Written Answers Nos. 731-744
731. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he continues to encourage job creation through the medium of the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36957/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra758. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he will continue to use the arts as a vehicle to promote the national identity and image, thereby contributing to economic revival for the remainder of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38825/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra760. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken or proposes to take to maximise and promote the arts as a means of generating economic and social benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38827/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total number of persons employed directly or indirectly in the arts at present; if he will endeavour to ensure that such numbers are retained or expanded with particular reference to both the economic and cultural benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38832/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 731, 758, 760 and 765 together. The arts, culture and heritage sectors continue to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country. The nature of employment within the arts sector encompasses a very wide range of activities, while cultural and heritage tourism is one of the most important elements of Ireland’s tourism product. Its scope can include those engaged in the arts practice within specific artistic genres and can also encompass areas which flow from such artistic pursuits. It may also embody the whole industrial creative sectors - the foundation of which lie in the pure arts areas. Accordingly, there are differentiated sets of figures which reflect the differing basis from which employment numbers are derived.
The arts underpin policies in attracting foreign direct investment, in the creation of an imaginative labour force, in establishing an innovative environment in which the creative and cultural industries can thrive and in the area of cultural tourism. The arts are a significant economic contributor and employer in their own right and they are also important building blocks for those economic policies the Government has identified as crucial for our economic recovery.
A report entitled An Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland, published by the Arts Council in 2011, updates a previous independent evaluation by consultants Indecon of the economic impact of the arts, published in 2009. The updated report shows that the arts provide significant direct and indirect employment. The sector supports 21,328 jobs and contributes €306.8 million in taxes. The arts also impact on the wider creative industries, such as the advertising sector, architecture, fashion and design, and cultural tourism, contributing €4.7 billion to the economy and supporting 79,000 jobs.
In April last, Minister Joan Burton and I were pleased to announce a further extension of the successful JobBridge national internship scheme, which will provide for new internships in the arts sector. In association with the Arts Council, the new strand will provide exciting opportunities for those interested in careers in the arts, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and enhance their skills. The extension of the scheme will foster emerging talent in the arts and also support local arts groups in theatre, film, visual arts, dance, music, literature and more. This as an important development because it will help people take the first step towards a career in the arts. In this sector there is a long tradition of new entrants working alongside established artists, performers, practitioners and arts administrators.
Within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, heritage, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of these sectors. While I know that the Deputy appreciates the funding difficulties facing all Departments at this time, I can assure him that I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for these sectors. The specific allocations to be made in future years will, of course, be dependent on the budgetary and estimates cycles in each of those years.
733. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department might consider the promotion of jointly-sponsored cultural events with the US over the next two years in a mutually beneficial fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36959/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Culture Ireland Division of my Department promotes Irish arts abroad and works closely with US partners. Some of the events supported have involved collaborations with US artists and I am pleased that many of these have proved successful. For example, the Irish Arts Centre in New York has been supported annually for concerts to present Irish musicians performing with US musicians and these have served to raise the profile of Irish talent and creativity.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2011 Culture Ireland funded a year of Irish arts in the US involving over 400 events. Throughout that year, more than 1,000 artists and producers from Ireland presented work in a range of art forms, including theatre, music, literature, visual arts, dance and film.
I am acutely conscious that the cultural ties between Ireland and America are unique. By bringing Irish creative talent to audiences across America, we are celebrating that unique shared story and growing key relationships between Irish artists and ensembles and leading US arts festivals, venues and institutions. I remain committed to supporting such endeavour, within the available resources.
734. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken by Waterways Ireland to control the spread of Japanese knotweed, Fallopia Japonica, along the Royal Canal, especially in the area around the 6th lock at Phibsborough where it seems to have been introduced as a result of recent re-lining work carried out by Waterways Ireland; if demarcation issues between Waterways Ireland and Córas Iompar Éireann have had the effect in that area of undermining the designation of the lands between the railbed and the Royal Canal as a special area of conservation, allowing the Japanese knotweed, one of the most invasive species known to horticulture, to thrive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36997/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Japanese knotweed was first introduced to Ireland over 100 years ago. It forms dense thickets along roadsides, waste-grounds and waterways, reproduces by vegetative means and is difficult to kill off once it becomes established. This plant is included among the list of the 100 most invasive alien species of the world.
I am assured that Waterways Ireland takes the presence of Alien Invasive Species (AIS), including Japanese Knotweed, extremely seriously and is actively working towards the prevention, early detection and eradication of AIS along the various navigations.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query, I am advised that following the recent relining works on Level 6 of the Royal Canal, some knotweed was found on the newly landscaped soil. On foot of this discovery at the initial stand near the approach to the lock gate, operational staff of Waterways Ireland carried out systematic spraying of the infected area at the Lock and another section of knotweed on open ground at the opposite end of Level 6 beyond Coke Ovens Cottages (which was not connected to the relining works). On a follow up site visit on 11 September 2013, it was observed that the small stand of knotweed at the edge of the water had been eradicated by the effective spraying regime. I am advised that Waterways Ireland staff will continue to monitor the area for any reoccurrence of the infestation on its property.
