Wednesday, 26 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 612-633

Foreshore Licence Applications

Ceisteanna (612, 613)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

612. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps that have been taken to ensure that the Heritage Council has adequate resources to provide a comment on the matter of foreshore planning consent for a high priority strategic project foreshore lease planning application on Galway Bay (details supplied) to construct an offshore electricity generating station, in view of the fact that the council had previously cited limitations on staff resources as the reason it could not comment on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35900/17]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

613. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps that will be taken to ensure that the Heritage Council can formulate and provide an informed recommendation regarding the protection of national heritage to the appropriate Minister before the decision is made, as requested by her Department on 10 and 31 March 2016, in respect of foreshore planning consent on Galway Bay (details supplied) to construct an offshore electricity generating station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35901/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 613 together.

I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions No 489 and 490 of 28 February last.

The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body, under the aegis of my Department, established in accordance with the Heritage Act 1995 and is separately a statutory consultee to the planning process, as a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended. Observations made by the Heritage Council in this regard are a matter for the Council, and it is entirely a matter for it to set its own priorities and allocate resources in regard to making observations to licensing authorities.

My Department has been unable to identify the requests referred to by the Deputy.

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Ceisteanna (614)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

614. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of progress with regard to the Ulster canal project; the amount which has been spent to date on this entire project; her future plans in respect of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35978/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

One of my main priorities since taking Ministerial office has been the restoration of the Ulster Canal. I secured Government approval to restore a 2.5 km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson, Co Cavan on 24th February 2015.

The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland.

The contract for the completion of the 3rd and final phase of the works was awarded to Fox Contracts Ltd from Co Tyrone on 25 March 2017. I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the contractors are currently on site. Setting up the works base and completion of temporary works access is underway. The approval to commence works is now in place, except for a species licence from NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency).

An amount of €2,002,536 has been spent on the entire Ulster Canal project to date and I remain firmly committed to delivering this flagship project for the border region.

Leader Programmes Expenditure

Ceisteanna (615)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

615. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the spend on the Leader programme to date in 2017 broken down between animation, administration and project spend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35994/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Expenditure of approximately €5.420 million has been incurred to date in 2017 under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme. Approximately €5.301 million of this amount represents combined administration and animation expenditure by the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme in each LEADER sub-regional area. 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 2014-2020 programme.

270 projects with a value of over €6.4 million have been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs this year. Funding offers have been issued to 141 of these project promoters and it is expected that the remainder will receive funding offers over the coming weeks as any outstanding matters are resolved. Project expenditure amounting to €118,029 has been paid out under the programme to date in 2017. The LAGs are also continuing to assist project promoters in developing and finalising project applications.

I am confident that progress now being made by the LAGs, along with the administrative changes being introduced following on from the LEADER Forum which I hosted in May, will result in a significant increase in project approvals and payments under the LEADER programme over the coming months.

Responsibility for the LEADER programme will shortly transfer to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D.

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (616)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

616. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the capital spend to date in 2017 on the CLÁR programme and the town and village renewal scheme; the amount sanctioned to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35996/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May. Funding for the programme this year was available under four separate Measures:

Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure

Measure 4: First Responder Supports

More than 500 applications were received across the four Measures, and a total of €7 million was recently allocated to 231 successful projects.

The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched last April, with a closing date of 30 June. Applications in respect of the scheme are currently being assessed and successful applications will be announced shortly.

In line with the scheduled roll out of these schemes, no expenditure has been incurred to date in 2017 in respect of the schemes. Expenditure has been profiled to take place in the second half of the year.

Leader Programmes Funding

Ceisteanna (617)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

617. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount sanctioned to date in 2017 under the Leader programmes 2014 to 2020 for projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35997/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The LEADER Programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) that deliver funding in line with Local Development Strategies that have been developed for each LAG area.

To date, 270 projects with a value of over €6.4 million have been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. Funding offers have been issued to 141 of these project promoters and it is expected that the remainder will receive funding offers over the coming weeks as any outstanding matters are resolved. In addition, the LAGs are currently concluding calls for proposals in each of their sub-regional areas and are assisting project promoters in developing and finalising project applications.

I am confident that progress now being made by the LAGs, along with the administrative changes being introduced following on from the LEADER Forum which I hosted in May, will result in a significant increase in project approvals and payments under the LEADER programme over the coming months.

