Brendan Howlin
Question:15. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet Committee C - European Union, including Brexit - last met. [39627/17]
View answerCabinet Committee Meetings
Questions (15)
Written answers
As outlined to the House in July, the Government agreed a new streamlined Cabinet Committee structure and approved the establishment of 6 new Committees, one of which is Cabinet Committee C.
This Cabinet Committee will cover issues relating to the European Union, and will assist the Government in its ongoing consideration of Brexit. Cabinet Committee C will also support the Taoiseach's participation as a member of the European Council.
The Cabinet Committee, which I chair, met on 11 September.
The date of the next meeting of Cabinet Committee C has not yet been confirmed.
Preparing for and dealing with Brexit in a way that delivers the best possible outcome for the country remains a top priority for the Government. Its potential consequences cut across very many areas of our national and economic life, and it is being dealt with in a whole-of-Government way, including through Cabinet Committee C.
Issues affecting the island of Ireland are being given priority and considerable attention by the EU Task Force led by Michel Barnier and by our EU partners. They fully share our concerns and approach and are working to ensure that progress is made on the Irish issues in the negotiations with the UK.
Questions Nos. 16 to 19, inclusive, resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (20)
Paul Murphy
Question:20. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Canada and his meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister in August 2017. [39677/17]
View answerWritten answers
I travelled to Canada between 19-23 August.
My visit commenced in Montréal with an official welcoming ceremony and a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister. During our meeting we discussed the provisional implementation of CETA which commenced on September 21. We discussed the latest developments on Brexit and Ireland's priorities in the negotiations. Prime Minister Trudeau updated me on the latest state of play with regards to the NAFTA negotiations. In the context of a wider conversation on healthcare, I updated the Prime Minister on plans to hold a constitutional referendum on the Eighth Amendment. We also discussed Climate Change and reaffirmed both our countries' commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Following our meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau and I walked together in the Fierté Montréal Pride Parade. I also met with leaders and representatives of the Irish community in Montréal and the wider Quebec region, before travelling to Toronto.
In Toronto I had a number of business engagements including a business breakfast event attended by 150 contacts of the joint hosts: Enterprise Ireland, the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Ireland Funds. I attended a Tourism Ireland event with representatives of the travel industry and airlines, and a number of individual meetings with IDA and EI client companies. I also had the opportunity to meet with political and community leaders and members of the Irish diaspora, including representatives of the Irish Canadian Immigration Centre, at an Irish Community Reception.
Also in Toronto, I attended a ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new Dr. George Robert Grasett Park, which will be a memorial to the medical staff who gave their lives to aid Irish famine victims.
During my visit I also travelled to the US - Canada border where I was briefed on Customs arrangements there. While they employ a range of mechanisms to ensure smooth and efficient customs processing it was clear to me that it was not a satisfactory model for border arrangements on this island after Brexit.
Finally, I also had a number of international media engagements.
Overall, my visit to Canada was extremely positive and an excellent opportunity to further develop the strong links between our two countries.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (21)
Eamon Ryan
Question:21. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the outcome of his visit to Canada. [39689/17]
View answerWritten answers
I travelled to Canada between 19-23 August.
My visit commenced in Montréal with an official welcoming ceremony and a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister. During our meeting we discussed the provisional implementation of CETA which commenced on September 21. We discussed the latest developments on Brexit and Ireland's priorities in the negotiations. Prime Minister Trudeau updated me on the latest state of play with regards to the NAFTA negotiations. In the context of a wider conversation on healthcare, I updated the Prime Minister on plans to hold a constitutional referendum on the Eighth Amendment. We also discussed Climate Change and reaffirmed both our countries' commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Following our meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau and I walked together in the Fierté Montréal Pride Parade. I also met with leaders and representatives of the Irish community in Montréal and the wider Quebec region, before travelling to Toronto.
