Tuesday, 20 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos 930-956

Disability Act Employment Targets

Ceisteanna (930)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

930. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in her Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of her Department; if there is a responsibility to employ persons with disabilities to a quota of 3% of its workforce; if this quota has now been exceeded; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to this quota; if not, the reason therefor; the dates and details of such competitions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27131/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that my Department complies with the “ Code of practice for the employment of people with disability in the Civil Service”. The Department is also compliant with the obligations set out in the Disability Act 2005; it has reached the statutory minimum target of 3% and is currently at 3.15%. Ten of the 15 bodies under the aegis of my Department have also met the statutory minimum requirement. Five bodies under the aegis of my Department have difficulties meeting the 3% quota as they have a very small number of employees, however all are equal opportunities employers whose recruitment policies do not discriminate regarding disability or otherwise. The National Disability Authority (NDA) accepts that the size of an organisation has an important bearing on whether it is realistic to achieve 3% of staff with disabilities - the requirement is particularly difficult to achieve for small bodies. The Department does not generally recruit staff directly, relying on the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to fill most vacancies that arise. However, a limited amount of recruitment takes place within the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department for certain specialised grades. My Department ensures that application forms contain a section allowing applicants to state if any reasonable accommodations are required in order for them to attend an interview. Furthermore, the Personnel Unit is at hand to provide application forms in a variety of accessible formats, including large print, and contact details are provided on all application forms.

I am advised that no specific competition has been advertised by my Department or any of the bodies under the aegis of the Department, in respect of the 3% quota.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Ceisteanna (931)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

931. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the budgetary allocation for the NPWS in 2016 and 2017; and the NPWS staff budget in 2016 and 2017. [27151/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. Arrangements are being made for the information requested to be forwarded to the Deputy in line with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Staff

Ceisteanna (932, 933)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

932. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to fill the vacant positions within the NPWS. [27152/17]

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

933. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of rangers in the employment of the NPWS prior to 2008; and the number of rangers in the employment of the NPWS in 2017. [27153/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 932 and 933 together.

I am advised that, at the establishment of my Department, in 2011, there were 85 Conservation Rangers employed across the country. There are currently 62 Conservation Rangers employed in the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, over the course of the period, June 2011 to end December 2014, like many other Departments, my Department was required to reduce workforce numbers under the Employment Control Framework limits set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am pleased to note however that with the recovery of the economy there has been significant recruitment in the National Park and Wildlife Service of my Department in recent months. A recruitment campaign is currently underway to fill posts at Killarney House which will officially open to the public on 3rd July. Permanent General Operative posts have been filled in Connemara National Park and Glengarriff Nature Reserve, while three permanent posts have been filled in Killarney National Park. The Department has also filled 60 seasonal posts nationwide to cover the busy tourist season. Further permanent and temporary posts will be filled in the coming weeks. In addition, the Department is currently engaged with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in recruiting Conservation Rangers. It is expected that eight conservation rangers will start in the coming weeks.

Staffing levels across the Department will continue to be kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and having regard to Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Creative Ireland Programme

Ceisteanna (934)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

934. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the arts rich schools programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27182/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Creative Ireland Programme, which the Taoiseach and I launched in December, places a special focus on “Enabling the Creative Potential of Every Child”. Building on the Arts in Education Charter this will involve the development of an integrated plan – Creative Children - to enable every child in Ireland to access tuition in music, drama, art and coding by 2022. My Department officials continue to work with relevant Departments and other stakeholders to develop this plan with a launch timeframe of early Autumn 2017. The Creative Children plan will build on work to date in implementing the Arts in Education Charter to include the delivery of arts rich schools, making the arts a key part of school life across the country. My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Youth and Children Affairs and the Arts Council to deliver the key objectives of the Charter within the wider context now of the Creative Ireland Programme to include non-mainstream education.

Arising from the significant increase of support of €5m which I secured for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017, I am pleased that the Arts Council decided to increase funding in this area for 2017 from €3.1m in 2016 to €3.7m this year. I am also providing an additional €70,000 to the Arts Council to assist in the expansion of the Teacher Artist Partnership this year. This funding is being provided under the Creative Ireland Programme.

