Written Answers Nos. 382 - 395
382. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé fiosrú mar gheall ar straitéis uile-Éireann don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36356/13]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, foilsíodh an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 i mí na Nollag 2010 tar éis don Straitéis tacaíocht traspháirtí a fháil i dTithe an Oireachtais. Sonraítear sa straitéis sin go leanfaidh Foras na Gaeilge ag seachadadh a chuid freagrachtaí reachtúla maidir leis an nGaeilge ar bhonn uile-oileáin agus go bhfanfaidh Foras na Gaeilge mar phríomhghné den struchtúr tacaíochta don teanga sa dá chuid den oileán. Dá réir sin, tá Foras na Gaeilge ag díriú ar na gnéithe ábhartha den Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a bhaineann leo a chur i bhfeidhm sa dlínse seo. Glacaim leis go mbeidh an scéal amhlaidh i dtaca leis an dréacht Straitéis don Ghaeilge ó thuaidh, a foilsíodh anuraidh, nuair a bheidh sí faofa sa dlínse sin.
383. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén maoiniú a chuir Foras na Gaeilge ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí na hearnála deonaí Gaeilge gach bliain ó 2008 go dtí 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36357/13]
View answerTá an t-eolas atá iarrtha ag an Teachta leagtha amach sa tábla seo a leanas:
|
Bliain |
Eagraíochtaí bunmhaoinithe |
|
2008 |
€8,707,908 |
|
2009 |
€8,188,205 |
|
2010 |
€7,638,293 |
|
2011 |
€7,261,559 |
|
2012 |
€6,483,690 |
|
2013 |
€6,247,290 |
384. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén maoiniú iomlán a cuireadh ar fáil d’Fhoras na Gaeilge gach bliain ó 2008 go dtí 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36358/13]
View answerCuirtear maoiniú ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge ó mo Roinn féin (75%) agus ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Folaíochta ó thuaidh (25%) de réir bhuiséad atá ceadaithe ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas. Anuas air sin, tá maoiniú breise curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le nithe imfhálaithe mar a bhaineann le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, Colmcille agus tograí caipitil. Tá na sonraí maidir leis an maoiniú atá curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn d'Fhoras na Gaeilge ó 2008 go dáta leagtha amach sa tábla seo a leanas. Ní miste a nótáil nach bhfuil maoiniú na Roinne Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Folaíochta ó thuaidh san áireamh sa tábla seo.
|
Bliain |
Foras na Gaeilge |
Colmcille |
Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge |
Caipiteal |
IOMLÁN |
|
2008 |
€15,255,118 |
€193,070 |
€1,835,000 |
€324,106 |
€17,607,294 |
|
2009 |
€13,641,672 |
- |
€1,588,563 |
€100,000 |
€15,330,235 |
|
2010 |
€13,754,387 |
€172,191 |
€1,532,417 |
- |
€15,458,996 |
|
2011 |
€13,483,732 |
€182,408 |
€1,350,000 |
- |
€15,016,140 |
|
2012 |
€13,160,130 |
€144,331 |
€1,259,142 |
- |
€14,563,603 |
|
1/1/13-18/7/13 |
€5,735,979 |
€101,081 |
€746,521 |
- |
€6,583,581 |
385. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in respect of each State agency and commercial State company under the aegis of his Department, if he will provide details of the name of each pension scheme; details of the salary percentage contributions made by the employer and the employees; the latest information on the funding position of the scheme; if any changes are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out below. All the schemes listed are pay-as-you go schemes and therefore do not have a fund. The staff contributions to these scheme are in line with normal public service schemes and are in detailed in the individual scheme. There are no employer contributions to these schemes. The Deputy will be aware that there are no commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Body |
Scheme |
|
Arts Council |
An Comhairle Ealaíon Staff Superannuation Scheme. |
|
Irish Film Board |
Irish Film Board Staff Superannuation Scheme. |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
Education Sector Superannuation Scheme. |
|
National Library of Ireland |
National Library of Ireland Staff Superannuation Scheme. |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
Chester Beatty Library Staff Superannuation Scheme. |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
National Museum of Ireland Staff Superannuation Scheme |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
Irish Museum of Modern Art Staff Superannuation Scheme |
|
National Concert Hall |
National Concert Hall Company Staff Superannuation Scheme |
|
Heritage Council |
Heritage Council Staff Superannuation Scheme |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Údarás na Gaeltachta Staff Superannuation Scheme |
|
Foras Na Gaeilge |
North /South Superannuation Scheme |
|
Boord O Ulster Scotch |
North /South Superannuation Scheme |
|
Waterways Ireland |
North /South Superannuation Scheme |
For clarity the staff of the National Gallery are covered by the Civil Service Superannuation Scheme.
386. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to him and each Minister of State in his Department in respect of their functions as a Minister in his Department [36381/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. Travel expenses of €60,361.35 have been paid to me, including mileage expenses in respect of 174,150km in official travel, since the formation of my Department. An amount of €41,756.19, including mileage expenses in respect of 98,889km in official travel, has been paid to the Minister of State in my Department in the same period.
All such expenditure has been incurred in full conformity with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidance on such matters.
387. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Ulster Canal restoration project; the remaining steps that must be taken to complete the project; if he will provide an indicative timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36402/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in July 2007, the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The then Government agreed to cover the full capital costs of the project, which were estimated at that time to be of the order of €35m.
It was always the intention that the Ulster Canal project would be funded from the Waterways Ireland annual allocations, as agreed through the annual estimates processes in this jurisdiction, as well as the deliberations of NSMC in relation to annual budgets. It was a key consideration throughout the process that the Ulster Canal project would be supported by a significant level of projected income from the commercialisation of certain Waterways Ireland assets. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the economic downturn has had a negative impact on those plans.
In the meantime, the Ulster Canal project is progressing on an incremental basis. Planning approvals have recently been secured for the project in both jurisdictions. I welcome these developments, which, I am sure the Deputy will agree, are a significant milestone for the project.
I am continuing to explore all possible options to advance this project within the current fiscal constraints. In this regard, an Inter-Agency Group on the Ulster Canal has been established to explore and examine ways to advance the project and to examine possible funding options for it, including existing funding streams and the leveraging of funding from other sources, including EU funding options.
388. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on the relocation options for the 32 special area of conservation bogs that have been identified for potential relocation; and if the relocations options for Ballynafagh, Curraghlehanagh, Carrownagappul and Clara bogs are in a ready state. [36403/13]
View answer419. 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 were to be accommodated in 2013 before the commencement of the 2013 turf cutting season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36485/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 419 together.
Arrangements for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs have been made as regards a group from Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly and a group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway. The group from Clara Bog commenced turf cutting at the relocation site in Killeranny, County Offaly, in June 2012, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have now been accommodated. Turf cutting for the 2013 season took place on this site in April last. My Department envisages that qualifying turf cutters from the group from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog will be able to commence turf cutting in the relocation sites from the 2014 turf cutting season.
Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of 7 qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog special area of conservation in County Kildare to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. Final agreement has not yet been reached. My Department envisages that qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog will be able to commence cutting in the relocation site during the 2014 turf cutting season provided that final agreement is reached with them.
Progress has also been made with a view to the relocation of a small group of 3 qualifying turf cutters from Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough special area of conservation in County Roscommon to Togher, County Roscommon, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. My Department envisages that this group of qualifying turf cutters will be able to commence cutting in the relocation site during the 2014 turf cutting season provided that final agreement is reached with them.
I am advised that of the remaining 49 raised bog special areas of conservation, potential relocation sites have been identified for a further 32 bogs and work is ongoing on identifying and investigating sites. Relocation is unlikely to be required, or is likely to be small-scale, for another 16 raised bog special areas of conservation due, for example, to the small number that had been cutting turf on these sites during the relevant five year period and would qualify for the relocation option available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.
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. In that regard, Bord na Móna has assessed in the region of 50 potential relocation sites at the request of my Department. Bord na Móna is proceeding to negotiate with landowners in relation to the purchase or long term lease of sites.
A payment of €1,500, index-linked, or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum is available under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme to applicants while awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs.
389. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the outcome of efforts to find a relocation option for the turf cutters on Coolrain Bog, County Laois; and if there has been any progress made on the matter. [36404/13]
View answerBord na Móna undertook a preliminary assessment and a stratigraphy assessment of a potential relocation site for turf cutters from Coolrain Bog raised bog special area of conservation, on behalf of my Department. On the basis of these assessments, my officials have requested Bord na Móna to contact the owner of the site with a view to purchase or long term lease of the site for relocation.
390. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views of the current state of the 1916 National Monument at Moore Street-Moore Lane, Dublin; his plans to make a decision on the future of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36405/13]
View answer415. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he will make a decision on the future of the preservation of Numbers 14, 15 and 16 Moore Street Dublin 1; if he is satisfied that any future development of the site will be sensitive to the historic nature of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36480/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 415 together.
The Deputies will be aware that I made a determination earlier this week on the application for consent from Chartered Land Ltd for proposed works to the national monument site at Nos. 14 - 17 Moore Street. The site is protected by a Preservation Order under the National Monuments Acts due to its historical importance as the location of the final Council of War and last headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising.
