asked the Minister for Finance if he will commission a film on the national park service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Parks Service.
27.
Mr. Kenny
The possibility of having a film on national parks made is borne in mind by the Commissioners of Public Works.
As the Office of public Works now have their own photographic staff, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider making a film from existing films taken by that office and putting it on public circuit in conjunction with Bord Fáilte?
Mr. Kenny
Yes, that can be considered. Does the Deputy mean that sections of film already made should be pieced together to make a continuous film?
With a good editor and soundtrack it could be done. There are some lovely films of tagging deer already.
Mr. Kenny
We will consider that.
28.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange a series of public awareness programmes or media releases with regard to national parks and the environment generally.
Mr. Kenny
Every suitable opportunity is availed of to develop a greater public awareness of national park values but I do not consider it necessary at this juncture to initiate a special series of programmes as suggested by the Deputy.
29.
asked the Minister for Finance if there is any difficulty in recruiting general operatives to the national park service; and, if not, if he will increase the staff.
Mr. Kenny
No difficulty has been experienced in recruiting general operatives to the national park services. The question of the adequacy of the staff will be considered from time to time.
30.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will adopt the USA slogan Parks for the people with particular reference to St. Enda's, Dublin, the home and school of Padraic Pearse; and if he will make a statement regarding the development of the school.
Mr. Kenny
The park at St Edna's has been opened for some years. It has been developed for the use and enjoyment of the public. I see no need at present to adopt any special slogan such as that suggested by the Deputy.
The preparation of bills of Quantities for stage 2 of the restoration works at St. Edna's is nearing completion, and it is expected that tenders will be invited in the near future.
I am glad the Parliamentary Secretary has put that on record. Some people were not aware the park was open.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy formally opened it.
Uachtarán na hÉireann opened it.
31.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the People's Gardens in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
It is not proposed to extend the People's Gardens.
32.
asked the Minister for Finance if there is any programme of entertainment arranged for the summer in the band hollow, Phoenix Park, and Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin; and if such cultural entertainment might be extended to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, Killarney, County Kerry.
Mr. Kenny
The Commissioners of Public Works will give careful consideration to applications for the staging of appropriate entertainment in the parks during the summer. No formal programme has yet been arranged.
Are there applications in as there were in previous years?
Mr. Kenny
There will be the usual annual series of band recitals, concerts and so forth. No formal programme has been drawn up.
There was an international peace organisation which was considering the Phoenix Park, I think. Are they doing anything about putting on a demonstration and entertainment?
Mr. Kenny
I have not heard anything at all about them yet.