In Toronto I had a number of business engagements including a business breakfast event attended by 150 contacts of the joint hosts: Enterprise Ireland, the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Ireland Funds. I attended a Tourism Ireland event with representatives of the travel industry and airlines, and a number of individual meetings with IDA and EI client companies. I also had the opportunity to meet with political and community leaders and members of the Irish diaspora, including representatives of the Irish Canadian Immigration Centre, at an Irish Community Reception.
Also in Toronto, I attended a ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new Dr. George Robert Grasett Park, which will be a memorial to the medical staff who gave their lives to aid Irish famine victims.
During my visit I also travelled to the US - Canada border where I was briefed on Customs arrangements there. While they employ a range of mechanisms to ensure smooth and efficient customs processing it was clear to me that it was not a satisfactory model for border arrangements on this island after Brexit.
Finally, I also had a number of international media engagements.
Overall, my visit to Canada was extremely positive and an excellent opportunity to further develop the strong links between our two countries.
Questions Nos. 22 and 23 resubmitted.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Questions (24)
Eamon Ryan
Question:24. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the advisers he has employed; and the role of each. [39690/17]
View answerWritten answers
There are nine Special Advisers employed in my Department. They are as follows:
- the Chief of Staff;
- the Spokesman and Communications Adviser to the Taoiseach;
- the Head of Policy and Programme Implementation;
- four Special Advisers to the Taoiseach; and
- two Special Advisers to the Government Chief Whip.
The Special Advisers working in my Department provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing other functions as I may direct from time to time. They also liaise with other Special Advisers in each Government Department so that I remain informed on developments across Government.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (25)
Paul Murphy
Question:25. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the rearranging of Cabinet Committees. [39676/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has established the following six Cabinet Committees, which I will chair -
Cabinet Committee A (Economy)
Cabinet Committee B (Social Policy and Public Services)
Cabinet Committee C (European Union including Brexit)
Cabinet Committee D (Infrastructure)
Cabinet Committee E (Health), and
Cabinet Committee F (National Security).
They will meet as appropriate according to their work schedules.
Questions Nos. 26 to 33, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 34 to 41, inclusive, answered orally.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Questions (42)
Bernard Durkan
Question:42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to the recently announced Action Plan for Rural Development, the extent to which she hopes to maximise opportunities for the development of the arts and a greater awareness of heritage and economic opportunities likely to arise therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40722/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Action Plan for Rural Development is the first whole-of-government strategy aimed at people living and working in rural Ireland. The Plan is now led by my colleague Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development. It aims to unlock the potential of rural Ireland through a framework of supports at national and local level which will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life.
The Plan contains 276 actions which aim to improve both the economic and social fabric of rural Ireland spread across five pillars. Arts and Heritage are covered under the fourth pillar of the plan - Fostering Culture and Creativity in Rural Communities. The key objectives of this Pillar are to:
- Increase access to the arts and enhance cultural facilities in rural communities.
- Further develop and enhance culture and creativity in rural Ireland through the establishment of culture teams and creativity hubs as part of the Creative Ireland Programme.
- Promote the Irish language as a key resource in Gaeltacht and other rural communities.
Of the 275 actions in the Action Plan many relate to our natural and built heritage assets. These assets are an essential part of the fabric of rural Ireland and their promotion in the context of the future growth of the rural economy is essential. As is their contribution to local pride of place and wellness. In that respect, my Department is continuing to work closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development. A rural proofing has been inbuilt to all our heritage promotion programmes and initiatives.
These policy initiatives are supported by significant additional resources which are being directed towards the arts and culture sector.
In February this year I 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 2016-2018 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.
In August I announced further capital funding of almost €750,000 for more than 60 arts organisations around the country. The funding is being made available under Stream 3 of the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. It was geared towards providing capital grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit.
The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is flexible to ensure that a diverse number of arts organisations would benefit. As a result of the latest round of funding, more than 120 organisations in total have benefitted from this very worthwhile scheme.
A full list of successful projects under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 (Streams 1, 2 & 3) is available on my Department’s website.
Questions Nos. 43 and 44 answered orally.
