the community which hopefully would stimulate repeat visits to cultural attractions.
Discussions are ongoing as to the most appropriate way to build on the success and popularity of culture night and these discussions include the feasibility of making culture night a twice yearly event as proposed in the programme for Government. The Deputy will appreciate that these discussions must have regard to the resources available to my Department and to the many competing demands on these resources. The St. Patrick's Day festival is currently the primary cultural festival during the spring and there may be scope for the development of an audience-focused cultural initiative as part of these festivities. My Department and its agencies also support a much expanded music day, now held in early April each year. My Department is in ongoing exploratory discussions with Temple Bar Cultural Trust in this regard.
Given the current economic climate it is essential to maximise the potential for cultural tourism. The programme for Government has committed to extending culture night to two nights a year. What criteria are used to identify locations for culture night? Would the Minister consider including Youghal on the list of locations for Culture Night 2011?
I suggest the Deputy should ask the people of Youghal to make a submission to the Department or the trust. It is important that a submission be made. I will give some figures for Culture Night 2010 to demonstrate the spread of funding across the country. A sum of €10,000 was given to the organisers of Culture Night in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Oughterard, Roscommon, Sligo, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. There has been a very good spread across the country. It is increasing in popularity. I encourage more communities to get involved and participate in Culture Night, which makes a major impact. It will take place this year on Friday, 23 September. I suggest we should do something here in the Dáil to celebrate and recognise Culture Night. Before last Christmas, I was one of many Deputies from all parties who were involved in the organisation of a successful charity art exhibition that raised a substantial amount of money for Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin. I suggest we might try to organise an event in the Dáil to mark this year's Culture Night.
I assure Deputy McLellan that the guidelines and criteria are quite flexible. An emphasis has been placed on participation to encourage communities to get involved in Culture Night. Funding is available to those who present good proposals. As the broadest definition of "culture" is used on Culture Night, it can involve Irish traditional music, song and dance, etc. Obviously it has to be culturally driven. If there is a good spread and a good mix of applications, most of them will be successful. I advise the Deputy to ensure an application is made on behalf of Youghal to the Department or Temple Bar Cultural Trust as soon as possible. I can give her the contact details if she wishes.
Great.
Perhaps the Minister can forward those details to me as well. I am aware of many groups that are interested in Culture Night. Many of them participated in previous Culture Night events and met their expenses from their own resources. They did not get any funding from the State. What level of funding is available for this year's Culture Night, which will take place on 23 September?
The Minister spoke in his reply about the possibility of "making Culture Night a twice yearly event", as proposed in the programme for Government. It will depend on the availability of funding, as the Minister said. I was a little worried to hear him indicate that St. Patrick's Day could be adopted as a second cultural day, as opposed to an actual Culture Night. I would not see that as the ideal situation. St. Patrick's Day, which is all about being Irish, is our national patron's day and a public holiday and has been for a long time. We do not need to identify it as a cultural day. I would be inclined to say we should have a second specific Culture Night that is designated for promoting cultural awareness and driving economic activity in the culture and arts sector.
The total regional funding for this year's Culture Night, which was allocated before I took office, is €150,000. It is quite small. The idea is to make small sums of money available to many communities. One can do a great deal with a small amount of money. An allocation of €1,000 could be used to get musicians together in a single location, for example. I find that a small amount of money can leverage an awful lot of value in the arts. People are happy to get a small amount of money to cover their expenses, such as hiring venues and compensating those who have to travel. The moneys that have been provided to date have been well spent and well funded.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a second Culture Night. That is being examined. I think it might be a good idea to link it to St. Patrick's Day. There is major and widespread interest in cultural events throughout the country at that time of the year. The quality and diversity of St. Patrick's Day parades has improved considerably by comparison with previous times. As politicians, we attend parades and view them from platforms. A great effort is made in parts of the country that are keen to represent their own unique culture. This year, I attended parades in Tralee, Listowel, Abbeyfeale and Abbeydorney. To give a local example, the parade in Abbeydorney, which is an agricultural parish, had a focus on the land. There was a great display of vintage tractors, ploughs and everything associated with the land. Such events reveal aspects of Irish culture and heritage that might not be demonstrated during the rest of the year. Therefore, I suggest it might not be a bad idea to connect any second Culture Night event with St. Patrick's Day. I take the point made by Deputy Troy.
Culture Night is well established. It represents good value for money. We leverage a great deal of activity from it. As long as I am in this Ministry, I will promote the notion that there should be more widespread participation in it and that it should be of greater national benefit to all communities. Culture Night should not be confined to those communities that are aware of it and have capitalised on the grants scheme to date. The small fund that is available should be more widely distributed.
