Question:
1 D’fhiafraigh Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé léirmheas iomlán ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22062/11]
Priority Questions
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Peadar Tóibín
Question:2 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cathain a chuirfear tús leis an athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, ar beartaíodh tabhairt faoi sa Chlár Comhaontaithe don Rialtas; an gcuirfear na moltaí maithe, cuimsitheacha atá déanta ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga sa tuairisc dá chuid ar an 5 Iúil 2011 san áireamh san athbhreithniú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22065/11]
Tá rún agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 1 agus 2 a fhreagairt le chéile.
Ní miste a mheabhrú don Teach go bhfuil céimeanna suntasacha tógtha go dtí seo maidir le cur i bhfeidhm fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla. Áirítear i measc na gcéimeanna sin ná go bhfuil 105 scéim teanga céaduaire, a chlúdaíonn 191 comhlacht poiblí ar fad, daingnithe agus foilsithe ó tháinig an tAcht i bhfeidhm; tá 26 scéim teanga céaduaire eile, a chlúdaíonn 34 comhlacht poiblí, á n-ullmhú faoi láthair; chomh maith leis sin, tá 18dara scéim teanga daingnithe agus foilsithe go dáta agus tá 67 dara scéim teanga eile á n-ullmhú faoi láthair. Tá Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla bunaithe ó mhí Feabhra 2004 agus tá gach foráil den Acht i bhfeidhm ó mhí Iúil 2006.
I mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2008, tar éis próiseas cuimsitheach comhairliúcháin, rinneadh na Rialacháin um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (alt 9) 2008le teacht i bhfeidhmó 1 Márta 2009. Tá sé mar aidhm ag na rialacháin feiceálacht na Gaeilge sa saol poiblí a threisiú. Baineann na rialacháin le húsáid na Gaeilge agus an Bhéarla ag comhlachtaí poiblí ar stáiseanóireacht, ar chomharthaíocht agus i bhfógairtí taifeadta béil. Tá 11 ordú logainmneacha déanta go dáta faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, ina measc an tOrdú Logainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004.
Ar iarratas ó mo Roinnse, tá córas creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge forbartha ag Foras na Gaeilge. Tá 158 duine ar an bpainéal d'aistritheoirí atá creidiúnaithe ag an bhforas.
Coimeádtar feidhmiú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla faoi bhreithniú ag mo Roinn ar bhonn leanúnach, i gcomhréir le halt 5 den Acht. Chomh maith leis sin, i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas i gClár an Rialtais, tá athbhreithniú ar leith á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn ar an Acht. Tá na céimeanna tosaigh le dlús a chur leis an athbhreithniú sin á dtógáil faoi láthair, ar a n-áirítear téarmaí tagartha a dhréachtú, a thógfaidh san áireamh stádas na Gaeilge sa Bhunreacht, spriocanna na straitéise 20 bliain don Ghaeilge agus na bealaí is éifeachtaí chun seirbhísí an Stáit a sholáthar don phobal trí mheán na Gaeilge. Reáchtófar próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí mar chuid den athbhreithniú seo agus rachfar i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí. Sa chomhthéacs seo, is cinnte go gcuirfear na moltaí atá foilsithe ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga an mhí seo san áireamh mar chuid den phróiseas athbhreithnithe.
Tá moltaí spáisiúla ag an Choimisinéir Teanga ach go dtí níl ach mionléirmheas ar an Acht, ag plé le haistriúchán agus an scéal faoi Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis agus cuirim fáilte roimhe sin. Cénuair a thosóidh an athbhreithniú mar a gealladh roimh an toghchán? An mbeidh an tAire sásta na moltaí a phlé leis an choiste?
