Vol. 838 No. 3
6. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the recorded number of golden eagles in Ireland; the number of Irish red deer recorded; if he is satisfied with the conservation efforts relating to both species here; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17787/14]
This question aims to give us the opportunity to explore one of the most exciting aspects of the Minister's responsibilities, the whole area of conservation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and specifically the success to date of the reintroduction of the golden eagle. That project is proceeding. I am aware the Minister has a great interest in it. There is also the conservation effort in terms of the Irish red deer herd. The Minister will also admit to having a particular interest in that project given that Kerry has been the seat of learning, so to speak, in terms of what has been done with the native species.
A total of 61 golden eagles were released in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal between 2001 and 2012 as part of a reintroduction programme managed by the Golden Eagle Trust in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. I am advised that a national census of golden eagles is not feasible as the birds released in Glenveagh have dispersed widely. Some have been seen in counties Kerry and Antrim as well as in Scotland. However, I understand that some 20 birds are known to be in Ireland, with the whereabouts of another 20 or so unknown. At least four birds have died of natural causes and to, my great disappointment, some have been poisoned illegally. To date, ten Irish-bred golden eagle chicks have been reared in Donegal, between 2007 and 2013, and there are now eight golden eagle territories in the county.
Two primary factors impact on the success of the breeding programme. The first is poisoning, aimed at fox and crow control, and the main cause of mortality. My Department has improved the law in regard to poison baits and has a protocol with the regional veterinary laboratories of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the State Laboratory to enable quick post mortems and toxicology analysis. Uncontrolled fires and both under-grazing and overgrazing also have an impact. These issues will continue to require significant co-operation by the many stakeholders involved. Overall, I am pleased with progress in the golden eagle reintroduction project. It brought back these spectacular birds to our skies, thereby increasing interest in our biodiversity and boosting local tourism.
With regard to red deer, no national census has been undertaken as many live in dense cover in our forest plantations. However, an academic review by Dr. Ruth Carden concluded that, in the 30 year period up to 2008, the range of red deer had increased significantly - in the order of fivefold. As part of the conservation measures taken to ensure the continued protection of the red deer, the hunting of red deer stags is prohibited in County Kerry. In October 2012, I extended protection to female red deer from County Kerry by removing them from the open seasons order. Overall, given the increase in range of the red deer, I am confident that the conservation measures adopted so far have been effective.
I thank the Minister for his response and welcome the undoubted progress made in respect of the golden eagle. The whole country was shocked when one of the two chicks from the breeding pair on Lough Derg was found early this year or late last year, having died of starvation. That bird was carrying in the order of 40 pellets when found. What prosecutions have been instigated against those who have been responsible for that incident or other incidents and the destruction of these magnificent birds?
In regard to the herd of Irish deer, at the turn of the last century there were about 1,500 red deer in Kerry due to the work of the Herberts and the Brownes in their large estates. Red deer is the only native Irish species of deer. The number had declined to about 60 in 1960, but the number is increasing again. Does the Minister envisage a count of those deer being undertaken in the near future?
On the matter of prosecution, obviously these incidents are being pursued by the Garda but I am not aware of any prosecution for the incident referred to, which received widespread publicity. I am sure people were very much aware of the incident in that particular area, but as yet I am not aware of any prosecution. We have had discussions with the Garda on this matter and members of the force are carrying out extensive investigations and inquiries. Much depends, however, on the local community coming forward with information because it is impossible for the Garda to monitor everything that happens in rural areas. I hope, with co-operation from local gun clubs and the local population, these incidents will not happen in the future.
On the matter of the red deer, the red deer in Killarney are regularly counted and monitored. There are approximately 600 red deer in the national park. Recent deer census studies of Coillte properties in close proximity to the national park indicate that the population immediately adjacent to the park had declined due to shooting pressures pre-2012. This is one of the primary reasons red hinds have been removed from the open seasons order. Generally the view is that their present status within the park is satisfactory. On the question of further counting, that is an issue I will suggest to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I think it would be a good idea.