These initiatives demonstrate the overall commitment of Government to deliver for children as we work in finalising the Creative Children plan.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (935)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

935. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the capital allocation for regional and rural affairs in 2017; the amount spent to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27278/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The capital allocation and the expenditure to date in 2017 for the Regional and Rural Affairs Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is outlined in the table below. The expenditure figures reflect provisional expenditure recorded on the Department’s financial management system as of Monday, 19th June 2017.

Some of the schemes under Subhead E5 of the Department’s Vote (e.g. CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme) have yet to commence. However, funding approvals have recently been announced under CLÁR and approvals under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme are expected to be announced before the end of July. Applications under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure scheme have also been received and are due to be assessed shortly.

Under the LEADER programme, more than 4,800 expressions of interest have been received from potential applicants, with an estimated value of over €200 million. The Local Action Groups are currently working through these expressions of interest with a view to assisting project promoters in developing and finalising project applications. In addition, my Department will shortly be introducing a range of administrative improvements to streamline the processes for the LEADER programme.

I therefore expect that expenditure under virtually all Subheads will increase significantly in the second half of the year.

Table 1: Capital Allocation and Expenditure, Regional and Rural Affairs 2017

Subhead	2017 Capital Allocation	Provisional Expenditure to 19th June 2017
E3: Dormant Accounts	€2,006,000	€57,029
E4: Western Development Commission	€1,000,000	€0
E 5: National Rural Development Schemes (Walks Scheme and CLÁR)	€11,383,000	€188,176
E 6: LEADER	€40,000,000	€4,487,453
E 8: Town and Village Regeneration	€12,000,000	€0
E 9: Rural Broadband, Regional Economic Development	€1,000,000	€0

Leader Programmes Funding

Ceisteanna (936, 937)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

936. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the allocation for the implementation of the Leader programme in 2017; the amount spent on administration, animation and projects respectively to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27279/17]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

937. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of the projects approved to date in 2017 under the 2014 to 2020 Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27280/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 936 and 937 together.

Ireland’s LEADER programme 2014-2020 has a total budget of €250 million over the lifetime of the programme. In line with Article 35 of EU Regulation 1303/2015, up to 25% of total expenditure incurred by LEADER Local Action Groups may be claimed in respect of administration and animation costs over the duration of the programme.

Expenditure to date in 2017 for the administration and animation costs incurred by the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme amounts to €3.584 million.

No project expenditure has yet been incurred under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme in 2017. However, the LAGs are currently concluding calls for proposals in each of their sub-regional areas, and I understand that more than 4,800 expressions of interest from potential applicants, with an estimated value of over €200 million, have been recorded on the LEADER ICT system. The LAGs are currently working through these expressions of interest with a view to assisting project promoters in developing and finalising project applications.

To date 55 projects have been fully approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. The total value for these projects is €846,660. A further 44 projects, with a value of over €948,000, are at the final stages of the approval process.

On 17th May last, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions aimed at streamlining the current administrative and application procedures under the programme. On the basis of the suggestions made at the forum, my Department has identified more than 30 practical actions which can be taken to improve the administrative process under LEADER and which will make funding under the programme more accessible for potential project applicants. I have written to all of the Local Action Groups and Local Development Companies outlining the changes that we intend to start introducing, with immediate effect in some instances.

I am confident that progress now being made by the LAGs, along the administrative changes being introduced, will result in a significant increase in project approvals and payments under LEADER over the coming months.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (938)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

938. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure to date in 2017 of the capital carryover from 2016 broken down by estimate heading; the value of the work carried out to date in 2017 with the €28 million pre paid to local authorities under the town and village enhancement scheme and the CLÁR scheme in 2016, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27281/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Provision is made in the Revised Estimates Volume for the carryover of unspent Capital funding from the previous year, subject to a Ministerial Order being made by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform before 31st March in the year of carryover. The amount of capital funding carried over into 2017 for my Department was €13.548 million.  Since the making of the relevant Order by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the 6th March 2017, expenditure totalling just over €3.065 million has been incurred from the carryover up to 8th June 2017. A total of €402,000 has been spent under Subhead A.7: Cultural Infrastructure and Development; €663,000 has been spent under Subhead A.15: Decade of Centenaries 1912-1922, while the full allocation of €2 million has been spent under Subhead B.5: Natural Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife Service).

