Written Answers Nos. 1-32
12. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to figures that found one third of artists and creative practitioners earn less than the national minimum wage; her views on a movement to a living wage for persons working in the arts, culture and heritage sector; the actions she is taking to achieve same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8689/19]
View answerI am aware of the issues referred to in the question and I am continuing to deliver additional supports to the arts and culture sector in line with Government commitments, as evidenced in Budget 2019.
Primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and now stands at €75 million in 2019, and increase of some €6.8m or 10% over 2018. The Creative Ireland Programme is also delivering additional resources to the sector, for example, through the Creative Youth Programme and the Culture and Creativity Strategies delivered by local authorities. This increase in current funding builds on the multi-annual commitment to increased capital funding of €1.2 billion over the ten year period to 2028 set out in the National Development Plan, and is in line with the Government's commitment to double funding for the sector over a seven year period.
The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people's engagement with the arts.
For example, the Arts Council now include as an assessment criterion, an organisation’s policy on the remuneration of artists. This aims to ensure that organisations in receipt of Arts Council funding should offer fair and equitable remuneration to artists.
Furthermore, last year I launched a €200m Audio-visual Action Plan, an industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, to support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of Film, TV drama and animation, and which aims to double employment in the sector.
With regard to legal protections for workers across the arts sector, it is important to note that employees in every industry and sector are entitled to all existing legal protections.
As members will be aware legislation was introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 should improve the insecurity and unpredictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours. Employment law in general should also have a role to play in terms of existing legal protections. There are also institutions for reporting abuse of employment legislation. I am satisfied that the industry works in general to a high standard.
13. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funding for arts and culture to DEIS schools, in tabular form; if she has met with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the matter; and if a memo has been sent to Government on this matter. [8687/19]
View answerMy Department does not fund DEIS schools directly. I can confirm however that a number of DEIS Schools have received funding to enhance their arts, culture and creative programmes under Creative Ireland's Creative Youth programme.
The Creative Schools initiative is a flagship initiative of Creative Youth which is being led by the Arts Council and funded primarily by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. This project was launched in 2018 and funding of €1m was provided for its successful roll-out. Creative Schools aims to understand, develop and celebrate the arts and creativity, as a core aspect of school life, and to foster children and young people’s creativity and participation in the arts as an integral part of their education in Ireland.
A total of 150 schools across the country are now taking part in the Creative Schools Initiative. Of these, 41 are DEIS schools (33 primary and 8 post-primary), seven are special schools and four are Youthreach schools. The first Programme was rolled out in September 2018 and will run through 2019; 47 Creative Associates have been appointed to work with schools. All have been trained to enable the voice of the child throughout the Programme. Each school receives a grant of €2,000 to assist in the development of their creative plans and also receives the assistance of a Creative Associate. A list of all participating schools including the DEIS schools is available on the Arts Council website. However, I will arrange for a separate list of the 41 DEIS schools taking part in the initiative to be provided to the Deputy.
In partnership with the Minister of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council, I recently announced a joint funding package of over €6m for the implementation of a range of initiatives under Creative Youth which will have a positive impact on DEIS schools and indeed other schools right across the country. Almost €2.4m has been allocated to Creative Schools which will allow us to double the number of creative schools from 150 to 300 (which includes maintaining the current 150 for a further year). As in 2018, this process is open to all schools including DEIS schools to apply for and registration for new applicants is now open with applications accepted online from the 19th February until 21st March 2019. All information in relation to this Scheme is available on the Arts Council website and I would urge all schools to consider applying.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department works closely with the Department of Education and Skills and indeed the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council to ensure the timely implementation of the various actions under Creative Youth.
14. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital spending in 2018; the funding allocated to Waterways Ireland; the projects undertaken by Waterways Ireland with the allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8679/19]
View answerWaterways Ireland is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The current expenditure of the body is funded 85% by my Department and 15% by the Department for Infrastructure which reflects the distribution of the navigable waterways in each jurisdiction. Capital expenditure is funded 100% in the jurisdiction in which the capital works are carried out.
Capital spending by Waterways Ireland in 2018 within this jurisdiction totalled €7,767,325. Of this amount, €2,587,325 was contributed from Waterways Ireland’s Reserves. These, as the Deputy knows, are the accumulation of proceeds from disposal of property and receipts from third party funded projects and are used to fund additional works.
The amount of funding allocated to Waterways Ireland from my Department's Vote for 2018 was €25,706,000 made up of €20,526,000 in Current and €5,180,000 in Capital.
The projects undertaken by Waterways Ireland in 2018 comprised a wide diversity of works with the overall objective of maintaining and indeed extending the waterways network.
For example, the largest expenditure of €1,605,934 was for maintenance of plant and machinery on the waterways. these are essential to the smooth operation of the navigations, the upkeep of the waterways, especially the canals, and the development of the general amenity of the Canal network.
€1,133,846 was spent on works on the Ulster Canal and €598,492 was used to develop the Rooskey Works Depot. This is an important new extension and the Deputy will appreciate its significance in a North South context and indeed in a Brexit context.
I will furnish the Deputy with a complete list of all Waterways Irelands 2018 Capital Projects. As the Deputy will see, there is a considerable emphasis too on the Blueway extension programme and some very ambitious objectives in that regard are being realised. Much capital investment too was focussed on the built heritage of the canal and waterways network and that indeed is to be welcomed too. The effort expended by Waterways Ireland in terms of flood mitigation works on the Shannon, in co-operation with the OPW is also especially important.
In 2018, Waterways Ireland focused on delivering its core activities and maintaining front line services. Waterways Ireland concentrated the resources available on the areas of navigation which receive the highest levels of use. A key goal for Waterways Ireland is to increase the use of the inland waterways. The number of registered users at the end of December 2018 was 15,539 with 95% of waters navigable during the boating season (mid-March to October).
