Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:6. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na seirbhísí stáit atá gearrtha siar de bharr ísliú buiséid le cúig bliana anuas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [31195/14]
Other Questions
Caiteachas Ranna
Tá gearradh siar uafásach déanta ar mhaoiniú d'eagraíochtaí Gaeilge thar timpeall na tíre le linn blianta. Má fhéachann muid ar Údarás na Gaeltachta, tá an tóin tite amach as an mbuiséad sin le cúig bliana anuas. Tá 75% den bhuiséad sin imithe anois. Ní hionann na ciorruithe sin le ciorrú ar aon eagraíocht fiontair eile, ar nós an IDA nó Enterprise Ireland.
Is oth liom nach bhfuil ar mo chumas an cheist seo a fhreagairt as Gaeilge, ach cuirfidh mé leagan dhátheangach den fhreagra ar fáil don Teachta. As the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, my response to the Deputy's question deals with the period since that date. My Department administers a wide range of programmes and measures. Its financial allocations since its establishment reflect the outcome of the comprehensive review of expenditure and the review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011. While my Department's gross funding has reduced between 2011 and 2014 as part of its contribution to the overall fiscal consolidation, to the greatest extent possible savings have been sought through efficiencies rather than reductions in services. For example, the allocation for spending on administration costs in my Department has fallen by 11% since 2011, from almost €38 million to less than €34 million this year.
While the funding adjustments in recent years have posed challenges, I am satisfied that the overall level of resources available to my Department have allowed it to continue to support arts and culture, maintain our built and natural heritage, develop our language and Gaeltacht areas and support island communities and the North-South implementation bodies under its aegis. In doing so, my Department has sought to do the maximum possible to support employment, achieve compliance with EU directives and support the ongoing implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements.
My Department's total capital provision has increased by just over €5 million, or 9%, since 2011. In budget 2014, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, announced additional funding for a number of new measures in my Department's area, including €10 million for the Cork events centre, €6 million for the Limerick National City of Culture 2014, €5 million for the traditional skills and buildings at risk jobs leverage scheme 2014 which is directed at renovation projects for buildings which are protected and €3.7 million to fund a number of 1916 commemoration projects.
I intend to continue with this approach of protecting services to the greatest extent possible, while contributing to economic recovery by supporting new developments in the sectors for which I am responsible.
Thar timpeall na tíre, tá daoine ag cur ceisteanna trí Ghaeilge isteach go dtí an HSE, go Revenue agus go dtí gach eagraíocht Stáit, ach tá na heagraíochtaí ag cur na bhfreagraí ar ais chucu i mBéarla. Tá sé seo in aghaidh an dlí. Anois, sa Dáil tá an rud céanna ar siúl ag an Aire féin.
Dúirt an t-iar-Choimisinéir Teanga go raibh na heagraíochtaí ag briseadh an dlí de bharr nach raibh siad in ann freagra a chur ar ais chuig daoine i nGaeilge. Conas is féidir linn é sin a athrú muna bhfuil muid in ann é a athrú istigh anseo? Maidir le mo cheist, baineann sí le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus an t-ísliú bhuiséid atá tar éis tarlú. Tá an t-údarás ag cruthú post sna Gaeltachtaí, ach tá ciorrú uafásach déanta ar an mhaoiniú dó i gcomparáid leis an gciorrú a rinneadh ar an IDA nó Enterprise Ireland.
Tá brón orm; níl a lán Gaeilge agam, but I will try to answer the question as best I can. On the issue of replies to questions in Irish, if the Deputy wishes to have his replies in Irish I will ensure they are so provided into the future. On the budgets, the Government wants to maintain services to the public and has done so in so far as possible. The Deputy will be aware that we are in difficult economic times. As I said, services to the public have been maintained in so far as possible. There may be less funding for particular services and events but every effort has been made to maintain front line services.
