Vol. 753 No. 2
43Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for maintaining our heritage sites when 60% of heritage specialists in the public service retire in February, 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5265/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 131 on 18 January 2012, in which I indicated that a total of 16 staff from across my Department had at that stage confirmed their intention to retire between that date and the end of February. This included one member of the professional staff of the National Monuments Service of my Department and a small number of technical and professional staff from its National Parks and Wildlife Service. The latest estimate of the total number to retire across my Department is 20. I am confident that, with continuing effective management of my Department's resources, the quality of the services it provides will be maintained.
My Department is responsible for the legislative framework in respect of national monument sites, for general policy development in the area and for measures to promote better awareness of Ireland's archaeological heritage. The Office of Public Works undertakes the operational management and general maintenance of all national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Any retirement issues in that office would be a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department deploys a regional force of around 230 staff to manage national parks and reserves and to carry out a range of nature conservation functions. Once there is full clarity regarding the small number of retirements expected from this service, my Department will consider any issues arising in light of the available financial and human resources. I can assure the Deputy that all necessary resources will continue to be directed towards the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in accordance with best practice and legal requirements, both nationally and internationally.
I thank the Minister for his reply. According to Mr. Peter Cox, vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, Ireland, every euro invested in heritage returns between €300 and €400 to the Exchequer. Writing recently, Mr. Cox, a man with considerable experience in the field of heritage, stated:
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has now lost a number of senior staff and the few left at this level are so overstretched and underfunded they can no longer promote or protect our national monuments.
It is expected that 60 per cent of senior heritage specialists in the public service will apply to retire in February, which will leave the sector bereft of expertise required to manage national monuments, ordinary heritage and even world heritage sites.
Within five years, cultural tourists will not visit Ireland because our heritage sites will be in poor repair, ill-interpreted and some will have to close because of health and safety restrictions.
I ask the Minister to clarify whether this scenario will be realised. Cultural and heritage tourists spend significant sums in this country. The budget placed a strong emphasis on tourism as a mechanism for job creation and assisting the country in emerging from its current economic difficulties. Will the Minister comment on Mr. Cox's view of the future of the heritage sector given that he is an independent professional working in this area?
I concur with the Deputy that our heritage sites are very much part of our tourism industry and a large number of tourists come here to visit them. Only one member of the Department's professional staff, an archaeologist, is due to retire. I do not know from where the figure suggesting that 60% of heritage specialists will retire came or on what basis the article in question, which appeared in one of the national newspapers, was written. There does not appear to be any grounds for it. Having checked with the Office of Public Works, the number of OPW staff retiring in the coming months is also relatively low. The number of heritage specialists will be only minimally affected by forthcoming retirements. I assure the Deputy that information provided by my Department and the Office of Public Works suggests the figure of 60% does not have any basis.
Despite the fact that all Departments are working in constrained circumstances, the emphasis on our built and natural heritage remains as strong as ever in my Department and the Office of Public Works, for which the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has responsibility. Deputy Troy can rest assured that our focus on this area will be maintained this year and in the years ahead. Funding for the built and natural heritage was hard hit between 2008 and 2011 and was, unfortunately, further reduced this year because all Departments were required to reduce capital expenditure. I tried to protect funding as much as I could and remain convinced that sufficient resources remain available to continue the service of conservation, protection and promotion.
44Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts he is making to protect and enhance the music industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5506/12]
The support available for my Department and the agencies under its aegis for music is very significant. We will provide more than €2.6 million in grant aid to the National Concert Hall in 2012. It, in turn, is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and our premier music venue. My Department also provides in excess of €1.6 million in 2012 to Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann.
Tax relief to support the music industry, and particularly for new and emerging artists, has traditionally been provided through the business expansion scheme. Investors could avail of tax relief in respect of music recordings under the business expansion scheme for music, which was specifically designed to stimulate investment in the production, publication, marketing and promotion of new and emerging musical talent.
My Department also funds targeted initiatives for music which are channelled through Music Network. These include national music day and a national music instrument scheme. Love Live Music, the national music day, is an annual celebration of all forms of music in Ireland. It aims to promote access to live music for all, regardless of location or circumstance, throughfree nationwide music events Music day in 2012 is 21 June to coincide with international music day.
The musical instrument scheme, operated by Music Network, assists individuals and groups to purchase instruments. Up to €200,000 is available under the scheme this year. My Department is also providing €100,000 to the cross-Border youth orchestra in 2012.
