Thursday, 9 Feb 2017

Written Answers Nos. 153 - 165

Human Rights Investigations

Ceisteanna (153)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

153. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in January 2017 at least 13 human rights defenders were killed in Colombia (details supplied); and if he will raise this issue with his Colombian counterpart. [6528/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The level of attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia so far this year is a matter of great concern. The situation is being closely monitored by my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I reiterate that I condemn unreservedly any intimidation or violence perpetrated against human rights defenders in Colombia or elsewhere.

I firmly believe that the Colombian peace process, which aims to create a virtuous circle between peacebuilding and respect for human rights, provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society can successfully be addressed.

I had the opportunity to discuss the peace process in Colombia with my EU colleagues and with the President of Colombia, Mr Juan Manuel Santos, at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 12 December. The EU Special Envoy to the Colombian Peace Process, Mr Eamon Gilmore, also participated in our discussion. I made clear the importance Ireland attaches to supporting the implementation of the peace agreement, and noted the need for all parties to the process to maintain momentum and to ensure that the citizens of Colombia begin to see evidence of a peace dividend.

Ireland is a founder member and one of the largest contributors to the EU Trust Fund for Colombia. We have committed to providing €3 million in funding over the lifetime of the Fund, which aims to support the implementation of the peace agreement. Ireland has been closely involved in discussion of its strategic direction and advocated a strong human rights perspective for the Fund, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights internationally. We will continue to prioritise this issue as the agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC is implemented in the months and years ahead.

Officials from my Department regularly meet representatives of human rights organisations active in Colombia. Most recently, in November 2016, they hosted a delegation from Peace Brigades International to discuss the worrying increase in violence against local leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia.

Officials from our Embassy in Mexico regularly interact with organisations working to promote and defend human rights in Colombia. Ireland has provided more than €10 million to international and local civil society organizations in Colombia in the past decade, including to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Christian Aid, amongst others. In addition, Ireland regularly raises issues relating to human rights directly in Bogotá and via the UN and European Union.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (154)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

154. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of expenditure by his Department or any organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the years from 2005 to 2016, in tabular form, on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, interview training and preparation, including details of the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related, and the company or individual to whom such payments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6539/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The nature and scope of the Deputy’s request is such that my Department needs more time to prepare the response in full. My Department has been in touch with the Deputy directly and will prepare material for reply to his question in accordance with Standing Order 42A.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (155)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

155. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of officials in his Department that have expertise in custom trade agreements; if he is satisfied there are enough officials qualified in same; if his Department or another Department is taking a lead in this particular area in the context of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6569/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of the Taoiseach is responsible for whole-of-government co-ordination on Brexit. Within that framework, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will lead on the EU/UK negotiations once they begin.

Both Departments are working very closely with all other Departments. One of the main functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs will be to co-ordinate the inputs of other Departments as the negotiations progress and to ensure that our range of national interests is advanced through a coherent strategy.

Those Departments have particular expertise in and knowledge of the sectors for which they are responsible. Therefore, within our overall negotiating structures, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will have responsibility for trade issues, while the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners will lead on customs.

I would recall that under the Treaties it is the Commission which will negotiate with the UK on behalf of the European Union, both in the Article 50 exit negotiations and in negotiations on a future relationship. In the upcoming Article 50 negotiations it will be operating within the framework of negotiating guidelines adopted by the European Council and a more detailed mandate adopted by the General Affairs Council. The progress of the negotiations will be monitored and assessed on a weekly basis by Permanent Representatives and senior colleagues, and the negotiating guidelines and mandate reviewed and updated as necessary by the European Council and the General Affairs Council respectively.

Superannuation Schemes

Ceisteanna (156)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

156. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the mandatory application of the spouses' and children's scheme is under review; if there is consideration of it being optional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6444/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Membership of the Revised Civil Service Spouses and Childrens' Superannuation Scheme has been compulsory for all new entrant Civil Servants since 1984.

The benefits of the Revised scheme compared to the Original scheme are that post-retirement spouses are now encompassed by the scheme and post-retirement children, including those born outside of marraige who weren't previously covered, now are. Therefore it is extremely difficult to definitively state that a member will never benefit from this scheme.

Public service spouses' and children's schemes are structured on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members. On that basis I have no plans to review the scheme at present.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (157)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

157. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of expenditure by his Department or any organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the years from 2005 to 2016, in tabular form, on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, interview training and preparation, including details of the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related, and the company or individual to whom such payments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question, the tables below outline the level of expenditure on photography, advertising, website development and interview training and development by my Department since it was established in 2011.  There has been no expenditure on communications advice and public relations during that period. 

