Written Answers Nos. 1726 - 1754
1726. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in erecting a bus shelter in Ballina, County Mayo, which has been approved by the National Transport Authority; when he expects the shelter to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/14]
View answerThe functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to public transport infrastructure include securing or providing bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets in the State.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1727. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in light of the strategic framework for investment in land transport published recently, if it is intended to base investment decisions in the future on usage of transport corridors irrespective of how defective the existing corridors are at present for the traffic using them; his plans to lay down minimum standards for the various types of roads such as national primary, national secondary, regional county roads as well as for rail lines; if there will be a national policy to bring all the road and rail infrastructure up to these minimum standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34536/14]
View answerA Draft Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport was published by my Department in August for public consultation. The draft framework was drawn up by a steering group which set out to establish priorities and principles to guide future land transport investment decisions. The findings and conclusions of the work undertaken will contribute to the development of a new multi-annual capital funding framework 2015-2019, subsequent capital funding programmes and investment decisions over the longer term.
Key areas considered include the link between economic growth and transport investment, current investment levels vis-à-vis past levels and international norms, the funding necessary to keep existing land transport infrastructure at its current standard and the likely scale, nature and impact of transport demand on our network in the medium to long term.
This work, combined with an assessment of transport and demographic trends, provides the basis for the findings of the steering group. The draft report concludes that the key challenge with regard to investment in land transport is securing investment levels consistent with maintaining, renewing and improving a transport network that can efficiently support the economic and social needs of the country.
Arising from these findings, a set of principles is proposed to frame and prioritise land transport investment decisions. A consultation process is underway seeking views of stakeholders, interested parties and the general public on the findings, conclusions and proposed principles.
The draft report does not set policy. It points to the current constraints within which policy decisions must be made. As such, I hope it leads to an informed debate to advance the best decisions for current and future transport investment in Ireland.
1728. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding to resurface the N23 national driving road Castleisland to Farranfore as large stretches of the road are inadequate for the large volumes of traffic it is carrying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34591/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1729. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding for the purchase of additional buses for the Bus Éireann fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34594/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for certain public transport capital investments including for the funding of the PSO bus fleet. In this regard funding is provided by my Department to the Authority each year based on the allocations and priorities set out in the relevant capital plan.
It is a matter for the Authority to agree the allocations for individual projects and infrastructure taking account of all relevant issues including funding and priorities.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1730. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of the 31 bus shelters that were approved for funding by the National Transport Authority in June 2013 which have been constructed and completed to date; the number that are under construction; the number that have not started construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34607/14]
View answerThe functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to public transport infrastructure include securing or providing bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets in the State.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1731. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legality of the Irish car insurance industry's refusal to recognise no claims years established in other jurisdictions. [34650/14]
View answerThe Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA), under the aegis of the Minister for Finance, regulates and supervises insurance undertakings.
Motor insurance is provided as a private contract between the supplier and the customer. Any terms and conditions of motor insurance policies, including the application of no claims bonuses, are a contractual matter between the person insured and the insurer and are not matters in which I would have any direct involvement or responsibility.
My Department's role with regard to motor insurance is confined to the enactment of policy relating to the relevant Road Traffic Acts.
1732. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on concerns raised with the HSA and RSA regarding the poor working conditions, including inadequate ventilation, at the NCT test centre in Ballymun. [34651/14]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is carried out by Applus+, since January 2010 under a contractual arrangement with the RSA.
As the subject matter of this question is a matter for the RSA I have requested that the RSA respond directly to the Deputy's question. If you have not received a response within ten days please contact my office.
