Written Answers Nos. 90-109
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken to boost the domestic and international film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. The Film Board supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.
The Film Board also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. The Board liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. Information on its funding scheme is available on the Irish Film Board website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.
The Section 481 tax credit system also plays an important role in making Ireland an attractive location for internationally mobile film and TV drama productions and in providing significant high level employment in the audiovisual industry. Recent projects locating in Ireland include the BBC’s Little Women, AMC’s Into the Badlands which returned to Ireland last April to film a third season in Ardmore Studios, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and the hugely successful Vikings series developed and produced here for the History Channel.
Of relevance for future policy will be the recommendations of the economic analysis of the sector commissioned by my Department in partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This analysis, which is being finalised, will provide an input for the development of an industry-wide long term plan for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation in Ireland under Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme.
91. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps her Department is taking to support orchestras; if her attention has been drawn to the publicity regarding the shortages in the RTÉ concert orchestra; the detail of the review RTÉ is carrying out into the provision of orchestra services; if her Department will make a submission or has an input into this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3066/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy's concern about the RTE orchestras. As Minister with responsibility for culture, and with oversight of the National Concert Hall, I believe it is important that there is strong provision of orchestral music in Ireland.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are existing legislative obligations on RTÉ in relation to the provision of music and that responsibility for RTÉ is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
However, given my Department's remit in relation to cultural provision, officials of my Department have met with officials of that Department to discuss the matter. My officials have been informed that RTÉ has acknowledged that the orchestras are integral to RTE's arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy.
My understanding is that the RTÉ review is an internal review which is to make recommendations regarding the best configuration of the orchestras, and that external submissions have not been sought.
However, my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment over the coming weeks and both Departments will consider the outcome of the RTÉ review when that is complete. I understand that a final report will be delivered to RTÉ by the end of February.
We await the outcome of that review and my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in that regard.”
93. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 27 September 2017, if Waterways Ireland has studies underway or plans to carry out studies in relation to the feasibility of having some of the Erne waterway from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra made navigable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3072/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to having at least some of the stretches of the Erne river system made navigable from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 95 together.
As the Deputy will be aware from previous replies to parliamentary questions, there have been a number of studies undertaken since the late 1980's to examine the feasibility of extending the navigation upstream from Belturbet to Lough Oughter and Killeshandra. Based on the results of these studies, and review of the environmental information obtained in the process, Waterways Ireland consider that the environmental designations of this lake complex make the feasibility of the proposed navigation unviable.
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are no further plans to carry out feasibility studies in relation to the feasibility of having some of the Erne waterway from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra made navigable.
94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Year of Cultural Heritage will see engagement with communities in all Member States, large and small, with activities taking place at national, regional and local level, involving citizens of all ages.
The national coordinator for the year in Ireland is the Heritage Council and my Department has supported the central role of the Heritage Council in the delivery of the European Year of Cultural Heritage by providing additional funding in Budget 2018.
The selected theme for the year in Ireland is 'Make a Connection'. The Heritage Council is inviting organisations and individuals to take action and respond to the theme. It is open to organisations and individuals to identify initiatives, existing and new, planned for 2018 which meet the objectives of European Year of Cultural Heritage. The aim is to deepen the connection between people and heritage, and build a legacy of increased public engagement.
At the end of this month I will be announcing a number of events which will be taking place throughout Ireland in 2018 as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage and which will serve to highlight Ireland's heritage both at home and abroad.
Cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives and societies. It surrounds us in the buildings of our towns and cities; our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites, traditions and practices. It is not only made up of literature, art and objects but also by the crafts we learn, the stories we tell, the food we eat, the songs we sing and the films we watch. I welcome the fact that the European Year of Cultural Heritage provides an unique opportunity to bring communities together and build shared understandings of the places we live in.
96. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí léiriú ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta ó thaobh na gcuspóirí atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge. [3087/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI dtús báire is mian liom a threisiú uair amháin eile go bhfuil mé thar a bheith sásta leis an méid atá bainte amach go dtí seo chun cúram a dhéanamh d'fheidhmiú céimiúil na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. Luafainn go sonrach na nithe a leanas:
- Tá cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis pleanála teanga a leagtar amach faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 faoi lán seoil anois. Faoin Acht seo, a rinneadh a achtú sé bliana ó shin mar chéim shuntasach le dlús a chur le feidhmiú na Straitéise, tugtar feidhm reachtúil don phróiseas faoina bhfuil pleananna teanga á n-ullmhú ag leibhéal an phobail trasna an sé chinn is fiche de limistéir pleanála teanga Ghaeltachta atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas. Ina theannta sin, tá an próiseas tosaithe, nó ar tí tosú i gcás seacht gcinn de bhailte a d'fhéadfadh a bheith aitheanta mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta faoin bpróiseas in am trátha. Lena chois sin, ar ndóigh, tá trí Líonra Gaeilge aitheanta faoin bpróiseas anois. Sa bhliain reatha, cuirfear tús le feidhmiú pleananna faoi leith sa Ghaeltacht agus, chun cabhrú leis an obair seo trí chéile, is fiú a mheabrú go bhfuil ciste faoi leith ar fiú €2.65m in iomlán curtha ar fáil sa bhliain reatha. Is ionann é seo agus ardú €1.4m thar an méid a bhí luaite leis an gciste in 2017. Mar thaca breise don phróiseas, tá ciste ar fiú €2.322m curtha ar fáil faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga atá á riaradh ag mo Roinn. Leis an gciste breise ar fiú €900,000 atá curtha ar fáil don chlár seo sa bhliain reatha thar an méid a cuireadh ar fáil sna Meastácháin Atbhreithnithe 2017, táim sásta go mbeifear in ann an dul chun chun cinn cuí a dhéanamh chun tacú le feidhmiu an phróisis trí chéile - próiseas atá ag croílár fheidhmiú na straitéise ar ndóigh mar a bhaineann sí leis an Ghaeltacht
- Tá Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta 2017-2022 foilsithe agus á chur i bhfeidhm go rathúil agus tá Straitéis Náisiúnta Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta á cur i bhfeidhm;
- Tá athbhreithniú déanta ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus d’fhógair mé an tseachtain seo caite go bhfuil Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) i measc na mBillí atá ar chlár reachtaíochta an Rialtais don earrach/samhradh.
- Tá cinneadh déanta deireadh á chur leis an maolú don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach i 2021; agus,
- Tá Plean Gaeilge agus Gníomh Digiteach RTÉ á gcur i bhfeidhm.
Chun an dul chun cinn súntasach seo a threisiú tuilleadh, tá sé i gceist plean gníomhaíochta d'fheidhmiú na Straitéise don tréimhse 2018-2022 a fhoilsiú go luath i gcomhar le forais eile stáit atá ábhartha sa chúram seo. Sa phlean gníomhaíochta, a bhfuil bailchríoch á cur air faoi láthair, leagfar amach raon de bhearta faoi leith a dtabharfar fúthu i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara eile mar a bhaineann siad leis an naoi réimse atá sa Straitéis.
Is iondúil, nuair atá plé ar bun faoi fheidhmiú na Straitéise, nach n-aithnítear mar is cuí, an obair fhónta atá ar bun agus beartaithe i gcaitheamh an ama ag na forais ábhartha stáit, na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta atá ag saothrú leo ar leas na Gaeilge agus chun cúram a dhéanamh d'fheidhmiú na Straitéise ina gcuid oibre laethúil. Is fiú agus is cóir é seo a chur san áíreamh sa phlé maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise.
Ní call a rá go leanfaidh mé, mar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, chun mo sheacht ndícheall a dhéanamh chun a chinntiú go n-aithnítear mar is cuí an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge mar chuid lárnach de shaol comhaimseartha na hÉireann agus go dtacaítear lena caomhnú agus lena treisiú laistigh de na hacmhainní atá agus a bheidh ar fail san achar ama atá romhainn.
97. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure all coursing meetings are adequately monitored; the details of correspondence she received in 2017 regarding breaches of licence; the way in which they have been investigated; the results of the investigations; and the action taken to address the said breaches. [3040/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere resources allow, local National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conservation rangers and other staff attend coursing meetings, on a spot-check basis, to monitor compliance with licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club and its affiliated clubs. While my Department does not have resources to provide 100% attendance at coursing meetings, it endeavours to attend as many meetings as possible having regard to the various calls on its staffing complement.
During the 2016/17 coursing season, conservation rangers attended seventeen coursing meetings and the same number of meetings was monitored during the 2015/16 season. There has been an increase in the level of monitoring this year. Since the 2017/18 coursing season began, staff of NPWS have already monitored some twenty four coursing events, including trials.