There is also information in relation to the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), The Public Appointments Service (PAS), the State Laboratory and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).  The reply in relation to the Office of Public Works will follow within the next ten days in accordance with Standing Order 42A.   

The SEUPB does not record expenditure under the headings of communications advice or interview training and preparation, therefore these have not been included within their response.  Please note, all expenditure outlined within their response relates to both the INTERREG and PEACE Programmes and is presented in sterling. The SEUPB is a North/South Body.  The attached figures represent 100% of the costs, which includes contributions from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the EU Programmes/ERDF.  It would be very difficult to calculate an estimate of the percentage of the costs that are directly attributable to Ireland.

  Photography

Date	Details of the event	Supplier	Expenditure
2012	Irish Presidency EUPAN HRWG/IPSG meeting	Fennell Photography	€105
-	Irish Presidency EUPAN Directors General meeting	Fennell Photography	€105
-	Public Service Excellence Awards 2012	Maxwell Photography	€812
-	Advertorial to publicise restructured CSEAS	Bradán Publishing	€418
-	-	Total	€1,440
2015	ONE HR Learning and Development Strategy 2015-2017	Marc O'Sullivan Photography	€369
-	Implementation of Action 13 Civil Service Renewal Plan	Steven Langan t/a City Headshots	€1,500
-	2015 Implementation of Action 13 Civil Service Renewal Plan	Maxwell Photography Limited	€529
-	NSSO photography head shots	Maxwell Photography Limited	€126
-	-	Total	€2,524
2016	2016 Implementation of Action 13 Civil Service Renewal Plan	Fennell Photography	€849
-	2016 Implementation of Action 13 Civil Service Renewal Plan	Lafayette Photography	€476
-	Official opening event for the OGP Offices at Spencer Dock	Noel Hillis Photography	€220
-	-	Total	€1,545

 

Advertising

2011	Public Consultation on the Regulation of Lobbying	Brindley Advertising	€3,720
-	-	Total	€3,720
2012	Employee assistance service	Journal Advertising	€418
-	Advertisement for the Chief Procurement Officer	Newspaper Advertising	€2,075
-	-	Total	€2,493
2014	Procurement Advertisement in Emergency Services Ireland	Emergency Services Ltd	€2,399
-	Procurement Advertisement and Editorial in the Irish Packaging and Print Directory 2014	Tara Publishing	€2,454
-	Procurement Advertisement in Council Review Magazine	Council Review	€2,399
-	Procurement Advertisement in Local Authority / Council Review	Local Authority Journal	€2,399
-	Etenders Procurement Advertisement in Public Sector Times Magazine	J.P. Devlin Media LTD	€1,046
-	Consultation Process Advertisement in Irish Examiner regarding new Procurement Directives	Media Vest	€835
-	Consultation Process Advertisement in the Irish Times regarding new Procurement Directives	Media Vest	€1,280
-	Consultation Process Advertisement in the Irish Independent regarding new Procurement Directives	Media Vest	€1,484
-	Statutory requirement for Advertisement in 'Seachtain' seeking comments from the public on proposed Department's Irish Language Scheme	Media Vest	€344
-	Public Consultation on Civil Service Accountability	Media Vest	€6,715
-	Consultation on Data Sharing	Media Vest	€2,786
-	-	Total	€24,141
2015	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	Iris Oifigiuil	€42
-	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	Galway Advertiser	€354
-	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	Tuam Herald	€167
-	Advertisements for  expressions of interest for appointments to a panel of appeal officers to review certain decisions made by the Standards in Public Office Commission in relation to the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015. Appeals to be conducted through Irish.	Media Vest	€4,663
-	Public Consultation process for Corporate Governance Code	Media Vest	€5,037
-	Public Consultation on Commissioning in Human, Social and Community Services	Newspaper advertising	€6,855
-	Open competition for an Actuary post in the Department	Newspaper advertising & advertising with the Society of Actuaries in Ireland	€2,460
-	Flyer design	Fiona Kearns	€580
-	Flyer design	Fiona Kearns	€480
-	-	Total	€20,638
2016	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	Galway Advertiser	€480
-	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	Southern Star	€177
-	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	Iris Oifigiuil	€31
-	Notice regarding Bandon Flood Relief Scheme	Irish Examiner	€482
-	Notice regarding Bandon Flood Relief Scheme	Southern Star	€133
-	Notice regarding Bandon Flood Relief Scheme	Iris Oifigiuil	€31
-	Consultation on the first review of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015	Media Vest	€3,548
-	-	Total	€4,882