1733. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on an ongoing failure of management at Dublin Bus, Clontarf, to address a number of health and safety concerns brought to their attention by the health and safety representative at the garage. [34656/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1734. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with regard to super-cube trucks, if he will confirm if they have been banned from roads here; if he will provide details of the exact date from when they were banned; if he will further confirm the ban is nationwide and applies within the Dublin permit system as well as nationally; the way the ban is operating with imported trucks and if carriers are banned from loading them and so on at foreign ports; if he will provide the number or percentage of overall truck movements covered by super-cube trucks and also actual numbers as per any recent survey; the evidence there is of super-cube trucks driving on Irish roads, and specifically in the capital city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34657/14]
View answerThe maximum regulatory vehicle dimensions for an articulated vehicle permitted on Irish roads is 2.5 metres in width, 16.5 metres in length and 4.65 metres in height. As set out in S.I. No. 166/2014 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, this maximum national height limit does not apply to an unenclosed agricultural or goods vehicle combination that is being used exclusively for the transport of hay, silage, straw or other animal fodder or a combination thereof, that is baled.
Any articulated vehicle exceeding these maximum permitted regulatory dimensions, other than those permitted under the local authority abnormal load permit scheme, constitutes an offence. The enforcement of Road Traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
1735. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of An Bord Pleanála's approval of the M7 Oberstown interchange and R407 Sallins bypass scheme, motorway order 2013, and the M7 Naas Newbridge upgrade scheme, motorway order 2013, when funding is likely to be allocated to enable each of the schemes to proceed. [34729/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Government’s Comprehensive Review of Expenditure 2015-2017 and Capital Review 2015-2019 are underway. At this point I cannot say what the outcome of the Review process will be. As the Deputy will appreciate, the scope for allocating funding to projects such as these will depend on the amount of funding in my Department's capital budget in future years.
1736. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department carries out an annual review and/or random checks to monitor the standard of testing taking places at NCT test centres. [34758/14]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements.
There is regular and on-going contact between the RSA and my Department on matters pertaining to the NCT.
The RSA has always recognised the need for consistently high vehicle testing standards. The National Car Testing Service (NCTS) and Vehicle Inspectors (VIs) are subject to a stringent audit system which is carried out by the AA. All test centres receive unannounced visits frequently and VIs are observed undertaking tests and check tests, which involve vehicles just tested being immediately re-inspected. In addition, NCTS also has a dedicated Training and Standards team that regularly conduct unexpected audits at all test centres throughout the country. Independent tests carried out by the AA show that over 99% of test results are correct.
The RSA has a Project Agreement in place with the NCT Contractor which sets down the various performance and acceptable standards with which the contractor must comply. A detailed assessment and a report on performance of the NCT Contractor in providing the NCTS is prepared for each quarter and annually, covering analyses of test results, financial performance, call centre performance, operational performance at test centres, test bookings, customer service and human resources issues. The Annual Reports are available on the RSA website at www.rsa.ie.
1737. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport ,further to Parliamentary Question No. 778 of 17 July 2014, if specific funding will be allocated to Cavan County Council for 2015 in respect of the proposed upgrading of the Cootehill, Shercock, Carrickmacross, Dundalk route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34820/14]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Cavan County Council was provided with over €2 million between 2007 and 2013 from my Department in connection with this project under the Strategic Non-National Road Grants Scheme in order to bring this 75 km route to preliminary design stage. A further allocation of €100,000 is being provided this year to facilitate completion of the preliminary design.
As indicated in July, due to budgetary constraints it will not be possible to progress the project further at this point. The construction cost for a scheme of this magnitude would be in excess of €150 million.
1738. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of new appointments made in his Department and those bodies under his remit since March 2011 to date in 2014, with a breakdown of the grade to which they were appointed during the period. [35127/14]
View answerThere were a total of 41 new appointments made in my Department in the period March 2011 to date in 2014. Of these 23 were ministerial appointments resulting from changes in Ministers responsibilities. A further 14 appointments were into safety critical posts in the Irish Coast Guard and the Air Accident Investigation Unit. The breakdown of the grade is set out in Table 1.