Expenditure supports to specific music organisations and for the music sector generally fall mainly within the remit of the Arts Council which, as the Deputy will be aware, is statutorily independent in the disbursement of its funds. For example, the Arts Council supports major performing groups, such as the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Irish Baroque Orchestra which provide year-round work opportunities for the current generation of highly trained musicians; music promoters and festivals throughout the country, such as Sligo Live and West Cork Chamber Music; specialist resource organisations for music, such as Music Network and First Music Contact; and opera provision through Wexford Festival Opera, Opera Theatre Company and so forth.
In regard to the matter of intellectual property rights, including copyright and royalties relating to the commercial aspect of the music industry, these are matters that fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, the music industry here plays an essential part in the Irish way of life socially, culturally and economically. It is very important that it is not only recognised but supported, invested in and enhanced. There are some very good examples internationally of how this might be done but one of particular note is the FACTOR scheme in Canada. FACTOR, which stands for the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing assistance towards the growth and development of the Canadian independent recording industry. Support is provided to Canadian recording artists, songwriters, managers, labels and distributors through various programmes which all aid in the development of the industry. The scheme supports many facets of the infrastructure which must be in place in order for the artists and Canadian labels to progress into the international arena.
Would the Minister agree a similar scheme would be welcome in Ireland? I have proposed that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht undertake a specific job of work to look at ways in which we, as legislators, might help establish an environment in which Irish music could grow and flourish. Would the Minister be supportive of such an approach? Does he believe there is scope to look at, for example, the criteria by which Irish music is defined as "Irish music" for the purposes of radio play? This is something which has been done in France to good effect. Will the Minister commit to look at international examples for best practice in regard to the promotion and protection of indigenous music?
I am aware of the FACTOR initiative in Canada which has been very successful. It started out very small with approximately $200,000. Now approximately €14 million is provided. It helps songwriters and musicians and puts money into education which is very important. We should look seriously at that programme. I have already asked my officials to consider it to see if it can be replicated here in any way. It has certainly been successful in Canada. Coincidentally, there are a number of Irish artists who perform in America who are being funded by the Canadian Government. They perform at Irish festivals, such as in Milwaukee. There are Irish artists performing in such venues who may not get the same support from here, but who are finding it difficult to compete with them. That in itself is an example of how effective it has been.
Irish music is thriving at the moment. For example, last year, about half a million Americans saw Irish traditional music performances across America through Culture Ireland's support. I was in New York recently at a major event to promote Irish artists. Some of our top musicians were there, such as Martin Hayes and Frankie Gavin, who were attracting huge attention. Their showcases were full to capacity, whereas showcases from other countries might have attracted only two or three people. Irish music, therefore, is going through a very good spell internationally at the moment. I agree with Deputy McLellan that we should avail of this opportunity and promote it as much as we can in whatever form.
I take the Deputy's point about the French policy on airplay. There is a great man there, Danny McCarthy, who is promoting this and he has obviously been in contact with Deputy McLellan. I think that if we had a similar quota here it would help. In France, broadcasters are compelled to play local and national music as much as possible, through a special quota. We should seriously examine that here, but I suppose it is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte. It should certainly be considered seriously in conjunction with our national broadcaster.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 47 together.
I refer the Deputies to my previous replies on this matter. I met the chair and chief executive of the Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues. That positive dialogue is continuing with the Bank of Ireland.
At the time of my initial suggestion, the future ownership of the bank was in question. My raising of the issue was exploratory and it came to unintended public attention. Clearly, too, it caught the public imagination. This building was the first purpose-built parliament in Europe. Completed in 1739, the building served as Ireland's Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801. By extension, the question of its future use was entirely appropriate, given its resonances throughout public, cultural and civic life in this country.
Ireland has a rich literary heritage, and this building was a forum for the great parliamentary orators of the 18th century. In more recent years, the building has provided the backdrop for many iconic moments, including the addresses by two great political orators of our time, Presidents Clinton and Obama.
Whether in the short or long term, I hope the Minister will push forward with the proposal to put the Bank of Ireland premises in College Green, Dublin, back where it belongs, which is with the people. I also hope that the whole area of College Green can be pedestrianised so that people can take back a bit of the city. Other cities like Barcelona, London, Amsterdam and Brussels have areas where one can sit down and relax without traffic noise blowing one out of it at every turn. There is a fantastic collection of buildings in College Green with brilliant views, but it is a shame that one never gets the chance to enjoy them. My main feeling when I am standing there is not to look at the wonderful architecture or the city that surrounds us; it is to get out of there as quickly as possible because I am either going to be run over or go deaf from the noise. It would be brilliant if the Minister could push forward with this. This will discommode some people but we get discommoded in rural Ireland as well and we try to deal with it. It would be brilliant if something like this happens and the Minister can push for it.