 

Website Development

Date	Website details	Supplier	Expenditure
2013	Budget.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€5,685
-	Circulars.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€5,164
-	CMO.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€7,749
-	Databank.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€2,585
-	Gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€12,912
-	OGCIO.ie	Harvey Nash	€9,813
-	PER.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€16,012
-	-	Total	€59,920
2014	SPS.gov.ie	Harvey Nash	€4,981
-	Design of website for Freedom of Information	Egg Design	€5,781
-	RFT provision for initial development cost which forms a part of expert support for Ireland's Open Data Initative, other expert support	NUI Galway	€19,188
-	Website development eTenders.gov.ie	EUS Holdings	€41,189
-	Website development procurement.ie	Iterate	€3,776
-	-	Total	€74,915
2015	HTML Development	Jet Design	€677
-	Website development eTenders.gov.ie	EUS Holdings	€57,396
-	Website development procurement.ie	Iterate	€4,428
-	-	Total	€62,501
2016	Redevelopment of the Senior Public Service website (sps.gov.ie)	Arekibo Communications Ltd.	€2,706
-	Whereyourmoneygoes.gov.ie	Arekibo Communications Ltd.	€5,006
-	Website development eTenders.gov.ie	EUS Holdings	€474,322
-	Website development procurement.ie	Iterate	€18,539
-	Design for national information website for the European Structural and Investment Funds	Arekibo Communications Ltd.	€4,400
-	-	Total	€504,973

 

Interview Training and Preparation

Date	Description	Supplier	Expenditure
2014	Interview training and preparation	Public Affairs Ireland	€295
-	Interview training and preparation	Carr Communications	€3,250
-	-	Total	€3,545
2015	Interview training and preparation	Carr Communications	€7,075
-	Interview training and preparation	Communications Clinic	€400
-	Interview training and preparation - PeoplePoint	Carr Communications	€3,900
-	-	Total	€11,375
2016	Interview training and preparation	Carr Communications	€3,900
-	Interview training and preparation	Communications Clinic	€400
-	Interview training and preparation OGP	Carr Communications	€650
-	-	Total	€4,950

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (158)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

158. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the restoration of Glasnevin tower; if there is an opening date set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6551/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The internal stairs of the O’Connell Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery were completely destroyed by a bomb in 1971. Glasnevin Trust is currently undertaking a project to reinstate stair access to the top of the tower based on the original designs. I understand that the works are expected to be completed by Q3, 2017 with the Glasnevin Trust then opening the facility thereafter for public access, in small escorted groups.

Budget 2017

Ceisteanna (159)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

159. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount of the carryover cost of budget 2017 measures into 2018; the impact the carryover cost will have on the net fiscal space available for budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The estimated carryover impact of certain Budget 2017 measures was published on Page 36 of Expenditure Report 2017 (Table 9) and amounted to approximately €½ billion at that time. This estimate will be updated as the relevant Budget measures are implemented.

These carryover costs will need to be accommodated within the net fiscal space available for Budget 2018 to the extent that such carryover impact cannot be met by reprioritisation of Departmental expenditure identified during the Spending Review.

 

Lansdowne Road Agreement

Ceisteanna (160)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

160. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Government currently has the funding to pay for the agreement reached with unions to move forward pay restoration under the Lansdowne Road agreement to 1 April 2017; the source of the funding currently secured; the measures already identified by the Government to pay for the funding, by Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6561/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ 3273/17 on the 26th of January 2017.

Foras na Gaeilge

Ceisteanna (161)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

161. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí ar an eolas maidir leis na pleananna atá ag Foras na Gaeilge bogadh as Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí agus foirgneamh príobháideach a fháil ar cíos; má chuireann an eagraíocht sin na pleananna sin i gcrích an mbeidh sí ag sárú a cuid dualgas faoin meamram airgeadais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6431/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Seán Kyne)

Ní mór dom a threisiú gur ceisteanna oibríochtúla d'Fhoras na Gaeilge ar an gcéad dul síos na ceisteanna maidir le léasanna áirithe.

