Written Answers Nos. 100-119
102. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a site (details supplied); the nature of the works being carried out at the castle; when the works will conclude; and when the castle will reopen to the public. [17487/20]
View answerBarryscourt Castle is located near the village of Carrigtwohill in Cork and is owned by the State, with the exception of a Dower House property there which is still retained by the Barryscourt Trust, the original owners of the property.
The Castle was discovered in recent years to have significant problems with damp penetration which caused the internal electricity system to become inherently unsafe. The visitor experience at the Castle had to be closed on an emergency basis while rehabilitation works were planned and a works project put in place. The project which has been ongoing since involves progressively drying the entire Castle structure and repointing all of the external walls to prevent future water ingress. This work has proved to be technically very challenging and has taken longer than was originally expected due to the discovery of additional works which needed to be performed last year to chimneys and roofs. It is planned, once the external work is complete, that the building will be rewired and a new heating system installed, clearing the way for a reopening to the public. Currently, it is expected that there will be two further seasons' work externally before the project is susbstantively completed, likely at the end of next year.
103. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of progress of a flood relief scheme for Crossmolina, County Mayo; and his plans to review and expedite this timeline in view of the ongoing flood threat to the residents of the town. [17544/20]
View answerThe proposed flood relief scheme for Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, is progressing broadly in line with the current programme. Some delay has been experienced in recent months due to the consultants being unable to carry out the final environmental surveys during the nationwide Covid-19 shutdown. To minimise these delays, the project team worked to progress all other tasks that could be safely carried out, such as desk studies, and continuing work on the preparation of documentation that will be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) for formal Confirmation of the scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
Since the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions, the consultants have carried out the final elements of the environmental surveys and the project team is now in the process of finalising the documentation for the Confirmation process. It is anticipated that the scheme will be submitted to MPER in Quarter 3 of this year.
Once submitted for Confirmation, the Minister will carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment as he is required to do which will involve an independent review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report submitted with the scheme and the holding of a public consultation on the scheme. If the Minister Confirms the proposed scheme, the next stage in the process will be completion of the detailed design and the tender documents for the procurement of some specialist works contractors. It is planned that the main scheme works will be carried out by the OPW's direct labour force.
In order to expedite this timeline, the project team will commence the preparation of the tender documents in parallel with the Confirmation process. While some amendments to the tender documents may be required following the Confirmation process, it should be possible to progress with the procurement of contractors as soon as possible following Confirmation.
I wish to assure you that I am very aware of the concern of the residents and businesses of Crossmolina to have protection from flooding without further delays. The provision of effective flood defences to Crossmolina is a priority for me and for the Government. We want to ensure that the scheme that is built is technically and environmentally sound. I know that the OPW, Mayo County Council, and the scheme consultants have worked extremely hard to advance the scheme in what has been a complex environmental situation.
104. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a complete report will be provided on plans to increase biodiversity nationwide over the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16086/20]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an overarching international agreement underpinning global biodiversity conservation. In this context, my Department is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021.
The current National Biodiversity Action Plan captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland’s 'Vision for Biodiversity'. It contains 119 actions under a framework of seven strategic objectives. These encompass mainstreaming biodiversity into decision making across all sectors; strengthening the knowledge base for the conservation; increasing awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem services; conserving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider countryside, in the marine environment and in protected areas, as well as for protected species; and strengthening international governance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Plan is an all-of-Government document and progress is monitored through the inter-departmental Biodiversity Working Group, which meets at least twice a year, and also by an independent advisory group, the Biodiversity Forum. Earlier this year, my Department published an Interim Review of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (https://www.npws.ie/legislation/national-biodiversity-plan).
The Interim Review also drew from Ireland's 6th National Report to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This 4-yearly report reviewed Ireland’s progress in relation to the five Strategic Goals of the Convention and 20 Biodiversity Targets set by the CBD in 2010 in Aichi, Japan, for implementation by 2020.