An fhadhb atá agam ná nuair a théim i dteagmháil le Revenue, deireann siad liom go bhfuil uimhir faoi leith ann don Ghaeilge agus má chuirim glaoch ar an uimhir sin go bhfaighidh mé an tseirbhís trí Ghaeilge. Ach nuair a cuirim glaoch ar an uimhir sin, ní bhíonn éinne ann le Gaeilge ach bíonn daoine ann le Béarla agus deir siad liom glaoch a chur orthu arís an chéad uair eile agus go mbeidh duine le Gaeilge ar an líne ag an am sin. Deirimse liom féin ansin nach bhfuil mé chun am a chur amú agus go bhfuil mé chun glaoch ar an líne Béarla as seo amach. Tá an rud céanna ag tarlú san Oireachtas inniu.
Táim ag caint faoin gciorrú ar airgead don nuachtán Gaelscéal agus dúnadh an nuachtáin sin bliain ó shin. Tá an tóin tite amach as an mhaoiniú do TG4 agus d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i bhforálacha na cáinaisnéise. Tá an tAire sa Tuaisceart ag iarraidh níos mó airgid a chur isteach i bhForas na Gaeilge, ach ní féidir léi mar nach bhfuil an Roinn anseo sásta an t-airgead céanna a chur isteach. Tá an Rialtas ag cur teorann ar mhaoiniú do na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge ar fad. An fhadhb atá ann anois ná nach bhfuil an t-eolas ag an Aire agus an Aire Stáit maidir leis seo agus níl aon tuiscint acu maidir leis an bpráinn atá i gceist.
With regard to the budget figures, I will be happy to speak to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. TG4 comes under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I take on board the Deputy's point.
Question No. 7 is in the name of Deputy Mulherin who is not present. Question No. 8 is in the name of Deputy Humphreys who is not present.
Questions Nos. 7 and 8 replied to with Written Answers.
Arts Council Funding
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:9. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the current functioning of the Arts Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31215/14]
The Arts Council has given the country great service over 50 years. It is substantially funded to support artists and arts organisations and it advises the Government on arts policy. Sadly, there has been some recent controversy over a possible conflict of interest within the council. Can the Minister outline her views on the functioning of the council?
The Arts Council receives funding from my Department but it is independent. It recently published a strategic review of its work, entitled Inspiring Prospects, which was undertaken by a steering group, with Mr. Terence O’Rourke as the independent chairman. I look forward to reading this report in more detail and assimilating its implications. The review and the process underlying it should allow the Arts Council to reflect on whether it delivers the best service it can to the arts sector and the public. Inspiring Prospects is timely in that it should contribute to the process of developing a new national cultural strategy, which the Government has recently agreed. The report is available on the Arts Council’s website at www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-publishes-report-from-Independent-Strategic-Review-Group/.
Although I have been in this job for only a couple of days, I hope to meet shortly the new chairman of the council, Ms Sheila Pratschke, and the director, Ms Orlaith McBride.
The Arts Council is no different from any other body spending substantial amounts of public money. At this point, the public needs reassurance. I suspect it will be forthcoming but a review by the Arts Council of its own procedures is certainly not adequate. External analysis of what has occurred within the council is essential because of the importance of transparency and accountability in public bodies generally. In so far as there has been speculation about a conflict of interest - I believe it is no more than speculation - is the Minister prepared to take steps to ensure objective analysis of the procedures that have been employed by the council to disperse funds?
As I stated, the Arts Council receives its budget from my Department but it is independent. I accept its funds are public money and that we must be very accountable for public money. I understand the council is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and is subject to the same rules and regulations as other bodies. I am to meet the new chairman. The council has carried out a review, Inspiring Prospects, which is important and timely. I take on board what the Deputy saying.
I accept the Minister's response and I realise she is new in her position. It will be very interesting to hear her feedback on her engagement with the Arts Council. It is important where substantial sums of public money are involved that the agencies charged with its dispersal be challenged to ensure their procedures are always transparent and that there is always public accountability.
