Written Answers Nos. 552 - 577
552. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of regulatory impact assessments that have been carried out by his Department in the past 12 months and the list of regulatory impact assessments carried out within his Department in the past 12 months. [57754/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that no regulatory impact assessments have been carried out by my Department in the past twelve months.
553. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide in tabular form the number of agencies, bodies, boards, quangos or other entities, which are financed from, answerable to or established by his Department that have been abolished, merged or re-organised since this Government took office; the savings that have been realised since the changes were made; the level of staff reduction that has been achieved; if he will provide details of further agency reductions that he intends to pursue in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57872/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Reform Plan published by the Government on 17th November 2011 outlined a series of rationalisation measures, including some related to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. Savings of €20 million in enhanced service efficiencies and value-for-money were targeted in the Public Service Reform Plan. I expect that savings of approximately €1m will be made initially across the institutions involved in the reform programme which are funded from my Department's Vote Group, with further savings to be identified as the various cost saving measures are implemented.
To advance this, my Department has conducted a critical examination of the structure and operation of the institutions included in the Public Service Reform Plan. Summary documents which outline the main outcomes of this examination in relation to these bodies and institutions have been published on my Department's web-site and can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/PublicServicereform/ .
With regard to the abolition of organisations or agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group, it may be noted that the work of Culture Ireland has now been fully integrated into my Department and its board has been replaced by an expert committee, operating pro bono. In addition, the term of office of the Placenames Commission has expired and it will be replaced shortly by an expert committee, operating pro bono.
554. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to designate Famine workhouses as national monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57923/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of workhouses are included in the Record of Monuments and Places and the Sites and Monuments Record managed by my Department under the National Monuments Acts. Ongoing consideration is given to the designation of new monuments in the context of the maintenance of those records and the development of monument protection policy, in line with the availability of resources and to support the preparation of a comprehensive new Monuments Bill. Additional workhouses may, therefore, be designated as part of that process as time goes on. The new bill, which is currently being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel, will consolidate, modernise and improve the legislative code for the protection and regulation of our archaeological heritage.
Apart from the National Monuments Acts, workhouses may also be included in the Record of Protected Structures maintained by the local authorities and subject to the protections provided under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012.
555. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to establish an official record-database of the Famine in the National Museum of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57924/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the National Museum of Ireland that it collects material of national and regional importance where a connection with the Famine is verifiable. I understand that the Museum is in possession of a number of objects relating to the Famine that are categorized broadly into collections. The Museum is currently working on completing a central electronic database for all its collections, including those that relate to the Famine.
556. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date and location of National Famine Memorial Day 2013. [57968/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Famine Commemoration Committee agreed that the annual national commemoration should revolve between the four provinces of Ireland and, accordingly, this year's National Famine Commemoration will take place in Munster. As the Deputy may be aware, last year, a new process was introduced to determine the location of the 2013 National Famine Commemoration and future commemorations. The purpose of the new selection process is threefold:
- To generate public awareness and interest in the annual National Famine Commemoration;
- To increase the number of potential sites available to choose from each year; and
- To ensure that the selection process is as transparent and open as possible.
The selection process has now concluded and the National Famine Commemoration Committee has agreed that this year's National Famine Commemoration will take place in Kilrush, County Clare. I, together with the members of the National Famine Commemoration Committee and the organising team in my Department, am very much looking forward to working with Clare County Council, Kilrush Town Council and the local community over the coming months.
My Department is currently engaging with all of the relevant stakeholders and I can advise the Deputy that I expect to announce the date of this year's National Famine Commemoration very shortly.
557. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budget he has put aside in 2013 for the Centenary of Commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57973/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra559. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding he envisages for his Department for Commemoration events 2013-2016; his plans for making funding available for local commemorative initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1038/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 559 together.
Commemorative initiatives are being managed within the existing resources of Departments and State services. Incremental funding for such initiatives will be considered by Government in due course in the context of Departmental allocations and specific programme proposals.
Within the allocation for current spending in my Department in 2013, I will make appropriate provision for publications, events and initiatives relating to the Decade of Centenaries, including the possibility of some support for local initiatives. This funding will complement and support the activities of our national cultural institutions and other relevant organisations.
558. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 22 November 2012, all other factors being equal the commercial value placed on an acre of raised bog not under an SAC designation by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58156/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs, under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, my Department is prepared to consider the purchase or long-term lease of suitable sites for turf extraction. As outlined in my reply to Question No 135 of 22 November last, it is not possible to place a set figure on the amount my Department would pay, as a variety of factors would need to be taken into consideration. Nor is my Department in a position to place a value on the commercial value of a bog, which in turn is subject to a variety of matters, including for example, whether a bog has planning permission and all necessary licences required for commercial exploitation. My Department is focused on relocating turf cutters for domestic cutting.
560. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of the grants provided to Irish language organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1085/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the financial assistance provided by Foras na Gaeilge, a constituent agency of the North South Language Body, to 19 core-funded Irish language organisations, North and South. I am advised that the funding provided by Foras na Gaeilge to these organisations in 2012 was as set out in the table:
TABLE: Funding provided by Foras na Gaeilge to core-funded Irish language organisations in 2012
|
NORTH |
£ (Sterling) |
|
Altram |
560,143 |
|
An tÁisaonad |
306,036 |
|
Comhaltas Uladh |
71,559 |
|
Forbairt Feirste |
107,850 |
|
Iontaobhas Ultach |
191,193 |
|
Raidió Fáilte |
98,828 |
|
Pobal |
169,819 |
|
Total (£ Sterling) |
£1,505,428 |
|
SOUTH |
€ (Euro) |
|
An Comhlachas Náisiúnta Drámaíochta |
199,545 |
|
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge |
595,670 |
|
Conradh na Gaeilge |
514,120 |
|
Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge |
186,221 |
|
Comhluadar |
214,308 |
|
Cumann na bhFiann |
450,954 |
|
Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta |
972,521 |
|
Gael-Linn |
635,197 |
|
Gaelscoileanna |
440,880 |
|
Glór na nGael |
482,170 |
|
Oireachtas na Gaeilge |
454,171 |
|
Raidió na Life |
209,614 |
|
Total (€ Euro) |
€5,117,427 |
For the sake of completeness, I should say that, in addition to the core-funding set out above, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta and my own Department provide certain financial assistance to numerous community organisations, both inside and outside the Gaeltacht, for the purpose of promoting the Irish language. This assistance is provided through a range of schemes and initiatives, details of which can be obtained on the relevant websites at www.forasnagaeilge.ie, www.udaras.ie and www.ahg.gov.ie.
561. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date on which consultants were appointed to complete the design and tendering process for the construction of terminals at the airstrips on Inishbofin and Cleggan; the amount paid to them to date; the work done to date; when their work is due to be completed; when tenders will be sought for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1114/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department appointed consultants to complete the design and tender process for the construction of terminals at the airstrips on Inishbofin and Cleggan in February 2011. An amount of €15,495.91 has been paid to the consultants to date. The consultants have obtained planning permission for the construction of the terminals and have conducted site investigations. They are currently preparing tender documents for the construction phase of the project. My Department is not in a position to state when their work will be completed or when tenders will be sought for the project.
562. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding claims by bog owners located at the All Saints bog; if claims lodged have been processed, approved and paid; if legal and or consultants' fees have been approved and paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1121/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a group of turf cutters from All Saints Bog and Esker special area of conservation had applied to sell their interest in the land and negotiations in relation to this issue have been ongoing for a number of years. In an attempt to resolve the matter last year, a number of options were made available to the individuals within the group, including the sale of their interest in the land or entry to the cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme (comprising a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to a non-designated bog).
A number of the individuals from the group of turf cutters have yet to formally accept the offers made to them. Three individuals have accepted the offers and their legal representatives are in correspondence with my officials. However, my Department is still awaiting contracts for sale from the relevant solicitors.
For individuals who have decided to sell their interest in land, a contribution to legal fees is made where the purchase price is under €31,743. This is usually payable on the closing of the sale.
In an effort to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion, my Department also agreed to pay the reasonable fees of an individual who had represented the group of turf cutters throughout this time. I understand that this payment will be made in the coming weeks.
563. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a dhéanfar tairiscintí le haghaidh na seirbhíse aeir go dtí na hOileáin Árann a logáil ó tharla go dtagann deireadh leis an gconradh reatha ag deireadh mhí Lúnasa [1196/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra564. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist síneadh a chur leis an gconradh seirbhíse aeir go dtí na hOileáin Árann [1197/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé ceisteanna 563 agus 564 le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá mo Roinn ag scrúdú na ceiste a bhaineann le hathnuachan an chonartha don tseirbhís aeir do na hOileáin Árann. Tá an scrúdú sin á dhéanamh i gcomhthéacs na gconarthaí uile atá ag mo Roinn do sheirbhísí iompair do na hoileáin agus i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid atá ag mo Roinn do na seirbhísí sin. Déanfar cinneadh maidir leis an tseirbhís aeir go luath.
565. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist freagracht maidir le bunstruchtúr agus fóirdheontais farantóireachta oileán a aistriú chuig na húdaráis áitiúla mar atá luaite i leathanach 39 den fhoilseachán Putting People First; cén plé a bhí ag a Roinn leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil faoin gceist go dáta [1198/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíl aon phlean ag mo Roinn faoi láthair chun an fhreagracht maidir le bunstruchtúr agus fóirdheontais farantóireachta oileán a aistriú chuig na húdaráis áitiúla. Cé go raibh teagmháil idir mo Roinn agus an Roinn Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil ar an ábhar seo, níl aon mhion-phlé déanta ag na Ranna faoin gceist, rud a bheadh riachtanach sula ndéanfaí aon chinneadh sa chás.
566. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta céard é an líon is mó daltaí in aon teach amháin a n-íocfar deontais ina leith faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge sa bhliain 2013 [1199/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraÍocadh deontas faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i leith uasmhéid de 14 foghlaimeoirí a bhí ar iostas le teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht i 2012.
Moladh i dtuarascáil mo Roinne, dar teideal Athbhreithniú ar chóras na gColáistí Samhraidh a foilsíodh i 2000, gur 14 foghlaimeoirí a bheadh mar uaslíon ceadaithe i ngach teach atá aitheanta faoin scéim agus go gcuirfí an moladh sin i bhfeidhm thar thréimhse 5 bliana. Tá sé i gceist ag mo Roinn leanúint i mbliana ag íoc deontas i leith uasmhéid de 14 foghlaimeoirí i ngach teach atá aitheanta faoin scéim.
567. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhógrófar athruithe i scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge do 2013 [1200/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAr an gcéad dul síos, tá áthas orm a rá go leanfar ag íoc deontas i mbliana le teaghlaigh aitheanta Gaeltachta a choinníonn foghlaimeoirí ar iostas agus iad ag freastal ar choláistí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge. Tá soláthar reatha de tuairim is €6.723m ar fáil i mbliana do mo Roinn faoi na Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeltachta, lena n-áirítear Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge. Is figiúr táscach é seo, faoi réir na Meastachán a bheith foilsithe agus faofa i mí Feabhra 2013. Maidir le haon athrú a bheadh le déanamh ar an scéim, ní miste a rá go mbíonn cumarsáid rialta ag mo Roinn le Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS).
568. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry does not receive funding from the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1272/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy on the arts is set out in the Programme for Government. As Minister responsible for the arts and culture sectors, I am committed to securing the best possible funding provision for them during my term of office.
Government policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and to maximise the potential for cultural tourism.
Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which, under the Arts Acts, is independent in its funding decisions. Under statute I may not intervene in its funding decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation of some €60.7 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding.
I am very well aware of the important role played by the organisation referred to by the Deputy in promoting a varied arts and culture programme to those living locally, further afield and visitors to the area. However, the provision of funding to it is a matter in the remit solely of the Council.
The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. I am fully aware of the challenges for those involved in the arts and culture sectors and of the tremendous work they are doing. I am committed to supporting the essential elements of the arts and culture sectors, within the available financial resources and in the light of the evolving budgetary and Estimates processes.
569. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the 2012 targets set for his Department for implementation of the jobs action plan; if he will report on the attainment or otherwise of these targets; the reason targets were not met; the steps he is taking within his Department to create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1276/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Action Plan for Jobs, published in February 2012, sets out 10 specific actions to be undertaken by my Department and the agencies under its remit in the areas of arts, culture, creative enterprise, heritage and cultural tourism, and the Gaeltacht and Irish language sectors.
Throughout 2012, we worked to meet both the explicit and implicit objectives set for these areas. The focus of my Department, at all times, was on promoting economic growth and sustaining employment having regard to the significant contribution of the arts and heritage sectors to cultural tourism and the role of Údarás in supporting job creation in the Gaeltacht areas. The relevant actions (under section 7 of the Plan) are set out below.
