Michael McGrath
Question:20. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the future of the audio visual industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/13]
View answerFilm Industry Development
Questions (20, 33, 47, 128, 129)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:33. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the decision to extend section 481 the film tax relief scheme until the end of 2020; if he has set any annual targets for the film sector in terms of the attraction of international productions, revenue generated for the local economy and use of local crews and actors for example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4263/13]
View answer
Bernard Durkan
Question:47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he continues to have discussions with film-makers at home and abroad with a view to facilitating the development of this country as a major world-wide filming location and thereby promoting the national image and economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4495/13]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the film industry has developed and grown indigenously in each of the past five years to date; his plans for future development and expansion in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4813/13]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which it is intended to promote the use of this country as a film location with obvious and consequent economic benefits; if he has had any discussions with potential film makers from overseas regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4814/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 33, 47, 128 and 129 together.
The whole area of the development of the Irish audiovisual industry was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital Report – Building Ireland's Audiovisual Creative Economy . The Report was published in July 2011 and an implementation committee to pursue the execution of its recommendations has been established. One of the main recommendations in the Report is the extension of the Section 481 Scheme until the end of 2020; it is currently approved until the end of 2015.
A public consultation process to assist the Department of Finance in examining the operation of the Section 481 Scheme beyond 2015 was announced in May 2012. This consultation process invited interested parties to make submissions on the economic impact assessment of the operation, status and future development of the Section 481 Scheme. My Department was involved centrally in this consultation. In his budget speech last December, the Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan, T.D., announced that the Section 481 Scheme will be extended to 2020. An important and significant change will mean that the scheme will operate as a tax credit model from 2016. This will allow an extended lead-in period to enable the sector to adapt to the change to a tax credit model. This very good news has been welcomed by the sector. The extension of this scheme gives a great deal of certainty to the Irish audiovisual sector to the end of this decade and will help to ensure that current jobs in the sector for indigenous crews and actors are maintained.
As the Deputies are aware, primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is a matter for the Irish Film Board (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations. As part of its remit, the IFB would have regular meetings with international film makers, as well as attending the major international film festivals to promote Ireland as a location for film making. I support that effort and, with An Taoiseach, recently met the renowned film director, Mr Stephen Spielberg.
The IFB targets for 2013 in terms of audiovisual production activity is for an increase in the value of such activity of over 20 per cent - from €180m in 2012 to €220m in 2013. In tandem with this, the IFB aims to increase employment in the sector from 6,600 full time equivalents (FTEs) to 7,800 (FTEs) – an increase of 19 per cent. These are ambitious targets for the audiovisual sector but, combined with the incentives from Section 481, I believe that they can be achieved.
Finally, with regard to the growth in the Irish audiovisual sector in the last five years, one simple indicator can be obtained by comparing the number and value of Section 481 (Film Tax Relief Scheme) projects approved between 2008 and 2012. In 2008, there were 38 projects approved with an Irish spend of €108m, while, in 2012, there were 52 projects approved with an Irish spend of €143m - an increase of 36.8% in the number of projects and an increase of 32.4% in the level of Irish spend.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (21)
Denis Naughten
Question:21. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps that he is taking to implement the recommendations by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment report on Shannon Flooding published last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4266/13]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the recommendations to which he refers cover a number of areas within my Department's remit:
- Waterways Ireland, which has responsibility for the Shannon Navigation; and
- my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has general responsibility for the implementation of national and EU law under the Wildlife Acts and the Birds and Habitats Directives for the protection of habitats and species.
I can advise the Deputy that the recommendations of the Report are being comprehensively examined and considered by my Department at present and I envisage that I will be in a position to respond to the Joint Committee shortly.
Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 7.
Commemorative Events
Questions (23, 39)
Martin Ferris
Question:23. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate the 1913 Lockout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/13]
View answer
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:39. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has made a decision regarding a grant application to restore the former Richmond Barracks gymnasium as a local museum and centre for focus on commemorations in 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4499/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 39 together.
In the development of the commemorative programme, I have been in dialogue with national organisations, military heritage and history societies, local authorities and community groups about their interests and possible contributions in the coming years. I was impressed by the proposals brought forward by the community group at St Michael's Estate in relation to the surviving buildings from Richmond Barracks. In the aftermath of the Easter Rising, these buildings were used for the detention of prisoners and the trials of the leaders. I invited the group to meet with the All-Party Group on Commemorations, which was satisfied to commend the project for any available support. The centenary commemorative programme does not contain any capital allocation to assist projects and consequently a decision on an application for a grant does not arise at this time. However, enquiries are being made with the local authority and other agencies to explore how the heritage at Richmond Barracks can be prepared to be presented in the commemorations of the Rising.
