Vol. 843 No. 5
6. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge, 2010-30; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24460/14]
Foilsíodh an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge i mí na Nollag 2010. Ba mhaith liom a fháil amach cén chuid d'aidhmeanna na straitéise atá bainte amach ag an Aire Stáit agus ag an Rialtas go dtí seo.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is ar mo Roinn atá an fhreagracht uileghabhálach an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge a chomhordú agus a chur i bhfeidhm i gcomhar le réimse mór páirtithe leasmhara. Mar chuid den phróiseas sin, d'fhoilsigh mé tuarascáil anuraidh inar léiríodh an dul chun cinn foriomlán a rinneadh maidir le feidhmiú na straitéise idir 2010 agus 2013. D'fhoilsigh na Ranna Rialtais ábhartha - 11 acu san iomlán - a gcuid pleananna forfheidhmithe faoin straitéis ag an am céanna. Tá dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag mo Roinn ar chur i bhfeidhm na straitéise ón uair a foilsíodh an tuarascáil anuraidh. Mar shampla, foilsíodh na critéir pleanála teanga i mí Mheán Fómhair 2013 agus na treoirlínte pleanála teanga i mí Eanáir 2014.
Maidir leis na limistéir pleanála teanga Ghaeltachta, rinne mé na céad fhógraí faoin Acht i mí na Nollag 2013 chun tús a chur leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga i gCiarraí Thiar, i gCois Fharraige agus i nGaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire agus Loch an Iúir. Tá sé i gceist agam sé fhógra eile a dhéanamh go han-luath. Tá súil agam go ndéanfar é sin roimh dheireadh na míosa. Maidir leis na bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta, tá próiseas comhairliúcháin ar siúl ag mo Roinn faoi láthair maidir leis na bailte is oiriúnaí a roghnú le bheith aitheanta faoin Acht. Maidir leis na líonraí Gaeilge, táthar ag súil go mbeidh Foras na Gaeilge ag fógairt scéim na líonraí Gaeilge sa dlínse seo níos moille i mbliana.
Don chéad uair riamh, tá allúntas ar leith de €500,000 curtha ar fáil i mbuiséad mo Roinne i mbliana don straitéis. Tá leas á bhaint as an allúntas sin chun maoiniú a sholáthar do na heagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe atá á roghnú ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i mbliana chun tabhairt faoin phleanáil teanga sna limistéir atá sonraithe; agus gníomhaíochtaí úra a mhaoiniú chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise. Mar fhocal scoir, ní miste a lua go bhfuil dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na straitéise trí na struchtúir éagsúla, lena n-áirítear an coiste comhairleach a bhunaigh mé níos luaithe i mbliana chun comhoibriú níos fearr a chothú leis na heagraíochtaí ábhartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise agus an phróisis pleanála teanga.
Mar fhocal scoir, ní miste a lua go bhfuil dul chun cinn á dhéanamh fosta ar chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise trí na struchtúir éagsúla, lena n-áirítear an Coiste Comhairleach a bhunaigh mé níos luaithe i mbliana chun comhoibriú níos fearr a chothú leis na heagraíochtaí ábhartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise agus an phróisis pleanála teanga.
An féidir liom cuid d'aidhmeanna na straitéise a chur os comhair an Tí? Tá sé mar aidhm ag an straitéis go mbeidh níos mó teaghlaigh ar fud na tíre ag úsáid na Gaeilge mar theanga cumarsáide, go mbeidh úsáid na Gaeilge nó an Bhéarla mar rogha ag gach éinne agus go mbeidh daoine in ann a gcuid gnó a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge. Go háirithe, tá sé leagtha amach sa straitéis go mbeidh tacaíocht don Ghaeilge agus don litríocht ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht. An bhfuil aon cheann de na haidhmeanna sin bainte amach ag an Aire Stáit?
Mar a dúirt an Teachta, is é an cuspóir atá againn go léir ná go mbeidh muintir na Gaeltachta, agus éinne eile sa tír a bhfuil fonn orthu é a dhéanamh, in ann a gcuid gnó a dhéanamh leis an Státchóras trí Ghaeilge. I mo thuairim, is próiseas measartha fada é seo. Glacfaidh sé am. Ar a laghad, táimid ag dul sa threo sin. Mar atá fógartha go dtí seo, nuair a bheidh an chéad fheachtas earcaíochta eile sa tseirbhís phoiblí ar siúl, cuirfear céatadán áirithe de na háiteanna ar fáil do dhaoine a bhfuil cumas Gaeilge acu agus a bheadh ábalta gnó a dhéanamh leis an bpobal trí Ghaeilge.
