Tuesday, 29 Nov 2016

Written Answers Nos. 1 to 41

Rural Development Programme Projects

Questions (30)

Joan Burton

Question:

30. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has examined the submission her Department received from Irish Rural Link requesting that a working group be set up by her Department encompassing representatives from her Department, the Department of Finance, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association, the Irish Postmasters Union, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and the Sparkasse Savings Bank Foundation for International Co-operation to investigate the establishment of a local public banking network here as committed to in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37031/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to investigate, amongst other options, the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.

The role of my Department is to work with other Departments and stakeholders to examine the feasibility of this model. I can confirm that my officials have been provided with details of a proposal based on the Sparkassen model by Irish Rural Link, which has also presented its proposals to the Department of Finance.

Senior officials from my Department recently met with their counterparts in the Department of Finance and have agreed to develop a work programme to examine the potential of the Sparkassen model and other models of local public banking, as referenced in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

The officials will meet again in January and hope to be in a position to conclude their work around the middle of next year. As part of their work, they will engage with relevant stakeholders, as required.

Arts Council Funding

Questions (31)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

31. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by the Arts Council to support its arts and disability policy and strategy 2012 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37205/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including arts and disability, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is, of course, statutorily independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions. The significant additional funding that I secured for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017 will see an increase in the Council’s allocation next year of €5m, or 8%, and will assist it in implementing its 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work (2016-2025). The strategy contains 5 high-level values and includes a commitment to excellence, as well as respect for diversity of artistic practice, of public engagement, and of social and cultural traditions.

Rural Development Programme

Questions (32, 41)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she has identified the primary issues deemed to hinder rural development with particular reference to the need to maintain a viable rural population, thereby ensuring the future of schools, post offices and convenience shops; if she has set specific objectives to address the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37377/16]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she has identified deficiencies in various services throughout rural Ireland which appear to have contributed to rural decay; the steps she has put in place to address these issues in the short term with a view to ensuring that there is a distinct programme for rural recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37378/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 41 together.

The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a suite of commitments for delivery across Government relating to rural development. The measures detailed in the Programme include the provision of next-generation broadband, addressing the renewal of the post office network, supporting local jobseekers, and the provision of services in areas such as education, health and security. These services fall under the remit of a number of Government Departments and agencies.

I am currently finalising an Action Plan for Rural Development that will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. In developing the Action Plan, my Department conducted a consultation process with stakeholders to identify issues that are impacting on rural Ireland and to seek inputs to the Plan. The implementation of the Action Plan will contribute significantly to the protection and enhancement of local services and social inclusion in rural areas.

I intend to publish the Action Plan in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I have already introduced a number of practical measures to support rural communities, including through the roll out of initiatives such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the expansion of the REDZ initiative and the reintroduction of the CLÁR Programme. My Department is also working directly on proposals for the renewal of the post office network, as well as measures to facilitate the roll out of high speed broadband in rural areas once Government contracts are awarded next year under the National Broadband Plan.

Post Office Network

Questions (33)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the estimate by An Post that 500 post offices throughout the State are unsustainable. [37403/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

As the Deputy is aware, the post office network is operated directly by An Post, which is a commercial State body. There are 1,131 post offices nationwide, 51 of which are operated directly by An Post, with the rest being run under contract to An Post by postmasters and postmistresses.

In the course of a recent appearance before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 9th November 2016, a representative from An Post indicated that 600 post offices are required to satisfy the company’s contract with the Department of Social Protection, leaving approximately 530 offices which would not be required to deliver this, their largest, contract. These offices would not be considered sustainable by An Post.

While commercial and operational decisions are a matter for the Board of An Post, the Government would ideally like to see the maintenance of a full national network of customer-focused post offices in the community.

The postal sector is undergoing significant change both nationally and internationally, with the increased use of electronic communications leading to a 38% decline in core mail volume for An Post from its peak in 2007. In recent years, there has also been a 17% decline in Department of Social Protection payments and a 20% reduction in Billpay transactions, both of which have been key revenue lines for the post office network.

The Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the sustainability of the post office network in the changing business environment in which they are operating. This end, the Post Office Network Business Development Group, was established to examine the potential for the delivery of additional Government services through the post offices and to identify new business opportunities for the network.

Following the publication of the Group’s report in January of this year, two further Working Groups were established to progress its recommendations. These Working Groups are currently finalising their reports. In addition, my officials have been examining the potential for the post office network to deliver other services, including motor tax and financial services.

I intend to report to Government on these matters in the coming weeks.

Historical Records

Questions (34)

Bríd Smith

Question:

34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the proposed sale of a letter from Pádraig Pearse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37213/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

There exist a number of historically important original documents in the possession of the State written by Pádraig Pearse during the 1916 Rising and during his subsequent imprisonment. Following consultation with the relevant institutions under the aegis of my Department, it is a shared view that the amount being sought for this one letter – between €1m and €1.5m - was not justifiable in terms of expenditure of public monies and in the context of historical material already held.

Arts Council Membership

Questions (35)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

35. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of current vacancies on the board of the Arts Council; if she will commit to ensuring that some artists or arts practitioners will be appointed to fill the vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37396/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

In line with the provisions of the Arts Act 2003, current members of the Arts Council have extensive knowledge of the arts, both as practitioners, in the areas of writing, theatre and the visual arts, and as arts managers.

There are currently 6 vacancies on the Council. The Public Appointments Service, which operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises vacancies on State Boards, recently called for expressions of interest in these vacancies. Following an assessment of the expressions of interest received, the Public Appointments Service notifies me, as Minister, of the applicants who are qualified. This process is ongoing and will hopefully be completed in the near future.