Responsibility for the LEADER programme will shortly transfer to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D.

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (618)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

618. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received under the CLÁR measure 1 programme for funds for school or community safety measures for disadvantaged rural areas; the number that have been refused; the number of applications and the amount of funding that has been approved by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36017/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last with a closing date of 5th May. Funding for the programme this year was available under four separate Measures:

Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure

Measure 4: First Responder Supports

Over 500 applications were received across the four Measures to the value of €15 million.

Funding to support projects under CLÁR this year was limited and it was not possible to fund all applications. In general, applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation supporting their proposals, as required in the scheme guidelines. In recent weeks, 231 successful projects were announced, with a total of just under €7 million allocated across the four Measures.

Table 1 below outlines the number of projects received, approved and unsuccessful for each county under CLÁR Measure 1. Responsibility for the CLÁR programme will be transferring shortly to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D.

Table 1 - CLÁR 2017: Measure 1 Projects by County

County	Amount allocated	No. of applications received	No. of successful projects	No. of unsuccessful projects
Carlow	€110,000.00	3	3	0
Cavan	€162,680.00	11	7	4
Clare	€81,510.00	5	3	2
Cork	€150,000.00	14	3	11
Donegal	€15,480.00	12	1	11
Galway	€226,700.00	10	6	4
Kerry	€34,188.00	9	1	8
Kilkenny	€86,000.00	9	2	7
Laois	€4,250.00	12	1	11
Leitrim	€288,267.59	10	10	0
Limerick	€161,730.00	16	8	8
Longford	€150,299.63	10	6	4
Louth	€205,175.00	9	7	2
Mayo	€159,700.00	8	7	1
Meath	€104,000.00	9	4	5
Monaghan	€210,647.73	8	6	2
Offaly	€52,560.00	5	3	2
Roscommon	€38,520.00	5	2	3
Sligo	€174,650.00	12	5	7
Tipperary	€110,790.00	14	10	4
Waterford	€131,880.00	12	3	9
Westmeath	€30,000.00	11	1	10
Wicklow	€33,300	7	2	5
Grand total	€2,722,327.95	221	101	120

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (619)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

619. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of each body or organisation that is scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from her Department's Vote of expenditure or the group of Votes of expenditure connected with her Department in 2017 for the provision of services by the body or the organisation concerned; the amount involved in each case; if there is a signed service level agreement in place in respect of the services to be carried out by these bodies or organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36151/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Details of the financial allocations for 2017, including those to bodies under the aegis of my Department, are published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) 2017 which is available at the following link: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2016/12/2017-financial-allocations.pdf

Under the revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by DPER in August 2016, Performance Delivery Agreements have taken the place of service level agreements.

Service Level Agreements were signed in respect of all bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2016. The position in relation to the signing of Performance Delivery Agreements in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department is set out in the following table.

Body	Performance Delivery Agreement signed
Arts Council	Yes
Chester Beatty Library	Yes
Crawford Art Gallery	Yes
Heritage Council	Under discussion. Nearing finalisation
Irish Film Board	Yes
Irish Museum of Modern Art	Yes
National Archives	Under discussion. Nearing finalisation
National Concert Hall	Under discussion. Nearing finalisation
National Gallery of Ireland	Yes
National Library of Ireland	Yes
National Museum of Ireland	Under discussion. Nearing finalisation
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Yes
Waterways Ireland	Yes
Western Development Commission	Yes
Foras Teanga (Comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster Scots Agency)	Under discussion*

* For the sake of completeness, I would point out that the annual budgets for Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency are subject to approval by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), given their status as agencies of An Foras Teanga, a North South Implementation Body co-funded by my Department and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland. In that context, once ongoing discussions between the Finance Departments in both jurisdictions on the budgetary position for 2017 are finalised, the draft business plans and budgets for 2017 will be brought before the NSMC for approval.

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (620)

James Browne

Ceist:

620. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide a list of census small area data for Wexford district electoral divisions and the average population loss for each area, comparing data in each of the periods 1926 to 2002, 1926 to 2006, 1926 to 2011 and 1926 to 2016, respectively, in tabular form, to ascertain CLÁR eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36272/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) was originally launched in October 2001 to provide for targeted investment in disadvantaged rural areas. The National Institute for Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) in Maynooth University was engaged at that time to carry out an analysis of population census data at District Electoral Division (DED) level for the years 1926 and 1996.