Table 1
|
Grade |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
Aeronautical Officer |
|
Technical Specialist |
|
Accountant |
|
Administrative Officer |
|
Radio Officer Grade 3 |
|
Special Adviser |
|
Policy Adviser |
|
Press Adviser |
|
Personal Assistant |
|
Personal Secretary |
|
Civilian Driver |
I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the Agencies within 10 working days please advise my private office.
1739. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public sector employees under his remit who are subject to a freeze on their increment payment in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35138/14]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will answer in respect of all civil servants in my Department.
I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office
1740. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of civil servants, public servants and semi-State employees in his Department on career breaks at the time of the Haddington Road agreement who lost their right to return to their old positions; of these, the number who have since been offered redeployment opportunities; the number who availed of suitable redeployment opportunities; the number who terminated their employment; the number who have been accommodated with supernumerary positions after being on redeployment lists of over one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35151/14]
View answerThere were eight civil servants on career break from my Department on 1st July 2013, at the time of the Haddington Road Agreement. Three of these are not yet due to return based on their career break contracts; two were offered and have since availed of suitable redeployment opportunities; two are currently on the redeployment panel awaiting an offer and one has terminated their employment. No staff are accommodated in my Department in supernumerary positions after being on redeployment lists of over one year.
In respect of public servants and semi state employees I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within 10 working days please advise my private office.
1741. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a proposal (details supplied) regarding the sale of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33088/14]
View answerThe proposed sale of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is not a matter that comes under the statutory remit of my Department. My understanding is that is it being sold on the instructions of NAMA, a body for which I have no statutory responsibility. In any event, the level of funding that would be required to purchase the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is not currently available to my Department. The allocation of existing funding towards the proposal would result in a significant reduction in the amount of Exchequer resources available to the arts sector generally and this is not something that I could feasibly contemplate.
1742. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive payment under the cessation of turf cutting scheme; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33920/14]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I am advised that the applicant would appear to have cut turf on his bog plot in a raised bog special area of conservation in 2012 and would not qualify for compensation under the scheme for that year. A payment of €1,518 in respect of Year 2 of 15 (2013) has been made to this applicant.
Officials from my Department are currently assessing applications and processing payments to qualifying applicants in respect of 2014.
1743. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that over 100 qualified Irish language translators on the Séala State panel of qualified translators received a brief e-mail from National University of Ireland Galway on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge informing them of the cancellation of their séala if received before 2013; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that translators are being asked to resit an examination next month and that no further information is being made available to them; if she has examined the legal implications of this; if she has sought the views of the translation section of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if she has examined the potential implication for the status of the Irish language within the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33941/14]
View answer1768. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that over 100 qualified Irish language translators on the Séala State Panel of Qualified Translators received a brief e-mail from National University of Ireland Galway on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge informing them of the cancellation of their séala if received before 2013; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that translators are being asked to re-sit an examination next month and that no further information is being made available to them; if she has examined the legal implications of this; if she has sought the views of the translation section of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if she has examined the potential implication for the status of the Irish language within the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34424/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1743 and 1768 together.
At the outset, I must emphasise that this is an operational matter for Foras na Gaeilge. I should also explain that Foras na Gaeilge's accreditation system is not a translation qualification but is an assurance in regard to a translator’s standard of work. Basically, Foras na Gaeilge developed the accreditation system for translators in order to ensure high standards in the translation sector.
I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that translators who achieved accreditation prior to 2013 were informed that future re-accreditation would be required. Following a recent review of the system, those translators were informed that their accreditation would expire at the end of 2015 but that re-accreditation examinations would be held in 2014 and in 2015.
I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that the basis for the re-accreditation system and the examination held in 2013 is that accreditation will not have to be renewed by means of further examination. Therefore, given that translators will only have to sit one examination in future, proposals are currently under consideration by Foras na Gaeilge in order to continue to ensure high standards in the translation sector, for example by translators providing evidence of their work. I understand that Foras na Gaeilge is currently consulting with the translators with regard to these proposals.
1744. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is a set period every year when trees and hedges are allowed be cut; who sets this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33982/14]
View answerThe Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibit the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity.