I thank the Minister for his response. I suppose all of us here would encourage the public to be vigilant in terms of the golden eagle project and to report to the authorities any activities of an undesirable nature that they see in respect of those magnificent birds. As I have said, there is widespread support for what is being done by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
In regard to the red deer, it has always struck me as strange that the magnificent Phoenix Park in this city is populated by a herd of fallow deer. One wonders, since fallow deer are quite common, as are the sika species, whether it would be desirable in the short to medium term to consider relocating some of the Kerry deer to the Phoenix Park in order that, in our primary city park, we could have examples of that magnificent species, the Irish red deer. I think visitors to the city would like to see the native species grazing there.
If that is possible, certainly I would support what the Deputy has said and I will ask my officials to examine that. There may be some issue with mixing two species and there may be some reason this has not happened. If it can happen, I agree with the Deputy that red deer would be a major attraction and a major addition to the Phoenix Park, which is one of the most spectacular parks in any city in the world. This is a matter I will suggest to my officials and, if it can be done, it would be another great contribution that my county has made to this wonderful city and this wonderful county. We gave this great city Daniel O'Connell-----
And red deer.
Do not teach them how to play football.
-----who provided Glasnevin Cemetery and other great buildings to the city, and we have made a contribution in other ways as well. This is one contribution I would support.
7. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will, in the interest of accountability and full disclosure, call for the salaries of CEOs and directors of arts organisations which are in receipt of Government funding, either from his Department or from the Arts Council, to publish those salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/14]
On my way in this morning, I listened to the chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts speak about the money the State has provided to Rehab and other section 38 organisations. I am also conscious of the fact that in the area of the arts, about €123 million is being provided by the State to the film industry and to the Arts Council. People are anxious to know how public money is being expended and what salaries are being paid to people who are paid from the public purse.
I believe transparency is a vital element of good governance in all publicly funded organisations. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. This code of practice requires that, in the interests of transparency and good governance, State bodies should publish in their annual reports details of fees paid to each of their directors, the expenses paid to the board broken down by category and the salary of the chief executive officer. While the code of practice may be somewhat burdensome for small not-for-profit organisations, the principles of good governance and transparency are the same.
The salaries of the directors of the national cultural institutions, the director of the Arts Council and the CEO of the Irish Film Board are already a matter of public record, as those positions were publicly advertised and details have been furnished to Oireachtas committees in the recent past. Furthermore, I understand that the Arts Council has undertaken a trawl of CEO and director remuneration in the organisations it funds and, in keeping with the arm's length statutory principle enshrined in the Arts Act, it is a matter for the council to determine if and how to disseminate the results of that exercise. I will examine further the issue of publication of the salaries of CEOs and directors in receipt of grants directly from my Department.
One accepts that the cultural institutions publish precise details of salaries and so forth in their annual reports, but there is now a multiplicity of organisations, venues and facilities across the country whose managers, co-ordinators or chief executives are effectively paid from the public purse. Thankfully over the last decade or more we have built up a very extensive infrastructure of arts services, but their salaries and details of remuneration and expenses are not as readily accessible, if in some cases they are accessible at all, by the public. Notwithstanding the arm's length policy, will the Minister indicate to the Arts Council that it would be his desire to see all of this information made available to the public?
I can certainly issue a policy directive to the council, as I have done on occasion over the past three years such as with regard to a literature policy and touring policy. I am sure it would be within my power to issue a directive stating that where organisations receive funding from the Arts Council the salaries of their CEOs should be made public and should be available for public scrutiny. I will give the Deputy that commitment.
I welcome the Minister's frank and direct response. I just ask that his commitment be honoured within a relatively short time frame. The public wishes to have this information now in respect of the organisations under the Minister's remit and, indeed, in respect of all publicly funded organisations.
I will honour that commitment immediately. I will also keep in contact with the Deputy to ensure it is progressed.
As Deputies Naughten and Kyne are not present, their questions, Nos. 8 and 9, respectively, will be replied to with Written Answers.
10. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which he has received any communication from Waterways Ireland arising from its proposals to dramatically increase charges for canal dwellers and canal users with particular reference to the Grand and Royal Canals; if he has given any indication to that body or received any response to the groundswell of opinion submitted to his Department from canal users with a view to ameliorating measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/14]
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he is aware of continued disquiet among Royal and Grand Canal boat dwellers who are likely to be affected by the proposed new by-laws; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such dwellers agree with the need for regulation but are concerned at the extent to which their way of life for many years is likely to be affected; the extent to which he continues to have discussions with Waterways Ireland in this regard or will do so in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18410/14]
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has had further discussions with canal users and dwellers affected by the proposed draft regulations affecting the use of the canals; if he expects to be in a position to offer any measures to accommodate the concerns expressed by traditional canal users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/14]
These questions relate to the ongoing dialogue with canal users and canal dwellers in respect of the draft by-laws, which would have a very negative impact in terms of cost for canal users. I seek to ascertain the current position regarding the submissions that were made to the Minister and Waterways Ireland within the specified period.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 142 and 144 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland undertook a statutory consultation on the proposed by-laws governing the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the Barrow navigation which concluded on 3 February last. In line with relevant legislation, Waterways Ireland sought my consent prior to proceeding to consultation on the proposed changes to the by-laws. In addition to the public consultation, views regarding the proposed changes to the by-laws have been raised with my office through correspondence, representations and submissions. These views have been conveyed to Waterways Ireland.
I welcome the assertion by the Deputy that there is general acceptance of the need for regulation of the use of the canals. The proposed by-laws are intended to support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals. They will enhance 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, including those that use the canals for residential purposes, and will help create and develop the canals into a waterways system that is modern and fit for purpose.
While some of the increases in charges originally proposed are quite substantial, other proposed increases are quite modest. For example, while it is proposed to increase the cost of an extended mooring permit in the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin from €152 per annum to €2,500 per annum, in other locations the proposed increase in the cost of an extended mooring permit is from €152 per annum to €160 per annum.
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. I understand that there were over 2,000 submissions made directly to Waterways Ireland in the course of the public consultation process. Waterways Ireland is giving full and careful consideration to all of these submissions and is drafting a report on the issues raised and on possible approaches it might take in response. When the report is concluded, it will be submitted to my Department and will then be referred to me, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. As I indicated previously, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making the final decision.
Further to the Minister's reply, when does he expect to receive the response from Waterways Ireland to the submissions that were made? Is it understood that the review will give some indication of a revision of the more punitive costs proposed in the draft regulations? Furthermore, is the Minister aware that some aspects of the draft regulations, apart from the costs, would make it virtually impossible for canal dwellers to continue dwelling on the canals and for some recreational users of the canals to remain on the canal system? Will he review that, in view of the traditional use of the canals by users both for recreational and residential purposes?
I have given a commitment that when I receive the proposals from Waterways Ireland I will consult with Deputies on all sides of the House. It is very important as we are lucky to have 1,000 km of waterways in this country. They are a major resource from a tourism and recreational point of view. Most of these waterways go through the most rural parts of our country, so they bring opportunities to rural areas which are very challenged at this time. That is the reason their regulation is important. On the other hand, the charges for people, especially residents on the waterways, will have to be reasonable. When I receive the proposals I will discuss them with the people who are interfacing with the users on a regular basis, including the local Deputies, to discuss what is reasonable, after which I will determine the by-laws.
I thank the Minister for his further elucidation in that regard. Is he satisfied that Waterways Ireland is conscious of the consequences if the proposed draft regulations are applied and the extent to which they would discommode the traditional canal users? I emphasise that they are traditional canal users both for residential and recreational purposes. The indications given to us by those users are to the effect that they would have to cease virtually all of their recreational and residential activities, as to continue would involve a huge cost.
I remind the Deputy that in the very short space of time under legislation in which people had to respond, over 2,000 people made submissions, so obviously there is huge interest in the changes to the by-laws. Waterways Ireland is now considering the submissions it has received. It is a North-South body and is one of the most effective such bodies on this island. It has made huge investment in our waterways, putting in moorings right across the country, bringing life to little places that did not have it in the past. There have been major developments in places like Killaloe-Ballina in County Clare that have changed those villages, as well as in Boyle in County Roscommon. Waterways Ireland is a very efficient and effective cross-Border body.
