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Thursday, 25 Apr 2013

Written Answers Nos. 14-24

Commemorative Events

Questions (14, 17, 20, 28, 42)

Derek Keating

Question:

14. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the celebrations he has planned to recognise the centenary of the 1916 Rising; if he will include in the commemoration the events at the Four Courts, Boland's Mill, Beggars Bush, Kilmainham Gaol and other significant areas that need to be recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19155/13]

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Barry Cowen

Question:

17. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress he has made on preparations for the 100th anniversary of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/13]

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Willie O'Dea

Question:

20. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the events that will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Irish Volunteers this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19260/13]

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Derek Keating

Question:

28. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that he is chairman of the forthcoming celebrations to recognise the 1916 centenary, his plans to celebrate this date; if he has included in the commemorations the Four Courts, the GPO, the Custom House, Boland's Mill, Beggars Bush, Kilmainham Gaol and other significant areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19156/13]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

42. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the context of the decade of commemorations, his plans to restore Richmond Barracks; and if he will implement the recommendations in the proposal submitted to his office by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19366/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 17, 20, 28 and 42 together.

The Centenary commemorative programme commenced with the anniversary of the 3rd Home Rule Bill in 1912 and, guided by the historic timeline, will continue to address the issues and events of the revolutionary age. The programme will be comprehensive, authentic and inclusive. Against the background of the developing Home Rule crisis, activities in the current year relate to the Centenary of 'The Lockout' and the formation of the Irish Volunteers. Largely organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, a very active programme of events will continue through the year relating to the living and working conditions in Dublin. The ICTU programme is supported and complemented by initiatives of the national cultural institutions and Dublin City Council, including particularly a major exhibition to open in the National Library this August and the current 'One City, One Book' programme promoting the reading of 'Strumpet City'.

The centenary of the founding of the Irish Volunteers will be marked by exhibitions, presentations, special commemorative issues and official ceremonies in November. The particular arrangements are under development and will be announced shortly.

The Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic will be at the centre of the commemorative programme and will be marked in 2016. In keeping with the development of an authentic programme, all the principal sites relating to the Rising and subsequent events will feature in the commemorations.

I am aware of the significance of Richmond Barracks, especially the former gymnasium used to accommodate prisoners after the Rising. The special opportunity for renewal arising from the commemorations and the contribution it could make to an area regeneration project have been described in meetings with community groups. The possibilities are under consideration in consultation with Dublin City Council.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the support of the members of the Oireachtas Consultation Group on Commemorations and to invite any member of the House to contact me with suggestions or advice.

Irish Language

Questions (15, 39, 41, 43)

Seán Crowe

Question:

15. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update as to the progress that has been made as regards the commitment in the 20 year strategy to develop at least one physical literacy Irish-language venue or space in Dublin, including facilities such as a CD-DVD bookshop, a programme of literacy events and a coffee shop; if he proposes to ensure that such a venue is established; and if he will provide a timescale for any such initiatives. [19285/13]

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Peadar Tóibín

Question:

39. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made as regards the proposal in the 20 year strategy to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold here. [19282/13]

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Dessie Ellis

Question:

41. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update as to the progress that has been made as regards the commitment in the 20 years strategy to develop a modern online stock and order management system, managed by the main distribution agency for CDs, DVDs, books in Irish, where orders may be placed electronically 24-7 and tracked by booksellers, Irish language publishers and individual purchasers awaiting orders; and if he will provide a timescale for the development of such a system. [19289/13]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

43. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update as to the progress that has been made as regards the commitment in the 20 year strategy to develop initiatives to encourage writing in Irish by young persons in a range of media, including journalism, blogging, creative writing, drama and film scripts; and the supports that have been provided to encourage such writers. [19284/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 39, 41 and 43 together.

At the outset, I should remind the Deputies that my Department is charged with implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 in collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders, including agencies directly funded by my Department. In that context, Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North/South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, has a key statutory role in provision of resources and supports for the Irish language on an all-island basis.

