Gerry Adams
Ceist:6. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Government has formulated its plans for the State commemoration of the 100th centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. [39847/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommemorative Events
Ceisteanna (6)
Freagraí scríofa
I am committed with my Government colleagues to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful. As I have previously outlined to the House, the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be a major event in a programme that has been developing since 2012 to commemorate the key events leading to the proclamation of the Irish Republic. These have included:
- the introduction and progress of the third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster Parliament;
- the formation of Volunteer movements;
- the 1913 Lockout and the role of suffragettes; and
- the outbreak of World War I.
In the coming year, alongside the continuing experience of World War I, the programme will address the Cultural Revival in Ireland, which reflected the strengthening sense of national identity and determination to achieve autonomous government.
As part of the 2016 commemorations, arrangements have been made for a number of flagship capital projects for which funding of €22 million is being provided in 2015. These projects include the new GPO visitor facility, the restoration of Kilmainham Courthouse, a dedicated facility for the Military Pensions Archive at Cathal Brugha Barracks, the provision of visitor facilities at Pearse's Cottage in Ros Muc, refurbishment works at Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin - as well as the commencement of refurbishment and development works at the National Archives and the National Concert Hall's Kevin Barry Rooms.
This capital programme will be complemented by an integrated national plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations, for which an allocation of €4 million is being provided to my Department in 2015. This allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts. There will also be a special emphasis on education projects, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Group. There will also, of course, be an appropriately solemn component to the commemoration.
Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (11)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:11. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to commemorate the 1916 Rising; her plans for consultations with the relatives' groups; and the extent of funding that will be made available for persons, groups and communities to commemorate the Rising. [40056/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Question No. 6 today. I am committed with my Government colleagues to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
As I have previously outlined to the House, the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be a major event in a programme that has been developing since 2012 to commemorate the key events leading to the proclamation of the Irish Republic. These have included:
- the introduction and progress of the third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster Parliament;
- the formation of Volunteer movements;
- the 1913 Lockout and the role of suffragettes; and
- the outbreak of World War I.
In the coming year, alongside the continuing experience of World War I, the programme will address the Cultural Revival in Ireland, which reflected the strengthening sense of national identity and determination to achieve autonomous government.
As part of the 2016 commemorations, arrangements have been made for a number of flagship capital projects for which funding of €22 million is being provided in 2015. These projects include the new GPO visitor facility, the restoration of Kilmainham Courthouse, a dedicated facility for the Military Pensions Archive at Cathal Brugha Barracks, the provision of visitor facilities at Pearse's Cottage in Ros Muc, refurbishment works at Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin - as well as the commencement of refurbishment and development works at the National Archives and the National Concert Hall's Kevin Barry Rooms.
This capital programme will be complemented by an integrated national plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations, for which an allocation of €4 million is being provided to my Department in 2015. This allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts. There will also be a special emphasis on education projects, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Group. There will also, of course, be an appropriately solemn component to the commemoration.
My Department has been working to finalise the draft programme for 2016, which it is intended to publish in the coming weeks to allow for widespread public consultation. The overall programme will be brought forward in partnership with government departments, State agencies, local authorities and other key players, including 1916 Relatives' Groups.
I will be keen to encourage and facilitate the involvement of ‘ground-up’ initiatives to ensure local communities can put their own shape on the commemorations as we move towards 2016. This process will build on the contacts that have been made, as part of the ongoing commemorative programme since 2012, with a wide range of bodies and community groups throughout the country, who are already engaged in preparing their own projects and contributions to the 2016 commemorations.
National Gallery
Ceisteanna (12)
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:12. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views regarding the recommendations to change the method of funding to the National Gallery and the impact it will have on its perceived independence. [40049/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2013 Comptroller and Auditor General Report contained a recommendation that the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, should consider including all resources of the National Gallery within the appropriations process and that restricted funds from non-Exchequer resources (such as fundraising) should be accounted for within existing appropriation accounting rules. The C&AG recommendation went on to say that, alternatively, consideration should be given to treating the National Gallery, like other national cultural institutions, as a grant subhead within the estimate for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with appropriate and timely financial reporting on a comprehensive basis.