My Department leads on a range of plans and initiatives for nature and biodiversity, and collaborates with many Departments, Agencies and sectors of society. These initiatives include EU LIFE funded projects such as KerryLIFE, a 5-year project on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, now coming to an end but replaced and greatly enlarged by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Pearl Mussel Project. LIFE Atlantic Crex will work towards improving the conservation status of the Corncrake. Two large scale projects, LIFE IP-PAF Wild Atlantic Nature, which focusses on improving the conservation status of our blanket bog network, and the Waters of LIFE project, (the latter developed by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government) will benefit biodiversity but also water.
My Department manages a Local Authority Biodiversity Grant scheme, which this year has granted funding to 38 projects across the country to carry out actions in support of the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and also operates the National Parks and Wildlife Farm Plan Scheme and the Curlew Conservation Programme, which was established in 2017.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine operates more than 20 projects under the European Innovation Partnership initiative. As well as the Pearl Mussel Project, mentioned above, there are successful and important projects on the Burren, the Hen Harrier and a wider range of locally–led projects supporting biodiversity across the country. This is all in addition to GLAS, the main agri-environment scheme.
Decisions on funding and resources for biodiversity in the next 12 months will be considered in the context of the Programme for Government and wider budgetary considerations and discussions later in the year. The Programme for Government contains a number of ambitious commitments in the area of biodiversity which will build on all of the existing programmes and I look forward to a renewed emphasis and engagement on this important policy area.
105. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí ar an eolas maidir leis na deacrachtaí atá ag an Scéim Pobal Gaeilge, an scéim tacaíochta pobail is mó rath atá ag Foras na Gaeilge, de bharr easpa maoinithe agus an bhaoil mhóir atá ann dá bharr sin nach rachaidh an scéim ar aghaidh níos déanaí sa bhliain; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [17458/20]
View answerThug Foras na Gaeilge Scéim Phobail Gaeilge (SPG) isteach i 2005 chun deis a thabhairt do choistí pobail deonacha áitiúla iarratas a dhéanamh ar chúnamh airgeadais i dtreo na gcostas a bhaineann le plean gnó trí bliana a chur i bhfeidhm d’fhorbairt agus do fheabhsú na Gaeilge. Déanadh leasú ar an scéim don chéad uair in 2016
Aithníonn Foras na Gaeilge go gcaithfear athruithe suntasacha a dhéanamh ar an scéim mar atá sí faoi láthair. De réir na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, agus tuiscint Fhoras na Gaeilge ar dhea-chleachtas chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn, aithnítear gur chóir go mbeadh béim ann anois ar phleanáil fhadtéarmach teanga agus ar phleanáil straitéiseach.
Tionóladh réamh-chruinnithe comhairliúcháin ag Foras na Gaeilge, i gcomhar le Conradh na Gaeilge agus Glór na nGael, leis na páirtithe leasmhara siar in 2019. Eagraíodh réamh-chruinnithe eile i mí an Mheitheamh na bliana seo ar a fhreastail suas le 80 duine nuair a pléadh moltaí cháipéis chomhairliúcháin a bhí eisithe ag an bhForas leis na páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla.
Dúnadh an próiseas comhairliúcháin a bhí ar bun ag Foras na Gaeilge i dtaca le hathstruchtúrú na scéime Dé Aoine seo caite 17ú Iúil 2020 agus tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go bhfuil siad sásta leis an líon aighneachtaí atá faighte acu ag éirí as an phróiseas. Ceapfar Comhairleoir neamhspleách anois le tuairisc a chur le chéile ar na haighneachtaí sin.
Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil mé féin agus oifigigh mo Roinne ar an eolas faoi mhianta na ngrúpaí a fhaigheann tacaíocht faoin scéim reatha agus gur chas mo chuid oifigigh leis an Roinn Pobal ó thuaidh, le Foras na Gaeilge, Conradh na Gaeilge , Glór na nGael agus páirtithe chun na mianta sin a phlé.
106. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta maidir le ceist uimhir 16274/20, mionsonraí a thabhairt i dtaobh an chostais iomláin agus na hinfheistíochta suntasaí luaite atá déanta ag an Stát chun pleananna a chur i dtoll a chéile le Páirc na Mara, an pháirc nuálaíochta mhuirí chomhaimseartha, a fhorbairt i gContae na Gaillimhe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [17489/20]
View answerTá forbairt Pháirc na Mara mar pháirc nuálaíochta muirí íseal-charbóin ar chaighdeán domhanda mar thogra lárnach sa phlean forbartha 5 bliana do cheantar Iorras Aithneach, atá curtha i dtoll a chéile ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomhar le pobal an cheantair. Tá tacaíocht láidir ag an togra ó phobal na háite atá sainithe mar cheantar atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste.
Is é an cuspóir atá ag an bplean 5 bliana sin agus an togra seo go sonrach ná an ceantar a fhorbairt tuilleadh ar bhealach inmharthanach chun dul i ngleic le dífhostaíocht agus imirce ann. Meastar go bhféadfadh Páirc na Mara suas le 200 post go díreach agus 400 post go hindíreach a chothú - rud a bheidh ar leas suntasach an cheantair ar ndóigh.
Chun an togra a bhrú chun cinn mar is cuí ar bhonn compháirtíochta, tá Údarás na Gaeltachta tar éis páirtithe straitéiseacha, lena n-áirítear áisíneachtaí Stáit agus institiúidí oideachais, a tharraingt le chéile chun tacú le fíorú an phlean.
De thoradh comórtas a eagraíodh i gcomhréir le rialacháin soláthair poiblí, fostaíodh foireann dearaidh chun an t-iarratas pleanála ina leith a réiteach thar ceann Údarás na Gaeltachta - ó tharla ard-leibhéal speisialtóireachta a bheith ag teastáil chun an t-iarratas a ullmhú. Cuimsítear san fhoireann dearaidh, comhairleoirí innealtóireachta comhshaoil; pleanálaí comhshaoil, comhairleoir mara; éiceolaí mara agus saineolaithe ábhartha eile.
Tuigtear go raibh costas €799,895 go dáta ag baint le réiteach an iarratais pleanála - a chuimsíonn staidéir faoi leith, taighde agus seirbhísí comhairleoireachta éagsúla.
107. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the land and property owned, leased and rented by Údarás na Gaeltachta; and the use of and-or activity in each particular property and land listed. [17491/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, given that the details being sought are extensive and could not be provided in the time available, the information being sought will be forwarded to the Deputy directly by Údarás na Gaeltachta in accordance with Standing Orders.
108. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service will commence; the persons who will be on the review team; the terms of reference of the review; if the review will be time-limited; and if she will give a commitment that she will consult with relevant stakeholders and Oireachtas committee members at all stages of the review. [17523/20]
View answerThere is a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the remit, status and funding of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to ensure that it is playing an effective role in delivering its overall mandate and enforcement role in the protection of wildlife. Preparatory work on this matter can commence once the formal transfer of functions process has been completed. An options paper will be prepared for my Ministerial colleague who will have responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This paper will present the different avenues available for such a review, including, inter alia, the stakeholder engagement element, suggested Terms of Reference and timelines for completion.
109. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the implementation of the national biodiversity strategy; the Department leading the work; the structures in place within the Civil Service to oversee implementation; and if she will report on a biannual basis to the relevant Oireachtas committee with updates on the implementation of same. [17524/20]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, an overarching international agreement underpinning global biodiversity conservation. In this context, my Department is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The current National Biodiversity Action Plan, Ireland’s 3rd, runs from 2017 to 2021 and captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity.