Hare Coursing Regulation
Questions (45)
Mick Barry
Question:45. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the repeat capture of hares for hare coursing; and the measures she will take to prevent this occurring. [40718/17]
View answerWritten answers
The control of live hare coursing, including the operation of individual coursing meetings and managing the use of hares for that activity, is carried out under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. My responsibility relates to the conservation status of the hare.
In August this year, my Department issued licences under the Wildlife Acts to the Irish Coursing Club, covering its affiliated coursing clubs, to capture and tag hares for use at regulated hare coursing meetings for the 2017/18 coursing season, which extends from the end of September 2017 to the end of February 2018.
There are 22 conditions associated with the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club which have been developed and refined over the year. One of the conditions requires that hares must be released back into the wild during daylight hours after the coursing has concluded unless otherwise agreed, in advance, with the relevant National Parks and Wildlife Service officials.
It is also a condition of the licence that in all matters relating to coursing there must be full compliance with the Directives, Instructions and Guidance Notes issued by the Irish Coursing Club. One of the provisions of the Irish Coursing Club in that regard is that hares earmarked and released may not be taken up and coursed at any subsequent park meeting.
Therefore, while there may be a possibility that a released hare could be recaptured for a future coursing meeting, the conditions require that that hare should not be coursed again. The conditions of future licenses issued by my Department in respect of coursing meetings will be kept under review in light of any issues brought to my attention by National Parks and Wildlife officials or by others and I will make any changes that I consider appropriate.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme
Questions (46)
Peter Burke
Question:46. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available from her Department to local heritage groups in order to support the conservation and protection of historical buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40706/17]
View answerWritten answers
My role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our built heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
Financial support is delivered by my Department for the protection of heritage buildings under structured schemes which are administered via the local authorities.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). This year the allocation is €3.5 million and the scheme is supporting in the region of 500 projects across the country, creating employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.
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. This fund has an allocation of €1.324 million in 2017 and is supporting 67 projects nationally. It seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes for 2017 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
My Department is providing €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2017 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. My Department’s National Monuments Service works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care throughout the country.
Heritage Sites
Questions (47)
Clare Daly
Question:47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to act on recommendations of the report of the Moore Street consultative group. [40527/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Moore Street Consultative Group was set up to bring together all relevant interests after the High Court ruling in March 2016.
The Group reported to me at the end of March 2017 with a set of recommendations for a potential way forward.
The Report has looked carefully at all relevant aspects, including the variety of State, public and private properties and interests on the street and, of course, the Moore St. traders.
The Report signals the potential for a successful outcome to be agreed between the relevant parties, balancing the perspectives of all the key stakeholders. I am fully supportive of this constructive approach and I want to see the work already done being continued so that we can progress to the next stage and see tangible results on the ground.
The primary recommendation of that Report was the establishment of a new Advisory Group to drive towards a resolution. I have established the Advisory Group and under an independent chairman, Dr Tom Collins, it has commenced its work.
The Advisory Group is drawn from among the membership of the former Moore Street Consultative Group. Its task is to engage with all stakeholders and bodies that have a role in bringing the recommendations of the report to fruition. Its objective is to secure an outcome that is acceptable to everyone and that provides an agreed framework for the future of Moore Street. These stakeholders include representatives of the 1916 relatives and the Moore St Traders. There will also be input from statutory bodies including my own Department, Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works and the National Museum of Ireland.
Moreover, there will be a need for detailed dialogue with the owners of the wider Dublin Central site to explore how and to what extent the Forum’s recommendations might be accommodated in the future development of the Moore Street area.
The Advisory Group has met on a number of occasions and I understand that it is planning a symposium of interests and perspectives in October, including a number of invited speakers in the fields of history, urban regeneration and street markets.
National Cultural Institutions
Questions (48)
Joan Burton
Question:48. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the salary scales of national cultural institutions, for example, the National Gallery, the National Museum, the Natural History Museum and the National Library; if those salaries have been reviewed; the number of posts in each institution that are paid above €75,000 to €100,000 and over €100,000, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40516/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that employees of our National Cultural Institutions are public servants, and, as such, the salary scales attached to their posts are subject to Government policy on public sector pay. In the case of Director or CEO level posts, approval for the salary attached to each post is sought from my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I am further advised that, in summary, salary scales in the National Cultural Institutions are as follows.
