Tuesday, 8 Dec 2015

Written Answers Nos. 71-94

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (71)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

71. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht why a 3,000 year old Bronze Age timber roadway at Mayne Bog in Coole in County Westmeath was completely destroyed in June 2015; why the recommendation of the National Monuments Service, which examined this site in 2006 and advised further archaeological work, was not acted upon; why no attempt was made to legally protect this site, despite her Department being aware of its significance for the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43488/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department’s National Monuments Service arranged for initial archaeological investigations in this case in 2006, which confirmed the existence of the Bronze Age trackway. Significant remains of the trackway still survive within the developed bog and it is likely that substantial parts also survive in adjacent intact areas of the bog. My Department, through the relevant development control frameworks and in co-operation with the landowner, is pursuing an archaeological response in this case that is based on preservation in-situ of those parts of the trackway, where it is a realistic option, and preservation by record, where it is no longer viable.

Most recently in that context, my Department submitted a set of archaeological observations, with three specific recommendations in relation to the trackway, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in connection with an Integrated Pollution Control licence application to the Agency earlier this year for peat extraction at Mayne Bog. The form and extent of the archaeological excavation sought by my Department was directly comparable to the archaeological mitigation strategies adopted in relation to similar monuments on Bord na Móna peatlands.

The archaeological investigations recommended by my Department to the EPA have since been carried out by the landowner under a separate licence I granted, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. The works were inspected and verified at the time by my Department’s National Monuments Service.

A report on the investigations has since been received by my Department and is being examined. My Department will, inter alia, liaise with the landowner in relation to any further archaeological work on the trackway that it determines from the report as being necessary and appropriate.

Waterways Issues

Ceisteanna (72)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

72. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent of Waterways Ireland's role in developing and using canal ways and canal banks to incorporate recreational cycle and walking routes; the sections of the canals which have been developed to incorporate such routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43487/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the Royal and Grand Canals and Barrow Navigation comprise over 400 km of canals which are under its management. These are important publicly owned recreational corridors which support a wide range of boating and water sports. The canal towpaths represent opportunities for both local communities and tourists to enjoy off-road cycling and walking while enjoying the built and natural heritage of these resources. Waterways Ireland works in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority, the National Trails Office and local communities to develop and enhance the towpaths along the canals in its care.

In Dublin, a programme to upgrade the towpaths into premium walking and cycleways has been ongoing for a number of years. Most recently, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has supported the development of 2.4 km of greenway on the canal towpath from the 10th Lock at Ashtown to the 12th Lock at Castleknock.

One of Waterways Ireland's objectives is to upgrade the towpaths along the entire route of the Royal and Grand Canals, making it possible to travel the 140 km along either canal from Dublin to the Shannon and also to connect the towpaths to the many amenities and attractions along these routes.

Other projects that have been developed or are under development include the following:

- In cooperation with Longford County Council, the re-opening in 2014 of 16 km of multi-use towpath along the disused Longford Branch of the Royal Canal;

- With financial support from Kildare County Council, the upgrading of 3 km of towpath, which forms part of the Arthur’s Way Greenway project, has been completed recently;

- On the Barrow Navigation, Waterways Ireland is leading a consortium of local authorities to enhance the Barrow towpath and create enhanced access to this 100 km valley and canalised river navigation; and

- 60 km of the proposed Dublin to Galway Greenway runs along the Royal Canal towpath and the relevant local authorities have a central role in progressing this project in cooperation with the National Transport Authority and Waterways Ireland.

Easter Rising Commemorations

Ceisteanna (73)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

73. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that children and young persons are involved in the Ireland 2016 centenary programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43478/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Together with my Government colleagues, I am committed to ensuring that the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme engages with children and young people to the greatest extent possible. My Department’s Ireland 2016 Project Team has been working with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the Youth and Imagination strand of the Programme reaches every school in the country. The programme of activities focused on the education sector was launched in September of this year and the response to date from educators and young people has been extremely positive and encouraging. There has been a particularly welcome response to the delivery of our National Flag by the Defence Forces to primary schools throughout the country.

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. Six consultations have taken place with children aged 8-12 and with young people aged 13-17 from around the country 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 next year.

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 . As well as this comprehensive programme for schools, communities are also developing plans at local level for a whole range of events across the country and I hope that children and young people will also get involved in their local communities and take part in the various events.