The 1913 Lockout will be the subject of a programme of major events, supported by the State and working with partners including Dublin City Council, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the national cultural institutions, universities and VECs and many others. Details of the programme events are yet to be finalised and will be the subject of announcements as they arise. The official events will include a formal acknowledgement of the anniversary of the Lockout in August, the issue of special commemorative issue stamps by An Post and special exhibitions by the national cultural institutions. I welcome the very significant programme of commemorative events being arranged by the trade union movement and I was pleased that it was possible to provide official support for the tapestry project launched by the President in December last. I will continue to work closely with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on the Lockout programme.
Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Issues
Questions (24, 35, 114, 115)
Denis Naughten
Question:24. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of alternative bogs which have been sourced for turf cutters forced to relocate; the number of turf cutters that have been accommodated; the number that will be accommodated before the commencement of the 2013 turf cutting season; the number of persons who will not be accommodated by the commencement of the 2013 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4265/13]
View answer
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:35. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the progress made to date of the alternatives offered to turf cutters on special areas of conservation bogs, that is the uptake of compensation, free turf deliveries and any relocation schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54588/12]
View answerLuke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:114. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding turf cutting and the cessation of same, the number of persons under the previous compensation schemes that have yet to be paid at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4607/13]
View answerLuke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:115. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 23 January 2013, if he will provide the number of those who expressed an interest in relocation who qualified under the criteria of the scheme for relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4608/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 35, 114 and 115 together.
As the Deputies are aware, the payment of €1,500 per annum, index linked, or the delivery of cut turf, is now available, under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, to qualifying turf cutters while awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs. Of the 2,586 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme received and acknowledged by my Department to date, 766 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. A total of 2,142 payments and 194 deliveries of turf have been made to date in respect of the applications received.
Arrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made as regards a group from Clara Bog in County Offaly and a group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog SACs in County Galway. These arrangements involve the groups moving to nearby bogs, with the group from Clara Bog having commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly, in June last, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have now been accommodated. Agreement has been reached between my Department and the group of turf cutters from Carrownagappul and Curraghlehanagh Bogs that necessary infrastructure development works will be carried out this year in the relocation site in preparation for turf cutting. The commencement of cutting depends on the ground settling following these works and I understand that cutting will commence here in 2014.
Progress has also been made with a view to the relocation in a similar manner of qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog SAC in County Kildare. My Department envisages that qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog will be able to commence turf cutting in a relocation site during the forthcoming turf cutting season. In total, 70 applicants from Carrownagappul Bog, 19 applicants from Curraghlehanagh Bog and 28 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. I am advised that of the remaining 49 raised bog SACs, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 31 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating these. Relocation is unlikely to be required, or is likely to be small-scale, for another 15 raised bog SACs due, for example, to the small number of turf cutters that have been active on these sites.
The Deputies will appreciate that relocation is a very complex process, in terms of investigating suitable sites for turf quality and quantity, the infrastructure/drainage works required, establishing the number who can be accommodated on the site, the cost and feasibility of land purchase or lease, and possible planning and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements. Accordingly, it will only be possible to bring this process to a conclusion over time in respect of all the relocation sites. It is not possible to indicate, therefore, when exactly additional turf cutters can be accommodated at any of these sites over and above the specific cases already mentioned.
With regard to the issue of applicants being qualified for relocation, the process of assessing applications is being carried forward by officials in my Department. Deputies will appreciate that assessment and verification of applications is a complex process. My officials are continuing to work closely with turf cutters, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (as successors of the Land Commission), Bord na Móna and other organisations to assist people to provide the necessary proof of legal interest with their applications.
With regard to persons awaiting payment under previous compensation schemes, I assume that the Question in this regard is referring to applicants from raised bog SACs. Such applicants had been informed that they could, if they wished, transfer from the former voluntary bog purchase scheme to the new compensation scheme established by my Department for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog SACs. This would, of course allow applicants to retain ownership of their land holding or rights, while availing of compensation. Over 140 applicants have availed of this option to date and I am advised that of the order of 250 further applications remain under consideration in my Department at this time.
