Written Answers Nos. 1-30
6. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the support her Department has provided to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of William Butler Yeats; if she will outline activities planned to mark this important commemoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23869/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has allocated funding of €500,000 for the Yeats 2015 Programme to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of W.B. Yeats. This is part of a wider programme of supports which my Department is providing for the Decade of Commemorations. Yeats has a particularly important part in the commemorative programme, given the importance of the Cultural Revival during the period and how, in turn, the events of the period were reflected in the poetry of Yeats. In line with a Memorandum of Understanding agreed with my Department, the Western Development Commission has been assigned responsibility for all aspects of project management, including commissioning, procurement, permissions, insurance and hiring associated with the Yeats 2015 Programme. In accordance with the terms of that Memorandum, the Commission is required to report to my Department periodically in relation to the expenditure of Exchequer support on the Programme.
The key focal point for the celebrations was the four-day Yeats Festival held on June 11th-14th, centred in County Sligo, which was the inspiration for much of Yeats’ poetry. The Festival included visual arts, poetry, drama, street performance, music and family events. Another key event was the Poet Laureate event held last Saturday at Knocknarea. This was a once-off event which involved the gathering together of the Poet Laureates from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London.
In addition, many other commemorative initiatives are taking place to mark the year. As a special tribute, the Central Bank issued a limited-edition Yeats-inspired €15 coin on 3rd June, while An Post has issued a new commemorative stamp. Iarnród Éireann has also partnered with Yeats 2015, displaying a selection of Yeats’ poetry on DART trains for the month of June.
Yeats 2015 has also been embraced across the globe, with more than 40 countries marking Yeats Day.
I believe that Yeats 2015 - and the many events planned in Ireland and around the world – are having the desired impact in celebrating and commemorating the life, work, and achievements of W.B. Yeats, as well showcasing Ireland as a dynamic, creative and inspiring place.
11. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ar léigh sí an tuarascáil ina n-iarrtar coimisiún praínneach chun an Ghaeilge a shábháil sa Ghaeltacht [23873/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlacaim leis go bhfuil an Teachta ag déanamh tagairt don tuarascáil dar teideal Nuashonrú ar an Staidéar Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht 2006-2011, a d’fhoilsigh Údarás na Gaeltachta le déanaí. Is éard atá sa tuarascáil seo ná nuashonrú ar an Staidéir Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch 2007, ag tógáil torthaí na gceisteanna teanga ó Dhaonáirimh 2006 agus 2011 san áireamh. Ba é an tÚdarás féin a choimisiúnaigh an taighde seo, a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige eolas a chur ar fáil do na heagraíochtaí pobail atá ag tabhairt faoi phleananna teanga a ullmhú sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012. Cé go n-aithnítear go léiríonn an tuarascáil na dúshláin mhóra atá le sárú maidir leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, ní mór an comhthéacs ina bhfuilimid ag feidhmiú a thuiscint. Is í an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge bunchloch pholasaí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. Tá an Straitéis á cur i bhfeidhm go córasach ag réimse páirtithe leasmhara, lena n-áirítear Ranna Rialtais, Foras na Gaeilge agus Údarás na Gaeltachta. Foilsíodh an Straitéis in 2010, tar éis tacaíocht traspháirtí a bheith faighte i dTithe an Oireachtais agus próiseas cuimsitheach comhairliúcháin agus taighde a bheith curtha i gcrích, lena n-áirítear tuarascáil Choimisiún na Gaeltachta 2002 agus an Staidéar Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch 2007. Tá an Straitéis bunaithe ar chur chuige iomlánaíoch, comhtháite, agus tá sé soiléir ó na tuairiscí ar dhul chun cinn atá foilsithe go dáta go bhfuil forás suntasach á dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na réimsí gnímh atá sonraithe ann.