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (74)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

74. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that arts funding as a proportion of gross domestic product is too low, given its social, cultural and economic importance; and if it should be increased to at least European Union levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43503/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Expenditure on the arts in Ireland comes from multiple sources, both public and private. I understand that the CSO does not produce national statistics that capture the totality of this expenditure as a percentage of GDP. My Department’s expenditure on the arts is, in the main, directed through the Arts Council. That expenditure is published annually in the Revised Estimates Volumes at www.per.ie. The issue of capturing public and private expenditure in this area has been one which arose during the public consultation process which I put in place for the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy, Culture 2025 . This will be reflected in the policy document which I will publish early in the New Year.

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (75)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

75. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the measures she is taking to improve the working environment for artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43500/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland. The Arts Council is the main mechanism through which the Government directs funding to the arts and to artists. The Council provides significant support to individual artists through bursaries as well as individual grants. It also funds means-tested payments to members of Aosdána. The Arts Council recently published its new Strategy Statement: Making Great Art Work. This sets out the Council’s plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade to 2025 and prioritises two policy areas – the artist and public engagement. The work of the Film Board, which my Department funds, is also a significant support for creative workers in Ireland. This sector is also supported by the improved tax incentive system introduced by this Government.

This year, as part of Budget 2016, I was pleased to announce a 12% increase in allocations across a range of areas, including the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, and a new investment programme for regional arts and cultural centres. There will be significant benefits accruing for artists and creative workers from many of the Ireland 2016 programmes supported by this additional funding, including at an international level.

I was also particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the ceiling for the Artists Exemption from 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists make to Irish society. The feedback available to me indicates that artists very much welcome the increase in the exemption limits. The scheme ensures that Ireland continues to be a place where the work of artists is valued.

My Department continues to work with other Departments to promote the cultural and creative industries within the framework of the Government’s overall objectives under the Action Plan for Jobs.

Finally, the place of artists in society has been a significant theme arising from the public consultation process, which I put in place for the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy, Culture 2025. This will be reflected in the policy document which I will publish early in the New Year.

Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme

Ceisteanna (76)

Helen McEntee

Ceist:

76. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports she provides to protect the built heritage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43456/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Funding for the protection of built heritage will continue to be provided by my Department via a number of schemes, which will be either directly administered or delivered through local authorities and agencies such as the Heritage Council. This year my Department operated a Structures at Risk Fund to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This fund, which has an allocation of €624,000 in 2015, is administered through the local authorities and encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. This fund, which is now closed, was open to two applications per local authority.

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. The announcement of any proposed grant schemes can be monitored on www.heritagecouncil.ie.

The remainder of my Department’s built heritage capital budget for 2015 is focused on the conservation and presentation of the State's heritage portfolio, which is managed by the Office of Public Works.

The recently announced new €2 million investment scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme – will operate, via the Local Authorities, on the same model as the very successful Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme (BHJLS), which ran in 2014, and is expected to support a significant number of projects across the country and create employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas. This announcement will come as a welcome boost to the custodians of heritage properties.

It seeks to encourage the investment of private capital in a number of small-scale, labour intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craft workers and trades people. Protected structures, proposed protected structures and structures that contribute to the character of an Architectural Conservation Area will be eligible for assistance.

The minimum level of funding awarded will be €2,500 with up to a maximum of €10,000 generally applicable, while up to a maximum of €15,000 will be available to the 6 city local authorities. The State’s contribution to each project must be matched by a similar contribution from the private sector per application. The scheme will operate through 2016 and will be administered by the local authorities, all of which have been informed of their allocations and the process and timelines involved.

With respect to 2016, my Department is currently finalising its consideration of the funding available for the protection and conservation of the built heritage next year in the context of its overall allocations. I will publish details of the funding schemes for 2016 as soon as these are finalised.

Heritage Projects

Ceisteanna (77)

David Stanton

Ceist:

77. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main recommendations in the historic houses action plan; how she can help to provide a sustainable future for historic houses which are a hugely important resource for local communities and a vital attraction for tourists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43543/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I am aware of the growing risk to the sustainable future of the remaining stock of Irish Historic Houses in private ownership, where owners have consistently struggled, throughout the last century, to find sustainable alternative means of meeting the on-going costs of their maintenance. I have also recognised that these Houses are often a hugely important resource for local communities and a vital attraction for tourists, which can and do contribute significantly to the local economy. It is within this context that I had the Action Plan for Irish Historic Houses in Private Ownership developed and secured Government approval for it. I was very pleased, therefore, to subsequently launch the Action Plan on 30 November last.

The objective of the Action Plan is to assist historic houses in general with their on-going protection, management and promotion into the future. Specific actions include:

- working with the local authority to develop a more streamlined, partnership approach with the local economy;

- seeking to optimise the provision of existing supports and fiscal incentives; and

- seeking to develop new initiatives that might help to establish priorities by way of targeted support mechanisms.

