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Wednesday, 29 Jan 2014

Written Answers Nos 1-27

Seirbhísí Farantóireachta

Questions (10)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

10. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fath nach bhfuil conradh seirbhísí farantóireachta fóirdheonaithe chuig Árainn ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3976/14]

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Written answers

Mar a dúirt mé i bhfreagra ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 137 ón Teachta ar 23 Eanáir 2014, tháinig deireadh le conradh farantóireachta Árann ar 31 Eanáir 2013. Bhí mo Roinn tar éis léirithe spéise a lorg don chonradh ar chóras e-tenders agus seoladh cáipéisí tairisceana amach le dáta dúnta den 21 Nollaig 2012. Níor tháinig aon tairiscint ar ais chuig mo Roinn, is é sin le rá nár chuir aon chomhlacht nó aon ghnó isteach air. Bhí plé ina dhiaidh sin ag mo Roinn leis an bhfarantóir a bhí ag cur na seirbhíse ar fáil d'Árainn, féachaint an bhféadfaí an conradh a athnuachan ar na téarmaí céanna a bhí ann go dtí sin. Níor éirigh leis na cainteanna sin mar nach bhféadfadh mo Roinn glacadh le héileamh an fharantóra ardú ollmhór a cheadú san fhóirdheontas i gcás seirbhíse a bhí, de réir cosúlachta, brabúsach cheana féin.

Mar a thuigeann an Teachta, cuireadh in iúl ag an am go mbeadh sé ar chumas an fharantóra leanúint leis an tseirbhís chéanna gan chúnamh Stáit, mar go raibh inmharthanacht tráchtála ann, agus is mar sin atá an scéal ó shin.

Tuigim go bhfuil éiginnteacht áirithe ann faoi láthair go leanfar leis an leibhéal céanna seirbhíse a bhí ann le bliain anuas. Faoi mar a chuir mé in iúl don Teachta nuair a pléadh an t-ábhar seo sa Teach ar 31 Eanáir 2013, tá mo Roinn go hiomlán oscailte tabhairt faoi aon chéimeanna réasúnta gur féidir léi a chabhródh leis an gceist seo a réiteach, faoi réir na rialacha soláthair poiblí agus na srianta airgeadais atá ann. Bhí cruinniú ag oifigigh mo Roinnse leis an bhfarantóir agus le hionadaithe an oileáin le déanaí agus pléadh féidearthachtaí éagsúla. Leanfar leis na hiarrachtaí seo amach anseo le cinntiú, feadh ár gcumais, go mbeidh seirbhís rialta farantóireachta ar fáil d'Árainn ar chostas réasúnta i gcaitheamh na bliana.

Architectural Heritage

Questions (11)

Clare Daly

Question:

11. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports that are available from his Department, and the contact he has had with the Department of Defence, to preserve the heritage that exists of a garrison community, unique in Ireland in the Curragh Camp which although under the Department of Defence contains much civilian history and is of national historical importance. [3952/14]

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Written answers

I understand that there are currently seven buildings in the Curragh Camp which are protected structures under Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012, which provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities, in this case Kildare County Council, to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures.

Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future. The Curragh Camp is, of course, an operating military base of the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces have access to general advice and guidelines published by my Department regarding conservation and maintenance of traditional buildings. The statutory Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities was reissued by my Department in 2011. These guidelines, which outline the general conservation principles that apply to protected structures and to historic structures in general, are available on my Department’s website at http://www.ahg.gov.ie . In addition, my Department has published a series of advice books offering practical advice and guidance on various aspects of maintenance of traditional buildings. This advice series is also available on my Deportment's the website.

In relation to the wider heritage of the Curragh Camp, the Curragh Military Museum was awarded €15,000 by my Department under the Local and Regional Museum Scheme 2013 towards the cost of work on the conservation and interpretation of its Chester Beatty Arms Collection. I understand that the Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, is also supporting the Curragh Military Museum in its expressed interest in joining the Museum Standards Programme of Ireland (MSPI). The MSPI is intended to raise the standard of care and curatorship in participating museums. The Curragh Military Museum is operated by the Defence Forces under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Defence.

Abbey Theatre

Questions (12)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

12. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to build the new Abbey Theatre. [4013/14]

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Written answers

As I have indicated to the Deputy in replies to previous Parliamentary Questions, there are no plans to build a new Abbey Theatre. The long-term location of the Abbey Theatre is now settled. The Abbey Street location is now, and will be for the future, the home of the National Theatre.