My Department has initiated a review of the current legislation to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced. As part of that review, the potential for setting the relevant dates by statutory instrument, rather than in primary legislation, as is the position currently, is being examined.
1745. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of hectares in Killarney National Park; the number of hectares under the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and the amount of money in the budget for maintaining the park. [34029/14]
View answerKillarney National Park comprises of 10,236 hectares of land, all of which are managed by my Department, through its National Parks and Wildlife Service. Current funding for my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service is allocated on the basis of functional regions, rather than to individual properties. For 2014, €662,000 has been allocated to the South West Region, which includes Killarney National Park.
My Department also supports a programme of project-specific capital works in National Parks each year in order to secure the conservation of our natural heritage and to provide for its enjoyment by the visiting public. For 2014, €897,000 has been allocated to capital projects in Killarney National Park.
1746. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the 2015 Údarás na Gaeltachta capital budget will be returned to €12 million and if the Foras na Gaeilge budget will be protected (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34039/14]
View answerI wish to refer the Deputy to previous replies to a number of Parliamentary Questions in relation to these matters. As the Deputy is aware, funding for the various Departments, including my own, are decided through the Budgetary and Estimates process annually. With regard to the capital budget for Údarás na Gaeltachta, I wish to again reiterate that, as Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, I very much appreciate the importance of job creation in helping to retain sustainable communities in Gaeltacht areas. In that context, I wish to again acknowledge the very important enterprise and employment function of Údarás na Gaeltachta as the regional economic agency for the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta's end of year statement for 2013 indicated that the rate of job losses in its client companies had reached a record low. This was very welcome news indeed. However, while the level of job losses has stabilised, I am very cognisant of the ongoing difficult challenge in creating a sufficient number of new jobs to maintain, and indeed increase, employment levels in the Gaeltacht.
I am, of course, aware of Údarás na Gaeltachta's proposal to increase its capital budget over time from the present level of €5.687m to €12m per annum. I am also very aware and supportive of the case advanced by the organisation that such an increase in funding would enable it to create an additional 300 jobs per annum.
As the Deputy is aware, it was announced as part of Budget 2014 that comprehensive reviews of both current and capital expenditure would be undertaken by all Government Departments during 2014. These reviews underpin the Government's multi-annual budgetary framework and are conducted periodically to re-set Departmental expenditure ceilings in line with emerging Government priorities. I understand that the reviews were completed and will be considered by Government with a view to underpinning expenditure ceilings for 2015 and beyond, as well as clarifying policy options and informing prioritisation decisions arising from the expenditure ceilings. Clearly, the capital allocation for Údarás na Gaeltachta for 2015 will be informed by the outcome of those reviews and within the framework of the Budgetary and Estimates processes later this year.
Foras na Gaeilge is one of the agencies of An Foras Teanga, the North South Language Body, and its budget must accordingly be approved by the North South Ministerial Council. Foras na Gaeilge is co-financed on the basis of 75% from my Department and 25% from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. In addition, my Department provides certain additional ringfenced funding for Foras na Gaeilge in relation to Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge and Colmcille.
While my Department will continue to provide funding for An Foras Teanga, subject to the normal budgetary processes, I should point out that the Public Expenditure/Finance Departments in both jurisdictions have already agreed that minimum efficiency savings of 4% must be achieved by all North South Implementation Bodies in 2015.