I thank Deputy Luke ‘Ming' Flanagan and agree with his vision, which is part of the vision I expressed to the Bank of Ireland. I presented a slideshow for them showing how the area could become a plaza like Trafalgar Square or Times Square in New York or the many examples in Paris, Madrid and Tiananmen Square. That could be our focal point and it is not overly ambitious to consider it. Dublin City Council has similar plans. The issue of traffic can be overcome.
This was part of our bid for the UNESCO city of literature designation. Our bid referred to considering providing a writers museum. This is nothing new and I am not the first to come up with that vision for the Bank of Ireland. In order to capitalise fully on the designation, we need a centre of literary excellence. We have a very good writers centre and writers museum but these are not of the magnitude to celebrate the achievements of our four winners of the Nobel Prize in literature, Heaney, Beckett, Yeats and Shaw, and the totality of expression running from Swift to our present-day writers making a major impact on the world stage. Members should try to agree to advance as much as possible. It is a site of approximately 1.5 acres under cover in the entire Bank of Ireland College Green complex. A small part of it would suffice to express the unique literary tradition of Ireland. I acknowledge the support of Deputy Luke ‘Ming' Flanagan and agree with his vision for that part of the city, which should be shared among all of us in the House.
I thank the Minister for his reply. We were promised in the programme for Government that a social dividend would be returned for our massive investment in the banking system. I am disappointed there has been little movement on this issue. Has the Minister identified other sites as having potential for use for cultural purposes? On a related point, what steps has the Minister taken to secure the future of 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin? Does the Minister agree this is an unprecedented opportunity in the run-in to the 100th anniversary of 1916 to create a cultural quarter incorporating Moore Street and the surrounding streets and lanes, with the GPO at its centre, in the heart of Dublin city?
That is a separate question.
It is similar. We will give it a go anyway.
When it looked like Bank of Ireland was going into State ownership, it put the State in a much stronger position but that has now gone the opposite way. If it was to go into private ownership, it would be important that College Green is preserved so that it does not pass on to an international bank. We are in the early stages of discussion as regards the future of the Bank of Ireland College Green and we are considering iconic projects for 1916. This is something we should consider as a nation in full co-operation with the bank. The discussions I had with the bank have been quite positive but obviously it has major problems and challenges, not including the development of cultural facilities. Any input I can get from this House is welcome.
Regarding the social dividend, that is one of the reasons I pushed bank officials because if it co-operated with my Department and the Government there would be a dividend of goodwill for the bank, which it needs. It would also send out a very strong message internationally that the bank, despite the circumstances it is now in, the Government and people could combine to produce something iconic. In terms of the symbols of Ireland, the architecture of the Bank of Ireland building resonates with a lot of people around the world. It is a site one sees representing Ireland a lot. It was represented in images of State visits and dignitaries before independence and more recently during the visits of Presidents Obama and Clinton. It has been the location for some of the great moments in Irish history.
On 14-17 Moore Street, as the Deputy knows a decision was made by Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála before I became Minister. I have been asked to look at the buildings and see how appropriate the proposal made by the developer is. I have consulted widely. There is a very enthusiastic all-party Oireachtas joint committee which is responsible for the next decade of commemorations. We received presentations, visited the site and met those in favour of and opposed to the proposal, as well as those who have a bigger vision for the site.
I have requested advice from the National Museum and have an open mind. If the project does not go ahead it is unlikely we will see anything happening to the buildings in terms of preservation and conservation before the anniversary of 1916. It is not within the capacity of the Government to provide the type of funding required to upgrade the site to the design proposed by the current developer. The issue is under discussion. I will bring a report to the Oireachtas joint committee. Before I make any decision I will take the issue to Cabinet because I realise it is a major decision. It is not something I am taking lightly. Whatever decision I take will be endorsed by the Cabinet.
Tá mé ar an eolas faoi chomhráiteas poiblí a eisíodh ar 17 Eanáir 2012 inar mhol na heagrais bhunmhaoinithe d'Fhoras na Gaeilge meicníocht idirbheartaíochta a aontú leo "le teacht ar chóras nua maoinithe a thacóidh agus a spreagfaidh an Ghaeilge sa phobal ar bhonn pleanáilte agus aontaithe." Sa chomhthéacs seo, ba mhaith liom aird an Teachta a dhíriú ar mo fhreagra ar Cheisteanna Uimh. 11, 23, 26 agus 36 ar 24 Samhain 2011. Mar a mhínigh mé sa bhfreagra sin, is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas atá freagrach as cinntí straitéiseacha a thógáil maidir le Foras na Gaeilge. Ag an gcruinniú den chomhairle ar 12 Deireadh Fómhair 2011, nótáladh an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge go dtí seo i ndáil le punann dréacht-scéimeanna a ullmhú don tsamhail mhaoinithe iomaíoch nua, a bhfuil sé mar sprioc aici tairbhí suntasacha luach ar airgead a bhaint amach agus dualgais reachtúla Fhoras na Gaeilge a chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach.