Waterways Ireland Capital Projects 2018
|
Plant & Machinery |
1,605,934 |
|
Ulster Canal |
1,133,846 |
|
Rooskey Works Depot |
598,492 |
|
Royal Canal Completion Commissioning |
365,118 |
|
Lock Gate Replacem't Progr |
253,403 |
|
Victoria Lock Gate Replacement |
191,560 |
|
Cloydagh Bank Repair & Drdging |
186,300 |
|
Jetty Refurbishment |
181,785 |
|
Culvert Inspections and Commence Repai |
178,822 |
|
Bank Strengthening at Blackshade Bridg |
175,192 |
|
Bridge Repairs |
166,635 |
|
Grand Canal Dock Works |
166,116 |
|
Nth Shannon B'way Phase 3 TP |
133,187 |
|
Auto Pedestrian Counter |
119,971 |
|
Clarendon Lock Floating |
119,342 |
|
Blundell Aqueduct to 20th Lock Bank St |
119,122 |
|
IT Capital South |
105,891 |
|
Balroe Bank Strengthening |
102,260 |
|
Royal Canal Cycleway Maynooth to Kilco |
100,984 |
|
Borris Dredging |
82,833 |
|
Rooskey Lock Gates |
77,513 |
|
Bank Strengthening and Repair Lecarrow |
72,648 |
|
Navigation Land Recover |
72,622 |
|
Royal Canal Completion Commissioning |
67,986 |
|
20th Lockhouse Ballyteigue |
67,464 |
|
Shannon-Erne Blueway Balyconnell to Be |
65,601 |
|
Milford Sluice Safe Gangway |
65,555 |
|
Royal Canal Cycleway Ferns Lock to Mul |
65,144 |
|
Albert Lock gates preparation work for |
64,951 |
|
Specialist Inspections |
61,631 |
|
Leakage Repairs Lvl 13 GC |
60,692 |
|
Barrowline Dredging |
60,333 |
|
Darcy's Bridge Dredging |
54,896 |
|
Blackshade Bridge |
52,842 |
|
Limerick preparation for Dredging in 2 |
50,399 |
|
Ballina Quay Landing Jetty |
50,054 |
|
Killaloe Canal Wall Mooring Walkway |
49,791 |
|
Barrow Way Towpath Dev |
45,082 |
|
Athlone Lock gates Investigation and R |
44,287 |
|
City Block 19 |
40,841 |
|
Lock C1-C3 Path Upgrades |
33,539 |
|
Tarmonbarry Weir Reinstatement |
30,000 |
|
Charlotte Quay |
27,024 |
|
Areas of Tranquility |
26,117 |
|
Meelick Weir/Sluice Condition survey |
24,106 |
|
Mullingar Blueway Development |
23,176 |
|
IT & ASSET MGT SYSTEM - SOUTH |
20,826 |
|
Barrow Weir Studies |
20,295 |
|
Grouting 12th Lock Grand |
19,420 |
|
Clondra Amenity |
19,378 |
|
Longford Cycleway |
17,963 |
|
SE Blueway Lock 16 to Kilclare |
15,098 |
|
Development Mullingar Hub |
14,324 |
|
Lock 14 Grouting |
13,616 |
|
Improv' Grand Canal Dock |
13,560 |
|
Portumna Development Project |
13,240 |
|
Castlesaunderson New Mooring |
12,385 |
|
Lough Owel Sluice House Development |
11,082 |
|
Lough Allen |
8,567 |
|
Rooskey Floating Moorings |
8,127 |
|
Dredging |
7,946 |
|
Blakestown Lockhouse |
7,626 |
|
ALBERT LOCKHOUSE |
6,925 |
|
Automation Poolboy Lock |
5,559 |
|
Aghalane to Lock 1 Corraquill Trail Ex |
5,368 |
|
Battlebridge Lockhouse Capital |
5,166 |
|
Youngs Store Tullamore |
5,166 |
|
Fenniscourt Lockhouse |
5,166 |
|
Slyguff Lockhouse |
5,166 |
|
Shannon Blueway Carrick to Boyle |
5,162 |
|
Sallins Houseboat Facility |
4,935 |
|
Banagher preparation for Dredging in 2 |
4,619 |
|
Red Bridge Moorings |
4,428 |
|
Bagenalstown Retaining Wall |
4,397 |
|
Portumna Blueway Castle Harbour |
3,907 |
|
Bank & Weir Upgrades |
3,888 |
|
Pumpout and Water Services Canal Netwo |
3,838 |
|
Victoria Lock House |
3,383 |
|
Repair Wing Wall Lock 18 GC |
2,755 |
|
Rathvinden Wall replacement |
2,661 |
|
Clashganny Lockhouse Development |
2,589 |
|
Dredging |
2,589 |
|
Visitor Centre Roof Repairs and Rental |
2,463 |
|
Property Registration Legal Fees |
1,672 |
|
Limerick Navigation |
1,565 |
|
GreenWIN |
1,378 |
|
Ballinea Harbour North Bank |
1,348 |
|
Towpath Enhancement |
1,348 |
|
Spencer Harbour Landbridge |
1,124 |
|
Infrastructure Upgrade |
935 |
|
Upgrade pumps Spencer Docks |
795 |
|
Inner Lakes Canoe Trail |
615 |
|
Northern Signage |
430 |
|
Shannon Blueway Carrick to Drumshanbo |
298 |
|
Ballyleague Angling Facilities |
265 |
|
Canoe Trail Feasability Study |
262 |
|
Athlone Railway Jetties |
256 |
|
Lockhouse refurb EGR |
130 |
|
Lough Derg Canoe Trail |
98 |
|
Thomastown Retaining Wall |
73 |
|
Shannonbridge New Moorings |
42 |
|
Moorings at Ballinasloe |
24 |
|
Total Spend net of third party funding |
7,767,325 |
|
DCHG Sponsor Department funding |
5,180,000 |
|
WI use of Reserves |
2,587,325 |
|
Total |
7,767,325 |
15. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to further designate land for national parks and nature reserves; her further plans to expand public access to reasonable and proximate quality open space; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8688/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware some 14 per cent of the terrestrial area of the State is already designated. Through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, my Department manages a property portfolio in respect of National Parks and Reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. It is responsible for the 6 National Parks and 80 statutory Nature Reserves. The Department keeps the extent and coverage of the National Parks under ongoing review.