In regard to the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of goods, I am pleased to say that Foras na Gaeilge is currently compiling an e-book on best practice in bilingual packaging. The recommendations in this e-book - ‘Pacáistíocht Bia agus Dátheangachas: Taighde ar Fhéidearachtaí’ - are based on research commissioned by Foras na Gaeilge and carried out by the Dublin Institute of Technology. The e-book is aimed primarily at private sector companies and will demonstrate how bilingual packaging can be used to a competitive advantage. It is envisaged that the e-book will be available by the end of the year.

In regard to initiatives to encourage young writers in Irish, Foras na Gaeilge funds a range of schemes and provides advice and assistance to young writers/script writers through the funding of workshops, the Irish Writers Centre, drama companies and arts centres. For example, the Blogging Scheme or Scéim Blagála, provides transition-year students with the opportunity to read an Irish language book and blog about it, giving rise to lively debates between young people in different geographical regions. This scheme is organised in various Gaeltacht regions under the auspices of Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne. Another example is the Scríobh Leabhar project, which provides an opportunity for children to write their own books through Irish and some of these have been published online. This project is run in conjunction with the Áisaonad in Northern Ireland and with Education Centres in this jurisdiction.

In regard to the provision of an Irish language venue, including a bookshop, I should point out that Conradh na Gaeilge, which is funded by Foras na Gaeilge, runs the ‘Siopa Leabhar’ on Harcourt Street. The venue also provides Irish language resources for teachers, learners and the general public in the same building.

In regard to the development of an online stock and order management system for Irish books and other media, 1980 Bord na Gaeilge established An Áisíneacht Dáiliúchán Leabhar, better known as ÁIS, to distribute Irish-language books on a wholesale basis, both nationally and internationally. Following completion of a recent review on the operations of ÁIS, major initiatives are underway to improve the service. These include development of a new web-based information service, in conjunction with Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, which will be available on the URL ‘www.leabhar.ie’. That service will include a trade-end online ordering facility and a facility for publishers to view sales figures. I understand that preparatory work began on this initiative in late 2012 and that the target date for project completion is October 2013.

National Monuments

Questions (16, 23, 27, 45)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

16. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the expected timeframe for his decision on the application for planning on 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19270/13]

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Mick Wallace

Question:

23. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commission an independent battlefield site assessment to include the 1916 evacuation route and the area encompassing Moore Street, Moore Lane, Henry Street, the GPO, Upper O'Connell Street and Parnell Street-Rotunda Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19242/13]

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Michael Colreavy

Question:

27. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans regarding Moore Street and the national monument in view of the recent Dublin City Council report on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19373/13]

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Mick Wallace

Question:

45. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the report of the Dublin City Council Moore Street advisory committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 23, 27 and 45 together.

I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 3 on today’s Order Paper.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 14.

Irish Language

Questions (18)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

18. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the recent criticisms of the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána by an Coimisinéir Teanga, the progress that has been made as regards the commitment in the 20 year strategy on the Irish language to strengthen the position of Irish as an internal working language in Gaeltacht areas and among other Irish speaking units in services to the community; and the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice and Equality on same. [19287/13]

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Written answers

At the outset, I should point out that the Coimisinéir Teanga is independent in the performance of his functions. The Deputy will understand, therefore, that it would not be appropriate for me to express any view in relation to this area of the Coimisinéir’s work. The Deputy will understand, therefore, that it would not be appropriate for me to express any view in relation to this area of the Coimisinéir’s work. However, I should point out that the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 recognises the need for the development and strengthening of language awareness and language training programmes so that a higher proportion of public service staff, including members of An Garda Síochána, will have the ability to provide services in Irish to customers, including those located in Gaeltacht areas. In this context, the Strategy proposes that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Appointments Service should devise appropriate arrangements over time to increase the cohort of public servants who are functional bilinguals, having regard to the present constraints on public sector recruitment.

The Strategy also provides for these arrangements to be supported by the development, within the existing overall national qualifications framework, of an independent, standards-based accreditation system for Irish language competency within the public service so as to support the delivery of quality services to the public in both Irish and English.