Is í an staid reatha ná gur chuir Foras na Gaeilge tús le próiseas breise comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar na dréacht-scéimeanna ar 9 Eanáir 2012 mar thoradh ar threoir ón gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas. Thapaigh na hAirí an deis aird a tharraingt ar an bpróiseas seo trí phreasráiteas a eisiúint ag moladh do dhaoine a bhfuil suim acu sa Ghaeilge páirt a ghlacadh sa phróiseas comhairliúcháin. Mairfidh an próiseas comhairliúcháin go dtí 2 Aibreán 2012. Ar an ábhar sin, tuigfidh an Teachta nach mbeadh sé cuí dom aon bhreithiúnas sonrach a thabhairt ag an bpointe seo maidir leis an tsamhail mhaoinithe iomaíoch nua. Is féidir liom a rá go bhfuil i gceist go dtabharfar tuarascáil ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge ag an gcéad chruinniú eile den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas ar 14 Feabhra 2012.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit,. An bhfuil sé sásta leis an méid atá déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge ar an gceist seo go dtí seo? Cé fáth gur eisigh 19 eagras ráiteas i gcoinne an tsamhail nua mhaoinithe?
Tá mé sásta go ginearálta leis an méid atá déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge. Mar is eol don Teachta, tá an cheist seo á phlé ó 2008 nó 2009. Cé go raibh Foras na Gaeilge i dteagmháil leis na heagrais bunmhaoinithe, níor éirigh leo teacht ar réiteach go dtí seo. Ag an gcruinniú a bhí ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas ar 12 Deireadh Fómhair anuraidh, socraíodh go dtabharfar tréimhse eile d'Fhoras na Gaeilge próiseas comhairliúcháin a chur ar siúl leis na heagrais bunmhaoinithe. Mar atá ráite agam, leanfaidh an próiseas sin go dtí 2 Aibreán, níos mó ná dhá mhí ón lá inniu. Tá súil agam go mbeidh comhoibriú, teagmháil agus dul i gcomhairle ag na heagrais bunmhaoinithe le Foras na Gaeilge i rith an tréimhse sin. Sa deireadh thiar thall, caithfimid fanacht go bhfeicfimid cad a thiocfaidh amach as an tréimhse sin. Ar ndóigh, ní mise ach an Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas a dhéanfaidh an cinneadh deireanach. Tá mise agus mo chomhghleacaí ó Thuaisceart Éireann inár gcomhbhaill den gcomhairle sin. Táimid ag fanacht go bhfeicfimid cad a tharlóidh. Go ginearálta, sílim go bhfuil obair mhaith á dhéanamh ag Foras na Gaeilge. Cuireadh acmhainní de €7.6 milliún ar fáil don fhoras anuraidh. Tá €7 milliún á chur ar fáil i mbliana. Aontaím go bhfuil obair thábhachtach á dhéanamh ag na heagrais bunmhaoinithe. Sílim go bhfuil an cuspóir, an aidhm agus an dearcadh céanna againn go léir maidir leis an dóigh is éifeachtaí chun ceist na teangan a chur ar aghaidh agus an luach is fearr a fháil ón maoin atá á chur ar fáil againn.
Níl a fhios agam an bhfuil a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go bhfuil míshástacht ann. An bhfuil sé i bhfábhar eagrais láidir bunmhaoinithe Gaelach?
Tá na heagrais bunmhaoinithe ag obair le fada. Tá eolas agus tuiscint acu ar chúrsaí na Gaeilge. Caithfimid úsáid a bhaint as sin. Is cuma cén réiteach a bheidh ar seo. Nuair a bheidh an tréimhse comhairliúcháin thart, agus nuair a bheidh cinneadh déanta ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas, tá súil agam go mbeimid ábalta úsáid a bhaint as an taithí, an eolas agus an stair atá ag na heagraíochtaí seo. Ag an bpointe seo, tá sé an-deacair mórán eile a rá. Tá an próiseas comhairliúcháin ag dul ar aghaidh inniu, amárach agus an mhí seo chugainn, go dtí 2 Aibreán 2012. Ar ndóigh, caithfimid go léir fanacht go bhfeicfimid cén toradh a bheidh ar an bpróiseas sin. Táimid ag coinneáil súil ghéar air. Beidh an dul chun cinn atá déanta á phlé arís ag an gcruinniú a bheidh ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas ar 12 Feabhra seo chugainn.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.
