Written Answers Nos. 1-20
7. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the commemorative activities planned to mark the centenary of the passage into law of the Home Rule Act on 18 September 1914, which laid the ground for the treaty and full independence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31149/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, there have been 12 events dedicated to the history of the Third Home Rule Bill and related events. In the centenary commemorative programme, this year marks the passing of legislation for Irish Home Rule. Building on the work of Charles Stewart Parnell and the Land League, John Redmond and his party finally delivered the Home Rule Act. This was passed on the eve of the Great War and incomplete in its final form, with some vital issues unresolved. It was, of course, soon overtaken by events. It is right that we acknowledge the work of Irish parliamentarians in keeping the cause of self-determination alive and sustaining hope through some of the darkest periods of our history. It is appropriate that John Redmond's leadership is being remembered with a series of events, exhibitions and lectures to take place this year in Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Dublin and London. It is to be noted particularly that the restoration of John Redmond's vault in Wexford is being addressed in the context of the centenary commemorative programme.
In the context of the recognition of the place of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party, the Deputy may be aware of the significant event held to mark the centenary of the Home Rule Act, hosted in the Irish Embassy in London on 1 July last. I understand a lively debate took place about the Home Rule Act, alternative possibilities, the evolution of Irish nationalism and Ulster unionism, and subsequent developments. The distinguished panel of guest speakers comprised former Taoiseach John Bruton, Lord Paul Bew, Professor Michael Laffan and Professor Richard Toye, while the audience included a range of Westminster parliamentarians, academics, community, business and cultural representatives, officials, advisers and media.
BBC Parliament filmed the debate and it was broadcast on 5 July last. I understand that edited highlights are also likely to be used as part of BBC’s ongoing commemorations coverage. The event was also covered in print media, including in the Irish Times and Irish Independent.
An appropriate event will also be held to commemorate the speech delivered by John Redmond on 18 September 1914 in Woodenbridge, Co Wexford, which encouraged members of the Irish Volunteers to engage with the armed forces on the outbreak of the Great War.
8. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has a registry or list of the many local monuments, plaques and statues in counties and towns across Ireland that commemorate specific events and people associated with the 1916 Rising; if not, her plans to compile one in advance of the centenary commemorations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31146/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the upcoming commemoration of the 1916 Rising will no doubt bring to attention many topics and situations which will be deemed by some to warrant specific action by the State. The collation of monuments etc throughout the country is an example of such action. These suggestions put forward in good faith will require serious consideration in the context of the overall planning and nuances which are to be adopted in order to provide dignified, responsible and proportionate commemorations.
Much of these considerations will be dependent on the resources available to my Department and across other agencies and priorities will fall to be made.
I should explain in relation to the matter raised here that the creation or maintenance of a catalogue of the monuments and other commemorative items mentioned by the Deputy has to date not come within the remit or area of responsibility of my Department.
While my Department does not hold such a catalogue, I am aware that there have been compilations prepared by eminent historians and other academics and researchers which can greatly assist as a source of reference.
13. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times she has met her Northern counterpart this year; the total funding her Department has directed to the North-South bodies in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31216/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds two of the six North South Implementation Bodies established under the 1999 British-Irish Agreement. These are Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga, which comprises two agencies, Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency. These Bodies operate under the policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and are supported by funding from their two sponsor Departments - my own Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) in Northern Ireland. As the Deputy will appreciate, I have not yet had the opportunity to hold a formal ministerial meeting with my northern counterpart, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín, MLA. However, I look forward to meeting her at the earliest opportunity. In 2014 to date, there have been two NSMC sectoral meetings held in Northern Ireland, one in Waterways sectoral format and one in Language Body sectoral format.
The current expenditure of Waterways Ireland is funded 85% by my Department and 15% by DCAL, which reflects the distribution of the navigable waterways in each jurisdiction. Capital expenditure is funded 100% in the jurisdiction in which the project arises.
An Foras Teanga is funded on the basis of 75% from my Department and 25% from DCAL, with certain additional ringfenced funding from my Department in relation to Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge and the Colmcille Partnership Programme. The Ulster-Scots Agency is funded on the basis of 75% from DCAL and 25% from my Department.
These Implementation Bodies carry out a range of activities in line with their statutory remits which are of great significance to the sectors they serve. I look forward to working with them and with my Northern counterpart in the coming period.
The amount of funding allocated to these Bodies from my Department’s Vote for each of the years from 2011 to 2014 is set out in a Table, which will be circulated in the Official Report.
