Friday, 7 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1445-1465

Departmental Communications

Questions (1445)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1445. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in her Department and the organisations under its aegis that have arrangements in place for lo-call numbers or 1800, 1850 and 1890 phone numbers for members of the public to contact his Department or organisations under its aegis; the number of these that are completely free to call to persons that use mobile phones and may incur major bills phoning such organisations; if the situation will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36395/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As the Deputy will be aware depending on the mobile service provider used different charges apply to the customer when contacting landline, lo-call or premium numbers. I am advised that in all cases where my Department, or bodies under it, make use of such numbers, details of standard directory numbers and other contact channels e.g. e-mail are also provided to the public.

Details of contact telephone numbers for the main offices of my Department including standard directory numbers and lo-call 1890 numbers are available on my Department's website at www.chg.gov.ie.

In relation to those bodies under the aegis of my Department, listed below, that use lo-call numbers I am advised that these may also be contacted using standard directory numbers:

- Arts Council

- National Archives

- National Museum

- Oifig an Chomisinéir Teanga

- An Foras Teanga.

EU Directives

Questions (1446)

Seán Haughey

Question:

1446. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the derogations sought by Ireland under the EU birds directive in respect of seagulls will be reviewed; the advice she has received regarding this matter; her views on whether action needs to be taken regarding a major problem with seagulls in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36410/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances – for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually and an annual review of the Declarations is undertaken prior to their expiry.

Last year’s review took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which had been the subject of correspondence to my Department from some community groups and other residents which proposed the inclusion of seagull species in the Declaration.

Following consideration of the matter, last year's Declaration, which was effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018, included methods to control seagull species in the Balbriggan area for public safety reasons. The control method involved the removal of eggs and nests only and the culling of seagulls was not permitted. Similar provision has now been made in this year's Declaration, effective until 30 April 2019.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive which will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available in respect of all the bird species in the derogations. ANIAR Ecology were appointed by my Department to undertake the review following a public tendering process. My Department has received a draft report from the consultants and I expect a final report to be submitted shortly. The final report of the consultants will be published.

Departmental Funding

Questions (1447)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1447. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that was sought for designated areas by her Department in the pre-budget submission for 2019; the number of persons that benefit from the NPWS farm plan scheme; if this scheme will be reinstated; her views on whether farmers with designated lands have been encumbered without financial reward for the protective management of these lands since 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36456/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department is currently it the midst of the Estimates 2019 process and it would be premature to indicate any funding amounts while these matters are under discussion.

The Farm Plan Scheme is currently operational, albeit on a limited basis, for farmers whose management of designated areas incurs costs or actions over and above payments received through other schemes, and it is my intention to increase the scope of the Scheme on a targeted and prioritised basis as funding permits. It must also be recognised that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is operating many targeted Locally Led Schemes as well as specific, and substantially-funded, European Innovation Partnership schemes for farmers in areas designated for Hen harrier and Freshwater Pearl Mussel interests. The DAFM GLAS scheme has provided prioritised entry into GLAS and elevated GLAS payments in certain designated areas. It is important that the Farm Plan Scheme is coherent with these schemes and the Basic Payment Scheme.

National Library

Questions (1448)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

1448. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the W.B. Yeats collection which is exhibited at the National Library, Dublin can be loaned to Sligo County Council (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36459/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The matter to which the Deputy refers is a day-to-day matter for the National Library. I have however referred the Deputy's question to the National Library for their separate consideration and direct reply.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Questions (1449)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1449. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the discussions that were ongoing earlier in 2018 in respect of a location and in respect of Parliamentary Question No. 623 of 24 April 2018 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36471/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is continuing its discussions with the various interests with a mast presence in the area in question. The aim of these discussions continues to be not just to address the issue of payments but also enhancing the overall care and management of the site. While these discussions are significantly advanced, they have yet to reach a formal conclusion. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate to provide further details publicly at this time.

Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga

Questions (1450, 1451)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1450. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhféadfadh sí a dheimhniú go mbeidh €1.2 milliún, mar a fógraíodh i mí an Mheithimh, ar fáil anois do chlár na gcúntóirí teanga atá reáchtáil ag Muintearas agus Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne do na scoileanna Gaeltachta; cén dáta tosaithe a bheidh ag clár na gcúntóirí teanga i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36511/18]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1451. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhféadfaí cóip den tuarascáil a choimisiúnaigh a Roinn maidir le clár na gcúntóirí teanga a chur ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36512/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1450 and 1451 together.