1747. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in relation to the commitment that €10 million from the awarding of the national lottery licence is available for the development of a large scale multifunctional events centre in Cork; if this funding is still available; when the funding must be drawn down; if she is aware of the importance of this project to Cork and the southern region; if she will provide every opportunity for the funding to remain in place notwithstanding any delays that have occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34720/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a grant of €10 million to Cork City Council was approved in 2013 to assist in the provision of a Multifunctional Events Centre in Cork City. It was decided that the grant would be channelled through my Department. It is envisaged that the Events Centre will be capable of accommodating some 6,000 persons and cater for a range of events, including concerts, festivals, family entertainments, cultural, sports, exhibitions, conferences and trade shows. This is a public private partnership with Cork City Council leading the project. I am advised that a competitive dialogue procedure was adopted in order to engage with suitable candidates to identify and define the means best suited to satisfying the Council's needs. The Council appointed Pricewaterhouse Coopers to run the competitive process. The final phase of the tender process commenced on 21 June 2014 and was recently completed. I understand that the Council is seeking legal advice in the matter and will revert to my Department in due course.
While I will continue to keep developments in relation to this project under review, the Deputy will appreciate that the issue of allocating funding to the project in 2015 is one that will fall to be addressed in the context of the Estimates and Budgetary processes that are now under way.
1748. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ,further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 30 April 2014, if she will provide an update on the reopening of the Royal Canal towpath from Jones Road to Drumcondra Road which has been closed for nearly 12 months due to flooding damage; if the timeline for works to be completed by Waterways Ireland is still prior to early autumn 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32986/14]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that responses to a request for tenders for works to repair the towpath from Jones Road to Drumcondra Road are currently being assessed. It is anticipated that the contract for the works will be awarded later this month, subject to resolution of any issues which might potentially arise in the "stand-still period" to be observed prior to the formal award of the contract. The estimated contract period for the works is eight weeks.
1749. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will outline the progress of the following sites on the tentative list of sites which Ireland intends to consider for nomination to the World Heritage List: the Burren, early medieval monastic sites at Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Inis Cealtra, Kells and Monasterboice and the Western Stone Forts; if she will outline progress made in advancing their nomination to the World Heritage List since 2010; if their nomination to the World Heritage List is still envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33016/14]
View answerFollowing a public consultation process and consideration by an expert advisory group, a new World Heritage List Tentative List for Ireland was approved and submitted to UNESCO in March 2010 containing the following sites:
- The Burren;
- The Céide Fields and the North West Mayo Boglands;
- The Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its Cultural Landscape;
- The Historic City of Dublin;
- Early Medieval Monastic Sites (including Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Inis Cealtra, Kells and Monasterboice);
- The Royal Sites of Ireland (Cashel, Dún Ailinne, Hill of Uisneach, Rathcroghan Complex, Tara Complex and, potentially, Eamhain Macha in Co. Armagh); and
- The Western Stone Forts.
The nomination of a property to the World Heritage List is a significant undertaking that requires the development of comprehensive nomination documentation, including a management plan for the property. Following submission of a nomination to UNESCO, it is evaluated by three advisory bodies:
- the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS);
- the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); and
- the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property(ICCROM).
Once the site has been evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision regarding the site’s inclusion on the World Heritage List.
My Department’s policy, which mirrors that of UNESCO, is that nominations for world heritage status must be driven in the first instance by local authorities and communities. Against that background, my Department hosted a seminar in September 2013 for local authorities and community representatives from the areas of the sites on Ireland’s current Tentative List to gauge the level of interest in the potential nominations and to clarify the significant research and other requirements involved in preparing nomination documentation.
Discussions have subsequently taken place in relation to all the sites on the Tentative List. Progress has been most marked in relation to the proposed nominations of the Burren and the Royal Sites of Ireland where it would appear that there is sufficient support at this stage for undertaking the nomination process. My Department will work with stakeholders to consider the next steps in these cases and will also work with representatives of other Tentative List sites where there is an interest in pursuing the nomination process.
1750. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 425 to 428, inclusive, of 15 July 2014, when agreeing to the erection of a replacement fence around the perimeter of the Drumanagh promontory fort and for works to improve the pasture of the site, if she took into account the fact that the consent will effectively severely restrict and curtail the coastal walk between Rush and Loughshinny, County Dublin, that has been enjoyed by thousands every week for decades, curtailing the appreciation and enjoyment of the deep history and heritage of the area for this and future generations. [33097/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question Nos. 425, 426 and 428 on 15 July 2014.