With regard to the second part of the Deputy’s question, my officials are currently collecting updated expenditure figures from the Local Authorities in relation to their 2016 funding allocations under the Town and Village and CLÁR schemes. I will write to the Deputy with the details, in accordance with the procedures set out in Standing Orders.

Rural Recreation Promotion

Ceisteanna (939)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

939. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which is being made in increasing the number of rural recreational officers nationwide from 20 to 40; the way in which a community organisation may avail of such a new position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27293/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

My Department currently administers the Walks Scheme, under which landholders receive modest payments to maintain sections of National Way Marked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. A total of 39 trails are currently covered by the scheme, and the number of landholders receiving payments under the scheme stands at approximately 1,900. There are currently 12 Rural Recreation Officers in place to support the delivery of the Walks Scheme. The Rural Recreation Officers are funded by my Department and are based in Local Development Companies.

The Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development include a commitment to double the number of walks on the Walks Scheme. My officials are currently examining ways in which this commitment can best be progressed. The number of Rural Recreation Officers required as part of the expansion will be reviewed as part of the process.

I would point out that a doubling in the number of walks included in the scheme will not necessarily require a doubling in the number of Rural Recreation Officers, as issues such as the geographical distribution of additional walks and the number of landholders involved will be amongst the factors to be taken into account in determining the number of Officers required. The process of advertising for any additional Rural Recreation Officers will be determined when the additional walks for inclusion in the scheme are decided.

Departmental Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (940)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

940. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) per annum since March 2011, in tabular form by her Department or agency or body under the aegis of her Department; the cost per contract; the basis for each contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27446/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that, neither my Department nor any of the agencies and bodies under its aegis, awarded any contracts to the company identified by the Deputy during the period in question.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (941)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

941. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the estimated costs of the implementation of the recommendations in the Moore Street consultative group report. [27488/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Moore Street Advisory Group has just commenced its examination of the report's recommendations. Implementation will involve consultation, negotiation and agreement with, and actions by, a variety of public and private bodies. It would be entirely premature to attempt to cost the outcome at this early stage.

Post Office Network

Ceisteanna (942)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

942. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she has undertaken to secure the rural post office network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27518/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Programme for a Partnership Government made a number of commitments in relation to the Post Office network which were assigned to my Department. The commitments in question have now been completed or are significantly advanced.

Following an extensive deliberation process, I presented the final report of the Post Office Hub Working Group to Government in March. This report examined the potential for Post Offices to act as hubs of economic and social activity, particularly in rural communities, and recommended that a project to test the concept of Shared Value Co-located Post Offices should be piloted, initially at four locations.

There have been a number of developments in relation to postal services generally since the Programme for a Partnership Government was agreed last May, including the commissioning by An Post of a root and branch review of the company.

Overall responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, falls under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and, in light of developments in the sector, it has been agreed that all aspects of the postal services, including the Post Office network, should transfer to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, where necessary, to support the Post Office network in rural communities.

Intellectual Property Management

Ceisteanna (943)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

943. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has had engagement with stakeholders in the music industry in terms of the establishment of a music industry taskforce with wide representation and which would examine a range of issues including the impact of intellectual property and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries, supports for the business of music education and a dedicated office similar to the Irish Film Board for the music sector. [27519/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Intellectual property rights, including copyright law, are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who is reviewing copyright legislation at present and my Department is engaging with this review. In relation to the arts and culture more generally, on December 8th last, the Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme/Clár Éire Ildánach as the Government’s Legacy Programme arising out of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025. The Creative Ireland Programme is a high-level, high-ambition, all-of-Government initiative to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation.

My Department is now working to implement the Creative Ireland Programme with partners across Government and other key stakeholders.