There are:
- 12 employees on salaries between €70,000 and €75,000;
- 28 employees on salaries between €65,000 and €70,000;
- 19 employees on salaries between €60,000 and €65,000;
- 23 employees on salaries between €55,000 and €60,000;
- 19 employees on salaries between €50,000 and €55,000;
- 46 employees on salaries between €45,000 and €50,000;
- 50 employees on salaries between €40,000 and €45,000;
- 95 employees on salaries between €35,000 and €40,000;
- 101 employees on salaries between €30,000 and €35,000;
- 105 employees on salaries between €25,000 and €30,000;
- 77 employees on salaries below €25,000.
There are 2 employees in the National Gallery of Ireland, 3 in the National Concert Hall, 4 in the National Library of Ireland, 9 in the National Museum of Ireland, 2 in the Chester Beatty Library and 2 in the Irish Museum of Modern Art on salaries between €75,000 and €100,000.
I am advised that there is 1 employee, in each instance the Director of the Institution concerned, in the National Concert Hall, the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland on salaries over €100,000.
Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna
Questions (49)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:49. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh le forbairt na gcéibheanna ar Inis Oírr agus ar Inis Meáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40465/17]
View answerWritten answers
Maidir le forbairt Ché Inis Oírr, níos túisce i mbliana, thug mo Roinn cead do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe na comhairleoirí RPS a cheapadh chun tabhairt faoi dhoiciméad tairisceana a réiteach do shuirbhéanna éagsúla atá riachtanach mar chuid den fhorbairt ar an gcé úd. Ach an próiseas tairisceana sin bheith curtha i gcríoch, roghnófar conraitheoirí chun tabhairt faoi na suirbhéanna sin.
Ag an am céanna, tá iarrtha ag mo Roinn ar Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe tabhairt faoin bpleanáil d'fhorbairt Chéim III de Ché an Chaladh Mhóir.
Mar chuid den phlé idir mo Roinn agus Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe, socraíodh go maoineodh mo Roinn fostú Innealtóir Fheidhmeach shealadach chun déileáil leis an dá fhorbairt. Tuigtear do mo Roinn anois go bhfuil innealtóir aistrithe ag an gComhairle i dtreo na hoibre seo chun dlús a chur leis an obair. Aithníonn mo Roinn gur tionscadail thábhachtacha iad seo do phobal Inis Oírr agus do phobal Inis Meáin agus fanfaidh siad mar thosaíocht agamsa i gcomhthéacs fhorbairtí infreastruchtúir ar na hoileáin.
Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga
Questions (50)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:50. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aici scéim na gcúntóirí teanga a dheisiú. [40523/17]
View answerWritten answers
Bunaíodh Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga i 1999 ar bhonn píolótach chun tacú le hiarrachtaí scoileanna na Gaeltachta le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil do lucht freastail na scoileanna sin. Ó shin i leith tá infheistíocht shuntasach ar bhonn bliantúil déanta sa scéim. Ag an bpointe ama seo, fostaítear cuntóirí fud fad na Gaeltachta faoi stiúir Muintearas agus Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.
D'fhógair mé le gairid go bhfuil allúntas iomlán ar fiú €784,442 ceadaithe do Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga don scoilbhliain reatha 2017/18. As an allúntas iomlán sin, tá €551,813 curtha ar fáil do Mhuintearas Teo agus €232,629 ceadaithe do Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne chun an scéim a riaradh thar ceann na Roinne sna ceantair Ghaeltachta atá faoina gcúram faoi seach.
I gcomhthéacs fhorfheidhmiú an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltacha 2017-2022 de chuid na Roinne Oideachais, atá á chur i bhfeidhm i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara, mo Roinnse san áireamh, agus an phróisis pleanála teanga mar a leagtar amach é faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, tá sé beartaithe athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar scéim na gcúntóirí teanga lena chinntiú go bhfuil sí in oiriúint le tacú leis an bpolasaí agus an próiseas pleanála teanga araon sa tréimhse ama atá le teacht.
