Written Answers Nos. 341-355
341. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports and resources available for a docklands heritage centre; if her officials are examining and progressing such a proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32136/17]
View answerMy Department operates a scheme of grants for investment in arts and cultural centres around the country. I recently announced details of grants of over €9 million in capital funding under the scheme. This scheme targets investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. I also opened a further element of funding under this Scheme, which closed for applications on 16 June. It provided for smaller capital grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit.
The scheme was considerably over-subscribed but I do intend to open it again in the near future. It is open to any organisation to put forward eligible projects for support under the scheme. My Department is in receipt of correspondence from an organisation with respect to the possible provision of a docklands heritage centre and will be advising the group of the possibility of making future applications under the scheme.
342. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the CLÁR programme will open again for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32148/17]
View answerThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March 2017 and provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Funding was available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities, while Measure 4 was targeted at voluntary organisations involved in emergency rescue or first-response efforts. The closing date for applications under the 2017 CLÁR programme was 5 May 2017 and over 500 applications were received across the four measures.
Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across the four Measures. Details of the approved projects are available at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-development/clar-2016/.
There are currently no plans to open the CLÁR programme for new applications again this year. The provision of funding for the CLÁR programme for 2018 will be considered as part of the annual budgetary process later this year.
343. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the unallocated expenditure within her Department for 2017; the expenditure allocated to programmes in 2017 which are due to cease in 2017; and the funds that will become available within her Department's expenditure profile in 2018 due to changes in demand for goods and services and or changes to costs within her Department. [32229/17]
View answerDetails of the €381.97 million voted by the Oireachtas for my Department in 2017 are published in the Revised Estimates Volume and are available at http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/RevisedEstimatesforPublicServices2017.pdf. All voted funding is allocated for specific purposes and expenditure across my Department is closely monitored on an ongoing basis. None of the programmes funded across my Department are anticipated to cease this year.
Final expenditure ceilings for my Department's Vote for 2018 are due to be published in conjunction with Budget 2018 in October of this year and it is not possible at present to anticipate the outcome of that process.
344. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the 2017 CLÁR funding announced recently will be allocated to Sligo and Leitrim county councils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32247/17]
View answerThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March 2017 and provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Funding was available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities, while Measure 4 was targeted at voluntary organisations involved in emergency rescue or first-response efforts. The closing date for applications under the 2017 CLÁR programme was 5 May 2017 and over 500 applications were received across the four measures.
Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across the four Measures, including 9 projects in Co. Sligo and 17 projects in Co. Leitrim. Details of all approved projects are available at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-development/clar-2016/.
Contracts for the funding approved under Measures 1, 2 and 3 have now issued to all of the relevant Local Authorities. Payments under the programme will be issued when agreed thresholds of expenditure, as set out in these contracts, have been reached by the Local Authorities.
Similarly, contracts have been issued to the voluntary organisations which were successful under Measure 4.
345. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons employed in Waterways Ireland; and if he will provide a breakdown of its current and capital expenditure for 2016. [32317/17]
View answerWaterways Ireland is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. Waterways Ireland currently has 328 employees and is jointly sponsored and co-funded by my Department, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland. Funding to the Body is provided on a ratio of 85:15 between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland.
Waterways Ireland's total expenditure in 2016 was €31.1m of which €23.4m was current and €7.7m. capital.
346. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has established a co-ordinating unit to work with communities to develop co-operative structures as promised in the programme for Government to help keep vital local services in place and to retain and develop vibrant local enterprises; the other measures her Department has implemented; the supports available to communities seeking to develop co-operative structures to help keep vital local services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32442/17]
View answerFollowing the assignment to my Department of responsibility for regional and rural affairs in May 2016, I established new Regional and Rural Affairs Division in the Department, including a Business Unit to co-ordinate action across Government to support the economic and social development of rural areas.
The Action Plan for Rural Development was developed by this Unit as a key instrument to manage the co-ordination of activities across Government which support rural development. The Plan contains 276 practical actions for delivery across a range of Government Departments, State agencies, and other organisations, with clear timeframes for delivery. The Action Plan focuses on supporting sustainable communities, supporting enterprise and employment, maximising our rural tourism and recreation potential, fostering culture and creativity in rural communities, and improving rural infrastructure and creativity.
There has already been significant progress right across Government on various elements of the Action Plan, including measures which will assist in supporting rural communities, developing enterprises and underpinning local services.