Cultural Policy

Ceisteanna (78)

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

78. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the implementation of Culture 2025. [43466/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The aim of the new national cultural policy, Culture 2025, is to set out the high-level aims and policies of the Government in this area for the period up until 2025. It will seek to reinforce the crucial role of culture in society by supporting the cultural sector and providing the conditions which will allow the sector to develop and flourish across all sectors of society. Culture 2025 will also seek to reflect the modern multi-cultural Ireland and will be uplifting, accessible, relevant and easy to communicate.

To facilitate public consultation on the proposed policy, my Department published a discussion document on 8 August last. This was followed up by holding a series of local workshops to enable people across the country to have their views heard. Meetings took place in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny and Dublin.

The Dublin event, which I attended, followed the participative ‘world café’ model and was held under the Open Policy Debates programme, in line with the Civil Service Renewal Plan. I am pleased to inform the House that this event, which was held in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, was an excellent occasion, with a very high level of engagement by those attending. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated, as well as those who were involving in organising and running the event.

Over 600 people attended the consultation events and more than 200 written submissions were received before the closing date of 31 October last. The feedback from the regional meetings and the submissions are currently being examined in detail as part of the process of drafting the cultural policy. An Experts Group and a Steering Group, established by my Department and made up of a range of cultural stakeholders, are also inputting into the consultation and drafting process.

I intend that Culture 2025 will be a high-level and living document that will set out the framework of cultural policy for the next decade. I propose to submit it to Government shortly with the intention of publishing it early in the New Year.

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (79)

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

79. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an moladh go mbeidh 10% de na hoibrithe poiblí in ann gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge leis an bpobal; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [43493/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil sraith de chruinnithe déthaobhacha tionscanta agam le hAirí sna ranna stáit éagsúla maidir le tionscnaimh pholasaí áirithe a bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu forbairt a dhéanamh ar sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí i nGaeilge. Cuimsíonn an cur chuige seo moltaí éagsúla atá déanta maidir leis an ábhar atá luaite ag an Teachta. Tá an méid seo a leanas san áireamh sna tionscnaimh pholasaí seo:

- Na céatadáin íosta do na painéil do dhátheangaigh fheidhmiúla a ardú ón íosmhéid de 6% i gcomórtais earcaíochta do ghráid neamh-speisialtóireachta. Is í an mhianaidhm an céatadán a ardú ar bhonn incriminteach go dtí 20% thar thréimhse ama, ag tosú le hardú go dtí 10% mar thús.

- Treisiú a dhéanamh ar an gcreatlach pleanála don fhórsa saothair do Ranna Rialtais trína gcuirtear iachall orthu mír ar leith a bheith sna pleananna gníomhaíochta don fhórsa saothair a shonraíonn na poist/réimsí oibre ina mbíonn gá le dátheangaigh fheidhmiúla le fócas ar leith ar an nGaeltacht.

National Heritage Plan

Ceisteanna (80)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

80. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht why no national heritage plan has been in place since 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43491/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Following on from the National Heritage Plan 2002-2007, my Department’s responsibilities for the development of policies for the protection and promotion of our built and natural heritage have been actively concentrated on various ongoing policy developments responding to the range of challenges for each of the sectorial areas within my overall Heritage remit. My Department has no specific plans at this stage to develop an overall heritage plan updating the National Heritage Plan of 2002-2007. However, the need for a new plan will be kept under review within the overall context of policy development and prioritisation.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (81)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

81. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the tendering process for restoration contracts for Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street in Dublin 1; the estimated cost of the restoration and who costed it; and if proposals will be made available to relatives and interested parties. [43482/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Government decided to acquire the national monument at Nos. 14–17 Moore Street because of its historic association with the events of Easter 1916. This decision demonstrates and acknowledges the historical importance of the site in a clear and substantive way and ensures that the long-term future of this historical landmark will be preserved and safeguarded. Bringing the monument into public ownership also allows for the development of a 1916 Commemorative Centre on the site. The legal steps to bring the national monument into my ownership as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have been completed. My Department has also concluded a tendering process for the scheme of conservation works initiated when the property was under lien by the National Asset Management Agency in order to get construction work underway as speedily as possible to prevent further deterioration to the fabric of the national monument buildings.

This conservation work has now commenced and will be completed during the 2016 Centenary year. Provision has been made in the contract to facilitate managed public access to the monument for some centenary events.

I met the 1916 relatives following my announcement on 10 November 2015 that work was about to get underway. They were given a detailed briefing by the project team. I will continue to keep the relatives and other interested parties informed about the project as it progresses.

