Written Answers Nos. 686-705
686. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the nine gardaí who are leaving a Dublin station (details supplied) in September 2017 will be replaced in view of ongoing serious crime and persistent antisocial behaviour in areas served by this station. [38985/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
The area referred to by the Deputy forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Division on the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 667 with 46 Garda Reserves and 38 Civilians also attached to the Division. Of the Gardaí, 220 were assigned to Ballymun District with 119 in Ballymun Station. When appropriate, the work of the Division is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 90 of whom were assigned to the DMR North Division respectively. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to allow the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda District, including the Ballymun District in the coming years.
Specifically in relation to serious crime and antisocial behaviour in the area concerned I am informed that the Ballymun STRIVE Pilot Project was set up in 2014 by representatives from the Local Drugs Task Force, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service, Dublin City Council and the Ballymun Network. This project aims to address the behaviour of certain key individuals identified as adversely affecting the quality of life of people living in an area of Ballymun. It became operational in January 2015. It sought to tackle concerns arising from serious offending and anti-social behaviour, drug dealing related activity and general public order problems identified within the community of Ballymun. The pilot was envisaged to last for two years. I am informed that year one outcomes were promising with decreases in recorded anti-social crime and drugs related offences in the target area, which were greater than those seen in the rest of Ballymun. For individuals targeted the numbers of offences decreased from 82 in the year before the pilot commenced to 47 offences in 2015.
This pilot continued into year two and a final evaluation of the project is almost complete. It is hoped that the initial analysis, which showed that there were notable decreases in crime in the STRIVE area, will remain the case following the final evaluation. I look forward to reading the recommendations contained therein.
687. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will direct the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, to update its commercial contract for the awarding of tenders to operate direct provision centres to ensure that the RIA and his Department are informed immediately when an internal investigation commences on the issues of child protection and-or sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39000/17]
View answerAll current contracts and any subsequent contracts awarded following a tendering process will require the contractor to fully implement the Reception and Integration Agency's (RIA) Child Protection Policy.
The Policy clearly sets out the obligations on a contractor and contains procedures in the event of an allegation concerning staff, service providers and visitors being made. Where an allegation is made, the procedure requires the Designated Liaison Person in the accommodation centre to inform centre management/contractor and the Child and Family Services Unit in RIA and to ensure, as far as is possible, that all necessary measures are taken to ensure child safety. In such cases, the parents/guardian of the child should be kept informed at all times of actions taken in relation to the matter. In addition, any allegations of child abuse, whether against a parent, other resident, or member of staff must be simultaneously reported to the local TUSLA social work team as well as the Child and Family Unit in RIA. TUSLA remains the organisation with statutory responsibility for investigating and assessing child abuse. Out of hours or when a concern is very serious, centre management and staff are advised to contact An Garda Síochána.
All policy documents and codes of practice that contractors are obliged to implement, including RIA's Child Protection Policy, are available on the RIA website at www.ria.gov.ie/en/RIA/Pages/Policy Documents.
688. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the work of the Commission on the Future of Policing; the number of times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39002/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government earlier this year to undertake an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána (community safety, security and immigration). It is also to examine the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities; the Policing Authority, the Garda Inspectorate, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, my Department and the Government.
The terms of reference require the Commission to bring forward proposals addressing five themes:
- structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing (including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána);
- appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel;
- ·culture and ethos of policing;
-appropriate structures for oversight and accountability, and;
- legislative framework for policing.
The terms of reference also call on the Commission to have regard to:
- existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing;
- best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing;
- previous reports concerning policing in Ireland;
- any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.
The Commission is chaired by Ms Kathleen O'Toole and comprises 11 other members drawn from Ireland and from overseas with wide ranging expertise. Members were selected due to their track record in their respective fields. As well as serving as the current Chief of Seattle Police Department, Ms O'Toole previously served as Boston Police Commissioner and Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate. She was a member of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten Commission) established in 1998 to inquire into policing in Northern Ireland. The Commission is supported by a full-time secretariat.
The terms of reference require the Commission to consult widely in the course of its work, including with the public and civic society and any other bodies or individuals it considers appropriate. In line with this requirement, the Commission has launched a consultation process via its website and is encouraging individuals and organisations to share their views on all issues relevant to the Commission’s terms of reference as an important input to the Commission’s report.