My Department has received some correspondence from individuals and groups alleging breaches of the conditions of the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club. These allegations are investigated by my Department provided the information can be substantiated. Any issues arising from these investigations will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 coursing season.
98. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration has been given to the development of a separate standalone canals bill to address the complex issues pertaining to the inland waterways rather than including those items within the Heritage Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3136/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye-laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heritage Bill 2016. The Heritage Bill 2016 was passed by Seanad Éireann on 13th April 2017. It is now being considered by Dáil Éireann. The Bill passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 9 November 2017 and is now at Committee Stage.
99. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for all stakeholders, including the developer of the Moore Street battlefield site to participate in the ministerial Moore Street advisory forum. [3100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the national monument 14 to 17 Moore Street and the Moore Street battlefield site; her vision for the area, including the space for the work of the traders; and if she will visit the battlefield site at her earliest convenience. [3039/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.
The Moore Street Advisory Group, which was established on foot of the recommendations in the Moore Street Consultative Committee report, provides a forum where all key stakeholders can have an input into dialogue about the future of the area. I look forward to seeing an outcome that charts a way forward based on broad consensus and support from all interested parties.
I am grateful to all the groups and individuals that are contributing to the discussions on the future of Moore Street. The detailed arrangements for engagement between various individual stakeholders and the Advisory Group are a matter for the parties themselves but I would encourage all concerned, including the developer, to avail of the opportunity for discussion and dialogue with a view to moving the process forward in a positive way.
As the Deputies are aware, the applicability of the provisions of the National Monuments Acts to particular buildings, structures and lands in the Moore Street area is the subject of proceedings in the Court of Appeal. A decision on the proceedings is awaited which, when combined with what emanates from the deliberations of the Moore Street Advisory Group, will provide much greater clarity and certainty on what wider options and alternatives there may be for the conservation, development and presentation of the various elements that make up the extensive area encompassed by the legal case. As this is a matter before the Courts I am precluded from further comment at this point in time.
In the meantime, I understand that the issue of traders’ conditions is central to the workings of the Group and I understand that the Chair is proactively engaged with Dublin City Council in relation to this matter.
100. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist go ndéanfar leasaithe ar Acht na Gaeltachta maidir le struchtúr Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [2758/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI gcomhréir leis na forálacha ábhartha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, cheap mé Bord nua d'Údarás na Gaeltachta le gairid. Mairfidh tréimhse feidhme an bhoird seo go Eanáir 2023.
Faoin socrú reatha a tháinig i bhfeidhm faoin Acht i 2012, tá an bord, a bhfuil dhá chomhalta dhéag air, comhdhéanta de chúigear a ainmníonn na hÚdaráis Áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram acu, chomh maith le seachtar comhalta eile a roghnaítear bunaithe ar chomórtas poiblí a eagraítear faoi scáth na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí.
Ní miste a lua chomh maith gur ionann líon an bhoird mar atá sé anois agus an líon a mholtar, de réir thaighde idirnáisiúnta, ar chóir a bheith ar bhord den tsaghas seo.
Táim sásta, dá réir, go bhfuil an cur chuige reatha mar a bhaineann sé le struchtúr an bhoird ag feidhmiú go sásúil agus nach gcuireann sé aon bhac ar chumas an Údaráis feidhmiú mar is cuí.
Ach an oiread leis an mbord a chuaigh roimhe, táim cinnte de go rachaidh an bord nua i mbun a chuid dualgas le díocas agus le dúthracht, a bheidh ar leas Údarás na Gaeltachta, phobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge araon. Ar an mbunús sin, níl i gceist agam aon mholtaí maidir le hAcht na Gaeltachta 2012 a leasú a thabhairt chun cinn.
102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funding and future plans her Department has to fund specific projects in arts and heritage for the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I detailed in my response to Parliamentary Question 267 of 6th December 2017, my Department's commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion is reflected in its policies and operations, and in those of the bodies under its aegis. My Department is also represented on the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group.
One of the stated aims of Culture 2025, this Departments national cultural policy document, is to create opportunities for increased citizen participation, especially for those currently excluded or at risk of exclusion, with a key value being the right of everyone to participate in the cultural life of the nation. This right runs throughout people’s lives, irrespective of where they come from, where they live, their religious beliefs or their economic, social or ethnic backgrounds. In line with these policy objectives, my Department's Creative Ireland programme continues to promote the Traveller Mentoring Program.