I ask Deputy Ó Fearghaíl to be very quick as we are out of time.
I thank the Minister for his response. I appreciate the valuable work being done by Waterways Ireland. I appreciate its desire to accumulate to invest in the development of the inland waterways, but whereas it is to be complimented on what it is doing in terms of using the waterways and the schedule of charges for tourists that might come into the country, it shows an appalling lack of understanding of the indigenous users - both residential and amenity - of our inland waterways.
I think the point has been made. We are out of time and I have to be fair to other Deputies who have questions. I will move on unless you have something very brief to say.
I understand what the Deputy is saying. We need to have regulation of our waterways and we need to have organisation. It is in everyone's interest, even those of the users there at the moment. We need to have some certainty because our 1,000 km of waterways will be a major factor in the recovery of rural areas in the future.
11. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfidh sé deireadh leis an mhaolú ar stádas na Gaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17777/14]
Tá ardú stádais don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach bainte amach le blianta agus tá imní ar a lán daoine faoi céard a tharlóidh tar éis dhá bhliain eile, mar ní rud fadtéarmach atá ann. Céard iad na pleananna atá ag an Aire ráiteas a eisiúint mar gheall ar 2016?
Beidh cinneadh le tógáil faoi dheireadh na bliana 2015 faoi thodhchaí an mhaolaithe atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge in institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh. Tá plé ar bun ag mo Roinn faoi láthair le páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla, institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh san áireamh, ar mhaithe le moltaí sonracha a fhorbairt maidir leis an gcur chuige is fearr le deireadh a chur leis an mhaolú. Beidh an cheist seo le breithniú ag an Rialtas in am trátha. Mar chuid de straitéis an Rialtais chun a chinntiú go mbeidh foireann leordhóthanach cháilithe ann chun freastal ar na riachtanais a eascraíonn as an Ghaeilge a bheith aitheanta mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú substaintiúil ar fáil i gcomhar réimse de shainchúrsaí tríú leibhéal agus chun téarmaíocht Ghaeilge a fhorbairt do bhunachar téarmaíochta an Aontais Eorpaigh dar teideal InterActive Terminology for Europe nó IATE, mar a thugtar go coitianta air.
De réir mar a chloisim, tá cinneadh déanta ag Málta agus An Eastóin, dhá thír bheaga, mar gheall ar an mhéid oibre atá ar fáil do dhaoine atá ag lorg post san Eoraip. Táthar ag caint mar gheall ar 183 post agus is poist fhiúntacha iad seo. Táimid ag caint anois mar gheall ar 2016. An mbeidh muid in ann a rá le daoine go mbeidh na poist sin fós ann nó an mbeidh siad caillte? Tá suim ag daoine post a fháil san Eoraip ag plé leis an nGaeilge.
Mar a dúirt mé, tá an Ghaeilge aitheanta mar theanga oibre san Aontas Eorpach ó mhí Eanáir 2007. Tugadh isteach an maolú ag an uair sin mar nach raibh na daoine leis na cáilíochtaí againn chun na poist sin a ghlacadh. Sa bhliain 2011, cuireadh síneadh cúig bliana le sin. Caithfimid anois cinneadh a dhéanamh roimh dheireadh na bliana seo chugainn, 2015, maidir leis an mbeidh muid ag iarraidh maolaithe eile nó an gcuirfimid deireadh leis. Tá sin á mheas agus á phlé i láthair na huaire ag an Rialtas agus ag na hinstitiúidí Eorpacha chomh maith.