Tá na céimeanna tosaigh le dlús a chur leis an athbhreithniúá dtógáil faoi láthair, ar a n-áirítear téarmaí tagartha sonracha. Tá mé dóchasach go mbeidh na téarmaí tagartha sin aontaithe i mí Mheán an Fhómhair agus go mbeidh siad réidh ansin le tús a chur leis an phróiseas chomhairliúcháin. Beidh an t-athbhreithniú críochnaithe taobh istigh de bhliain. Is cinnte go mbeimid ag dul i gcomhairle leis an choimisinéir féin agus ní fheicim aon deacracht go mbeimid i gcomhairle leis an chomhchoiste mar go bhfuil ionchur tábhachtach aige i gcúrsaí teanga agus Gaeltachta. Aon duine nó eagraíochta ag a bhfuil suim a gcuid tuairimí a chur i láthair, beidh fáilte rompu san athbhreithniú. Tá me cinnte go dtuigfidh an Teachta agus na Teachtaí eile go bhfuil an tAcht ag feidhmiú anois le beagnach deich mbliana agus go bhfuil sé in am cuí go ndéanfar aithbhreithniú ar an Acht féin. Má tá laigeachtaí ann nó aon leasuithe le déanamh, déanfar ansin iad. Rachaimid i gcomhairle agus éinne ag a bhfuil moladh, glacfar leo agus déanfar é a scrúdú. Tá súil agam go mbeidh na téarmaí tagartha ann i mí Mheán an Fhómhair agus go mbeidh an t-aithbhreithniú críochnaithe taobh istigh de bhliain ina dhiaidh sin.
Mar is eol don Aire Stáit, d'fhógair an Coimisinéir Teanga go raibh dhá thuarascáil speisialta aige a thug cúntas ar chásanna ina raibh sárú déanta ag comhlachtaí poiblí a ndualgais reachtúla teanga a chur i bhfeidh. Ní dhearna Feidhmeannachta na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus Ard-Mhuseam na hÉireann athchomharc chun na Ard-Chúirte i gcoinne an chinnidh a rinne an coimisinéar ach fós níor chuir siad moltaí i bhfeidhm. Dúirt an coimisinéir is ar Tithe an Oireachtais a thiteann an dualgas anois. Tá sinn freagrach anois an fhadhb seo a réiteach.
An bhliain seo caite, theip ar 25% de na comhlachtaí poiblí a gcuid dualgais faoin Acht a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá an t-am ag sleamhnú thart agus ní faic déanta ag an Rialtas. Inniu chonaic muid céim siar eile ó thaobh an Bhille um Dhlí Sibhialta. Ní chaithfidh an Rialtas anois Billí a fhoilsiú ar an Idirlíon i nGaeilge ag an am céanna leis an chóip Bhéarla. Cúpla seachtain ó shin, athraíodh an córas ar an dóigh a thugtar aitheantas do Ghaelscoileanna. Beidh sé níos deacra anois Gaelscoil a bhunú. Tá a lán oibre á déanamh ag an Rialtas ach tá an obair sin in éadan na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge. Is cúis phráinneach é seo agus iarraim ar an Aire Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus an tArd-Mhuseam a thabhairt isteach anseo agus ceist a chur orthu cén fáth nach na dualgais sin comhlíonta go dtí anois. Is féidir linn iad a thabhairt isteach chuig an choiste. An bhfuil an tAire Stáit sásta sin a dhéanamh go bhfreagróidh siad ceisteanna maidir le cén fáth nach bhfuil siad chun na dualgais atá acu ó thaobh teanga de a chomhlíonadh?
An dá eagraíocht a luaigh an Teachta nach bhfuil ag cloí leis an Acht go dtí seo de réir thurascáil an choimisinéir, níl aon chúis agam i gcoinne iad a thabhairt isteach ag an chomhchoiste Oireachtais ach sílim gur sin cinneadh a bhaineann leis an chomhchoiste féin. Má tharlaíonn sé, beidh sé i gceart.
