Written Answers Nos. 828-857
828. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the rule whereby taxi vehicles must be less than ten years old; his plans to amend this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6018/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle industry, including vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
829. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to the National Roads Authority in 2016 for a project (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6044/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N3 Cavan Bypass is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland - TII (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 20015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
830. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to the National Roads Authority in 2016 for a project (details supplied) in County Cavan and in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6045/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCavan County Council was provided with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 by my Department in connection with this project under the Strategic Non National Road Grants Scheme in order to bring this 75 km route to preliminary design stage.
Due to budgetary constraints it is not possible to progress the project further at this point as the priority for available funding remains the repair and maintenance of regional and local roads. The construction cost for a scheme of this magnitude would be in excess of €150 million.
831. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding transport courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6063/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRevised criteria for approval as Training Provider for the Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence were introduced in November 2015 to open the market for prospective providers and to put in place standards that all applicants must meet.
In relation to your inquiry, this application was refused by the Department on 1 April 2016 as it did not meet all the criteria that apply. One of the criteria is that any tutors nominated in an application must hold a Level 6 Train the Trainer qualification accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and recognised under the National Framework of Qualifications, or an NUI Higher Diploma in Education or teacher training. The applicant has been requested a number of times to provide evidence of meeting this criterion, but the information provided has not satisfied the requirement.
Under the terms of the application process, the applicant may, if they wish, appeal the refusal of the application within 21 days of the date of the Department's letter of refusal by submitting written representations to the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of the Department. Any appeal that may be submitted will be reviewed by an officer at a higher grade, whose decision will be final.
832. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public consultation and engagement criteria in relation to changing bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6118/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
833. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish or to extend the Dublin bike scheme to Dublin 15 or to the broader Fingal area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6119/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) in cooperation with the relevant local authority is responsible for the administration and expansion of the public bikes scheme in the Dublin area. I have forwarded your question to the NTA for consideration and direct response to you. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.
834. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with officials from a company (details supplied) and discussed certain issues with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with representatives of Uber on 21 October 2015. At the meeting Uber briefed me on the development of their smartphone applications, the establishment of its Centre of Excellence in Limerick, with the creation of 300 jobs, and Uber's future plans, including the development of its ride-sharing service. I welcomed the investment that Uber has made in Limerick and noted that Uber's existing services in Ireland fully meet the legal and licensing requirements of the National Transport Authority.
As I recently advised the House, Uber's ridesharing service, Uberpop, would not comply with our primary legislation, specifically the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 which commenced in 2014.
The core requirement, with a small number of limited exemptions, is that the carriage of passengers for reward in a public place in any mechanically propelled vehicle with nine or less seats (including the driver's seat) is permitted only in a licensed vehicle driven by a licensed driver.
The underlying policy which governs this is a concern for passenger safety and a concern for passenger protection in relation to pricing. The rationale for taxi regulation is to ensure that passengers have a safe vehicle for their journey, with appropriate insurance in place, driven by a driver who has been vetted by An Garda Síochána and, in the case of taxis, with a pre-established and verified charging system.
In addition, the Government's policy is to ensure a high level of standards and professionalism in the industry for both the customer and the industry itself.
My overall aim in relation to the taxi industry is to continue to strike the right balance between the interests and safety of consumers and having fair and transparent rules for taxi service providers.
835. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the plan to extend the Royal Canal project between Dublin 15 and Maynooth in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6121/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority is responsible for the delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in cooperation with the relevant local authority, in this case Kildare County Council. The Royal Canal project to which the Deputy refers is part of the overall Dublin to Galway Greenway which is a priority project for my Department and one which I am fully supportive of.
I am forwarding your question in relation to the section mentioned to the NTA for attention and full response to you. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.
836. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an Irish citizen who is living abroad can renew a driving licence in advance of its expiration if that person is in the country, or if the person must wait until the driver licence has expired; his plans to change this process to allow drivers renew their licences in advance of their expiration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6192/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current legislation, holders of a driving licence may apply to renew their licences up to three months before their old licence expires.
EU law requires that a person should be normally resident in a Member State in order for that person to be issued with a driving licence by that Member State. A person may be normally resident in a Member State but residing temporarily outside it for work or study reasons. If a person is normally resident in Ireland but temporarily residing abroad, they are permitted to apply to renew their driving licence by post, without the normal requirement to appear in person at an office of the National Driver Licensing Service.