The areas originally selected for inclusion in the CLÁR programme were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease. The average population loss in the original CLÁR regions over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.

In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) at NUI Maynooth and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% per county between 1926 and 2002. Parts of five counties were added (Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow), increasing the total number of counties covered by the programme at that stage from 18 to 23.

The only data available within my Department which is relevant to the Deputy's question is the population change by Wexford DED between 1926 and 2002. This information is provided in the following table.

The Central Statistics Office might be in a position to provide the additional data sought by the Deputy.

Table 1 - Wexford population change 1926-2002 by District Electoral Division (DED)

COUNTY	DED_ID	DED_NAME	POP 1926	POP 2002	% Change in Population
Wexford	14001	Enniscorthy Urban	5543	9449	70.47
Wexford	14002	New Ross Urban	4795	3166	-33.97
Wexford	14003	Rosbercon Urban	216	4402	1937.96
Wexford	14004	Wexford Urban	11879	408	-96.57
Wexford	14007	Ballindaggan	746	600	-19.57
Wexford	14008	Ballycarney	389	311	-20.05
Wexford	14009	Ballyhoge	776	952	22.68
Wexford	14010	Ballyhuskard	1099	1101	0.18
Wexford	14011	Ballymore	385	327	-15.06
Wexford	14012	Ballyvaldon	760	579	-23.82
Wexford	14013	Bolaboy	681	782	14.83
Wexford	14014	Bree	864	1058	22.45
Wexford	14015	Castleborough	669	741	10.76
Wexford	14016	Castledockrell	448	401	-10.49
Wexford	14017	Castle Ellis	766	909	18.67
Wexford	14018	Castletalbot	726	553	-23.83
Wexford	14019	Clonroche	982	1087	10.69
Wexford	14020	Edermine	941	1097	16.58
Wexford	14021	Enniscorthy Rural	2559	7385	188.59
Wexford	14022	Ferns	871	1230	41.22
Wexford	14023	Kilbora	288	356	23.61
Wexford	14024	Kilcormick	611	433	-29.13
Wexford	14025	Killann	1112	943	-15.20
Wexford	14026	Kilmallock	600	868	44.67
Wexford	14027	Killoughrum	523	584	11.66
Wexford	14028	Kilrush	447	391	-12.53
Wexford	14029	Kiltealy	556	408	-26.62
Wexford	14030	Marshalstown	735	976	32.79
Wexford	14031	Moyacomb	372	357	-4.03
Wexford	14032	Newtownbarry	1761	1878	6.64
Wexford	14033	Rossard	481	356	-25.99
Wexford	14034	St. Mary's	562	467	-16.90
Wexford	14035	The Harrow	481	432	-10.19
Wexford	14036	The Leap	758	821	8.31
Wexford	14037	Tinnacross	675	757	12.15
Wexford	14038	Tombrack	711	551	-22.50
Wexford	14039	Ardamine	729	1227	68.31
Wexford	14040	Balloughter	434	418	-3.69
Wexford	14041	Ballybeg	411	381	-7.30
Wexford	14042	Ballycanew	487	795	63.24
Wexford	14043	Ballyellis	279	294	5.38
Wexford	14044	Ballygarrett	544	684	25.74
Wexford	14045	Ballylarkin	428	596	39.25
Wexford	14046	Ballynestragh	527	822	55.98
Wexford	14047	Cahore	292	327	11.99
Wexford	14048	Coolgreany	559	944	68.87
Wexford	14049	Courtown	970	2026	108.87
Wexford	14050	Ford	305	405	32.79
Wexford	14051	Gorey Rural	670	2819	320.75
Wexford	14052	Gorey Urban	2296	3090	34.58
Wexford	14053	Huntingtown	226	202	-10.62
Wexford	14054	Kilcomb	814	764	-6.14
Wexford	14055	Kilgorman	409	517	26.41
Wexford	14056	Killenagh	338	390	15.38
Wexford	14057	Killincooly	255	416	63.14
Wexford	14058	Kilnahue	264	286	8.33
Wexford	14059	Limerick	537	514	-4.28
Wexford	14060	Monamolin	449	459	2.23
Wexford	14061	Monaseed	572	481	-15.91
