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Tuesday, 30 Jan 2018

Written Answers Nos. 644-664

Local Authority Funding

Ceisteanna (644)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

644. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the annual general funding allocation paid to Longford and Westmeath county councils in each of the years 2012 to 2017, in tabular form. [4462/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I assume the Question refers to the payment of General Purpose Grants (GPGs) and Local Property Tax (LPT) from the Local Government Fund to local authorities. Before the introduction of local retention of LPT in 2015, GPGs were my Department’s contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers. The 2014 figures recognise the removal of water related costs and are therefore not directly comparable to previous years’ funding. In 2015 GPGs were replaced by LPT payments.

The details of all GPG and LPT payments broken down by local authority are available on my Department's website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/administration/finance/general-purpose-grants-and-local-property-tax-payments-local.

Housing Assistance Payment Data

Ceisteanna (645)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

645. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons claiming HAP in counties Westmeath and Longford. [4466/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. There are currently over 32,000 households in receipt of HAP and over 20,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.

HAP commenced in the Westmeath and Longford County Council areas on 1 December 2016 and the total numbers of active HAP tenancies in those areas are 382 and 137, respectively.

A breakdown of the number of households supported by HAP in each local authority area at the end of Quarter 3 2017 is available on my Department's website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.

Quarter 4 data will be published on the website shortly.

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (646)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

646. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department maintains contact with the various local authorities operating the choice-based letting system regarding the performance of the system; and if so, the frequency with which information is exchanged between each local authority and his department. [4488/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allocation of social housing support is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.

Section 22 of the 2009 Act requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.

On 30 September 2016, the Social Housing Allocation (Amendment) Regulations 2016 were made, which required all local authorities, if they had not already done so, to provide for Choice Based Letting (CBL) as a method of allocation in their housing allocation schemes by 31 December 2016. Where a local authority, having included a provision on CBL in its allocation scheme, decides to operate a CBL scheme, it must implement it in accordance with Regulations 6 - 11 of the Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011 (as amended). Decisions on which properties are to be included under a CBL scheme is a matter for individual authorities.

My Department is committed to monitoring the roll-out of CBL across all Local Authorities, and undertook a survey in the last quarter of 2017 to determine the uptake and impact of CBL. Of the local authorities who have implemented it, the majority said that CBL has had a positive impact on how they allocate dwellings.

16 local authorities indicated that they are currently operating a choice based lettings model as part of their allocation scheme. A further 2 have indicated their intention to implement a pilot CBL scheme in the near future.

My Department will continue to liaise with local authorities during 2018 with a view to ensuring that CBL is implemented, as widely as possible, across the country.

Deposit Protection Scheme Establishment

Ceisteanna (647)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

647. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he will take to prioritise the introduction of a deposit protection scheme for the private rental sector; the reason for the delay in commencing the relevant sections of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4495/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for, among other things, the establishment of a tenancy deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

The Government is fully committed to the principle of ensuring effective protection of deposits. I have asked my Department, in consultation with the RTB, to undertake a detailed examination of the current legislative provisions, which have not yet been commenced, to identify any improvements and further legislative provisions required to take account of the changed circumstances since the development of the 2015 scheme. My aim is to ensure that any deposit protection scheme to be introduced will operate effectively, efficiently and will respond to the needs of both tenants and landlords.

It will be essential to future-proof and make sustainable any deposit protection scheme for the RTB to operate into the future. There have been significant changes in the rental market since the 2015 scheme was first envisaged and designed. For example, the draft scheme was originally intended to be financed by the interest payable on deposits lodged; this is no longer viable, given the current financial market conditions. Furthermore, disputes relating to deposits are no longer the most common dispute type referred to the RTB. In 2016, deposit retention was the third most common dispute type referred to the Board, behind invalid notice of termination, and rent arrears and over-holding of rental properties.

Financing the operation of the scheme is an important issue particularly in terms of ensuring that the likely outcomes of a new scheme are achieved efficiently and effectively and that the best value from public funds is secured. Careful consideration is required to introduce any necessary reforms and enhancements to the 2015 scheme, with a view to introducing a re-designed scheme that is fit for purpose and suitable for current and future rental and financial markets.

I expect that, on foot of the examination of the existing provisions, any necessary legislative changes can be progressed through the Oireachtas this year.

Rental Sector

Ceisteanna (648)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

648. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will meet with a national representative body (details supplied), in view of his comments in Dáil Éireann that his Department would reflect on the proposed Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill, which has been referred to the relevant Oireachtas joint committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4536/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has given priority to the early publication of a Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill to address urgent issues in the rental sector.

My Department recently conducted a review of the Rent Predictability Measure on the basis of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) rent data and the recently conducted public consultation on the operation of the Rent Pressure Zones. In that context, my Department received a submission from the national representative body referred to.