What is the Minister's position, or instinct, regarding the work of the Arts Council with disadvantaged communities throughout the country? Is she satisfied from her preliminary examination of what the council has been involved in that sufficient work is being done to ensure arts pursuits are not regarded as elitist and that every effort possible is made to bring the arts into all communities in the State, not least disadvantaged communities?
I agree that the arts should encompass all areas of society, including disadvantaged communities. It is important that communities be very much supported in respect of the arts. If the Deputy has any concerns, I can speak to him later about them. I will be happy to pass them on to the representatives of the council when I meet them.
As I stated, the Arts Council is independent. It is subject to the ethics in public office legislation, and the members of the council make annual returns under that legislation. Meetings of the council are governed by declaration-of-interest protocols in accordance with best practice. Staff at the council are also subject to declaration-of-interest codes. I accept that the Deputy is saying a considerable part of my Department's budget goes to the Arts Council. It is most important, therefore, that the money be spent well. I accept that.
Public Park Access
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:10. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has sent an application to UNESCO with the intention of including the Phoenix Park on the list of UNESCO sites; her view on whether, since the park is a public one and is used frequently by the public, there should be an open consultation process to prevent possible changes such as the charging of persons for use of the area if it is designated as a UNESCO site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28360/14]
Comhghairdeas leis an Aire agus an Aire Stáit ina bpoist nua. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh leo sna poist sin. Has an application has been sent to UNESCO with the intention of including the Phoenix Park in the list of UNESCO heritage sites? It is a public park and is used extensively by the public. Residents in the area and other members of the public feared that if the park is listed as the UNESCO sites, there could be a charge for using it.
I understand that the Office of Public Works, which is both owner and manager of the Phoenix Park, has no plans to introduce general admission charges to the park, now or in the future.
The nomination process for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is initiated by state authorities drawing up a tentative list of what they consider to be the most important heritage sites within their national boundaries. Following a public consultation process and consideration by an expert advisory group in 2010, "The Historic City of Dublin” was one of seven potential nominees chosen for inclusion in Ireland’s tentative list.
My Department’s policy, which mirrors that of UNESCO, is that nominations for world heritage status must be driven in the first instance by local authorities and communities. Against that background, my Department hosted a seminar in September 2013 for local authorities and community representatives from the areas of the sites on Ireland’s current tentative list to gauge the level of interest in the potential nominations and to clarify the significant research and other requirements involved in preparing nomination documentation. I understand that, in the meantime, a steering group has been established by the lead authority, Dublin City Council, with the objective of progressing the Historic City of Dublin nomination. In line with both national and UNESCO policy, any advancement of the nomination will feature extensive public consultation over the course of the nomination process and in regard to any specific proposals that might arise from it.
I thank the Minister for that reply, which has many positive aspects. The Phoenix Park is an amazing facility and amenity. It is 350 years old and is larger than Central Park in New York.
There is a railway line underneath it, linked with a series of tunnels and a station. It also contains Viking burial sites, the Magazine Fort, the remains of a 5,500 year old neolithic village and the Wellington monument, which has the odd distinction of being Europe's largest phallic symbol, not to mention the wildlife, birds, flora and fauna, and a cricket club which was founded by Parnell's father. When we consider the use made of the Phoenix Park, it can be regarded as a world heritage site in itself. Even if Dublin is not awarded world heritage status, a case can be made for the park. Issues arise in regard to unregulated parking in the park and safety for pedestrians in certain areas but these could be addressed without doing serious damage to the park or undermining free access to it.
I agree with the Deputy that the Phoenix Park is a jewel in the crown. It is a tremendous facility that we need to treasure and protect. A process is under way regarding the application for UNESCO status. This process has to be led by the local authority because my Department cannot impose it. However, we are happy to support the local authority in progressing the matter. Regarding the issue of unregulated parking and traffic, I am happy to have that examined with a view to resolving it. The Deputy can speak to me later regarding specific issues.