From my own Department’s perspective, measures which have been announced this year include:
- The launch of the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will provide €20 million to support up to 300 rural towns and villages over the next 12 months.
- The allocation of €7 million to approximately 230 projects in de-populated rural communities under the 2017 CLÁR programme;
- The establishment of Innovation Hubs in the Donegal and Kerry Gaeltacht regions to support entrepreneurship and start-up companies, with others to follow in Mayo and Galway; - The announcement of €500,000 in capital investment to boost the tourism potential of Ireland's National Parks;
- The launch of the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which will provide €11 million for the development and maintenance of outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland;
- The investment of €9 million in 56 arts and culture centres across the country, with over 80% of the investment in rural areas.
The first 6-monthly Progress Report on the Action Plan is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
347. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has considered the introduction of an indemnity scheme in the event of injury to recreational walkers on private land as recommended by Comhairle na Tuaithe. [32550/17]
View answerThe Occupiers Liability Act 1995 provides significant protection in circumstances referred to by the Deputy. In addition, an insurance policy held by the National Trails Office provides indemnity for recreational users on way marked ways and walks registered with my Department's Walks Scheme where inspection and approval has been carried out by that Office.
Nonetheless, my Department is working closely with the State Claims Agency in relation to the development and implementation of a National Indemnity Scheme for landowners to support the recreational use of Ireland's uplands and discussions are at an advanced stage.
348. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32556/17]
View answerI am advised that, based on current staffing and pay levels, the estimated additional annual cost of introducing an hourly wage of €11.70 for all employees, employed both directly in my Department and in agencies under its aegis and who are not already paid that amount or more, would be in the order of €255,165.
349. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of expenditure by her Department or organisations under the aegis of her Department for each of the past five years on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32645/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No.166 of 9 February last. A copy of the information provided in response to that question showing expenditure under the headings by my Department during the years 2011-2016 is set out in the tables. Expenditure that has been incurred to date in 2017 is shown separately. No expenditure was incurred in relation to interview training and preparation for the period requested.
In light of the large volume of information requested by the Deputy, arrangements are being made for the information requested in respect of those agencies under the aegis of my Department to be collated and forwarded to the Deputy in line with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.
Expenditure to date in 2017
Photography
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
20th Anniversary of Shekina Sculpture Garden |
Con Brogan |
€325 |
|
Launch of the Action Plan for Rural Development |
GPhotos |
€150 |
|
‘The Moore Street Report – Securing History’ presented to Minister Humphreys by the Moore Street Consultative Group |
Maxwell Photography |
€121 |
|
Launch of online genealogy toolkit for schools |
Maxwell Photography |
€499 |
|
Cruinniú na Cásca |
Maxwell Photography |
€689 |
|
Announcement that Jesse Jones to represent Ireland at the 57th International Art Exhibition in Venice |
Maxwell Photography |
€465 |
Advertising (All Print Media)
|
Advertising Media |
Cost |
|
Mediavest Ireland Ltd |
€2,962 |
|
Iris Oifigiúil |
€1,410 |
|
FCR Media Ltd |
€12,318 |
Website Development
|
Company |
Cost |
|
Fusio Ltd |
€3,875 |
Public Relations
|
Company |
Cost |
|
Nicholas Quaife - Creative Ireland NY Launch |
€2,988 |
Expenditure 2011-2016 - Photography
2011 Total: €1,055
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
National Famine Commemoration, Clones 2011 |
Philip Fitzpatrick |
€400 |
|
2011 Open House Dublin, Lir Theatre, in conjunction with the Irish Architecture Foundation (Second of a package of two events for the price of one, the first of which took place in 2010) |
Alice Clancy |
€0.00 |
|