The Plan contains 119 actions under a framework of seven strategic objectives. These encompass mainstreaming biodiversity into decision making across all sectors; strengthening the knowledge base for the conservation; increasing awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem services; conserving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider countryside; the marine environment; expanding and improving management of protected areas and species; and strengthening international governance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Plan is an all-of-Government document and progress is monitored through the Biodiversity Working Group (BWG), which meets at least twice a year, and also by an independent advisory group, the Biodiversity Forum.
Since its launch in late 2017, a wide range of measures have been implemented on foot of actions contained in the Plan, including the introduction of a new grant scheme for local authority led biodiversity projects in their respective areas. The Seeds for Nature charter, announced at the National Biodiversity Conference last year, is also a significant step forward.
In 2019, the members of the Biodiversity Working Group reported on progress with implementation of relevant Actions. On the basis of their submissions, my Department prepared and published an Interim Review of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 which is available at https://www.npws.ie/publications.
The next Conference of the Parties to the Convention is now scheduled to take place in China in the second quarter of 2021. My Department will begin drafting a new Plan in the context of the outcome of this meeting, where a new 'Global Biodiversity Framework' will be agreed.
110. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the heritage-related EU legislation that has yet to be transposed into domestic law; and the timeline for the transposition of each piece of EU legislation. [17525/20]
View answerI am aware of two pieces of heritage related EU legislation which require transposition into Irish law by my Department.
The transposition of Directive 2014/52/EU amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (Environmental Impact Assessment) should be complete by September 2020. Statutory instruments amending the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and section 14D of the National Monuments Acts are being finalised by the Office of Parliamentary Council (OPC).
A draft statutory instrument to update and strengthen existing national regulations on invasive alien species and give effect to aspects of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species is at an advanced stage with the OPC. My Department expects to have a final version of the instrument in the coming weeks. When introduced, this legislation will fulfill Ireland’s obligations under the EU Regulation.
111. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the European Commission cases being taken against Ireland for failure to comply with EU heritage-related legislation. [17526/20]
View answerThe are 4 cases being taken by the European Commission against Ireland, which fall within the remit of the heritage area of my Department as follows:
1. Peatlands - Infringement No. 2010/2161 - this case relates to the regulation of peatlands under the Habitats Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. A peatlands programme of measures has been developed, in discussion with the European Commission. The programme outlines the measures which the State is undertaking as regards the conservation, management and restoration of peatlands, in response to the issues raised by the Commission. These measures are rooted in a number of key policy documents agreed by the Government - the National Peatlands Strategy, the Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network and the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022.
2. Designation and Conservation of Special Areas of Conservation- Infringement No. 2015/2006 - this case relates to a requirement, under the Habitats Directive, for Member States to designate special areas of conservation, set site-specific conservation objectives and establish site-specific conservation measures. My Department is implementing its Special Areas of Conservation Designation, Conservation and Management Work Programme. 276 sites have been designated as special areas of conservation by Statutory Instrument, 364 special area of conservation site-specific conservation objectives have been set and published, site-specific conservation measures have been prepared for 53 special areas of conservation and a range of conservation schemes are in place such as the European Innovation partnerships and green, low carbon, agri-environment scheme (GLAS) administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme administered by my Department. Sites are protected under Irish law from the time they are publicly nominated for designation as special areas of conservation i.e. all 439 special area of conservation sites are protected under the provisions of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
3. Articles 6 and 11 of EU Access and Benefit-Sharing of Genetic Resources Regulation No. 511/2014 - Infringement No. 2017/2171 - this case relates to the EU Regulation on Access and Benefit-Sharing of Genetic Resources which creates a legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise should the resources be utilised for the purposes of research and development and / or lead to commercial use within the scope of the Nagoya Protocol. The European Union (Nagoya Protocol onAccess to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing) Regulations 2019, which transpose the EU regulation into Irish law, were signed by the then Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht , Josepha Madigan T.D., on 6 June 2019. The Commission was notified of the signing of the regulations on 27 June 2019. The response of the European Commission is awaited.