The Deputy will also be aware that a wall separates the canal property from Irish Rail property and material overhanging the wall has recently been trimmed due to the impact on members of the public on the canal towpath. I should say that Waterways Ireland’s operational staff will systematically and safely spray and eradicate any identified patches of knotweed found on the canal property. It may also be noted that training in the identification, suitable control and management of AIS is given to Waterways Ireland's operational, technical and engineering staff as part of their regular tool box talks.
I am advised that Waterways Ireland works very closely with Inland Fisheries Ireland in the control and management of AIS, particularly aquatic species, including research into new methods of control. Waterways Ireland also works with Invasive Species Ireland and other relevant bodies in the dissemination of information and practices in the control of AIS and will continue to liaise with Irish Rail to devise a management plan for AIS in areas of common interest.
735. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht subject to Decision 1622/2006/EC, when he expects Ireland to be in a position to be entitled to host and to be designated as a European Capital of Culture; the process that would be involved within Ireland in order to designate a particular city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37070/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Capital of Culture regulation for the period 2020 - 2033 is currently being considered by the European Council and the European Parliament under the Lithuanian Presidency. Considerable progress was made on this matter during the Irish Presidency in the first half of this year.
Once the negotiations of the regulation are completed it will allow the 2020 competition (which includes Ireland) to be advertised.
736. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his Department has been approached regarding a centenary event to mark the gun landings by the Irish Volunteers on Kilcoole Beach, County Wicklow, on 1 August 2014; if his Department intends to mark the event as part of national centenary occasions in the coming years; if funding will be made available from his Department or through other resources to a non-partisan and non-party political local interest group or committee to enable a centenary event to occur next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37124/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe founding of the Irish Volunteers and the subsequent import of arms will feature in the Centenary commemorative programme. The official arrangements in this regard are currently under consideration.
I warmly welcome the interest of community and history groups to mark the anniversaries of the landings at Howth on 29 July 1914 and at Kilcoole on 1 August 1914. I would suggest to such groups that contact might be made with my Department so that plans could be co-ordinated and the capacity for support assessed.
737. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the July 2013 report entitled "Review of Commonage Lands and Framework Management Plans", produced by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine; his views on the ten recommendations contained in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37247/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the Joint Committee report and I believe that it reflects the many complex issues that were discussed over numerous sittings, and that its recommendations are useful. I should, however, clarify that while my Department has had a substantial advisory role in relation to commonages, it is not responsible for the implementation or regulation of the commonage review process, which is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I believe that further engagement between the relevant parties is necessary so that commonage land is managed appropriately and sustainably. I have, therefore, ensured that my officials will continue to engage with farmers, staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other interests in terms of the future implementation of the commonage review process, insofar as it relates to the functions of my Department.
738. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total cost of all media advertising to his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media both print and radio are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37472/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware my Department was formally established in June 2011 and I have provided the information requested by the Deputy from that date in the accompanying table:
|
June - December 2011 € |
Jan – December 2012 € |
Jan - September 2013 € |
Total € |
|
224,997 |
151,780 |
50,701 |
427,480 |
The majority of this advertising expenditure relates to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. In this context, the Deputy should note that the Department is statutorily obliged, under the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations to advertise nature conservation designations in at least one newspaper circulating in the area covered by the designation and may also broadcast it on a radio channel generally available in that same area. I should say that national media are also used from time to time when the Department has a site of national importance, such as a marine site which can be of interest to people nationally.
739. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department to which ministerial appointments are made; the statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments in each case; the annual allowances or other payments made to the chairperson; the annual allowance or other payment made to an ordinary member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37487/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra740. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the boards, bodies or committees under the remit of his Department where there is currently a vacancy to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37502/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra741. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department where there is anticipated to be a vacancy within the next six months to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the anticipated vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of anticipated vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37517/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 739, 740 and 741 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table. As the Deputy will be aware, some members of boards are not entitled to claim fees due to the 'one salary ' rule. In addition, some board members have waived their fees on a voluntary basis.
I am working to reduce expenditure on board fees and, in this context, have taken a number of actions, including the introduction of a significant reform to end the payment of fees for all organisations under the aegis of my Department which were comprehended by the Government's Public Service Reform Plan. Arising from the Government decision of October 31st last, fees for membership of boards, committees and advisory councils at these organisations - where they previously applied - will not apply in the future and members will serve pro bono . Whilst legislative change will be required to implement this decision in a number of cases, I have written to the relevant organisations to ask them to implement this decision on an administrative basis pending statutory implementation. In addition, from January 2013 there has also been a reduction of 100% in fees for membership of the Irish Film Board.
