Written Answers Nos. 367-391
367. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the tender price for the Cork events centre submitted by a company (details supplied); if €20 million of public money has been sanctioned for the project; if the Government is now considering a request for a further €10 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8168/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork Events Centre is a project being developed and managed by Cork City Council. My Department has allocated €12 million to Cork City Council towards the cost of the Centre. To date, my Department has received no request for additional funding towards the cost of the Centre from Cork City Council.
368. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici athnuachan a dhéanamh ar scéim na mbóithre pobail, scéim na gcéibheanna beaga agus scéim na mbóithre áise; an ndéanfar an méid airgid atá i gceist a chur ar fáil do na scéimeanna seo i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8136/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá forfheidhmiú na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 a foilsíodh i mí na Nollag 2010 áirithe go sonrach mar sprioc i gClár an Rialtais Rannpháirtíochta. Anuas air sin, tugann Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 feidhm reachtúil don phróiseas pleanála teanga sa Ghaeltacht faoina mbeidh pleananna teanga á n-ullmhú ag leibhéal an phobail. Tabharfar tréimhse ama don phobal chun pleananna teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú, le tacaíochtaí chuí ón Stát.
Tá na scéimeanna atá luaite ag an Teachta ar fionraí anois. I bhfianaise na n-éileamh airgeadais a eascróidh as chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20-Bliana agus an phróiseas phleanála teanga, agus an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an obair sin, ní bheidh ar chumas mo Roinne na scéimeanna sin a athnuachan i mbliana.
369. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to have a special module under the CLÁR programme in 2017 for local improvement scheme non-county roads; the allocation that is intended to provide for this work; if co-funding will be required from the local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8141/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2016 CLÁR programme included a measure to support the maintenance and development of local access roads to public amenities such as beaches and waterways, to facilitate the safe use of these resources by local communities and visitors alike.
The Action Plan for Rural Development which was published recently includes a commitment to promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes (for non-public roads and laneways) and Community Involvement schemes (for regional and local roads), on an annual basis, as resources permit. Responsibility for this action is assigned to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Local Authorities.
In view of this commitment by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, I do not envisage that the CLÁR programme will fund a similar scheme for improvements to local non-county roads in 2017.
370. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the withdrawal of the best practice management guidelines for Japanese knotweed in November2016; when it is intended to issue new guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8145/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has worked closely over the years with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to fund and manage the Invasive Species Ireland Project and this initiative resulted in Best Practice Management Guidelines for a number of invasive species, including Japanese knotweed being published on the project website at www.invasivespeciesireland.com.
However, the Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese knotweed were removed from the Invasive Species Ireland website as there is now a requirement to review and update these guidelines. Work on this review and the development of updated guidelines is currently underway.
In the meantime, information on general management approaches to invasive plant species is available from the Invasive Species Ireland website:
http://invasivespeciesireland.com/toolkit/invasive-plant-management/
371. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names of the organisations from County Louth which have applied for capital funding from her Department under the arts and culture capital scheme 2016-2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8190/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for arts and culture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. This kind of investment is at the centre of what I am trying to achieve through Creative Ireland and the Action Plan for Rural Development.
The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme was considerably over-subscribed. The Department received 106 applications in total under Stream 1 and 2 totalling over €14.6m. Following the assessment process, 56 projects are being funded. Two applications were received from organisations in Co Louth, namely Carlingford Heritage Ltd and Droichead Arts Centre.
Unfortunately both of these applications were ineligible under the terms of the scheme. My Department has written to both applicants outlining the reason they were unsuccessful and will be happy to engage with each organisation in relation to their specific application. Unsuccessful applicants have also been informed of the Stream 3 small capital grant scheme for arts and cultural facilities which I will be announcing shortly.
372. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if consideration will be given to the request of a local authority for CLÁR funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8238/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCLÁR is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
The 2016 CLÁR programme focused on three separate measures:
- Measure 1: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities
- Measure 2: Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas
- Measure 3: Local Access Roads.
I have secured an allocation of €5 million for CLÁR for 2017. Details of the particular measures to be funded will be announced shortly.
The CLÁR programme is not intended to displace mainstream resources which are available to bodies such as the Local Authorities. My objective for the 2017 programme will be to maximise the impact of the funding which is available, for the benefit of communities in CLÁR areas.
373. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in respect of the submission of Kells, County Meath, and its monastic site as part of the tentative list of locations for future nomination to the world heritage list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8297/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s current World Heritage Tentative List has come about from a very comprehensive process undertaken by a panel of Irish and international heritage experts specifically appointed for that purpose. The process included full public consultation and an in-depth review of all proposed candidate sites.
The Tentative List produced by the expert group contains a list of seven potential nominations, including Early Medieval Monastic Sites of which Kells forms part, along with Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Inis Cealtra and Monasterboice. The expert group considered that these six sites were exemplars of the early Church’s rich cultural and historical past which played a crucial role in Europe’s educational and artistic development.