Chuige sin, tá obair idir lámha ag mo Roinn faoi láthair chun go dtosóidh an t-athbhreithniú go luath. Beifear ag súil leis go mbreathnófar faoin atbhreithniú seo ar na bealaí a bhféadfaí an scéim a threisiú tuilleadh.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme
Questions (51)
Niamh Smyth
Question:51. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress on the built heritage investment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40727/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which I launched in 2015, is one of a number of State financial supports that provide for the conservation and preservation of heritage structures.
The scheme is operated via the local authorities. In 2016, the scheme supported over 270 projects across the country, creating over 17,000 days of employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas. The scheme also leveraged aggregate investment of just under €5.5 million, more than double the scheme’s allocation of €2 million.
The 2017 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) was announced in January 2017 with an initial allocation of €2 million. I was delighted to approve an additional €1.5 million for the scheme subsequently, bringing the total allocation for the 2017 scheme to €3.5 million.
Nationwide, more than 500 projects across 31 local authority areas received funding approval in 2017.
The vast majority of these projects are now on site with a number of them already completed. My Department keeps in close contact with all local authorities throughout the year to ensure the smooth running of the scheme and that the best possible use of funding is achieved by reallocating funding in cases where projects are unable to proceed.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is very popular and successful and I expect the full €3.5 million to be expended in 2017, supporting the owners of protected structures, creating employment in traditional construction and leveraging and encouraging private investment in protecting our heritage buildings.
Scéim na mBóithre Áise
Questions (52)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:52. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta aici maidir le scéim na mBóithre Áise a athoscailt chun feabhas a chur ar bhóithre sa Ghaeltacht. [40679/17]
View answerWritten answers
Bhíodh ciste airgid ag mo Roinn faoina ndéantaí oibreacha feabhsúcháin ar bhóithre áirithe Gaeltachta i gcomhar leis na hÚdaráis Áitiúla. Mar gheall ar thosca airgeadais, tá an ciste agus an scéim faoinar ceadaíodh oibreacha den chineál seo ar fionraí anois agus níl beartaithe ag an bpointe ama seo é a athsheoladh.
Tuigfidh an Teachta go bhfuil ciste airgid ag na hÚdaráis Áitiúla chun oibreacha bóthair a dhéanamh, a chuimsíonn na ceantair Ghaeltachta agus neamh-Ghaeltachta araon timpeall na tire.
Local Authority Funding
Questions (53)
Peter Burke
Question:53. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the support her Department is providing to local authorities to improve access and increase participation in arts and culture at a local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40705/17]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for the arts at all levels is primarily a matter for the Arts Council. In this regard, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council in Budget 2017. 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).
Based on this strategy the Arts Council has developed a new approach to funding known as Making Great Art Work Funding Framework 2018-2020. The Arts Council has identified five funding categories that will enable it to deliver on its strategic goals. This includes the provision of funding to support local authorities in delivering arts experiences to people across Ireland.
Under Pillar 2 of the Creative Ireland Programme - Enabling creativity in every community- my Department asked local authorities to develop a Culture and Creativity Plan for 2017, reflecting the overall structure and aims of the Creative Ireland Programme. In total over 750 events focussing on the arts, heritage, culture and the Irish language across all local authorities were listed in these plans of which 250 were directly supported by funding provided under the Creative Ireland Programme.
My Department also provides significant capital support for cultural facilities nationwide. So far this year I have announced details of €10.078 million in capital funding to a total of 122 arts organisations under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. This scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities.
Details of the projects supported are available on my Department's website at www.chg.gov.ie.