I also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No.5 on 12 November 2015.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Ceisteanna (82)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Killarney National Park in County Kerry has an effective defence against wildfire; if a co-ordinated approach to by her is required; if she will renew efforts to put such an approach in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43461/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Significant environmental damage is caused by wildfires. This issue has become more acute in recent years, as evidenced by the spate of fires in various parts of the country, including Co. Kerry, last spring. The main source of such wildfires is thought to be the deliberate starting of fires without concern for the consequences. My Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group that explores issues surrounding such fires. An Garda Síochána, which is also represented on the Group, leads any criminal investigation. My Department, of course, cooperates fully with Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies.

Since 2011, my Department has taken over 40 prosecutions against individuals for breaches of section 40 of the Wildlife Acts. Fines were imposed in most cases, ranging from €50 to €600. In some cases, the defendants were also ordered by the Court to pay legal costs and expenses.

Members of An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers to prosecute breaches of the Wildlife Acts. My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food and with An Garda Síochána, as appropriate, to investigate the causes of wild fires which have affected Killarney National Park and, where evidence is forthcoming, to pursue appropriate action under the Wildlife Act or other legislation.

Legal Costs

Ceisteanna (83)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

83. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount of financial resources allocated for public prosecution services for each of the years 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43723/15]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I am informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the following table outlines the details requested by the Deputy.

Year	Gross Expenditure €000	Appropriations in Aid €000	Net Expenditure €000
2011	€37,820	€1,043	€36,777
2012	€39,890	€1,043	€38,847
2013	€37,145	€996	€36,149
2014	€37,675	€973	€36,702
2015 (to end November)	€34,801	€819	€33,982

Poverty Data

Ceisteanna (84)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

84. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach what percentage of the population was at risk of poverty prior to social transfers from 2011 to date. [44033/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) in Ireland is a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions.

The results for 2014, the most recent year for which SILC data are available, show that 49.3% of the population were at risk of poverty (prior to social transfers). The percentage of the population at risk of poverty (prior to social transfers) was 50.7%, 50.3% and 49.8% in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Data for 2015 are not yet available. The table below shows the at risk of poverty rate prior to social transfers from 2011 to 2014. The table also includes the at risk of poverty rate of the population including old-age and survivors’ benefit but excluding all other social transfers.

The at risk of poverty rate is the share of persons with an equivalised income below 60% of the national median income. Anyone with an equivalised income of less than 60% of the median is considered at risk of poverty at a 60% level.

SILC calculates income data on an equivalised basis, i.e. household income is adjusted to take account of household composition and size. Disposable income is defined as gross income less tax and social contributions.

The results of the 2015 SILC are due to be released by the end of November 2016.

National at risk of poverty rates (2011 -2015)

Poverty Risk Rate	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
At risk of poverty rate (including all social transfer)	16.0	16.5	15.2	16.3	N/A
At risk of poverty rate (including old-age and survivors' benefit but excluding all other social transfers)	39.8	39.0	38.4	37.4	N/A
At risk of poverty rate (excluding all social transfer)	50.7	50.3	49.8	49.3	N/A

Source: EU-SILC, CSO

N/A: Not available

Poverty Data

Ceisteanna (85, 86, 87)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

85. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach what percentage of the population up to17 years of age was at risk of poverty post social transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44034/15]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

86. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the population aged from 18 to 64 years of age at risk of poverty post social transfers from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44035/15]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

87. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the population aged 65 years or older who were at risk of poverty post social transfers from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44036/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 87, inclusive, together.

The Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) in Ireland is a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions.

The results for 2014, the most recent year for which SILC data are available, show that 18.6% of the population aged 0-17 years were at risk of poverty (post social transfers). The percentage of the population aged 0-17 years at risk of poverty (post social transfers) was 18.8%, 18.8% and 17.9% in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The results for 2014 show that 16.5% of the population aged 18 to 64 years were at risk of poverty (post social transfers). The percentage of the population aged 18 to 64 years at risk of poverty (post social transfers) was 15.9%, 16.4% and 15.3% in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The results for 2014 show that 10.3% of the population aged 65 years or older were at risk of poverty (post social transfers). The percentage of the population aged 65 years or older at risk of poverty (post social transfers) was 9.7%, 12.1% and 9.2% in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Data for 2015 are not yet available. The table below shows the at risk of poverty rate post social transfers from 2011 to 2014.

The at risk of poverty rate is the share of persons with an equivalised income below 60% of the national median income. Anyone with an equivalised income of less than 60% of the median is considered at risk of poverty at a 60% level.

SILC calculates income data on an equivalised basis, i.e. household income is adjusted to take account of household composition and size. Disposable income is defined as gross income less tax and social contributions.