In addition to the bodies listed below, responsibility for the Censorship of Publications Board and the Censorship of Publications Appeal Board has recently transferred to my Department. I am currently making appropriate arrangements to fill the vacancies on these boards.
For the sake of completeness, I should add that appointments to the North South Implementation Body, An Foras Teanga, comprising Foras na Gaeilge (16 members) and the Ulster-Scots Agency (8 members), are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction. Relevant board details, including fees, are published on the websites www.forasnagaeilge.ie and www.ulsterscotsagency.com.
|
Name of Board |
No of currently serving board members (incl Chair) |
No of ministerial appointments |
Relevant statutory provision |
No of current vacancies (incl Chair) to be filled by ministerial appointment |
No of anticipated vacancies (incl Chair) to be filled by ministerial appointment within the next 6 months |
Fees payable to Chair and ordinary board members |
Fees waived |
|
Arts Council |
13 |
14 |
Arts Act 2003 |
1 ordinary member |
5 (incl the Chair) |
Chair - €8,978 Member - €5,985 |
3 members (incl Chair) |
|
Heritage Council |
11 |
16 |
Heritage Act 1995 |
5* |
0 |
Chair - €8,978 Member - €5,985 The Chair and 3 ordinary members do not receive fees in accordance with the 'one salary' rule. |
1 ordinary member |
|
Irish Film Board |
7 |
7 |
Irish Film Board Act 1980 |
0 |
0 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
National Concert Hall |
15 |
15 |
Articles and Memorandum of Association |
0 |
0 |
Chair - €8,978 Member – Nil |
Nil |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
15 |
10 |
The National Gallery of Ireland Acts 1854-55 |
*2 ordinary members |
3 (incl the Chair) |
Chair - €8,978 Member - €5,985 2 members do not receive fees in accordance with the 'one salary' rule. |
9 ordinary members |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
8 |
16 |
Companies Act 1963 et al |
*8 ordinary members |
1 ordinary member |
Nil |
N/A |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
11 |
3 |
N/A |
1 ordinary member |
1 ordinary member |
Nil |
N/A |
|
National Archives Advisory Council |
12 |
12 |
Archives Act 1986 |
0 |
0 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
20 (plus 4 honorary members) |
18. |
Companies Act 1963 et al |
0 |
0 |
Chair - €10,500 Member – Nil |
Chair has waived fee |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
12 |
12 (including 5 nominees of specified local authorities) |
Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979 (as amended by the Gaeltacht Act 2012) |
0 |
0 |
Chair - €20,520 Member – €11,970 The Chair and 5 ordinary members do not receive fees in accordance with the 'one salary' rule. |
Nil |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
15 |
16 (incl 4 appointments from specified nominees) |
National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 |
*1 ordinary member |
0 |
Chair - €8,978 Member - €5,985 |
15 (incl the Chair) |
|
National Library of Ireland |
12 |
13 |
National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 and S.I. No. 218/2005 |
*1 ordinary member |
0 |
Chair - €8,978 Member - €5,985 3 ordinary members do not receive fees in accordance with the 'one salary' rule. |
1 ordinary member |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
8 |
15 |
Articles and Memorandum of Association |
*7 ordinary members |
1 ordinary member |
Chair - €8,978 Member – Nil |
Chair has waived fee |
* The Deputy should also note that, in the case of certain bodies in which board membership is to be reduced as part of the public service reform process, some of the vacancies indicated in the table above may not be filled in light of the plan.
743. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will supply an up to date list of all bogs on which turf cutting has ceased or will cease up the the end of 2016. [37691/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn up to date list of all sites nominated for designation or designated is available on my Department’s website at www.npws.ie . Turf cutting has been ended on 53 Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation, in keeping with Ireland’s obligations under the Habitats Directive. Any further turf-cutting on these sites can only occur in the exceptional circumstances allowed for under the terms of the Habitats Directive. The National Raised Bog Management Plan, currently in preparation, will set out the future management and restoration approach for each of these sites, including how the interests of turf-cutters are to be addressed.
Some 75 raised bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) were formally designated by my predecessor under the Wildlife Acts. NHAs are protected through a requirement for certain, potentially damaging activities to receive Ministerial consent before being undertaken. Turf-cutting is listed as an activity that requires such consent. However, turf-cutting on NHAs was subject to a derogation which allowed continued cutting for domestic purposes until the end of 2013.
In May 2010, the previous Government decided that turf cutting should come to an end on all raised bog NHAs at the end of 2013. However, the current Programme for Government undertook to review the situation. This review is currently underway and the future of turf-cutting on raised bog NHAs is being considered as part of that review. It is my intention that the review will provide clarity for turf-cutters and land-owners on these NHAs, in advance of the 2014 turf cutting season and my Department will be contacting individual land-owners and turf-cutters on these sites in due course.
744. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37722/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is reviewing the resources available for the scheme to which the payment referred to in the Deputy's Question relates and will make final decisions on payment dates when that review is concluded.