Maidir leis na ceantair Ghaeltachta, mar a dúirt mé tá trí cheantar pleanála teanga - sna Gaeltachtaí ó thuaidh, ó thiar agus ó dheas - roghnaithe cheana féin. Déanfar sé chinn eile a roghnú gan mhoill taobh istigh de chúpla seachtain. Beidh naoi gcinn roghnaithe ag an tráth sin. Tá sé mar chuspóir againn go roghnófar trí cheantar eile roimh dheireadh na bliana. Ciallaíonn sé sin go mbeidh leath de na 26 ceantair Ghaeltachta ag obair ar phleanáil teanga. Mar atá ráite agam, tá airgead breise curtha ar fáil i gcáinaisnéis na bliana seo chun tacú leis na pobail sin a gcuid pleananna a chur i gcrích.
Caithfidh mé a rá go bhfuil Conradh na Gaeilge ag áitiú gur cheart go mbeadh níos mó ná 6% i gceist nuair atá earcaíocht á dhéanamh. Ba mhaith liom roinnt cuspóirí eile sa straitéis a lua. Tá sé mar aidhm sa straitéis "an líon daoine a labhraíonn Gaeilge gach lá lasmuigh den chóras oideachais a ardú ó 83,000 go 250,000"; "an líon daoine a labhraíonn Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht gach lá a ardú faoi 25%" agus "an líon daoine a úsáideann seirbhísí Stáit trí Ghaeilge agus atá in ann teilifís, raidió agus na meáin chlóite a rochtain tríd an teanga a ardú". Iarraim ar an Aire Stáit na ceisteanna sin, mar gheall ar an méid atá déanta i dtaobh na cuspóirí sin, a fhreagairt.
Aontaím leis an Teachta go bhfuil sé iontach tábhachtach go mbeadh éileamh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ón ngnáthphobal - sa Ghaeltacht nó taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht. Cosúil le gach Teachta agus gach duine eile atá istigh anseo, bíonn mé ag plé leis na heagrais Stáit, ar nós na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim agus na Ranna eile, agus cloisim go minic "má tá fonn ort seirbhís a fháil trí Ghaeilge, brúigh Uimh. 4 nó Uimh 3". Caithfidh mé a rá go bhfuil go leor acu ábalta an tseirbhís a chur ar fáil i láthair na huaire. Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh le tamall anuas. An raibh ceist eile ag an Teachta?
Dúirt mé go bhfuil Conradh na Gaeilge ag iarraidh níos mó-----
Tuigim. Bíonn cruinnithe againn le hionadaithe ó Chonradh na Gaeilge go rialta. B'fhéidir go mbeidh deis againn iad a fheiceáil am éigin inniu. Mar is eol don Teachta, tá siad ag eagrú lá eolais in aice linn inniu. Bíonn muid i dteagmháil leo go rialta. Tuigeann muid na hiarratais atá déanta acu maidir le seirbhísí. Aontaímid go léir leis sin, ach is próiseas é. Beidh sé an-deacair an t-easnamh atá ansin a chur i gceart taobh istigh de bhliain nó dhó, ach táimid ag dul sa threo ceart, i mo thuairim.
7. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied) in view of the fact that it is now more than two months since the matter was referred by him to the National Museum of Ireland for direct reply and no correspondence has been received from that institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24464/14]
Since last January I have been trying to obtain information on the use of unpaid interns by the national cultural institutions. Despite submitting several parliamentary questions and writing to the National Museum of Ireland, I am not much clearer on the issue. It is disappointing that I have had to submit this question to get a response from the museum. I was glad, however, to read in the letter I received last week that it was unable to proceed with the social media internship advertised in January. This is hardly surprising, given that it requires the intern to work 35 hours a week for six months without pay. Does the Minister consider it acceptable for the museum to request a person to work under these conditions?
I refer the Deputy to my replies to his previous questions, Question No. 30 on 6 March 2014 and Question No.15 on 17 April 2014, which were related to the same topic. As I outlined therein, while my Department provides funding for the national cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Ireland, the board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters, including recruitment and internship programmes, and I have no direct function in these matters.