Arts Council Membership

Questions (13)

Mick Wallace

Question:

13. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of persons sitting on the Arts Council at present; when he expects to fill existing vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/14]

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Written answers

Section 11 of the Arts Act 2003 deals with the appointment of members of the Arts Council. It specifies that the Council shall consist of a chairperson and 12 ordinary members, each of whom shall, in the opinion of the Minister, have a special interest or knowledge in relation to the arts or matters connected with the functions of the Minister or the Council under this Act. Members are appointed by the Minister for a period of 5 years.

On 15 December last, the chair and 5 ordinary members completed their terms of office. Since that date, there have been seven members on the Arts Council. Yesterday I announced the appointment of a new Chair designate, Ms Sheila Pratschke and five new members to the Council. In line with the procedures for such appointments, Ms Pratschke's position will be confirmed following appearance before the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht at a date to be arranged. The five new members of the Arts Council are Dr. Éimear O’Connor, Ms Monica Spencer, Ms Miriam Dunne, Mr. Brian Maguire and Ms Joan Sheehy.

The Chairperson designate, Ms Sheila Pratschke, was Director of Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris from to 2007 to 2013, and is a former director of both the Tyrone Guthrie Centre from 2001 to 2007 and the Irish Film Institute.

I was delighted to announce the new Chairperson designate and members of the Arts Council. Across the range of artforms- from architecture to the visual arts - the Arts Council plays an extremely important role in supporting individual artists and arts organisations in their work. The arts sector - like every sector in Ireland - has had a challenging time in recent years. The Chairperson designate and new members have a wealth of experience which will benefit the development of the arts in Ireland into the future.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Questions (14)

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta pobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a aithint mar gheallsealbhóirí i gcur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge ó dheas agus na Straitéise don Ghaeilge ó Thuaidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3996/14]

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Written answers

I dtús báire, ní miste dom a rá go bhfuil mo Roinnse airdeallach go bhfuil éileamh ann gur chóir go mbunófaí struchtúr ar leith le cinntiú go mbeidh ról lárnach ag na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta i gcur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge . Tá mo Roinnse airdeallach fosta go bhfuil athruithe i ndán d'earnáil na n-eagraíochtaí Gaeilge faoi na socruithe nua maoinithe atá á gcur i bhfeidhm ag Foras na Gaeilge faoi láthair.

Mar is eol don Teachta, reáchtáil mo Roinn seimineár i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2013 chun deis a thabhairt 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 agus faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga. Is deis éisteachta a bhí ann chomh maith do mo Roinnse, don Údarás agus don Fhoras a chuideoidh le comhthuiscint a chothú idir na páirtithe éagsúla ar an ábhar seo. Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil na moltaí a tháinig ón seimineár á meas go cúramach i láthair na huaire i gcomhthéacs na n-athruithe ar earnáil na n-eagraíochtaí Gaeilge atá luaite agam.

Mar thoradh ar Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, ní miste dom a rá go bhfuil ról níos lárnaí ná riamh ag pobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, agus ag na heagraíochtaí pobail a fheidhmíonn thar a gceann, i gcur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise tríd an phróiseas pleanála teanga ar an talamh.

Mar a thuigfidh an Teachta, níl aon ról agam i ndáil leis an dréacht Straitéis don Ghaeilge ó Thuaidh atá idir lámha ag an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil sé i gceist ag mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Ní Chuilín, Straitéis Ghaeilge a chur os comhair Fheidhmeannas Thuaisceart Éireann i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas i gClár an Rialtais ó Thuaidh.

Question No. 15 answered with Question No. 7.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Questions (16)

Denis Naughten

Question:

16. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will review the content and conditions of contracts issued to turf cutters under the cessation scheme; the number of contracts issued; the numbers returned to date; the number under each compensation/relocation category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/14]

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Written answers

Under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, three types of legal agreements have been and are being issued by my Department:

- The first is a legal agreement for qualifying turf cutters who are signing up to the annual payment of €1,500, index-linked, for 15 years.

- The second is a relocation interim legal agreement for qualifying turf cutters who have expressed an interest in relocation but no relocation site is currently available for them to relocate to. This relocation interim legal agreement provides for the payment of €1,500, index-linked, or a supply of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum, while these applicants are awaiting relocation to non-designated bogs.

- The third is a relocation final legal agreement. This agreement has been issued to qualifying turf cutters where a site has been assessed as suitable for relocation and is ready, or can be made ready, for use for domestic turf cutting.

Turf cutters who sign and return the applicable legal agreement to my Department will also receive a once-off incentive payment of €500.