Clearly, the implementation of initiatives such as these would significantly advance the objective of enhancing the delivery of public services in Irish in a satisfactory manner. My Department is in discussion with relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with a view to progressing this objective, while taking account of the significant resource restraints at this time. As a first step, my Department recently signed a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the provision of Irish language training and proficiency testing for the civil service and certain public service organisations.. The purpose of this agreement is to support staff in developing their proficiency in the Irish language and to enhance the capacity of the civil service and other bodies to provide services in Irish to the public.

I should also point out that in the context of the overall implementation of the Strategy, officials of my Department have conducted bilateral meetings with their colleagues in relevant government departments, including the Department of Justice and Equality, in order to promote the language awareness agenda.

Arts Funding

Questions (19, 36, 44, 49, 132, 138)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

19. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will publish the report of the working group set up to explore fund-raising opportunities following on from the commitment given in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19365/13]

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

36. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in the implementation of the forum on philanthropy report's recommendations within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19272/13]

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Sandra McLellan

Question:

44. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on whether considering the size of the Irish market and the downturn in the economy the focus solely on philanthropy as a source of funding for the arts is realistic and his further views on whether a broad acknowledgement of multiple sources of public and private investment is vital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19363/13]

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Seán Crowe

Question:

49. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the commitment given in the programme for Government to work with stakeholders in the arts community to develop proposals aimed at building support of the arts if he will provide a detailed account of the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19364/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which his Department or its subsidiary bodies have attracted private funding for the arts directly or by way of sponsorship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19705/13]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

138. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline his proposals to facilitate greater philanthropic funding of the arts and heritage here; if he has discussed any proposals with the Department of Finance to allow for taxation incentives for donations which may help bridge funding gaps in such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 36, 44, 49, 132 and 138 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to "work with stakeholders in the Arts community to develop new proposals aimed at building private support of the Arts in Ireland exploring philanthropic, sponsorship or endowment fund opportunities". To further this objective, in May 2012 I announced the introduction of a new philanthropic initiative on a pilot basis for arts and culture organisations. The initiative - the Philanthropic Leverage Initiative - was designed to encourage philanthropic sponsorship and endowment of the arts from private sources. The initiative, established with funding of €230,000 for 2012, has provided an incentive to arts organisations to proactively seek new funding relationships with sponsors which deliver private sector financial support, thereby increasing overall funding available to the arts. The initiative was available across projects of varying scale, geography and art forms to not-for-profit organisations for arts programming projects.

The organisations approved for funding under the initiative were required to procure matching philanthropic funds and complete their drawdown from my Department in 2012. Matched funding could come from public funds or from any public sector organisation. At the outset, it was anticipated that a multiple of 2.5 on the pilot initiative funds of €230,000 would result in philanthropic funding of some €800,000 being raised for the arts. The scheme proved very successful with private sector philanthropic donations €4.26 being leveraged for every €1 of public funds. I recently launched a similar initiative for 2013. Full details including application forms are available on my Department's website.

The Philanthropic Leverage Initiative was run in parallel with a second initiative - the Arts Council's RAISE: Building Fundraising Capacity pilot initiative. That initiative will provide one-to-one professional support to eight selected organisations for two years through planning and implementing a tailored fundraising programme. This will help those art organisations build and resource their capacity to attract philanthropic giving. In developing this complementary programme, the Arts Council has identified that it is vital for art groups to develop, agree and implement an effective fundraising strategy and to properly resource that fundraising function.

My Department has also provided support to the Business to Arts organisation for a number of years and, in each of the last three years, this has been allocated to delivery of the New Stream Programme, which builds fundraising skills in the cultural sector in Ireland. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch investment in this project is €400k over three years. In 2010, my Department also awarded a €20,000 grant to Business to Arts for ‘Fund it’ in 2010 under the Cultural Technology Grants Scheme. Business to Arts initially matched this figure with private funding and since then has attracted additional foundation funds to this project.

There is not now nor has there been any intention that philanthropy could become the sole source of funding for the arts. The allocation to the National Gallery in 2013 is €7.677m. The allocation by my Department to the other National Cultural Institutions is €30.629m.

The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. As Minister with responsibility for the arts, I believe that, within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity and potential of the sector. The arts are a significant contributor and employer in their own right and they are also important building blocks for those economic policies the Government has identified as crucial for our economic recovery.