Ar ndóigh, táimid ag déanamh ullmhúcháin agus tá acmhainní á chur ar fáil le go mbeidh na cáilíochtaí ag daoine. Tá an tionscnamh ardscileanna Gaeilge curtha ar fáil lena dhéanamh cinnte de go bhfuil daoine a bhfuil cumas acu agus go mbeidh siad incháilithe na poist seo a ghlacadh san Eoraip. Chomh maith le sin, tá DCU i mbun téarmaíochta a chur le chéile. Tá corpas mór téarmaíocht déanta amach ag DCU. Tá an obair sin ag dul ar aghaidh. An rud a gcaithfimid a dhéanamh ná a mheas, i gcomhchomhairle leis an Eoraip, cad é an cinneadh ceart. Ba mhaith liom féin go mbeadh an cinneadh déanta níos luaithe seachas níos moille.
Go raibh maith agat. An cheist a bhí agam ná an bhfuil aon eolas ag an Aire Stáit faoin gcinneadh atá déanta ag Málta nó An Eastóin, dhá thír bheaga? De réir mar a thuigim, tá siad in ann na poist seo a choinneáil. An bhfuil aon phlean ag an Aire Stáit bualadh leis na hAirí sna tíortha sin chun a fháil amach céard a rinne siadsan chun na poist sin a choinneáil?
Cosúil linn féin, tá mion teanga ag na tíortha sin chomh maith. Níl a fhios againn conas mar a sheasann rudaí maidir le sin i láthair na huaire. Is féidir a bheith cinnte, leis an tréimhse chomharliúcháin agus measúnachta atá ag dul ar aghaidh i láthair na huaire, go mbeidh muid ag déanamh scrúdaithe dian ní hamháin ar na tíortha atá luaite ag an Teachta, ach ar thíortha eile chomh maith go bhfuil mion teanga iontu, cosúil leis An Spáinn agus mar sin de. Tá go leor mion teangacha agus beimid ag féachaint ar an dearcadh atá acusan agus ar na himpleachtaí a bheidh ann maidir leis na tíortha sin má dhéanann muid cinneadh deireadh a chur leis.
Mar a dúirt mé, tá an cheist á plé agus á meas i láthair na huaire. Tá sé faoi scrúdú agus tá súil agam go mbeimid in ann cinneadh a dhéanamh roimh dheireadh na bliana seo.
12. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the Finbarr Flood report on the film industry will be published. [17783/14]
I am asking the Minister when the report by Finbarr Flood on the film industry will be published.
I appointed Mr. Flood in May last year as mediator on industrial relations within the Irish film production sector, with a remit to make contact with representative parties in the film and audiovisual industry with a view to identifying outstanding industrial relations issues and establishing a basis for agreement thereon. The appointment of Mr. Flood arose from a recommendation in the Creative Capital report to convene industry-wide industrial relations consultation in order to expedite fair, flexible, transparent and internationally competitive labour agreements across the audiovisual industry. Since his appointment, there have been several meetings between Mr. Flood, trades union representatives and representatives of the employers in the sector. I have also met Mr. Flood on a number of occasions and he has kept me apprised of developments and progress.
It is Mr. Flood's opinion, and it is one that I share, that there should be no report emanating from these discussions, as they are organic and ongoing. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that where there is a mediation process, it is normal that it remains confidential between the parties involved. Such confidentiality is necessary and indeed is usually a prerequisite to any hope of success in the difficult process of mediation. The public manifestation of Mr. Flood's work is the ongoing industrial peace in the sector.
I thank the Minister for his answer. It is an industry that has yet to reach its full potential. The stated goal is to employ 10,000 people in the film industry by 2016, but in the most recent Creative Capital report, there are claims that 5,000 people were employed in the industry in 2007.
However, these figures have been disputed by employees in the industry. The Department of Finance's own report of December 2012 put the total number employed in the industry at 1,600. The industry receives generous tax incentives and we are on record as supporting them but there needs to be more transparency and accountability. Can the Minister account for the huge discrepancies in the figures?