On 19 September 2017, arising from the review findings, I announced a number of measures to further strengthen the effectiveness of the rent setting and rent review laws. These include the intention to make it an offence to increase rents in contravention of the legislation and to provide the RTB with the necessary powers and resources to protect tenants from illegal rent increases.

The RTB is also planning to move towards annual registration of tenancies, which will permit the building of a national rent dataset, allowing the Board to provide benchmark rents for different property types. This enhanced data will be key to understanding trends and behaviour in the rental market as well as informing future policy decisions.

I have asked my Department to consult further with key stakeholders, as necessary, in the formulation of the priority legal provisions for inclusion in the Bill.

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Ceisteanna (649)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

649. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be provided for new group water schemes (details supplied) connected to a scheme from a private source; the timeframe for commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4609/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand from Donegal County Council that the group water schemes (GWS) referred to are proposed extensions to the existing Meenabool/ Dunlewey GWS.

My Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme for 2016-2018 includes a measure for the funding of new GWS, which includes extensions to existing schemes. This is addressed through Measure 3 of the programme.

In January 2016 my Department invited local authorities to submit bids under the programme. The proposed extension schemes were not included by the Council in its bid under Measure 3 of the programme; however, two bids were made for the Meenabool / Dunlewey scheme under other block grant based measures not related to extensions.

Following examination of all local authorities’ proposals under Measure 3 by an Expert Panel convened for this purpose, schemes were recommended by the Panel for funding in each of the three years of the multi-annual programme (2016-2018). My Department accepted the recommendations of the Panel in full. Accordingly, the approvals that were announced in August 2016 identified schemes under Measure 3 for each of the three years of the programme.

My Department has received a letter from the Council dated 12 January 2018 seeking funding for the proposed schemes. Given that the multi-annual programme has already identified schemes under Measure 3 for each of the three years of the programme, further schemes cannot be added at this point in time. However, there will be scope to consider the schemes in the context of the next multi-annual programme, which is to commence in 2019.

Hen Harriers Threat Response Plan

Ceisteanna (650)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

650. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the threat response plan with respect to forestry and the hen harrier. [3923/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is close to completion of its work on the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan which will address various matters relating to the conservation of the Hen Harrier, and will discuss the draft Plan with the Consultative Committee, which includes representatives from across the relevant sectors, including from the forest sector.

Heritage Promotion

Ceisteanna (651)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

651. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available from her Department to local heritage festivals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3935/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2017, my Department ran a Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools fund. Funding available under this scheme was capped at €5,000 per applicant. Full details of this scheme are available at

http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/arts/culture/grants-and-funding/small-scale-local-festivals-summer-schools/.

It is currently envisaged that this funding scheme will run again in Q1 2018. In this context, it may be useful to monitor my Department's website.

In addition, the Arts Council also have a funding stream for festivals and information in relation to this may be found at http://www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Festivals-and-events/Overview/.

Fáilte Ireland also provides support to festivals and participative events through its National Programme, (€2.3 million in 33 festivals and participative events around Ireland in 2017). Priority is given to festivals and participative events that strongly demonstrate a core tourism focus in their sales activity and programming. Fáilte Ireland is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Sport.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (652)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

652. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if application forms are available for community groups applying for the community and language support programme Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3939/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In order to further improve the application process which governs An Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga, work is currently in hand to simplify and improve the application form currently in use with a view to making an updated application form available in the coming weeks.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (653)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

653. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i gcomhthéacs mholtaí Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na nOileán, an dtabharfaidh sí gealltanas go gcuirfear an soláthar airgid cuí ar fáil don Roinn nó d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun príomh-mholtaí na Straitéise a chur i bhfeidhm, go háirithe agus bliain na Gaeilge ann in 2018; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3963/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Mar is eol don Teachta, is tríd an phróiseas meastacháin agus cáinaisnéise a dhéantar leithdháileadh ar an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn bhliantúil do mo Roinn agus, go deimhin, do na Ranna Rialtais go léir. Ina thaobh sin, tá allúntas de €62.595 milliún ina iomláine ar fáil don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin in 2018 i gcomparáid le €60.602 milliún a cuireadh ar fáil sna Meastacháin do 2017. Áiríonn na figiúirí seo an soláthar atá curtha ar fáil don Fhoras Teanga - an soláthar do Ghníomhaireacht na hUltaise san áireamh.

Mar chuid den chistíocht sin is fiú a mheabhrú don Teachta, go bhfuil ciste faoi leith ar fiú €2.65m in iomlán curtha ar fáil go sonrach don phróiseas pleanála teanga in 2018. Is ionann é seo agus ardú suntasach €1.4m thar an méid a bhí luaite leis an gciste seo in 2017. Bainfear leas as an gciste seo chun a chinntiú go ndéantar cúram cuí sa bhliain reatha den phróiseas pleanála teanga atá ag croilár na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge, ar ndóigh.

