Written Answers Nos. 41-52
41. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount which has been paid to companies (details supplied) by Government Departments and-or State agencies in the past five years. [11761/17]
View answerI am informed by my Department that the amount paid to the first named party for the period concerned was €3,076,954. No payment was made to the second named party.
With respect to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, I can confirm that no payment was made to either named party.
42. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the benefits of investing in recreation infrastructure in rural counties; the way in which this will help to attract more visitors to rural areas such as counties Sligo and Leitrim; if her Department will run a rural recreation programme in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11549/17]
View answerActivity and recreational tourism is a growth sector worldwide and the range of activities, volume of participants and number of providers of recreational tourism in Ireland have all increased in recent years. The development and promotion of this sector will provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs in rural areas in particular, by facilitating businesses to leverage their local tourism assets to support activities such as canoeing, cycling, angling, surfing, and hill walking.
The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was published in January, contains a number of specific measures for delivery by a range of Departments and agencies to develop and promote activity tourism in rural areas.
For example, I will be providing funding of €7 million this year through the Rural Recreation Scheme for new recreational infrastructure and the maintenance of existing infrastructure. The scheme will be opened for applications shortly and all counties, including Sligo and Leitrim, will be invited to submit applications.
My Department will work with Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to develop and promote Blueways on the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Canal and on the Shannon navigation, with a capital investment of €6 million over the period 2017-2019.
My Department will also develop a Public Outdoor Recreation Amenities Plan, in association with a number of State agencies, to transform the provision of outdoor recreation facilities and services on public-owned land and waterways over the next five years.
I am confident that investment in the infrastructure that supports recreational activities in this growing sector will bring tangible benefits for those living in rural Ireland in terms of increased tourist numbers and job opportunities. For example, the Blueway Flagship Initiative, which was launched in June 2016, is bringing tourism to the rural areas of Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon, by connecting 22 towns and villages along the River Shannon and the Shannon-Erne Waterway, through a Blueway.
43. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she will take to bring about the transformational change and to take Ireland off the bottom of the European table in view of the fact that Ireland is still at the bottom of the European league table in terms of cultural investment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11749/17]
View answerThe Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme – Clár Éire Ildánach 2017 – 2022 on the 8 December 2016.
This is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.
The core proposition of this programme is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. The Creative Ireland Programme is the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, the draft cultural policy which I published last year and which sees a vibrant cultural ecosystem as essential to society.
The programme is based on five pillars:
- Enabling the creative potential of every child
- Enabling creativity in every community
- Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure
- Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production
- Unifying our global reputation
The Creative Ireland Programme is supported by significant additional resources which are being directed towards the arts and culture sector. In Budget 2017 I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board. The increase in the Arts Council's allocation in 2017 is €5 million, or 8%, and will assist the Council greatly in implementing its 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work (2016-2025). I also secured an increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board, representing a 14% increase in its annual budget.
Budget 2017 also includes:
- increased funding for all of the National Cultural Institutions;
- an increase of €1 million for Culture Ireland;
- an additional €1 million to the Heritage Council; and
- funding of €5m for the implementation of the Creative Ireland Programme.
I also recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for existing dedicated arts and culture centres across the country. The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. This kind of investment is at the centre of what I am trying to achieve through Creative Ireland Programme and the Action Plan for Rural Development. In this regard, I announced funding of €1m for Wexford Arts Centre.
All of this represents real and substantial funding increases across the arts and cultural area and has been welcomed across the sector. It re-affirms the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
I understand that the source of the reference quoted by the Deputy is a Council of Europe research project and that many European countries, including ten EU member states, are not included in the data. I understand also that the data is not standardised and is not comparable across countries. For example, local authority expenditure on the arts, the artists' exemption tax relief, expenditure on public service broadcasting and the Irish language are not included in the figures for Ireland but comparable figures are included in the data for some other countries.
I have previously stated that further research on this issue is warranted. The issue of a definition of culture and of capturing public expenditure on culture is an element of the draft Culture 2025 framework policy, which was sent to the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input in July 2016.
44. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department measured the impacts of allowing hedge cutting in August and the impact it may have on wildlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11365/17]
View answerSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, I announced proposals in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures is included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016. The pilot will involve observation and measurement of impacts. The Bill is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann. In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts remain in force.
45. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ós rud é gur léiríodh sa tuarascáil is déanaí ó Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, breis is bliain i ndiaidh í a chur le chéile, go bhfuil bac ar dhul chun cinn na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge de bharr easpa monatóireachta, céard a dhéanfaidh an tAire chun an Stráitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm agus a chinntiú go bhfuil maoirseacht á déanamh ar an straitéis agus go bhfuil cuspóirí beachta leagtha amach, le hamscála soiléir agus sprioc-am luaite le gach gníomh, mar atá molta sa tuarascáil; cathain a chuirfear sin i gcríoch; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11763/17]
View answerI dtús báire, mar atá ráite agam sa Seanad le déanaí, measaim gur gá a aithint gur le linn na géarchéime eacnamaíoch is measa a bhuail an Stát riamh a lainseáladh an Straitéis 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010 – 2030. Ainneoin na gcúinsí deacra ina raibh gníomhaireachtaí na Gaeilge ag feidhmiú, idir mo Roinn féin, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus na heagraíochtaí éagsúla atá á maoiniú acu, táim sásta go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta agus á dhéanamh maidir le raon leathan gníomhaíochtaí faoin Straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm de réir a chéile ar bhealach córasach laistigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil. Go deimhin, creidim go bhfuil éacht déanta leis an méid den Straitéis atá bainte amach sa chéad sé bliana dá saolré.
Sin ráite, mar is eol don Teachta, eagraíodh díospóireacht oscailte faoin Straitéis i mí na Nollag 2015. Ceapadh Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh ag an am le tuairisc maidir leis an díospóireacht oscailte agus na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha don tréimhse amach romhainn a chur i dtoll a chéile. Tá an tuairisc seo curtha faoi bhráid an Choiste Comhairligh a bunaíodh chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise. Agus tuairimí agus moltaí an Choiste a bheith faighte ina leith, tá sé i gceist go mbeidh plean gníomhaíochta don tréimhse 2017-2022, ina mbeidh spriocanna sonracha agus amscálaí ina leith, á chur i dtoll a chéile ag mo Roinn agus á fhoilsiú faoi lár na bliana seo.
46. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has made representations to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an increased subsidy to Bus Éireann and to the Minister for Social Protection for an increased contribution to cover the cost of free travel in order to safeguard rural public transport connectivity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11748/17]
View answerWhile I acknowledge the importance of public transport in support ing the connectivity of people living in rural areas, policy responsibility for public transport is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I have no function in this area.
I have not made representations to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport or to the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy.
47. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way the Action Plan for Rural Development can act as a catalyst for renewing rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11364/17]
View answerRealising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, was launched in Ballymahon, Co. Longford on the 23rd January last. The aim of the Action Plan is to progress the economic and social development of rural Ireland through a framework of supports at national and local level.
The Plan will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives right across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. The Plan contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies across five thematic Pillars, as follows:
- Supporting Sustainable Communities,
- Supporting Enterprise and Employment,
- Maximising our Rural Tourism and Recreation Potential,
- Fostering Culture and Creativity, and
- Improving Rural Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Each of the Pillars contains a series of high-level priorities or objectives which will help to rejuvenate rural areas.
The actions in this Plan are only the start of an on-going process which will be built on continuously to unlock the potential of rural Ireland and improve the lives of people who live and work in rural communities. I intend to work closely with all my colleagues in Government in a co-ordinated way to effectively and efficiently deliver on the actions in this Plan.
48. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the clearing house forum to investigate the best ideas to advance economic and social progress in rural Ireland, as provided for under the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11766/17]
View answerThe economic and social development of rural Ireland is a key priority in the Programme for a Partnership Government. In order to progress this priority, I was assigned responsibility for coordinating and prioritising the work across Government Departments which impacts on rural Ireland. The Programme for Government also committed to establishing a clearing house forum to investigate the best ideas to advance economic and social progress in rural Ireland.
In this context, I recently published the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development which acts as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives right across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. In preparing the Action Plan, my Department conducted a series of consultations with stakeholders around the country to seek ideas from people in rural Ireland on how to tackle the issues of concern to them.
The Action Plan contains over 270 actions to be implemented by a range of Government Departments, agencies and other bodies to progress the economic and social development of rural Ireland. Implementation of the Action Plan will be overseen by a Monitoring Committee which I will be establishing shortly. The Monitoring Committee will include key stakeholders, Government Departments and experts in rural development. One of the tasks for this Committee will be to ensure that the Action Plan for Rural Development stays relevant and is informed by best practice nationally and internationally. The Committee will also help to identify new actions which can be added to the Plan over its three-year lifecycle.
The Government has established a Cabinet Committee on Regional and Rural Affairs which also acts as a forum to consider ideas to support economic and social progress in rural Ireland. The Cabinet Committee meets on a regular basis and is supported by a group of senior officials from relevant Government Departments.
49. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the lack of a shortlist of priorities, as highlighted by a person (details supplied), with regard to the recently launched Action Plan for Rural Development; the details of any progress regarding the establishment of targets and performance metrics for the actions included in the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11741/17]
View answerRealising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, was launched on the 23rd January. The Action Plan contains more than 270 actions for the delivery across Government, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social progress of rural Ireland. Each action has been assigned to a lead body which will be responsible for implementation of the action within a definite timescale.