These important biodiversity areas are located all around the country. In 2016 my Department completed the purchase of 5,000 hectares of lands in Glenasmole. The area, known popularly as the Featherbeds, has been added to Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of this National Park to some 22,000 hectares. The lands referred to are thus being managed as part of Wicklow Mountains National Park. 93% of this acquisition lies within the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), while it is in very close proximity to the Glenasmole Valley SAC. SACs and SPAs are the most important wildlife and habitat conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as Irish level.
The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their acquisition at a cost of approximately €163 per acre represents excellent value for the state, not just in terms of value for money but also in terms of the amenity potential, conservational benefits and environmental gains.
In late 2017 the Department announced the expansion of Ballycroy National Park to include the area known as Wild Nephin, expanding the total size of the National Park to over 15,000 hectares. This expansion is the result of a long-standing collaborative project between Coillte and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The transfer of this property not only consolidates the National Park area but provides excellent opportunities for the future development of the Park, including improved access and trails, as well as other significant enhancements to the visitor experience at “Wild Nephin” on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Nephin land bank is contiguous with both the existing Ballycroy National Park boundaries but also the property at Altnabrockey which was purchased during 2017.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will now manage the area and a public amenity conversion plan will be put in place. Overall, the project reflects the on-going commitment of all stakeholders to improve the recreational potential of this area whilst ensuring the highest standards of nature conservation.
The Department makes strategic land purchases from time to time in order to consolidate its sites. In that regard the Deputy is well aware of my position in relation to Lugalla. These purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
Their acquisition by the State is a sign of our enduring commitment to preserve our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
16. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Creative Schools programme 2019; and the schools in County Limerick that are participating in same. [8536/19]
View answerThe Creative Schools pilot is one of the flagship projects of Creative Youth, which seeks to enable the creative potential of every child and young person. This Plan is led by my Department, with the Departments of Education and Skills, and Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council, all working in partnership.
Creative Schools aims to understand, develop and celebrate the arts and creativity as a core aspect of school life. It strives to foster children and young people’s creativity, potential and participation in the arts as an integral part of their education. The initiative recognises that the arts are a powerful means through which children and young people can explore communication and collaboration, stimulate their imaginations to be inventive, and harness their boundless curiosity.
The Creative Schools pilot is up and running, reaching over 38,000 children and young people the length and breadth of the country at primary and post-primary levels and Youth reach. Of the 150 schools participating, 41 DEIS schools were chosen for inclusion in the pilot (33 primary and 8 post-primary).
On 14th February last, myself, Ministers McHugh and Zappone announced a €6M investment in the Creative Youth initiative for 2019, which will allow us double the number of participating schools to 300. Online registration and applications are now open until 21st March, after which the additional 150 schools will be selected and added to the existing participants. All information in relation to the Scheme is available on the Arts Council website.
Each participating school has access to Creative Associates who are essential in embedding inspirational and sustainable creative practices in teaching and learning. Creative Associates are a mixture of practising artists and teachers with an understanding of creativity and its potential to transform the lives of children and young people.
Participating schools, working with their Creative Associate, are completing the development of plan for arts and creativity, and implementing these plans. The Creative Associates will explore new links for schools with artists and with arts and cultural organisations, both locally and nationally, to help develop their plan. To assist this, each participating school is awarded €2,000 for implementation of their plan.
The participating schools in the current cohort of Creative Schools from County Limerick are:
- Ardscoil Mhuire
- Corpus Christi NS
- Our Lady Queen of Peace School
- Scoil na mBraithre
- Scoil nais Cathair Chinn, NS
- Scoil Naomh Mhuire
The Creative Youth Plan is ambitious and ever developing, and I hope that by 2022 it will have touched the lives of every child and young person in Ireland.
17. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Heritage 2030 public consultations; the opportunities including local meetings for groups and residents of County Offaly to contribute to the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8518/19]
View answer26. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Heritage 2030 public consultations; the opportunities including local meetings for groups and residents in counties Sligo and Leitrim to contribute to the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8510/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 26 together.
The public consultation process for Heritage Ireland 2030 is fully underway now, with consultation events being held right across the State. This is a critical phase in the development of Heritage Ireland 2030, the new National Heritage Plan for Ireland and we need to hear the views of all those we know care deeply about their heritage.
It was my intention that the 4 month consultation period would close at the end of February. Given the huge level of interest across the country I have decided to extend the consultation period by one month to allow more time for everyone to have their say.
To date 74 separate events have been arranged around the country as part of the consultation process and more are being organised all the time. Details of all of these public events are available on my Department's website.
The range of events includes public information sessions, roundtable workshops, regional sessions, heritage forums and other events being organised by local tourism and heritage organisations. Forty-five of the events arranged to date are open to the public. The Local Authority Heritage Officer network and the Heritage Council are playing a tremendous role, making use of their local and regional networks and expertise in public engagement to support our consultation.
Our heritage is a priceless and irreplaceable national asset which belongs to all of us. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this heritage, to have a sense of pride in it, and to keep it safe for the future. The voices we are hearing in the conversations taking place as part of this public consultation illustrate the passion people have for other heritage, their monuments, their national parks, their landscapes, their nature and biodiversity.
To find out about Heritage Ireland 2030 public events in their own county, people should contact the Heritage Officer in their local authority. A list of Heritage Officers is available on the Heritage Council website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
I am aware that a small number of local authorities do not have a Heritage Officer. My Department will work with these local authorities and the Heritage Council to ensure that these counties are catered for and have a public event for people to attend. People may also contact my Department directly or make a submission through any of the channels I have already mentioned.
