Priority Questions

Gender Balance

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

1. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is committed to gender equality on State boards under her remit; the reason the general scheme of the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2014 does not include a strict gender guideline with regard to board appointments; her views that her direction over that institution as envisaged in the Bill is excessive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40302/14]

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl

I am afraid that my first question relates to national cultural institutions and the boards thereof, but I suspect the Minister has heard enough about such institutions and their boards to last her a lifetime. Nonetheless, I raise the very serious and important matter of the proposed legislation pertaining to the National Concert Hall, NCH, and in particular, the lack of a proposal for clear gender balance on the board as well as what I would see as the excessive powers the legislation gives the Minister to interfere in the affairs of the NCH.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The programme for Government includes a commitment to take steps to ensure that all State boards have at least 40% of each gender. Nine of the 17 bodies funded from my Department's Vote group that currently have boards in place have already reached that target. I have developed an implementation plan to reaffirm and achieve the target of 40% of each gender on the remaining boards and will be working with all bodies to move towards 45% of each gender as the new target for gender equality. It may be noted, however, that in a number of boards certain appointments are made other than by way of Government or ministerial appointment, for example, on foot of nominations by other bodies, by way of elections or on an ex officio basis. Clearly, such circumstances can have an influence on the gender balance of the boards in question. I can assure the Deputy, however, that I am fully committed to further promoting gender equality across all of the bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote.

The general scheme of the national cultural institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill sets out that the Minister shall, to the greatest extent possible, ensure that there is an equitable balance between men and women in the membership of the board. As the Deputy will appreciate, there is a number of different ways in which this issue can be reflected in legislation and I remain open to considering, in the drafting of the text of the Bill, how best to deliver on this commitment to gender balance.

In general terms, the purpose of the Bill is to establish the National Concert Hall, NCH, as a statutory body and to put in place a governance framework that will provide for appropriate reporting and accounting to the Minister and onwards to the Oireachtas. The legislation must stand the test of time, enabling the NCH to fulfil its functions to promote and encourage the performance of music to the highest standards regardless of what Minister is in place.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

It is important to emphasise that artistic policy at the national cultural institutions has never been nor ever will be the remit of the Minister and this is guaranteed in the draft legislation currently being prepared. The general scheme provides that the Minister may issue general policy directions on matters such as pay policy and staffing but not artistic or curatorial matters. It also sets out the Minister's role in the statement of strategy and in the approval of staffing and borrowing by the NCH, among other things. I do not consider that these proposed provisions are an inappropriate intrusion into the business of the NCH, especially in the context of the significant level of State funding being provided to it. Indeed, they are broadly reflective of the approach to corporate governance adopted in other legislation enacted in recent years.

I am, of course, aware that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, of which the Deputy is a member, is currently engaged in pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the Bill. These issues will, no doubt, form part of the committee's considerations and I look forward to receiving its report in due course and to the further debate which will take place on these and other matters as the Bill proceeds through the legislative process.

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl

I welcome the fact that the Minister has indicated a willingness to consider further the legislation as proposed. What we have before us at present states quite clearly that the Minister will "endeavour, to the greatest extent practicable" to achieve an equal balance between men and women on the NCH board. The phrase "endeavour, to the greatest extent practicable" has no legislative meaning. It is a pretty worthless commitment and is at variance with what the Minister has just said in terms of indicating a strong commitment to working towards gender balance. That commitment is not reflected in the text.

Additionally, the Bill as proposed provides that the board shall take policy directions from the Minister "in such a manner and at such intervals as the Minister may direct". I put it to the Minister that this allows for extraordinary potential to interfere in the affairs of a cultural institution.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

I reiterate that I am absolutely committed to gender balance. It is important that there is strong representation of both genders on all boards because decision-making is much better when issues are viewed from different perspectives.

The legislation is at a very early stage and I am happy to engage with the committee on it. I am open to suggestions that will improve the legislation. I am not looking for control but I am looking for accountability and good corporate governance. I want to allow this important institution to continue to thrive and flourish while at the same time holding it accountable to the taxpayer, which is important given the level of funding it receives. I want to make it clear that the legislation is at an early stage and I am very open to listening to the suggestions and views of Oireachtas Members because at the end of day, we all want the best possible legislation that will protect the taxpayer.