Wexford	14062	Rossminoge	364	453	24.45
Wexford	14063	Wells	564	559	-0.89
Wexford	14064	Wingfield	635	594	-6.46
Wexford	14065	Adamstown	405	457	12.84
Wexford	14066	Ballyanne	603	681	12.94
Wexford	14067	Ballyhack	1118	1258	12.52
Wexford	14068	Barrack Village	154	100	-35.06
Wexford	14069	Barronstown	521	465	-10.75
Wexford	14070	Carnagh	468	433	-7.48
Wexford	14071	Carrigbyrne	488	542	11.07
Wexford	14072	Clongeen	580	834	43.79
Wexford	14073	Clonleigh	460	365	-20.65
Wexford	14074	Dunmain	315	202	-35.87
Wexford	14075	Fethard	807	862	6.82
Wexford	14076	Horetown	564	471	-16.49
Wexford	14077	Inch	420	399	-5.00
Wexford	14078	Kilgarvan	377	292	-22.55
Wexford	14079	Killesk	783	541	-30.91
Wexford	14080	Kilmokea	514	686	33.46
Wexford	14081	Newbawn	546	494	-9.52
Wexford	14082	New Ross Rural	627	2052	227.27
Wexford	14083	Oldcourt	393	595	51.40
Wexford	14084	Old Ross	330	343	3.94
Wexford	14085	Rathroe	842	612	-27.32
Wexford	14086	Rochestown	260	192	-26.15
Wexford	14087	Templeudigan	475	321	-32.42
Wexford	14088	Templetown	765	461	-39.74
Wexford	14089	Tintern	1186	1252	5.56
Wexford	14090	Whitechurch	563	492	-12.61
Wexford	14091	Whitemoor	566	522	-7.77
Wexford	14092	Ardcavan	798	1912	139.60
Wexford	14093	Ardcolm	614	765	24.59
Wexford	14094	Artramon	415	543	30.84
Wexford	14095	Aughwilliam	344	397	15.41
Wexford	14096	Ballymitty	484	387	-20.04
Wexford	14097	Bannow	1072	982	-8.40
Wexford	14098	Bridgetown	628	636	1.27
Wexford	14099	Carrick	536	1360	153.73
Wexford	14100	Drinagh	622	1149	84.73
Wexford	14101	Duncormick	425	503	18.35
Wexford	14102	Forth	366	725	98.09
Wexford	14103	Glynn	261	354	35.63
Wexford	14104	Harperstown	301	338	12.29
Wexford	14105	Harristown	517	494	-4.45
Wexford	14106	Kilbride	202	244	20.79
Wexford	14107	Kilcowan	476	458	-3.78
Wexford	14108	Killag	350	347	-0.86
Wexford	14109	Killinick	704	788	11.93
Wexford	14110	Killurin	536	530	-1.12
Wexford	14111	Kilmore	1442	1913	32.66
Wexford	14112	Kilpatrick	474	677	42.83
Wexford	14113	Kilscoran	729	693	-4.94
Wexford	14114	Lady's Island	504	582	15.48
Wexford	14115	Mayglass	407	436	7.13
Wexford	14116	Newcastle	263	411	56.27
Wexford	14117	Rathaspick	664	1431	115.51
Wexford	14118	Rosslare	804	1582	96.77
Wexford	14119	St Helens	1141	1775	55.57
Wexford	14120	Tacumshin	528	385	-27.08
Wexford	14121	Taghmon	721	1038	43.97
Wexford	14122	Tomhaggard	516	561	8.72
Wexford	14123	Wexford Rural	1278	8332	551.96

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (621)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

621. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full year cost of increasing spending on the arts to 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.6% of GDP respectively. [36362/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

GDP figures are published on the website of the Central Statistics Office at www.cso.ie.

Funding allocations made available to my Department are published each year in the Revised Estimates Volume with the outturn published in the Annual Appropriation Account. These publications are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and on the website of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The 2017 allocation to the Arts, Culture and Film Division of my Department is €158.261m. Most of this is allocated to the agencies under the aegis of the Department, including the Arts Council and Film Board, however, this does not represent all expenditure on the Arts in Ireland.