Our vision for heritage is a simple one - that heritage is valued and protected. Heritage Ireland 2030 is built around that vision: that the way in which we identify and protect our heritage is the best it can be. I would encourage everyone to avail of this unique opportunity to rethink how we care for our habitats, landscapes, wildlife, historic buildings and monuments, so they can be celebrated and enjoyed long into the future.
The shadow of Ben Bulben, coasts of Sligo, the hills and vales of Leitrim and the wild peatlands and monastic lineage of Offaly show the diversity of what we are all charged with protecting for future generations. These counties at the centre and the beautiful edge of this island provide many exemplars of our built and natural heritage, driving a sense of place in the smallest villages and the urban centres. Their contribution to this strategy is essential. I am pleased that 2 events have been held in Sligo on 5 and 7 February to allow the people from that area to have their say. The Heritage Council has also arranged a regional event for Connacht in Claregalway on 19 February, and two events have been arranged in Offaly, on 23 January 18 February.
These public events are just one of four ways in which people can participate in the consultation. They are also invited to:
- go to the Heritage Ireland 2030 section on my Department’s website and complete the on-line survey.
- send a written submission by post to Heritage Ireland 2030, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, The Custom House, Dublin 1.
- or email a submission to HeritageIreland2030@chg.gov.ie
18. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of progress in relation to the battlefield site of 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8704/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the project to conserve the national monument buildings at Nos. 14 – 17 Moore Street and to open them to the public to honour the leaders of the 1916 Rising was suspended in early 2016 on foot of proceedings in the High Court. The aim of the works was to restore them in a way that would have ensured that they reflected as closely as possible what they would have been like when they were occupied by the insurgents in 1916. With the agreement of the High Court a programme of works was subsequently completed to stabilise and weatherproof the buildings. This agreed programme was completed last year.
Each of the buildings has extensive original features, including plasterwork, partitions, staircases, doors, floors, fittings and fixtures. Most significantly, they also contain physical evidence of the presence of the insurgents themselves in the form of the openings broken through from house to house during the final phase of the Rising. The intention remains to retain all of this original material.
Working with the recommendations of The Moore Report – Securing History as its guide, the Moore Street Advisory Group, of which the Deputy is a member, is currently engaged in discussions with the new owners of the Dublin Central site about the implementation of these recommendations and about the future of the site which surrounds the national monument. I understand that discussions are progressing very positively and that the Advisory Group has been briefed in some detail by the owner’s architects on how the previous plans for the wider site are being significantly modified in a way that is seen to be more sympathetic to the traditions and history of the area and that also brings the commemoration of the events of Easter 1916 much more to the fore.
The design changes that will follow in relation to aspects such as architectural heritage, urban regeneration, community benefit and social amenity will determine how the wider regeneration work interacts with the national monument buildings themselves and how both elements are appropriately and sensitively integrated. I understand that the owners of the Dublin Central site will be applying for planning permission before the end of this year.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the Advisory Group itself has formed its own sub-committee that is specifically tasked with coming up with a vision for the national monument buildings. That sub-committee is meeting with the Department, as owner, with Hammerson which owns the surrounding site, and with other relevant bodies such as OPW, the National Museum and the National Archives to get ideas about how the national monument buildings should be presented, what they should contain by way of historical content, what use could be made of the open yards to the rear and how they will integrate with any revised proposals Hammerson comes up for the adjoining properties. The sub-group is also looking at what conservation works might proceed in the short-term to ensure that the buildings are protected from any structural deterioration or weather effects.
The State owned buildings are regularly inspected by OPW and monitored fire and security systems are in place and my Department’s National Monuments Service is regularly briefed on them.
I would like to thank the Deputy sincerely for her dedicated, positive and constructive input to the work of the Moore Street Advisory Group. If there is any aspect of the management and conservation of the national monument buildings that she would like more information on I will be happy to arrange for briefing by my Department and the Office of Public Works.
19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on her efforts to establish a film stakeholders forum to resolve ongoing disputes and issues across the industry; the stakeholders she has engaged with; the willingness of these groups to take part in such a forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8678/19]
View answerThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry recommended in July that Screen Ireland (formerly the Irish Film Board) constitute a Film Forum, with an independent Chair, in order to allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
Screen Ireland has been endeavouring to organise the Forum and had drawn up a list of all stakeholders to invite to the Forum. These include representatives of workers in the industry which include:
- The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
- SIPTU
- Irish Film Workers Association (IFWA)
- GMBh Trade Union
- Screen Guilds of Ireland
The emergence of disputes between stakeholders have, however, impeded progress on the Forum. I understand that following the transmission of an RTÉ Prime Time programme on the film industry, ICTU and SIPTU stated that they would not attend a Forum to which the Irish Film Workers Association is invited, and that the Screen Guilds of Ireland gave a similar response. Based on the ICTU position, Screen Producers Ireland also indicated that it would not attend.
It is important to underline that the State has formal institutional arrangements for the resolution of disputes in all industries. The audiovisual industry is not exempt from these arrangements which consist of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Film Form on the other hand is intended to have a developmental role in the industry. The Oireachtas Committee specifically called for the constitution of a forum to allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
In the meantime, my Department along with other relevant Government Departments and State Agencies are working together in the form of the Audiovisual High Level Steering Group to bring an all-of-government approach to the implementation of the Government's Audiovisual Action Plan. The Steering Group also seeks to address issues raised in the audiovisual industry, and to support the industry and the people who work in it.
20. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her current and planned activities to protect Ireland’s biodiversity including initiatives in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8701/19]
View answerMy Department is responsible for implementing the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, the primary legislation underpinning the protection of biodiversity and nature in Ireland. The Wildlife Acts afford protection to a range of habitats and species and provide for regulation and control of activities that impinge on biodiversity, such as hunting and trade.
The legislative framework in place to protect biodiversity is further strengthened by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 SI No 477/2011, which also fall under the remit of my Department. These Regulations transpose the EU Birds Directive and the EU Habitats Directive into national law, and provide for protection of certain habitats and species across the European Union and give a framework for specific measures to be taken to target areas of concern in each Member State. The main instruments provided for are the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPA) aimed at the protection of threatened species of birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) aimed at protecting other animal species and habitats.