My Department consulted with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this issue and agreed that, in the interest of transparency, Exchequer funding should in future be provided through a subhead of the Vote for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In addition, an agency statement setting out expected receipts and payments for the coming year will be provided in the Revised Estimates for 2015 prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. On this basis, the separate Vote for the National Gallery will cease to operate on 31 December 2014.
This means that the National Gallery will, like all other national cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department such as the National Museum and the National Library, be included in future as a grant subhead within the estimate for my Department from 2015 onwards. This will not affect the amount of funding that will be provided to the Gallery. Similarly, there is no change whatsoever to the powers of the Board of the Gallery, which, along with the executive of the Gallery, will retain full control over the management of the institution's funds.
This change, as recommended by the C&AG, will have no impact on the independence of the National Gallery. My Department will, of course, be working with management at the Gallery to ensure that the transition process takes place as smoothly as possible.
Arts Funding
Ceisteanna (13)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:13. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support a process whereby arts organisations may apply for capital funding for projects, including from organisations like the international uilleann pipe visitor centre (details supplied) Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, which, if granted, could also be used by other arts and inner city community groups. [40057/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of a recent report referred to by the Deputy. I understand that project costs in this case are estimated at over €5m and that Na Píobairí Uilleann is seeking €2.5m of this from the public purse. My Department does not have a capital budget to support new projects of this magnitude. The limited capital funding available at present for cultural infrastructure and development is being used to complete projects that were approved for funding a number of years ago. Indeed, due to budgetary constraints, no major capital projects of this nature have been approved by my Department in recent years and there are no plans at present to introduce a new cultural infrastructure capital development programme.
I should say that Na Píobairí Uilleann received a grant of €1m in capital funding from my Department in the period 2007 to 2013 towards the cost of restoring its headquarters at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, and towards the costs of an uileann pipe making project.
Arts Council Funding
Ceisteanna (14)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:14. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budget granted by her Department since 2011; the changes that have been made to ensure transparency and accountability with regard to the allocation of funds from the Arts Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40150/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In aggregate, €245.897m has been allocated to the Arts Council since 2011. Although the Arts Council is funded by my Department, it is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, as provided for in the Arts Act 2003. This specifically includes independence in its decisions on who it funds and the amounts it allocates. Full information on the Council's funding decisions is made available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie As a public body, the Arts Council is required to adhere to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and other practices of good governance and transparency. Disbursal of funding is required to be fully in line with public service financial and accountability requirements. I understand that the Arts Council also requires the organisations it funds to comply with similar standards.
The Deputy will note that, on its website, the Arts Council commits to operating to the highest standards of corporate governance and has adopted a corporate governance regime in accordance with best practice, which includes a section on conflicts of interest.
I am confident that the Arts Council continues to discharge its duty as the principal State agency for the promotion and development of the arts in Ireland, in a strategic but transparent manner.
Special Areas of Conservation Designation
Ceisteanna (15)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views regarding the evidence of various surveys of Coolrain indicates that restoration of it as an special area of conservation could be possible. [40156/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of its obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, Ireland must include a representative proportion of certain endangered habitats with Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and provide for their protection. Raised bog habitats are in danger of disappearance in Ireland and in the EU. 53 SACs, including Coolrain Bog, were nominated for designation as SACs to meet our legal obligations and safeguard a relatively small number of our raised bogs for future generations. My Department has engaged a consortium of ecological and hydrological experts to undertake a comprehensive assessment the current status and future conservation prospects of the 53 SACs. Led by RPS consultants, the results of their analysis for each site are contained in the appendix to the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, which was issued for public consultation earlier this year. The assessment shows that Coolrain is a small bog that contains a significant area of active raised bog habitat. This is the area of the bog which is actively forming peat and which is a habitat in particular danger of disappearance within the European Union. As such, it is deemed a priority habitat and afforded particular protection under EU law. Active raised bog is very sensitive to the drainage impacts of turf-cutting.
The draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan provides for the future restoration and management of the 53 raised bog SACs, including Coolrain. The draft sets out the approach to how each of the raised bog sites is to be conserved and restored, in partnership with the local community, and how the needs of turf-cutters are to be addressed.
I note that 62 turf-cutters from Coolrain Bog have engaged with my Department under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme. Of these, 11 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. Relocation options are being actively explored by my Department and Bord na Móna.
Coolrain Bog is a site of considerable conservation value, containing significant areas of active raised bog. Restoration efforts by Coillte under the EU LIFE programme have already partly secured the future of this site. My Department will work with other land-owners and with the local community to manage and restore the remainder of what is an exceptional bog. Our first priority is to ensure that turf-cutters are looked after and we are doing this through providing them with financial compensation or in helping them to continue to cut turf in an alternative bog, if that is their preference.
Question No. 16 withdrawn.
Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge
Ceisteanna (17)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:17. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na hacmhainní breise atá faighte ag Roinn na Gaeltachta sa bhuiséad chun an Straitéis Fiche Bliain a chur i bhfeidhm. [40145/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Cuireadh fomhír nua, fomhír C10, le Vóta mo Roinne in 2014 chun tionscadail ar leith a bhaineann le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a mhaoiniú. Is é €500,000 an soláthar atá san fhomhír sin in 2014. Mar a cuireadh in iúl i gCáinaisnéis 2015 an tseachtain seo chuaigh thart, beidh an soláthar seo méadaithe go dtí €551,000 in 2015. Ní miste a nótáil gur figiúr táscach é seo, faoi réir na Meastacháin a bheith faofa amach anseo. Tá na bearta seo a leanas á maoiniú as allúntas na Straitéise i mbliana:
- Tá maoiniú de €200,000 á chur ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta chun cabhrú mar is cuí le cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis pleanála teanga mar a bhaineann sé leis an nGaeltacht;
- Tá maoiniú de €111,900 á chur ar fáil faoin Scéim Seirbhísí Réamhscoile agus Iarscoile. Is scéim úr í seo ar cuireadh tús léi i mí an Mhárta 2014 agus é mar chuspóir aici cabhrú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil a bpáistí le Gaeilge;
- Tá maoiniú de €40,000 á chur ar fáil don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta le cumasú dóibh forbairt a dhéanamh ar na seirbhísí a chuireann siad ar fáil do theaghlaigh atá ag tógáil a bpáistí le Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht;
- Tá maoiniú de €35,000 á chur ar fáil do Choláiste na Tríonóide chun beirt intéirneach a earcú chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar an tionscadal ABAIR a bhaineann le córas téacs-go-hurlabhra don Ghaeilge;
- Tá maoiniú de thart ar €33,000 á chur ar fáil do dhá thionscadal píolótach chun córais aistriúcháin uathoibríocha staitistic-bhunaithe agus riail-bhunaithe a fhorbairt;
- Tá i gceist maoiniú a chur ar fáil le plean a ullmhú, i gcomhar le ceann de na hinstitiúidí tríú leibhéal in Éirinn agus páirtithe eile ar nós an Chumainn Lúthchleas Gael, chun céim ar líne sa Ghaeilge agus i gcultúr traidisiúnta na hÉireann a fhorbairt. Tá sé mar sprioc go mbeidh an cúrsa á sholáthar tríd an ngréasán d’ollscoileanna thar lear ina bhfuil cúrsaí Gaeilge á maoiniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair;
- Tá i gceist maoiniú a chur ar fáil chun taighde a dhéanamh ar na bearnaí atá ann ó thaobh na Gaeilge sa réimse teicneolaíochta. Mar thoradh ar an taighde seo, tá i gceist Straitéis Teicneolaíochta don Ghaeilge a fhorbairt chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an Ghaeilge san áireamh i bhforbairtí teicneolaíochta.