In the meantime, my Department has engaged with local authorities and local groups from the areas with proposals on the Tentative List to gauge the extent of the support available to advance the proposals and to clarify the work and resources required for that purpose. The fundamental requirement is that each site must be capable of demonstrating Outstanding Universal Value to UNESCO.
As Kells is included in a serial nomination, and is part of a representative sample of Irish monuments, all the component parts must enjoy local support to ensure that the overall proposal can proceed to formal nomination stage. My Department is happy to continue to engage with representatives of the areas in the Early Medieval Monastic Sites nomination if the local communities and especially the local authorities, who must generally take the lead, consider that it would be of assistance.
I am committed to supporting the current proposals in every way that I can. The process is undoubtedly both complex and lengthy and the work at every stage must be supported and developed from the local level up with stakeholder buy-in and commitment at every stage. While this adds to the timescale, it avoids a top down approach lacking the engagement necessary with local communities to secure full support for the proposals and for the protection and preservation of the sites into the future.
374. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the solutions her Department proposes to take to tackle the issue of wild deer in County Donegal, in view of the fact that they are causing road safety and disease control concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8597/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They can be found throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as the National Parks. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners, who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.
In relation to preventing road accidents involving deer, my Department is of the view that improving sight lines for motorists as well as improved (and possibly larger) signage is likely to be the most effective measure to assist motorists to be vigilant when driving through areas where populations of deer can be expected.
In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action in 2015, which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum has been established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments .
375. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the administration and management structures in Creative Ireland; the way in which the Creative Ireland advisory committees will be structured and their membership; her plans to maintain the so-called arm's length approach to Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8617/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme – Clár Éire Ildánach 2017 – 2022on the 8 December 2016 as the Government's Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, the draft cultural policy which I published in July 2016.
The Creative Ireland Programme will embrace the whole cultural sector, bringing together all those involved in the arts, film, broadcasting, visual arts, cultural heritage, the Irish language and Gaeltacht, with Government Departments and State agencies.
The objects for the Creative Ireland Programme will primarily be delivered through, and in partnership with, existing agencies, local authorities, cultural institutions and State bodies.
While the programme will operate under the aegis of my Department it is important to note that this is a cross-Government initiative designed to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national well-being. I have established a dedicated Project Office within my Department that will be responsible for the implementation of this programme. The programme will be overseen by a Cabinet Committee chaired by An Taoiseach and by a Senior Officials Group led by the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach, comprising civil servants from each relevant Department.
There are no plans at present for setting up Creative Ireland Advisory committees.
376. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of upgrading information technology systems and databases to incorporate the use of Eircode postcodes; if the use of Eircode postcodes is mandatory in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8626/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no costs have been incurred within my Department to date in relation to the incorporation of Eircode, as the necessary modifications to existing systems and databases have been carried out in-house.
My Department has prepared a policy in relation to the use of Eircode within our systems and procedures. This encourages the use of Eircode in view of the associated benefits but their use is not mandatory.
377. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding is available to open an arts centre in Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for existing dedicated arts and culture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. This kind of investment is at the centre of what I am trying to achieve through the Creative Ireland Programme and the Action Plan for Rural Development.
The arts and capital grants scheme is focused on existing infrastructure and does not fund the setting up of new centres. This would be a matter in the first instance for the local authority.
It should be noted that my Department already provides annual current funding to Siamsa Tíre in Tralee. €310,000 has been allocated in 2017. In addition, capital funding of over €230,000 has been provided since 2009. Siamsa Tíre describes itself as “one of the busiest theatres and arts centres in the country".
378. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of female members on the boards of all national cultural institutions in tabular form. [8724/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that membership of the boards of the National Cultural Institutions is as set out in the following table. I am committed to achieving the target, set out in the Government’s Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, of at least 40% representation of each gender on Boards within my Department’s remit. As the Deputy will note from the table below, the Boards of the National Cultural Institutions in aggregate have 52% female membership. It should be noted that arrangements are currently in train, in co-operation with the Public Appointments Service, to fill vacancies on the National Archives Advisory Council.
|
Cultural Institution |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
3 |
7 |
10 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
7 |
5 |
12 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
6 |
6 |
12 |
|
National Concert Hall |
4 |
5 |
9 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
10 |
7 |
17 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
6 |
6 |
12 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
10 |
6 |
16 |
|
National Archives Advisory Council |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
47 |
43 |
90 |
379. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to introduce a national agency to fund and promote local authority museums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8725/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department runs a Local and Regional Museum Scheme for small capital projects to enhance the offering of local authority and specialised museums and I have no plans to establish a new agency to perform this function. Over €80,000 was awarded to 19 projects under that scheme in 2016.