My Department is also responsible for developing and publishing Ireland's National Biodiversity Action Plan. The most recent Plan (Ireland's 3rd) was published in October 2017 and includes a number of actions aimed at assisting local authorities throughout the country in their efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity in their areas. Local authorities undertake much valuable work in this sphere and several, including Kildare County Council, have produced local Biodiversity Action Plans which are an important element in the overall approach to halting biodiversity loss.
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to monitor and protect biodiversity in County Kildare through the implementation of the existing legislative framework and in particular will continue to protect and enhance the habitat and species within the designated European Sites listed for County Kildare. These comprise seven Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and one Special Protection Area (SPA).
As it does on a national level, my Department will also continue to advise on planning, forestry and EPA licence applications in Kildare. It also engages in wildlife surveys and monitoring, carries out stakeholder liaison and maintains its educational role. My Department also has a remit to comment on a variety of licences under the Wildlife Acts with the aim of helping to protect Kildare’s biodiversity.
In support of the work carried out by local authorities, I announced yesterday at the National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin Castle, a commitment in the coming years to double the funding my Department makes available for local Heritage and Biodiversity Officers to implement biodiversity actions at local level and to tackle invasive species. A pilot grant scheme was introduced in 2018 to assist local authority led biodiversity projects and I am pleased that we are in a position to extend this scheme in 2019. While many local authorities, including Kildare County Council, were not in a position to avail of this funding in 2018, I look forward to an increased take-up of the funding available in 2019.
I look forward to local authorities using the funding available for projects aimed at tackling invasive alien species in their areas. Invasive alien species are a significant threat to our biodiversity and can also have significant adverse effects in terms of the cost involved in implementing eradication or management measures. I want therefore to enable locally led works and also to raise awareness around invasive alien species and biodiversity matters more generally.
My Department is also preparing legislation to implement certain provisions of the EU IAS Regulation and this new legislation will strengthen and update existing legislative provisions around the management and control of invasive alien species in Ireland.
Finally, as well as funding commitments to support efforts to halt biodiversity loss, announced at the National Biodiversity Conference yesterday, I also announced a range of additional measures, 10 Seeds for Nature, that will raise awareness of biodiversity and strengthen the operational framework governing implementation of the legislative framework that is already in place.
21. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Creative Schools programme 2019; the schools in County Sligo that are participating in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8509/19]
View answerThe Creative Schools pilot is one of the flagship projects of Creative Youth, which seeks to enable the creative potential of every child and young person. This Plan is led by my Department, with the Departments of Education and Skills, and Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council, all working in partnership.
Creative Schools aims to understand, develop and celebrate the arts and creativity as a core aspect of school life. It strives to foster children and young people’s creativity, potential and participation in the arts as an integral part of their education. The initiative recognises that the arts are a powerful means through which children and young people can explore communication and collaboration, stimulate their imaginations to be inventive, and harness their boundless curiosity.
The Creative Schools pilot is now up and running, reaching over 38,000 children and young people the length and breadth of the country. Of the 150 schools participating (chosen from 400 applicants or approximately 10% of all schools), 110 are primary, 30 post-primary, 7 special schools and 3 Youthreach centres. 38 DEIS schools were chosen for inclusion in the pilot (30 primary and 8 post-primary).
On 14th February last, Ministers McHugh and Zappone and I announced a €6M investment in the Creative Youth initiative for 2019, which will allow us double the number of participating schools to 300. Online registration and applications are now open until 21st March, after which the additional 150 schools will be selected and added to the existing participants. All information in relation to the Scheme is available on the Arts Council website.
Each participating school has access to Creative Associates who are essential in embedding inspirational and sustainable creative practices in teaching and learning. Creative Associates are a mixture of practising artists and teachers with an understanding of creativity and its potential to transform the lives of children and young people.
Participating schools, working with their Creative Associate, are completing the development of plan for arts and creativity, and implementing these plans. The Creative Associates will explore new links for schools with artists and with arts and cultural organisations, both locally and nationally, to help develop their plan. To assist this, each participating school is awarded €2,000 for implementation of their plan.
The participating schools in the current cohort of Creative Schools from County Sligo are:
- Carraroe NS
- Killaville NS
The Creative Youth Plan is ambitious and ever developing, and I hope that by 2022 it will have touched the lives of every child and young person in Ireland.
22. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Dara Calleary den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad airgead a bheartaítear a chur ar fáil d’fheidhmiú Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022; cé mhéad airgead a bheartaítear a chur ar fáil chun an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i ngníomh in 2019; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8594/19]
View answerDírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Dála Uimhir 593 ar 19 Nollaig 2018 maidir leis an ábhar seo. Mar a thug mé le fios sa bhfreagra sin, is í an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030 bunchloch pholasaí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. Tá úinéireacht trasRannach ag an Straitéis agus baineann an fhreagracht as í a chur i bhfeidhm, dá réir, le raon Ranna Rialtais, forais agus eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Is ar mo Roinn-se atá an fhreagracht iomlán as cur chun feidhme na Straitéise a chomhordú.
Tá cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise agus, go deimhin, Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022, d’fheidhmiú na Straitéise a foilsíodh anuraidh lárnach i gcláir agus i ngníomhaíochtaí éagsúla mo Roinne mar a bhaineann le gnóthaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta.
Tá maoiniú breise de €6.705m curtha ar fáil do mo Roinn i leith ghnóthaí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta agus Oileánda don bhliain reatha. Is fiú €55.522m dá réír an ciste iomlán airgid a bheidh le caitheamh sa réimse seo in 2019.
San áireamh tá:
- Ciste faoi leith ar fiú €3.2m in iomlán curtha ar fáil in 2019 do chur i bhfeidhm an phróisis pleanála teanga. Is ionann é seo agus ardú €0.55m thar an méid a bhí luaite leis an gciste seo in 2018. Caithfear an ciste ag tacú le hullmhú agus le feidhmiú pleananna faoin bpróiseas chomh maith le bearta sonracha a dhéanamh ar bhonn lárnach a bheidh ar leas an phróisis - go háirithe mar a bhaineann sé le gnothaí teaghlaigh, leis na luathbhlianta agus leis na healaíona tradisiúnta teangalárnaithe.