Tuigim go maith an dinimic a bhaineann le hathrú teanga agus an brú atá ar mhionteanga mar thoradh ar cheannas an Bhéarla. Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá sé tábhachtach a lua go bhfuil cosaint shuntasach bhunreachtúil agus reachtach tugtha don Ghaeilge ag an Stát ó bunaíodh é. Ina theannta sin, is é polasaí an Rialtais tacú le tuismitheoirí atá ag tógáil a gclann le Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus tá scéimeanna tacaíochta éagsúla ag mo Roinn agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun an polasaí sin a chur i bhfeidhm.
Mar fhocal scoir, ní mór a thuiscint go bhfuil céimeanna praiticiúla á dtógáil ag an Stát chun feabhas a chur ar chúrsaí. Mar shampla, tá dréachtpholasaí do sholáthar oideachais i gceantair Ghaeltachta foilsithe ag an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna agus tá próiseas comhairliúcháin ar an dréachtpholasaí sin ar siúl faoi láthair ag a Roinn, i gcomhar le mo Roinn féin.
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which employment continues to grow throughout the arts-heritage sector, with particular reference to the degree to which her Department continues to offer direct or indirect assistance to those involved in the promotion of the arts in its various forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23841/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Jobs 2015 was published in January this year and is the fourth in the multi-annual series which promotes a whole-of-government approach to economic recovery, export growth and job creation. The Action Plan sets out a number of actions in relation to the heritage and arts sectors.
The nature of employment within these sectors encompasses a wide range of activities, from theatre and music to archaeology and tourism. It may also embody the industrial creative sectors, including audio-visual production.
For example, it is estimated that the audio-visual sector provides 6,000 full-time job equivalents. Last year, 53 feature films were made. Many of those employed in the industry are graduates. Some 65% of investment in the sector is inward investment. My Department is working with other Government Departments and agencies to examine ways in which further support can be provided to the industry.
Many people in the creative sectors will benefit from the additional funding which my Department is providing for the Decade of Commemorations, in particular the investment in the Ireland 2016 programme. This comprises €4m current and €22m capital funding in 2015.
This includes a €2 million allocation directed through the Arts Council for artistic projects and €1m directed towards our key national cultural institutions. There are also considerable employment benefits arising from the capital projects under way or being planned. For example, some 200 jobs have been created in the construction stage of the new interpretative centre in the GPO. In addition, some 300 high-level jobs have been created in the construction work on the National Gallery of Ireland as part of a joint project funded by my Department, the OPW and the National Gallery.
The built heritage jobs leverage scheme was a funded by a special €5 million stimulus package in 2014. It was very successful and leveraged a further €10 million in private funding and many projects benefited from it. Funding for the protection of heritage sites and buildings will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which will be either directly administered or delivered through local authorities or through the Heritage Council.
I will continue to invest across the arts and heritage sector within the resources available to my Department.
13. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has been in contact with the British Imperial War Museum in relation to a national flag captured in Limerick in 1916, with a view to having it returned to Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23549/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Limerick City Museum has been in direct contact with the Imperial War Museum in London regarding the possible loan of the flag referred to by the Deputy. In addition, there already has been very beneficial co-operation between the National Museum and the Imperial War Museum, including in relation to existing exhibitions in Collins Barracks.
I also recently visited the Imperial War Museum in London and discussed the general issue of loans. The Director of the Museum stated that she was happy to work with authorities here in Ireland in relation to the loaning of material between relevant institutions.
To ensure better coordination on issues of loans, my Department has now requested the National Museum to act as the central contact point to deal with loans between cultural institutions in Ireland and Britain during the course of the Decade of Commemorations.
14. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for funding for the Heritage Council; if any of the cuts since 2008 will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23545/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State’s heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has been allocated a sum of €4.743m in 2015 to fund its role of supporting heritage infrastructure and promoting pride and best practice in the conservation and sustainable management of heritage assets. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources.
However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow.
15. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will make available all correspondence or concerns expressed to her Department by the management of the National Library of Ireland regarding the safety and security of the national collection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23876/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Library of Ireland is a statutorily independent body. While my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution are responsible for all operational matters, including storage, security and conservation, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such day-to-day matters. It is the responsibility of the management and the board of each institution to determine the spending priorities for their individual institutions, based on the resources available to them and the need to ensure the appropriate conservation and protection of collections.
I am aware of the issues at the National Library regarding storage and the Library has been in communication with my Department in this regard. The National Library has also placed its concerns on the record at Oireachtas Committee hearings. In this regard, I would be happy to make relevant documents available to the Deputy, following consultation with the National Library and subject to any issues of confidentiality or security which arise. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
In regard to resources, I was pleased, at the conclusion of the recent Estimates processes, not only to have ensured there would be no reduction in funding for the arts and culture areas of my Department for 2015, but also to have secured an additional €2 million in funding for the national cultural institutions. This included an increased allocation of €600,000 for the National Library in 2015. I was also pleased to recently approve a new post in the National Library for a security and facilities manager, which will be key to managing and planning the storage and security of the Library’s collection.
The overall funding secured for 2015 gives more certainty to the institutions and will allow them to continue to deliver on their core objectives, including the protection and conservation of their collections.
16. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the Comprehensive Linguistic Study on the Usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht 2006 to 2011 by persons (details supplied); and the measures her Department will take, based on this study. [23904/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report entitled Nuashonrú ar an Staidéar Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht 2006-2011 was published by Údarás na Gaeltachta on 29 May. The report provides an update on statistical information contained in the Comprehensive Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht 2007 and takes account of Census data from 2006 and 2011. I understand that the report was commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta to provide up-to-date information for use by organisations engaged in the preparation and implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. While acknowledging that the report points out the serious challenges facing the Irish language in the Gaeltacht, it is important to understand the overall context. The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 is the corner stone of the Government’s policy with regard to the language and the Strategy is being systematically implemented by a range of stakeholders, including Government Departments, Foras na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Strategy was published in 2010, following cross-party support in the Houses of the Oireachtas and a comprehensive consultative and research process, including the Gaeltacht Commission report 2002 and the Comprehensive Linguistic Study 2007. A holistic, integrated approach to the Irish language underpins the Strategy and it is evident from the progress reports that have been published to date that significant progress is being made in implementing the key areas for action identified in it.
I am very aware of the dynamics of language change and the pressure minority languages face as a result of the ever-increasing dominance of English. In this context, it is important to note that the Irish language has been afforded significant constitutional and legislative protection by the State since its foundation. In addition, the Government’s policy is to support parents raising their children through Irish in the Gaeltacht. My Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta fund a number of schemes in the Gaeltacht which support the implementation of that policy.
Finally, it is important to recognise the practical steps that are being taken by the State to improve matters. For example, the draft policy proposals for educational provision in Gaeltacht areas set out a range of potential interventions and are the basis of a consultation process currently being undertaken by the Department of Education and Skills in conjunction with my Department.
17. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in view of the high sums spent annually on renting storage for National Archive records, she is considering any proposals to enhance the ability of the State to store and process these records more efficiently, without relying on private storage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23878/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy their very nature, archives, particularly State archives, grow continually due to the annual statutory intake of records. As a result, storage and increasing demands on space are ever-present issues for the National Archives. The use of off-site storage responds to this demand.
The Government has recognised the demands facing the National Archives and, in December 2014, approved phase one of a building development plan at the National Archives’ Bishop Street premises.
The OPW has recently gone to tender for the first phase of the project with an estimated start date of late 2015. It is anticipated that the overall three-phase development plan will cost some €20m in total.
This project will provide a significant amount of additional on-site storage for the National Archives and will address a number of longstanding problems with the building at Bishop Street. It will also, in the longer term, reduce significantly the reliance on private storage.
18. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a specific timetable and budget for the Office of Public Works to advance works on the national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street in Dublin 1; if these works will be completed by Easter 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18239/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my reply to today’s Priority Oral Question No. 2, I secured the approval of the Government to acquire the national monument at Nos. 14–17 Moore Street for the State, following the decision of Dublin City Council to reject proposals that would have given the Council full ownership of the monument, along with NAMA funding to cover the full cost of restoring it and creating a 1916 commemorative centre on the site. The Government’s decision to step in to safeguard the monument will bring it into public ownership, will facilitate the restoration of the buildings and will ensure the proposed 1916 Commemorative Centre will be up and running as a public facility as speedily as possible. Following on from the Government’s decision, my Department and other relevant parties, including the monument owners, NAMA and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, are actively engaged with the aim of completing the transfer of the property to the State as quickly as possible. My Department is also examining options for the restoration of the buildings with a view to having them open to the public at the earliest possible date.
19. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update in relation to the ongoing digitisation projects under the auspices of the National Archives; if she is aware that there are potential concerns surrounding different formats of digitisation taking place which could result in an extra cost if, at some point in the future, it is attempted to make records available through the same electronic medium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23877/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe digitisation of records held by the National Archives has been an immense success. Since 2007, over sixteen million people have accessed online the digitised records of the 1901 and 1911 Census returns.
Other projects in respect of which digital records are available on-line include:
- The ‘Soldiers’ Wills’ containing wills of Irish soldiers who died serving in the British Army, most of which date from the Great War 1914-1918, with a small number for the period of the South African War 1899-1902.
- The Tithe Applotment Books containing manuscript books, compiled between 1823 and 1837, that set out the amount, in money terms, which occupiers of agricultural holdings should pay in tithes to the Church of Ireland.
- The documents of the Chief Secretary’s Office from 1818 to 1822.
- The documents surrounding the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 and the Treaty document itself.
- The records of applications made to the Commissioners for grants for the building of schools, payment of teachers and provision of equipment during the period 1832 to circa 1890.
On June 1st this year, records from the Crime Branch of the Chief Secretary’s Office, entitled Movement of Extremists, were made available online as part of the National Archives’ plans for the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The collection is a series of daily reports by the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department on the movements and associations of pro-independence suspects.
Enhanced search facilities have been provided by the redesign of the National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.ie with the provision of hyperlinks to other sites holding Irish archives.
The National Archives routinely undertakes small and larger scale digitisation projects, using either internal resources or external contractors. All digitisation is in line with its digital imaging policy and the National Archives ensures that it conforms to international standards. Surrogate file formats for online access are generated from high quality preservation scans. I am advised that, in the future, it will be possible to generate alternative surrogates as required and this can be done on an automated basis.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views in relation to whether she is concerned at the fact that National Parks and Wildlife Service officers only visited 17 out of the over 75 coursing events which were held during the 2014-2015 coursing season; her plans regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23558/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraHare coursing is administered by the Irish Coursing Club, a body set up under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the terms of the Wildlife Acts, licences are required by the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of their affiliated clubs to facilitate the tagging and the capture of hares. Such licences are issued on an annual basis by my Department. Coursing meetings can only take place during the Open Season, between 26 September and 28 February of the following year.
Regional staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department attend coursing meetings, as resources allow, to monitor compliance with the conditions of the licences. Such staff perform a wide variety of functions relating to management of National Parks, the conservation of habitats, the protection of protected species and the enforcement of legislation under national and EU law. Delivering on this work is particularly challenging at a time of constrained financial and staffing resources. Within this context, my Department prioritises its human resources to those areas of most critical demand.
Notwithstanding current staffing constraints, my Department’s officials monitored seventeen coursing meetings during the last season. Veterinary officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also attend some coursing meetings.