Creative Ireland Programme
Questions (54)
Mick Wallace
Question:54. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the role her Department played in the design of the artist's social welfare pilot scheme; if artists were involved in the design of the scheme; if concerns have been raised with her regarding the provision whereby artists must prove that they are genuinely seeking other work, taking part in courses or classes such as CV preparation, job searching or referral to Jobpath, Tús and jobs clubs, for example, particularly in view of the well-documented lack of conventional jobs in the creative field; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40532/17]
View answerWritten answers
The initiative, which is a key commitment under the Creative Ireland Programme, aims to assist self-employed artists who apply to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for Jobseekers Allowance. The pilot initiative, which will be reviewed after one year, applies to visual artists and writers. Design of the initiative involved extensive work between my own Department, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Arts Council, as well as consultation with artists' representative organisations, in this case Visual Artist Ireland and the Irish Writers Centre.
Under the new mechanism, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will provide for the classification of self-employed professional artists in consultation with representative artists' organisations such as Visual Arts Ireland and the Irish Writers Centre.
This new mechanism allows artists to be classified as self-employed for the purposes of accessing social welfare supports. The normal checks and balances will apply to ensure the initiative is not open to abuse, but my hope is that this will make it much easier for professional artists to access social welfare supports when they need them.
Confirmation of self-employed artist status must be obtained from Visual Arts Ireland or the Irish Writers Centre. Such artists would not be subject to the activation process for 12 months. The other conditions associated with jobseeker’s allowance will continue to apply, as they do for all other claimants.
Commemorative Events
Questions (55)
Joan Burton
Question:55. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress she has made in fixing the date of the national famine memorial day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40517/17]
View answerWritten answers
This year’s National Famine Commemoration will take place on Saturday 30 September next at the Ballingarry Warhouse 1848 in County Tipperary. The National Famine Commemoration Day Bill, which inter alia proposes the establishment of a fixed date for the annual commemoration, passed Second Stage earlier this year. I understand that a date will be fixed for the scheduling of the Committee Stage of this Private Members Bill in the coming weeks.
Arts and Culture Capital Scheme
Questions (56)
Niamh Smyth
Question:56. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the lack of artist-run studio space and the fact that Ireland lags far behind other European countries in this regard. [40726/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market. My Department has had discussions with the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches.
So far this year I have announced funding of over €10 million under my Department's Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 to a total of 122 arts organisations around the country in 2017. This allocation included over €900,000 in funding for projects involving artists' studios and creative spaces.
In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I awarded a grant of €35,000 last year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
The list of successful projects under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department’s website.
I will continue to keep the issue of artists' studio space under review in the context of my Department's approach to capital expenditure.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (57, 76)
Catherine Connolly
Question:57. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta maidir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus leis an dréachtbhille atá beartaithe, cén dáta a fhoilseofar an bille nua; cé na céimeanna atá riachtanach chun an bille a chur os comhair Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na nOileán; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40680/17]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:76. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fáth a bhfuil moill mhór ar fhorbairt Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla. [40524/17]
View answerWritten answers
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhir 57 agus 76 le chéile.
Foilsíodh Ceannteidil Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2017 níos túisce i mbliana.
Faoi láthair, tá mo Roinn ag obair i gcomhréir le hOifig an Ard-Aighne chun an Bille a dhréachtú. Ag an am céanna agus, ó foilsíodh na Ceannteidil, táthar i mbun comhairliúcháin leis na Ranna Stáit ábhartha, eagrais Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, An Coimisinéir Teanga agus páirtithe leasmhara eile le cinntiú go mbeidh an Bille is fear agus is éifeachtaí agam le tabhairt os comhair an Oireachtais. Tá na ceannteidil curtha faoi bhráid Comhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na nOileán agus An Comhchoiste um Ealaíona, Oidhreacht, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta chun scrúdú réamhreachtach a dhéanamh air chomh maith.
Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an Bille réidh le foilsiú sa chéad ráithe de 2018.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (58, 68)
Catherine Connolly
Question:58. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le Pleananna Teanga; go háirithe, cé mhéad plean atá faofa ag an Aire agus cé mhéad plean atá os comhair Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi láthair agus cén uair a chuirfear os comhair an Aire iad; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40681/17]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:68. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfidh sí níos mó airgid ar fáil chun na pleananna teanga atá ullmhaithe ag na Comharchumainn sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta a chur i bhfeidhm. [40522/17]
View answerWritten answers
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 58 agus 68 le chéile.