Mar fhocal scoir, ní miste a nótáil go bhfuil an caiteachas ar fad a dhéantar ó na fomhíreanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta de chuid mo Roinne fite fuaite leis an Straitéis chomh maith leis an allúntas ar leith a bhaineann go sonrach leis an Straitéis féin.
Hare Coursing
Ceisteanna (18)
Joan Collins
Ceist:18. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will prevent Mallow hare coursing meeting from going ahead on 22-23 October 2014 at its venue in County Cork on the basis that it is in breach of condition 18 of the hare coursing licence granted by her Department. [40139/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Licences were issued by my Department in August 2014 under the Wildlife Acts to the Irish Coursing Club, on behalf of its affiliated clubs, to facilitate the tagging and capturing of hares for the purpose of hare coursing for the 2014/15 coursing season. Where resources allow, officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department attend coursing meetings, on a spot-check basis, to monitor compliance with conditions on the licences granted by my Department. Veterinary officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also attend some meetings on an annual basis.
The report of the official from my Department who attended the coursing meeting in Mallow in October 2013 indicated that there was a lack of co-operation with her in the course of her duties, an issue which I take very seriously.
Following engagement with the club and the Irish Coursing Club, the body that oversees individual coursing clubs, written assurances were provided to my Department that the club would fully co-operate with officials of my Department at all times and that they would adhere to all licence conditions. On the basis of these assurances, I decided not to impose sanctions against Mallow Coursing Club on this occasion. At the same time, the club has been issued with a written warning that any further transgressions, especially relating to lack of co-operation with National Parks and Wildlife officials of my Department, would result in my Department imposing future sanctions against the club. The meeting of Mallow Coursing Club, which is due to take place this week, will be monitored by officials from my Department.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (19)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department continues to prepare for the 1916 centenary; the degree to which various historical landmarks have been identified for preservation-restoration; the degree to which particular events have been identified and are likely to be co-ordinated in a way befitting the occasion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40093/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Question No. 6 today. I am committed with my Government colleagues to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
As I have previously outlined to the House, the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be a major event in a programme that has been developing since 2012 to commemorate the key events leading to the proclamation of the Irish Republic. These have included:
- the introduction and progress of the third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster Parliament;
- the formation of Volunteer movements;
- the 1913 Lockout and the role of suffragettes; and
- the outbreak of World War I.
In the coming year, alongside the continuing experience of World War I, the programme will address the Cultural Revival in Ireland, which reflected the strengthening sense of national identity and determination to achieve autonomous government.
As part of the 2016 commemorations, arrangements have been made for a number of flagship capital projects for which funding of €22 million is being provided in 2015. These projects include the new GPO visitor facility, the restoration of Kilmainham Courthouse, a dedicated facility for the Military Pensions Archive at Cathal Brugha Barracks, the provision of visitor facilities at Pearse's Cottage in Ros Muc, refurbishment works at Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin - as well as the commencement of refurbishment and development works at the National Archives and the National Concert Hall's Kevin Barry Rooms.
This capital programme will be complemented by an integrated national plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations, for which an allocation of €4 million is being provided to my Department in 2015. This allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts. There will also be a special emphasis on education projects, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Group. There will also, of course, be an appropriately solemn component to the commemoration.
My Department has been working to finalise the draft programme for 2016, which it is intended to publish in the coming weeks to allow for widespread public consultation. The overall programme will be brought forward in partnership with government departments, State agencies, local authorities and other key players, including 1916 Relatives' Groups.