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Regrettably, what the Minister is saying to us today and what the general scheme of the Bill is saying are not one and the same thing. Why would the Minister want to be in a position to direct the board of the NCH? That the current or any future Minister should be in a position to direct the activities of the board is bizarre in the extreme. Indeed, it is the antithesis of how a government should be treating any national cultural institution. It also seems to me to be unprecedented, in the context of cultural legislation at least, that any draft plan or strategy would be exempt from the freedom of information process for five years, as the general scheme provides. Why would the plans or strategies of the NCH be exempt from the FOI process? Why would such a provision be included in the legislation? It makes no sense.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

As I have already said, the general scheme provides that the Minister may issue general policy directions on matters such as pay policy and staffing but not artistic or curatorial matters. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, of which the Deputy is a member, is currently engaged in pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the Bill. These issues will, no doubt, form part of the committee's report on the legislation. I look forward to receiving that report in due course. There will be much more debate on this legislation and I am very happy to take on board the different suggestions and ideas put forward by Deputies and Senators because at the end of the day, we all want an institution that is allowed to continue to thrive and flourish but which is also accountable to the taxpayer.

National Monuments

Sandra McLellan

Question:

2. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the historic site on Moore Street, Dublin 1. [40220/14]

Deputy Sandra McLellan

I wish to ask the Minister to outline the current position regarding the historic site on Moore Street given that time is ticking on and 2016 is nearly upon us.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

Revised designs for the restoration of the national monument buildings at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, and the creation of a commemorative centre to the leaders of the 1916 Rising on the site, were approved by my predecessor under the National Monuments Acts on 30 April 2014.

Consent has been granted to the owners under those Acts for the full repair and conservation of the monument buildings. Consent had previously been refused for the demolition of any structures or the removal of any material from the site that dated from or before 1916. Plans for an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument site or for the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16 were also ruled out.

I believe that the decision made on the revised designs provides the means to secure the future of the national monument. The conditions attaching to the consent will also ensure that the restored buildings will have a standard of finish and appearance that befits their historical importance.

I have recently visited the national monument and have been through the entire site. During my visit I spoke to a number of the Moore Street traders who are very supportive of the plans for the monument and the proposals to redevelop the wider area. I have also offered meetings to both of the 1916 Moore Street relatives groups next week and expect to discuss the plans for the national monument with them. However, it is important to note that advancement of the project, which relates to a previous grant of planning permission, is a matter for the owners to progress in consultation with Dublin City Council.

Deputy Sandra McLellan

The Government's proposals to preserve and develop Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, while welcome, are totally inadequate. Is the Minister aware that among the buildings on Moore Street the developer, Chartered Land Limited, proposes to demolish, there are structures which predate the 1916 Rising? However, the reason given for not conserving buildings on this historic site has been that these were post-1916 buildings. These buildings lie both within the terrace containing the national monument and within what the Taoiseach has called the "lanes of history".

The evidence exists to show that many of the structures alleged to be post 1916 do, in fact, predate the Easter Rising. Is the Minister aware that the facade of No. 18 was identified as a pre-1916 structure that was still standing in 1916 in the conservation report that accompanied the environmental impact study of 2011 by Gráinne Shaffrey? Does she realise that this key point was omitted from the Shaffrey battlefield report? Will the Minister freeze the consent order for the works proposed by Chartered Land Limited on and around the national monument?

Deputy Heather Humphreys

The preservation order covers Nos. 14-17, with the objective of protecting No. 16, as the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising prior the surrender. A small number of buildings on Moore Street, in varying states of order, can be identified with specific events which took place within them, with No. 16 being the main one. It was what the then Minister was asked to save when the preservation order was being made in 2007. It was also decided to preserve Nos. 14, 15 and 17. Most of the buildings on Moore Street have been altered extensively since 1916 and retain little of the character of that time. In light of this, the substantially intact structures at Nos. 14-17 take on a greater significance and the importance of their protection becomes more evident and relevant.

My remit is confined to the boundaries of the national monument site at Nos. 14-17. Dublin City Council is responsible for the development of the wider area, which has been dealt with comprehensively by the council and An Bord Pleanála under the planning Acts since the making of the preservation order in 2007. The current planning permission dates from 2010.

Deputy Sandra McLellan

Sinn Féin disagrees with the decision to grant a licence to Chartered Land Limited to demolish Moore Street and turn it into a shopping centre. The decision by the Government to grant permission for the development of Moore Street to go ahead is tantamount to the obliteration of what the National Museum has called the most important site in modern Irish history. Will the Minister commission an independent battlefield survey as recommended by the Dublin City Moore Street advisory council?

