Written Answers Nos. 254-280
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a deferral of JobPath meetings will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); if provision will be made whereby jobseeker's or similar payment will continue in this case in view of the necessity for the person to remain at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9469/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection has been in contact with the person concerned in relation to the particular circumstances in this matter. Following this communication it is now the intention of the person concerned to apply for a carer’s allowance. An application form was sent to the person concerned by post and upon receipt of a completed application for carer’s allowance a deferral may be possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if maternity benefit is payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9473/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity benefit is a payment made for up to 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions and who qualify for maternity leave from work. In addition to meeting the PRSI contributions for the tax year relevant to her claim, a woman must also be in insurable employment that is covered by the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, immediately before the first day of maternity leave. The last day of insurable employment must be within 16 weeks of the end of the week her baby is due. It must also be established that any PRSI contributions that are being considered for the purposes of qualifying for maternity benefit payments are valid.
It has been confirmed that the work permit of the person concerned expired on 31/01/2016, and she was therefore not in insurable employment within 16 weeks of the date on which her baby was due (10/08/2016). Any PRSI contributions that she may have paid after 31/01/2016 are not considered valid and cannot be used for the purposes of qualifying for maternity benefit.
Unfortunately, as the person concerned does not satisfy all of the qualifying conditions as required in accordance with current social welfare legislation, maternity benefit is not payable in her case.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will facilitate urgent restoration of rent support incorporating an increase in rent to €1,000 per month in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9475/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent Supplement is currently in payment to the client concerned and will issue accordingly on 23/2/17.
Any changes in a client's circumstances that may affect their entitlements should be immediately notified to the Department. The client should submit an up to date Rent Supplement application form to the Department together with a lease agreement confirming any increase in their monthly rent. On receipt of same, the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be re-assessed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will facilitate an appeal in respect of refusal of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9478/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal by the person concerned having been received by that office.
In order to make a valid appeal the person concerned should write to the Social Welfare Appeals Office outlining her up to date grounds of appeal i.e. the reason why she disagrees with the conclusions of the Deciding Officer. On receipt of same an appeal will be registered.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an urgent restoration of disability allowance will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9479/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that disability allowance was awarded to this lady with effect from 14 October 2015. Her first payment issued on 18 May 2016. She continues to be in receipt of disability allowance.
In order to remain in receipt of this payment, the person in question must continue to satisfy the conditions for the scheme. My department issued a query regarding her residency status on 23 January 2017. To date no response has been received.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
260. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employees in his Department and under its aegis who are suspended from work without prejudice and on full pay pending an investigation. [9723/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has five staff members suspended from work pending the completion of investigations under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
The staff members are suspended from work without prejudice on full pay in accordance with the Disciplinary Code.
261. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps and measures in place to facilitate increased demand for Irish passports following the British referendum to leave the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9152/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service issued 733,060 passports in 2016. This represented an increase of over 9% on the previous year. We expect the number of passport applications to continue increasing throughout 2017.
The increase in demand is driven by a number of factors including a general increase in the number of Irish residents travelling abroad, a growing population, as well as a significant rise in application numbers from Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The invocation of Article 50 in March is likely to add further to the high levels of increase in passport applications from the UK. Last year applications from Northern Ireland increased by almost 27% compared to 2015 and applications from Great Britain increased by over 40%. Total applications from the UK reached almost 132,000. While this increase in demand from the UK is substantial, it still accounts for only 18% of the total number of passports issued in 2016.
Significant customer service improvements that are being rolled out as part of the Passport Reform Programme will assist in managing growing demand. In particular the new online service for adult renewals to be launched in the coming months will result in reduced turnaround times for applicants and significant efficiency gains for the Passport Service.
In the immediate term and to respond to the seasonal demand and the more general increases, a total of 230 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited into the Department. Over half of these Officers are already in place and most others will join by early March. They are assisting permanent staff with passport entitlement checking and customer care, including by responding to queries received via phone calls, emails and social media.
The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff resources and to minimise the impact of the high demand on turnaround times and on customer service. The need for additional resources will be kept under review.
262. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking at EU level to advance the cause of the Palestinian people throughout the occupied West Bank and to curb the perceived destruction by the Israeli Government of Palestinian homes in the region. [9148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have consistently argued at EU and international level that, in addition to the obvious priority of encouraging negotiations to reach a peace agreement, there needs to be a strong international focus on the unjust and damaging policies being carried out by the Israeli occupation administration, which are deeply provocative and threaten to make impossible any future negotiations. Ireland has focused in particular on the process of settlement expansion, and the demolitions, evictions and expropriations which are part and parcel of it.
The EU has taken a number of policy actions directed at illegal settlements, for instance measures to ensure the accurate labelling of settlement goods. I will continue to work for the elaboration of further such measures. I have made clear my view that the international community, including the EU, needs to take stronger measures.