My primary role, as Minister, under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 is the protection of Ireland’s archaeological heritage. Ministerial consent is required under the Acts for any works within, around or in proximity to a national monument. It was in that context that the consent was given to the landowner for the replacement of the perimeter fence at Drumanagh Promontory Fort. The consent application was founded on facilitating agricultural use of the site by the landowner and protecting it from alleged incidences of anti-social behaviour, including use of motorcycles on the vulnerable earthen ramparts of the national monument as well as fires being set in and around the Martello Tower.
Any question of public access to the site is a matter for the landowner involved. I understand, however, that discussions on this issue have been taking place between the landowner and Fingal County Council.
1751. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider the establishment of a national holiday on an annual basis to commemorate the Easter Rising of 1916 by designating Easter Monday or 24 April as Ireland’s independence day. [33179/14]
View answer1764. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Rising; the number of events planned for 2016 and a calendar of same; the level of public involvement in the preparations to date and in the events that are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34147/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos 1751 and 1764 together.
At the Deputies will be aware, an inclusive and detailed programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is being developed with a view to having a draft programme available in the autumn, which would be subject to consultation before finalisation.
Through consultation with the Oireachtas All-Party Working Group on Commemorations and the Advisory Group on Commemorations, I will be seeking to prioritise ideas that are of educational and historical value, especially those which provide a lasting legacy, and are appropriate in tone, balance and scale to the events being commemorated. The issue of involvement at community and local authority level will also be a priority for me. As ever, I am interested in receiving any ideas in this regard from Members of this House.
With regard to the designation of Easter Monday 2016, as referred to, aspects of this proposal have been considered by the All-Party Working Group on Commemorations, which agreed that it would need further development before it merited consideration by Government. The Group also suggested that a once-off national holiday marking the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016 would be worthy of serious consideration. Any such proposals will ultimately be a matter for consideration by the Government in the context of approving a draft programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising, as referred to above.
As has been mentioned previously, a number of flagship capital projects have been identified as priorities for completion by Easter 2016. These include the development of a suitable permanent facility for the military service pensions archive, the renovation of Kilmainham courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol, the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO, the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc, as well as the renovation of Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum. These initiatives are moving ahead.
1752. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33198/14]
View answerThe number of staff who ceased employment in my Department, or are expected to cease their employment, during the periods in question and the associated annual savings are summarised in the table below.
|
Period |
No of Staff Ceasing employment |
Associated annual salary saving €000's |
|
2013 Jul - Dec |
8 |
365 |
|
2014 |
9 |
629 |
|
2015* |
11 |
553 |
|
2016* |
8 |
350 |
*estimated
1753. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33215/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is subject to the Moratorium on Public Sector recruitment. The position in relation to the employment of permanent staff by my Department during the period July 2013 to December 2014 is summarised in the following table. Ministerial appointments, annual seasonal staff or staff taken on contract are not included.
|
Period |
No. of staff recruited |
Gross annual salary cost €000's |
|
Jul 2013 –Dec 213 |
1 |
71 |
|
Jan – Aug 2014 |
2 |
102 |
|
Total |
3 |
173 |
There are no definitive proposals at present for further recruitment of permanent staff in the remainder of 2014, 2015 or 2016, but these matters are kept under constant review in light of evolving business needs.
For the sake of completeness, I should add that the position of Director of the National Archives has been advertised by the Public Appointment Service and it is expected that a new Director will be appointed before the end of this year.
1754. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33251/14]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including funding decisions. In 2014, the Arts Council received an allocation of almost €57 million. Details of all funding provided by the Arts Council to arts practitioners, arts groups and venues, including arts centres, are available on the Council's website at www.artscouncil.ie. With regard to my own Department, the position is that there is no scheme available at present from which the project referred to by the Deputy could be funded and it is not anticipated that my Department will be in a position to offer financial support to any new major capital project in 2014.