With respect to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Arts Council in particular arrange supports for work in the context of the Traveller Community under the Arts Participation Scheme and the Artist in Community Scheme, managed by Create on the Arts Council’s behalf which, actively encourages artists to work in a culturally diverse context including among the Traveller Community. The Irish Film Board has also agreed funding of €620,000 in relation to a film about a young female Traveller, entitled "Float like a Butterfly".
The National Library of Ireland is currently in the development phase of a project which centres on the presentation of materials regarding Traveller family history and genealogy, while the National Museum is planning a major exhibition with the Traveller Community to be hosted in the Museum of Country Life from June 2018. The exhibition will focus on the traditions, customs and history of the Traveller community over the years.
I look forward to working with my Department and those bodies under its aegis in developing these important initiatives.
103. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to halt the demise of construction of traditional Slaney cots, in addition to the demise of traditional cot fishing practices on the river Slaney; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Council, which was established under the Heritage Act 1995, works to promote interest in and protect our national heritage in all its forms.
The Council works in partnership with local communities, local authorities, voluntary groups, government departments, various agencies and national cultural institutions in order to deliver this vision through supporting a wide range of heritage projects and initiatives at community level.
In 2017 the Heritage Council offered €4,000 under the Heritage Council Community Grants Scheme to the Southend Family Resource Centre to carry out an oral history project to enrich the work done over the past number of years in reviving the building of traditional clinker built Wexford Cots. In this regard, the Heritage Council is best placed to offer practical advise and assistance to local groups.
The Deputy may also be interested in the new National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage which is currently being drawn up by my Department. The Inventory is designed to acknowledge and promote living traditions and practices which are part of our unique Irish heritage. It is open to group to submit application to my Department to have traditional practices, including traditional boat building, recognised on the list. Further detail can be found on the website of my Department at https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/culture/projects-and-programmes/intangible-cultural-heritage/.
104. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding her Department’s response to recent revelations regarding sexual harassment in the arts. [3101/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have stated publicly, everyone, regardless of their job, is entitled to work in an atmosphere in which respect, dignity, fairness and equality are very much the norm.
My Department is working closely with the Irish Theatre Institute with a view to putting in place a series of actions that will find an appropriate way forward for the Theatre sector on this sensitive topic.
On 16th November 2017, my predecessor met with the group of eight leaders from Irish theatre organisations, who had co-signed a statement condemning sexual harassment and abuse of power in the theatre in Ireland. The meeting focused on how the theatre sector, in particular, could come together to discuss the issues which have arisen. It was agreed that my Department would assist in any practical arrangements in this regard.
Following that engagement the Irish Theatre Institute has worked to develop an initiative to provide an opportunity for people in the sector to come together to voice views on recent happenings and to consider a respectful way forward for the sector.
Details of this initiative are being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.
I have also asked the Theatre Institute to engage with representatives of the 72 signatories of the open letter which was published in the Irish Times last week with a view to ensuring that the measures proposed can address some of the concerns they expressed, in particular addressing culture and practices in the sector into the future.
I have indicated that I would welcome a meeting with these representatives in due course so that I can hear their concerns first hand and to ensure that any measures we support, address the core of the issues facing the sector and beyond.
It is not appropriate for me as Minister to become involved in, or comment on individual cases, and it is important that due process is followed in each individual case. I am however vigorously following up on the measures announced by my predecessor last month which are designed to work with stakeholders to address culture and practices within the sector. I want to send out a clear message that compliance with the law and a culture of dignity and respect are fundamental and should be the norm for everyone, regardless of where or how they work.
105. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address the concerns outlined by 70 persons working in theatre regarding the process of inquiry on sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace being undertaken by the Gate Theatre. [3098/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have stated publicly, everyone, regardless of their job, is entitled to work in an atmosphere in which respect, dignity, fairness and equality are very much the norm.
My Department is working closely with the Irish Theatre Institute with a view to putting in place a series of actions that will find an appropriate way forward for the Theatre sector on this sensitive topic.
On 16th November 2017, my predecessor met with the group of eight leaders from Irish theatre organisations, who had co-signed a statement condemning sexual harassment and abuse of power in the theatre in Ireland. The meeting focused on how the theatre sector, in particular, could come together to discuss the issues which have arisen. It was agreed that my Department would assist in any practical arrangements in this regard.