The results of the 2015 SILC are due to be released by the end of November 2016.

The at risk of poverty rate classified by age group (2011-2015)

	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
State	16.0	16.5	15.2	16.3	N/A
0-17	18.8	18.8	17.9	18.6	N/A
18-64	15.9	16.4	15.3	16.5	N/A
65+	9.7	12.1	9.2	10.3	N/A

Source: EU-SILC, CSO

N/A: Not available

Unemployment Data

Ceisteanna (88, 89, 90, 91)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

88. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the long-term unemployment rate in County Tipperary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44037/15]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

89. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the population aged 15 to 64 in employment in County Tipperary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44038/15]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

90. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the percentage of population up to 17 years of age living in jobless households in County Tipperary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/15]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

91. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the percentage of population from 18 to 59 years of age living in jobless households in County Tipperary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 to 91, inclusive, together.

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment and unemployment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q3 2015.

Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable Tipperary County estimates from the QNHS.

Estimates of employment, unemployment and statistics on jobless households are produced from the QNHS by NUTS 3 Regions.

The NUTS 3 Mid-West region includes Clare, Limerick City, Limerick County, and North Tipperary. The NUTS 3 South-East region includes Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford City, Waterford County and Wexford.

Table 1 below shows the long-term unemployment rate of persons aged 15 to 74 years classified by the NUTS 3 Mid-West and South-East regions in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2015.

Table 2 below shows the employment rate (ILO) of persons aged 15 to 64 years classified by the NUTS 3 Mid-West and South-East regions in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2015.

Table 3 below shows the percentage of persons aged 0 to 17 years living in jobless households classified by the NUTS 3 Mid-West and South-East regions in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2015.

Table 4 below shows the percentage of persons aged 18 to 59 years living in jobless households classified by the NUTS 3 Mid-West and South-East regions in Q3 of each year from 2011 to 2015.

Table 1 Long-term unemployment rate of persons aged 15 to 74 years classified by Mid-West and South-East regions, Q3 2011-Q3 2015

%

NUTS 3	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14	Q3 15
Mid-West	10.1	9.6	8.2	5.7	5.1
South-East	11.2	12.2	10.9	8.5	7.8

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.';

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.';

Reference period: Q3=Jul-Sept.

Table 2 Employment rate (ILO) of persons aged 15 to 64 classified by Mid-West and South-East regions, Q3 2011-Q3 2015

%

NUTS 3	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14	Q3 15
Mid-West	59.7	58.5	60.6	62.4	63.3
South-East	54.5	54.5	57.2	60.4	62.1

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.';

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.';

Reference period: Q3=Jul-Sept.

Table 3 Percentage of persons aged 0 to 17 years living in jobless households classified by Mid-West and South-East regions, Q3 2011-Q3 2015

%

NUTS 3	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14	Q3 15
Mid-West	16.3	17.8	16.6	13.7	13.8
South-East	23.3	23.4	19.6	13.9	11.9

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.';

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.';

Reference period: Q3=Jul-Sept.

Table 4 Percentage of persons aged 18 to 59 years living in jobless households classified by Mid-West and South-East regions, Q3 2011-Q3 2015

%

NUTS 3	Q3 11	Q3 12	Q3 13	Q3 14	Q3 15
Mid-West	14.4	15.0	13.9	12.1	11.7
South-East	19.1	20.3	18.3	14.2	14.2

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.';

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.';

Reference period: Q3=Jul-Sept.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (92)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach his Department's photography costs since he came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance by year in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43638/15]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The total expenditure by my Department on photography from 9th March 2011 to 4th December 2015 is provided in the following table:

Year	Amount spent on photography
2011 (9th March to December )	€28,069
2012	€13,449
2013	Department €6,778 EU Presidency €38,172
2014	€12,750
1/01/15 - 4/12/15	€9,820

Photography costs in my Department have reduced by 85% from €83,398 in 2008 to €12, 750 in 2014.

The use of local photographers on international trade missions is required to distribute images to the domestic media to accompany the coverage of domestic journalists who are travelling on behalf of their organisations. Utilising local agencies is cost efficient and costs are kept to a minimum. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in-house, thereby reducing costs.

In relation to the EU Presidency costs - as is standard for all Presidencies there is a host photographer to capture the images for the Presidency and to distribute them around the world.