Maidir leis an leasú atáá dheanamh le halt 7 Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúil, is cinnte go ndéantar é sin ar bhonn go raibh deacrachtaí ann go dtí seo. Ní sháraíonn sin an tAcht féin, go gcuirtear an leagan Gaeilge agus an leagan Béarla de Bhillí a ritheann fríd an Oireachtas agus atá sínithe ag an Uachtarán a fhoilsiú go comhuaineach ach bhí deacrachtaí mar go bhfuil moill leis an fhoilsiú sin. Bhí sé ag cothú deacrachtaí go bhfuil Billí ann atá ina ndlíthe don tír nach bhfuil leagan ar bith ar fáil. Sin an fáth gur cinneadh iad a chur ar an Idirlíon ach ní hionann sin agus a rá nach gcloífear leis an fhoráil atá san Acht go bhfoilseofar iad sa dá theanga go comhuaineach. Bhí sé riachtanach é seo a dhéanamh mar bhí daoine ag teacht os comhair na gcúirteanna agus bhí dlíodóirí agus breithimh ar lorg Achtanna nach raibh ar fáil ar chor ar bith mar tá sé de dhualgas orainn faoin Acht é a fhoilsiú go comhuaineach i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. Níl ann ach rud sealadach agus leanfar ar aghaidh leis an dualgas atá orainn faoin Acht féin, nuair a thiocfaidh an leagan crua, foilseofar é as Gaeileg agus as Béarla.
Más fíor sin, tá an tAire Stáit ag rá go bhfuil an Ghaeilge ina cúis deacrachtaí don Oireachtas. Tá seirbhíse trí Ghaeilge ar chomhchéim leis an Bhéarla ag cothú deacrachtaí do na Tithe. Tá sé go huafásach sin a chloisteáil inniu. Ba cheart dúinn gach rud a dhéanamh ar bhonn dátheangach. Ní aon mhaith ann bheith ag iarraidh daoine a mhúineadh trí Ghaeilge agus seirbhísí a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge mura bhfuilimid sásta an Ghaeilge a chur ar an leibhéal céanna leis an Bhéarla. Is céim siar sin d'aon teanga. In ionad Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte a thabhairt isteach chuig an gcoiste, an bhfuil an tAire féin sásta cuireadh a thabhairt di chun an fhadhb a luaigh an Coimisinéir Teanga a réiteach?
Aontaím leis na dualgais atá ar gach comhlacht Stáit de bharr Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, go mbeadh orthu tuarascálacha a chur ar fáil sa dá theanga agus tá mé cinnte go dtabharfaidh na heagrais a luaigh an Coimisinéir aird ar an mholadh a bhí go bhfuil easnamh ansin. Tá mé cinnte go dtarlóidh sin.
Ní shílim go gcuirfidh an leasú ar an Bhille seo isteach ar an Acht nó go sáraíonn sé an tAcht agus nuair a thiocfaidh an leagan crua amach, tiocfaidh sé amach i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla. Ar an drochuair, tá deacrachtaí ann — tá moill i gceist. Dá mbeadh gach rud foirfe, thiocfaidís amach le chéile ach déanann seo a rud sealadach le bearna a líonadh go dtí go dtiocfadh an leagan crua amach sa dá theanga.
Arts Funding
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:3 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made to date in implementing the programme for Government plan regarding the arts and in particular the progress made in seeking to capture some public good from the National Asset Management Agency by identifying buildings that have no commercial potential and which might be suitable as local facilities for art and culture particularly in Dublin Central. [22334/11]
I assure the Deputy of this Government's commitment towards the arts and culture sectors. We are intent on pursuing this agenda while recognising the limited financial resources available and taking account of the evolving budgetary and Estimates positions. I am pleased to report that in the four months since taking office, progress is being made on a number of fronts in regard to our commitments in the programme for Government. Strategic policy formulation is the primary function of my Department and significant work has been undertaken on its new statement of strategy. Dialogue has been initiated within the arts community and with local authority arts officers with a view to introducing an interactive strategy and more co-ordination of their work at national and local level. Interesting connections are being made with relevant individuals to explore the possibilities for philanthropy and other fund-raising activities. In that context, the Department is now represented on the forum on philanthropy.
I also understand that the Arts Council has been developing its touring policy. Plans are now being finalised for Culture Night 2011 and I hope to progress publication of the 1926 census in coming months.
In relation to the proposal regarding the use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has met the chair and chief executive of NAMA on the matter and those contacts will continue. It would not be appropriate to comment in more detail on those discussions at this point.
The next five years can be an exciting time for the arts, culture and film sectors. Their integration into one Department, along with the Irish language, islands and heritage responsibilities, makes eminent sense and I look forward to seeking out and building on the self-evident synergies between these areas.
I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, when I express disappointment that the Minister is not in the Chamber to take questions. The Technical Group facilitated the various changes to the parliamentary question rota that have occurred over recent weeks.