7.14 Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprise
|
7.14.1 |
Take actions as set out in the Creative Capital Report prepared by the Audiovisual Strategic Review Steering Group to double the value of the film and audiovisual sector by 2016 to over €1 billion, double employment to over 10,000 and increase cultural exports of Irish audiovisual production |
|||
|
|
Steps Necessary for Delivery |
Timeline |
Responsible body |
|
|
|
Work with the audiovisual industry to grow exports |
Ongoing 2012 |
Irish Film Board |
|
|
|
Undertaking a range of skills initiatives to address medium to long-term challenges for the sector |
Ongoing 2012 |
Irish Film Board |
|
|
|
Leveraging investment in data centers and cloud computing to create distribution and fulfillment opportunities for the digital content industries. |
Ongoing 2012 |
Irish Film Board |
|
|
7.14.2 |
Through Culture Ireland, maximise the business opportunities abroad for cultural and artistic businesses and enterprises by promoting Irish artists worldwide and showcasing our strengths in culture and creativity. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG/IDA |
|
|
7.14.3 |
Through Culture Ireland, undertake joint marketing activities with the enterprise development agencies to build ‘brand Ireland’ in this sector. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG/Enterprise agencies |
|
|
7.14.4 |
Leverage the potential for language and roots tourism, working with Tourism Ireland, the National Archives of Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG/ Tourism Ireland, National Archives of Ireland / Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners |
|
|
7.14.5 |
Rollout further cultural digitization initiatives, in partnership with the private sector, in order the leverage our unique cultural offerings and bring them to a wider international audience. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG |
|
|
7.14.6 |
Through the Arts Council, support over 50 venues, approximately 200 festivals and 400 arts organisations in 2012, supporting employment in communities across the country, both directly through funding artists and organisations and indirectly in the tourism sector and the wider economy. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG |
|
|
7.14.7 |
Ensure continuity in the provision of heritage services nationally through an allocation of €48m for 2012. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG |
|
|
7.14.8 |
Invest in quality customer offerings through the National Cultural Institutions and regional cultural bodies and enterprises to enhance our overall tourism offering and to make Ireland a destination of cultural distinction for the cultural tourists globally. |
Ongoing 2012 |
DAHG |
|
570. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the recent criticisms of the artist’s exemption scheme by the Arts Council; when he expects new draft guidelines to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubsection 12 of section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the drawing up of guidelines for the exemption from tax of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists. According to this legislation, the Arts Council and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are responsible for drawing up the guidelines, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. I am currently involved in a deliberative process regarding the review of the existing guidelines and there has been correspondence on the matter between me and Minister Noonan. To date, new guidelines have not been finalised.
Given the deliberative process that is under way, the Deputy will appreciate that further comment would not be appropriate at this time.
571. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a special protection area appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Donegal when a decision will issue on the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1401/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe landowners in question have exercised their right to appeal the inclusion of land within the Special Protection Area (SPA) in question to the independent Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. It will undertake a formal assessment based on a full scientific report. The Board has written to the landowners in question, outlining its requirements and requesting a scientific report in support of the appeal.
Following receipt of this report from the appellants, and a similar focused report from my Department, the Board will arrange a formal appeal hearing. As soon as possible thereafter, the Board will make a recommendation to me, as Minister, on whether the land, or parts thereof, should remain within the site, based the scientific merits of the case.
572. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way it is planned to honour and acknowledge the contribution of John McShane at the renovated Killarney House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1613/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2011, I announced an extensive refurbishment programme for Killarney House and its gardens. These works are in progress and, when the House is fully refurbished, it will act as an interpretative centre for the whole of Killarney National Park.
Given that the State acquired the vast majority of the Killarney National Park lands and buildings through civic benevolence, it is intended that the interpretive plan for Killarney House will include the historical background to the Park’s development, including reference to the historical owners of the lands that now make up Killarney National Park, as well as an appropriate acknowledgement of those, including John McShain, who made generous donations of property.
573. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide additional funding for the arts in County Longford, to bridge the gap between the Arts Council funding and local authority funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism.
Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which, under the Arts Acts, is independent in its funding decisions. Under statute I may not intervene in its funding decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation of some €60.7 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding.
The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. I am fully aware of the challenges for those involved in the arts and culture sectors and of the tremendous work they are doing. I am committed to supporting the essential elements of the arts and culture sectors, within the available financial resources and in the light of the evolving budgetary and Estimates processes. My Department does not have any funding available to it to provide additional current funding in Co. Longford. However, I am pleased that my Department was able to provide funding for capital expenditure to the Backstage Theatre under the Access II scheme.
574. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of State papers, older than 30 years, that have not been released as a result of exceptions to the 30 year rule in his Department and any agency under his remit; if he will provide a breakdown by year for his Department and any agency under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1693/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established in June 2011. I am advised that no records held by my Department that became 30 years old on 31 December 2011 or 31 December 2012 have been withheld from public inspection.