There appears to be an agenda in Dublin city against people who have cars. I would not like to see that continuing into the Phoenix Park because people use their cars to travel to the park to enjoy the amenities it offers. When we consider meters for cars, that sort of motorist should not be penalised because of those who park their cars there all day. I acknowledge the Minister's assurance that general admission charges will not be introduced but we need guidelines and actions on the traffic management plan.
I agree with the Deputy because it is a tremendous facility for people to go walking. They bring their cars to the park and then they go for a walk. It is great to have that facility.
Departmental Strategies
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:11. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will set out the priorities of her Department for the coming 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31212/14]
It would be presumptuous of me to ask the Minister to set out her priorities for the next 12 months given that she has just taken office but it would be useful for the House to get a sense at this early stage of her personal priorities for the period ahead and what she regards as the key areas of arts and heritage with which she would like to be identified in the coming years.
My Department is committed to implementing the priorities set out in the programme for Government and in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016, which was published by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on 11 July. These will form the underlying basis of the work of my Department for the next 12 months and for the remainder of this Government's term of office.
The statement of Government priorities identifies six key priorities for the coming period. My Department will have a particular contribution to make in relation to three of these priorities, as follows: strengthening the domestic economy and prioritising new jobs for the unemployed; rebuilding trust in politics and public institutions; and protecting and enhancing peace in Northern Ireland. It will remain a key objective for my Department to maximise the economic and employment creation potential of the arts, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors. In this context, I will continue to develop synergies between the arts, cultural, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors, most notably in the area of tourism product development and cultural tourism.
The statement of Government priorities makes specific reference to the co-ordination and organisation of events and commemorations related to Ireland's path to independence that are respectful to the different traditions and communities on the island of Ireland. In that context, I will continue to advance plans for the programme of commemorative events in the context of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-22, including the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016.
I also look forward to promoting North-South co-operation in the context of the remit of my Department and, in particular, through the work of the North-South implementation bodies that my Department co-funds, namely, Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga. Other key issues in the context of the programme for Government will be the continuation of efforts to implement with stakeholders the national peatlands strategy and the 20 year strategy for the Irish language. I am very new in the job but I will be drawing up my personal priorities for the Department and I will be happy to outline them for the House at a later stage.
I welcome what the Minister has said and cannot disagree with the majority of the priorities set out. However, as Deputy Tóibín and others have pointed out, there is growing public concern about the Government's commitment to Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. There is real concern that the Government has no enthusiasm for implementing the strategy and many aspects are falling behind in their delivery. I was impressed by the fact that 10,000 people took to the streets of Dublin last February to protest about the status of the language and what they regard as the Government's lack of commitment to it. We have two new brooms in the Department. I do not question their commitment but at the end of the day they will be judged by what they do. Can we see some renewed vigour on the part of the Minister and the Minister of State in regard to the stratéis?
We are committed to the Irish language. As I noted in several interviews, like many others I learned school Irish but unfortunately if one does not use it, one loses it. My parliamentary assistant, who is in his early 20s, was awarded student of the year for his Irish. He told me this morning that he is one of many who does not use it and then loses it. There is a huge cohort of people like me and we need to bring these people in by reintroducing the Irish language so that we use it more regularly. Confidence is important. Many of us know Irish but we do not have the confidence to stand up and speak it. I am totally committed to the protection and further advancement of the Irish language so that it is used much more widely in everyday contexts.
Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit ar a gceapacháin. Tá géarchéim láithreach acu. Bhí tosaíocht ag an Roinn i gcomhthéacs seirbhísí ar nós seirbhísí farantóireachta go dtí na hoileáin. Le gairid, d'fhógair Island Ferries go bhfuil sé i gceist acu deireadh a chur leis an tseirbhís atá acu go hInis Mór ar 1 Samhain seo chugainn. Ina dhiaidh sin, ní bheidh aon seirbhís báid go hInis Mór - dubh, bán nó riabhach. An bhfuil sé mar thosaíocht ag an Aire agus an Aire Stáit déanamh cinnte de go mbeidh seirbhís báid go hInis Mór ó 1 Samhain amach?
