Written Answers Nos. 1-613
62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seamus Kirk den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na polasaithe atá aige maidir le cúrsaí farantóireachta agus maidir le cúrsaí taistil go dtí na hoileáin Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44497/13]
View answerTá sé mar pholasaí ag mo Roinn tacú le seirbhísí iompair sábháilte agus rialta do na hoileáin a bhfuil daonra buan orthu, lena n-áirítear oileáin Ghaeltachta. Tacaíonn na seirbhísí iompair seo - idir seirbhísí farantóireachta, aeir agus lastais - le forbairt inbhuanaithe na n-oileán. Maoiníonn mo Roinnse seirbhísí iompair a fhreastalaíonn ar 19 oileán, lena n-áirítear oileáin Ghaeltachta, faoi 24 chomhaontú éagsúil. Chomh maith leis sin, bíonn cúnamh áirithe ar fáil ó mo Roinnse, trí na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha, d'oibreacha chun uasghrádú a dhéanamh ar infreastruchtúr rochtana ar na hoileáin féin nó ar infreastruchtúr ar an mhórthír a fhreastalaíonn ar na hoileáin.
Ní miste a rá go bhfuil mé an-sásta go mbeidh an t-allúntas céanna de €5.9m ar fáil do mo Roinnse in 2014 do na seirbhísí iompair do na hoileáin. Tógadh an cinneadh seo chun a chinntiú go mbeidh na seirbhísí túslíne a chuirtear ar fáil do na hoileáin amach ón chósta ag an leibhéal céanna is atá i mbliana. Maidir leis an allúntas caipitil a bheidh le caitheamh ag mo Roinnse in 2014, beidh suim €644,000 le caitheamh ar chothabháil infreastruchtúir ar na hoileáin. Ní miste a rá gur figiúirí táscacha iad seo, faoi réir na Meastachán a bheith faofa amach anseo.
64. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has any further update on the restoration of the national monument at Moore Street, Dublin 1; if he has facilitated a meeting with Chartered Land on this matter; the outcome of this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/13]
View answer96. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the national monument on Moore Street; the process by which any further developments will take place; if any new application for a development in that vicinity which affects the monument will have to return to him for approval before being considered by the planning authority, or if it will otherwise proceed directly to the planning authority for consideration. [44233/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 96 together.
The national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street is the subject of a Preservation Order under the National Monuments Acts. The effect of the Preservation Order is that any works affecting the site require my consent, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended.
On 16 July last I made a determination in relation to a consent application and related Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the owners in relation to proposed works on the monument site. I believe that, having carefully considered all the relevant factors, my decision on the consent application is the best way to ensure that work can take place at the national monument to develop an appropriate commemorative centre to the events of Easter week 1916, whilst also ensuing that the monument site is fully protected for future generations. My decision provides for the creation of a 1916 commemorative centre, involving the full repair and conservation of the four buildings. The order which I signed did not approve the demolition of any structures or the removal of any material from the site which date from or before 1916. Nor did it approve works for the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument site, or the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16.
The national monument is in private ownership and, accordingly, the advancement of proposals that reflect the terms of the consent I have granted is a matter for the owners. The consent is, however, conditional on a revised project design being submitted to me for approval within 9 months of the decision date 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. In that regard, I met recently with the owners of the national monument who informed me that they were currently examining proposals for the site which would fit within the confines of my decision, particularly with regard to the retention of all pre-1916 features of the national monument.
In terms of the planning requirements which would apply to any further proposal for the site, a planning authority is required under the Planning Acts to notify me as Minister of any application for planning permission where it appears to the authority that the development might affect or be unduly close to a national monument. The consent processes under the Planning and Development Acts and the National Monuments Acts operate independently of each other.
65. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to involve the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, Dublin in the commemoration of the centenary of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44516/13]
View answer322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of sites or historical locations in Dublin likely to be recognised in the context of the 1916 Rising; the extent to which it is proposed to protect any threatened sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44793/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 322 together.
The commemoration of the Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic will be the centrepiece of the Decade of Commemorations. I continue to work with my colleagues in Government, and with the National Cultural Institutions and other stakeholders, to explore options for comprehensive and authentic commemorations. I am also taking advice from the Oireachtas Group on Commemorations, which I chair, and the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, with a view to ensuring that this most important event is imaginatively and respectfully commemorated. My Department is also working closely with Dublin City Council on these matters.