Foreshore Licence Applications

Ceisteanna (622)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

622. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the nature conservation unit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service did not accept her Department's invitation to participate in the marine licence vetting committee in addition to providing its observations on the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government's foreshore lease planning application to construct an offshore electricity generating station in Galway Bay in view of the fact that this application is noted as a high priority strategic project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36431/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 699 of 2 May last.

As outlined in reply to previous questions, my Department provided observations on this application and I am satisfied that these observations were appropriate. For this reason, and given constraints of staffing resources, my Department was unable to attend the meeting referred to.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (623)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

623. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to ensure the full spend of all funding provided to her Department for 2017 including carry over of capital from 2016 and pre payments to local authorities made in 2016 or 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36437/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

A gross provision of €368.422 million is available to my Department across five programme areas in 2017 comprised of current funding of €249.637 million and capital funding of €118.785 million. In addition, a further €13.548 million in capital funding was carried over from the 2016 provision.

It is difficult to assess the full year expenditure for my Department at this point in time, as we are only just over half way through the year. My Department has responsibility for a very broad and diverse range of projects and programmes and work is ongoing on delivering these programmes. Provisional current and capital expenditure figures in respect of my Department at Vote level as of 30 June 2017 indicate that expenditure is at approximately 81.2% of profile. The end of year outturn will be impacted by the cost and timing of delivery of projects and programmes and unexpected delays can and do occur in the drawdown of funding by grantees from time to time. Expenditure trends are kept under review and will continue to be carefully monitored up to year end to ensure the best and most efficient use of available financial resources.

My Department continues to engage closely with Local Authorities to ensure that all allocated funding is spent promptly and in accordance with project proposals and the provisions of the Public Spending Code. My officials are continuing to impress on all Local Authorities the need to have their projects completed as soon as possible. In this context, satisfactory progress in relation to projects under the 2016 schemes will be an important consideration in any 2017 funding decisions.

National Parks

Ceisteanna (624)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

624. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of wildlife rangers, permanent guides, general operatives and building and maintenance staff employed at Glenveagh National Park; the number of same employed at the park in each of the past five years; if her Department is planning to recruit additional staff in these roles; when a decision will be made on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36497/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The table below outlines the number of wildlife rangers, permanent guides, general operatives and building and maintenance staff employed at Glenveagh National Park in each of the past five years

Year	Wildlife Rangers	Guide/Supervisor Guide/Head Guide	General Operative	Bus Driver (General Operative)	Craftworker	Foreman
2012	1	6	6	2	9	1
2013	1	6	5	2	9	1
2014	1	6	4	2	9	1
2015	1	5	4	2	9	1
2016	1	6	4	2	9	1
2017 to date	1	7	4	3	9	1

Staffing levels across my Department are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am pleased to note that there has been significant recruitment in the National Park and Wildlife Service of my Department in recent months. To date this year 20 permanent industrial posts have been filled across the NPWS. The Department has also filled 62 seasonal posts nationwide to cover the busy tourist season. In the last month my Department has appointed both a permanent Visitor Guide and a permanent Bus Driver in Glenveagh National Park.

National Parks

Ceisteanna (625)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

625. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of visitors to Glenveagh National Park in each of the past five years and to date in 2017; if the 2017 figures show an increase on 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36498/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The visitor numbers to Glenveagh National Park in each of the past five years are set out in the table below:

Year	Numbers
2012	117,557
2013	116,655
2014	150,691
2015	170,801
2016	176,444
2017 January - June	94,809

Visitor figures for the month of July are not yet available. The visitor numbers from January to June of 2017, at 94,809, show an increase of circa 20,000 when compared with the same period in 2016 (74,858).