We have a difficulty in that the main question was to the Minister but Deputy Ó Cuív's supplementary question was addressed to the Minister of State.
The Minister can answer the question.
We are committed to the services to Inis Mór and they will be examined in the context of the budget.
Commemorative Events
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:12. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a preliminary timetable of the planned commemorations for the 1916 Rising; if she will provide an update on the Moore Street interpretive centre and the proposed museum at the GPO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31214/14]
The question is self-explanatory. Deputy McLellan referred earlier to similar matters. It would be useful to have a timetable for commemorations, not least for the 1916 Rising. The Minister referred to Moore Street. Perhaps she will also speak about the proposed museum at the GPO.
Development of an inclusive and detailed programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is continuing and I hope to have a refined draft of that programme in the autumn. That draft will be subject to consultation with stakeholders before finalisation. As is the nature of these programmes, it may continue to evolve as we move towards 2016 and ideas crystallise and resources become available. Through consultation with the Oireachtas all-party working group on commemorations and the expert advisory group on commemorations, I will be seeking to prioritise ideas that are of educational and historical value and which provide a lasting legacy, appropriate in tone, balance and scale to the events being commemorated.
A number of flagship capital projects have been identified as priorities for completion by Easter 2016. These include the development of a suitable permanent facility for the military service pensions archive, the renovation of Kilmainham courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol, the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO, the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc, as well as the renovation of Richmond barracks and the development of a tenement museum. These initiatives are moving apace.
With the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, in July 2013 my predecessor made a determination under the National Monuments Acts on the consent application and related environmental impact statement submitted by the owners for their proposals for the national monument. I outlined this to Deputy McLellan earlier. The completed designs for the approved works have been submitted to my Department to verify they are in compliance with the decision made on the consent application in July 2013. In addition, NAMA has confirmed to my Department that it will make the necessary funding available for the works covered by the consent. This adds considerably to the prospects of a fitting tribute to the 1916 leaders being in place in Moore Street in time for the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Information on the developing commemorative programme will be available on my Department's commemorations website and individual announcements will issue for specific events.
The Deputy asked about the GPO and I had an opportunity through the commemorations committee to examine the proposals. It is a fine proposition and the Deputy will be very pleased when he sees what is planned for the GPO. I would be glad to hear Deputies' views on commemorative arrangements.
Would the Minister be prepared in the very near future to have an informal engagement with each of the spokespersons about the commemoration ceremonies? There has been much public interest in the suggestion that the British royal family may have particular involvement in the 1916 Rising commemoration. Does the Minister have views on that or does she envisage taking any particular initiative in that regard? The site at Moore Street has been alluded to and I accept the Minister's response that she is not directly responsible for anything outside the curtilage of the national monument. None the less, it is incumbent on whoever holds the ministerial office to engage with Dublin City Council and planners to ensure the rest of the site would be developed sensitively. There must be some kind of active engagement in that regard, as the issue cannot be left to NAMA, Chartered Land or Dublin City Council. We have seen lately how one cannot always be enthusiastic about the decisions of the planning department at Dublin City Council.
I would be happy to meet spokespersons to discuss the commemorations. I want to be as inclusive as possible and I welcome any suggestions. The Deputy asked about having different people visiting during the 2016 events. I am new in the job but it is important the commemorations be respectful, inclusive and sensitive. This is a major commemoration for the country because of its significance in our history. The tone must be respectful and appropriate. The Deputy asked about the houses at Moore Street and I have noted his comments for consideration.
Is it the Minister's view that the British royal family should be represented at the 1916 commemorations? Has the Government taken a view and will the Minister make a particular proposal to the Government in that regard?
This is about building relationships. I am only in this job a couple of days so, as I said earlier, I will consult widely. We want to achieve the best commemoration possible and consult all stakeholders.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.