21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department continue to support the film industry, with particular reference to promoting the use of Ireland as a film location; the extent to which interest is shown by international film makers in this regard; the extent to which it is perceived employment is likely to grow annually in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23840/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board. This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. The Film Board has a good track record of using Irish scenery as a major asset in attracting film makers to Ireland. Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website.
The Government considers the audio-visual industry to be very important and, in addition to the excellent work of the Irish Film Board, continues to support the growth of the sector in other ways. In particular, section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the Film Tax Relief Scheme - has undergone a number of improvements, which took effect at the start of this year. The changes have been well received and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board, the Department of Finance and the industry. The intention is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects. The Film Tax Relief Scheme has been extended to the end of 2020 and I am confident that this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audio-visual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.
22. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress her Department has made on implementing the Arts in Education Charter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23556/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and I are committed to implementing the Arts in Education Charter.
A major objective in the Charter was the establishment of a National Arts in Education Online Portal for arts education in Ireland. The Charter Implementation Group gave detailed attention to the planning and design of such a portal and, with the assistance of experts from a variety of partnership organisations, the portal was launched on 19 May last, in Dublin Castle, as a joint project involving both Departments. The portal will be the key national digital resource for arts and education practice in Ireland.
The new portal provides an unprecedented opportunity for young people and all other interested groups to engage productively with the arts in education in Ireland. It will foster and encourage good collaborative practice in arts-in-education and arts education to be developed, supported and enhanced. Submissions for the portal will be invited on an on-going basis. The portal is available at www.artsineducation.ie
The Charter also sets out a partnership approach, with the setting up of local arts education partnerships. Already in 2014, Cavan-Monaghan ETB has established its local arts education partnership model, setting a really great example for the rest of the country. These partnership models should play a supportive and facilitating role for local art initiatives.
The Implementation Group continues to work to implement the other aspects of the Charter.
23. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider increasing the amount available to local authorities for the protection of listed structures, and those structures under threat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23546/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for the protection of built heritage will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes. This includes making €624,000 available this year under the Structures at Risk Fund to support properties protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. Since 2011, over 100 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the Structures at Risk Fund. The remainder of my Department’s built heritage capital budget for 2015 will be focused on the conservation and presentation of the State's heritage portfolio, which is managed by the Office of Public Works.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. For 2015, the Council is administering a community-based heritage grants scheme with funding of €600,000 available for projects that contribute to particular heritage themes.
In 2014 my Department was provided with a special allocation of €5m from Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme (BHJLS) to assist with works to safeguard structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The BHJLS has successfully encouraged the investment of private capital in a number of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures, and has supported employment in this niche sector of the construction industry throughout 2014. The scheme also facilitated the up-skilling of construction workers in traditional, conservation-related building skills.
540 historic structures, mainly privately owned, across the country benefited from conservation works under the BHJLS in 2014, and statistics gathered by the local authorities show that 175 full-time equivalent jobs were generated by the scheme. The operation of a similar scheme in the future would be contingent on dedicated funding being made available to my Department.
The scope for financial support for the conservation of the built heritage is currently constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. Nonetheless, I keep the competing priorities regarding the preservation and enhancement of the national heritage under on-going review, having regard to the resources available to my Department.
24. Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the Government’s plans on Ireland 2016, the plans in place to engage with children and young persons; if she is on track to roll-out the education programme; the response from schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23552/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the core objectives of the Government’s Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which was launched on 31st March last, is to capture the imagination of our young people so that they may better understand the events of 1916. My Department has been working with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the Centenary Programme reaches every school in the country. Key events and activities to take place in schools will include the following:
- There will be a presentation of the National Flag and a copy of the Proclamation by a member of the Defence Forces to every national school in the country.
- Work will continue with the Thomas Meagher Foundation, which has been engaged in the provision of the National Flag to secondary schools around the country.
- Schools will write their own new proclamation for 2016, to reflect the values, hopes and aspirations of the generation of 2016, starting with an analysis of the ideals, principles and aspirations of the 1916 Proclamation.