With regard to bodies/agencies under the auspices of my Department, four such bodies are specifically named in the schedule to the National Archives Act 1986 - the National Archives, the National Archives Advisory Council, the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. However, there is no requirement at present for such bodies to transfer records to the National Archives and make them available for public inspection. Accordingly, the issue of records being withheld by these bodies does not arise.
575. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were fully funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1899/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the bodies, other than statutory bodies, that were partially funded by his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2030/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011. It oversees and has policy responsibility for the conservation, preservation, protection, development and presentation of Ireland’s heritage and culture. My Department also seeks to promote the Irish language, to support the Gaeltacht and to assist the sustainable development of island communities. Information in relation to the wide-ranging functions of my Department, as well as the programmes and schemes operated by it, can be found on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie. Details of State bodies and agencies with responsibilities relating to various aspects of my Department’s remit can also be accessed through that website.
With regard to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I am assuming that the scope of his Questions is not intended to encompass non-statutory bodies and other organisations which receive grants from my Department for specific projects. Accordingly, the table contains details of non-statutory bodies and organisations that received operational funding from my Department's Vote in respect of 2012. It should be noted that some of these bodies may receive funding from other sources.
TABLE:
|
Body/Organisation |
Funding provided in 2012 |
|
Irish Heritage Trust |
€373,000 |
|
Irish Architectural Archive |
€315,000 |
|
ICOMOS Ireland (International Council on Monuments and Sites) |
€10,000 |
|
Irish Architectural Foundation |
€60,000 |
|
James Joyce Centre |
€152,000 |
|
National Print Museum |
€122,500 |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
€245,000 |
|
Hunt Museum |
€425,000 |
|
Archbishop Marsh's Library |
€345,000 |
|
Foynes Flying Boat Museum |
€110,000 |
|
Science Gallery |
€330,000 |
|
Cork Butter Museum |
€30,000 |
|
Irish Museum Association |
€35,000 |
|
Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe |
€323,920 |
|
Gaillimh le Gaeilge |
€132,000 |
|
Gnó Mhaigh Eo |
€120,000 |
|
Gael-Taca |
€74,520 |
|
Raidió Rí-Rá |
€58,725 |
|
An Cumann Scoildrámaíochta |
€40,000 |
|
Glór na nGael |
€40,000 |
|
Spleodar |
€33,120 |
|
Comhchoiste na gColáistí Samhraidh (CONCOS) |
€64,500 |
|
Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne |
€496,681 |
|
Muintearas Teo |
€585,260 |
|
CLG - Comhairle Chonnacht |
€70,000 |
|
CLG - Comhairle na Mumhan |
€34,892 |
|
Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne |
€2,000 |
|
Óige na Gaeltachta |
€4,986 |
|
An Gaelacadamh |
€119,400 |
|
An Chrannóg |
€2,960 |
|
Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta |
€61,076 |
|
Oideas Gael |
€70,000 |
|
Coláiste UISCE |
€50,000 |
|
Gael Uladh |
€24,464 |
|
Áras Uí Ghramhnaigh |
€3,240 |
|
Scoil na nÓg Ghleann Maighir |
€23,161 |
|
Scoil na Leanaí Coláiste na Rinne |
€19,038 |
|
Ionad Cultúrtha Bhaile Mhúirne |
€31,000 |
|
Coiste Céim Aniar |
€7,000 |
|
Crann Taca - Ionad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh |
€87,000 |
|
Fibín |
€15,000 |
|
Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann |
€1,404 |
|
Comhlacht Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir |
€39,000 |
577. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the potential for oil and gas industries to exploit the natural resources which lie underneath our sea bed, if he has proposals to support such undersea exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57840/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is to maximise the benefits to Ireland from exploration for and production of our indigenous oil and gas resources, while ensuring that activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land/sea users
In recent years there has been some upturn in the level of interest in exploration off our coast, however, the potential of the Irish offshore as a petroleum producing region is largely unproven and this is likely to remain the case unless there is a significant increase in the level of exploration activity, in particular exploration drilling.
To this end, my Department encourages exploration investment through an active and targeted promotion campaign, regular licensing rounds and by supporting petroleum research projects that deepen knowledge of the petroleum potential of the Irish offshore. Last November, I announced that my Department had designed a major state-of-the-art seismic acquisition programme to provide a regional grid of high quality seismic data over our Atlantic frontier basins. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the procurement process for the survey is nearing completion with data acquisition planned for later this year. When complete, the survey will add to the understanding of the petroleum potential of our frontier basins and should provide a boost to our efforts to attract international mobile exploration investment to Ireland.