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (626)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

626. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the latest profiles in value and outruns forecasted in her Department for the end of December 2017 and variances that may arise based on her Department’s performance against profile in gross voted expenditure at the end of June 2017. [36561/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Details of provisional expenditure in respect of my Department and all Government Departments are published at Vote level by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis. Provisional current and capital expenditure figures in respect of my Department at Vote level as of 30 June 2017 are available at: http://www.finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/170705%20Fiscal_Monitor_2017_June.pdf

It is difficult to assess the full year expenditure for my Department at this point in time, as we are only just over half way through the year. My Department has responsibility for a very broad and diverse range of projects and programmes and work is ongoing on delivering these programmes. The end of year outturn will be impacted by the cost and timing of delivery and unexpected delays can occur in the drawdown of funding by grantees from time to time. Expenditure trends are kept under review and will continue to be carefully monitored up to year end to ensure the best and most efficient use of available financial resources.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (627, 628)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

627. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a report on the EU Birds Directive has not been submitted since 2012; when a report will be submitted; her views on whether the State is meeting its targets under the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36578/17]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

628. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a report on the EU Habitats Directive for the 2013 to 2014 period has not been submitted; when a report will be submitted; her views on whether the State is meeting its targets under the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36579/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 and 628 together.

Ireland submitted its last annual report to the European Commission in 2014 and arrangements are underway to submit all outstanding reports which will be filed over the coming 6 months. I should add that the six year report on the status and trends of Ireland’s bird species required under the Birds Directive for the years 2008 to 2012 - the Article 12 Report - was submitted to the European Commission in February 2014.

Living Wage

Ceisteanna (629)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

629. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the estimated cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36719/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that, based on current staffing and pay levels, the estimated additional annual cost of introducing an hourly wage of €11.70 for all employees, employed both directly in my Department and in agencies under its aegis and who are not already paid that amount or more, would be in the order of €255,165.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (630)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

630. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in her Department who are suspended from work on full pay; the reason in each case; the length of time in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36724/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that there are no staff in my Department suspended from work on full pay.

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (631)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

631. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there will be an underspend in her Department's current or capital budget for 2017; if so, the subheads that are now below profile and that may come in below profile at the end of the calendar year; if underspends in her Department will be available to the central Exchequer at year end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36740/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Details of provisional expenditure in respect of my Department and all Government Departments are published at Vote level by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis. Provisional current and capital expenditure figures in respect of my Department at Vote level as of 30 June 2017 are available at: http://www.finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/170705%20Fiscal_Monitor_2017_June.pdf

My Department has responsibility for a very broad and diverse range of projects and programmes and work is ongoing on delivering these programmes. The end of year outturn will be impacted by the cost and timing of delivery and unexpected delays can occur in the drawdown of funding by grantees from time to time. All of the programme subheads showing an underspend against profile as at 30 June 2017 are listed in the table below.

It is difficult to assess the full year expenditure for my Department at this point in time, as we are only just over half way through the year. Expenditure trends are kept under review and will continue to be carefully monitored up to year end to ensure the best and most efficient use of available financial resources.

Subheads showing an underspend against profile at 30 June 2017
A.4	General Expenses of the National Archives and National Archives Advisory Council
A.6	Regional Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centres and Projects
A.10	General Expenses of the National Museum of Ireland
A.12	Irish Film Board
A.15	Decade of Centenaries 1912-1922
B.4	Built Heritage
B.8	Peatlands Restoration
C.3	Gaeltacht Support Schemes
C.4	Irish Language Support Schemes
C.5	An Coimisinéir Teanga
C.9	Islands
C.10	20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030
D.4	Waterways Ireland
E.3	Dormant Accounts Measures
E.5	National Rural Development Schemes
E.6	LEADER – Rural Economy Sub Programme
E.8	Town and Village Regeneration
E.9	Rural Broadband, Regional Economic Development

Protected Disclosures Data

Ceisteanna (632)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

632. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of protected disclosures received from staff in her Department in 2016 and to date in 2017; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36756/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that no protected disclosures have been received from staff of my Department since the introduction of the relevant legislation in 2014.

My Department publishes an annual report on protected disclosures as required by Section 22 of the Protected Disclosure Act 2014. The Annual Report for 2016 is available on the Department's website at the following link:

http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/policy-on-disclosure-of-wrongdoing-in-the-workplace

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (633)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

633. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the further schemes she plans rolling out under the CLÁR scheme in 2017; if this will include a local improvement scheme element; if so, if there will be co-funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36771/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May. Funding for the programme was available this year under four separate Measures:

Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure

Measure 4: First Responder Supports

More than 500 applications were received across the four Measures, and a total of €7 million was recently allocated to 231 successful projects.

All funding available under the CLÁR programme for 2017 has now been allocated and I currently have no plans to introduce any further measures this year. Responsibility for the CLÁR programme will be transferring shortly to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D.