Yesterday morning, the Minister attended the launch of the Dublin Fringe Festival at the Project Arts Centre. When I spoke to him afterwards, he expressed his admiration for the drive and enthusiasm of the group of largely young people who organised the festival. Many of these individuals were involved in Dublin Youth Theatre, which is housed in appalling accommodation in Gardiner Street. However, even though the building is restricted and does not have enough room for its needs, Dublin Youth Theatre has produced a number of talented playwrights and actors. I hope alternative accommodation for this group will be on the agenda when the Minister continues his discussions with NAMA. When does the Minister of State envisage the Minister issuing a report on the discussions?
The project for this year's final class of architecture students in DIT was "NAMA lands". They came up with several interesting suggestions for NAMA's buildings, many of which are located in Dublin Central. There was a particularly interesting proposal for that appalling monument to Anglo Irish Bank on North Wall. Perhaps the Minister's attention can be drawn to the students' exhibition.
The Minister is absent due to a change in Question Time which was originally arranged for earlier in the afternoon. He regrets that he has another commitment and, as a result, is unable to attend. I am deputising for him as the Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht.
The Minister has met the chief executive of NAMA on two occasions and discussions are ongoing. The questions raised by the Deputy will be conveyed to him and I hope a reply will be furnished at the earliest opportunity.
I recognise that we must operate within economic constraints, but I was pleased to learn there will be continued support for the arts. There is a significant movement within community arts and I hope this area is well supported in the budget.
I completely agree with the Deputy. While I do not have responsibility for the arts, I attended or opened a number of arts festivals and exhibitions over the past several weekends. A fortnight ago I visited Inis Oirr, where I had the honour of opening a fine exhibition by artists from Celtic countries, including Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Last Friday I had the privilege of opening an art exhibition in my own parish. There is a boom in the arts in every part of the country and that is to be welcomed. The energy and creativity of these people are not hindered by the considerable financial constraints under which we must operate. I am sure the Deputies opposite have had similar experiences of being invited to openings and seeing the genuine enthusiasm of those involved with the arts. It is a great credit to the country.
Arts and Cultural Projects
Robert Troy
Question:4 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline his plans to acquire and convert Bank of Ireland’s College Green headquarters into a cultural space; the outcome of his discussions to date with Bank of Ireland in relation to this matter; if he has considered the cost involved in converting this building into a cultural space; and if he will publish his full proposals in this regard. [22063/11]
I refer the Deputy to replies of 24 May and 2 June 2011 on this matter. The Minister met the chair and chief executive of Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues relating to the College Green building. These contacts are continuing.
That was not a particularly comprehensive reply. I was hoping for more information than that. It is a matter that is on the public agenda and it has been reported widely in the newspapers. I would have liked to have heard a clear plan for what the Minister proposes to do with the building. I acknowledge that it remains in Bank of Ireland's ownership but the State owns 36% of the same financial institution. I support the Minister in his intentions for this historic building. We are focusing on tourism as a way of generating employment. I had hoped for a clear report of exactly what has happened to date and I am disappointed this has not materialised. We should know exactly what the Minister intends to do with the building and the surrounding area. Perhaps the Minister could furnish a written reply at a later date.
As the Deputy knows, the topic is rather sensitive as meetings and discussions are ongoing, with further meetings planned. Due to the nature of these discussions, it is difficult to say much at this time. The process will continue, and as the Deputy noted, the announcement that the negotiations are continuing has received widespread welcome in the media and throughout the country.
The building in question is an iconic part of the city centre, situated in an area with a strong association with literature. Trinity College is nearby with its statues of Goldsmith — author of "The Deserted Village" — and Sheridan. It is an ideal area for a literary and cultural centre. I understand other buildings have also been considered, such as the National Museum and the National Library beside us. I am sorry we cannot provide more information at this stage but perhaps on the next Question Time, after the summer recess, if negotiations continue we may be in a position to give more concrete information. Negotiations over property and ownership can be fluid.
Dublin has already been designated as a city of literature by UNESCO and it is only proper that we have an iconic building as part of this, such as the example mentioned by the Deputy. It would provide a focus and we will see what will come from these negotiations.
