Written Answers Nos. 538-557
538. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the specific marketing and advertising budget Fáilte Ireland allocated to developing the tourism product in counties Longford and Westmeath during the years 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19632/15]
View answer539. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the specific marketing and advertising budget Fáilte Ireland allocated to developing the tourism product in counties Dublin and Galway and in Westport in County Mayo, during the years 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19633/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 539 together.
The matter raised is an operational matter for the tourism agencies. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for the development of tourism product and the marketing and promotion of domestic tourism. Tourism Ireland is responsible for the overseas promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s question to both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
540. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans and the progress to date to facilitate a cycle route between Leixlip, County Kildare, and Mullingar, County Westmeath, inclusive of Maynooth, County Kildare, with particular reference to the obvious benefits to the local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19693/15]
View answerThe cycle route to which the Deputy is referring is part of the proposed 276km Dublin to Galway Greenway. For the purpose of progressing this work the proposed route has been broken up into two sections, the National Transport Authority (NTA) are dealing with the Dublin-Maynooth section and the National Roads Authority (NRA) are overseeing the Maynooth to Galway section.
Planning approval has been received for the 38km section between Maynooth and the Meath/Westmeath county boundary and construction can commence once funding becomes available. All Department funding for the development of greenways is fully committed up to 2016, however, I would expect that when funding becomes available that this project will be in a position, amongst many other projects, to avail of that.
A leaflet produced by the NRA which sets out the aims and benefits of this flagship project to local communities is available at the following link:
541. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to accede to the request of the taxi industry to allow branding currently applied to taxi doors to be replaced by magnetic signage, that may be removed when taxis are not in public use. [19720/15]
View answerThe regulation of the taxi industry, including signage and branding, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
542. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant in respect of a group (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19743/15]
View answerI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.
I expect to announce allocations later this year.
543. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if favourable consideration will be provided to the sports capital programme grant application by Fingal County Council for the refurbishment of Slaugh Hall, on behalf of the Swords Boxing Club and Fingallians Gaelic Athletic Association club, County Dublin, a project which the council will co-fund. [19784/15]
View answerI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.
I expect to announce allocations later this year.
544. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions being held with the European Union over the procedures to continue the derogation against the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19521/15]
View answerThe 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.
545. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 28 April 2015, if she will bring forward proposals for increased funding of existing scholarships, and the introduction of new scholarships, for Gaeltacht language courses, in order that the targets in the Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 are met. [19343/15]
View answerUnder Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (the Irish Language Learners Scheme), my Department provides grants to Gaeltacht households which accommodate students while attending Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. My Department does not provide scholarships for students to attend Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht.
There are no plans at present to increase the grants paid to Gaeltacht households under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge or to introduce a scholarship scheme for students to attend Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 28 April 2015, I am aware that scholarships are provided from time to time by various Irish language, cultural and sports organisations, as well as by several local authorities. I am also aware that some of the Irish colleges themselves offer part scholarships.
546. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason she intervened in the case of two hare coursing clubs (details supplied), and did not apply any sanctions, following alleged breaches of conditions of their licences. [19344/15]
View answerLicences were issued by my Department in August 2014, under the Wildlife Acts, to the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of their affiliated clubs to facilitate the tagging and capturing of hares for the purpose of hare coursing for the 2014/15 coursing season.
Where resources allow, officials of my Department attend coursing meetings, on a spot-check basis, to monitor compliance with conditions on the licences granted by my Department. Veterinary officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also attend some meetings on an annual basis.
The reports of officials from my Department who attended the two coursing meetings in question in September and October 2013 indicated that there was a lack of co-operation with them in the course of their duties, an issue which I take very seriously.
Following engagement with the clubs in question and the Irish Coursing Club, the body that oversees individual coursing clubs, written assurances were provided to my Department that both clubs would fully co-operate with officials of the Department at all times and that they would adhere to all licence conditions. On the basis of these assurances, I decided not to impose sanctions against the clubs on this occasion. At the same time, both clubs were issued with written warnings that any further transgressions, especially relating to lack of co-operation with officials of my Department, would result in my Department imposing future sanctions against the clubs.
Officials from my Department monitored the meetings of both clubs during the 2014/15 coursing season. The Conservation Rangers who attended the meetings reported that there was full co-operation forthcoming.
547. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service has written to landowners in the Slieve League area (details supplied) advising them to discontinue turf cutting in the area of the special area of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19445/15]
View answerSlieve League, County Donegal, is a candidate special area of conservation. Under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, certain activities within a candidate special area of conservation may not be undertaken, without my prior written consent, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
I am advised that, in March 2013, my Department wrote to 57 landowners or users in the Slieve League candidate special area of conservation informing them of the activities within or affecting the site that require my prior consent, as Minister. In May 2014, my Department wrote to a further 7 landowners or users.