Launch of National Biodiversity Plan, Botantic Gardens Dublin (2011) |
Mac Innes Photography |
€284 |
|
2011 National Famine Conference, Dublin |
Mac Innes |
€371 |
2012 Total: €3,606
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Edinburgh Festival Fringe event |
Alastair Devine |
€362 |
|
Launch of Introduction of Architectural Heritage of County Galway |
Joe Travers |
€100 |
|
Culture Night, Dublin |
Maxwell Photography |
€599 |
|
British-Irish Council Ministerial Meeting (Minority Languages Sector), Co Donegal |
Tommy Curran |
€80 |
|
Launch of Treaty Online Project, National Archives, Dublin |
MacInnes Photograhy |
€342 |
|
Ballycroy National Park Whaling Exhibition |
Eamonn O'Boyle |
€320 |
|
Official Opening of Burren National Park Information Centre, Corofin |
Nicholas MacInnes |
€550 |
|
Release of the white-tailed sea eagles, Killarney National Park |
Valerie O'Sullivan |
€120 |
|
Association of Performing Arts Presenters Conference 2012 event |
Erin Baiano |
€348 |
|
CITES meeting March 2012 |
MacInnes Photography |
€284 |
|
Commemoration at Teampallín Bán Famine Graveyard 2012 |
Domnick Walsh Photography |
€206 |
|
National Famine Commemoration, Drogheda 2012 |
Paul Connor Photography |
€295 |
2013 Total: €3,944
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Launch of Ireland's Memorial Records 1914-1918 at National Museum |
Lensmen |
€209 |
|
Launch of Culture Connects initiative for Ireland's EU Presidency |
Maxwell Photography |
€397 |
|
Presentation of coin find to National Museum |
Maxwell Photography |
€466 |
|
Launch of Arts in Education initiative |
Maxwell Photography |
€277 |
|
Display of coin find in National Museum at Collins Barracks |
Maxwell Photography |
€413 |
|
Launch of Century Ireland website |
Maxwell Photography |
€363 |
|
Launch of Scéim Oiliúna Peile agus Iománaíochta,An Cheathrú Rua |
Pixsheáin |
€148 |
|
Dublin launch of Venice Artist Biennale April 2013 |
Lensman & Associates |
€308 |
|
International Famine Commemoration 2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
€311 |
|
Presentation of European Diploma of Protected Areas (Burren, Co. Clare) |
Eamon Ward |
€332 |
|
Europeana Conference on Digitisation, Dublin Castle |
Maxwell Photography |
€357 |
|
Photocall for successful artists attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
€363 |
2014 Total: €4,016
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Contract signing for works at Killarney House |
Press 22 |
€426 |
|
Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme |
Naoise Culhane |
€535 |
|
National Gallery – commencement of refurbishment works |
Naoise Culhane |
€461 |
|
Launch of 1916 Rising Oral History Collection |
Maxwell Photography |
€486 |
|
Opening of Grantstown Wood and Nature Reserve, Co. Laois |
Denis Byrne Photography |
€220 |
|
National Famine Commemoration 2014 |
Farrell Photography |
€720 |
|
Photocall with winner of Herald Archangel Award at Edinburgh Festival 2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€486 |
|
Launch of Ireland 2016 commemorative programme at G.P.O. |
Maxwell Photography |
€482 |
|
Photographs of Minister and two Ministers of State for official Departmental use |
Philip Fitzpatrick Photography |
€200 |
2015 Total: €15,489
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
European Heritage Heads Forum 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Dublin Castle |
Con Brogan |
€200 |
|
Launch of the High Island, Monograph |
Con Brogan |
€150 |
|
Visit to Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny |
Dylan Vaughan Photography |
€271 |
|
Event to commemorate the funeral of O'Donovan Rossa, Glasnevin Cemetery |
Lensmen |
€554 |
|
Launch of Culture Ireland supported artists attending Edinburgh International Festivals |
Lensmen |
€258 |
|
Launch of Culture Ireland I AM IRELAND 2016 programme |
Maxwell Photography |
€503 |
|
John Redmond commemoration |
Maxwell Photography |
€138 |
|
Launch of Ireland 2016 Commemorative Programme |
Maxwell Photography |
€861 |
|
10th Anniversary of Culture Ireland |
Maxwell Photo |
€103 |
|
Dublin launch of Venice Artist Biennale 2015 |
Maxwell Photography |
€637 |
|
Moore Street – meeting with Lord Mayor and traders |
Maxwell Photography |
€362 |
|
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website |
Maxwell Photography |
€327 |
|
Annual Famine Commemoration and related events |
Paul Faith |
€781 |
|
Spanish Armada Find Sligo |
Picsell8 Ltd |
€450 |
|
Teach an Phiarsaigh Cultural and Exhibition centre, Rosmuc, Connemara/Global and Diaspora Programme (2 separate events) |
Reg Gordon |
€960 |
|
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website |
Tain Bo Media Teo |
€148 |
|
Launch of the High Island Monograph |
Con Brogan |
€150 |
|
Local Authorities CEOs and Ireland 2016 Coordinators meeting Royal College of Surgeons |
Lensmen |
€689 |
|
Launch of the High Island Centenary Programme, Collins Barracks |
Big O |
€300 |
|
2016 Children's Consultations |
Maxwell Photography |
€258 |
|
2016 Community Participation video And Photography, Thurles |
Big O |
€615 |
|
Local Authorities Ireland 2016 County Plans |
Big O |
€1,920 |
|
2016 events: - Announcement of Arts Council Bursaries, Áras an Úachtaráin, - Delivery of first Flags for Schools, - Launch of Youth Imagination Programme Strand, Schools Supplement launch, - Local Authority Co-ordinators, Monaghan, Photography for Ireland - Launch of An Teanga Beo Programme - Strand IMMA |
Big O |
€4,379 |
|
Additional funding support for 2016 by IPB |
Big O |
€475 |
2016 Total: €9,819
|
Occasions |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Launch of design phase for archives storage in National Archives |
Conor McCabe |
€431 |
|
Launch of website of compensation claims for property losses during 1916 Rising |
Conor McCabe |
€431 |
|
Commemorating Women of 1916 |
Conor McCabe |
€431 |
|
2016 Post Primary Schools Flag Ceremony |
Robbie Reynolds |
€553 |
|
Launch of Action Plan for Historic Houses |
Lorraine Teevan |
€310 |
|
EU Language Jobs Announcements, RHA Gallery |
Maxwell Photography |
€395 |
|
Centre of Excellence for EU Irish Language Careers meeting with Minister of State |
Andrew Downes |
€250 |
|
Moneen Cave Excavation |
Thorsten Kahlert |
€1,300 |
|
Ireland 2016 Peace Proms |
Big O |
€400 |
|
Wreath Laying at South Dublin Union, Easter Monday |
Big O |
€212 |
|
State Ceremonial for Women of 1916 |
Maxwell Photography |
€775 |
|
2016 - Last Flag for School Delivery, Tallaght Hospital |
Maxwell Photography |
€689 |
|
2016 - images for Participating Children and Staff |
Maxwell Photography |
€499 |
|
2016 - Liberty Hall (additional images) |
Maxwell Photography |
€138 |
|
Opening screening of 1916 Documentary, National Concert Hall |
Maxwell Photography |
€590 |
|
LEADER Programme Launch |
Lorraine Teevan Photography |
€564 |
|
Roger Casement Event |
Maxwell Photography |
€590 |
|
Thomas Kettle Memorial Service |
Maxwell Photography |
€486 |
|
Ionad an Phiarsaigh Offical Opening |
Táin Bó Media Teo |
€221 |
|
St Enda's Rathfarnham |
Conor McCabe |
€554 |
Advertising (All Print media)
|
Year |
Organisation |
Amount (€) |
|
2011 |
Truvo Ireland Ltd |
€14,963 |
|
2011 |
Brindley Advertising |
€14,150 |
|
2011 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
€1,988 |
|
2011 |
Heritage Council |
€900 |
|
Total 2011 |
€32,001 |
|
|
2012 |
Brindley Advertising |
€ 1,791 |
|
2012 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
€ 6,956 |
|
2012 |
FCR Media Ltd |
€13,690 |
|
2012 |
Heritage Council |
€ 900 |
|
Total 2012 |
€23,337 |
|
|
2013 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
€ 842 |
|
2013 |
FCR Media Ltd |
€13,690 |
|
2013 |
Johnson Press Ltd |
€431 |
|
2013 |
IPA |
€196 |
|
2013 |
Irish Food Publishers Ltd |
€1,107 |
|
Total 2013 |
€16,266 |
|
|
2014 |
FCR Media Ltd |
€13,690 |
|
2014 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
€126 |
|
Total 2014 |
€13,816 |
|
|
2015 |
FCR Media Ltd |
€13,690 |
|
2015 |
IPA |
€197 |
|
2015 |
Mediavest Ireland Ltd |
€ 6,885 |
|
Total 2015 |
€20,772 |
|
|
2016 |
FCR Media Ltd |
€13,004 |
|
2016 |
Iris Oifigiúil |
€ 5,616 |
|
2016 |
Irish Food Publishers Ltd |
€ 1,107 |
|
Total 2016 |
€19,727 |
Communications Advice
|
Year |
Company |
Service Provided |
Cost |
|
2015 |
Stephanie Dickinson |
'I Am Ireland' programme |
€1,485 |
|
Total |
€1,485 |
Public Relations
|
Year |
Company |
Service Provided |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Zoetrope |
Provision of press and publicity, online and social media services to Culture Ireland for the duration of the Imagine Ireland programme 2011 |
€84,000 |
|
2012 |
Zoetrope |
Provision of PR and Media services to Culture Ireland for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2012 |
€7,000 |
|
2016 |
Q4PR |
Publicity campaign for Irish Language employment opportunities in the European Institutions |
€19,680 |
Website Development
|
Year |
Company |
Service Provided |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€45,375 |
|
2011 |
AIS PL |
www.irishgenealogy.ie website development |
€2,905 |
|
Total 2011 |
€48,280 |
||
|
2012 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€23,925 |
|
Total 2012 |
€23,925 |
||
|
2013 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€7,896 |
|
2013 |
Royal Irish Academy |
www.irishgenealogy.ie website development |
€18,996 |
|
2013 |
RIA |
Digital Repository Virtual Museum |
€51,000 |
|