Government policy on the arts is set out in the Programme for Government. As Minister responsible for the arts and culture sectors, I am committed to securing the best possible funding provision for them during my term in office. Government policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which, under the Arts Acts, is independent in its funding decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation of €60.7 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding. The allocation to the Irish Film Board is €14.858m.

The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and our economy. I am fully aware of the challenges for those involved in the arts and culture sectors and of the tremendous work they are doing I am committed to supporting the essential elements of the arts. I will consider publication of the report of the Informal Working Group.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 14.

Arts Council Funding

Questions (21)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

21. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the recent controversy surrounding the Cork Film Festival and the resignations that followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19370/13]

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Written answers

My Department has no role in funding the Cork Film Festival and I understand that the main funders are Cork City Council and the Arts Council. While the Arts Council receives its overall funding allocation from my Department, decisions on the expenditure of those funds are a matter for the Arts Council itself. Under the Arts Act 2003, I am precluded by law from intervening in the Council's decisions on funding. The allocation to the Arts Council in 2013 is €60.7m.

Arts Plan

Questions (22, 26, 47)

Brian Stanley

Question:

22. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commission a programme of research to identify practical policy goals in relation to the arts as suggested by the national campaign for the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19367/13]

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Dessie Ellis

Question:

26. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commission a longitudinal study into the arts and the lives of individuals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19368/13]

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Gerry Adams

Question:

47. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will take steps to ensure that there is annual profiling of the funded arts sector and better use of existing and collected data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26 and 47 together.

Government policy on the arts, which is set out in the Programme for Government , is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism and job creation in this sector. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation from my Department of some €60.7 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding.

The Arts Council’s core functions under the Arts Act 2003 are to

- stimulate public interest in the arts;

- promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;

- assist in improving standards in the arts; and

- advise the Minister and other public bodies on the arts.

The Council achieves this by

- providing financial assistance, mainly, but not exclusively, to artists and arts organisations; we also support others who develop and promote the arts;

- offering advice and information on the arts to Government and to others;

- publishing research and information as an advocate for the arts and artists; and undertaking a range of projects to promote and develop the arts, often in partnership with others.

The overview of the Arts Council’s strategic approach to supporting the arts is contained in the policy document 'Developing the Arts in Ireland: Arts Council strategic overview 2011-2013. This document outlines the Arts Council's remit from Government and, building on the Council's professional expertise and knowledge in the arts, seeks to focus that expertise on the key opportunities and challenges for the arts into the future. The Arts Council’s strategic approach has a dual focus on supporting artists and arts organisations and on seeking to increase public engagement and participation in the arts. The Council continues to conduct research into arts practice and participation and this research will inform the Council's strategic plans and its advice to me, as Minister. Full details of research papers are published on the website of the Arts Council at www.artscouncil.ie.

In making funding decisions, the Arts Council will have particular regard for value for money and sustainability, whether applied to a particular organisation, to a strand of work within an area of practice, or to a whole arts area. Value for money is determined according to a range of indicators. Some of these, such as audience numbers or the financial health of an organisation, lend themselves to relatively easy measurement. Others, such as quality of artistic direction or the significance of an organisation for provision in a particular art form, are no less important for being less amenable to measurement. In this way artists and arts organisations are profiled on an ongoing basis by the Arts Council. I have no plans at present to commission a longitudinal study as referred to.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 16.

Irish Language

Questions (24)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

24. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the review of the Official Languages Act; if he will be publishing the submissions to the Act and arrange to have those submissions discussed; and if he will provide a timescale for the publishing of these submissions and the continuation of the review. [19281/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware from the Government's Legislation Programme that it is intended to publish a Bill this year which will include statutory amendments arising from the review of the Official Languages Act 2003. Preparatory work in this regard is currently under way in my Department and I hope to bring the relevant draft Heads of Bill to Government before the summer recess. With regard to the public consultation process, my Department received a total of 1,446 survey responses and 262 submissions during the public consultation process. Analysis of this material has been completed and it is intended to publish the results when the draft Heads of the Bill are being published.

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