TABLE: Funding allocated to Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga 2011-2014
|
Year |
Waterways Ireland |
An Foras Teanga |
|
2011 |
€30.300m |
€16.600m |
|
2012 |
€27.009m |
€15.438m |
|
2013 |
€25.463m |
€14.613m |
|
2014 |
€24.183m |
€13.578m |
14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta mar gheall ar Bhílle na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2014 an mbeidh foráil nua san Acht go mbeidh ar a laghad 10% de na fostaithe sa státseirbhís in ann cumarsáid shásúil a dhéanamh leis an bpobal trí Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [31203/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, rinneadh athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 i gcomhréir leis an ghealltanas a tugadh i gClár an Rialtais 2011-2016. Mar thoradh ar an athbhreithniú, d'fhoilsigh mo Roinn Cinn Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2014 i mí Aibreáin. Déantar foráil i gCeann 6 den Bhille beartaithe do leasú ar alt 13 den Acht. Is é a bheidh i gceist leis sin ná fo-alt nua a chur isteach in alt 13(2), ina ndeirtear go sonrófar i scéimeanna teanga na poist i gcomhlachtaí poiblí a bhfuil riachtanas inniúlachta Gaeilge ag gabháil leo. Eascraíonn an leasú sin as cinneadh Rialtais an 30 Deireadh Fómhair 2013 i ndáil le deireadh a chur le marcanna bónais a bhronnadh as oilteacht Ghaeilge in earcaíocht agus comórtais ardaithe céime na Státseirbhíse agus córas nua bunaithe ar inniúlacht a chur ina áit. Is í an aidhm atá ag an chóras nua an líon dátheangach feidhmiúla sa Státseirbhís a mhéadú. Ina theannta sin, ní miste a nótáil go sonrófar i bpleananna fórsa oibre Ranna agus Oifigí Rialtais amach anseo na poist/réimsí oibre ina mbeidh gá le baill foirne atá in ann feidhmiú sa dá theanga oifigiúla. Ag féachaint do chur i bhfeidhm Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, iarrtar ar Ranna aird ar leith a thabhairt ar phoist atá lonnaithe i gceantair Ghaeltachta nó ag freastal ar na ceantair sin.
Tuigtear go raibh sé i gceist triail a bhaint as na socruithe nua sa chomórtas earcaíochta Oifigigh Feidhmiúcháin amach anseo. Mar gheall go bhfuil áit tosaíochta á tabhairt anois do chomórtas d’Oifigigh Chléireachais, áfach, agus nach mbeidh an comórtas d’Oifigigh Feidhmiúcháin á reáchtáil go dtí tráth níos faide anonn sa bhliain, tá na socruithe nua á dtriail sa chomórtas d’Oifigigh Chléireachais atá ar siúl faoi láthair ag an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí. Tá sé beartaithe go mbunófar fo-phainéal de dhátheangaigh atá feidhmiúil sa Ghaeilge, a dhéanfaidh suas céatadán, suas le 6%, den phainéal d'Oifigigh Chléireachais foriomlán. Ní mór do na hiarrthóirí a cheapfar ón phainéal seo a bheith in ann raon iomlán seirbhísí a chur ar fáil i nGaeilge.
Ní miste a chur in iúl chomh maith go n-éilítear ar chomhlachtaí poiblí, de réir alt 13(d) d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, agus a bpleananna teanga á n-ullmhú acu, a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar na riachtanais Ghaeilge faoi leith a bhaineann le seirbhísí a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht.
15. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she had any discussions with the Arts Council regarding the manner in which the council allocates funding to ensure that all persons and organisations receiving funds are operating in an ethical manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31273/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council as the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. This year, the Arts Council will receive a total allocation of €56.9 million. Although, the Arts Council is funded from my Department's Vote, it is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations as provided for in the Arts Act 2003. This specifically includes independence in its funding decisions.
The Arts Council recently published the report of an independent strategic review group chaired by Mr. Terence O’Rourke. The Strategic Review Report was commissioned by the Arts Council and provides a series of proposals that may be used by the Arts Council to inform strategy in the years ahead. The Council will now begin to examine the detail and the implications of the Review.
Members of the Arts Council are subject to the Ethics in Public Office legislation, and members make annual returns under that legislation. Furthermore, 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.
16. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a system of once-off grants will be made available to local communities, local authorities and resident committees to ensure that the many local monuments, plaques and statues in counties and towns across Ireland that commemorate events and people associated with the 1916 Rising are renovated, restored, cleaned or improved in appearance in advance of the centenary commemorations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31147/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe centenary anniversary of the 1916 Rising represents a significant opportunity in the public life of our nation to remember the actions and sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. There have been many approaches to commemorating these actions throughout the country. These include the creation of monuments and other items mentioned by the Deputy.
Naturally we would want them to be presented in as good a condition as is possible for 2016. In this regard, I would encourage local authorities to undertake such works as is possible from within their own resources.