Ireland also supports, through financial assistance and actions on the ground, the work of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are working on human rights and justice issues on behalf of Palestinians.
263. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government is taking together with the international community in order to support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, especially after the decision of the US President, Donald Trump, and the United States not to pursue a two-state solution; his views on whether Ireland should recognise the state of Palestine in an attempt to bring about the two-state solution rather than waiting for the enactment of the solution to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions 29 and 33 in the oral Parliamentary Question session yesterday, which dealt with the position of the US Government and the issue of recognition.
Ireland and our EU partners have made clear, and will continue to make clear, our continuing full support for a two state solution in the Middle East. The strong international consensus in favour of this position was restated only last month at the Paris Conference, and in Resolution 2334 adopted by the UN Security Council in December. I hope that, as the new US administration continues to examine its options in the Middle East, the logic of this long standing international consensus will reassert itself.
I am keeping under continuous assessment whether recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine at this time could help to bring closer the achievement of that solution. If I conclude that it would, I will have no hesitation in recommending to the Government to recognise a state of Palestine.
264. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of the Government regarding a potential EU-Cuba pact especially following the visit of President Michael D. Higgins with Cuban President Raúl Castro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the margins of the Foreign affairs Council on 12 December 2016 I joined my fellow EU foreign ministers and the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs in signing the EU-Cuba Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation. This is the first such agreement between the EU and Cuba. Its signature marks a further positive step forward in relations between Cuba and the EU, which have improved considerably in recent years.
The agreement is robust and comprehensive, consisting of three main pillars, namely Political Dialogue, Cooperation and Sector Policy Dialogue, and Trade and Trade Cooperation. The core aim of the agreement is to open channels of dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Cuba in order to assist the modernisation of the Cuban economy and society, strengthen human rights and democracy, and work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The President’s visit was the first by an EU Head of State to Cuba since the signing of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) in December 2016. The visit was historic in that it was also the first by a serving President of Ireland to Cuba. A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Cuba was signed during the Presidential visit by David Stanton TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration. I warmly welcome the signature of this agreement, the core aim of which is to open the channels of dialogue and cooperation between Ireland and Cuba, particularly in trade and cultural engagement.
My view is that the enhanced relationship between the EU and Cuba as supported by the EU-Cuba PDCA, along with the signature of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Ireland and Cuba last week, together provide a solid framework and welcome opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s bilateral relations with Cuba. This strengthening of the bilateral relationship was further cemented by the historic visit of President Higgins to Cuba. I look forward to continued positive developments in the period ahead.
265. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost per year for the past three years for the retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off-site locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9308/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main file store and Departmental Archive is located in premises in North Co. Dublin. Part of the duties of staff based there is the retrieval and return of hardcopy files stored at that premises. The related costs are set out below:
|
Year |
Cost |
|
2014 |
€2,850 |
|
2015 |
€2,610 |
|
2016 |
€2,860 |
As part of the phased implementation of the 20 Year Rule in relation to the National Archives, four Departments have been identified for the initial implementation phase: the Departments of the Taoiseach; Justice and Equality; the Office of the Attorney General, and my own Department. Once the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has collated all the necessary information, she will formulate an implementation plan in relation to the 20 Year Rule, which will then be brought to Cabinet. I strongly support the objectives of such a plan, one of which is to reduce the need for Departments to continue to allocate unnecessary resources to the storage of records that do not need to be retained permanently or that are eligible for transfer to the National Archives.
266. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost per year for the past three years for the storage of data and-or files on cloud storage or third party servers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9406/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not incurred costs on the storage of corporate data on third party or cloud servers. I am aware of the benefits offered by cloud computing and any future activity in this area will be guided by the Public Service ICT Strategy.
267. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if all regulatory impact assessments for his legislative proposals are published on his Department's websites; the web address for each such site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9422/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regulatory Impact Assessment in relation to the Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is available on my Department’s website at https://www.dfa.ie/our-role-policies/international-priorities/international-law/privileges-and-immunities/. The other recent relevant legislation originating from my Department is the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict (Hague Convention) Bill. As the purpose of this Bill is to enable adherence by the State to international agreements, a Regulatory Impact Assessment was not required.
268. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of employees in his Department and under its aegis who are suspended from work without prejudice and on full pay pending an investigation. [9720/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is one such case in my Department. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.
269. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding TUI and INTO members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No:117 on 26 January 2017.
270. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of employees in his Department and under its aegis who are suspended from work without prejudice and on full pay pending an investigation. [9181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, the table below outlines the number of employees in my Department and the bodies under its aegis that are suspended from work without prejudice on full pay pending an investigation.
|
Organisation |
Number of employees |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) |
1 |
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost per year for the past three years for the retrieval and return of hard copy files stored at off-site locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9312/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, the Department of Finance provides a shared service to my Department for the storage of hard copy files. Details of annual expenditure for the retrieval and return of files stored at off-site locations for the past three years will be provided in the reply from that Department.
272. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the employment status and remuneration levels will be finalised in respect of personnel that were redeployed from the National Building Agency to other agencies within the public service; if those staff whose salary levels have not yet been finalised will obtain the pay scale they held while employees at the National Building Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of the pay scales for former NBA staff is being considered by my department in consultation with their staff association and under the auspices of the WRC. The matter will be finalised as soon as possible.
273. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost per year for the past three years for the storage of data and-or files on cloud storage or third party servers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9410/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not use any cloud provider or third party server based storage services to satisfy its data or file storage needs. The data and file storage requirements are provided for via the use of Government hosted storage services.
274. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all regulatory impact assessments for his legislative proposals are published on his Department's websites; the web address for each such site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9426/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, my Department has published thirty one bills since it was established in 2011.
During that time, seven regulatory impact assessments have been conducted. Four of these were published on my Department's website at the addresses below.
|
Name of Bill/Act |
Website Address |
|
Protected Disclosures Act 2014 |
http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Protected-Disclosures-Bill-2013-Regulatory-Impact-Assessment.pdf |
|
Freedom of Information Act 2014 |
http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/RIA-FOI.pdf |
|
Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 |
http://www.per.gov.ie/en/regulation-of-lobbying/ |
|
Public Sector Standards Bill 2015 |
http://www.per.gov.ie/en/public-sector-standards-bill/ |
275. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the flood defence plan for Cork as proposed by the OPW was the cheapest plan proposed; if the OPW will amend the designs to ensure no loss of amenities while also protecting the heritage of the river, the river walls and the view of the river; and if the OPW will take on board the concerns of a group (details supplied) and other residential groups in Cork concerning the installation of walls as being the main solution for protecting Cork from flooding. [9431/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) appointed consultants in 2013 to develop proposals for a flood relief scheme for the Lower Lee as it affected Cork City and upstream to Inniscarra Dam. The consultants were tasked with developing a viable, cost effective and sustainable Scheme which built upon the findings the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Plan published in January 2014.
The Scheme must provide the standard level of protection provided for such schemes in accordance with international best practice which is taken as dealing with the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (commonly known as a 100 year flood event) for fluvial events and the 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (commonly known as a 200 year flood event) for a tidal event. Significant detailed work was undertaken in arriving at the preferred option for the proposed Scheme. The project involved the review of historical flooding data, hydrological analysis and hydraulic modelling to define flood mechanisms and the extent of the problem. A multi criteria analysis, taking into account technical, environmental, social and economic factors, was carried out of the possible solutions resulting in a preferred solution which was brought to formal public exhibition in December 2016.
Options which were considered either in the Lower Lee CFRAM or during the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme development included upstream storage, land use management, tidal barrage, direct defences, channel widening, modifications of the upstream dams and a flood forecasting system, among others.
The preferred option, at an estimated cost of €140m, was not the lowest cost option and is the least intrusive from a visual perspective and effects the least amount of channel. While the proposed Scheme considerably reduces the flood flow of water through the City in a peak flood event, the volume of water still to be conveyed would result in considerable damage to residential and commercial premises if direct defences as proposed are not installed.
The scheme has been designed by a multidisciplinary team, including Cork City Council, to ensure that there would be no loss of relationship with the river. During the development of the Scheme, Cork City Council drew on the services of the City Architect, the Heritage, Parks and Roads Sections in arriving at its position in relation to the finishes to be used on the Scheme. In many areas where there are existing railings, the proposed defence is a low wall with railings and of those new walls being constructed, their heights will be consistent with other existing walls in the City thereby ensuring that there will be no dramatic change of a pedestrian’s view of the river.
The OPW welcomes all submissions on the proposals as part of the Public Exhibition which is the final stage of a comprehensive consultative process all the way through the design of the Scheme that included a public awareness event at the inception of the project, a public information day at the stage where an emerging preferred option was identified, briefings for elected representatives and business groups in the city and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including a large number of personal consultations by members of the Project Team with those who might be affected directly by the project. So far, approximately 150 submissions have been received, which will all be given careful consideration by the Design team. A meeting has also been arranged with the savecorkcity group during which the group will be given every opportunity to put forward its views on the proposals.
The Scheme, if implemented, will bring huge benefits to Cork City and upstream to Inniscarra with over 2,100 properties benefitting in the design flood events with a further 1,000 properties benefitting from a reduced risk from more extreme events. In addition, approximately €20m will be invested to repair circa 4kms of historic quay walls in the City as part of the Scheme.