I understand the National Museum of Ireland has replied directly to the Deputy on this matter, indicating that it provides a range of internship opportunities on a regular basis in its marketing, education, collections and other areas. These internships are mainly provided for third level students who wish to gain practical experience and develop workplace skills relevant to their course and area of study. The museum has well established relationships with many universities and relevant third level institutions, both nationally and internationally, which place students with it. Applications from students are assessed on their individual merits and opportunities are provided in as many cases as possible. The museum assures me that all internships and work placements operate in a mutually supportive and complementary manner which assists it in achieving its goals and objectives, while ensuring a rewarding and beneficial experience for interns which can enhance their career opportunities.
The museum states that these unpaid internships have been part of the museum landscape for decades. Does the Minister not agree that this type of arrangement contributes to a culture of elitism within the National Museum?
Third level fees this year were €2,500 and by 2016 they will be €3,000. That is a lot of money for families, and most students take on part-time jobs to support their studies. It is bad enough to have these kids facing zero-hour contracts and poor working conditions, but the National Museum actually makes them work for nothing. Therefore, these internships can only be an option for people who are getting significant financial support from their families. Does the Minister think this does anything to help create a level playing field?
I am advised that the museum offered a social media internship earlier this year as a work placement for students studying marketing, arts and business. In the case in question, the successful intern would have been working with the museum's marketing department to gain workplace and hands-on experience in digital marketing and social media communications, as well as having the opportunity of developing ICT and organisational skills. As the museum did not have any established relationships with third level colleges in areas such as digital communications and digital media, the internship was discussed and promoted through DCU, which has courses in this area and whose students might have been interested, and also via the museum's website. There was, however, insufficient interest in the placement for it to proceed.
Does the Minister not think that people doing this type of work should get at least the minimum wage? Students are struggling to make ends meet anyway, so very few students can avail of this opportunity of taking up the internship.
With regard to my other question on the potential participation of the British royal family in the centenary commemorations in 2016, I would like to point out that I do not think we should pay homage to any monarchy. Does the Minister not think that the presence of a British royal would distract from what we should really be commemorating when 2016 comes around?
That is a separate question.
Again, the National Museum is governed by a board, which makes its decisions. If Deputy Wallace has issues with how it employs people then he should take the matter up directly with the board.
I meet interns on a regular basis and they are delighted with the opportunity - and their families as well - to get experience. If they get experience it will obviously help them to find employment. My understanding is that in a number of cases, people who are taken on for a short-term contract or whatever are rewarded in different ways in those cultural institutions. The experience they gain is invaluable for them and for their future prospects.
8. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the new bogs that are to be closed to turf cutting on foot of the publication of the review of raised bog natural heritage areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24412/14]
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which agreement has been reached with traditional turf cutters throughout the country who have been discommoded by special area conversation orders and national heritage areas; if he is satisfied that all options have been vigorously pursued in the context of resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24462/14]
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of alternative bogs that have been sourced for turf cutters forced to relocate; the number of turf cutters who have been accommodated; the number who are yet to be accommodated with a relocation option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24413/14]
Eight hundred and six people have applied to the Department to be relocated on foot of the ban on turf cutting on SAC-designated bogs. They were designated 17 years ago, but to date a maximum of one eighth of those people can be accommodated by the actions that are being taken by the Department. Can I ask the Minister how long one must wait until people have realistic alternatives provided to them?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 14 and 22 together.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published by my Department, provides details on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas, NHAs. The review has concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured NHA network. This will entail the phasing out of turf cutting on certain NHAs by 1 January 2017 and the partial or complete de-designation of certain NHAs.
To compensate for the loss of habitat within sites where it is proposed that turf cutting can continue, 25 undesignated raised bogs, which are currently in public ownership or where there is reduced turf cutting pressure, will be designated as NHAs. These sites will be proposed for designation later this year, when all the necessary preparatory work which is under way at present is complete.
Any turf cutter required to cease turf cutting on an NHA is being offered compensatory measures similar to those available to turf cutters from raised bog special areas of conservation, SACs. Such compensation will be available to qualifying persons with effect from 2014.
A total of 2,959 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, introduced for raised bog SACs, have been received and acknowledged by my Department. Of these, 820 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. Almost 4,600 individual payments have been made since the commencement of the scheme and more than 1,100 persons have signed legal agreements with my Department. Some €8.36 million has been spent to date on direct payments to turf cutters and on deliveries of turf.