- €2m breise curtha ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun infheistíocht bhreise a dhéanamh i gcothabháil agus i gcruthú fostaíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta. Anuas air sin, tá cinneadh tógtha agam suim de €0.7m nár chaith mo Roinn i 2018 a thabhairt ar aghaidh go 2019 le cur isteach i mbuiséad caipitil an Údaráis. Ciallaíonn sé seo go mbeidh buiséad iomlán caipitil de €9.7m á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn don Údarás i 2019 le caitheamh ar thograí fostaíochta.
- €0.5m sa bhreis i maoiniú reatha d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tacú tuilleadh le comharchumainn agus eagraíochtaí forbartha pobail sa Ghaeltacht den chuid is mó.
- Leithdháileadh breise de €0.980m faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga de chuid na Roinne chun tacú tuilleadh leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga sa Ghaeltacht.
- Suim bhreise de €700,000 le haghaidh Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge mo Roinne lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht.
- Leithdháileadh breise de €1.433m chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar infreastruchtúr na gcuan a fhreastalaíonn ar na hOileáin Árainn agus ar Thoraigh agus chun seirbhísí ríthábhachtacha iompair chuig na hoileáin a sholáthar.
Sa bhreis ar an soláthar de €55.522m atá luaite thuas, tá suim de €13.323m le cur ar fáil don Fhoras Teanga, a chuimsíonn Foras na Gaeilge agus Gníomhaireacht na hUltaise. Tá na figiúirí seo faoi réir chomhaontú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas i gcás an Fhorais Teanga.
Táim sásta dá réir go bhfuil cistíocht chuí curtha ar fáil chun cúram a dhéanamh do chur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta agus is féidir leis an Teachta bheith cinnte de go mbainfear an leas is fear agus is féidir as an gciste suntasach sin ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta.
23. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contact she and her officials have had with executors of an estate (details supplied) with regard to the house, its surrounds and the approximate 5,000 acres of land in the estate and securing continuing public access to the lands. [8694/19]
View answerAs outlined in my responses of 18th September, (Parliamentary Question No. 823), 02 October (Parliamentary Question No. 69) and 18th January there is no change to my Department's position.
While the lands in question would represent a significant addition to the stock of publicly owned heritage properties and lands, my Department could, as stressed previously, only consider acquiring this property if the price fell to within a certain range, or in the context of a donation or bequest. The sale and any apportionment of the property into lots is a commercial matter for the vendor.
This is known to the Vendors. Through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), my Department manages a property portfolio in respect of national parks and reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. These important biodiversity areas are located all around the country including a large area of County Wicklow, and the 5,000 hectares of lands in Glenasmole purchased in recent years.
Clearly, the Glenasmole purchase of 5,000 hectares sets a precedent, and although the circumstance pertaining are very dissimilar, it is certainly a market factor. As the Deputy will no doubt appreciate, it would not be appropriate of me to seek to negotiate indirectly or publicly. Suffice it to say that I am aware of the public-good value of this property, balanced across a range of demands across my Department.
With regard to the use of the area by hillwalkers, climbers and the public in general, as I have stated previously, I have no statutory function regarding the provision of access to private lands. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the Estate has allowed a permissive access to its hugely popular walking route for many decades and I would hope that this would continue under any new ownership arrangements and my Department has conveyed this desire directly to the vendors and their agent.
As outlined in my earlier replies, my Department's relationship with the Estate here, and more generally, has been positive. It is one of mutual respect and good neighbours, and indeed often working together on shared issue of interest. These include herd management and husbandry, habitat oversight, film-making, signage, visitor accommodation, trail maintenance and designation management. Indeed, for the most part, the boundary between the private estate and the National Park is invisible to the visitor and tourist, with pre-imminence being given to the idyllic shared land, lake and mountainscape.
24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts she is making to address employment and training precarity and poverty among workers and performers in the arts sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8675/19]
View answerWorkers in every industry and sector are entitled to all existing legal protections. These protections are equally applicable to people working in the arts and film the audiovisual industries. Legislation which is the responsibility of my Cabinet colleague Regina Doherty T.D. Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection was passed last December which strengthens the protection of people working in all sectors in Ireland.
The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 is designed to improve the situation of insecurity and unpredictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours.
The new legislation requires that employers provide employees with certain terms of employment within a certain period after commencing employment. It also imposes sanctions for certain offences; to further provide for a minimum payment due to employees in certain circumstances; to prohibit contracts specifying zero as the contract hours in certain circumstances and to provide for the introduction of banded contract hours; to further provide for prohibition of penalisation and for those purposes to amend the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997; to amend the Workplace Relations Act 2015; and to provide for related matters
Employment law in general should also have a role to play in terms of existing legal protections. The State has a range of institutional arrangements for reporting abuse of employment conditions.
I am satisfied that the industry works in general to a high standard.
25. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to commissioning a report into the environmental impact of the Heritage Act 2016, particularly the provisions in the Act which concern the extension of the cutting and burring season of hedge rows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8501/19]
View answerSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which included consideration of submissions from interested parties, proposals were announced in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The relevant legislation was included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was enacted in July last year.
Section 7(1) of the Heritage Act 2018 provides that I may make Regulations to allow the burning of vegetation during such periods in the month of March and in such parts of the country as specified in the Regulations. My Department has published draft Regulations and best practice guidelines and interested parties were requested to submit their views to my Department on the draft documents by 31 January. The draft guidelines provide guidance to landowners on a number of issues including rotational burning, that species and habitats consideration should be to the fore in planned burning and on the need to liaise with relevant authorities and local fire service personnel. Some 30 submissions were received and these submissions are being examined within my Department.