- A special Proclamation Day will take place in all educational institutions on 15th March 2016, which it is envisaged will include the raising of the National Flag, followed by a reading of the Proclamation.
- An online teaching resource on the National Flag will be developed to support primary and post-primary teachers, which will be available from September 2015.
- The 1916 Ancestry Project will invite all primary and post-primary pupils to trace a family tree back to 1916.
- Various competitions, focusing on the events of 1916, have been developed by the Department of Education and Skills, in partnership with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, which will be open to all primary and post-primary schools on the island of Ireland.
Further details in relation to all of the events taking place under the Youth and Imagination strand of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme can be found on the website www.ireland.ie.
It is planned to launch the education programme in September of this year and the response to date from educators and young people has been extremely positive and encouraging.
My Department has also been working with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to support the engagement of children and young people outside of the formal education sector. Eight regional consultations are taking place with children aged 8-12 and with young people aged 13-17 on the theme of 'Imagining Our Future'. The outcome of these consultations will be compiled in a report to be presented by children and young people to Ministers and decision-makers at a major young people's event on 2nd April 2016.
25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar na tairiscintí atá faighte d'aersheirbhís go hÁrainn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23544/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an fógra ag lorg tairiscintí do sheirbhís aeir Oileáin Árann don tréimhse ón 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2015 go dtí an 30 Meán Fómhair 2019 foilsithe. Is é an 22 Meitheamh 2015 an spriocdháta chun tairiscintí a dhéanamh. Cuirfear tús leis an bpróiseas measúnaithe ina dhiaidh sin. Faoi Rialacháin an Aontais Eorpaigh, is gá go mbeidh an cinneadh déanta dhá mhí roimh thús an chonartha.
26. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the work her Department is doing to support the film industry; if she will ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for international film production, which helps to create and retain jobs in the film sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23868/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board. This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. The Film Board has a good track record of using Irish scenery as a major asset in attracting film makers to Ireland. Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website.
The Government considers the audiovisual industry to be very important and, in addition to the excellent work of the Irish Film Board, continues to support the growth of the sector in other ways. In particular, section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the Film Tax Relief Scheme - has undergone a number of improvements, which took effect at the start of this year. The changes have been well received and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board, the Department of Finance and the industry. The intention is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects. The Film Tax Relief Scheme has been extended to the end of 2020 and I am confident that this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audiovisual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.
27. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason her Department has not disclosed the location of the bogs that are to be designated as special areas of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23542/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft National Raised Bog Special Area of Conservation Management Plan provides for the future restoration and management of 53 raised bog candidate special areas of conservation and was developed arising from a motion in Dáil Éireann in March 2012, put forward by the Technical Group and unanimously supported by all members. It sets out the approach to how each of the candidate raised bog special areas of conservation is to be conserved and restored and how the needs of turf-cutters are to be addressed.
The draft plan also proposes that a number of sites be put forward as compensatory special areas of conservation to make up for the loss of habitat through turf-cutting since the candidate special areas of conservation were originally nominated for designation. These sites are predominately owned by Bord na Móna.
I will identify these sites when I am in a position to apply the relevant legal protections to them. This will be done following the completion of the necessary preparatory work.
28. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details on the steering group set up by her to advise on the future of Irish historic country houses; when the group will report to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23554/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has established an Irish Historic Houses Steering Group, the objectives of which is to advise me with regard to strategies to support the sustainable future of larger Irish historic houses, in particular with regard to the complexities of balancing private ownership with public benefit, and to ascertain if existing supports provided by various government Departments, local government, State agencies or non-governmental organisations can be better co-ordinated in order to better support the owners who are the custodians of these properties.
With this in mind and in collaboration with the Irish Historic Houses Association (IHHA), my Department convened a steering group in February of this year, which comprised of owners or their representatives, stakeholders in government Departments and agencies, including heritage organisations active in the sector, to meet on four occasions between March and June to advise my Department in relation to sustainable futures for these houses.