In addition, my Department has issued in the region of 250 compensation forms in relation to NHA sites, and 50 completed forms have been received. My Department has also received 129 permit applications in relation to category 1 NHA sites, resulting in 90 permits being issued to cut turf until the end of 2016. Five permits to cut turf have also been issued to contractors.
Progress in relocating turf cutters is being achieved and is most advanced in those sites where turf cutters and their representatives have engaged with my Department in finding local solutions. In some sites, it has been difficult to progress arrangements, as representative groups have not engaged sufficiently to establish the requirement and preference for relocation amongst local turf cutters. Details of investigations to find potential relocation bogs are available on a site-by-site level in the draft national raised bog and SAC management plan, which can be viewed on my Department's website.
Examples of progress in this area include the following: Clara bog SAC, County Offaly, where a group of 25 cutters were relocated; Carrownagappul and Curraghlehanagh bog SACs, County Galway, where a group of 23 cutters were relocated; Ballynafagh bog, County Kildare, where a relocation site was identified for a group of nine cutters; Moyclare bog SAC, County Offaly, where a group is to be accommodated on a relocation site from the 2015 season; Monivea bog SAC, County Galway, where three sites have been identified for possible relocation; and Mouds bog SAC, County Kildare, where a potential relocation site was identified for a group of at least 19 cutters. Sites assessed as suitable for relocation include Ardgraigue bog SAC, County Galway, Moanveanlagh bog SAC, County Kerry, and Redwood bog SAC, County Tipperary.
I am advised that, of the remaining 43 raised bog SACs, potential relocation sites have been identified for 28, and work is ongoing on investigating site suitability. Relocation is unlikely to be required, or is likely to be small-scale, for the remaining 15 raised bog SACs due, for example, to the small numbers cutting on these sites during the relevant five-year qualification period.
I thank the Minister for his response. The reality is that in the vast majority of cases, potential relocation sites have not been found. While the Minister talked at length about the issue of compensation, as he will know, for the vast majority of genuine turf cutters the issue of compensation does not arise because all they want is to be able to continue to cut turf.
On 28 January I asked the Minister when we would have the list of the further 25 NHA-designated sites. He told me on that occasion that public notices would issue shortly. It is now June and they have not issued. He has said it will be some time before the end of the year. When will people know what additional sites are to be designated?
Second, in the light of the review carried out and the report published at the beginning of the year which clearly showed that some of the designations as NHAs were flawed and in the light of the fact that the Department has allowed 117 individuals to cut turf in Tullaher Lough SAC in County Clare, will the Minister now agree that we must review the complete ban on turf cutting in SACs and go back to the drawing board?
I am sure the Deputy will accept that major progress has been made on this issue in the past three years. Ireland signed up to the habitats directive in 1992 and it was transposed into Irish law in 1997. A total of 53 SAC bogs were accepted by the Government and they were designated by 2004. After this, there was a type of moratorium in protecting these bogs and on my appointment as Minister I was faced with a legal case in Europe. The next step would have been taken in the European Court of Justice. There was no other option available and there could be no more procrastination, delaying or bluffing as the European Commission had run out of patience.
We have made extraordinary progress in the past three years. I thank the people who are compliant with the law, despite being pressurised in many cases not to be so. They have accepted compensation. Relocation is proving to be challenging, but where there is co-operation, it is happening. I visited Clara bog and went to the relocation bog at Ballyhenry. Also, I compliment the leadership of former Deputy Paul Connaughton. Carrownagappul bog and Curraghlehanagh bog SACs have worked very well. A group of 23 turf cutters have been relocated and they are very happy with the bog to which they have been relocated. Despite the problems, this is working and we are making progress.
Will the Minister indicate the attempt, if any, which was made to relocate from the SACs or the NHAs where particularly contentious issues arose with local traditional turf cutters, as opposed to turf cutters who may have been compensated and who may not have been practising turf cutting for several years? With regard to the Mouds and Ballynafagh bogs, to what extent have all traditional turf cutters been accommodated and are they satisfied with the outcome in both cases?
The Deputy is aware that three scientific reports have been issued for consultation. We have received a very encouraging response, with over 1,000 people responding. There are the reviews of NHAs and SACs. Having gathered the responses and with the co-operation of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, TCCA, - I am glad that there was a recent meeting between the TCCA and my departmental officials - if there is total agreement, we can return to the European Union with a proposal that would include the changes to the NHAs. Although the NHAs are governed by Irish law, they are part of the overall package because some of them will be compensating for the loss of active raised bogs in the SACs for the past ten years. We can return to the European Union with a new package if this consultation takes place and there is agreement. This is still open for movement. There is still an opportunity for the Government, on behalf of the turf cutters, to go back to the European Union with proposals that are reasonable and obviously will be minimalistic in a sense. We are working on them, having received a large number of submissions in response to the three documents, particularly to two of them, that we issued for public discussion.