Further, I recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for arts and culture centres across the country as part of the Creative Ireland programme, with funding provided under my Department’s Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. These centres include a number of local authority facilities and specialised museums.
380. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she is taking any steps to promote gender diversity in Ireland's national theatres. [8726/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Abbey Theatre, Ireland's National Theatre is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act with an independent Board. As Minister, I have no statutory function in relation to the programming of the National Theatre or any other theatre. However, I am aware that the Abbey Theatre in particular has committed to developing policies to promote gender equality since the Waking the Feminist event in 2015 and this is something I support. On a more general level, I am considering requesting all national cultural institutions to put appropriate gender policies in place. This is something which I will be discussing with the institutions shortly.
381. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to control and eradicate the spread of the invasive plant species rhododendron ponticum (details supplied) from peatlands and in particular from west Donegal; if there are no plans, when she will devise an eradication plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8754/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for implementing the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011), both of which deal with invasive species issues. In law, control of invasive species is primarily a matter for landowners on whose land they occur.
Rhododendron is a considerable problem and poses a threat especially to native woodland and can spread extensively on peatlands. My Department carries out considerable work on control of rhododendron in National Parks and Nature Reserves, including Glenveagh National Park, but I do not have the resources required to extend such work into the wider countryside or private lands.
There is no specific control and eradication plans for rhododendron in place in relation to designated peatlands outside the National Parks and Nature Reserves. However, there is considerable work being carried out by a number of bodies to contain certain problematic species and my Department, with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, is gathering information on what measures are in operation in order to assess what resources are required, and how better coordination might contribute to more effective control.
382. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the EU funds her Department accesses; the plans she is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if she will outline initiatives she is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only EU funding directly accessed by my Department are LIFE Programme funds. The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects with European added value. The Department receives funding for a number of projects under this programme including the ARAN LIFE programme, the KERRY LIFE programme and a programme to restore Active Raised Bogs in Ireland’s SAC Network 2016.
An internal working group has been established within my Department with a view to identifying the opportunities and challenges around Brexit, including any impact on EU funding streams. My Department is also participating in an inter-Departmental Group on UK-EU relations, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, with members drawn from all Government Departments and a number of other bodies such as the Central Bank.
My Department continues to seek to advance priority investment projects on an ongoing basis and particularly in the context of the annual Estimates process and the periodic reviews of Expenditure which occur from time to time.
383. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the public funding supplied to trade unions and representative bodies in 2015 and 2016 from her Department, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9094/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that my Department does not provide public funding to trade unions or staff representative bodies of the type described by the Deputy and that no expenditure of this kind was incurred in the years in question.
384. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to regulate persons and groups that offer advice on responsible gambling; his further plans to regulate the setting up of awareness and education groups and associations regarding offering services and advice on gambling addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8122/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of persons or groups that offer advice on responsible gambling does not come within the remit of the Department of Health.
The Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for the regulation of the gambling industry. The General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government and is currently in drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill as proposed will update all existing laws on the regulation of gambling including betting and gaming but excluding the National Lottery. It will have consumer protection generally as one of its core principles, will provide for the licensing of all forms of on-line gambling and will include measures that will require licence holders to act in a socially responsible way.
While the HSE does not provide specific services for persons with a gambling addiction, those who present for treatment for gambling addiction are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling. Counselling and rehabilitation services provide care to those presenting with a gambling addiction through one to one counselling, financial advice and onward referral to other services and supports, where appropriate, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Psychotherapists and counsellors are not currently regulated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. However, similar to other practitioners they are subject to legislation including consumer legislation, competition, contract and criminal law.
385. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the capacity of each community hospital in County Kerry; the number of beds that are occupied and vacant respectively, at present; the staff numbers in each community hospital for each of the years 2013 to 2016; the future potential for extra capacity in Kerry community hospitals, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
386. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Exchequer if a decision is taken to grant a licence for a supervised injecting facility on a pilot basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8058/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 February 2017, the Government approved the publication of the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017. The Bill and the subsequent Ministerial regulations made thereunder will allow for the licensing, provision and operation of supervised injecting facilities under specific circumstances, whilst protecting the public health and ensuring that the prohibition on possession and supply of illicit drugs outside of such facilities is adequately maintained.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) estimates that it will cost in the region of €1.5m to operate a supervised injecting facility in a full year. An additional €3 million in funding has been made available to the HSE this year to improve addiction services. The increased budget includes provision of €0.75m to enable the establishment of a pilot supervised injecting facility in the second half of 2017, subject to the legislation being passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
387. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
388. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health the criteria that determine the medicines available under the long-term illness scheme; if panhypopituitarism medication is covered; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
389. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [8078/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
390. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied)can expect an appointment. [8079/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
391. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if his Department will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied) due to the nature of their illness and need for urgent assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8080/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
