Written Answers Nos. 630-648
630. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas faighte ag a Roinn ó Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe ar dheontas chun athchóiriú agus deisiúchán a dhéanamh ar Ché an Tuairín, Béal an Daingin, Co. na Gaillimhe; an bhfuil sé i gceist aici an deontas a cheadú agus, má tá, cén uair a dhéanfar an obair ar an gcé seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [32747/15]
View answerNíl aon scéim ag mo Roinnse chun cuidiú le feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh ar chéanna sa Ghaeltacht. Sa chás atá luaite ag an Teachta, titeann an fhreagracht maidir lena cothabháil ar úinéirí na cé.
631. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the exact provisions under which she granted consent, on 7 September 2015, for the filming of scenes for the film "Star Wars" on Sceilig Mhichíl; to explain why the consent letter did not provide these details, so that the lawfulness of the consent could be considered; to provide a complete and full copy of the consent to Dáil Éireann, or, to provide a reason as to why, if this is not possible; to provide a full list of all consents, licences, permits, and authorisations issued by the Government or State agencies in respect of these works, and a copy of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32949/15]
View answer632. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide to Dáil Éireann a copy of any and all considerations by the Minister and her Department, in relation to the requirement for a section 14 consent under the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended, and the basis on which she determined that any such consent would not be required, and when any such determination was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32950/15]
View answer633. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the recent filming for the "Star Wars" picture on Sceilig Mhichíl from 7 to 18 September 2015 inclusive, if she will provide to Dáil Éireann a full and complete report in respect of the special protection area for birds protected under both the European Union (EU) birds and habitats directive and our own national regulations implementing same; if she will detail the timing of all the helicopter flights arriving and departing from the islands; if she will specify the wait-times on the helipad over this period; if she will detail all incidents with the protected bird species on or approaching the island over this period; if she will require from the National Protection Wildlife Service and all ecologists present on the islands over the period, to provide her with detailed reports on any concerns and issues encountered with the protected species or protected habitats over the period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32951/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 631 to 633, inclusive, together.
In considering the request of the film company referred to, which is the maker of one of the world’s biggest film franchises, for consent to carry out filming on Skellig Michael, I have balanced the positive benefit it will reap for the Irish film industry and the South Kerry region with the need to ensure that the island’s unique environment and wildlife is fully protected.
Stringent ecological and environmental safeguards and mitigation measures were put in place by my Department and the OPW to ensure that the site was fully protected during filming. These safeguards included an Ecological and Screening Assessment of the proposed film work, as well as stringent bio-security protocols. Specialist staff were on site at all times to supervise the filming activity and to ensure there were no negative impacts on the island, its wildlife, habitat or built heritage. A condition of the consent is that the salary costs and expenses of my Department’s staff will be met by the film company.
Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) provides that, in the case of a national monument such as Skellig Michael, Ministerial consent must be obtained for any proposals:
(a) to demolish or remove wholly or in part or to disfigure, deface, alter, or in any manner injure or interfere with any such national monument, or
(b) to excavate, dig, plough or otherwise disturb the ground within, around, or in proximity to any such national monument, or
(c) to sell for exportation or to export any such national monument or any part thereof.
The film producer’s proposals were carefully considered by my Department’s National Monuments Service in that context. This screening assessment confirmed that there would be no physical interference with the monument or with archaeological deposits and my Department was, therefore, satisfied that they fell outside the scope of the consent requirement. The National Monuments Service also gave advance notice of the filming to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre in Paris.
My decision to grant consent in this case was notified to UNESCO and the European Commission and neither body has indicated any issues with the process and its outcome. I am satisfied that this is an excellent example of how film-making can operate in harmony with environmental protection, providing that all necessary safeguards are in place, allowing us to showcase our unique cultural and heritage to a global audience.
As I stated previously, I will receive a full report on the film shoot in due course. However, the relevant experts from my Department have indicated that they are satisfied that all protocols and conditions set down in the consent were adhered to fully by the production team and that there were no issues from an ecological and habitats standpoint.
It may be noted that the consent issued in this case and other relevant documentation have been published on my Department’s website at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/heritage/heritage-publications/.
634. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that the existing staff complement can deal with the volume of work at the Irish Film Board; her plans to increase the number of staff at the Irish Film Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33091/15]
View answer635. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the length of time it takes for the Irish Film Board to pay invoices to film-makers; her views that the Irish Film Board should adhere to best business practice, by paying invoices within 30 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33092/15]
View answer636. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will confirm that the Irish Film Board has no funding remaining for the 2015 financial year to fund new film projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33093/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 634 to 636, inclusive, together.
The Irish Film Board is the statutorily independent agency responsible for the promotion and development of the Irish film industry. I have no responsibility in relation to its day-to-day operational matters. For more detailed information on the work of the Film Board, I would direct the Deputy's attention to its annual reports, which are lodged in the Oireachtas Library, and also to the publications by the Board itself on its own website.
The staffing of the Irish Film Board and other agencies under my remit are considered in the context of business needs and overall public sector payroll and policy.
My Department and bodies under its aegis, including the Irish Film Board, are obliged under prompt payment legislation to pay suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice and to publish quarterly composite returns. These are published on the agencies' websites and can be viewed on my own Department's website at the following link: http://www.ahg.gov.ie/about/finance-evaluation/procurement-and-payments/prompt-payment-reports/.
These reports show that the Film Board has a compliance rate of around 97% for payments within the 15 day timeframe.
637. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the names and addresses of all Údarás na Gaeltachta-supported companies in County Mayo. [33095/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to companies supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta in County Mayo is provided in tabular format. It should be noted that the information is in respect of companies which are currently in operation in the Mayo Gaeltacht.
|
Name |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
|
Éamonn Mac Pháidín |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Selc Éireann Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Shell E&P Ireland Ltd |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Saotharlanna Bitheolaíocha Idirnáisiúnta |
Poll an tSómais |
Co Mayo |
|
Cow Comforts Ltd |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Bioshell Teo |
Port Durlainne |
Co Mayo |
|
Lennon Quarries Ltd |
Barr na Trá |
Co Mayo |
|
Crann Iorrais Éire Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Comhar Iorrais Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Eachtraí Uisce Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Innealtóireacht Cathal Shevlin Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Milseogra & Bácús Uí Dhonnchadha Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Idoman Ltd |
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Tomás Ó Talbóid |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Óstán Western Strand (Bialann) |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Óstán Oileán Acla Teo |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Frank Brogan Spraoi Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Turasóireacht Iorrais Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Maolseachlainn Ó Gacháin |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Áitúil Acla Teo |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Atlantek Computers Ltd |
Gleann na Muaidhe |
Co Mayo |
|
Sciana Mara Teo |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Prisec Ltd |
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Tú Amú Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Antaine Mac Craith |
Poll an tSómais |
Co Mayo |
|
Pádraig Ó Maolfhabhail |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Séamus Ó Muirithe |
Port Durlainne |
Co Mayo |
|
Ionad Eachtraíochta Acla |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Déaglán Mac Pháidín |
Barr na Trá |
Co Mayo |
|
Proinsias Ó hÉilí |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Micheál Ó Maolfhabhail |
An Clochar |
Co Mayo |
|
Turasóireacht Acla Teo |
An Corrán |
Co Mayo |
|
Muisiriúin Atlantacha Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Fíor Uisce Thuar Mhic Éide Teo |
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
Co Mayo |
|
T hÍreáil an Chósta Ó Thuaidh |
Barr na Trá |
Co Mayo |
|
Ezo Teo |
Barr na Trá |
Co Mayo |
|
Táirgí Bia Nádúrtha Limited |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Siúntáil Bairéad (Maigh Eo) Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Maritime SAR Services Ltd |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Frances &Garry Togher &Todd |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
P agus P Gleann Cuileann Ltd |
Gleann na Muaidhe |
Co Mayo |
|
S.B.E. Innealtóireacht Teo |
Bun na hAbhna |
Co Mayo |
|
Iorras le Chéile Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
SEAI Údarás Fuinneamh Inmharthana na hÉireann |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Erris Glass Company |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Seirbhísí Cúram Chill Chomáín Teo |
Gleann na Muaidhe |
Co Mayo |
|
Crusa Teo |
An Corrán |
Co Mayo |
|
Clo Trádála Iorrais Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Du Sáile Teo |
Gaoth Sáile |
Co Mayo |
|
Iorras Domhnann Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
A.C.N. Táirgí Adhmaid Teo |
Béal an Mhuirthead |
Co Mayo |
|
Tumadóirí Chósta an Iarthair Teo |
Dumha Éige |
Co Mayo |
|
Clipsharp Éire |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Tóin Ré Gaoth |
Bun an Churraigh |
Co Mayo |
|
Dúlra Iorrais Teo |
Cuan Éilí |
Co Mayo |
638. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant assistance available for the restoration of an old farm house dwelling dating back to the 1800s which has significant local history attached to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33202/15]
View answerThe scope for funding for the conservation of the built heritage is currently constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. None the less, the competing priorities regarding the preservation and enhancement of the national heritage are kept under ongoing review having regard to the resources available to my Department.
In 2015, under the Structures at Risk Fund, the outcome of which was announced in May, an allocation of €624,000 was available, to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This fund which is administered through the local authorities encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The fund was open to two applications per local authority of which one application may be in respect of a privately-owned building. The amount of funding available per project was subject to a minimum level of €15,000 and a maximum level of €60,000. Since 2011, in excess of 130 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the Structures at Risk Fund. The future operation of the scheme is subject to funding being made available to my Department.
The Heritage Council administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings, called the REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grants Scheme. Grants are available to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings and associated structures, such as historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates. The Heritage Council may be able to advise about the availability of funding under the scheme. The Heritage Council's website is www.heritagecouncil.ie.
639. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the purchase of land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33236/15]
View answerThe purchase of assets of the nature referred to by the Deputy can only be considered in the context of my Department’s strategic needs, available budgets and operational priorities.
640. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made by her Department in relation to the ongoing European Union review of development restrictions in special areas of conservation and special protection areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33244/15]
View answerThe EU Commission is carrying out a Fitness Check on the EU Birds and Habitats Directives at this time. The Commission is examining progress in implementation and integration of the Directive across the Member States of the EU, the costs of implementation and of non-implementation of the legislation, and opportunities for improving implementation and reducing administrative burden (without compromising the integrity of the purpose of the directives). The review is not a review of development restrictions per se, although interested parties were able to raise such issues during the consultative phase. The Commission's State of Nature in the EU report was a central document in the process. My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were invited early this year to make submissions via a detailed questionnaire. IBEC and An Taisce were also invited to respond from Ireland to the questionnaire. All responses via the questionnaire can be accessed at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/evidence_gathering/index_en.htm.
A public Internet consultation was also held, ending in July this year. My Department's submission considered the successes and problems encountered in the implementation of the Directives. It can also be accessed on the following link:
http://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Fitness%20Check%2015%204%2015.pdf.
A conference on the Fitness Check will be held in Brussels in November, where draft results of the evaluation will be shared and discussed with Member States and key stakeholder groups. The Commission is to publish its report on the results of the Fitness Check in 2016.
641. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the annual payment for areas designated as natural heritage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33290/15]
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 a payment of €1,521 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2014) have been made to this applicant.
The qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 36 raised bog natural heritage areas – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation is to be undertaken and my Department will be in contact with the applicant when this inspection has been completed with regard to payment for the current year.
642. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the built heritage jobs leverage scheme will reopen for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33294/15]
View answer643. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of cutbacks to the buildings at risk grants and heritage management grant scheme, the provisions her Department is making to ensure that there is adequate funding for the conservation, repair and preservation of at-risk structures, buildings and other similar capital-intense projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33295/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 642 and 643 together.
In 2014 my Department was provided with a special allocation of €5 million from Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme to assist with works to safeguard structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
This scheme was administered directly through the local authorities and sought to encourage the investment of private capital in a number of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craft workers and tradespeople. My Department's allocation of €5 million leveraged a further €10 million in private funding, leading to a total of €15 million being invested in 540 historic structures across the country. Information provided by the local authorities indicates that 175 jobs were created as a result of this scheme. The operation of a similar scheme in the future would be contingent on dedicated funding being made available to my Department.
In 2015, under the Structures at Risk Fund, the outcome of which was announced in May, an allocation of €624,000 was available, to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This fund, which is administered through the local authorities, encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The fund was open to two applications per local authority, of which one application may be in respect of a privately-owned building. The amount of funding available per project was subject to a minimum level of €15,000 and a maximum level of €60,000. Since 2011, in excess of 130 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the Structures at Risk Fund.
My Department’s allocation to the Heritage Council in 2016 will be subject to the normal budgetary processes and final confirmation in the Revised Estimates to be published in due course. It will be primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports in 2016, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources.
I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that the scope for funding for the conservation of the built heritage is currently constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. None the less, the competing priorities regarding the preservation and enhancement of the national heritage are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the resources available to my Department.
644. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial and other supports her Department provides to the proposed establishment of a maritime museum in Howth, Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33301/15]
View answerThere are no formal proposals before my Department in relation to this project.
645. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sources of funding available to communities who wish to erect structures or hold events to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising; to whom in her Department applications for such funding should be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33326/15]
View answerThe aim of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is to have a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, which will run throughout 2016. In this regard, I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
The Community Participation strand of the programme is being led by local authorities across the country and I have been working closely with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, T.D., in this regard. Each local authority has appointed a steering committee and a dedicated 'Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme' co-ordinator, to support engagement and facilitation within local communities to generate awareness of the national programme; and to develop and deliver 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 in each county has taken place, at which members of the public came together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community, and to explore and learn about how they can get involved. In support of this effort, I have provided €1m, divided equally between the local authorities, to drive programme development at local level.
Each local authority has developed its own systems for inviting proposals from members of the public who are seeking funding for events relating to the centenary commemorations. Interested parties can contact the local co-ordinator in their local authorities in the first instance. Contact details can be found on the website http://www.ireland.ie/community/. The decision-making process in this instance is a matter for the local authorities involved.
Comprehensive county plans detailing the centenary commemorations to be held in each local authority area are scheduled to be released in early October.
646. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the ratification and indicative timeframe for the designation of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation intangible cultural heritage status for the game of hurling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33333/15]
View answerMy Department is currently considering the issues regarding the ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ireland must ratify the Convention before applications can be submitted to obtain recognition for those aspects of the cultural heritage for which application is made.
The Expert Advisory Committee which I established has convened and is currently examining the obligations that arise for the State on ratifying the Convention. I anticipate that it will report on these matters shortly. Following receipt of the Committee's report, it is my intention to bring the matter to Government for decision in the near future.
647. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she will take given the recent publication of the comprehensive value for money report on the Arts Council and arts funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33431/15]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council, although funded by my Department, is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and specifically in its funding decisions.
A comprehensive review of the Arts Council's activities and operation over the period 2009 to 2012 was recently published by my Department. It was undertaken by my Department’s Evaluation Unit under the guidance of an expert Steering Committee chaired by Dr. John O'Hagan, Professor of Economics at Trinity College. The review commends the Council for its response to the economic crisis by significantly reducing administration costs; overhauling its organisational structures; and developing on its RAISE initiative, which helps arts organisations to diversify funding streams.
The review also highlights the need for the Council to expand its efforts to improve transparency around its decision making; give greater consideration to addressing the issue of regional balance in accessing the arts; and to engage more with stakeholders and establish the evidence-base for the societal benefits of its work.
The Value for Money Policy Review should act as an important tool for the Arts Council to improve its hugely beneficial work in funding arts organisations across the State. It is available to download on my Department's website.
The Arts Council has recently published its new strategy Making Great Art Work which sets out its plan for leading the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade and which also reflects some of the outcomes of the Value for Money review. Further information on the strategy is available on the website of the Council at www.artscouncil.ie.
I propose to meet the Council shortly to discuss implementation of the recommendations of the Review and the Council’s new strategy.
648. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will arrange to have urgent repairs carried out to the Muckross House Demesne Road and the Reen to Ross Castle Road in Killarney in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33457/15]
View answerMy Department will keep this matter under review within the context of operational priorities for Killarney National Park and the funding resources available for the management of National Parks and Nature Reserves across the country.