On 29 January the Minister told me that the public notice would be issued shortly. We have gone through another turf cutting season and that has not happened. People do not know what additional bogs are to be designated. I agree with the Minister that this issue is not of his making. Members of this House sat on their hands for 15 years prior to the Minister taking office. However, not being up-front and transparent with people is undermining any credibility that there is. Also, is it not the case that staff have abandoned their role in the relocation process because of the lack of support and resources within the Department to ensure they can source alternative bogs? If we are to build confidence between communities, this must be a priority and the resources of the Department must be put in place, 17 years on, to try to facilitate relocation.
I confirm for the Deputy that people will receive notices shortly. I agree with him that they must know well before the next turf cutting season the 25 bogs that will be designated. There will be a public notice and there is a procedure to be gone through. There is also an appeals system. The notices will be issued. On that occasion I believe I confirmed that it would be towards the end of this year that the notices would be issued and that people would be informed. They will be informed. That was always to be the case. We are going through a major process and I pointed out that it would not happen before the summer. I simply could not give that commitment. However, it will happen in the autumn. People will be well informed and receive notice before the next turf cutting season. I accept the Deputy's point in that regard.
To what extent has the Minister finalised agreement in respect of the Mouds and Ballynafagh turf cutters? Have all of the traditional turf cutters there had an agreement concluded to their satisfaction? If not, why not? Also, with regard to the proposal to return to Brussels with a revised option, when is that likely to happen?
My officials have been working with the people on Ballynafagh and Mouds bogs and progress is being made. As regards referring back to Brussels, it would be futile unless there was agreement between the TCCA and everybody concerned. I am glad that a meeting took place recently between the TCCA and my officials. This matter can be resolved. It is difficult, as everybody knows, but we have made considerable progress. Where there is a genuine will and people are sincere that they wish to settle this matter which has been ongoing for too long, we can reach a solution. Good examples of how a solution has been achieved are working on the ground in the instances I mentioned. I hope that following the consultation we are undertaking and the responses we have received and with the TCCA and other interested groups, including the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, we can put together a package and refer back to Brussels under Article 6.4 of the habitats directive and make the case that there should be some accommodation for turf cutters in a very small number of cases where no relocation is possible. I have committed to doing this.
This year.
It will depend on the level of co-operation, for which I do not wish to set a deadline. If people co-operate, are sincere about it and do not change their minds, it will be done.
I acknowledge the Minister's last comment and the significant movement it suggests. The Minister has told the House that he is prepared to revert in cases where an alternative is not available and make the case that in limited circumstances people would be allowed to cut turf. Is it not the case that we have ended up in the mess we are in because the Department's focus for the last 17 years has been on compensation and it was not focused on facilitating alternative bogs or allowing consent for turf cutting in the hard cases where alternatives were not available? Does the Minister acknowledge that and recognise that the lack of direction at senior ministerial level over those years has led to the debacle today?
I agree with Deputy Naughten that if there had been political will in 2002 to 2004, the matter would be resolved by now. As with so many other European issues, the matter was landed on the current Government's table. In this case, I was given the responsibility for resolving it. As the Deputy knows, I have worked very openly with people on this and made a great deal of progress. There is more progress to put into effect. Certainly, we are moving in the right direction and people are willing to co-operate as evidenced by the numbers who have accepted compensation.
We have an opportunity in response to the number of people who have made submissions to put a package together in full consultation with the cutters and contractors and to revert to Brussels with a realistic proposal which has a chance of succeeding.
9. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will be making grants available to local authorities to assist in the planning of 1916 centenary events. [24473/14]
17. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is satisfied that plans to date to commemorate and celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rising are such as will be fitting for such a momentous occasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24287/14]
23. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress being made in preparing for the centenary anniversary of the 1916 Rising; the number of times the commemorations committee has met since its foundation; the dates these meetings took place and the locations of same; if he was in attendance at these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24470/14]
Will the Minister be making grants available to local authorities to assist in the planning of 1916 centenary events? The Minister will agree that local authorities are well placed to deliver local centenary events, but they will need financial assistance to do so. Can the Minister clarify how funds will be made available and distributed?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 17 and 23 together.