If a person has taken up permanent residence abroad, we cannot under EU law issue them with an Irish driving licence. If they are living in another EU Member State, or in a non-EU State with which Ireland has an agreement on mutual recognition of driving licences, they should exchange their Irish driving licence for one from the country in which they are now resident. If they are living in a non-EU State with which we do not have an agreement on driving licence exchange, they will be required to obtain a driving licence from that country according to the rules which apply there.
837. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to have a shelter installed at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6193/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Authority's functions include the securing, or provision, of bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, bus stands and bus fleets.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
838. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to examine the issue of overcrowding on Irish Rail services on the Dublin-Maynooth line; to ensure Irish Rail provide additional carriages or more frequent services to prevent such overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6194/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to both the NTA and the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.
839. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of all penalties imposed, including the reason, by the National Transport Authority on Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6195/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
840. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure transport links are established to connect Dublin 15 and Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6196/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). In accordance with statutory requirements the Authority has recently finalised a Transport Strategy for the GDA, 2016-2035, comprising the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.
The Strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA for the next two decades and includes the consideration of transport services for Dublin 15 and Dublin Airport.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your email to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
841. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why there is no designated bus stop in Dungarvan in County Kilkenny, when the Bus Éireann Route X4 passes directly through Dungarvan village on a daily basis; if officials within his Department will meet with Bus Éireann to commence plans for the designation of an appropriate bus stop at the location to accomodate commuters on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6233/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Eireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
842. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to analyse the impact on traffic, the environment, improved efficiency and general savings to the economy of introducing free school bus services across cities of providing tax incentives schemes to encourage new entrants from the private bus market to provide these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6246/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFree school bus services are available to primary school children who live more than 3.2km from their nearest suitable primary school, and secondary school children who live more than 4.8km from their nearest suitable secondary school, having regard to ethos and language. It is not currently government policy to extend the provision of free school buses to children who live closer than these distances to their nearest suitable schools. If such a policy were to be proposed by government, a full analysis of the policy, including transport impacts, environmental impacts, social impacts and economic impacts would then be carried out as part of an economic appraisal, in line with the Public Spending Code.
843. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7, to ensure that this person is not denied an opportunity to earn a living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6267/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role in relation to the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry relates to overall policy for the sector. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent regulator for the sector under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
844. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6279/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including administration of the SPSV Entry Test, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
845. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a cheadófar airgead creimthe cósta d’oileán Inis Meáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5407/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíl aon chiste ag mo Roinnse faoi láthair faoina bhféadfaí cuidiú leis an togra seo. Tuigtear do mo Roinn go dtagann an cúram seo i gcoitinne faoi Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí.
846. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will make land available in the vicinity of Muckross Abbey for a public burial ground for Killarney in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5703/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring the adequate provision of Burial Grounds for their functional areas is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Kerry County Council. The powers and duties of local authorities regarding Burial Grounds are provided for by the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, as amended by the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948 and the Local Government Act 1994. Detailed regulations are made through the Rules and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 (as amended).
I understand that the Deputy is referring to land which falls within the Killarney National Park, and specifically within the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. The use and transfer of land and property within the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park is, under the Bourn Vincent Memorial Act 1932 (as amended) and the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, a matter for my Department.
The Bourn Vincent Memorial Park was formed out of those parts of the Muckross Estate gifted to the State in 1932 by Senator Arthur Rose Vincent, and William Bowers Bourn and Agnes M. Bourn. A condition of the gift was that the land and properties transferred to the State should be used for the purpose of forming a National Park, and accordingly this is provided for in legislation through section 5(1) of the Bourn Vincent Memorial Act 1932.
The totality of Killarney National Park is managed by my Department as a Category II protected area (i.e. as a National Park) in accordance with guidelines set down by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Moreover, the Park is subject to a number of significant EU environmental designations, including encompassing part of a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive 1992 and a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive 1979.
In light of the above and of the statutory obligations contained in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Act 1932 to use the land gifted to the State as National Park, it is appropriate that any development in an area designated as a National Park, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area should be limited to what would enhance the conservation status of the area or to necessary works for which no alternative location is possible.
847. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair atá sé i gceist aici tairisicintí a lorg do sheirbhís aeir go hÁrainn; an mbeidh roghanna sa tairisicint idir ingearáin (héileacaptair) agus eitleáin agus idir Aerfort na Gaillimhe agus Aerfort Chonamara; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5401/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFoilsíodh an Iarratas ar Thairiscint ar an láithreán gréasáin etenders ar 1 Aibreán 2016. San Iarratas ar Thairiscint sin, lorgaítear tairiscint ó sholáthraithe chun seirbhís aeir a chur ar fáil idir Aerfort Na Mine agus Oileáin Árann. Mar atá leagtha síos i Rialachán 1008/2008 de chuid an AE, faoina rialaítear na seirbhísí seo, tagraítear d’aerárthach amháin san Iarratas ar Thairiscint.
848. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist go gcuirfear airgead ar fáil le tuilleadh forbartha a dhéanamh ar chéibh Inis Meáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5402/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs le Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe cé Inis Meáin agus, mar sin, tagann an cúram seo faoin gComhairle. Faoi láthair, níl ciste ag mo Roinn faoina bhféadfaí maoiniú a chur ar fáil do thuilleadh forbartha ar an gcé sin.
849. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht why funding was declined to a summer school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [5419/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo decisions have been made with regards to the provision of funding for the Summer School in question.
850. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a recently retired staff member of Waterways Ireland who worked on loughs 9 to 15 of the Shannon Erne Waterway in the Ballinamore area of County Leitrim will be replaced on a full-time basis, as the person (details supplied) who has worked on loughs 5 to 8 for over 22 years is now covering a larger area, much of which the person has no deep understanding of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5504/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by Waterways Ireland that it currently employs a team of three full-time Waterway Patrollers on this waterway which has sixteen navigation locks and six fully serviced public mooring sites. This mobile team provides instruction and assistance to waterway users on the lock, services operating systems and inspects and maintains facilities.
I am advised that the vacancy created by the recent retirement of a staff member who provided operational cover for the Kilclare zone from Lough 9 to Lough 16 will be filled in 2016 by a new seasonal Waterway Patroller to be recruited for the summer boating season. Until such time as the new seasonal employee is in place, the three full-time Waterway Patrollers have been re-assigned to cover a larger area during the spring and autumn seasons, March–May and September-October.
I have been informed also by Waterways Ireland that during the high season, June–August, three seasonal Waterway Patrollers will be in place based at Lock 16, Kilclare and at Lock 1 and the three full-time Waterway Patrollers will revert to cover their normal areas.
851. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the finalised version of the national raised bog special areas of conservation management plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5630/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft National Raised Bog SAC (Special Area of Conservation) Management Plan was published in January 2014. It sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed into the future and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed.
It is expected that this Plan will be finalised over the coming period and, subject to the approval of the Government, will be published thereafter.
852. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a request for financial support from the long established Third Tipperary Old Irish Republican Army Commemorative Committee for its extensive year-long programme of events in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5665/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received representations from the Third Tipperary Brigade Old I.R.A. Commemoration Committee concerning their planned commemorative activities taking place this year.
Under the Community Participation strand of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, my Department provided €1 million last year to assist local authorities in preparing for their local commemorative programmes, with an additional funding package of €3 million provided for all local authorities in 2016, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and IPB Insurance. Each of the local authorities has developed a rich and diverse series of events and projects that will take place throughout the year. These plans include a wide variety of events, lectures and opportunities for the public to get involved with the centenary programme at county and local level.
Each local authority has appointed a dedicated Ireland 2016 co-ordinator to drive plans at local and county level for the commemoration of this significant centenary and the Deputy or the Third Tipperary Brigade Old I.R.A. Commemoration Committee may wish to contact the Ireland 2016 co-ordinator in Tipperary County Council – Roisin O'Grady - in this regard (roisin.ogrady@tipperarycoco.ie).
853. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to re-introduce the bóthar áise scheme, given the deteriorating condition of some roads in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5697/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no plans at present to reintroduce the Bóthar Áise Scheme.
854. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhféadfadh sí míniú a thabhairt ar an gcúis nár daingníodh an dréachtscéim náisiúnta teanga fós faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla ar dréachtscéim í a d’iarr an tAire ar Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte í a chur faoina bráid roimh an 10 Iúil 2007; cén chúis atá leis an moill níos faide ná ocht mbliana go leith a bheith le daingniú na dréachtscéime; céard iad na céimeanna atá tógtha ag an Aire chun an dréachtscéim a dhaingniú; cén uair a thiocfaidh an scéim teanga i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5812/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a mhínigh mé don Teachta i mo fhreagra ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 250 ar an 21 Eanáir 2015, daingníodh scéim teanga faoi alt 11 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla le Bord Sláinte an Iarthair, mar a bhí ag an am agus atá anois mar Réigiún an Iarthair d’Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (FSS), i mí Iúil 2005. Faoi alt 14(3) den Acht, fanann forálacha na scéime sin i bhfeidhm go dtí go ndaingnítear scéim nua.