Den 26 limistéar pleanála teanga Gaeltachta atá aitheanta faoin bproiseás pleanála teanga mar a leagtar amach é faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, tá an próiseas tosaithe i ngach aon cheann díobh anois.
Tá pleanana teanga i leith: Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir; Cois Fharraige; agus Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach agus Machaire Rabhairtaigh ceadaithe le gairid - rud a fhágann go mbeifear ag tosú le feidhmiú pleananna sna ceantair sin go luath.
Tá pleananna teanga i leith na limistéar: Ciarraí Thiar; Ciarraí Theas; Na Déise; An Cheathrú Rua agus Múscraí á mbreithniú ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi láthair i gcomhar leis na ceanneagraíochtaí pleanála teanga ábhartha, i dtreo a bheith in ann iad a chur faoi bhráid mo Roinne chun críche faofa go luath.
Cé is móite den trí limistéar pleanála teanga atá suite in oirthear Ghaeltacht na Gaillimhe atá i mbun eagraíochtaí a roghnú go háitiúil faoin bpróiseas faoi láthair (eadhon: Bearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach: an tEachréidh agus Oirthear na Gaillimhe) tá obair i ngach limistéar eile faoi láthair mar a bhaineann sé le ullmhúchán pleananna.
Maidir leis na Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta, tá obair idir lámha cheana féin chun plean teanga a ullmhú faoin bproiséas i leith na mbailte: Daingean Uí Chúis, Leitir Ceanainn, Cathair na Gaillimhe agus Cathair Chorcaí. Táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh an próiseas tosaithe sna bailte: Béal an Mhuirthead, An Clochán Liath, Trá Lí agus Dún Garbhán idir seo agus deireadh na bliana
Ina theannta sin, tá obair idir lámha chun pleananna teanga a ullmhú i leith na líonraí Gaeilge: Baile Loch Riach, Co. na Gaillimhe; Inis, Co. an Chláir agus Cluain Dolcáin, Baile Átha Cliath.
Chun cabhrú le feidhmiú an phróisis, tá allúntas ar fiú €850,000 in iomlán é curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn i mbliana. Den allúntas sin tá suim €735,000 curtha ar fail d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus an fuílleach €115,000 curtha ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge.
Bainfear leas as an allúntas seo chun cabhrú le ceanneagraíochtaí pleanála teanga a gcuid pleananna a ullmhú. Chomh maith leis sin bainfear úsáid as chun tús a chur le feidhmiú pleananna aontaithe. Mar chuid den socrú beidh sé curtha ar chumas na limistéir faoi leith oifigeach pleanála teanga a fhostú go háitiúil chun cabhrú le feidhmiú a bpleananna, uair amháin go mbeidh sé faofa faoin Acht.
Fearacht gach réimse eile caiteachas poiblí beidh gá do gach páirtí leasmhar a bhfuil baint acu le hullmhú agus le feidhmiú pleananna faoin bpróiseas in am trátha a gcuid tosaíochtaí a aithint laistigh den chistíocht atá agus a bheidh curtha ar fáil. Comhthreomhar leis an gciste pleanála teanga ar ndóigh cuimhnimís go mbeidh an infheistíocht shuntasach leanúnach atá á cur ar fáil ón státchiste ar leas na Gaeilge á cur chun fónaimh chomh maith ar mhaithe le tacú le feidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga trí chéile.
Is féidir leis an Teach a bheith cinnte de go leanfaidh mé orm mar Aire Stáit a bhfuil leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta faoi mo chúram chun an cion is fear is féidir a fháil ón státchiste ar son an phróisis agus an rud atá ag a chroílár - an Ghaeilge.
Tá tuilleadh sonraí maidir leis an bproiséas trí chéile agus na tacaíochtaí praiticiúla eile atá á gcur ar fáil chun cabhrú leis ar fáil ar shuíomh na Roinne.