I consider that the most appropriate interventions should continue through existing structures and I have no plans to set up a new agency at this stage. In relation to the remit of my own Department primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including music, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. In the 2017 Budget, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council delivering an increase of €5m or 8%, in the Council's funding this year. It will enable the Council to enhance support to artists and arts organisations around the country, including musicians, in line with its strategy, Making Great Art Work, which prioritises support for the artist and public engagement.

My Department also provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers through its Culture Ireland programme. I am pleased that I secured a significant increase in the baseline funding for Culture Ireland from €2.5m in 2016 to €3.5m in 2017.

Banking Sector

Ceisteanna (944)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

944. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress of the investigation by her Department of the establishment of a public banking system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27520/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Programme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand, which could be delivered through the post office network. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.

My Department is working actively with the Department of Finance to progress the Programme for a Partnership Government commitments. A public consultation process, seeking views on the community banking model, was launched in early March and ran for four weeks, to 29 March. My Department received a total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders and all submissions are now available on my Department’s website at: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/consultation/consultation-on-local-community-banking/.

Senior officials from my Department and the Department of Finance also met with representatives of the German Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation, Irish Rural Link and the Public Banking Forum of Ireland to discuss the viability of the Sparkassen model of local community banking in an Irish context. All views received in relation to this matter are being considered and I anticipate that work on the examination of community banking models will be completed shortly. A report will be submitted to Government at that stage.

Recreational Facilities

Ceisteanna (945)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

945. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the more efficient use of canals as tourism resources; her plans to increase accessibility to the Royal Canal from the Liffey basin, which is currently experiencing accessibility problems due to limited lifting of the Scherzer bridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22133/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Waterways Ireland manages over 400km of canals, the Royal and Grand Canals and Barrow Navigation. These are important publicly owned recreational corridors which support a wide range of boating and water sports. The canal towpaths represent opportunities for both local communities and tourists to enjoy off-road cycling and walking whilst enjoying the built and natural heritage of these important resources. Waterways Ireland has informed me that it has been working in partnership with a wide range of Local Authorities, Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority, the National Trails Office and local communities to develop and enhance the towpaths along the canals in its care.

60 km of the proposed Dublin to Galway Greenway runs along the Royal Canal towpath, where the local authorities and the National Transport Authority have been key to supporting completion of this development.

In Dublin a programme to upgrade the towpaths into premium walking and cycleways has been on-going for a number of years. The towpaths provide invaluable opportunities for off road commuting and recreation and are unique green spaces in the city.

In 2016, a number of cycle paths and towpath upgrades were carried out along the Royal Canal in Counties Longford, and Kildare. By the end of 2017, Waterways Ireland will have completed upgrades of 80% of the Royal Canal towpath.

It is Waterways Ireland's goal to upgrade the towpaths along the entire route of the Royal and Grand Canals making it possible to leave Dublin and travel the 140km along either canal to reach the Shannon and also to connect the towpaths to the many amenities and attractions along these routes. The aim is to create new opportunities for all the communities who live along the canals to use theses amenities on a daily basis and to attract visitors to make an extended journey.

Waterways Ireland’s through its Dublin Docklands Action Plan is seeking to develop Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock as the city's Blue space and a focal point in a Dublin Water Quarter. Projects include delivery of a 40km city canal Blueway using the Docks, and the Grand and Royal Canals as a cycle route.

The Sherza bridges are not connected to the canal navigation or access to the Royal Canal and do not impinge on the use of the canal. The Newcomen Bridge, which is a railway bridge, has to be lifted to provide navigation to the Royal Canal once through Spencer Dock. These bridge lifts are facilitated by CIE and Waterways Ireland. The number of bridge lifts is kept under review, balancing demand against the significant costs involved.

Western Development Commission Membership

Ceisteanna (946)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

946. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the vacancies on the Western Development Commission will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27631/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

An advertisement seeking expressions of interest for appointment to the Board of the Western Development Commission was placed on the State Boards website earlier this year. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest was 26th April 2017. The expressions of interest received were recently assessed by a panel formed by the Public Appointments Service, and a shortlist of candidates has been forwarded to my Department for consideration.

The appointments to the Board Western Development Commission will be made very shortly.