Iarradh ar FSS dréachtscéim teanga a ullmhú i mí na Nollag 2006 agus, cé gur cuireadh dréachtscéim faoi bhráid na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, mar a bhí ag an am, níor daingníodh an dréachtscéim ar bhonn náisiúnta, go príomha mar gheall ar phleananna athstruchtúraithe a bhí á mbeartú don FSS.
Tá plé gníomhach ar bun idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus FSS le tamall anuas maidir le dréachtscéim teanga a aontú leis an chomhlacht poiblí ar bhonn náisiúnta. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil an próiseas comhairliúcháin a thionscain FSS i ndáil le hullmhú na dréachtscéime curtha i gcrích anois agus go bhfuil torthaí an phróisis á mbreithniú faoi láthair.
Tá mé ag súil leis, dá réir, go gcuirfear dréachtscéim faoi bhráid mo Roinne gan ró-mhoill.
855. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén míniú atá aici ar scéim teanga a Roinne a bheith imithe in éag gan athnuachan; cad chuige an mhoill atá le scéim teanga nua dá Roinn a bheith daingnithe aici; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5813/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an dréachtscéim teanga don tréimhse 2016-18 atá ullmhaithe ag oifigigh mo Roinne i gcomhréir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla á breithniú agam faoi láthair roimh í a fhaomhadh agus a fhoilsiú. Ní miste a nótáil go bhfanann scéim reatha na Roinne i bhfeidhm go dtí go ndaingnítear an scéim nua.
856. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe (i scéim teanga, nó ar aon bhealach eile) mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5817/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá curtha in iúl dom gurbh ionann líon iomlán na mball foirne fostaithe i mo Roinn ar an 31 Márta agus 591 (571.10 lánaimseartha). Sa tábla thíos tugtar achoimre ar na 57 bpost atá ainmnithe faoi láthair mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas inniúlachta Gaeilge ag baint leo;
|
Aonad Gnó |
Líon na Foirne Reatha |
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Rannán na Gaeltachta agus Rannán na nOileán* |
27 |
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Rannán na Gaeilge taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht* |
17 |
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An Brainse Logainmneacha* |
5 |
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Oifig an Aire Stáit do Chúrsaí Gaeltachta* |
3 |
|
An Phreasoifig (an Preasoifigeach agus an Preasoifigeach Cúnta) |
2 |
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Páirc Náisiúnta Ghleann Bheatha (Treoraí Oideachais) |
1 |
|
Aistriucháin |
2 |
*gach post
Anuas ar na poist i mo Roinn, tá baill foirne ar iasacht freisin in Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga agus tá 6 ball foirne san oifig sin faoi láthair ata inniúil sa Ghaeilge.
Cuireann baill foirne i rannáin eile de chuid mo Roinne seirbhísí ar fáil i nGaeilge i bpoist nach bhfuil inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge sonraithe mar riachtanas dóibh.
Déantar athbhreithniú rialta ar an líon foirne i bhfianaise riachtanais ghnó a thagann chun cinn, lena n-áirítear riachtanais a bhaineann le hinniúlacht sa Ghaeilge, mar a léirítear i bpróiseas pleanála mo Roinne don fhórsa oibre.
857. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a cut in funding to a Naíonra (details supplied) in Dublin 13, including why the funding was cut; if she will increase the funding for this Naíonra; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5948/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Naíonra referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of current funding under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme which is administered by my colleague Dr James Reilly, T.D., the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I understand also that no cuts have been applied to the current funding rate for the ECCE programme.
In this context, I should mention the role of Gaelscoileanna Teo. as the lead organisation in the Irish-medium Immersion Education and Preschool sector with effect from July 2014. Under that role, Gaelscoileanna is funded by Foras na Gaeilge to provide advice, assistance and support to people who wish to have their children educated through the medium of Irish, in addition to providing support services for those working in the sector.
Gaelscoileanna currently administers three schemes which provide funding for naíonraí. The Language Support Scheme supports naíonra staff and non-teaching school staff members who undertake training to improve their Irish language proficiency. Another scheme - Scéim Le Chéile Trí Ghaeilge – makes grants available to naíonraí, Irish-medium schools and Gaeltacht schools to fund events through the medium of Irish. In the case of start-up naíonraí, a third scheme offers support to committees who are working to expand the provision of Irish-medium education at preschool level.