I acknowledge that issues can be sensitive in negotiations. Has the Department considered the cost implications of the project? I am sure that before we considered anything, we looked at costs, which are a top priority in these straitened times. I asked about the cost implications of the works in the initial question. The Minister of State has correctly stated that this is an iconic building, and recently we saw President Obama address the large gathering with the building as a backdrop. It was used by former President Clinton as well. Nobody is questioning the historic importance of the buildings but has the Department examined cost implications?
I am sure that with any initiative taken during these difficult economic times, costs and resources come into the equation. I am sure that if there is to be any agreement, they will make up an important element of the outcome. I have not been involved with the discussions but I am sure the Minister is very much aware of the constraints we all must operate under in these difficult times.
Restoration Projects
Sandra McLellan
Question:5 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm his commitment to ensuring the restoration of the Ulster Canal between Clones, County Monaghan and Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, in line with commitments at the North-South Ministerial Council in 2007 and in view of this project’s important economic potential for this central border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting in July 2007 agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The then Government agreed to cover the full capital costs of the project, which were estimated at that time to be of the order of €35 million. However, Government accounting procedures do not provide in that sense for ring-fencing funds for projects of this nature.
I am advised that it was always the intention that the Ulster Canal project would be funded from the Waterways Ireland annual allocations, as agreed through the annual Estimates processes in this jurisdiction, as well as the deliberations of the council with regard to annual budgets. I am advised also that it was also a key consideration throughout the process that the Ulster Canal project would be supported by a significant level of projected income from the commercialisation of certain Waterways Ireland assets, a scenario that was affected negatively by the economic downturn.
That downturn is of major significance and presents serious difficulties to my Department during this period when there is such pressure on the public finances. I intend to explore all possible options that may assist in the advancement of this project but it must also be recognised that the Government is engaged at present in a comprehensive review of expenditure, under which all spending is being examined rigorously. Notwithstanding that, the Minister asked my Department to keep in regular contact with Waterways Ireland with a view to advancing the project to the extent possible within the current constraints. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that Waterways Ireland is in the process of finalising documentation to proceed to the stage of submitting an application for planning permission, which is a significant milestone for the project.
The Ulster Canal project holds enormous potential to open up the central Border area, which has experienced economic disadvantage for many years due to effects from its location. The potential positive impact on all the towns and villages in the canal corridor would lead to significant regeneration and benefits due to increased tourism, business development and prosperity in general, not to mention the many construction and ancillary jobs that would be created.
Does the Minister of State agree that this project can return major social, economic and peace dividends? I appreciate that 2007 was a very different time to now, economically speaking, but the merits of the project stand. Does the Minister of State agree that a large amount of preparatory work has already gone into the project, including feasibility and socio-economic studies, as well as extensive community and stakeholder consultation, to bring it to its current position? Will the Minister of State give a commitment that this project is a priority in light of the economic, social and peace dividend, and in light of existing evidence that such amenities provide a substantial boost for local economies? Is there potential for other canals to be taken in charge by Waterways Ireland?
I agree with the Deputy's comments that completion of this project would bring great economic benefit to the area. It is an almost unique area in the country, with Fermanagh being the county of islands and lakes. I drove along the Erne last Sunday and returned in a happier mood with Donegal having won the Ulster football title. The countryside looked even better on the return journey. I went into a hotel on the banks of Lough Erne and saw the boats on the lake. Completion of the project would bring great benefits, as tourist activities such as boating are popular these days. People wax lyrical about the canals in France and elsewhere but we have our own set in beautiful countryside.
This is a North-South project to which we are committed. I am sure the Deputy would agree that the process has not come to a halt as we are preparing to go for planning permission. The process is moving along but we must be mindful of the economic and financial constraints to which we are subject. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than moving the project on. I know the Minister is very interested in this because it was discussed about a fortnight ago in Armagh at the North-South ministerial gathering. This is on the agenda and has not been put on the long finger. The project will go for planning and I am confident we will see it completed, although I am not able to give a definite date for the Deputy. I know how interested Deputies are in it.
I am glad it is progressing and we might have a date soon for completion, or even the beginning, of the project.