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (947)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

947. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions her Department has had with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the upgrading of the N4 west of Mullingar to facilitate regional development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27632/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

While officials from my Department met with Sligo County Council and their consultants at pre-planning stage in November 2016 to discuss matters in relation to the proposed development, I am not aware of any meeting having been sought by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Regional Development Funding

Ceisteanna (948)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

948. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects her Department is seeking financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27633/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that my Department does not have any role in the operation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and nor does it operate any programmes or projects which are in receipt of financial support from the Fund.

Banking Licence Applications

Ceisteanna (949)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

949. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions her Department has had with a group (details supplied); the technical assistance the group is willing to offer the Government in the establishment of a pilot public bank for the midlands region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27634/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to investigate a German model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.

As a part of this investigation, my officials, along with officials from the Department of Finance, met with the group referred to by the Deputy on 2nd March 2017. The group gave a presentation outlining the German public banking model and offered their expertise and assistance if the Government wished to develop the model throughout the State.

The engagement with the group in question was just one element of the process of investigating the model of local public banking. A public consultation process on the matter was launched in early March and ran for four weeks, to 29th March. My Department received a total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders and all submissions are now available on my Department’s website at:  http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/consultation/consultation-on-local-community-banking/.

My Department is currently working with the Department of Finance to finalise a report on the merits of establishing local public banks in Ireland. I anticipate that this work will be completed shortly and a report will be submitted to Government at that stage.

Post Office Network

Ceisteanna (950)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

950. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which her Department plans to oversee and monitor the implementation of actions to support the post office network arising out of the report of the post office renewal board and the post office hub working group as outlined in point 20 of the action plan for rural development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27635/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Programme for a Partnership Government made a number of commitments in relation to the Post Office network which were assigned to my Department. The commitments in question have now been completed or are significantly advanced.

Following an extensive deliberation process, I presented the final report of the Post Office Hub Working Group to Government in March. This report examined the potential for Post Offices to act as hubs of economic and social activity, particularly in rural communities, and recommended that a project to test the concept of Shared Value Co-located Post Offices should be piloted, initially at four locations.

There have been a number of developments in relation to postal services generally since the Programme for a Partnership Government was agreed last May, including the commissioning by An Post of a root and branch review of the company. By and large, this has overtaken the work of the Post Office Network Renewal Board, which reported its findings to An Post in December last year.

Overall responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, falls under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and, in light of developments in the sector, it has been agreed that all aspects of the postal services, including the Post Office network, should transfer to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

It will be a matter for that Minister’s Department to oversee the future direction of An Post and the Post Office Network. However, my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, where necessary, to support the Post Office network in rural communities.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Ceisteanna (951)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

951. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a charity (details supplied) is to be considered for funding under the dormant accounts fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27678/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

The Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003 and the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Acts 2005-2012, provide a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post), and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings. The Dormant Accounts Fund is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency.

The Acts provide for the disbursement of funds for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:

- the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;

- the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

- persons with a disability.

My Department's role in relation to the Dormant Accounts Fund is to prepare a Disbursement Scheme every three years, setting out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the strategies for achieving those objectives. My Department also co-ordinates the preparation of annual Action Plans in line with the three-year Disbursement Scheme. The Action Plans contain the details of specific programmes and projects to be funded across Government Departments with the support of the Dormant Accounts Fund. It is a matter for the relevant Government Departments to advertise the details of their programmes and invite applications for funding once the Action Plan is approved each year.

My Department is currently finalising a new Dormant Accounts Action Plan for 2017, following a detailed consultation process across Government Departments. It would appear that any funding available from the Dormant Accounts Fund for the organisation referred to by the Deputy might be appropriate to schemes operated by the Department of Health. Any further enquiries in relation to the matter would be best addressed to that Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (952)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

952. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount her Department or a body under its aegis has paid to a company (details supplied) for advice, the use of intellectual property and other services. [27703/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that, neither my Department nor any of the agencies and bodies under its aegis, have made any payments to the company identified by the Deputy.