The Commission is to report by September 2018 and it may, in accordance with its terms of reference, bring forward immediate proposals and rolling recommendations for implementation that it considers are required to be addressed in the short-term and in advance of its final report.
The Commission has met to date on four occasions since it was established. Discussions have also been held with other bodies including the Minister and officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Garda Inspectorate, the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána. Similar discussions and consultations with organisations key to the future of policing in Ireland will continue over the coming months. The Commission is seeking submissions from individuals and organisations on all issues relevant to its terms of reference. Further details on this, and on the approach being undertaken by the Commission in progressing its work can be found on the Commission website - www.policereform.ie.
689. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and rank of gardaí allocated to the Ballymun Garda station; and the comparative figures for September 2013 to 2016. [39011/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division on the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 667 with 46 Garda Reserves and 38 Civilians also attached to the Division. Of the Gardaí, 220 were assigned to Ballymun District with 119 in Ballymun Station. When appropriate, the work of the Division is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 90 of whom were assigned to the DMR North Division. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number and rank of Gardaí allocated to the Ballymun station in each of the years 2013 - 2016 and to 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, is as set out in the following table.
BALLYMUN GARDA STATION 2013-2017
|
YEAR |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
TOTAL |
|
2013 |
94 |
18 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
118 |
|
|
2014 |
88 |
19 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
114 |
|
|
2015 |
97 |
19 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
124 |
|
|
2016 |
93 |
17 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
117 |
|
|
2017* |
98 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
119 |
*Up to 31 July 2017.
690. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the number of seals in an area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36806/17]
View answerAlthough seals are protected under the Wildlife Acts, there are provisions for a licence to be issued to prevent individual seals damaging fishing nets. I understand that officials of my Department have recently had discussions about such a licence with fishermen in the affected area.
691. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the national raised bog special area of conservation, SAC, management plan has been finalised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37261/17]
View answerThe National Raised Bog SAC (Special Area of Conservation) Management Plan 2017-2022 sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed, conserved and restored and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed.
The Plan is currently undergoing final copy-editing, translation and design with a view to its publication in the coming weeks.
692. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to introduce a hunter competence assessment programme, HCAP; the details regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37525/17]
View answerMy Department grants some 4,600 licences annually to hunt deer during the Open Season which is the period during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The Open Season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer.
In March 2015 my Department along with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine published the report Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action which includes policy recommendations relating to deer conservation and management that could be pursued by both Departments and stakeholders. An Irish Deer Management Forum was established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations as well as representatives from both Departments.
The Forum has issued a number of recommendations since its establishment including a recommendation that mandatory certification of deer hunters should be introduced on a phased basis over a five year period from 1st January 2018 for existing licensed deer hunters. In order to gauge the extent of current accreditation amongst hunters, my Department amended the current deer hunting application form to obtain this information which is currently being examined by my Department. In this year’s deer hunting application form guidance notes, deer hunters were informed of the Deer Management Forum’s proposal in relation to certification.
693. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number employed in companies supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta based on data in the annual employment survey on an annual period over the 2010 to 2016, by county, in tabular form. [38296/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table.
I should remind the Deputy that the information provided below is already in the public domain and is available in the published annual reports of Údarás na Gaeltachta and on the organisation’s website.
Full-time employment in Údarás na Gaeltachta assisted companies.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
|
Dún na nGall |
2,007 |
1,867 |
1,878 |
1,942 |
1,942 |
2,058 |
2,090 |
|
Maigh Eo |
601 |
675 |
711 |
728 |
685 |
665 |
640 |
|
Gaillimh |
2,805 |
2,754 |
2,730 |
2,741 |
2,835 |
2,879 |
2,932 |
|
An Mhí |
185 |
190 |
161 |
167 |
186 |
239 |
211 |
|
Ciarraí |
737 |
730 |
706 |
683 |
671 |
665 |
671 |
|
Corcaigh |
615 |
633 |
610 |
577 |
586 |
614 |
675 |
|
Port Láirge |
124 |
121 |
137 |
131 |
148 |
148 |
129 |
|
Iomlan/Total |
7,074 |
6,970 |
6,933 |
6,969 |
7053 |
7,268 |
7,348 |
694. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all persons directly employed or in agencies funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36847/17]
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 persons, 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 €266,000.
695. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of artefacts in the National Museum of Ireland that are catalogued; the outstanding number to be catalogued; the number pertaining to An Gorta Mór, the Irish Famine 1845 to 1849; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36917/17]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the National Museum of Ireland. As a statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, I have no responsibility for the day to day running of this organisation.
696. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the preparations her Department is making for the 2018 National Famine Commemoration Day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36918/17]
View answer697. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the National Famine Commemoration Day Bill 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36919/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 696 and 697 together.
The National Famine Commemoration Day Bill reached Second Stage earlier this year. A date will be arranged for the scheduling of the Committee Stage of the Bill following this year’s National Famine Commemoration, which takes place on Saturday, 30 September 2017 in Ballingarry, County Tipperary.
Details regarding the preparations for the 2018 event will be announced in due course.
698. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of political staff employed in her Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within her Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, in each of the years 2015 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36947/17]
View answerDetails are provided below regarding political staff paid from my Department’s Vote whose appointments are coterminous with my term of office as Minister or coterminous with the terms of office of the Ministers of State at my Department. Details are also provided of civil service staff working in my offices and Minister of State offices in the period concerned. Staffing numbers in my office and the Ministers of State offices are consistently maintained within the staffing limits set out in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established in June 2011, this was reconfigured in 2016 to become the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and further reconfigured in July 2017 to become the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
2015
Office of Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Parliamentary Assistant* |
1 |
Personal Secretary to Minster/Minister of State Scale |
|
Personal Secretary* |
1 |
Personal Secretary to Minister/Minister of State Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (Non-PPC) |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (PPC) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff-Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer Scale |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Civil Service Staff-Constituency Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Office of Minister of State (Gaeltacht)
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Parliamentary Assistant* |
1 |
Personal Assistant to Minister/Minister of State Scale |
|
Personal Secretary* |
0.25 |
Personal Secretary to Minister/Minister of State Scale |
|
Personal Secretary |
0.75 |
Personal Secretary to Minister/Minister of State Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff-Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Civil Service Staff-Constituency Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
*With effect from the 32nd Dáil, Personal Secretaries and Personal Assistants are paid by the Houses of the Oireachtas as Secretarial Assistants and Parliamentary Assistants respectively, under the scheme for Secretarial Assistance.
2016
Office of Minster for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (PPC) |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (PPC) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff – Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer Scale |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Civil Service Staff - Constituency Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Office of Minister of State (Gaeltacht)
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff – Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Office of Minister of State (Regional Economic Development)
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff – Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer Scale |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
2017
Office of Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (PPC) |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Scale (PPC) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff -Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer Scale |
|
Executive officer |
2 |
Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Civil Service Staff - Constituency Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
Office of Minister of State (Gaeltacht)
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Civilian Driver (single point salary scale) |
Civil Service Staff- Private Office
|
Grade/Role |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer Scale |
699. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when compensation will be paid to a person (details supplied) under the voluntary bog purchase scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37154/17]
View answerThe individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question applied to sell his interest in land in a raised bog natural heritage area under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department.
The 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. Arising from this review, 46 natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 sites) are scheduled for de-designation as it has been judged that the contribution of these sites to the attainment of the national conservation objective for raised bog is expected to be marginal and/or restoration would be prohibitively expensive for the conservation benefits achieved. Domestic turf cutting may continue on these sites, while large scale or commercial turf cutting will continue to be regulated through other consent systems.
The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 provides for the de-designation of these sites. This Bill is proceeding though the necessary stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The natural heritage area referred to in the Deputy’s Question is one of those scheduled for de-designation. Consequently, as already advised to the individual concerned, my Department will not be proceeding with the purchase of the interest that he applied to sell.
700. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of plans to upgrade an historic building in Castleblayney (details supplied); if works carried out will be in keeping with the historic era of the building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37159/17]
View answerThe building referred to by the Deputy is in local authority ownership. I understand the local authority is working to assess the potential to redevelop and find a long term sustainable use for the property. As part of this process, a public consultation was held by the local authority in July 2017.
My role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets. My Department has no role in the allocation of funding by the other body mentioned for the restoration of this building.
701. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made to date in 2017 on agreeing method statements with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and Galway County Council for the upgrading of the N59 road between Maam Cross and Oughterard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37465/17]
View answerA revised method statement for the ground investigation works for the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section of the N59 was submitted by Galway County Council to my Department on 28 June 2017 and this was approved on 29 June 2017. It is understood that Galway County Council is at present assessing tenders for the ground investigation works and hopes to have a contractor on the ground by the end of September/early October. On 6 September 2017 my Department received a draft method statement from the Council for archaeology testing on the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section and this was approved by my Department the following day, 7 September 2017.
702. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant schemes available to refurbish a building (details supplied). [37478/17]
View answerMy role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets. The building referred to by the Deputy is on the Record of Protected Structures for the relevant local authority. As such there is a duty on the owner/occupier to protect it from becoming endangered whether through damage or neglect. The building is also a recorded monument, and any proposal to carry out work to the building would require two months notification under the National Monuments Acts.
My Department provides grant aid to for conservation and repair works to Protected Structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures).
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures. Both schemes are administered via the local authorities and Circulars setting out the terms and conditions of the schemes are available on all local authority websites, and my Department’s website. Owners of certain designated structures can avail of tax relief under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also provides grants for works to heritage buildings. In the context of a particular building, the best advice for the owner may be to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer in the relevant local authority who will be able to advise and assist on the above as applicable.
703. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a copy of the licences she has issued for the netting and tagging of hares for the purpose of hare coursing in 2017. [37591/17]
View answerCopies of the licences issued by my Department to the Irish Coursing Club allowing their affiliated clubs to capture and tag hares for the 2017/18 coursing season are available on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at https://www.npws.ie/licences/hare-coursing.
704. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil céimeanna glactha ag a Roinn i gcomhar le Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe chun caomhnú agus cothabháil a dhéanamh ar shéadchomhartha náisiúnta (sonraí tugtha) agus an damáiste a rinne na stoirmeacha in 2014 á chur san áireamh; cén plé a rinneadh leis an bpobal áitiúil faoin gceist; má tá céimeanna glactha chun é a chaomhnú, céard iad féin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37683/17]
View answer705. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a chuirfear freagra substaintiúil ar chomhfhreagras a chuir duine i mo dháilcheantar chuici (sonraí tugtha); cén fáth a bhfuil moill ar an bhfreagra. [37684/17]
View answerTá i gceist agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 704 agus 705 a thógáil in éineacht.
Ar an suíomh seo tá reilig atá á cosaint faoi Alt 12 d’Acht na Séadchomharthaí Náisiúnta (Leasú), 1994. Rinneadh damáiste mór don séadchomhartha, atá lonnaithe ar choimín, mar gheall ar stoirmeacha in 2014, agus nochtaíodh cnámha ársa daonna lena linn.
Thug Seirbhís Séadchomharthaí Náisiúnta mo Roinne cuairt ar an láithreán cúpla uair ag an am agus, i gcomhar le hOifigeach Oidhreachta Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe, chas siad le hionadaithe pobail, geallseabhóirí an choimín ina measc. Tuigim gur aontaíodh go ndéanfadh an Chomhairle Contae agus mo Roinn suirbhé seandálaíochta i gcomhar lena chéile ar an méid den reilig atá fágtha, faoi réir thoiliú d’aon ghuth na ngeallsealbhóirí sin, go gcuirfeadh na hionadaithe pobail iarratas chuig an gComhairle Contae ar mhaoiniú deontais don suirbhé agus go n-íocfadh mo Roinn na costais a bhainfeadh le haon aisghabháil oistéiseandálaíochta agus scrúdú den reilig a d’eascródh as.
Cuireadh in iúl dom nach bhfuil aon chumarsáid bhreise faighte ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe ná ag an Roinn ó shin i dtaca leis an suirbhé beartaithe ná iarratas ar chúnamh deontais. É sin ráite, tá an dá dhream seo ar fáil go fóill le dul i mbun ple arís leis na geallsealbhóirí ábhartha agus tá iarrtha agam ar mo Roinn, i gcomhar leis an Oifigeach Oidhreachta, teagmháil a dhéanamh arís leis na hionadaithe pobail lena raibh siad i dteagmháil roimhe.
Maidir le ceist an chomhfhreagrais le duine i dToghcheantar an Teachta, tá sé curtha in iúl dom gur sheol mo Roinn freagra substaintiúil amach ar an 22 Lúnasa 2017.