It depends on how one defines the figures. If one accounts for the broader animation sector, the television sector and the film sector together, it is different from accounting for the latter alone. There is considerable employment in the television drama production sector. "Ripper Street" will be returning. Filming of "Penny Dreadful" has concluded in Ardmore. It was very successful. "Vikings" was filmed in Wicklow and another series is to be made here. It created considerable employment. The production of a number of films is ongoing. We have had some very good successes recently. "Calvary", for example, is having a major impact, and "The Stag" has been recognised. The premiere of "Frank" will be held shortly and it is receiving major recognition. The industry is very vibrant at present. In the Creative Capital report, the objective is to increase the number employed in the broader industry to 10,000 and the income derived from the industry to €1 billion. Apparently, we are making progress in this regard. The last figure I received was approximately 6,500.
I understand there are great difficulties associated with employment contracts, employment and employees in the industry. Is the Minister prepared to convene a meeting of stakeholders, including trade unions, to conclude a new set of agreements that will uphold the rights and entitlements of employees in the film industry?
That is why I asked Mr. Flood to engage in broad discussion with all those with an interest in the film industry. He is recognised as a very good mediator and negotiator, and he is continuing with that process. The current feedback from the industry is that the labour relations position is good. I am quite positive but whether the position remains as it is comprises another issue. People in the industry are very occupied at the moment. There is a lot of work in the film industry and there are some exciting developments throughout the island. "Dracula Untold" helped and provided opportunities for many people from Dublin and elsewhere in the Republic. Whatever happens on the island of Ireland helps the whole film industry. I will be having another meeting with Mr. Flood shortly and I will bring to his attention the points raised by Deputy McLellan this morning. If there is a need for what she is suggesting, I will certainly consider it. I will consult Mr. Flood first.
My understanding is that there are considerable difficulties with employment contracts.
13. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the cost-benefit analysis to maximise the use of the Bishop Street premises of the National Archives is complete; if he will share the findings of the analysis; when he expects to make a decision on expanding the capacity of the Bishop Street premises; the timeframe that is envisaged for the expansion; if a new exhibition space will form part of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/14]
A cost-benefit analysis is being carried out on the National Archives in Bishop Street to maximise the use of the space there. Clearly, the space is very deficient. I am trying to find out whether it is expected that a decision will be made on it soon.
It has been widely accepted for a number of years that the National Archives headquarters at Bishop Street require to be developed to enhance the standard and the quantity of facilities for storage of State archives and future provision. Each year for some years past, special measures had to be taken to accommodate the annual statutory transfer of State records. The building has insufficient linear shelving space in which to store records in an accessible manner and, consequently, is not being used to maximum economic advantage or optimum efficiency. Cognisant of the agreed need for additional space at the National Archives, my Department had requested that the OPW prepare a development plan for the Bishop Street premises. A plan was prepared accordingly for the phased delivery of the necessary works in the National Archives headquarters warehouse. The plan concluded that the construction of a two-storey facility within the existing building will provide an efficient and economically viable solution to the storage needs of the National Archives. A formal cost-benefit analysis in respect of the proposed development was completed in October 2013. It determined that, as the project more than met the Government’s rate of return, which is 5%, the result of the analysis is positive.
My Department is continuing to make progress on this project with the OPW and other stakeholders in the context of the decade of commemorations.
Has the Minister any idea when work is likely to commence given that it is justified and that the National Archives has statutory responsibility to manage its records? Is it planned to include exhibition space? Is the Minister considering the problematic staffing level in the National Archives? He told me previously that 70,000 boxes of records have not been catalogued at this stage. There is a lot of work to be done. The timeline and the exhibition space are the key issues.
This was part of the memorandum presented to the Government recently. In the context of the decade of commemorations, I made a special request in that memorandum concerning the National Archives. There is broad Government support for the proposal. I have to return to the Government in two months with revised proposals but I certainly hope this will be one of the top priorities.
I acknowledge that the Deputy has a special interest in this matter, as do I having used the National Archives in the past. I hope the project will proceed in the context of the decade of commemorations but it will have to be agreed by the Government first. The OPW has carried out extensive investigations into the provision. I hope that if money can be provided, the project will proceed very rapidly. I hope it will be regarded as one of the projects associated with the commemoration in 2016 of the Easter Rising in 1916.