Ba mhaith liom a dheimhniú gurb é allúntas méadaithe ar fiú suas le €1.02 milliún a d’fhógair mé i rith an tsamhraidh do Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga i leith na scoilbhliana reatha 2018/2019. Tá bailchríoch á cur faoi láthair ag mo Roinn ar na socruithe riaracháin a bhaineann leis an allúntas, i gcomhar leis an dá eagraíocht atá freagrach as an scéim a riar thar ceann na Roinne. Tá comhaontú feidhmíochta sínithe idir an Roinn agus Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne agus tá na cúntóirí tosaithe ar ais sna scoileanna ó dheas ó thús na seachtaine seo (3 Meán Fómhair). Táthar ag súil le comhaontú feidhmíochta sínithe a fháil ó Mhuintearas an tseachtain seo chugainn agus beidh sé suas ag an eagraíocht sin ansin dáta a shocrú le go dtosóidh na cúntóirí ar ais i mbun a gcuid oibre i scoileanna Dhún na nGall, na Gaillimhe, na Mí agus Mhaigh Eo. 

In ainneoin tuairiscí dá mhalairt sna meáin le déanaí, is féidir liom a dheimhniú nach bhfuil an t-athbhreithniú ar Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga, a choimisiúnaigh mo Roinn, críochnaithe go fóill. Táthar ag súil leis an athbhreithniú seo a bheith críochnaithe agus tuarascáil ina leith foilsithe roimh dheireadh na bliana.

 

Departmental Agencies

Questions (1452)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

1452. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of State agencies operating unpaid internships in 2017 and 2018. [36672/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

State agencies under the remit of my Department are occasionally approached by individuals seeking to gain work experience in a particular area on an unpaid basis. I understand that Five State agencies in 2017, and four in 2018, facilitated unpaid internships. The agencies in question work with these individuals to provide a high value experience, often around a specific project, over a short period of time.

Public Service Obligation Services

Questions (1453, 1454, 1455, 1456, 1457, 1458)

Noel Grealish

Question:

1453. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the public service obligation air service to the Aran Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36718/18]

Noel Grealish

Question:

1454. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the tender process in relation to the public service obligation air service to the Aran Islands will be completed and the successful tenderer in place to commence the service on 6 December 2018 when the current contract terminates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36719/18]

Noel Grealish

Question:

1455. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the stage the tendering process in relation to the public service obligation air service to the Aran Islands is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36720/18]

Noel Grealish

Question:

1456. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the work carried out by her officials to date on the preparation for the new contract in relation to the PSO air service to the Aran Islands; the schedule of work; the timelines of the remainder of the work to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36721/18]

Noel Grealish

Question:

1457. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the new contract in relation to the public service obligation air service to the Aran Islands will be different from the current contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36722/18]

Noel Grealish

Question:

1458. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if representatives of the three island communities will be actively engaged in the formulation of the tender proposals and in the decision making process in selecting the successful operator for the public service obligation air service to the Aran Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36723/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1453 to 1458, inclusive, together.

In June 2018, Galway Aviation Services Limited, trading as Aer Árann, informed my Department that it was withdrawing from its contract for the provision of a PSO air service to the Aran Islands, and also from the contract that secured the availability of Conamara Airport for the duration of the aforementioned air service contract, with effect from 6 December 2018.

Following this decision by the company, both I and my officials moved quickly to assure the islands' communities that it is a priority of the Department that an air service for the islands be maintained.

I arranged a meeting between representatives from the Aran Islands and public representatives from Galway West in June and agreed to engage with island representatives on an ongoing basis. My officials have, since then, also met with island representatives and arrangements are being made for a further meeting in the coming weeks. My officials have also met with their counterparts in the Department of Transport and have sought a meeting with the European Commission to discuss this issue. That meeting will happen at the end of the month.

In parallel with this ongoing engagement, my Department is working towards a new tender competition with the aim of putting in place a contract for the next number of years. Neither a timescale for the running of this competition nor details of any contract that may emerge from it can be provided at this stage.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (1459)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1459. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 389 of 26 September 2017 and 1640 of 17 April 2018 and further to a request made by the HSE to the islands division of her Department to acquire an identified site for a replacement primary health centre on Inisbofin, County Galway, if the site has been acquired; if not, when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36732/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I can confirm for the Deputy that a site adjacent to the airstrip on the island to be used for construction of a replacement primary health centre on Inishbofin has not yet been acquired by the HSE. My Department is in contact with both the HSE and the Irish Aviation Authority with regard to the issue and the matter is being progressed in the context of the review of submissions received as part of the public consultation process in relation to the Inishboffin and Cleggan airstrip sites.

Question No. 1460 answered with Question No. 1438.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Questions (1461, 1462)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1461. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén maoiniú atá ar fáil i mbliana d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tacú le fiontraíocht agus chun fostaíocht a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht agus an gcuirfear airgead caipitil ar fáil chuige sin sa bhuiséad don bhliain seo chugainn mar atá geallta sa phlean forbartha náisiúnta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36824/18]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

1462. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad post atá ceadaithe go dtí seo ag Údarás na Gaeltachta sna Gaeltachtaí éagsúla agus cad iad na himpleachtaí atá ag an nganntanas maoinithe maidir le cur chun cinn na bpost seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36825/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1461 and 1462 together.