The cutting of turf from intact (uncut) blanket bog areas for domestic use is one of the activities which may not be carried out within or affecting the site without my prior consent, as Minister. However, my prior consent is not required for the cutting of turf from existing blanket bog banks for domestic use.
548. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications for relocation under the turf cutting compensation scheme that have been received by her Department; the number of these that have been processed; have been successful; have been unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19499/15]
View answerSome 745 applicants under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, applicable to raised bog special areas of conservation, have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. 8 of these applicants have been informed by my Department that it has been decided that they do not fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. These applicants have been provided with the opportunity to appeal against the decisions of my Department to the Peatlands Council. 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.
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. In this regard, my Department has written to almost 300 turf cutters from 18 special area of conservation bogs seeking expressions of interest in relocation to specific sites. The Department is moving forward in the relocation process where sufficient interest has been received in relocation to particular sites.
While the various stages in the relocation process are on-going, turf cutters may avail of €1,500, index-linked, or 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.
Potential relocation sites have been identified for each of the remaining raised bog special areas of conservation where relocation may be required. 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.
549. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the intended beneficiaries of the Alfred Beit Foundation are the citizens of Ireland, and that the trust was established with the charitable objective of education in fine arts, her views regarding the risk that further sale of trust assets could be contrary to achieving the overall public benefit objective of the trust; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19524/15]
View answerThe administration of the Beit Foundation, which owns and operates Russborough House, is a matter for the trustees and my Department has no role in the matter.
550. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici cur le líon na scoláireachtaí do scoláirí ón mhórthír chun freastal ar mheánscoileanna ar na hoileáin i bhfianaise an tionchair atá ag an scéim seo ar iompar teanga na scoláirí; cén cúnamh a thugtar leis an scéim chun na scoileanna oileánda a choinneáil ar oscailt agus chun pobal inmharthana a choinneáil ar na hoileáin; an mó éileamh atá déanta ar an scéim; ós rud é go mbeidh comóradh céad bliain Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916 ar siúl in 2016 agus go raibh cur chun cinn na Gaeilge lárnach don Éirí Amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [19543/15]
View answerFaoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeóirí Gaeilge, íoctar deontas laethúil de €27 le teaghlaigh cháilithe ar oileáin Ghaeltachta chun daltaí ó cheantair lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a choinneáil ar iostas fad a bhíonn siad ag freastal ar mheánscoileanna ar na hoileáin sin. Cuidíonn an scéim le hinmharthanacht na meánscoileanna sin ar na hoileáin Ghaeltachta.
Tá scoileanna ar Árainn, Inis Meáin agus Inis Oírr i nGaillimh páirteach sa scéim agus 12 theaghlach ag cur lóistín ar fáil do na daltaí ar na hoileáin sin. Is iad na scoileanna a dhéanann earcaíocht ar na daltaí, a roghnaíonn na tithe lóistín agus a chuireann na daltaí ar iostas sna tithe lóistín. Is iad na scoileanna fosta atá freagrach as na daltaí fad a bhíonn siad ar na hoileáin.
Nuair a cuireadh tús leis an scéim seo sa bhliain 2007, d’íoc mo Roinn deontas i leith 13 dalta an bhliain sin. Tá deontas á íoc ag mo Roinn i leith 34 dalta in 2015. Dá bhrí sin, is léir go bhfuil an t-éileamh ar an scéim ag méadú i rith an ama.
Déantar athbhreithniú ar an scéim go rialta. Cuirtear nithe éagsúla san áireamh mar chuid de na hathbhreithnithe sin, lena n-áirítear an t-éileamh ó na meánscoileanna ar na hoileáin agus an tionchar a d'fhéadfadh líon iomarcach daltaí ó cheantair lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a imirt ar theanga phobal na meánscoileanna agus ar theanga phobal na n-oileán féin.