The OPW is committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders in progressing the much needed flood defence scheme for Cork city. The overriding objective for all concerned is to construct a scheme that will protect the businesses and other property owners from the 1 in 100 year fluvial flood event and the 1 in 200 year tidal flood event. The OPW and Cork City Council are satisfied that, overall, the design of the Scheme as proposed is sympathetic to the cultural and heritage aspects of the city and does not fundamentally alter the relationship of the river to the city and its inhabitants and visitors.
276. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of negotiations with PDFORRA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9465/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter more appropriate for reply by my colleague the Minister for Defence whose officials conduct negotiations with PDFORRA under the provisions of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Members of the permanent Defence Forces.
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which the various towns throughout the country and in County Kildare have been earmarked for benefit from the recently announced Action Plan for Rural Development; if a priority list has been set out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work and to increase their tourism potential.
From my own Department’s perspective, I have secured funding of €12 million for an enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme this year. This scheme will be launched shortly and towns and villages to be considered under the scheme, including in County Kildare, will be selected through an application and assessment process. The scheme will be funded by my Department and administered by Local Authorities. Full details of the scheme and the application process will be made available when the scheme is launched.
My Department will also provide funding to support towns and villages through the CLÁR programme which has a budget of €5 million this year, and through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund, which have a combined budget of €2.8 million for 2017.
The Heritage Council will be administering a Heritage and Community Grants programme of €0.7 million, along with a historic towns programme of €0.6 million to develop and expand the on-going work of the Department’s Historic Towns Initiative and the Irish Walled Towns Network.
Our towns and villages are the heart of our rural communities, and through these investments and other initiatives across Government we can help to make them more attractive places in which to live and to work.
278. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there are any specific community grants available for multicultural integration events under her Department for towns such as Sligo that have a large multicultural society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the bodies under its aegis operate a wide range of funding schemes in the areas of arts, culture and heritage. Details of these schemes are made available on my Department's website and the individual website of the bodies concerned. For the Deputy's convenience a summary of the various funding areas and the links to detailed information in respect of funding is set out in the tables below. It would be matter for the organisers of such events to apply for funding for specific events within the terms of the individual schemes.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Funding Schemes available from the Department
|
Programme Area |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Film and Investment |
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/arts-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Cultural Policy and Institutions |
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/ freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services- provided-by-the-department/cultural-policy-and-institutions-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Culture Ireland |
http://www.cultureireland.ie/funding |
|
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy |
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/ freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/ services-provided-by-the-department/built-heritage- and-architectural-policy-unit/#grantfunding |
|
National Monuments Service |
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/national-monuments-service/#grantfunding |
|
Leader Programme |
https://www.pobal.ie/FundingProgrammes/LEADER/Pages/LEADER.aspx |
Funding available from bodies under the aegis of the Department
|
Body |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Council |
http://www.artscouncil.ie/funding/ |
|
Irish Film Board |
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/funding_programmes/ |
|
Heritage Council |
http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
http://www.udaras.ie/en/forbairt-pobail/tionscnaimh-ealaion-chulturtha |
|
Waterways Ireland |
http://www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Corporate/Waterways-Ireland-Heritage-Plan.aspx |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
http://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/sceimeanna-maoinithe/ |
279. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has received allegations of inappropriate behaviour relating to certain staff in the National Museum of Ireland; the dates of the receipt of these allegations; and if all of these reports are still in existence in their entirety. [9166/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am unclear as to the timescale to which the Deputy is referring in his question. Since I was first appointed as Minister in July 2014, I am advised that my Department has not received any written allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the National Museum of Ireland.
For the sake of clarity, in relation to the Irish Independent news story of 16-02-17, I am advised that my Department has not received any specific correspondence in relation to allegations concerning the individual staff member to which the article refers.
In April 2012, my predecessor was in receipt of correspondence relating to general staff issues at the National Museum of Ireland.
While it would not be appropriate for me to directly intervene in HR issues, the Deputy should be aware that I and senior officials have had discussions with the Chair of the Museum in relation to historic staffing issues recently referred to in the media. On foot of these discussions, I have also been assured that steps are being taken to address the issues highlighted in the wellbeing survey (also recently highlighted in the media) which was commissioned by the Museum to improve its working environment.
I am supportive of the Chair and the new Board, which I appointed in July 2016, in implementing change in the Museum and in preparing new plans to improve the Museum's services to the public over the coming years. I have offered to provide any additional support if required in dealing with these issues.
This work - which falls under the Masterplan process - currently underway at the Museum, will set a positive framework for staff and stakeholders to engage with the Museum well into the future.
280. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the administering of the CLÁR funding scheme for 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9204/17]
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.
In 2016, the CLÁR programme funded over 650 projects under three separate measures which were administered by Local Authorities:
- 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 and I envisage that, following on from last year’s scheme, the measures will be administered mainly by the Local Authorities. Proposals will be invited from Local Authorities in line with the criteria which will be set out for the funded measures.
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.