Rural Recreation Policy

Questions (36)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

36. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for the rural recreation scheme in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37153/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The Rural Recreation Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of recreational infrastructure, which has a positive impact on attracting domestic and overseas visitors to these facilities right across the country.

In 2016, my Department provided funding to a variety of organisations who applied for funding for the development, enhancement, maintenance and promotion of recreational infrastructure projects. Funding of €7.5 million has been approved for a total of 120 projects under the 2016 scheme.

It is my intention to announce a further call for proposals under the Rural Recreation Scheme in 2017. I have secured an additional €8 million in funding for the National Rural Development Schemes under Budget 2017, to ensure that these schemes continue to have a positive impact on the economic, social and cultural development of rural Ireland. These schemes include the Rural Recreation Scheme and the CLÁR initiative and are part of the Government’s programme to support the rejuvenation of rural Ireland.

Post Office Network

Questions (37)

Catherine Martin

Question:

37. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the Minister with responsibility for the An Post network; if she has a strategy for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37393/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has overall responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post. However, under the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government, my Department has a role in supporting the sustainability of the Post Office network.

The postal sector is undergoing significant change both nationally and internationally, with the increased use of electronic communications leading to a decline in core mail volume for An Post. In recent years, there has also been a decline in Department of Social Protection payments and a reduction in Billpay transactions at post offices.

The Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the sustainability of the post office network in this changed business environment. The Post Office Network Business Development Group was established in late 2014 to examine the potential for the delivery of additional Government services through the post offices and to identify new business opportunities for the network.

The Group published its report in January of this year and, amongst its conclusions, recommended that An Post should review and amend the five-year strategy for the post office network, following appropriate consultation with postmasters and other stakeholders.

Two further Working Groups were also established this year to progress the wider recommendations of the Business Development Group. The Post Office Network Implementation Group has been examining issues such as the number and spatial distribution of Post Offices, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. The Implementation Group is nearing the conclusion of its work and its recommendations will be issued to the Board and management of An Post in the next few weeks. It will be a matter for An Post, as a commercial State company, to consider these recommendations and to bring their proposals to the appropriate Government Ministers for discussion.

Separately, I established the Post Office Hub Working Group to identify potential models under which the post offices could act as community hubs, especially in rural areas. This Group has recently concluded its deliberations and is finalising its report. In addition, my officials have also been examining the potential for the post offices to deliver other services, including motor tax and financial services.

I intend to report to Government on these matters in the coming weeks.

CLÁR Programme

Questions (38)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

38. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to run a special module under the CLÁR programme 2017 for local improvement scheme roads; if it will be a condition of this that co-funding is available from the local authorities in question; if funding will be allocated on the basis of the population in the CLÁR area in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37356/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The reopening of CLÁR this year forms part of the Government’s programme to support rural development, which has also recently seen the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a new phase of the REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zones) initiative, and funding for rural recreation infrastructure under the Rural Recreation Scheme.

The 2016 CLÁR programme will provide funding for three separate measures: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities, Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas, and Local Access Roads. I will be announcing funding for the successful projects in the coming days.

Local Authorities are required to meet 20% of the total project cost under the Playgrounds and Local Access Roads strands of the programme; the Safety Measures will be 100% funded by my Department.

I have secured an allocation of €5 million for CLÁR for 2017 as part of Budget 2017. Decisions on the particular measures to be implemented through CLÁR for 2017 and the basis for the allocation of funding will be taken in the New Year.

National Concert Hall

Questions (39)

John Lahart

Question:

39. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans in place for the development of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37394/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

An overall master plan for the redevelopment of the Earlsfort Terrace complex, including the National Concert Hall (NCH), is currently being prepared by the OPW in consultation with the NCH and my Department. These plans will consider the refurbishment and upgrading of the main auditorium, as well as the development of other performance spaces and ancillary facilities, and will assist in long-term development of the complex, subject, of course, to the availability of resources.

It should be noted that my Department has provided an allocation of €6m towards the current refurbishment programme at the NCH, which has included the complete renovation of the Kevin Barry Recital Room. This was the setting for the Treaty ratification debates of the 2nd Dáil Éireann in 1921 and has been transformed into a new recital space. It was officially opened in April last as one of the 'permanent reminder' capital projects under the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

Social Enterprise Sector

Questions (40)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

40. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason that in a recent report (details supplied) on countries with the best conditions for social enterprise Ireland ranks 43rd out of the 44 countries surveyed; and the initiatives she plans to implement to improve these conditions. [33012/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The report referred to by the Deputy outlines the results of a poll which was largely based on questions regarding the environment for social enterprises that are following a business model.

The social enterprise sector in Ireland covers a wide spectrum of activities, which are delivered by a range of organisations, from local community groups fully supported by the State to companies operating on a commercial basis for a social return. A 2013 report by Forfás indicated that there were over 1,400 social enterprises in Ireland in 2009. However, 63% of these had no traded income, while income from traded activities made up only 17% of the total income of the remaining enterprises.

A number of Government Departments currently engage with the social enterprise sector and provide supports through a range of programmes and schemes. These include

- the Community Services Programme managed by Pobal for the Department of Social Protection;

- the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme operated by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government;

- Community Employment schemes;

- the Wage Subsidy Scheme for the employment of people with disabilities;

- LEADER funding; and

- Dormant Accounts funding.

Some social enterprises also benefit from the services provided by the Local Employment Offices.

In order to develop a more co-ordinated approach to the social enterprise sector in Ireland and to maximise its potential, I intend to develop a National Policy on Social Enterprise in 2017.

Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 32.