Deputy Heather Humphreys

A comprehensive assessment has already been carried out at my Department's request, as part of the consent application under the National Monuments Act, for the proposed works on the national monument site. The consent applicants, Chartered Land Limited, which owns the national monument site, was asked by my Department, in January 2012, to commission an assessment of the wider battlefield context of the national monument as part of the Minister's consideration of the consent application. The report reinforces the primary status of Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, most notably because of the degree to which pre-1916 fabric survives in association with the final critical hour of the Easter Rising and how these buildings stand up in contrast with the wider area.

The methodology for the assessment was drawn up and agreed in advance of my Department's national monument service and by the director of the National Museum of Ireland. The assessment was carried out by an eminent archaeologist and historian and the Department is satisfied with the quality of the research. I do not propose to seek a further assessment of the area.

I have no function in regard to the regulation of development, outside the bounds of the preservation order. As required under the National Monuments Act, an application for consent in respect of the proposed works to Nos. 14-17 Moore Street was submitted to my Department on behalf of Chartered Land Limited in June 2001.

National Monuments

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

3. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on whether misleading and inaccurate information led to the signing of the consent order for work to take place at the national monument at Moore Street, Dublin 1; and if she will freeze that consent order and initiate an independent assessment of the battlefield site. [40219/14]

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan

On the same theme, my question relates to the fact that misleading information and misinformation led to the Minister's predecessor signing the consent order. In view of that, will the Minister put a freeze on the consent order so as to ensure there can be a proper, independent, comprehensive assessment of the battlefield site?

Deputy Heather Humphreys

I do not accept the suggestion that the decision made by my predecessor was based on misleading or inaccurate information.

As indicated in previous replies, revised designs submitted by the owners for the restoration of the national monument buildings at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street and the creation of a commemorative centre to the leaders of the 1916 Rising on the site were approved by my predecessor on 30 April 2014. The granting of the consent followed detailed consideration and appraisal of all relevant factors, including a formal environmental impact assessment. A comprehensive assessment of the wider area was also produced as part of the consent process and full account was taken of it in the Department’s decision. The methodology for the assessment was drawn up and agreed in advance by my Department’s national monuments service and by the director of the National Museum of Ireland. The assessment was carried out by an eminent archaeologist and historian and my Department is satisfied with the quality of the research.

I do not propose to seek a further assessment of the area. I am satisfied that the determination made on the consent application was not in any way influenced by misleading or inaccurate information and my Department has made this clear in writing in reply to correspondence on the matter, including to Dublin City Council.

I have recently visited the national monument and been through the entire site. During my visit I spoke to a number of the Moore Street traders and they are anxious this development should go ahead. They pleaded with me to do something to ensure this development goes ahead because the area needs redevelopment. I told them my role is to protect the national monument and the decision on the development remains with Dublin City Council.

I have also offered meetings to both of the 1916 Moore Street relatives groups next week and expect to discuss the plans for the national monument with them. However, it is important to note that advancement of the project, which relates to a previous grant of planning permission, is a matter for the owners to progress in consultation with Dublin City Council.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan

Nobody disagrees with the development of the area, because it has been a derelict, abandoned site and disgrace to all of our governments since 1916 or since after the Civil War. However, the point is that the whole area is a monument and other buildings on the street, apart from Nos. 14-17, have been identified in the Myles battlefield report as having significance in regard to the events of the Easter Rising. For example, O'Brien's mineral water building in Henry Place was occupied by the volunteers, the white house in Henry Place was occupied and held by Michael Collins, and Cogan's in No. 10 Moore Street was where the first council of war was held and where there was an overnight stay. The bottling stores were occupied by Frank Henderson and Hanlon's, at 20-21 Moore Street, was where the surrender order was accepted by the volunteers, after consultation with Tom Clarke, Joseph Plunkett and Seán Mac Diarmada. Therefore, there are other buildings on that street of historical significance.

The consent order issued by the Minister will result in their obliteration.

While I fully understand the position of the street traders and respect the street trading tradition, the traders can be facilitated with an appropriate development that takes account of the historical significance of Moore Street. It must not be a sprawling, massive shopping centre in the middle of a number of other shopping centres.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

I reiterate that a comprehensive assessment of the proposed works on the national monument site was carried out, at my Department's request, as part of the consent application under the National Monuments Acts. The consent applicant, Chartered Land Limited, which owns the national monument site, was asked by my Department in January 2012 to commission an assessment of the wider battlefield context of the national monument as part of the Minister's consideration of the consent application. The report reinforces the primary status of Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street, most notably because of the degree to which pre-1916 fabric survives in association with the final critical hour of the Rising and how these buildings stand in contrast to the wider area. The methodology for the assessment was drawn up and agreed in advance by my Department's National Monuments Service and the director of the National Museum of Ireland. As such, the site has been assessed by experts in the field and their report is on record. On that basis, there are no plans to carry out a further reassessment.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan

The comprehensive assessment was flawed and someone must call a halt before its mistakes are compounded.