I would expect that I will be in a position to make a decision on whether to allow burning in certain areas of the country in March before the end of February which will take account of the contents of the submissions received and the weather conditions in the recent period on the basis of data provided by Met Eireann. In the meantime, the existing provisions in the Wildlife Acts on burning remain in force.
In relation to hedgerows, Section 7(2) of the Heritage Act 2018 provides for the cutting of roadside hedges only during the month of August under Regulations. I fully recognise that hedgerows are a very important wildlife habitat, providing food, shelter, corridors of movement, nest and hibernation sites for many of our native flora and fauna. The change in timing of cutting set out in Section 7 of the Act should not interfere with any of these functions. Ireland has some 300,000 kilometres of hedgerow mainly surrounding fields and properties across the country and only roadside hedges are subject to the provisions of the Heritage Act - a fraction of the entirety of the total hedgerow resource in this country.
The Regulations will therefore require that any cutting in the month of August may only be of the current year's growth; it should not involve the use of heavy flails. This aims to ensure that any birds nests that might still be active by August will not be at risk. It is the intention that my Department will carry out studies to determine what, if any, effects there are during the pilot phase. These studies will involve the use of control areas where cutting within the prescribed period in the Wildlife Acts can be compared with cutting of the current year's growth under the Heritage Act.
I would also point out to the Deputy that both the burning and hedgerow provisions will expire after a two-year pilot period, and it follows that there will be an ongoing assessment throughout the pilot.
27. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will direct the National Parks and Wildlife Service to study the proposal to create a national park in the wilderness areas of Howth peninsula in view of development pressures and the 1 million visitors to the peninsula each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8549/19]
View answerIt would appear that no proposal to create a National park in the wilderness area of Howth Peninsula has been submitted to the Department. If the Deputy would like to send one into me I will have my officials examine it. However, it must be noted that all Irish National Parks are fully state-owned and meet category II of the IUCN standard for national parks. There is a minimum size associated with such designations and it is unlikely that this estate would qualify. There are no plans to designate the area in question as a National Park. Howth Head is already afforded statutory protections in respect of developments within the designated Howth Head SAC and Howth Head Coast SPA.
28. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding made available to the national cultural institutions to deliver on their remit in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8505/19]
View answerThe following table sets out the annual funding that has been allocated to the National Cultural Institutions under the aegis of my Department over the last three years
|
NCI |
2017 Allocation |
2018 Allocation |
2019 Allocation |
|
|
€million |
€million |
€million |
|
Crawford Gallery |
1,338,000 |
1,398,000 |
1,489,000 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
2,521,000 |
2,695,000 |
2,801,000 |
|
IMMA |
5,068,000 |
5,648,000 |
5,958,000 |
|
National Concert Hall |
2,709,000 |
2,829,000 |
3,048,000 |
|
Nat. Gallery of Ireland |
9,394,000 |
10,002,000 |
10,547,000 |
|
Nat. Library of Ireland |
7,293,000 |
7,563,000 |
7,825,000 |
|
Nat. Museum of Ireland |
12,851,000 |
13,546,000 |
14,109,000 |
|
National Archives |
1,606,000 |
1,656,000 |
1,706,000 |
I am pleased to have been able to increase the level of funding to the cultural institutions both in 2018 and in 2019.
In addition under Project 2040 - “Investment in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 -2027” the Government intends to invest €460 million in a significant number of capital projects in our National Cultural Institutions over the next ten years.
Looking to the future, I will be working towards an increase in the overall spend on arts and culture in line with the Government 's commitment to double funding for the sector. The national cultural institutions play an essential part in the cultural life of the country and they will form a central part of my plans in that regard.
29. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans her officials are working on for the 2019 commemorations. [4078/19]
View answerAs the Minister with responsibility for leading the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme, my priority is to ensure that the Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and related themes of the period from 1919 to 1923 is appropriate, measured, respectful, inclusive and sensitive to the different perspectives that persist on the events of this period.
The programme will be based on a four strand approach comprising:
- A State Ceremonial Strand which will comprise a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives during this period.
- An Historical Strand which will comprise a diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders.
- A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations – between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate.
- The Creative Imagination Strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1919 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives.
With regard to the State commemoration programme for 2019, I can advise that it commenced with engagement by my Department on marking of the centenary of the Soloheadbeg Ambush on 21st January 2019. Tipperary County Council supported a community-led commemoration on Sunday, 20th January, as part of a broader commemorative programme across the county to mark the centenary of the Independence Struggle. My Department collaborated with Tipperary County Council to support these plans, in accordance with the most recent guidance of the Expert Advisory Group.
I approved a grant allocation of €10,000 to assist Tipperary County Council in supporting the local commemorative committee and wider community in developing their plans, in recognition of the significance of the Soloheadbeg Ambush as the generally accepted first action in the War of Independence.
Significantly, on the day of the ambush, Dáil Éireann was also convened for the first time. The Houses of the Oireachtas led on marking this centenary and delivered a diverse and inclusive public engagement programme – accessible at www.dail100.ie.
30. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhoilseofar an Bille chun uasdátú a dhéanamh ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8507/19]
View answerMar chúlra, is iarracht í an Bhille seo, trí na ceannteideil éagsúla, an timpeallacht a chruthú ina mbeidh ról níos lárnaí ag an teanga in obair an Stáit, go mbeidh an teanga níos feiceálaí agus go mbeidh fáil níos leithne ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge.
Agus an Bille á thabhairt chun cinn, cuireadh tréimhse comhairliúcháin ar bun leis na bpáirtithe leasmhara. Leagadh na Ceannteidil faoi bhráid Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na hOileáin agus foilsíodh tuarascáil ag eascairt as an bpróiseas seo roimh samhraidh 2018. Tá an tuarascáil sin scrúdaithe anois ag mo Roinn i gcomhthéacs dréachtú an Bhille.