Overall, given the magnitude of the challenges involved, I am satisfied that the vast majority of active turf cutters are engaging positively with the schemes put in place by the Government to ensure that Ireland meets its obligations to protect these important areas, while ensuring that the needs of turf cutters are met appropriately.
Fostaíocht sa Ghaeltacht
Questions (25)
Michael P. Kitt
Question:25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta leis na hiarrachtaí atá á ndéanamh chun níos mó fostaíochta a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht, an mbeidh comhlacht nua are nós LEADER á bhunú sa Ghaeltacht. [4456/13]
View answerWritten answers
Deirtear i ráiteas deireadh bliana Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain 2012 gur cruthaíodh 700 post nua i gcliantchuideachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2012. Bhí 7,553 post i gcliantchuideachtaí an Údaráis ag deireadh na bliana, lena n-áirítear 6,933 post lánaimseartha agus 620 post páirtaimseartha. Nuair a thógtar líon na bpost lánaimseartha a cailleadh san áireamh, bhí glan-chaillteanas de 37 post i gceist i gcliantchuideachtaí an Údaráis in 2012. Bhí an líon post a cailleadh in 2012 ar an ráta caillteanais phost is lú a bhí ag an Údarás le níos mó ná deich mbliana anuas. Tháinig ardú le linn 2012 ar an leibhéal fostaíochta i gcomhlachtaí a bhí ag feidhmiú sna hearnálacha cógaisíochta, feistí leighis, bia agus saindéantúsaíochta agus lean an leibhéal díolacháin agus fostaíochta ag fás i gcomhlachtaí easpórtála de chuid an Údaráis.
Le linn 2012, cheadaigh an tÚdarás tograí ina mbeidh suas le 460 post nua measta á gcruthú iontu agus infheistíocht mheasta de €37 milliún san iomlán ag baint leo nuair a bheidh siad faoi lánseol. Beidh go leor de na poist seo ag teacht chun cinn ón mbliain seo ar aghaidh. Is údar dóchais ar leith é gur cheadaigh an tÚdarás Forbartha Tionscail tacaíocht in 2012 do 220 post nua do chliantchuideachta de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta atá lonnaithe i nGaeltacht Chonamara.
Déanann Údarás na Gaeltachta scéimeanna áirithe, atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí, a bhainistiú sa Ghaeltacht:
- an Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail;
- an Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe;
- Tús; agus
- Tús Nua.
In 2012, bhí os cionn 960 rannpháirtí agus 47 saoiste fostaithe ar na scéimeanna seo. Is cinnte go bhfuil ról tábhachtach ag na scéimeanna seo maidir le gníomhaíochtaí forbartha pobail agus teanga a chur chun cinn sa Ghaeltacht.
Mar chuid dá bheartas straitéise sa todhchaí, tuigtear dom go bhfuil sé i gceist ag Údarás na Gaeltachta tacú le cruthú fostaíochta in eochair-earnálacha ar nós acmhainní nádúrtha agus mara, eolaíochtaí beatha, teicneolaíocht faisnéise agus cumarsáide, turasóireacht chultúrtha, déantúsaíocht nideoige, innealtóireacht, bia agus fiontair bhreisluacha eile. Maidir le comhlacht nua ar nós LEADER a bhunú sa Ghaeltacht, is ceist í seo do mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil, a bhfuil cúram air i ndáil le fo-chlár LEADER den Chlár Forbartha Tuaithe 2007-2013 a bhainistiú.
State Art Collection
Questions (26)
John McGuinness
Question:26. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken to quantify, register and secure the works of art that belong to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4472/13]
View answerWritten answers
The national cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department own important collections of art and other artefacts on behalf of the State. Whilst my Department provides funding to those institutions, the board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters, including the quantification, registration and securing of artworks, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such matters. Notwithstanding this, my Department maintains appropriate contact with the institutions on the subject of their security measures and the arrangements in place to ensure the protection of the collections in their care.
My Department also owns a number of pieces of art and other artefacts in its own right in a number of properties. In this regard, an investigation is underway by An Garda Síochána in relation to the loss of a number of items held in private storage on behalf of my Department. My Department is providing such assistance as it can in this matter. In the meantime, I have arranged that, where appropriate, art and other artefacts owned by my Department and held in storage be moved to secure State facilities. I have also ensured, in the light of this incident, that a review be carried out of procedures and protocols in relation to the storage of art and artefacts by my Department. It should also be noted that the Office of Public Works separately is responsible for the care and management of art pieces in a wide range of State property.