Following that engagement the Irish Theatre Institute has worked to develop an initiative to provide an opportunity for people in the sector to come together to voice views on recent happenings and to consider a respectful way forward for the sector.
Details of this initiative are being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.
I have also asked the Theatre Institute to engage with representatives of the 72 signatories of the open letter which was published in the Irish Times last week with a view to ensuring that the measures proposed can address some of the concerns they expressed, in particular addressing culture and practices in the sector into the future.
I have indicated that I would welcome a meeting with these representatives in due course so that I can hear their concerns first hand and to ensure that any measures we support, address the core of the issues facing the sector and beyond.
It is not appropriate for me as Minister to become involved in, or comment on individual cases, and it is important that due process is followed in each individual case. I am however vigorously following up on the measures announced by my predecessor last month which are designed to work with stakeholders to address culture and practices within the sector. I want to send out a clear message that compliance with the law and a culture of dignity and respect are fundamental and should be the norm for everyone, regardless of where or how they work.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad, with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters among young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise that 2018 has been designated as the European Year of Cultural Heritage. It is anticipated that this designation will engage with communities in all Member States, large and small, and will see activities taking place at national, regional and local level, involving citizens of all ages.
Last December one of my first duties following my appointment as Minister, was to welcome Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport to Ireland to Dublin to outline the threefold aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage. Firstly to encourage the sharing and appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage; secondly, to raise awareness of our common history and values; and finally to involve all citizens, irrespective or age, to promote a sense of belonging to a common European space.
My Department is supporting the Heritage Council as National Coordinator in the delivery of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in Ireland. I will shortly be announcing a menu of events which will be taking place throughout Ireland in 2018 as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage which will serve to highlight Ireland's heritage both at home and abroad.
With particular reference to generating interest among young people, the Heritage in Schools Scheme provides a panel of 160 Heritage Specialists who visit primary schools throughout the country to encourage awareness of the genius of the natural and cultural world that surrounds us in our daily lives and engage children in a direct experience of their heritage. The Scheme will form a part of Ireland's programme for the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
The Government's Creative Ireland Programme also places a special emphasis on unifying our global reputation and aims to capture the overarching narrative of Ireland’s unique creativity and cultural heritage and present a coherent representation of Ireland as a country of creative people. In addition, through Culture Ireland of my Department there is direct support for Irish artists to present their work worldwide. This serves to raise the global awareness of the strong reputation of the Ireland’s arts sector and develop new audiences abroad for Irish artists.
I should also mention the significant success which Ireland recently achieved with Uilleann Piping receiving recognition as being worthy of inscription on the UNESCO Register for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Uilleann Piping is acknowledged as the sound of Ireland, enjoyed and played by young and old across the globe which serves to generate increased interest in Ireland and our cultural heritage.
107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of coursing clubs that have been sanctioned for coursing sick hares in the 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018 seasons. [2999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has implemented sanctions on coursing clubs over recent years. While a sanction was implemented in respect of the 2016/17 season, this was not related to the coursing of sick hares. Officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department have monitored twenty four coursing events to date during the current 2017/18 season, including trials. All issues arising from this monitoring programme, including any issues such as the Deputy raises here, will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 season.
108. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the decision to allocate €0.9 million of the Creative Ireland Programme budget to initiatives under the heading, citizen engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the 2017 Creative Ireland Programme my Department undertook a comprehensive citizen engagement programme to:
- Showcase the range and depth of Ireland's cultural and creative offering;
- Encourage participation in arts and creative activities as a means of individual, collective and societal wellbeing, and;
- Build awareness of the Creative Ireland Programme, particularly in its first year.
The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme is that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential. This represents a new approach to creativity and cultural policy and therefore required a substantial and sustained communications programme in 2017. A combination of approaches and platforms were used to maximise impact, taking account of the diversity of the target audiences.
The development of the citizen engagement programme was very much informed by the positive experience of previous programmes particularly the approach taken in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. In addition, statistics relating to readership of national and regional newspapers, listenership to local radio and increased use of social media, particularly by younger people, all informed the choices made. The Programme was also designed to have as wide a reach as possible, including in rural areas.
A full expenditure breakdown of the €0.937m is provided on my Department's Creative Ireland Programme website: https://creative.ireland.ie/en/news/creative-ireland-programme-end-year-report-2017.