Tuigtear dom go raibh Foras na Gaeilge ag lorg socrú cóiríochta fadtéarmaigh ó 2013 i leith, i gcomhairle le hOifig na nOibreacha Poiblí, sular tháinig deireadh lena léas 35 bliana ar a cheanncheathrú reatha i gCearnóg Mhuirfean sa bhliain 2015. Tiocfaidh deireadh leis an léas fadtéarmach ar oifig an Fhorais ar Shráid Fhreidric Thuaidh i mbliana chomh maith. Sa chomhthéacs nach féidir na léasanna sin a athnuachan, tuigtear dom go bhfuiltear ag súil an dá oifig a thabhairt le chéile agus socruithe fadtéarmacha a dhéanamh ó thaobh cheanncheathrú nua don eagraíocht i mBaile Átha Cliath.

Is féidir liom a chur in iúl go ndearna Foras na Gaeilge cás gnó cuimsitheach do na Ranna Urraíochta san dá dlínse, mar is cuí i gcomhréir le halt 5 dá Mheamram Airgeadais, maidir le léas a ghlacadh ar chíos oifige atá os cionn tairseach €37,500 p.a., agus go bhfuil cead i bprionsabal tugtha ag na Ranna Urraíochta chuige sin.

Education Schemes

Ceisteanna (162)

Josepha Madigan

Ceist:

162. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to develop musical education and make instruments available to young persons and the general population through facilitating schools, youth groups and libraries in enhancing their music resources and the provision of access to musical training and instruments for the benefit of local communities. [6442/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry and a range of initiatives are in place to support music and musical education.

Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including music, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. I am pleased that I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council in Budget 2017 amounting to an increase of €5 million, or 8%. This increase will enable the Council to enhance support to artists and arts organisations around the country, including young and upcoming artists, in line with its strategy statement, Making Great Art Work, which prioritises support for the artist and public engagement.

In addition, my Department, through Culture Ireland, provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers. I have increased the annual baseline funding for Culture Ireland from €2.5m in 2016 to €3.5m in 2017.

My Department also provides funding for an annual scheme to assist in the purchase of musical instruments by talented individuals and groups. Under the Music Capital Scheme, which is managed by Music Network, grants are made available to groups to support the purchase of musical instruments. Further details are available on the website of Music Network at www.musicnetwork.ie

In addition to funding for the purchase of musical instruments, my Department provides funding to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture. In 2016, funding of €1,448,000 was provided to CCÉ by my Department. CCÉ provide weekly classes in a variety of traditional instruments, singing, and dance through its network of centres and branches all over the country as well as summer schools. CCÉ maintains a full schedule of educational events, such as lectures, exhibitions, workshops and concerts, sometimes in conjunction with the Fleadhanna Cheoil. Further information is available on the website of CCÉ at www.comhaltas.ie

The Creative Ireland Programme is the Government’s Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach the draft framework policy which I published in July this year. It is a five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. It is built around five pillars the first of which is Enabling the Creative Potential of Every Child. Arising out of this my Department will be working with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs over the coming months to develop a plan so that by 2022 every child in Ireland will have access to tuition in music, drama, art and coding.

The full Creative Ireland programme is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://creative.ireland.ie/sites/default/files/creative_ireland_programme.pdf.

Cross-Border Projects

Ceisteanna (163)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the restoration of the Ulster Canal will proceed to the next stage; the funding allocated for this project in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6511/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Government approval to restore a 2.5km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan was granted on 24 February 2015. The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland.

Waterways Ireland is in the final stages of the tender assessment process for Phase 3 of the Ulster Canal works which will extend navigation to Castlesaunderson, Co. Cavan.

It is expected that the contract will be awarded by the end of February 2017. It is anticipated that a contractor will be on site towards the end of April 2017.

A budget of €1.8m has been allocated to this project for 2017.

Heritage Projects

Ceisteanna (164, 165)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

164. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of funding that will be allocated in 2017 to Cavan County Council in respect of heritage projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6512/17]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

165. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the level of funding that will be allocated in 2017 to Monaghan County Council in respect of heritage projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6513/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

There are a number of ways in which my Department acts in respect of possible heritage sites/buildings deemed to be at risk. Financial support is provided through a number of structured schemes for the repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding of protected structures, sites or monuments.

The Structures at Risk Fund seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures, in both private and public ownership, which might otherwise be lost. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) was developed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Both these schemes are administered through the local authorities and I recently announced that they will be open for applications throughout the month of February. It is a matter for each local authority to invite applications and to submit them to my Department by the due dates. On receipt, applications will be examined by my Department and I will announce funding allocations in due course, including to the two local authorities in question.

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 for 2017 will be advertised by the Heritage Council on www.heritagecouncil.ie.

My Department is also providing €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2017 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. OPW undertakes the care and maintenance of national monuments in my ownership or guardianship (of which there are approximately 750). My Department’s National Monuments Service works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.