The interim legal agreement is required in the case of relocation sites because, for the majority of raised bog special areas of conservation, the relocation site and the terms and conditions applicable to those sites will take time to finalise. Turf cutters are being asked to sign the interim agreement on the understanding that when a relocation site is sourced, assessed and agreed, they will be asked to sign a final legal agreement at that time. If it is not possible to find a suitable relocation site - for example, for reasons of quality or quantity of turf, planning requirements, or issues in relation to the purchase or lease of a site - my Department will consult with turf cutters as to the best option to take at that time.

I am satisfied that the legal agreements as set out above are appropriate to the circumstances in these cases.

It is the aim of my Department to secure a relocation site for every person who has applied for one and progress is being made in that task. However, relocation is a complex process that does take some time to deliver. The agreements being issued reflect this reality. The interim agreement is designed to give all stakeholders the time to deliver relocation options that work for turf cutters. The clear directions that I have given my officials is to examine all relocation options with a view to securing alternative cutting locations for as many turf cutters as possible within the shortest timeframe.

1,692 legal agreements have been issued and my Department is continuing to issue agreements to qualifying applicants. Applicants have been requested to return the completed legal agreements within four months of the date of issue. 1,190 legal agreements have been returned to my Department thus far. To-date in the region of 980 once-off incentive payments of €500 have been made to applicants in respect of these legal agreements. The numbers of legal agreements by type issued by and returned to my Department are not available at this time because of the priorities of my Department in administering the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

Inland Waterways Maintenance

Questions (17, 25, 104, 105)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he is aware of disquiet amongst Royal and Grand Canal boat dwellers who are likely to be affected by proposed new by-laws; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such dwellers agree with the need for regulation but are concerned at the extent to which their way of life for many years is likely to be affected; if he has had discussions with Waterways Ireland in this regard or intends to do so in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3967/14]

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Clare Daly

Question:

25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht regarding the review of the Canals Act (Amendment) By-Laws 2014, his plans to extend the review and include provisions similar to those existing in Britain for long-term barge dwellers; and if not, the way he proposes to deal with this issue. [3953/14]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has been made aware of the concerns of traditional canal boat dwellers on the Grand and Royal Canals arising from the potential application of proposed new by-laws; if he will arrange for dialogue with those involved with a view to resolving any difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/14]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total number of traditional canal dwellers currently situate on the Grand and Royal Canals who may be affected by proposed new by-laws; if he expects to be in a position to offer an orderly solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 25, 104 and 105 together.

As Deputies will be aware, Waterways Ireland proposes to make new bye-laws which are intended to enhance its ability to manage the canals for the benefit of all canal users. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. These seven waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from abroad.

The proposed bye-laws are intended to support the investment already made by Waterways Ireland in new infrastructure and facilities along the canals. That investment has made the waterways more attractive for boat owners and is helping to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity. Given that background, it is now necessary to update the bye-laws to ensure that the rules governing use of the waterways are fit for purpose and best meet the needs of all waterway users.

The proposed new bye-laws provide for the management of house boats, defined as a boat on the canals which is being used as the sole or principal residence of the owner or an occupant with the owner’s permission, as well as for extended moorings and residential moorings. An Annual Houseboat Mooring Permit will be required for a houseboat not navigating or continuously cruising the canals. The permit will allow the use of a mooring identified by Waterways Ireland on the canals where the houseboat may moor for more than five days and up to one year. It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the total number of boat owners who will be required to take out an Annual Houseboat Mooring Permit in the event of the draft bye-laws coming into force. However, I am advised that Waterways Ireland issued 276 Combined Mooring and Passage permits in 2013 for boats to navigate on the Grand and Royal Canals. In addition, 151 Extended Mooring Permits have been issued to boat owners wishing to occupy dedicated berths on these navigations.

The proposed bye-laws will also modernise the charging regime. There will also be further provision for the care, management, maintenance and control and the regulation of the use of the canals, moorings on the canals, and their use by the public for recreation and navigation purposes.

The proposed new bye-laws will be introduced only after the completion of an open public consultation process, which is currently underway. The Canals Act 1986, as amended, stipulates a 21-day consultation period, which, in the present instance, ends at 3pm on 3 February 2014. This public consultation process provides stakeholders, including boat residents and anyone who may have any concerns, with an opportunity to submit their views, opinions and written objections on the draft bye–laws to Waterways Ireland.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that the main stakeholders, which include the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, have been contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their consultation responses. This will afford these groups an opportunity to express their views, opinions and any concerns they may have regarding the proposed bye-laws. I am also advised that all current permit holders on the Grand Canal have received individual written notice and have been given the opportunity to respond within the consultation timeframe on an individual basis.

Following completion of the consultation process, Waterways Ireland will consider all responses and will then finalise its proposed approach. Any discussions that are necessary with Waterways Ireland will take place at that point.

Maoiniú Chomhlachtaí Stáit

Questions (18)

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

18. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an féidir leis stad a chur le haon laghdú eile ar bhuiséad Udarás na Gaeltachta, Fhoras na Gaeilge agus Roinn na Gaeltachta agus tosú ar na buiséid sin a mhéadú de réir a chéile chun obair na Straitéisí agus eile a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3997/14]

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Written answers

Mar is eol don Teachta, is tríd an bpróiseas meastacháin agus cáinaisnéise a dhéantar leithdháileadh ar an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn bliantúil do mo Roinnse agus go deimhin do na Ranna Rialtais go léir. Tuigfidh an Teachta mar sin nach bhféadfainn aon bharántas a thabhairt maidir leis an mbuiséad a bheidh ar fáil do mo Roinnse, nó d'aon chomhlacht poiblí a thagann faoi scáth mo Roinne, in 2015 nó sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin.

Maidir leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, is eol don Teachta, ní foláir, gur cuireadh allúntas speisialta €0.5m ar fáil ina leith i gCáinasinéis 2014. Is léiriú follasach é seo ar chur i bhfeidhm an ghealltanais i gClár an Rialtais a deir go dtacóidh an Rialtas leis an Straitéis agus go ndéanfar na spriocanna indéanta atá luaite inti a sheachadadh. Níl amhras ach go gcuirfidh an maoiniú seo ar chumas mo Roinne tabhairt faoi ghníomhaíochtaí éagsúla a thacóidh leis an phróiseas pleanála teanga ar an talamh.

Severe Weather Events Response

Questions (19)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

19. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the damage inflicted on offshore islands as a result of the recent exceptional weather; the actions his Department will take to remediate this damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/14]

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Written answers

Responsibility for public infrastructure on the islands comes under the relevant local authorities and my officials are actively engaged with them regarding the damage caused. Local authorities continue to provide information updates as they progress their assessment of the damage caused – work which is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. With regard to marine facilities on islands which are essential for access purposes, it is hoped that these can be included for the purposes of any package of assistance that may be made available to repair storm damage to important infrastructure. In terms of other infrastructure which was damaged on the offshore islands as a result of the bad weather, my Department, while very cognisant of the significant reductions in the capital allocation available to it for islands, will seek to take whatever supportive measures it can.

As the Deputy may be aware, an interim report in relation to the damage caused by the bad weather was presented to Government recently. I can inform the Deputy that I also wrote to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and to the Minister of State at the OPW in order to draw their particular attention to the damage caused to island infrastructure.

Economic Growth Initiatives

Questions (20)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he anticipates the arts and heritage sector to contribute to economic recovery; the specific areas wherein the greatest opportunities arise; the degree to which he can assist directly and indirectly through the medium of grant aid or other forms of assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/14]

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Written answers

As set out in the Programme for Government, the Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. The arts sector continues to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country.

In terms of financial impact from the wider arts sector, the total direct and indirect tax revenue earned by the Exchequer in 2011 was estimated to be some €336 million. The overall Gross Value Added contribution of the creative industries, which include all of the sub-sectors of the wider arts sector, was estimated at €4.6 billion, which was equivalent to approximately 2.8% of Irish Gross Domestic Product during 2011.

The conservation and promotion of our built and natural heritage also plays a major role in increasing Ireland’s attractiveness as a tourism destination, in advancing national economic regeneration and in creating downstream opportunities, such as in the accommodation, catering and retail sectors.

A study published by the Heritage Council in 2012 found that the historic environment is a highly significant contributor to Ireland's national economy, directly supporting almost 25,000 jobs. Including indirect and induced effects, it estimated that the historic environment sector supports upwards of 40,000 full-time equivalent employment positions in Ireland. In terms of its contribution to national income, Ireland's historic environment is estimated to account for some €1.5 billion annually to the nation's Gross Value Added, with a contribution to the national economy estimated to be equivalent to 1% of total Irish GVA, and some 2% of overall employment. In 2014 my Department’s voted allocation will fund the activities of the Arts Council and of the Heritage Council; the expansion of access and improvement of facilities at the Department’s National Parks and Nature Reserves and the grant-aiding of conservation of the country’s built heritage via a number of programmes, including the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme , under which a significant fund of €5 million is being made available in 2014 for the repair and conservation of protected structures. All of these activities have an economic component and will help in supporting economic recovery.

If the Deputy requires more detail on specific programmes or plans, I will, of course, be happy to provide that.

Irish Language

Questions (21)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

21. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason three quarters of the statutory language schemes, as proscribed in the Official Languages Act 2003, have expired without renewal since the end of 2012 with a quarter of them out of date for three years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4000/14]

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Written answers

I refer the Deputy to previous parliamentary replies in regard to language schemes agreed under the Official Languages Act 2003, most recently Question No. 332 on 17 December 2013. I wish to reiterate that once a language scheme has been confirmed by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in accordance with section 14(3) of the Act, it remains in force for a period of three years from the date on which it was confirmed, or until a new scheme has been confirmed, whichever is the later. Currently, almost 200 public bodies are covered by 113 language schemes and my Department is actively engaged in the process of agreeing inaugural and subsequent schemes with a large number of public bodies.

It is important to reiterate also that the agreement of language schemes is an ongoing process designed to improve the provision of State services in Irish over a period of time. It must be noted that the process can be challenging for public bodies, particularly having regard to current resource pressures. A range of measures to improve the effectiveness of the language scheme process is being considered in the context of the proposed Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2014, the draft Heads of which will be submitted for Government approval in the near future.

Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 7.

National Monuments

Questions (23, 93)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

23. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress of the development of the national monument at 16 Moore Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4002/14]

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Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

93. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received the revised plans for the proposed development of the Carlton site aka Dublin Central by Chartered Land and when submitted will they be made available for inspection and comment by interested parties and members of the public; if he will consult with the National Museum on the revised plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4416/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 93 together.

On 16 July 2013 I made a determination under the National Monuments Acts in relation to a consent application and related Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the owners in relation to proposed works on the Moore Street national monument site. My decision on the consent application provided, inter alia, for the full repair and restoration of the monument buildings and the creation of a commemorative centre to honour the leaders of the 1916 Rising.

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 that takes full account of the terms of my decision being submitted for my approval within 9 months of the decision date. A further condition requires substantive works to commence on site within 3 months of the approval of the revised proposals.

I understand that the monument owners have informed my Department that they are currently preparing proposals for the site that accord with the terms of my decision on the consent application and that the revised proposals will be submitted for my approval shortly. They will be assessed as quickly as possible on receipt to establish whether they conform to the terms of my decision on the consent application. The consultation procedures prescribed under the National Monuments Acts have already been completed in this case as part of the processing of the consent application and related Environmental Impact Assessment.

The question of whether any revised proposals would require a new application for planning permission is a matter for the planning authority, Dublin City Council.

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Questions (24)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

24. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that despite having the funding, the Heritage Council has two vacancies to fill - one in museums and one in wildlife; and if he will confirm when these positions be filled. [4011/14]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Heritage Council, like all bodies under the aegis of my Department, is subject to the moratorium on public sector recruitment. Within that context, my officials continue to liaise on an ongoing basis with the Council and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to relevant staffing issues.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 17.
Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 9.

Natural Heritage Areas Review

Questions (27)

Seán Kyne

Question:

27. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if in view of the positive move in de-designating raised bogs Natural Heritage Areas, if he will conceive of a situation where other areas of NHAs could be reviewed on the request of land owners in a similar scientific basis; if on request of a local authority considering the construction of road infrastructure a review could be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3936/14]

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Written answers

The recently published Review of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) sets out a significant reconfiguration of the raised bog NHA network. The review was underpinned by a detailed scientific study which analysed the ecological value and restoration potential of each site. The review succeeded in ensuring that the conservation value of the NHA network is enhanced following the reconfiguration while significantly reducing impacts on active turf-cutters. The review was undertaken in the context of a commitment in the Programme for Government and in ensuring compliance with EU law relating to turf extraction within raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and NHAs. It will be necessary to bring forward legislative change to allow for the de-designation of NHAs as part of this re-configuration.

While I have no plans to undertake a more general review of NHAs at this time, the Wildlife Acts currently provide for the revocation of a Natural Heritage Area Order where the site no longer retains its scientific value.

The Wildlife Acts, the Roads Acts and the Planning and Development Acts provide for the protection of Natural Heritage Areas, the process through which projects, including roads projects are to be assessed, and the circumstances in which projects that affect NHAs may be consented to.

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