Is é an ciste caipitil atá curtha ar fáil in 2018 d’Údarás na Gaeltachta ná €7m, i gcomparáid le ciste arbh fhiú €6.687m é don bhliain 2017. Ní miste a lua chomh maith gur cuireadh allúntais caipitil breise arbh fhiú €2.27m agus €2.4m ar fáil don Údarás in 2017 agus in 2016 faoi seach. Is ionann sin agus ciste €4.67m sa bhreis ar an mbunlíne a bheith curtha ar fáil don Údarás sna blianta sin.

Mar is eol don Teachta, is tríd an phróiseas meastacháin agus cáinaisnéise a dhéantar leithdháileadh ar an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn bliantúil do mo Roinn agus, go deimhin, do na Ranna Rialtais go léir.

Mar is iondúil déanfar cinneadh maidir le soláthar caipitil an Údaráis don bhliain seo chugainn mar chuid den phróiseas meastacháin níos déanaí i mbliana. I dtaca leis sin, is fiú a mheabhrú don Teachta go bhfuil gealltanas sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2018-2027, go méadófar buiséad caipitil Údarás na Gaeltachta go €12m in aghaidh na bliana. Tiocfaidh tuilleadh sonraí chun cinn maidir le maoiniú do thograí agus cláir ar leith, chomh maith le hamscála an chaiteachais ina leith, de réir mar a rachfar tríd an bpróiseas meastóireachta agus pleanála atá leagtha síos faoin gCód um Chaiteachas Poiblí.

Tuigim go bhfuil ós cionn 300 post nua ceadaithe ag Bord an Údaráis go dáta i mbliana. Tuigfidh an Teachta go dtiocfaidh na poist sin chun cinn de réir a chéile sa tréimhse amach romhainn.

Departmental Funding

Questions (1463)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1463. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding awarded from January 2018 to date; the schemes under which funding was awarded; the application and selection process for each award of funding; the identity of the recipients of the funding; the amount of funding awarded in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36842/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As the Deputy will appreciate my Department operates a wider range of funding schemes across all areas of the Departments' remit.

In view of this and because of the wide range of my Department’s schemes and programmes, and the large volumes of payments and grants involved, it is not possible to provide the information sought. However, if the Deputy has specific queries relating to a particular programme or grant, I will endeavour to provide her with relevant information in that regard.

Details of funding allocations and awards are published on my Department's website at www.chg.gov.ie from time to time. In common with all Government Departments, details of annual expenditure are also included in the annual Appropriation Accounts.

For the Deputy's convenience a summary of the various funding areas and the links to detailed information in respect of funding available from my Department is set out in the following table.

Programme Area	Details available at:
Arts Film and Investment	http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/arts-unit/#grantfunding
Cultural Policy and Institutions	http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/%20freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-%20provided-by-the-department/cultural-policy-and-institutions-unit/#grantfunding
Culture Ireland	http://www.cultureireland.ie/funding
Creative Ireland	https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/creative-ireland-programme/
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy	http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/%20freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/%20services-provided-by-the-department/built-heritage-%20and-architectural-policy-unit/#grantfunding
National Monuments Service	http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/national-monuments-service/#grantfunding
Gaeltacht Support Schemes	https://www.chg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/the-gaeltacht/language-support-schemes-programmes/
Irish Language Support Schemes	https://www.chg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/the-irish-language/language-support-schemes/

Appointments to State Boards Data

Questions (1464)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1464. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the boards under the remit of her Department on which there are vacancies; when the vacancies first arose; the status of the procedure to fill the vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36843/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The following table gives details of current vacancies on the State boards under the remit of my Department.

Board	No. of current Vacancies	Vacancy arose
Crawford Art Gallery	1	May 2017
Foras na Gaeilge	3	N/A – North/South body
National Museum of Ireland	3	October 2017 (Staff representative vacancy)January 2018 (x2)

A process is currently underway with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to fill vacancies on the Board of the National Museum of Ireland: the closing date for expressions of interest was 8th August 2018 and I anticipate that I will receive a shortlist of the names of suitably qualified candidates shortly. One of the vacancies on the Board of the National Museum is reserved for a representative from the staff of the Museum: a process in relation to filling this vacancy, as set out in Section 19 of the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997, is also currently underway.

A PAS process to identify a person for appointment to the Board of the Crawford Art Gallery is pending.

With regard to the vacancies on the Board of Foras na Gaeilge: appointments to boards of North/South bodies are made by the North South Ministerial Council, on the basis of 50:50 nominations from each jurisdiction. The current vacancies on the board are in respect of Northern nominations.

EU Legislation

Questions (1465)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1465. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the EU legislation awaiting transposition by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36844/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

I am advised that there are at present three outstanding pieces of EU legislation which require transposition into Irish law by my Department, and that the relevant legal instruments are currently at an advanced stage of drafting, with a view to full transposition over the coming months. The details are set out in the table.

EU legislation	Deadline for transposition
Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment	16 May 2017
Regulation (EU) No 511/2014 on compliance measures for users from the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation in the Union (hereinafter ‘the EU ABS Regulation’).	June 2015
Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 on invasive alien species.	January 2016