Thursday, 30 Apr 2015

Written Answers Nos. 1 - 30

Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge

Questions (5)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

5. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta chun a fhiafraí den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí tuairisc maidir leis an gcóiríocht atá in úsáid ag na coláistí samhraidh ar fad a fhaigheann tacaíocht ón Roinn; cad iad na socruithe atá á ndéanamh chun go sásóidh na foirgnimh ar fad na caighdeáin chuí agus, i gcás nach amhlaidh, cén tionchar a bheidh ag an méid sin ar líon na ndaltaí ar féidir leo freastal orthu nó cén socrú a chuirfear i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16963/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Tá riarachán na gcoláistí Gaeilge faoi chúram mo Roinne ó 2010 i leith agus tá mo Roinn freagrach as polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chur i bhfeidhm a chinnteoidh ardchaighdeáin sa chóras ina iomláine. Déantar é seo i gcomhar leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna.

Tá sé fíor-thábhachtach go rachfaí i ngleic leis na dúshláin a bhaineann le Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge go bliantúil, go háirithe mar a bhaineann sé le sábháilteacht na bhfoghlaimeoirí fad a bhíonn siad sa Ghaeltacht. Sa chomhthéacs seo, ní mór do choistí stiúrtha na gcoláistí aird a thabhairt ar na moltaí i leith na cóiríochta a dhéanann oifigigh de chuid mo Roinne agus/nó cigirí de chuid na Roinne Oideachais agus Scileanna agus na moltaí sin a chur i bhfeidhm. Mura bhfuil mo Roinn sásta leis an chóiríocht ar fad atá curtha ar fáil do na foghlaimeoirí, is féidir nach dtabharfar aitheantas do chúrsaí sna coláistí Gaeilge go dtí go bhfuil mo Roinn lánsásta go bhfuil an chóiríocht oiriúnach.

Bhí 52 coláiste Gaeilge, a raibh aitheantas mo Roinne acu faoin scéim, ag feidhmiú in 2014. Ag deireadh na bliana sin, iarradh ar na coláistí sin eolas a chur ar fáil faoi na hionaid a bheadh in úsáid acu do chúrsaí 2015. Ó thús na bliana seo, tá cuairteanna tugtha ag innealtóir mo Roinne ar gach coláiste faoin scéim. Cé go bhfuil ceisteanna ann faoi roinnt bheag ionaid, meastar gur féidir a bhformhór a réiteach. Bhí an cur chuige seo aontaithe ag mo Roinn le Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS) roimh ré.

Sa chás go bhfuil oibreacha riachtanacha le déanamh ar ionaid atá in úsáid ag aon choláiste le cinntiú go bhfuil sé sábháilte, is féidir iarratas ar chúnamh a dhéanamh chuig mo Roinn faoin Scéim Áiseanna Pobail agus Teanga chun na hoibreacha sin a chur i gcrích. Sa chás go meastar go bhfuil ionad neamhoiriúnach ar fad in úsáid ag coláiste Gaeilge, déanfaidh mo Roinn gach iarracht teacht ar shocrú eile leis an choláiste, más féidir.

Tá mé dóchasach go mbeidh aon oibreacha riachtanacha déanta roimh thús na gcúrsaí in 2015 agus dá bhrí sin, go mbeidh mo Roinn ábalta na hionaid a bhí in úsáid ag na coláistí Gaeilge anuraidh a cheadú arís i mbliana. Mar thoradh ar an chur chuige seo, tá súil agam nach mbeidh aon srian curtha ar líon na scoláirí a bheidh in ann freastal ar na coláistí Gaeilge i mbliana.

Questions Nos. 6 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.

National Parks Projects

Questions (12)

Tom Fleming

Question:

12. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will urgently appoint the appropriate staff to the national park, Killarney, County Kerry, and to the added new facility of Killarney House and Gardens for the summer tourism season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16746/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Staffing requirements for both Killarney National Park and Killarney House remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department’s overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015. The final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works at Killarney House is currently ongoing and, accordingly, the nature and extent of posts required, including their budgetary implications, have yet to be finally determined. I can confirm, however, that funding has been made available to appoint a horticultural assistant to assist with landscape works to the grounds and ornamental gardens of Killarney House.

My Department has recently secured approval for the recruitment of additional seasonal staff in Muckross for the 2015 season. As part of this, a new centrally located information kiosk adjacent to the main arrival point at Muckross will be established. This will enhance the visitor experience as it will provide visitors, at the very outset of their visit to the site, with valuable information on the variety of locations to visit – Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, Walled Garden Centre, Traditional Farms, nature trails, and so forth.

National Monuments

Questions (13)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

13. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the Moore Street area, Dublin 1, in the wake of her announcement of 31 March 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16824/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As I outlined in my replies to today’s Priority Questions No 1 and 2, my primary function in this case arises from the Preservation Order that was placed on Nos. 14 - 17 Moore Street under the National Monuments Acts in 2007 in order to protect No. 16 as the site of the final council of war and final headquarters of the Leaders of the 1916 Rising. The area surrounding the Moore Street national monument is largely in private ownership, is not covered by the provisions of the National Monuments Acts and is the subject of a grant of full planning permission by An Bord Pleanála. Dublin City Council has statutory responsibility under the Planning and Development Acts for all planning and development matters in the area.

With regard to the national monument itself, the position is that that the Preservation Order requires the consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to be obtained for any works affecting the monument buildings. After extensive deliberations, Ministerial consent was given to the owners in April 2014 for the creation of a 1916 Commemorative Centre in the monument buildings, involving the full repair and restoration of the structures, both internally and externally.

Proposals that subsequently went before Dublin City Council late last year would have allowed the exchange of two modern 1990s buildings at Nos. 24 and 25 Moore Street, currently used as a cleansing depot, in return for full ownership of Nos. 14 - 17 being transferred to the City Council. The transfer would have been accompanied by NAMA funding to cover the full cost of the restoration project and the proposed commemorative centre. I was disappointed that Dublin City Councillors rejected these plans, which I believe provided a real opportunity to have the restoration work completed and the commemorative centre open in time for the centenary of the Rising in 2016.

However, in order to ensure the long-term future of the national monument, I have secured the approval of the Government for it to be acquired by the State. This will bring the national monument into public ownership and secure its long-term future. It will also facilitate the safeguarding and restoration of the buildings, and the development of the proposed 1916 Commemorative Centre to be run as a public facility.

My own Department and the other parties involved are working to bring these matters forward as speedily as possible and I will be reverting to Government in the coming weeks with final proposals in this regard.

Deer Hunting

Questions (14)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

14. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 727 of 31 March 2015, if she will provide details of the official responsible for supervising the release and recapture of the stag, whose sole purpose is to set the scent for the hounds to follow; if she has any proof or reports from Department officials that this is being adhered to or if she is simply relying on the word of the hunting group which has been seen, as pointed out in my previous parliamentary question, to be flaunting legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16769/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 makes it an offence to hunt deer with two or more dogs. It is understood that, since the enactment of the legislation, the hunt in question has operated a “drag hunt” in order to comply with the legislation. This form of hunting involves the release of a deer to set a scent over a course. Following the recapture of the deer, the hounds and horses follow the scent. As this practice is not considered to be hunting, as defined in the Wildlife Acts, officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department have not monitored the release and recapture of the deer in these situations but did, however, attend a meeting of the drag hunt earlier this year.

My officials have also met with representatives of the hunt in question on a number of occasions on foot of complaints that there have been breaches of the 2010 legislation. Both the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating those alleged breaches and, if there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations, prosecutions will be brought under the Wildlife Acts.

Special Protection Areas Designation

Questions (15)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

15. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the engagement that her Department has had with landowners of designated lands for the protection of habitat for the hen harrier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16722/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

An Inter-Departmental Steering Group is working on a Threat Response Plan, which is intended to improve the prospects for the Hen Harrier, while bringing clarity to wider issues of concern for landowners and farmers. The Group will examine all of the issues at hand, including forestry consents, planning permissions for wind farms and financial supports for farmers, with a view to determining the appropriate course of further action. The Threat Response Plan will be key in ensuring the long-term conservation of the Hen Harrier.

As part of this process, I have established a wider Consultative Committee which includes representation from the sectors likely to be affected by the outcomes of the Plan, including farming, forestry and wind energy, as well as non-governmental organisations. Through the Consultative Committee, the views of those affected will be sought and incorporated into the work of the Steering Group. The first joint meeting of the Committee and the Inter-Departmental Steering Group was convened last month and I understand that there was a constructive exchange of ideas at this meeting. While I am anxious that progress is made on the development of the Threat Response Plan, the parties are being afforded some time to consider the first Sectoral Report (Forestry) in advance of the next meeting in May. It is also expected that the second Sectoral Report (Agriculture) will be provided for consideration in advance of the meeting.

Wild Fires

Questions (16)

Seán Kyne

Question:

16. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the damage to protected European and national sites by this year's fires; and her views that changes need to be made to allow for more controlled burning during the year, to lessen the chances of large scale fires. [16823/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Some 14 per cent of the terrestrial area of the State is designated and this includes many extensive and inaccessible areas. Most land in special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas is in private ownership. My Department also manages a property portfolio in respect of national parks and reserves of approximately 79,000 hectares.

Recent weather conditions resulted in circumstances that made fires more likely to spread when they occurred. Because of the remote locations of much of the designated lands and the sporadic occurrence and dynamic nature of recent fires, it is difficult to accurately quantify the damage that has been caused to these protected habitats.

Officials from my Department work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Garda Síochána, as appropriate, to investigate the causes of wild fires, such as those which have recently affected a number of designated sites and Killarney National Park. Where evidence is forthcoming, appropriate enforcement under the Wildlife Acts or other legislation is pursued. My Department has taken 11 successful prosecutions in recent years relating to individuals for breaches of section 40 of the Wildlife Acts for the burning of gorse and vegetation. Fines were imposed in all cases, ranging from €50 to €600. In some cases, the defendants were also ordered by the Court to pay legal costs and expenses. Members of An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers to prosecute breaches of the Wildlife Acts.

Under section 40 of the Acts, burning of vegetation on uncultivated land is prohibited without exception from 1 March to 31 August primarily as a means to protect nesting and breeding birds and prevent forest fires. I have established a Working Group to consider all submissions received during a recent consultation process in relation to the operation of section 40 and to report back to me with a range of proposals. Any changes to the closed period as provided for under section 40 would require amending legislation.

Irish Language

Questions (17)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

17. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the lifting of the derogation for Irish to be recognised as an official language in the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16590/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Irish language was given full official and working language status in the EU from 1 January 2007 under Regulation 920/2005. The Regulation included a partial derogation to be reviewed every five years with the first period lasting until 31 December 2011. Following a review, the partial derogation was extended for a second period until 31 December 2016 under Regulation 1257/2010. Under the terms of the derogation in place since 2007, only legislation adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure (formerly the co-decision procedure) must be translated into Irish.

In order to achieve the required timelines, a decision is required by Government in 2015 on the optimal approach to the derogation, following which the Council of the European Union will review its operation. A unanimous decision by Council is required before the end of 2015 on whether to extend, amend or end the derogation. The action agreed by Council would then be implemented from 1 January 2017.

Officials from my Department and the Department of An Taoiseach have been actively engaging with the EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders for some time in order to formulate the optimal approach to the derogation. In this context, the legislative and non-legislative services which are currently provided through Irish and the potential to expand these services are under consideration. Preparatory work on a draft Regulation is underway in advance of a draft memorandum being brought to Government.

In logistical and reputational terms, it is important to note that the approach adopted by Ireland in relation to the derogation is seen to be a balanced and rational response that will have regard to prevailing circumstances and challenges, particularly in relation to issues such as the timely recruitment of the requisite personnel and the actual usage of Irish in the EU institutions.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Data

Questions (18)

Denis Naughten

Question:

18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of bogs where full relocation has been completed in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16750/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

3,076 applications for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation have been received and acknowledged by my Department. Of these, 768 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs.

Relocation is a 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.

Notwithstanding the complexity involved, progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs is being achieved in a number of cases and arrangements have been made as regards:

- Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly, where 25 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on Killeranny Bog; and

- Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on the Islands Bog and Killasolan Bog.

A further 7 qualifying turf cutters from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog are being accommodated at Cloonabricka Bog in County Galway where turf cutting is scheduled to commence next year.

Works have been undertaken on Lemanaghan Bog in County Offaly with a view to facilitating 12 qualifying turf cutters from Moyclare Bog special area of conservation. Progress has been made to relocate a small number of individual turf cutters to bog plots in County Westmeath and County Galway.

Potential relocation sites have been identified for each of the remaining raised bog special areas of conservation where relocation may be required. When relocation sites have been assessed as suitable, my Department has been seeking expressions of interest from turf cutters with a view to them moving to these sites.

For a number of these special area of conservation sites, the relocation site identified may not be suitable or may not have the capacity to cater for the number of turf cutters who may wish to relocate there. In such cases, and in the context of the finalisation of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, my Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation and the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive. Under article 6.3 of the Directive, consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation where it can be shown that such cutting will not have an adverse effect on the site. Under article 6.4 of the Directive, consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

Given the clear scientific evidence of the negative impact of turf extraction on raised bogs, it will only be possible to utilise the provisions of article 6.3 in a small number of cases. Similarly, the flexibility provided for under article 6.4, if required, will only be applicable to a small number of sites.

National Monuments

Questions (19)

Mick Wallace

Question:

19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on Duncannon Fort in County Wexford as an important feature in Duncannon's own cultural heritage; the role her Department plays in preserving and promoting Duncannon Fort, along with its museums and art gallery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16802/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Duncannon Fort is a monument of major historical importance, not alone for Duncannon itself and County Wexford but for the whole country.

While part of the site is in my guardianship under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, it is owned in its entirety by Wexford County Council. The Council operates the sites as a visitor attraction through a body called The Duncannon Trust, which is based at the site and offers tours and organizes a range of events. In accordance with arrangements in regard to all national monuments of which I am guardian, the Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of that part of the site in my guardianship. However, the Office of Public Works has no involvement in relation to the provision of visitor or other services at Duncannon Fort.

I understand that Wexford County Council recently drew the attention of the Office of Public Works to a number of monument maintenance and safety issues on the visitor routes at the site and asked for remediation works to be done. This work is now finished.

Wexford County Council also has a Community Employment Scheme based at the site, within buildings that are part of the area in my guardianship. The function of the Office of Public Works in regard to those buildings is, as I have already outlined, to maintain them in accordance with statutory requirements under the National Monuments Acts. As the fabric in the buildings is in relatively good structural condition, I am satisfied that the maintenance obligations of the Office of Public Works in respect of those buildings are fulfilled. However, the buildings are, in the view of the Office of Public Works, unfit for use as a base for the Community Employment Scheme. I understand that a recent independent assessment for the Office of Public Works identified risks arising from the electrical system. The Office of Public Works has therefore had to advise the owner - Wexford County Council - of this and has disconnected the electrical supply. The question of doing work to the buildings to make it suitable for Community Employment Scheme purposes is a matter for the Council, which has been advised accordingly by the Office of Public Works.

Apart from my role as guardian of part of the site, and the resulting maintenance function of the Office of Public Works as outlined above, I have no function in relation to any of the activities on the site or the matters referred to in the Deputy’s Question.

Wildlife Protection

Questions (20)

Clare Daly

Question:

20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of reports that the hare is extinct on Dublin Bay's North Bull Island; the action she proposes to take in relation to this important part of our wildlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16747/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Bull Island is monitored regularly by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Despite these efforts and those of local landowners, the hare population there has remained at very low levels for the past 20 years.

A 1995 estimate put the population at 15-20 animals. Since then there has been some declines, as well as introductions during the 1990s. One current estimate of the population put the number as low as 6, with another estimate at 10-15. Such low numbers are believed to be attributable to a number of potential pressures, particularly disturbance by dogs. I understand that the main landowner, Dublin City Council, is working proactively to raise awareness and address management issues.

While it is a matter for the landowners on the island to consider if they wish to translocate hares there, such a proposal would require a license from my Department under the Wildlife Acts and, in that regard, it would be important that conditions on the island would be suitable for a reintroduction programme.

National Biodiversity Plan

Questions (21)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

21. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the mid-term review of the national biodiversity plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16827/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Ireland’s 2nd National Biodiversity Plan, entitled Actions For Biodiversity 2011-2016, was approved by Government and published in 2011. Its broad objectives are to mainstream biodiversity into decision-making; to improve the biodiversity knowledge base; to increase awareness; to conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in protected areas, in the wider countryside and the marine environment; and to strengthen the effectiveness of international protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

My Department is very close to finalising the mid-term review of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, which was undertaken throughout 2014. The review has found that, of the 102 Actions in the Plan, 24 are implemented, 67 are on-going and, for 11, substantial further action is required. It should be noted that 40 of the 102 actions are of an on-going or open-ended nature.

The final text of the review will be agreed in the coming weeks and the report will be published soon after that.

Seirbhísí Eitilte

Questions (22)

Seán Kyne

Question:

22. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí sásta an conradh maidir le Seirbhís Aeir d'Oileáin Árann a tharraingt siar mar gheall ar an imní atá ar mhuintir Árann maidir le sonraí an chonartha. [16833/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I gcomhréir le Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh, rinneadh athbhreithniú anuraidh ar riachtanas na seirbhíse aeir. Cuireadh tuarascáil chuimsitheach faoi bhráid mo Roinne a chlúdaigh an tréimhse ó 2003 go 2013. Rinneadh measúnú sa tuarascáil ar leibhéal agus ar threocht na gcostas don tseirbhís aeir agus ar an chomhréireacht idir an oibleagáid seirbhíse poiblí agus riachtanais forbartha eacnamaíochta an réigiúin.

I measc nithe eile, léiríodh sa tuarascáil go raibh caiteachas bliantúil mo Roinne ar an tseirbhís aeir tar éis méadú faoi 136% le linn na tréimhse athbhreithnithe ó €800,000 in 2003 go €1.9 milliún in 2013, cé gur fhan líon na bpaisinéirí mórán mar a chéile le linn na tréimhse ag thart ar 40,000 paisinéir in aghaidh na bliana. Dá bhrí sin, dúradh sa tuarascáil go raibh sé riachtanach breathnú ar roghanna éagsúla chun luach ar airgead níos fearr a fháil don Státchiste. Is sa chomhthéacs sin a d'ullmhaigh mo Roinn, i gcomhar leis an Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais, an t-iarratas ar thairiscintí a foilsíodh le déanaí don tréimhse ón 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2015 go 30 Meán Fómhair 2019.

Mar atá i gceist faoin chonradh reatha, tá bunleibhéal seirbhíse iarrtha don chonradh nua. Faoin iarratas ar thairiscintí, tá íosleibhéal seirbhíse in aghaidh na seachtaine i gceist, is é sin dhá eitilt fillte in aghaidh an lae, seacht lá na seachtaine, móide seirbhís iompair bóthair chun freastal ar na heitiltí sin. Mar atá i gceist faoin chonradh reatha, ní bheidh bac ar an chuideachta ar a mbronnfar an conradh níos mó seirbhísí ná an t-íosleibhéal sin a chur ar fáil.

Faoi Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh, caithfear an t-iarratas ar thairiscintí a fhoilsiú ar a laghad 6 mhí roimh thús an chonartha úir. Sa chomhthéacs go dtiocfaidh deireadh leis an tseirbhís reatha ar an 30 Meán Fómhair 2015, tá sé beartaithe ag mo Roinn leanúint ar aghaidh leis an iarratas ar thairiscintí atá foilsithe. Tá spriocdháta den 8 Meitheamh 2015 ag tairgeoirí seirbhísí aeir chun tairiscintí a dhéanamh.

National Library

Questions (23)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

23. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports her Department is making available to the National Library of Ireland in its impending task of placing the entire collection of church records online; the estimated timeframe for this project; the staff resources which will be involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16821/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is a statutorily independent body. While my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution are responsible for all operational matters and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such day-to-day matters. It is the responsibility of the management and the board of each institution to determine the spending priorities for their individual institutions, based on the resources available to them.

I understand that to date the cost of the digitisation of the Church Records and the staffing required to undertake the project has been met from within the existing resources of the National Library. The Board of the NLI inform me that they plan to launch the new website containing the images of the Church Records during the Summer of 2015.

Offshore Islands

Questions (24)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

24. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the range of current supports available to help keep island communities sustainable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16737/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

It is a core policy of my Department to support the sustainable development of the offshore islands. My Department is the principal Department charged with island development, which it undertakes by supporting island infrastructure and by subsidising transport services for the inhabited offshore islands. These comprise passenger and cargo ferry services with a connecting bus service, where necessary, in addition to an air service for the Aran Islands.

A current allocation of €5.9m has been provided to my Department for transport services for the inhabited offshore islands in 2015. A capital allocation of €0.644m has also been provided to my Department for island infrastructure expenditure in 2015. I might also mention that, since 1997, my Department has approved expenditure in the region of €120m on island infrastructure. As a result, island life has improved considerably and populations on many offshore islands have stabilised or increased.

In addition, my Department is the lead partner in relation to the Aran LIFE project, which is being core funded by the EU under the LIFE programme and which is aimed at generating more sustainable farming practices on the Aran Islands. The project, which has a net value of €2.6m, commenced in 2014 and will run for four years.

Architectural Heritage

Questions (25)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

25. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the Government’s request that Dublin City Council protect the buildings on Moore Street, Dublin 1, built after the 1916 Rising, by adding them to the Record of Protected Structures. [16837/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Under the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to maintain a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and to include in that record every structure which is, in the opinion of the planning authority, of such interest within its functional area.

Section 53(1) of the 2000 Act enables the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its RPS. Ministerial recommendations are generally based on National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) surveys undertaken by my Department of the post-1700 built heritage of the country. Such a survey for the Dublin 1 area was carried out by the NIAH in 2011 and in 2012, on foot of which it was subsequently recommended that 1,680 structures be included on the RPS for Dublin City, of which 494 are additional to the existing RPS for Dublin City.

With regard to Moore Street, the recommendations included:

- the National Monument at Nos. 14, 15, 16 and 17, which are mid eighteen-century buildings associated with the 1916 Rising and on the existing RPS for Dublin City;

- No. 59 Moore Street, which is dated to circa 1900; and

- Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 55, 59, 60-61 and 62 Moore Street, which were built post-1916.

While planning authorities must have regard to Ministerial recommendations under the NIAH, the making of an addition to, or deletion from, an RPS is a final decision for, and a reserved function of, the relevant planning authority.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Questions (26)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

26. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with 17 years of attempting to implement the habitats directive having resulted in only partial relocation of domestic turf cutters from two of the 53 so-called special areas of conservation raised bogs, if her views that efforts to resolve the problems imposed upon domestic turf cutters by the Government's designation of these raised bogs have been half hearted and lacklustre at best, despite the fact that a template document proposing the basis for a solution was presented to the Government and the European Commission by the Turf Cutters and Contractors' Association in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16848/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Since this Government has come into office, huge efforts have been made to resolve the issue of the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the EU Habitats Directive. This has included much engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission. A long term compensation scheme was introduced to compensate cutters for their loss.

The draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan was published in January 2014. It sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed into the future and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed. The draft Plan sets out the demanding tests which must be met before turf cutting could be consented to within the provisions of the Habitats Directive. The final Plan will clarify whether the relevant provisions of the Directive could be applicable for any particular special area of conservation and will seek to establish whether sufficient consensus can be achieved at a national level to make a successful case to the European Commission for flexibility in accordance with article 6.4 of the Directive.

Work is on-going with stakeholders with a view to the finalisation of the National Plan.

This National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan responds to the central recommendation of Mr. Justice Quirke arising out of the 2012 Peatlands Forum.

Notwithstanding the complexity involved, progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs is being achieved in a number of cases and arrangements have been made as regards:

- Clara Bog special area of conservation in County Offaly, where 25 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on Killeranny Bog; and

- Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in County Galway, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on the Islands Bog and Killasolan Bog.

A further 7 qualifying turf cutters from Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog are being accommodated at Cloonabricka Bog in County Galway where turf cutting is scheduled to commence next year.

Works have been undertaken on Lemanaghan Bog in County Offaly with a view to facilitating 12 qualifying turf cutters from Moyclare Bog special area of conservation. Progress has been made to relocate a small number of individual turf cutters to bog plots in County Westmeath and County Galway.

Potential relocation sites have been identified for each of the remaining raised bog special areas of conservation where relocation may be required. When relocation sites have been assessed as suitable, my Department has been seeking expressions of interest from turf cutters with a view to them moving to these sites.

For a number of these special area of conservation sites, the relocation site identified may not be suitable or may not have the capacity to cater for the number of turf cutters who may wish to relocate there. In such cases, and in the context of the finalisation of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, my Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation and the provisions of the Habitats Directive.

This is a very complex issue with each site having its own challenges. Final resolution will only be brought by everyone working together - within the law - with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established with the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.

Deer Hunting

Questions (27)

Clare Daly

Question:

27. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to breaches of the stag hunting ban; and her plans to amend the existing legislation. [16748/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy to my reply to today’s Question No 14.

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 makes it an offence to hunt deer with two or more dogs. It is understood that since the enactment of the legislation the hunt in question have operated a “drag hunt” in order to comply with the legislation. This form of hunting involves the release of a deer to set a scent over a course. Following the recapture of the deer, the hounds and horses follow the scent. This practice is not considered to be hunting as defined in the Wildlife Acts,

My officials have also met with representatives of the hunt in question on a number of occasions on foot of complaints that there have been breaches of the 2010 legislation. Both the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating those alleged breaches and, if there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations, prosecutions will be brought under the Wildlife Acts.

I have no plans to amend the 2010 legislation in regard to these matters.

Special Protection Areas Designation

Questions (28)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

28. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met, and is working with, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on behalf of farmers whose lands are designated and who are being prevented from stock-proofing their land by replacing old and damaged fences as a result of regulations introduced by her Department and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in 2011; if she is aware that farmers have paid out sums in the region of €4,000 for the various assessments and planning permissions and still have not secured permission to stock-proof their farms; that in some instances farmers are being prevented from stock-proofing their lands adjacent to public roads, which could result in accidents causing injuries or fatalities; the plans in place to permit these farmers to immediately stock-proof their farms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16849/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I understand that under Planning and Development legislation, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, the type of fencing described is generally considered to be exempted development but that if an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment of the development is required, it would not be considered exempted.

Furthermore, regulation 31 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 sets out a process to be followed by my Department when it receives an application for consent to carry out an activity, such as fencing, within a European site (SAC or SPA). In such cases where it is believed that the activity may not be an exempted development under the Planning and Development Acts due to, for example, a requirement to undertake an appropriate assessment, or where the activity would be likely, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, to have a significant effect on a European site or NHA, my Department must refer the application to An Bord Pleanála for a determination as to whether it relates to an activity that falls to be considered under planning law. Where it is determined that the application falls to be considered under planning law, my Department is prohibited from making a decision on the application.

Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. This is a legal obligation and a number of EU Member States, including Ireland, have been subject to adverse judgements of the Court of Justice of the EU in relation to failures to fully comply with the Directives. Consent for a plan or project can only be provided after it has been ascertained that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site.

Commemorative Events

Questions (29)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

29. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to assist and provide funding to various local bodies involved in 1916 commemorative events; the degree to which her Department has received requests in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16745/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

One of the core objectives of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which was launched on 31 March, is to encourage and facilitate participation by the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible in the programme of events to commemorate this significant centenary. The Community Participation programme strand will be led by local authorities across the country and I have allocated funding of €1 million to local authorities in 2015 to support this process.

The purpose of this funding allocation is to:

- support engagement and facilitation within local communities to generate awareness of the Ireland 2016 initiative and the commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising; and

- support each local authority in developing and delivering a plan for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level in line with the national plans for Ireland 2016.

A series of public meetings is currently being undertaken in each county, at which members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community, and to explore and learn about how they can get involved. I have requested that local authorities consult widely with local interest groups and community organisations, historical societies, schools and youth organisations, other stakeholders and members of the authority in relation to the selection of initiatives and development of county plans. Each county is expected to publish their plans in October 2015.

In addition, the GAA will participate in commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising through its network of clubs across the island of Ireland. The Heritage Council will also co-ordinate an inclusive community-based Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

My Department has received almost 150 proposals and submissions to date, including a number of requests from groups in local communities across the country. I very much welcome and appreciate all submissions, proposals and ideas received. My Department’s 2016 Commemoration Project Office is currently working its way through all of the correspondence received to determine what may be achievable within the timeframe and resources available and is alerting the relevant local authorities to proposals in their own areas.

National Flag

Questions (30)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

30. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the provision of a national flag to every school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16723/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Throughout 2016, there will be ceremonies, events and programmes marking the significance of the National Flag in our historical and cultural narrative in the 100 years since the Rising.

One of the core objectives of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which was launched on 31st March, is to capture the imagination of our young people so that they may better understand the events of 1916. My Department has been working with the Department of Education and Skills, to ensure that the programme reaches every school in the country.

Key events and activities will include the following:

- there will be a presentation of the National Flag and a copy of the Proclamation by a member of the Defence Forces to every national school in the country;

- work will continue with the Thomas Meagher Foundation, which has been engaged in the provision of the National Flag to secondary schools around the country;

- a special Proclamation Day will take place in all educational institutions on 15th March 2016, which it is envisaged will include the raising of the National Flag, followed by a reading of the Proclamation; and

- an online teaching resource on the National Flag will be developed to support primary and post-primary teachers, which will be available from September 2015.