It is expected that a short action plan with recommendations and associated actions will be the outcome of this process. The objectives of a final action plan will be to assist historic houses in general in terms with the on-going protection, management and promotion of these important architectural heritage assets into the future. It is hoped that an initial action plan will be completed shortly.
29. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action she will take with regard to the sale of paintings by the Alfred Beit Foundation; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23872/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sale of these paintings is a matter for the committee of management of the Alfred Beit Foundation, which owns and operates Russborough House. My Department has no function in relation to the administration or sale of these artworks.
However, I did meet on Tuesday night with the Chair of the Alfred Beit Foundation and two other Trustees. I asked the Chair if it would be possible to delay the sale, or to consider withdrawing the paintings from auction, to provide some time to explore all other possible options that would involve my Department and the Office of Public Works. The Trustees declined to either delay or cancel the sale, citing the fact that they would incur a liability of £1.4 million for breaking an agreement with the auction house handling the sale, with which they entered a contract several months ago.
I was only informed last month of the decision in relation to the sale - several months after the Foundation had entered into an agreement with the auction house to have the paintings sold. The fact remains that my Department does not have the discretionary funds necessary - believed to be in the order of €12 million - to buy the paintings. I will continue to see if any other possible options can be explored. This, however, will be very difficult given that the sale is to proceed next month.
30. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on Ireland 2016, the Government initiative to commemorate and celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising; in particular, if she will provide an update on the community participation element Ireland 2016; when she anticipates local community plans will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23557/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme was launched in the National Museum, Collins Barracks, on 31st March 2015 and is well underway. The programme is underpinned by five intersecting and overlapping themes; Remembering, Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining and Celebrating. These are intended to give people scope to think about the events of 1916 and its legacy in a way that is personal and meaningful to each individual. I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
The programme will be an invitation to everyone on the island of Ireland and to the global Irish community to shape and engage in a diverse range of historical, cultural and artistic activities – all designed to facilitate reflection, commemoration, celebration, debate and analysis and an active imagining of our future. The programme comprises seven strands; State Ceremonial; Historical Reflection; An Teanga Bheo; Youth and Imagination; Cultural Expression; Community Participation; and Global and Diaspora. Further details in relation to the programme strands and the full range of varied events, initiatives and activities outlined in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, can be found on the website www.ireland.ie.
One of the core objectives of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is to encourage and facilitate participation by, and the inclusion of, the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible. Under the Community Participation strand of the programme, my Department’s 2016 Project Team has been working with local authorities and local steering committees to maximise engagement with and participation by members of the public, young people, community organisations, historical societies, artists, writers and other interested parties within their areas to determine how they would like to see this significant centenary commemorated.
The Community Participation strand of the programme is being led by local authorities across the country and I have been working closely with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, T.D., in this regard. A widespread public consultation process has been underway for a number of months now in order to encourage and facilitate the involvement of national and local, ground-up, initiatives in the wider commemorative programme. Each local authority has appointed a steering committee and a dedicated ‘Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme’ co-ordinator, to support engagement and facilitation within local communities. This is intended to generate awareness of the national programme; and to develop and deliver a plan for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level in line with the national plan for Ireland 2016. Local authorities have been requested to submit their draft plans by end-June and they will then receive their funding allocations for 2015. It is anticipated that the finalised plans will be submitted in October 2015.
I believe that the work of the local authorities will be central to the commemorations programme for 2016. The response from the local authorities to date has been extremely encouraging and I very much appreciate the energy and enthusiasm with which the local authorities and local communities have been engaging in this process.
In addition, the GAA will participate in the commemorations of the Rising through its network of clubs across the island of Ireland and the 2016 World Games will be held in Ireland. The Heritage Council will also co-ordinate an inclusive community-based Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
Full details of community initiatives will be available on www.ireland.ie as plans and initiatives are finalised.