The historic significance of locations and buildings in Dublin and elsewhere will be reflected as much as possible in the commemoration programme, including by way of memorials and commemorative exhibitions or otherwise, where appropriate. The inclusion in the Budget announcements of capital funding for 1916 Commemoration Projects, including the GPO inner courtyard exhibition and interpretative facility, is a welcome step toward the realisation of plans, which will seek to demonstrate the respect which our State and its citizens hold for the people who laid down their lives for our freedom.
66. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he intends to fill vacancies at the Censorship of Publications Board, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Chester Beatty Library and the Arts Council; the reason for the delay in these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44485/13]
View answer67. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department that have vacancies on their board; the length of time any such vacancies have been unfilled; the number of vacancies that have been advertised; the number of applications to fill such vacancies that have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44235/13]
View answer85. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an advertisement on 4 June 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 the positions will have the appropriate qualifications and experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44245/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 67 and 85 together.
The information sought concerning the current vacancies on the State boards of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group is set out in the following table. It may be noted that appointments to the board of Foras na Gaeilge are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction.
As the Deputies may be aware, on 4 June 2013 an advertisement was published on my Department's website seeking expressions of interest in future vacancies for board members on
- the Board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art;
- the Board of Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library;
- the Board of Crawford Art Gallery, Cork;
- the Arts Council;
- the Board of the Irish Architectural Archive; and
- the Board of Governors and Guardians of Archbishop Marsh's Library .
There was also a process carried out by the Department of Justice and Law Reform to seek expressions of interest in vacancies on the Censorship of Publications Board and the Censorship of Publications Appeals Board.
Given that the Public Service Reform Plan reduces the membership of certain boards to 9, I do not intend to fill all current vacancies. I have been considering the applications received, however, and I expect to be in a position to make appointments very shortly in a number of the bodies referred to by the Deputies.
|
Name of Agency |
Total Number of places on Board |
Board positions currently vacant |
Length of time vacancy has been unfilled |
Has the vacancy been advertised?- if multiple vacancies please state how many have been advertised and the reasons the others have not |
The number of applications received for the post |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
16 |
1 |
Since September 2013 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Heritage Council |
15-17 |
4 |
Since July 2013 |
No |
N/A |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
16 |
8 |
Since December 2011 |
One vacancy was advertised in May 2013. |
9 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
3 |
1 |
Since June 2013 |
The vacancy was advertised in May 2013. |
10 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
12 |
1 |
Since May 2012 |
No |
N/A |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
17 |
2 |
One since November 2012 and one since April 2013 |
No |
N/A |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
16 |
1 |
Since November 2012 |
No |
N/A |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
15 |
7 |
One since June 2010, two since December 2011, one since February 2012, two since April 2012 and one since May 2013 |
Expressions of interest were originally sought for current and future vacancies in May 2011 and again in June 2013. |
19 |
|
Arts Council |
13 |
1 |
Since August 2013 |
Yes |
11 |
|
Censorship of Publications Board |
5 |
5 |
Since November 2011 |
Yes |
36 |
|
Censorship of Publications Appeals Board |
5 |
5 |
Since February 2012 |
Yes |
33 |
68. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of bog relocations that have been completed; the number where an alternative location has been sourced that will meet the demand for relocation; the number where alternatives have yet to be sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43518/13]
View answerArrangements 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 one of 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. 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 that 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 70 potential relocation sites at the request of my Department. Bord na Móna has also commenced negotiations 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.
69. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Jonathan O'Brien den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ós rud é go bhfuil deireadh leis an seimineár idir na húdaráis agus na heagraíochtaí pobail maidir le dul chun cinn na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-30 anois, an ndéanfaidh sé an struchtúr riachtanach ardleibhéil, áit a ndéanfar na moltaí sula gcuirfear ar aghaidh chuig na hAirí cuí iad, a bhunú idir na húdaráis agus na heagraíochtaí pobail Ghaeilge agus Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44230/13]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, is ar an 3 Deireadh Fómhair 2013 a reáchtáladh an seimineár atá luaite aige. Thug an seimineár deis do na heagraíochtaí ábhartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta léargas a fháil ó mo Roinnse, ó Fhoras na Gaeilge agus ó Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin obair atá idir lámha againn faoin Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga. Is deis éisteachta a bhí ann chomh maith do mo Roinnse, don Údarás agus don bhForas a chuirfidh le comhthuiscint a chothú idir na páirtithe éagsúla ar an ábhar seo. Tuigtear dom gur éirigh go maith leis an seimineár.