The Action Plan is built around five thematic Pillars, each of which contains a series of high-level priorities or objectives. The Plan also contains a number of high-level targets, such as supporting the creation of 135,000 jobs outside of Dublin by 2020, increasing overseas tourists to rural areas by 12%, supporting the rejuvenation of over 600 towns and villages across the country, and protecting vital local services.
Because the Plan will be delivered across a range of Government Departments and agencies, it is possible to deliver on the key priorities simultaneously. Delivery of the Plan will be overseen by a Monitoring Committee, which I will chair, and it will meet on a regular basis to identify progress and address any potential delays in the delivery of individual actions. The inaugural meeting of the Monitoring Committee will take place in the coming weeks.
To add further value to the targets and output indicators already set out in the Plan, the Monitoring Committee will also assist with the development of appropriate impact indicators to measure the social and economic impact of the Action Plan on rural communities. My Department has already conducted some initial work in this regard.
50. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps taken and grants given to provide income for artists, in view of the recent findings from a study (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11764/17]
View answerUnder the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is dedicated to supporting a vibrant community of visual artists, visual arts groups and organisations so that the public can experience the highest standard of visual arts, in urban and in rural parts of Ireland.
The strategic context for the Arts Council’s support all areas of arts practice is set out in Making Great Art Work: Arts Council Strategy (2016 –2025). This describes how the Council will lead the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade. Its strategy has five priority areas: the artist; public engagement; investment strategy; spatial and demographic planning; and developing capacity.
The Arts Council offers a number of complementary supports so that visual artists can develop their practice and create artistic work. Through its partnership with Culture Ireland and a number of Cultural Institutions, the Council supports representation of visual artists internationally. A number of schemes and initiatives have been established by the Arts Council towards the support of visual arts and full details can be accessed on the Arts Council website at the following link:
http://www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Visual-arts/Schemes-and-initatives/.
In Budget 2017, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council of €5m, or 8%. The increase will assist the Council in implementing its 10-year strategy. It also reaffirms the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves.
Artists may benefit under the artists' exemption tax relief (Section 195 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997). The first €50,000 per annum of income earned by writers, composers, visual artists and sculptors from the sale of their work is exempt from income tax in Ireland.
In December, I announced that my Department in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection would devise a mechanism during 2017 to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance. I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection on the matter and officials of our two Departments have already begun working on this initiative in consultation with the Arts Council. The scheme will be a pilot scheme and is part of the Creative Ireland Programme launched in December. Details of the pilot scheme will be announced as soon as possible.
51. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to support the Irish language and Irish language facilities outside Gaeltacht areas, such as the recent allocation of €150,000 to a centre (details supplied). [11740/17]
View answerAt the outset, I should clarify that Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North South Language Body, which is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, is the agency charged with promotion of the Irish language on an all-island basis. In carrying out its legislative mandate, Foras na Gaeilge provides support, advice and financial assistance to many groups who promote the language, including for the provision of courses and activities to help people improve or learn the language.
At present, Foras na Gaeilge contributes funding to staffing and revenue costs and provides project funding for centres in Northern Ireland. Other indirect support is provided by Foras na Gaeilge through its community capacity building scheme Scéim Pobal Gaeilge 2016-2020. I have been informed by Foras na Gaeilge that they have committed to provide 4 year funding to a number of Irish language groups which have Irish language centres all over Ireland.
Area for Action 6.4 of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language provides for the development of Irish language social and resource centres in urban centres around Ireland. Discussions are underway between my Department and Foras na Gaeilge regarding the establishment of a new scheme to address this Area for Action, subject to funding becoming available.
My Department also, under its Irish Language Support Schemes, provides funding for small scale capital projects associated with the promotion of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. As the Deputy is aware, in 2016, I provided capital funding of €150,000 over a three year period for the development of the Irish language and Cultural Centre referred to by the Deputy. This funding will allow for the development of the centre’s facilities for the Irish speaking community in the area. The works will include the construction of a new single storey extension to be used as a cultural centre, café and bookshop.
The architect is currently working on the drawings of phase one of the project which it is hoped will be open to the public in September. Phase two of the project is estimated to cost €80,000. This will involve the construction of a theatre and meeting space for the various Irish language and cultural groups in the area.
52. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans she has developed to facilitate the return of Irish emigrants to help rejuvenate rural Ireland. [11760/17]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides significant funding and support through the Emigration Support Programme, to assist citizens who wish to return to Ireland.
Through the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, the Minister for the Diaspora, Joe McHugh T.D., has been working to oversee joined-up delivery of the diaspora policy and also to examine issues affecting the Irish abroad and those wishing to return home to Ireland. My Department is represented on this Committee and will work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that rural Ireland remains a tangible option for those returning to Ireland.
The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched in January, will help to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in rural Ireland. By supporting new economic opportunities in the regions, rejuvenating rural towns and villages and supporting vibrant local communities, we can make rural Ireland an attractive proposition for those emigrants who wish to return home to Ireland.