4. The EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation No. 1143/2014 - Infringement No. 2018/2319 - this case relates to the EU Regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. The legislation transposing this regulation into Irish law is being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Regulations were made in 2018 specifically to ban the import of non-native crayfish because of a serious threat to the native species from any such introduction (European Union (Invasive Alien Species) (Freshwater Crayfish) Regulations 2018).
112. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the legislation on heritage matters that has not yet concluded all stages; and the status of each Bill in tabular form. [17527/20]
View answerThe Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. 16 amendments to the Bill have been made in the Seanad, which will require consideration by the Dáil. This is the only Bill on heritage matters, within my remit, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The status of the Bill is set out in the table below:
|
Title of Bill |
Purpose of Bill |
Status of Bill |
|
The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 |
The purpose of the Bill is to give legal effect to the proposed reconfiguration of the raised bog natural heritage area network arising from the 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, to provide for a review or reviews of blanket bog natural heritage areas and to place a duty on public bodies to promote the conservation of biodiversity. |
The Bill was presented to Dáil Éireann on 21 July 2016 and passed by that House on 13 December 2018. The Bill was presented to Seanad Éireann on 26 March 2019 and passed by the Seanad on 6 November 2019. 16 amendments to the Bill have been made in the Seanad. |
113. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on Údarás na Gaeltachta using the same assessment criteria as the county LEOs in applications for assistance from small businesses and start-ups (details supplied). [17546/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware from my answer to his previous question on this matter (17248/20), Údarás na Gaeltachta provides and facilitates the services provided by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in Gaeltacht areas.
Where a specific programme or scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices is not available from Údarás na Gaeltachta’s existing broad suite of incentives and programme offerings, arrangements are in place to ensure such programmes, supports and services are available to all indigenous Gaeltacht-based clients of Údarás na Gaeltachta on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding between the organisations.
114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will review matters (details supplied); her plans to save the buildings deemed to be at high risk by An Taisce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17676/20]
View answerI am aware of the recent list of ‘Ireland’s Top 10 Most-at-Risk Buildings 2020’ by An Taisce and share their concerns about the future of all buildings and structures at risk throughout the Country.
My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.
This funding will support the owners and custodians of historic and protected structures as they carry out hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage as well as providing vital support for local jobs in conservation, traditional skills and construction. Details of all projects approved for 2020 are published on my Department’s website as well as on each local authority website. However, given the scale of investment needed for larger projects, such as the ones identified by An Taisce, it is likely that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not be sufficient.
The buildings referred to by the Deputy are in local authority ownership. In relation to the first building, I understand the local authority is working to assess the potential to redevelop and find a long term sustainable use for it. As part of this process I am informed that an appraisal of the building was carried out by consultants on behalf of the local authority, a public consultation was held and a report was presented to the local authority in April 2018. Regarding the second building, I understand that an analysis of its structural integrity has been carried out and that further decisions in relation to the future of the structure will be made based on this assessment.
In terms of the support that my Department can offer, my role in relation to protected structures is mainly advisory. As the Deputy is aware, my officials have met with representatives from the Local Authority to discuss this second building. My officials remain available to advise the local authority in its efforts to manage these buildings and see them returned to a sustainable use that is consistent with their significant history and position.
In the context of a particular building or historic structure, the best advice is generally to contact the Heritage Officer or Architectural Conservation Officer in the local authority who is well placed to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with its renovation or conservation.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she plans to assist with the promotion of cultural events with reference to addressing the impact of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17678/20]
View answer116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she has already planned or plans to assist cultural activities with reference to promotion of Irish culture here and abroad, thereby assisting in the post-Covid-19 recovery effort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17679/20]
View answer118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to be in a position to offer financial assistance towards bodies involved in the promotion of the arts or cultural events in the course of the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17681/20]
View answer126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to assist with the development of the arts in its various forms with reference to local community-based groups and that such groups be specially selected for assistance and availing of their knowledge and experience of the arts at community level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17689/20]
View answer127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department directly or through the aegis of bodies under the remit of her Department continues to assist community-based groups and organisations involved in musical or theatrical productions nationally with a view to maximising interest in the arts at local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17690/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116, 118, 126 and 127 together.
Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
The Arts Council established an Expert Advisory Group to make key recommendations which would support the arts through the Covid-19 and ensure that the sector recovered. In a report entitled Survive, Adapt, Renew, the Group made a number of key including a recommendation that additional funding of the order of €20m be provided to the Arts Council. The Group also made recommendations on how the Council should spend the additional funding to the best effect for the arts sector. The House is aware that the Government allocated an additional €20m to the Council, bringing its 2020 allocation to €100m and the Houses of the Oireachtas voted the Supplementary Estimate through earlier this month. The Arts Council has indicated that it will allocate a significant portion of the additional funding to bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations over the coming weeks and months. This was recommended by the Survive, Adapt, Renew report which also included recommendations that the Arts Council:-
- Supports the arts sector in addressing the challenges of digital presentation and dissemination in the near and longer term, as well as in exploring new ways for people to make and engage with art in person.
- Works with the arts sector and other partners, including local authorities, to address the challenges of adapting existing physical spaces and exploring new ones.
In the meantime, my Department has supported a range of initiatives to bring cultural and creative content to the public during the period of restrictions. These include Culture Ireland's Ireland Performs initiative, Other Voices Courage, Criuniú na nOg, as well as the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions . These initiatives employed artists, musicians performing live as well as technicians and crew.
Last week, in response to the COVID-19 crisis I announced specific capital funding to facilitate the safe re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning work in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business and Return to Work Safety Protocols. The Guidelines for the Scheme and Application Form are available on my Department’s website.
On the broad level of supports, in order to help many sectors including the Irish music and events industry to overcome the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19, the Government has put in place a package of supports that includes direct grants, low-cost loans, the write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These measures are designed to restore confidence and further assist organisations in terms of their management and business continuity and in turn planning for the weeks and months ahead.
A number of universal supports in place for all sectors including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for employers operated by the Revenue Commissioners which has now been extended as has the Pandemic Unemployment Payment administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. In addition to these there are jobseekers benefit and jobseekers assistance schemes as well as Jobseekers Assistance for Self-Employed Artists.
In addition to the measures announced by the Government in the context of the July stimulus, the Government has also committed to bringing forward a National Economic Plan, to be published alongside the Budget in October, which will outline the Government’s plans to support the long-term sustainability of the economy. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, I will shortly appoint a taskforce to develop an approach for the recovery of arts and culture sector which will in turn inform the National Economic Plan.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the mission statement of her Department with a view to setting precise objectives likely to be beneficial in the development and promotion of Irish culture here and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17680/20]
View answerThe mission statement of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is published in the Statement of Strategy on the Department's website at this link: https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2018/07/statement-of-strategy-2018-2020-final.pdf. A revised Statement of Strategy will be developed by my Department in the coming months.
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development and-or enhancement of heritage sites nationally with a view to maximisation of their potential for tourism and educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17682/20]
View answer124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full extent of the programme for the preservation, protection and restoration of historical or heritage sites nationally with a view to maximising their use for education and tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17687/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 124 together.
My role with regard to the protection and management of our archaeological and architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk.
Responsibility for management and maintenance of historical buildings and sites in State ownership, and management of the visitor facilities, rests with the Office of Public Works (OPW) which also maintains a significant ongoing programme of conservation works. This year, my Department has allocated €350,000 to the OPW for the maintenance of historic buildings and sites. Significant works undertaken in previous years have included projects such as Brú na Bóinne and Emo Court.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has a significant role in relation to education, including through the Heritage in Schools Scheme, Adopt a Monument Scheme and National Heritage Week, all of which have been operating successfully for a number of years.
The Irish Heritage Trust, which is supported by my Department, has responsibility for operating properties at Fota, Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens.