Deputies on all sides of the House will agree that the centenary anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be an important occasion in the public life of our nation and present a unique opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by past generations. The Government's priority concern has been to plan a number of significant capital projects to provide a lasting legacy of the centenary. At a time when resources were and are constrained, I am very pleased that capital funding has been made available for a number of key projects. An announcement of an allocation from stimulus funding of €22 million for 2015 was made on 13 May 2014. The flagship projects to be funded include the development of a permanent interpretive centre at the GPO; the digitisation and provision of a permanent home for the Military Service Pensions Archive; the development of visitor facilities at Kilmainham Courthouse; the conservation of Richmond Barracks; a tenement museum in Henrietta Street, and a visitor centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc. Significant refurbishment and development works are also to be carried out at the National Archives headquarters and at the National Concert Hall. Given the time required to complete these projects, the Government has accorded them priority with regard to the available funding for commemorations.
I also welcome the many commemorative initiatives by national cultural institutions, local authorities, academic centres, ex-service organisations, community and history groups which have recently marked aspects of centenary history. I mention with particular appreciation the programme prepared by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in respect of the Dublin Lock-out. The possibility of funding of events and projects at community and local authority level will fall to be examined in future budgetary discussions.
The Oireachtas all-party consultation group on commemorations has met on 19 occasions since February 2012. Keeping pace with the developing centenary programme, it was agreed last year that meetings should take place on a monthly basis. I can supply the dates if required. I have chaired 18 of these meetings, with the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley acting as chair of the only meeting I was unable to attend in December 2012. With the exception of one meeting held at Kilmainham Gaol, all meetings have taken place at Government Buildings in Dublin. The next meeting of the group is set for 24 June 2014. I am grateful for the interest and support of the members of the group.
I realise there is considerable public interest and expectation regarding the events to commemorate the Easter Rising. The focus of this ceremony should be unequivocally on the memory of those who fought in the Rising. I have asked the all-party group for its views on the nature of the events that should take place on Easter Sunday 2016 and take the opportunity to invite any Member of the House to make a submission in this regard.
I thank the Minister for his answer and acknowledge that he has a calendar of events to mark the centenary of 1916 which includes a number of capital projects for completion by Easter 2016. Does the Minister agree that funding needs to be made available to local authorities to ensure that communities across Ireland play a central role in commemorating 1916? It is essential that with under two years to go people in organisations are equipped and resourced to play a full part in these important centenary celebrations.
Has the Minister engaged with his Assembly counterpart, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín, to discuss expanding the planned 1916 centenary events to ensure that they are all-Ireland in nature?
My question relates to the fittingness of the commemoration of 1916. I quote Professor Diarmaid Ferriter who said:
It would be naive to believe or expect that the current period of commemoration will not be affected by contemporary politics and coloured by who is in power; history illustrates that these have always been factors.
Political capital has been made out of commemorations in the past and there has been political hijacking. The question of a royal presence has been raised and it must be addressed and discussed to ensure that the 1916 commemoration is not hijacked. We deserve a fitting and dignified tribute. To go back to what the Minister said about involving individuals and groups, educators must be included as well as a voice whereby people can give their views.
I agree with Deputy McLellan that local groups must get assistance for next year. There are a lot of plans. I hope to put a small fund in place to assist them. I have asked local authorities to assist local groups also. As I know from my own experience running small festivals, local groups can provide considerable value for money with a very small allocation.
I agree with Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan. I see no movements to date by anyone to hijack these events. The year 1916 belongs to all of us. Every political party in the Chamber can trace its origins back to 1916. It is very important that there is a very inclusive event of which everyone feels part. The nation must feel part of it and it must not be hijacked or monopolised by anyone. I agree with the Deputy. It is very much my philosophy as well and it informs how I have fulfilled my function as chairman of the commemorations committee. I have emphasised that the focus is on those who participated in the events of 1916, not anyone else. Certainly, that will be my vision for the 1916 commemoration. I thank the Deputy for her comments.
I agree with Deputy O'Sullivan that community involvement will be very important, with an emphasis on the cultural side of 1916. I note the cultural movements which led to the leaders of 1916 being inspired to do what they did.
That includes movements such as the Gaelic League, the GAA and others at the time that played a critical role in influencing people to make sacrifices on our behalf and to ensure we would be in this House today.