Beidh sé mar ollchuspóir sa Bhille go mbeidh 20% de na daoine nua a earcaítear don tseirbhís phoiblí inniúil sa Ghaeilge, go mbeidh gach oifig phoiblí atá lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht ag feidhmiú trí Ghaeilge agus go mbeidh comhlachtaí poiblí in ann freastal ar an éileamh ón bpobal ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge. Is í an earcaíocht croí-lár na ceiste agus táim dóchasach gur féidir tógáil, ar bhonn chéimiúil, ar líon na bhfostaithe le Gaeilge sa statchóras agus, ag eascairt as sin, go mbeifear in ann feabhas a chur ar sholáthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge, mar is cóir.
Tá oifigigh mo Roinne ag obair faoi láthair i gcomhar le hOifig an Ard-Aighne chun Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) a dhréachtú. Tá an Bille san áireamh i gClár Reachtaíochta an Rialtais le foilsiú le linn an téarma seo.
31. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén comhráite a bhí aici le páirtithe leasmhara maidir le cinneadh HID Global athlonnú go cathair na Gaillimhe; cén toradh a bhí ar na cainteanna sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8508/19]
View answer53. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén ionchur a bhí ag a Roinn maidir leis an gcinneadh cuideachta (sonraí tugtha) a athlonnú ó shuíomh Údarás na Gaeltachta i gConamara go hoirthear chathair na Gaillimhe; cad iad sonraí na teagmhála idir an Roinn agus an Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha Tionscail [8684/19]
View answerTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhir 31 agus 53 le chéile.
I dtús báire is mian liom a threisiú uair amháin eile go bhfuil an Rialtas seo tiomanta tacú le cruthú fostaíochta agus forbairt fiontair inár bpobail Ghaeltachta. Tá infheistíocht dhíreach eachtrach a mhealladh san áireamh, ar ndóigh, chomh maith le tacaíocht do ghnóthaí agus fiontair dhúchasacha.
Ma is eol don Teachta, d’fhógair HID Global Ireland Teo. le gairid go raibh cinneadh déanta acu a nAonad Barr Feabhais Eorpach a bhunú i gCathair na Gaillimhe agus, mar thoradh air seo, a gcuid oibríochtaí a dhaingniú. De thoradh seo, táthar ag aistriú an lucht oibre atá ann cheana féin amach as an Tulaigh, Baile na hAbhann chuig ionad nua sa gcathair.
Mar atá ráite agam roimhe seo, ainneoin gur údar díomá é seo dom, tuigim nach mbeidh aon phost á chailliúint agus go mbeidh chuile fhostaí atá lonnaithe ar an Tulaigh faoi láthair in ann aistriú chuig an láithreán nua, mas mian leo sin a dhéanamh.
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go ndearna siad gach iarracht chun láithreacht HID Global a choinneáil agus an fhorbairt nua a éascú ag an láthair i gConamara, áit a raibh comhpháirtíocht fhiúntach idir an eagraíocht agus an comhlacht le seacht mbliana déag anuas.
Sa gcomhthéacs sin, ba mhaith liom a dheimhniú don Teachta gur tionóladh cruinniú i Meitheamh 2018 idir Údarás na Gaeltachta, an tÚdarás Forbartha Tionscail agus a gcuid máthair-Ranna agus na hAirí Humphreys agus McHugh, ar a d'fhreastail mé féin freisin. Reáchtáladh an cruinniú sin chun cumarsáid agus comhoibriú idir na gníomhaireachtaí a neartú. Sa gcomhthéacs sin, rinneadh plé ar HID Global, chomh maith le ceisteanna eile. Mar thoradh air seo agus cruinnithe breise, i mí na Nollag 2018, síníodh Prótacal Cumarsáide agus Rannpháirtíochta maidir le rannpháirtíocht chliant faoi seach idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus an tÚdarás Forbartha Tionscail.
Mar a thuigfidh an Teachta, is faoin gcomhlacht féin a bhí sé cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir le hinfheistíocht agus cá ndéanfaí amhlaidh agus, sa gcás seo, tá cinneadh déanta ag HID Global a gcuid oibríochtaí a aistriú go Cathair na Gaillimhe.
Is fiú a mheabhrú go bhfuil sé deimhnithe ag HID Global nach bhfuil siad ag fáil aon mhaoiniú ón Údarás Forbartha Tionscail maidir lena gcinneadh athlonnú go Cathair na Gaillimhe.
Ar deireadh, tuigim go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta, mar chuid dá straitéis leanúnach forbartha fiontair, i mbun oibre chun cliaint eile a aimsiú don áislann ar an Tulaigh agus go bhfuil an eagraíocht tiomanta forbairt bhreise a dhéanamh ar Pháirc Ghnó na Tulaí mar láthair fostaíochta.
32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if producer companies in receipt of public funds and support will be required to offer training and employment to employees and trainees who were previously employed by the companies to ensure the provision of quality training and employment opportunities on all publicly funded or supported film productions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8677/19]
View answerScreen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. Screen Ireland supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. Screen Ireland has a vision for a vibrant, creative and sustainable Irish film, television and animation industry, with diverse voices, talent and opportunities which speaks to and connects Irish film culture with audiences at home and abroad.
In Budget 2019, I was able to allocate an additional €2 million to Screen Ireland to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increases its annual budget by 11% overall to €20 million.
Screen Ireland’s role as a development agency for Irish creative talent means that it can focus is on the creative skills of the writers, directors, and creative producers as well as the Heads of Departments working on the production including Actors, Directors of Photography, Set and Costume Designers, Sound Recordists, Editors and Composers. Screen Ireland provides, through Screen Skills Ireland, training and skills development courses and programmes for the development of skills and is increasing its efforts in relation to training technical personnel working on films.
Screen Ireland conditions include, inter alia, full compliance with all statutory and legal and contractual obligations of the producers in connection with the production of the film which includes all the obligations of employers to employees.
In addition, I understand that Screen Ireland is considering further conditions of funding in areas such as gender equality, diversity and inclusion, dignity in the workplace, skills development and upskilling and environmental awareness.