39 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of institutions that fall within his remit; the number of these institutions that have defibrillators; the number of these defibrillators which are operational; the number of staff in each of these institutions trained to use a defibrillator; the names and location of any of these institutions that are without a defibrillator; the names and location of any of these institutions that are without staff that can operate a defibrillator. [10613/11]
I assume the Deputy's question refers to the eight national cultural institutions that come within the remit of my Department. I am advised that each of them, with the exception of the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, the National Archives in Dublin and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, has defibrillators in place and that all of the defibrillators are operational. It should be noted that the three institutions that do not have defibrillators have staff that are trained in the use of defibrillators and are examining their options with regard to the purchase of such devices. I will give the specific details sought by the Deputy. The National Museum of Ireland has four defibrillators and 22 staff are trained to operate them. The National Library of Ireland has four defibrillators and ten trained staff. The National Gallery of Ireland has three defibrillators and 51 trained staff. The National Concert Hall has one defibrillator and eight trained staff. The Irish Museum of Modern Art has two defibrillators and 12 trained staff. While the Chester Beatty Library has no defibrillator at present, six staff are trained to operate such equipment. In the case of the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, which also has no defibrillator at present, seven staff are trained to operate such equipment. Three members of the staff of the National Archives are trained to operate defibrillators. I hope it may be possible to ensure defibrillators are provided at these institutions at an early date.
There is anecdotal evidence that some private leisure centres which cater for all age groups do not have defibrillators or do not have adequate trained personnel to operate defibrillators. I remind the Minister of the importance of defibrillators being available in public places and workplaces. Will he commit to promoting the installation of defibrillators, and the training of personnel in their use, across all bodies covered by his Department?
The Deputy's question has brought attention to the fact I am responsible for three institutions that do not have defibrillators. Obviously, they will be asked to provide such equipment. I agree with the Deputy on the question of the broader availability of defibrillators. I know people whose lives were saved because of the presence of defibrillators. It is important that people know how to use them where they are provided. It is important that continuous training and refresher courses on the use of the defibrillators are provided as improper use can cause harm. Such equipment is required at locations where large numbers of people congregate, including sporting and cultural events. A significant number of staff in the various national institutions have been trained in the use of defibrillators and trained staff are available in the three cultural institutions which do not have defibrillators. I hope this equipment will be provided as a result of Deputy McLellan raising the matter.
When does the Minister expect the equipment will be provided?
The issue has now been highlighted in the House. Defibrillators are inexpensive but important equipment. The National Gallery of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland each have four defibrillators and the National Museum of Ireland has three of them. There is no reason, therefore, that the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork should not have such equipment, especially given its significant throughput of people. A large number of people were present when I visited the gallery recently and the current exhibition is attracting a large number of visitors. It is important, therefore, that the Crawford Art Gallery would have a defibrillator.
40 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the amount allocated to the heritage fund for each year of the years from 2007 to 2010 and to date in 2011; the purposes for which it was allocated; and the purposes for which it will be used in the future. [10612/11]
In the 1990s, the national cultural Institutions, which are charged with enhancing and expanding the national collections of cultural artefacts, had been experiencing increasing difficulties in acquiring privately owned artefacts and collections of heritage importance due to the high prices that such items were obtaining at sales and public auctions. To help surmount these difficulties, the Heritage Fund was established so that the relevant national cultural institutions could acquire heritage objects which are outstanding examples of their type and pre-eminent in their class.
The Heritage Fund Act 2001 established the Heritage Fund with an overall limit of funding of €12.697 million over a five year period. Funding was granted as follows: €3,809,214 in the financial year 2001; €2,539,476 in each of the financial years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and €1,269,738 in the financial year 2005. The five eligible institutions that may benefit from the Heritage Fund are the National Archives, the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
The Heritage Fund remains in place and currently contains €215,539.90 in funding. The amount in the fund is below the amount laid down in the legislation for an individual acquisition and, as the existing legislation does not allow for replenishment of the fund, new primary legislation is necessary before any further acquisition can be made. A scheme of a new Bill for this legislation has been drafted in my Department. However, any progress on this will be dependent on availability of funding from the Exchequer.
While Sinn Féin supports the principle of having a heritage fund to secure assets of national importance, is the fund fit for purpose in its current form? How many staff are employed with specific responsibility for administering the fund?
As matters stand, if an important artefact of national importance were to come on the market, the Heritage Fund could not intervene and purchase the object on behalf of the State. We must review the position in this regard. The State has made major acquisitions through the Heritage Fund. In 2002, the National Library of Ireland used the fund to acquire the first tranche of the Joyce papers, the value of which at the time was more than €6.2 million. The total value of acquisitions, which included further tranches of the Joyce papers in 2003 and 2004, was approximately €12 million. If the Heritage Fund had not been available, the State would not have acquired these important papers. If finance is not available to purchase important collections that become available in future, they could be lost to the State forever as it may subsequently become impossible to acquire them.
I advocated the establishment of a heritage fund and supported the fund when it was introduced. It is an important instrument through which the State can acquire important memorabilia, papers and artefacts which are scattered throughout the world and may come up for auction. Sufficient funding should be available in the fund to ensure the State is in a position to step in and acquire items that could be valuable to the country so that their benefits are not lost to a private collection.
I asked a question on staffing.
Staffing is generally shared among the institutions.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