Tugtar sonraí sa tábla thíos faoin líon daltaí agus an caiteachas go dáta ó cuireadh tús leis an scéim:
|
Bliain |
Caiteachas |
Líon daltaí - Árainn |
Líon daltaí - Inis Meáin |
Líon daltaí - Inis Oírr |
Líon iomlán daltaí |
|
2007 |
€68,460 |
0 |
8 |
5 |
13 |
|
2008 |
€65,110 |
2 |
8 |
3 |
13 |
|
2009 |
€62,870 |
4 |
8 |
1 |
13 |
|
2010 |
€77,340 |
3 |
10 |
2 |
15 |
|
2011 |
€91,950 |
4 |
10 |
4 |
18 |
|
2012 |
€125,340 |
11 |
12 |
1 |
24 |
|
2013 |
€159,741 |
5 |
12 |
9 |
26 |
|
2014 |
€127,953 |
10 |
13 |
12 |
35 |
|
2015* |
€65,745 |
10 |
13 |
11 |
34 |
*Íochta go dáta
551. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the County Mayo heritage buildings and projects that were put forward by Mayo County Council for funding to her Department, under the structures at risk fund 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19643/15]
View answerThe Structures at Risk Fund 2015, with an allocation of €624,000, will enable conservation works to twenty-eight heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, throughout the country, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended. This Fund is being administered by the local authorities and was open to two applications per local authority, of which one application may be in respect of a privately-owned building. Mayo County Council submitted two applications, one of which was successful. Details of structures awarded funding are available on my Department’s website www.ahg.gov.ie. Details of the other applications may be obtained directly from the relevant local authority.
552. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she had an opportunity to consider the decision in respect of a judicial review (details supplied); the steps she will take to avoid costs that may attach to her Department, by not dealing with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19739/15]
View answerI am aware of the outcome of this Judicial Review. The content of the recent lengthy judgment of the High Court is presently being reviewed by my Department.
553. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the provision that has been made for the commemoration of the 182 persons from the Ballina area of County Mayo who served with the Allied forces, and were killed during the First World War; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19764/15]
View answer554. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the provision there are in the Government's plans for commemorative events, monuments and other tributes, at local level, to the Irish men and women who died in the First World War; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19765/15]
View answer555. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the events and activities that have been undertaken by her Department to commemorate Irish men and women who served with the Allied forces during the First World War; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19766/15]
View answer556. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of money that has been allocated and spent for the commemoration of Irish men and women who served with the Allied forces during the First World War; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19767/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 553 to 556, inclusive, together.
My Department continues to assist with and support a range of commemorative events and initiatives to remember the Irish men and women who served during World War 1. The Government has been represented at many national and international events since the centenary of the outbreak of the War in August 2014. Many of these events and activities are detailed in the www.decadeofcentenaries.com website supported by my Department.
Some highlights in 2014 included the following:
- The dedication jointly by President Higgins and the Duke of Kent of the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin Cemetery in July 2014. This was a welcome addition to the comprehensive and inclusive representation of Irish history in Glasnevin and was brought forward in partnership between Glasnevin Trust and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
- Government representation at war memorial ceremonies in Northern Ireland on Armistice Day and at the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July.
- Government representation, alongside the representatives of the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, at the annual commemorations on the Somme – a sequence of engagements which acknowledge our shared heritage.
- A National Museum of Ireland conference at Collins Barracks on 1 February 2014 on Remembering World War One in Europe, 1914-2014.
- A National Gallery of Ireland programme of events commencing on 1 March 2014 with a Study Day on War Artists, followed on 2 March 2014 by a consideration of War Poetry and Images of the First World War.
- A National Library of Ireland exhibition on World War 1, entitled World War Ireland: Exploring the Irish Experience.
With regard to 2015, my Department supported a very successful dramatisation of the Gallipoli experience, entitled PALS, which was presented at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks to popular acclaim over a 3 month period in early 2015.
On 25-26 April, a series of events related to the 100 anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign were initiated in association with the Australian Embassy and the New Zealand Ireland Association. At Glasnevin Cemetery, 8 recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC) were honoured, with participation from British, Australian and New Zealand diplomatic corps, as well as veterans of the British Legion and a descendent of one VC recipient from the Royal Munster Fusiliers. This presentation followed similar ceremonies in 2014/15 in respect of earlier VC recipients.
History Ireland has organised a “hedge school” in the National Library supported by my Department.
My Department also provided financial support to the local authorities in Cork towards the recent substantial programme of events arranged to commemorate the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania.
For more local events, my Department seeks to provide advice and guidance to local communities. Local authorities can also help with practical advice and assistance. My Department does not generally fund local memorials.
In terms of overall expenditure by my Department for activities relating to the Decade of Centenaries, including Word War 1, a sum of the order of €300,000 was provided in 2014. A budget of the order of €350,000 is envisaged in respect of 2015. These sums would include the supports from my Department for the Decade of Centenaries website at www.decadeofcentenaries.com and the Century Ireland website at www.rte.ie/centuryireland/, which deal with all aspects of the period in question.
557. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support a matter (details supplied) regarding the sale of old paintings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19810/15]
View answerMy Department has no role in relation to the sale of the artwork referred to in the Deputy’s Question, which is a matter for the trustees of the foundation that owns and operates the facility in which the artwork is housed.