Total 2013 |
€77,892 |
||
|
2014 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€22,140 |
|
2014 |
AIS PL |
www.irishgenealogy.ie website development |
€5,191 |
|
2014 |
RIA |
Digital Repository Virtual Museum |
€20,324 |
|
Total 2014 |
€47,665 |
||
|
2015 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€13,099 |
|
2015 |
Fusio Ltd |
Website development |
€39,053 |
|
2015 |
AIS PL |
www.irishgenealogy.ie website development |
€877 |
|
Total 2015 |
€53,029 |
||
|
2016 |
Paciello Group Ltd |
Website maintenance, development testing, support for grant application system |
€12,730 |
|
2016 |
Fusio Ltd |
Website development |
€7,749 |
|
2016 |
AIS PL |
www.irishgenealogy.ie website development |
€3,499 |
|
Total 2016 |
€23,978 |
350. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action which can be taken in respect of crows in locations in which they have become a serious and unusual nuisance to human habitation. [32733/17]
View answerAll birds, including crows, are protected under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities Birds Directive. Under the terms of the Directive, all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats.
Under Article 9 (a) of the Directive Member States may however derogate in the interests of: public health and safety; air safety; and to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
These derogations are achieved by way of declarations, which are made on an annual basis under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, as amended, which allows the capturing and killing of some listed bird species in certain situations. The hooded (grey) crow is included in the declaration which allows for the capturing and killing of the bird species in cases such as preventing serious damage to livestock and where they are considered a threat to public health in the spread of animal diseases.
In situations where serious damage is being caused by protected wild birds such as crows to agricultural crops, forestry plantations, other fauna, etc., there is also a facility under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts for a person to obtain a permit from my Department to take action. Applications for such permits are considered by my Department, on a case by case basis, and can include the scaring, capturing or killing of such species. The applications are subject to examination by regional conservation staff in my Department.
351. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department will provide funding for a commemoration event (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32785/17]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that my Department has not yet received a request for funding from the Group referred to by him in his Question. I would be happy to consider any proposals submitted to my Department in this regard.
352. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the recommendations of the report of a group (details supplied). [32998/17]
View answer353. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 307 of 27 June 2017, the basis on which she decided that some groups and political representatives should be included while three campaign groups were excluded. [32999/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
I refer to my replies to Questions Nos. 307, 308, 322, 323, 324 and 325 on 27 June 2017 and to previous Dáil Questions in which I have welcomed the report of the Moore Street Consultative Group and the consensus-based approach it recommends to finding an optimal solution to the future of Moore Street that appeals to all stakeholders.
The structure of the Consultative Group and of the successor body I have established in response to the overarching recommendation of its report, represents and comprehends the aggregate of interests and points of view that exist in relation to this historic site. The objective has been to accommodate the broadest spectrum of the many overlapping groupings of stakeholders that have grown up around the issue and the consultation processes that have been put in place has also facilitated and encouraged effective input and contributions from all such interested parties, including those named by the Deputy.
354. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to deal with issues related to children with autism in other areas in view of an announced action (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32426/17]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
355. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will temporarily reinstate a medical card for a person (details supplied). [32579/17]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.