The Minister is to meet the relatives of the leaders of the Rising. I ask her to tour the entire battlefield site with them and listen to the stories of the events that unfolded at every step of the way between the General Post Office and the Rotunda where the photograph of Pádraig Pearse surrendering was taken. I also ask her to meet the Dublin city manager. Someone must take responsibility for this issue.

While it is great that funding has been provided for the General Post Office and the former courthouse at Kilmainham, Moore Street is also a very important site, one which we are in danger of losing. People used to live on Moore Street. While it is now derelict, it has considerable potential for business and housing, especially given the current housing crisis. Housing should be provided on the street and its historical aspects preserved.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

I have met members of the Dublin City Council sub-committee which deals with the national monument on Moore Street. I do not consider that the assessment was flawed. The Department is satisfied that there is no basis to the suggestion that the previous Minister was misinformed or had inaccurate information when making his decisions on consents granted under the National Monuments Acts in respect of the national monument on Moore Street.

On Nos. 13, 18 and 19 Moore Street, my Department has dealt comprehensively with related correspondence received from the relatives' solicitor. It was pointed out that these buildings are outside the bounds of the preservation order covering the national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 and that the requirement for the ministerial consent to cater for their demolition only arises in so far as the continuation of the demolition works creates ground disturbance in the proximity of the monument that could impact on the monument.

Maoiniú d'Eagrais Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas aici ó Chonradh na Gaeilge mar gheall ar bhuiséad caipitil de €12 milliún a chur ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus gan aon chiorrú a dhéanamh ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge sa cháinaisnéis do 2015; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40303/14]

Deputy Michael P. Kitt

Tá mé ag caint anseo mar gheall ar chothrom na féinne don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i gcáinaisnéis 2015, go háirithe i gcás Údarás na Gaeltachta agus buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge agus ar ndóigh iarratas ó Chonradh na Gaeilge mar gheall ar bhuiséad caipitil €12 milliún a chur ar fáil don údarás agus ar ndóigh gan aon chiorrú ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge. Céard a dhéanfaidh an tAire Stáit faoin dá rud sin?

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh)

Beidh soláthar caipitil de €5.687 milliún ar fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ón Státchiste i 2015, mar aon le foinsí maoinithe an údaráis féin ó dhíol socmhainní agus infheistíochtaí. Idir airgead an Státchiste agus acmhainní an údaráis féin, tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an t-údarás ag leanúint air ag cruthú post nua sa Ghaeltacht agus ag cosaint na bpost atá ann faoi láthair.

Tuigim go maith go bhfuil togra straitéiseach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta lena mbuiséad caipitil a mhéadú thar thréimhse ama ón leibhéal reatha de €5.687 milliún go €12 milliún in aghaidh na bliana. Tuigim fosta go gcuirfeadh méadú mar sin ar chumas an údaráis 300 post breise a chruthú in aghaidh na bliana. Leanfaidh mé orm ag déanamh cás láidir chun tacú leis an éileamh sin sa tréimhse amach romhainn.

Is áisíneacht den Fhoras Teanga é Foras na Gaeilge agus is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas a cheadaíonn a buiséad. Tá sé aontaithe ag na Ranna Airgeadais Thuaidh agus Theas go gcaithfidh na forais trasteorann go léir sábháiltí éifeachtúlachta de 4% ar a laghad in aghaidh na bliana a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn carnach thar an tréimhse 2014 go 2016. Toisc go ndearnadh laghdú 7% ar an soláthar don Fhoras Teanga sna Meastacháin i 2014, tá mé sásta a chur in iúl nach bhfuil ach laghdú 1% le cur i bhfeidhm ar allúntas an Státchiste don Fhoras Teanga in 2015. Ciallaíonn sé seo gurb é €13.444 milliún an tsuim iomlán atá ar fáil don Fhoras Teanga ó mo Roinn faoi réir chomhaontú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas.