Tá mo Roinnse airdeallach go bhfuil éileamh ann gur chóir go mbunófaí struchtúr ar leith faoin Straitéis leis na heagraíochtaí pobail atá ag feidhmiú ar an talamh. Tá mo Roinnse airdeallach fosta go bhfuil athruithe i ndán d'earnáil na n-eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus cinneadh críochnúil tógtha i mí Iúil ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas faoi na socruithe nua maoinithe atá le cur i bhfeidhm ag Foras na Gaeilge sa tréimhse atá amach romhainn. Tuigtear dom go ndearnadh plé ag an seimineár ar struchtúr ar leith a bhunú faoin Straitéis. Déanfar na moltaí a tháinig ón seimineár a mheas in am trátha sula dtógfar aon chinneadh maidir leis seo.
Ní miste a rá go bhfuil mo Roinnse ag súil go mór le dlús a chur leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga faoin Acht i gcomhar leis an Údarás agus leis an bhForas agus leis na heagraíochtaí a bheidh ag tabhairt faoin bpleanáil teanga sna ceantair éagsúla. Ní miste a aithint go bhfuil an cuspóir céanna againn uile maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus táim ag súil go mór go mbeimid ag obair as lámha a chéile chun an cuspóir sin a chur i gcrích.
70. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to develop a permanent exhibition to the Famine in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44234/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my previous answers in this regard. I have been advised by the National Museum of Ireland that it collects material of national and regional importance where a connection with the Great Famine is verifiable. I understand that the Museum is in possession of a number of objects relating to the Famine that are categorised broadly into collections but that there are no plans at this time to develop and mount a permanent exhibition.
The Deputy will appreciate that matters such as the determination of exhibitions are day-to-day operational matters for the National Museum and that I, as Minister, have no statutory responsibility in relation to such matters.
71. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consideration he has given to the establishment of a scholarship or other such fund in the name of our national poet (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44509/13]
View answerThe life, work and legacy of the poet in question is immense. He is one of our greatest artists and a poet of world renown. I hope it will be possible for a major exhibition honouring him, his life and his work to be hosted by the National Library of Ireland. I have made initial financial provision for this in both my Department's 2013 and 2014 Exchequer allocations.
72. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on whether he will receive the approval of the North-South Ministerial Council for a reduction in funding from his Department of €2.1 million for the North-South implementation bodies. [44490/13]
View answerThe €2.1 million reduction referred to by the Deputy relates to current programme expenditure and will be distributed between the two North-South Implementation Bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. As the Deputy is aware, budgets for the North-South Implementation Bodies are approved by the North-South Ministerial Council. These budgets are subject to ongoing discussion with the co-sponsoring Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland and agreement must also be reached on these matters between the sponsor and Finance Departments in both jurisdictions.
My Department will continue to work closely with the relevant parties to secure agreement on the 2014 budgets in the context of the available funding in both jurisdictions.
73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the potential for the sensitive excavation of collected historical and heritage sites with a view to using such locations as a means to promote interest in Irish history and culture at home and abroad, with specific reference to generating interest in our culture through the education and tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44250/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 724 of 18 September 2013.
Funds are allocated each year within my Department's capital budget for archaeological works arising out of Office of Public Works projects at national monuments in State care. In 2013, €55,000 was allocated towards these projects to progress them towards report and-or publication stage. The information and knowledge gleaned from such activities makes a significant contribution to our understanding of some of our most important monuments and provides a valuable resource for the professional and educational sectors. In that regard, my Department and the Office of Public Works, which operates visitor services at certain national monuments around the country, are in ongoing contact with a view to keeping visitor service guides informed of the results of the latest research relevant to their particular site.