I will be keen to encourage and facilitate the involvement of ‘ground-up’ initiatives to ensure local communities can put their own shape on the commemorations as we move towards 2016. This process will build on the contacts that have been made, as part of the ongoing commemorative programme since 2012, with a wide range of bodies and community groups throughout the country, who are already engaged in preparing their own projects and contributions to the 2016 commemorations. I anticipate that the identification of historical landmarks and specific events throughout the country may be expected to arise in that context.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (20)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:20. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the 1916 commemoration to be announced; the amount of funding that will be allocated to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40138/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Question No. 6 today. I am committed with my Government colleagues to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
As I have previously outlined to the House, the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be a major event in a programme that has been developing since 2012 to commemorate the key events leading to the proclamation of the Irish Republic. These have included:
- the introduction and progress of the third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster Parliament;
- the formation of Volunteer movements;
- the 1913 Lockout and the role of suffragettes; and
- the outbreak of World War I.
In the coming year, alongside the continuing experience of World War I, the programme will address the Cultural Revival in Ireland, which reflected the strengthening sense of national identity and determination to achieve autonomous government.
As part of the 2016 commemorations, arrangements have been made for a number of flagship capital projects for which funding of €22 million is being provided in 2015. These projects include the new GPO visitor facility, the restoration of Kilmainham Courthouse, a dedicated facility for the Military Pensions Archive at Cathal Brugha Barracks, the provision of visitor facilities at Pearse's Cottage in Ros Muc, refurbishment works at Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin - as well as the commencement of refurbishment and development works at the National Archives and the National Concert Hall's Kevin Barry Rooms.
This capital programme will be complemented by an integrated national plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations, for which an allocation of €4 million is being provided to my Department in 2015. This allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts. There will also be a special emphasis on education projects, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Group. There will also, of course, be an appropriately solemn component to the commemoration.
My Department has been working to finalise the draft programme for 2016, which it is intended to publish in the coming weeks to allow for widespread public consultation. The overall programme will be brought forward in partnership with government departments, State agencies, local authorities and other key players, including 1916 Relatives' Groups.
I will be keen to encourage and facilitate the involvement of ‘ground-up’ initiatives to ensure local communities can put their own shape on the commemorations as we move towards 2016. This process will build on the contacts that have been made, as part of the ongoing commemorative programme since 2012, with a wide range of bodies and community groups throughout the country, who are already engaged in preparing their own projects and contributions to the 2016 commemorations.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (21)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:21. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Government commemorating Mr. John Redmond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36511/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I believe 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 bleaker periods of our history. It is appropriate, therefore, that John Redmond's leadership has been, and is being, remembered with events, exhibitions and lectures in Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Dublin and London. In particular, the restoration of John Redmond's vault in Wexford is being addressed as part of the centenary commemorative programme. Recognition of the place of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party was marked with a debate to mark the centenary of the Home Rule Act, hosted in the Irish Embassy in London, on 1 July last. The panel of guest speakers comprised former Taoiseach John Bruton, Lord Paul Bew, Professor Michael Laffan and Professor Richard Toye, and the debate was moderated by broadcaster Fergal Keane. The audience included a range of Westminster parliamentarians, academics, community, business and cultural representatives, officials, advisers and media. BBC Parliament filmed the debate, which was broadcast on 5 July and on additional dates later.
On 18 September last, the Wicklow War Memorial Committee hosted a commemorative event in Woodenbridge, County Wicklow, a location long associated with John Redmond due to his historic speech of 18 September 1914. My colleague, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlie Flanagan, unveiled a memorial to honour the dead of World War One from Co Wicklow.
In our centenary commemorative programme this year, we reach 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 ultimately delivered the Home Rule Act, which was finally passed on the eve of the Great War.
Heritage Sites
Ceisteanna (22)
Clare Daly
Ceist:22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will actively engage with Fingal County Council and the owners of the Drumanagh Promontory in order to secure this important protected national monument, one of the most historically significant sites here, for public benefit. [40045/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 1750 of 17 September 2014. My Department’s National Monuments Service will, on request, be glad to provide any advice or guidance required by the landowners or Fingal County Council on any matter relating to the protection of the national monument at Drumanagh.