The following table lists the occasions for which photographers were used and costs associated with each occasion:

Photography Costs from 9th March 2011 to 16th January 2015

Vendor Name	Description	Cost
The Press Association	The Press Association, Nottingham	€ 139.30
Hackett's Reprographics	Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach's  delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011	€ 20.25
Maxwell Photography	1916 Commemoration 24/04/2011	€ 502.45
Maxwell Photography	SDLP 14/04/2011	€ 371.17
Maxwell Photography	Launch of Census 10/3/2011	€ 357.25
Maxwell Photography	Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011	€ 478.25
Maxwell Photography	Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	Book of Condolence - Japan 22/03/2011	€ 401.42
Maxwell Photography	US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011	€ 401.42
Maxwell Photography	Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011	€ 60.50
Maxwell Photography	Mass New Dáil 09/03/2011	€ 508.50
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach Office Photo Call 09/03/2011	€ 538.75
Maxwell Photography	Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011	€ 391.13
Maxwell Photography	New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011	€ 492.17
Maxwell Photography	New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011	€ 780.75
Maxwell Photography	The Late Dr. Garret FitzGerald's Funeral 21-22 May 2011	€ 2,359.50
My Photobook.ie	27 May 2011  - My PhotoBook.ie	€ 140.80
Maxwell Photography	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€ 4,537.50
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Government Buildings	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011.	€ 629.50
Maxwell Photography	US Congressman on 16 May 2011. assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet.	€ 280.42
Maxwell Photography	Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11	€ 409.58
Maxwell Photography	Excellence Awards  09/06/2011	€ 857.59
Maxwell Photography	North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11	€ 812.21
Maxwell Photography	President of European Council 17/6/11	€ 562.04
Maxwell Photography	President Obama Visit 23 May 2011	€ 260.15
Maxwell Photography	Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011	€ 740.52
Maxwell Photography	Maxwells Invoice - New Ambassadors 30-6-11	€ 332.75
Maxwell Photography	Chinese Delegation	€ 357.25
Maxwell Photography	Saudi Minister 14 June 2011	€ 280.42
Maxwell Photography	Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011	€ 371.17
LK Photo	Costs relating to St. Patricks Day Visit to Washington 2011	€ 2,106.14
Maxwell Photography	New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011.	€ 318.84
Maxwell Photography	Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011.	€ 696.05
Maxwell Photography	Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011	€ 349.08
Hackett's Reprographics	Product code FPP75DIG10-15, (QTY 10-15) 7x5 Digital Prints.	€ 30.76
J. Higgins Photos	Photos Taoiseach 4/5 May 2011 visit to New York	€ 303.30
Maxwell Photography	Arvato meeting with Taoiseach 21 Sept 2011.	€ 560.84
BANK OF IRELAND	19 November 2011 - www.gettyimages.com	€ 212.96
Maxwell Photography	Photocall TAOISEACH & New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011.	€ 340.92
Maxwell Photography	Photographer for the Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011.	€ 3,956.70
2012	#	#
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011.	€ 371.17
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach - Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011.	€ 296.75
The Press Association	12 January 2012 - Photos of Prime Minister David Cameron with Taoiseach Enda Kenny 10 Downing Street.	€ 122.01
Maxwell Photography	British Irish council 13/01/12	€ 531.05
Maxwell Photography	Photos/Taoiseach meeting with Deputy PM Nick Clegg	€ 377.30
Maxwell Photography	Blue Star Programmes on  07/02/2012.	€ 539.36
Maxwell Photography	EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012.	€ 687.26
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach & Tánaiste attend 'Progress to date' launch 07/03/2012.	€ 195.57
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Launch of the Stability Treaty Website, 19 April 2012.	€ 409.63
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Olympic Torch Photocall at Govt Buildings on 06/06/2012.	€ 268.45
QiLai	Photographer for Taoiseach's visit to China 25/28 March 2012	2,817.49
Maxwell Photography	Carers Strategy Launch in the Italian Room on 19th July 2012.	€ 439.11
LK Photos	Taoiseach's visit to US 19-21 March 2012.	€ 1,774.78
Lafayette Photography Ltd	NSMC in Farmleigh on 15/06/2012	€ 174.24
Lafayette Photography Ltd	National Day of Commemoration 08/07/2012	€ 555.75
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Olympic Reception at Farmleigh 15/08/2012 -CD of photographs	€ 330.16
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Official Photography services for visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012.	€ 87.66
Michael Hudson Photos	Taoiseach's Visit to Chicago, 17 March 2012	€ 302.35
Lafayette Photography Ltd	18hrs of photography over 4 days for the JPEGs for Whos Who on the Irish Presidency Website	€ 3,168.51
2013
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	EU Conference of Presidents, Dublin Castle on 31 December 2012	€ 116.85
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd	Presidency meeting of European Parliament Leaders, Dublin Castle 29th Nov 2012	€ 430.51
Maxwell Photography	Photography Prints for Convention Inaugural Meeting on 1st Dec 2012.	€ 1,763.46
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Family photo shot, post production touch up + prints (36 copies) for the EU Directors General Informal meeting (13-14/1/2013)	€ 512.62
Maxwell Photography	2 JPEG images of the Taoiseach/Cyprus President Nov 2005 - 28 Jan 2013.	€ 34.44
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Eucharistic Congress Reception Dublin Castle 1st July 2012	€ 171.01
Lafayette Photography Ltd	Visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012, 18 images sent to media	€ 19.43
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Photocall for 40 years in the EU, Art Exhibition, 25 February 2013.	€ 318.54
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle, 18/01/13	€ 1,471.99
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy visit, Dublin Castle, 9/1/2013	€ 1,645.47
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, session 2, Dublin Castle, 17/1/2013	€ 1,449.89
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal EU Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle 21/01/13.	€ 1,564.62
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Employment 8th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Employment 7th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle.	€ 1,573.31
Levon Biss Photography Ltd	Prints of Taoiseach's Time Magazine cover 26/11/2012	€ 111.95
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	31st Dec 2012 for EU Flag Raising Ceremony attended by Taoiseach at Dublin Castle.	€ 669.09