Because of the Preservation Order any works at, or in proximity to, the national monument require my consent under the National Monuments Acts. As part of the consent process I have undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment and considered all the various submissions and observations I have received in relation to the proposed works.
My decision on the consent application approved the applicant’s proposals for the creation of a 1916 commemorative centre on the site, involving the full repair and conservation of the four buildings. However, it did not approve the demolition of any structures or the removal of any material from the site which date from or before 1916. Neither did I consent to the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument site or to the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16.
The consent I have given is conditional on a revised project design being submitted to me for approval within 9 months that takes full account of the elements of the proposal for which consent has been refused and the conditions attached to the approved works. A further condition requires substantive works to commence on site within 3 months of the approval of the revised proposals.
The Moore Street national monument is of huge significance and importance. It is highly appropriate that it would be preserved and that an appropriate commemorative centre would be put in place to mark the momentous events which took place there. Having carefully considered all the relevant factors, I believe that the decision I have made on the consent application is the best way to ensure that work can take place to restore and conserve the national monument, to develop an appropriate commemorative centre there and also to ensure that the monument site is fully protected for future generations.
I would hope that the consent applicant can now revise the plans for the Moore Street national monument, in consultation with the planning authority, Dublin City Council, and in line with the conditions that have been set, so that an appropriate commemorative centre can be in place for 2016. I will assist and support that process to the fullest extent possible insofar as my role under the National Monuments Acts is concerned.
391. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to extend the opening hours of the key historical and cultural institutions for the duration of the peak tourist period in summer and early autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36407/13]
View answerMy Department and the bodies funded from its Vote Group are committed to maximising the tourism potential and to increasing visitor numbers to Ireland's historical and cultural institutions.
In this regard, my Department has been liaising with the various cultural institutions to ensure that high quality exhibition programmes are in place in these institutions during the peak tourist period. In relation to the opening hours in our cultural institutions, my Department is committed to working with the institutions to ensure that existing opening hours are maintained at this time of reduced funding and human resources. Indeed, in recent years, the underlying trajectory in visitor numbers to the institutions has been upwards.
In relation to Ireland's National Parks and Nature Reserves, which my Department manages, I can advise the Deputy that, while opening times have not extended in these heritage sites, 70 additional staff have been recruited for the duration of the peak tourist season with a view to enhancing the visitor experience and providing the tourist with additional services and tours.
392. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding Limerick’s designation as City of Culture for 2014; the supports his Department intends to give to local arts and tourism bodies, and the local authority in order to ensure that the City of Culture year is successful; and his plans to promote Limerick domestically and internationally for 2014. [36408/13]
View answerLimerick’s designation as City of Culture for 2014 will deliver a programme of cultural events and engagement in arts and culture by all the citizens of Limerick. Limerick City of Culture will seek to bring artists, arts organisations, local authorities and civic groups that are working in the city together through the design of a calendar of events that showcases all that the city has to offer in arts and cultural expression, and also which generates a legacy in cultural co-operation among all the citizens of the city. There are several excellent cultural venues in Limerick City which will play an important role in the 2014 programme of events.
Any allocation by my Department to Limerick City of Culture 2014, in common with all other organisations and projects seeking funding, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing Estimates process for 2014.
393. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding his advertisement on 4 June 2013, seeking board members for the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Chester Beatty Library, the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, the Arts Council, the Irish Architectural Archive and Archbishop Marsh’s Library; the process by which he intends to appoint persons to these positions; the measures he will take to ensure that the persons taking up those positions will have the appropriate qualifications and experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36409/13]
View answerExpressions of Interest for appointments to the Boards of the various institutions set out above were recently sought by my Department. The deadline for receipt of such expressions was 21 June 2013. The purpose of this process is to widen the pool of suitable candidates to fill the board vacancies in these institutions as they arise. My Department will now assess these applications and make recommendations to me, taking account of the requirements of the various institutions involved. I will then make appointments to fill the board vacancies that currently exist, bearing in mind the signalled reduction in board memberships announced last October.
394. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the impact of cutbacks to the National Irish Visual Arts Library; his plans to ensure that there is an independent policy or advisory committee established for NIVAL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36410/13]
View answerNIVAL receives annual funding from the National College of Art and Design and the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and neither I nor my Department has a role to play in its executive or funding decisions. Nor do I have a statutory role in relation to the funding of the National College of Art and Design.
395. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the funding of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the funding he intends to provide for it during the next budgetary year, and in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36411/13]
View answerThe current allocation to in 2013 is €1,591,250. The allocation to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in future years, in common with all other organisations and projects funded by my Department, will depend on the outcome of the annual Estimates process relating to those years.