The Government's priority concern has been to plan a number of significant capital projects that would provide a lasting legacy of the centenary of the Rising. Capital funding has been made available for a number of key projects and an announcement in relation to an allocation from Stimulus Funding of €22 million for 2015 was made on 13 May last. The flagship projects to be funded include:
- the development of a permanent interpretive centre at the GPO;
- the digitisation and provision of a permanent home for the Military Service Pensions Archive;
- the development of visitor facilities at Kilmainham Courthouse;
- the conservation of Richmond Barracks;
- a tenement museum in Henrietta Street, and
- a visitor centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc.
Significant refurbishment and development works are also to be carried out at the National Archives headquarters and at the National Concert Hall.
Because of the time required for the completion of these projects, the Government has accorded them priority with regard to the available funding for commemorations.
I also welcome the many commemorative initiatives by the national cultural institutions, local authorities, academic centres, ex-service organisations, community and history groups that have recently marked aspects of centenary history.
While accepting the benefits of the availability of funds to local communities, I should stress that there is no formal scheme for funding available from my Department at this time for such projects.
The possibility of funding of events and projects at community and local authority level will fall to be examined in future budgetary discussions.
17. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans which are being put in place to commemorate events leading up to the Rising of 1916; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31157/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDevelopment 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, as 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, that provide a lasting legacy and that are appropriate in tone, balance and scale to the events being commemorated.
In addition, 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 interpretive centre at the GPO and 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.
Information on the developing commemorative programme will be available on my Department's commemorations website at www.decadeofcentenaries.com and individual announcements will issue for specific events. I would, of course, be glad to hear from Deputies with any views on commemorative arrangements.
18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a payment will be made in 2014 to those farmers who have exited an National Parks and Wildlife Service scheme following substantial de-stocking of sheep in Connemara, County Galway, and in recognition of the positive impact this has had on the environment but for whom there has been no payment this year. [31269/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 5 year grazing restriction in the 12 Bens/Garraun Complex and Maam Turk Mountains Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) ran from the 1 November 2008 until the 31 October 2013. This grazing restriction was lifted on 1 November 2013. As there is no ongoing restriction in these areas, no further compensation falls due.
I am advised that my Department has fulfilled its financial commitments to all other farmers in the area who were in REPS and the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, where all fully completed documentation was received from participants.
Appropriate supports for sustainable upland farming in the future will be provided for in the next Rural Development Programme and my Department has been in close consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in this regard.
19. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on supporting the commissioning of a monument for Irish UN veterans in Collins Barracks, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31213/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Museum of Ireland is an autonomous body with its own board and, as such, is responsible for all day-to-day operational matters. I, as Minister, have no statutory responsibility in relation to such operational matters, which would include the location of monuments on Museum sites. However, I have had enquiries made into this matter and understand that the National Museum was not party to any consultation to erect an Irish UN veterans monument on the Collins Barracks site. The Museum has advised that Collins Barracks is one of the constituent parts of the Museum and functions solely in that capacity to house and display the national collections in its care. The Museum has further indicated its view that any interpretation of the previous history of Collins Barracks as a barracks is done in that context only and accordingly it would not consider it appropriate to place a monument on the site as proposed.
As the Deputy is aware, military personnel who died on UN service are commemorated:
- by a monument in Merrion Square;
- on the annual National Day of Commemoration; and
- by their own respective military barracks.
All of those who died, both on military and non-military service with the UN, are commemorated on the annual National Day of Commemoration.
I am advised that consideration of any further such memorials would fall also under the purview of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Justice and Equality, as well as, potentially, the Department of Defence.
20. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta céard iad na pleananna atá aici don tseirbhís fhóirdheonaithe aeir go dtí Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31156/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFógraíodh ar an 8 Iúil go bhfuil síneadh bliana go dtí 30 Meán Fómhair 2015 curtha leis an chonradh atá ag mo Roinn le hAer Arann chun seirbhís aeir faoi Oibleagáid Seirbhíse Poiblí a chur ar fáil d’Oileáin Árann. Beidh an tseirbhís chéanna ann faoin chonradh úr is atá ann faoin chonradh reatha. Faoi théarmaí an chonartha reatha, bhí sé de rogha ag mo Roinn síneadh bliana a chur leis. Mar is eol don Teachta, d’fhostaigh mo Roinn an comhlacht EY chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar riachtanas na seirbhíse aeir, i gcomhréir le Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh. Foilsíodh an tuarascáil athbhreithnithe ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne ar an 28 Bealtaine agus cuireadh í faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh. Is tuarascáil chuimsitheach atá inti a chlúdaíonn an tréimhse ó 2003 go dtí 2013. Aithníonn an tuarascáil na tionchair éagsúla atá ag an tseirbhís aeir ar shaol na n-oileánach chomh maith le costais éagsúla na seirbhíse agus treocht na gcostas le linn na tréimhse sin. Tabharfaidh an síneadh bliana atá curtha leis an chonradh aersheirbhíse deis do mo Roinn an tuarascáil a mheas sa tréimhse atá romhainn.