Deputy Michael P. Kitt

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht an fhreagra sin faoin laghdú 1% ar bhuiséad an Fhoras Teanga ach is í an cheist a bhí agamsa ná an t-iarratas ó Chonradh na Gaeilge mar gheall ar €12 milliún a chur ar fáil. Bhí ísliú ar an mbuiséad caipitil don údarás ó €22 milliún sa bhliain 2007 go €6 milliún in 2012. Sin laghdú 74%. An bhfuil a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go mbeidh sé deacair poist nua a chruthú agus infheistíocht a dhéanamh de bharr an laghdaithe sin? Faoi láthair tá 7,000 post lánaimseartha cruthaithe ag an údarás agus deir sé agus an conradh go gcaithfí buiséad an údaráis a mhéadú go €12 milliún chun 1,000 post nua a chruthú sna trí bliana atá romhainn. An mbeidh an t-údarás in ann na bpost sin a chruthú gan an t-airgead a bheith ar fáil?

Deputy Joe McHugh

Táim cinnte go bhfuil an fhadhb seo ann. Thit buiséad Údaras na Gaeltachta ó €18 milliún i 2008 agus go €6 milliún anuraidh. Aontaím go bhfuil fadhb ann agus chonaic mé le mo shúile féin i rith an tsamhraidh an sárobair atá á déanamh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá ceangal mór idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na comhlachtaí i gceantair Ghaeltachta, agus mar shampla ag tús na seachtaine bhí scéal ollmhór ann i nDún na nGall, i mo cheantar féin. Méadóidh Randox Teoranta a lucht oibre ó 70 oibrí go 500 thar na blianta atá romhainn. Sin sampla den cheangal mór atá ann idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na comhlachtaí. Chuir mé cás láidir roimh an Aire Airgeadais, an Teachta Michael Noonan, agus roimh an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, an Teachta Brendan Howlin, cúpla seachtain ó shin, roimh an mbuiséad agus táim ag déanamh mo dhíchill ó shin acmhainní breise a fháil faoin bpróiséas Meastúcháin amach anseo.

Deputy Michael P. Kitt

Tá ceist agamsa freisin maidir le Foras na Gaeilge. Tá a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go raibh laghdú ar an mbuiséad de chuid 21% idir 2011 agus 2013 agus meastar go mbeidh laghdú 41% ann agus 2015 againn. Tá deireadh le maoiníu de roinnt mhaith eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus deireadh le cuid mhaith nuachtáin Ghaeilge. Beidh ceist agam faoi na nuachtáin agus faoi na hirisí níos déanaí. Tá a fhios ag an Aire Stáit freisin go bhfuil 100 aistritheoir ar phainéal na n-aistreoirí Gaeilge agus an cháilíocht atá acu á bhaint dóibh. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil sé sin ceart. Beidh orthu an scrúdú a dhéanamh arís. Níl aon mhéadú i mbuiséad an hhorais ó bunaíodh é, fiú amháin i rith ré an Tíogair Cheiltigh, agus mar is eol don Aire Stáit, níl ach nuachtán amháin, Seachtain san Irish Independent, fágtha anois. B'fhéidir go bhfuil pleananna eile ag an Aire Stáit chun é sin a réiteach.

Deputy Joe McHugh

Maidir leis an gceist faoi Údarás na Gaeltachta, bhí mé ag caint faoin obair a bheidh á déanamh agam as seo amach. Chuir mé cás láidir ós comhair an Aire Airgeadais, an Teachta Noonan agus an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, an Teachta Howlin, ag lorg acmhainní breise. Maidir leis an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas agus an comhaontú le mo chomhghleacaithe sa Tuaisceart, bhí agus tá comhaontú ar siúl ar bhonn Thuaidh-Theas. Bhí laghdú 11% i mo bhuiséad ach bhí laghdú fosta ann sa Tuaisceart. Sin an comhaontú. Bhí taiscí eacnamaíochta ann idir Thuaidh agus Theas. Sin an comhaontú.

Deputy Michael P. Kitt

Cad é an laghdú sa Tuaisceart?

Deputy Joe McHugh

Tá sé thart ar 4% sa Tuaisceart.

Deputy Michael P. Kitt

Tá sé níos measa.

Culture Night

Sandra McLellan

Question:

5. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of its roots in pre-Christian Ireland, if she will consider expanding on Hallowe'en-Samhain celebrations in a manner similar to Culture Night. [40047/14]

Deputy Sandra McLellan

In view of its roots in pre-Christian Ireland, will the Minister consider expanding on Hallowe'en-Samhain celebrations in a manner similar to Culture Night?

Deputy Heather Humphreys

My Department has no plans to become involved in or fund Hallowe'en or Samhain celebrations in a manner similar to Culture Night. Most families already celebrate Hallowe'en. Every house has trick or treat and one makes every effort to be at home when children call and to have something to give them. Gardaí organise fireworks displays also and there are a great many things going on at Hallowe'en.

I am, however, pleased to advise the Deputy of a joint initiative between the National Museum of Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Poetry Ireland and Mayo County Council's arts office supported by the Ulster Museum and Music Network. The initiative is entitled "Samhain: shadows, sounds and stories" and has received funding from my Department in co-operation with the Northern Ireland funding scheme. It consists of a multimedia exhibition of photographs and creative-writing with an accompanying soundscape and it will be on display at the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street from 20 November to 7 December. Entry will be free of charge. The work has been produced by groups of older people in Belfast, Dublin and Mayo who created photographic, musical and written responses to the Celtic festival of Samhain.

Deputy Sandra McLellan

I thank the Minister for her answer. When considering the origins of Hallowe'en, one must look to the festival of Samhain in Ireland's Celtic past and its importance as a festival that marked the end of summer and the start of winter. Our Celtic ancestors celebrated Hallowe'en as Samhain - all Hallowtide - the feast of the dead that brought people together and which we could learn from. Hallowe'en is an event in our calendar that we should look forward too. It should be a time of celebration and a fun night for communities and our young people in particular. In my home town, Youghal, we hold a festival called "Youghaloween Spooktacular", which is very successful.

Regrettably, however, 31 October has become synonymous in many places across the State with anti-social behaviour, vandalism and drunken attacks on our emergency services. In the lead-up to Hallowe'en and on the night itself many of our most vulnerable citizens are left fearful in their own homes, becoming victims of the type of loutishness that on occasion can have serious consequences. We must change how we celebrate Hallowe'en. One way to achieve this is to learn from the traditional Celtic rituals that made the feast of Samhain an event that was uniquely Irish, like one of the initiatives to which the Minister referred. I ask the Minister to consider promoting initiatives and providing funding in her Department.

Deputy Heather Humphreys

I am reluctant to do anything that would dilute the success of Culture Night which has grown from a relatively small cultural event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to a significant national cultural event with approximately 350,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists studios and cultural centres across the State. Funding totalling €230,000 was allocated to the 2014 event and that is broadly in line with the funding provided in 2013. Access to all Culture Night events is free. Culture Night most recently took place on Friday, 19 September 2014 when more than 36 locations across the island participated in Ireland's most popular cultural extravaganza. A diverse mix of more than 1,400 indoor and outdoor events took place with something to suit every age and interest from live music and street performances to interactive tours and workshops. Culture Night is very successful. I attended events in Dublin and then attended one in Clones in my own county of Monaghan. This year was the first in which a Culture Night event took place in Clones and it was a great success.

I understand the Deputy's point about Hallowe'en. Currently, there are many organisations involved at local level. I am happy to talk to the Deputy at a later stage to see if there is anything we can do to support something. Local authorities get involved and the Garda Síochána puts on fireworks displays.

Deputy Sandra McLellan

I agree with the Minister that Culture Night is extremely important but it is also important to build on it. If we are serious about ensuring a safe and enjoyable Hallowe'en, the Minister must provide the type of leadership that can ensure this important festival is celebrated in a way that is both safe and enjoyable. This means working with local community groups in urban and rural settings in a planned and managed way. I commend to the Minister an initiative that has proved very successful North of the Border where in recent years County Down's local authority has provided funding for eco-friendly bonfire beacons. These are steel pyramids built on sand and filled with willow woodchips. The beacons burn fiercely but safely for up to two hours significantly reducing clean-up costs and causing no environmental damage. Bonfire beacons have greatly reduced the negative impact of bonfires on local communities and proven hugely popular in towns and villages across County Down and beyond. Will the Minister consider looking at this initiative?

Deputy Heather Humphreys

Gardaí have been very proactive nationally in organising fireworks displays and such things and must be commended for their great work. They have taken the initiative over many years and organised this. It is a great night in many towns which many attend. One sees skies lit up by fireworks around the country but rather than to have that, gardaí organise a safe environment. We must give them great credit. In terms of the Deputy's points, I am open to suggestions.

I would not like to encroach on the good work that is being done by other organisations, but I will talk to the Deputy about it.

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 6 is in the name of Deputy Gerry Adams. Deputy Adams has sent his apologies as he cannot be present. We will now proceed to Question No. 7. I call Deputy Kitt.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 22 Oct 2014