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Visit of Presidents Barroso & Schulz at Government Buildings on 28/2/2013. - Post Production Fee	€ 257.43
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Defence Ministers 13/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Development & Co-operation Ministers 12/2/2013, Dublin Castle.	€ 1,559.45
M M McNally Photographer	Taoiseach's visit to Downing Street on 11 March 2013.	€ 335.03
E Hill Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen, 11 November 2012.	€ 700.60
Peter Cavanagh Photography	Whos Who for Presidency. 27/28 Sept. 2012 & 16 Oct 2012.	€ 1,600.00
Magnum Computers	Photos of Taoiseach's visit to Cleveland, Ohio. October 2012.	€ 192.41
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Gymnich meeting - 23rd March 2013.	€ 484.58
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers at Dublin Castle 24 April, 2013	€ 1,181.62
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle 23 April, 2013	€ 1,307.04
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle on 22nd April 2013	€ 821.57
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Ministers for Trade at Dublin Castle 18 April, 2013	€ 1,535.67
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Hunger-Nutrition Conference at Dublin Castle 15 April, 2013	€ 968.41
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	ECOFIN Ministerial Informal meeting on 13/4/2013	€ 1,870.49
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministerial Informal 12 April 2013.	€ 4,126.55
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Hunger-Nutrition & Climate Change at Dublin Castle on 16th April 2013.	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Commission College meeting Dublin Castle on 10 Jan 2013 - Prints & Digital Imaging	€ 2,042.61
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 4th March, Dublin Castle attendance	€ 276.75
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU Presidency Team Group Shot on 01 May 2013.	€ 302.58
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 5th March 2013- Dublin Castle.	€ 1,134.33
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Gymich meeting 22nd March 2013, Photography & high resolution imaging	€ 1,570.00
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Ministerial Informal, Agriculture Ministers on 27th & 28th May 2013	€ 2,453.74
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Ministerial Informal - Competitiveness [Dept. DJEI ] 2nd May 2013	€ 817.91
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Informal meeting of Competitiveness - Council day on 03 May 2013.	€ 1,134.34
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Family photos of Presidency team at Government Buildings on 01 May 2013.	€ 31.38
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Presidency Liaison Officers Photos at Dublin Castle on 27 May 2013.	€ 162.01
Marty Katz Photography & James Higgins Photography	St Patrick's Day Visit, New York - 16-17 March 2013	€ 2,235.66
Maxwell Photography	North South Ministerial Meeting on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle Sundays F.T.P. images to Media outlets	€ 706.02
Maxwell Photography	EU Presidency staff event on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle - Upload of images to online gallery	€ 292.74
Maxwell Photography	Round table discussion with the Taoiseach and on Online Retailers on 06 Sept 2013.	€ 292.74
Maxwell Photography	Taoiseach's meeting with Bill Clinton at Government Buildings - 09/10/2013	€ 249.69
2014
Maxwell Photography	Extra copies of prints of the Queen & President Obama's visit, May 2011 ordered for Taoiseach	77.18
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment, Taoiseach's Address of the Nation, 15th December 2014	956.94
Maxwell Photography	Photography Services for the Convention on the Constitution final plenary meeting 22nd & 23rd February 2014	511.68
DNP Service	Taoiseach's visit to Japan, 3-4 December 2013.	244.23
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment for the visit of the Spanish on the 6th March 2014	519.06
Maxwell Photography	Photography assignment for the visit of the German Prime Minister on the 7th  March 2014	396.06
Maria Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Abu Dhabi & Dubai, January 2014.	2695.8
Dan Hallissey Photography	Taoiseach's visit to Boston, 16 March 2014.	506.77
Marty Katz Photography	Photography for Taoiseach Enda Kenny & delegation's trip to Washington DC on 13 & 14 March 2014	1740.64
Maxwell Photography	Official Photography at State Funeral of the late Albert Reynolds 23rd Aug 2014 at Mansion House and Donnybrook Church	2841.3
James Higgins Photography	Photographs of the Taoiseach's visit to New York on 17 March 2014.	252.71
Dowlings Pharmacy	Passport photos for Pat Shelly 04 Sep 2014	6
Boots Chemist	Photo's for Taoiseach 13 July 2014	2.1
Getty Images International	EU, All About Jobs campaign, purchase of iStock photo subscription for 3 months, 7th Oct 2014	207.87
Maxwell Photography	Photography for North South Ministerial Council on 3rd Oct 2014, Dublin Castle.	547.35
CreativeShot Photography	United Irish Cultural Center - San Francisco 4 June 2014.	753.07
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU - Photography of Minister Ged Nash at 2 events in Carlow 26th November 2014	491.14
1 January to 4 December 2015
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	EU - 10 Low Resolution images from Minister Ged Nash events in Carlow 26th November 2014	124.85
Getty Images International	EU 'All About Jobs campaign' purchase of monthly iStock photo subscription for January 2015	€207.87
Department of Foreign Affairs	Photographs of the Taoiseach Enda Kenny attending Youth Reception - Irish Consulate New York September 2014	€198.68
Mr John Kingman	Photography for Taoiseach's visit to New York, 22-24 September 2014.	€317.89
Getty Images International	All About Jobs - purchase of one year iStock subscription for stock photos for All About Jobs section of Merrion St, 25th Feb 2015	€1,966.77
Dowlings Pharmacy	Dowlings Pharmacy - Passport photos 26th Feb 2015	€6.00
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Photography costs for the visit of Mr. Manuel Valls Prime Minister of France to Government Buildings 24th April 2015	€160.00
Mac Innes Photography Ltd	Photography costs for the visit of Mr. Manuel Valls Prime Minister of France to Government Buildings 24th April 2015	€181.50
Marty Katz Photographer	St. Patrick's Day 2015. Taoiseach's visit to Washington, DC, USA. 16-17 March 2015.	€2,459.34
Allison Shirref Photographer	Taoiseach's visit to Atlanta, USA, 13th & 14th March 2015.	€1,112.10
Lensmen & Associates	Minister J. Deenihan TD photoshoot with Soyna O'Sullivan on 30 April 2015 at Government Buildings	€553.50
Conor McKeown Photographer	Photographer for US Ambassador's visit to Castlebar -  April 2015	€120.00
Maxwell Photography	Photography costs for Data Protection Event on 2 July 2015	€447.72
Maxwell Photography	Photography Assignment for State Funeral of Thomas Kent - 18th September 2015	€1,475.80
Fotogioberti Studio	Taoiseach's photos with PM Renzi, 10 July 2015.	€488.00