Creative Ireland Programme

Ceisteanna (953)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

953. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27729/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme 2017–2022 in December 2016 as the Government Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in the draft policy document Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, which sets out an overarching vision and framework for culture over the coming years. The Creative Ireland Programme is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This focuses on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.

The core proposition of this programme is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. The programme is based on five pillars:

- Enabling the creative potential of every child

- Enabling creativity in every community

- Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure

- Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production

- Unifying our global reputation

An enabling budget of €5m has been allocated to the Creative Ireland Programme in 2017 and detailed plans for its implementation are currently being drawn up by my Department in consultation with partners across Government and with other key stakeholders. This includes an ambitious plan to deliver several high initiatives by the end of 2017. Further details are available on http://creative.ireland.ie.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (954)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

954. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total assessed damage from the recent forest and gorse fires; the amount the damage cost; the way in which habitats will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27637/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Significant environmental damage is caused by wildfires. This issue has become more acute in recent years, as evidenced by the spate of fires in various parts of the country, including a Coillte owned site of some 4,000 hectares Co. Galway in recent weeks. 

Wild fires are not a natural phenomenon in Ireland and can have a local impact on species that cannot escape, or that lose breeding habitat as a result. Such impacts are generally fairly short term, but could be very serious for species that are already in decline, such as curlew. Some plant and moss species may be lost temporarily or greatly reduced. I would like to take this opportunity to strongly condemn the recent spate of wildfires and would appeal to members of the public to be conscious of the dangers posed by fire on open ground. The primary responsibility in terms of fire-fighting lies with the Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. The prosecution of those responsible is a matter for the Gardaí. My Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group that explores issues surrounding such fires.  An Garda Síochána is also represented on the Group and leads any criminal investigation. My Department, of course, cooperates fully with Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Ceisteanna (955)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

955. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when she will announce successful applicants under the 2017 town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27782/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I launched the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 13th April last, with funding of €20 million available to support the revitalisation of up to 300 rural towns and villages over the next 12 months. The scheme is funded by my Department and will be delivered through the Local Authorities. This year’s scheme builds on the 2016 programme and a number of changes have been introduced to strengthen its impact. Applications are particularly encouraged from projects which have clear positive economic impacts on a town or village, or which stimulate economic activity between a town and its neighbouring townlands.

Projects which demonstrate leveraging of, or linkages with, complementary schemes operated by other Departments or agencies in areas such as tourism, heritage or business supports will also be favourably considered.

The closing date for receipt of applications from the Local Authorities is 30th June 2017. My officials will commence the assessment process immediately after this date, with the objective of the successful applicants being announced before the end of July.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (956)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

956. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if all local authorities have a broadband officer in place; the way in which this will assist with the delivery of broadband in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27783/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which was published last December, recommended the assignment by each Local Authority of an officer with responsibility for broadband and mobile phone services. The function of this officer is to act as a single point of contact for telecommunications operators on the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure, as well as to increase awareness of, and stimulate demand for, broadband services.

My Department has provided funding to all Local Authorities to support the assignment of a Broadband Officer. To date, 30 of the 31 Local Authorities have appointed a Broadband Officer. I understand that the remaining Local Authority is currently recruiting and is expected to appoint an officer shortly.

The remit of the Broadband Officer is primarily to manage interactions with any company that is seeking to roll out telecommunications infrastructure in their county. The Broadband Officers will also work with the winning bidder(s) in respect of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan in the areas to be covered by State intervention. Broadband Officers are also involved in helping to develop local digital strategies to ensure that full use is made of the new broadband infrastructure once it is in place.

My Department has, additionally, established two regional Action Groups involving all of the Broadband Officers to ensure consistency in their engagement with the telecommunications operators and to identify and address obstacles to the rollout of telecoms infrastructure.

The telecommunications providers have widely welcomed the assignment the Broadband Officers by the Local Authorities and are actively engaging with them.

The appointment of Broadband Officers is just one of 40 actions contained in the report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. Along with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have been co-chairing an Implementation Group to drive the delivery of the actions in the report. Progress Reports from the Implementation Group will be published on a quarterly basis. The first Progress Report, covering Quarter 1 of 2017, has recently been published on the websites of both my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment .