Written Answers Nos. 144-152
144. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial supports available within his Department for the staging of a concert with a historical dimension to commemorate a specific event in 2014 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8668/14]
View answerAs we approach the Centenary of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914–1917, I warmly welcome the increasing interest in these polar explorations and the recognition of the heroic achievements of those involved, including several Irishmen. Following on the loss of the expedition ship Endurance, trapped in the ice from January 1915 until finally crushed in November 1915, the 800 mile journey of Shackleton, Worsley, Crean, Vincent, McCarthy and McNish from Elephant Island to South Georgia in April 1916 is renowned as a truly heroic achievement. Across the years, it testifies to the fortitude of the group and their amazing resilience, seamanship and survival skills.
I am pleased to note the several projects being prepared in Ireland and abroad to mark the centenary of this historic expedition. Against the background of the World War and the Irish revolution, it offers an insight into a bygone age. Keeping tightly to the historic timeline, this expedition - from outset to conclusion - will feature in the continuing narrative of centenary times being prepared in the commemorative programme.
While there is no funding available at this time to support the production described in the Deputy's Question, I would be grateful to be kept informed of progress with the project.
145. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reasons for the early closure of the 14th lock on the Grand Canal near Sallins, County Kildare, by Waterways Ireland on 24 January 2014 in contravention of Marine Notice 5/2014; his views with reference to the inconvenience faced by a number of boat users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8670/14]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that Marine Notice No. 5 of 2014 referred to by the Deputy only relates to Sallins moorings and not the 14th Lock. I am also informed by Waterways Ireland that its Marine Notice No. 124 of 2013 which issued on 25 October 2013 advised that the 13th level of the Grand Canal (which leads to the 14th Lock) would be closed from Monday 4 November 2013 until February 2014 due to works by Kildare County Council associated with the laying of a new water main. That Notice was in force on the date referred to by the Deputy and it remains in force. I am also advised that Marine Notice No. 130 of 2013 issued by Waterways Ireland on 21 November 2013 advising of planned winter closures on the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation confirmed the closure of the 13th Level of the Grand Canal up February 2014. That Notice also confirmed the closure of the public moorings East and West of Sallins Bridge until mid-March 2014 to facilitate the construction of new public jetties.
I would point out that it is for the owner, master or skipper of a boat to inform themselves of the relevant navigation information such as Marine Notices before setting out on a journey. In that regard, Marine Notices 124 and 130 make it clear that access to the 14th lock, which is via the 13th level, has been closed from Monday 4th November 2013 until February 2014.
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has appointed an information officer; if this person is in charge of developing and implementing data protection in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8738/14]
View answerAn officer of my Department is responsible for developing and implementing data protection policy in my Department as part of a wider remit in the Corporate Governance area. This officer's duties include ensuring that data is processed in line with data protection legislation and that my Department registers all details of data processing with the Data Protection Commissioner in a timely manner. My Department is also currently developing a Code of Practice for the Protection of Personal Data, which will help to ensure that each staff member understands the concepts of Data Protection and is aware of their own responsibilities. I am confident that this, in turn, will assist my Department in its compliance with the Data Protection Acts.
147. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has considered the negative effects that increased mooring fees, annual cruising permits and annual houseboat mooring fees will have on the public. [7800/14]
View answerAs the Deputy 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 for all waterway users. 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.
I am aware of and appreciate that concerns have been raised regarding the proposed byelaws. Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation on the draft bye-laws referred to, which concluded on the 3rd February last. I am advised that Waterways Ireland is currently in the process of carrying out an analysis of all submissions on the draft bye-laws received during the consultation process. Once the analysis has been completed, all submissions will be given due consideration by Waterways Ireland and a report on the outcome of the process will be prepared. The report will be forwarded to my Department and will then be referred to me, with recommendations for consideration and final decision.
148. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has appointed an information officer; if this person is in charge of developing and implementing data protection in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/14]
View answerIn accordance with the Data Protection Acts, my Department has registered as a data controller with the Office of the Data Protection Commission and has accordingly fulfilled the obligations required under the Data Protection Registration process.
149. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will investigate the ESB infrastructure in the Tullig-Cromane-Stookisland area of Killorglin, County Kerry in view of the fact that this part of the county has experienced more power failures than the surrounding areas during the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8761/14]
View answerThis is a day to day operational matter for the company concerned and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function.
150. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total budget for the Data Protection Commissioner in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014, and the total staff for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8772/14]
View answerThis matter falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality.
151. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce new laws to deal with online abuse on social media sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8861/14]
View answerThere is no doubt that the pervasive use of social media has challenged a wide number of previously accepted norms, both in terms of media governance and in more general societal terms. To that end, I have asked the Internet Content Governance Advisory (ICGA) Group which I formed in December, to evaluate the full range of content issues that now arise online. The Group will report in May and Government will consider that report in great detail at that stage. A public consultation is now open, and submissions from all interested parties are welcome. I am aware also that the Group expect to meet with all key stakeholders as part of their work in the coming weeks.
Our most immediate and important task now is to help educate children, young people and parents as to the risks that can be found online, to support parents and teachers in explaining these issues to children and to identify the optimal technical solution to protect children. In this regard, there are a range of tools available online to assist parents in managing internet access. The ISPs themselves have a variety of measures and resources already in place, with software and other tools available to help parents ensure online safety for their children.
The issues here are complex and delicate; a balance has to be struck between preserving freedom of speech and freedom of expression online, and protecting children and young people in particular from content that may well be age inappropriate or harmful. Social media and online content in general are not subject to the same types of editorial restrictions as broadcast media, for example, and questions as to the most appropriate governance model are being asked by governments and civil society groups around the world. There are no simple answers to these questions but I am confident that the ICGA Group will evaluate all of these issues thoroughly and in detail, and I look forward to their report and recommendations with great interest.
152. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 13 February 2014, if an official from his Department will contact the person (details supplied) to discuss this case as it would appear there is a bigger problem here and there may be a need for a new transmitter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8869/14]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 220 of 4 December 2013. The position is unchanged. RTÉ's network company 2RN is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of the SAORVIEW digital terrestrial television (DTT) network. The individual concerned has been in contact with my Department directly and officials have subsequently made contact with 2RN in relation to his complaint. The advice of 2RN remains unaltered.