Public Relations Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (93)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

93. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach his Department's use of external public relations firms since he came into office by year in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43654/15]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The following table provides details of external public relations firms employed by my Department from 9 March 2011 to 4 December 2015:

Year	Name of Consultant	Purpose of Consultancy
2012 & 2013	Caroline Erskine, Media and Public Affairs Consultant	To assist in the implementation of the communications plan for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Associated Projects
2013 & 2014	Q4 Public Relations	Support for the Convention on the Constitution

My Department ensures that it gets best value for money in the procurement of all goods and services and keeps to a minimum the engagement of public relations firms. In the cases set out above, the use of external public relations firms was limited to work carried out for Ireland's EU Presidency in 2013 and the Constitutional Convention.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (94)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

94. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach the reports he commissioned from external consultants since March 2011 by year, by title, by cost, by date published and by company, in tabular form. [43670/15]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The following table details the external consultant reports commissioned by my Department since March 2011.

Title	Company involved	Cost	Publication date
Health and Safety Statement 2011	QTS	€1,270.50	2011
Health and Safety Statement 2012	QTS	€1,270.50	2012
Health and Safety Statement 2013 and Risk Assessment	QTS	€1,783.50	2013
PEEP Assessment and Disabled Access Review	QTS	€307.50	2014
Local Diaspora Toolkit	UCD Clinton Institute	€14,300	2015
Research into citizen-related data privacy/protection concerns arising from the development of Smart Cities	National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, Maynooth University	€14,058	To be published shortly