Is fiú a lua chomh maith go gcuimsítear sa chiste iomlán thuasluaite ciste faoi leith ar fiú €2.322m é 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 táim sásta go mbeifear in ann tacú tuilleadh le feidhmiú na Straitéise mar a bhaineann sé leis an nGaeltacht.

Ina theannta sin, ar ndóigh, tá cistíocht reatha ar fiú €6.39m é ar fáil in 2018 a leanfar ag baint leasa as sa bhliain reatha chun raon leathan clár, scéimeanna agus bearta a mhaoiniú a bheidh mar thaca breise d'fheidhmiú na Straitéise trí chéile.

Maidir le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta, is é an soláthar iomlán atá curtha ar fáil dó in 2018 ná €19.587m i gcomparáid le soláthar iomlán de €18.895m don bhliain 2017. Tá €413,000 de mhaoiniú breise curtha ar fáil in 2018 chun cúram a dhéanamh de chlár caipitil na heagraíochta (ar fiú €7m é in 2018), agus chun tacú tuilleadh leis na comharchumainn agus eagraíochta forbartha pobail a bhíonn ag feidhmiú faoina scáth.

Ní miste dom a lua chomh maith gur cuireadh ciste breise arbh fhiú €2.27m é ar fáil do chlár caipitil an Údaráis in 2017 agus €2.4m breise in 2016. Fágann sé sin go bhfuil €4.67m sa bhreis ar an mbunlíne curtha ar fáil don eagraíocht thar dhá bhliain anuas.

Maidir le clár caipitil na bliana reatha, táim sásta go gcuirfidh an soláthar breise seo ar chumas an Údaráis dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar roinnt tograí caipitil atá ar na bacán acu le tamall, rud a chiallaíonn go dtacófar go praiticiúil le hiarrachtaí an Údaráis freastal a dhéanamh ar phobal na Gaeltachta agus ar an nGaeilge dá réir - cuspóir atá ag croílár na Straitéise ó thaobh na Gaeltachta de.

Maidir le Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, is fiú a mheabhrú gur togra de chuid Rialtas na hÉireann é seo agus go deimhin go bhfuil maoiniú faoi leith ar fiú €450,000 é curtha ar fáil ag an Rialtas ina leith i soláthar Fhoras na Gaeilge.

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (654)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

654. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has approved work method statements received from Galway County Council on 19 January and 12 April 2016 regarding the full upgrade of the N59 national secondary road from Oughterard to Maam Cross in County Galway (details supplied); if another work method statement is required from Galway County Council in order to comply with An Bord Pleanála conditions regarding the full upgrade work of that section of the N59; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3974/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A number of method statements in relation to the upgrade of the Oughterard to Maam Cross Section of the N59 were received in my Department in 2015 and 2016.

At a meeting in September 2016 between the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and Galway Council to explore how best to progress work on the N59 including in relation to approval of method statements it was agreed that the Council would seek to progress the road section by section and that method statements for particular elements of work in the Maam Cross to Bunakill section would be submitted by the Council in the first instance. The Department gave a commitment to respond to all method statement submitted thereafter within ten days of receipt. Following that meeting, a revised method statement for the ground investigation works for the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section of the N59 was submitted by Galway County Council to my Department on 28 June 2017 and this was approved on 29 June 2017. On 6 September 2017 my Department received a draft method statement from the Council for archaeology testing on the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section and this was approved the following day, 7 September 2017.

It is understood that the necessary ground investigation work has now been completed and Galway County Council hopes to be proceed with the precautionary Archaeological work in the second quarter of 2018.

Hare Coursing

Ceisteanna (655)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

655. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she granted permission to a club (details supplied) to hold a second day of hare coursing trials at a location in January 2018; if so, the grounds on which it was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4008/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In October 201, my Department issued a revised licence in relation to coursing under Section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) to the Club, which included new and revised conditions relating to the reporting of coursing trials. One such condition stipulates that an individual coursing club may hold no more than one trial session but that in exceptional circumstances may apply to hold a second day’s trial.

My Department has, in the circumstances outlined to it, acceded to a request to hold a second day’s trial in relation to a coursing meeting which is scheduled on 10th, 11th and 12th February.

Hare Coursing Data

Ceisteanna (656)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

656. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the purpose of hare coursing trials; the monitoring of such trials that are taking place; if participants are paying a fee to take part in these trials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department issued the Irish Coursing Club with a revised licence in October 2017 on behalf of its affiliated clubs which included new and revised conditions relating to the reporting of coursing trials.

It is my understanding that it is normal practice for some coursing clubs to "trial" or familiarise hares with the course in advance of coursing meetings. This involves releasing the hares from the same location from which they will be released at the actual coursing meeting with the intention that they would become familiar with the route to the escape in a live coursing scenario.

Where resources allow, local National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conservation rangers and other staff attend coursing meetings to conduct on a spot-checks and to monitor compliance with licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club and its affiliated clubs. During the current 2017/18 coursing season some twenty four coursing events have been monitored by officials of my Department, including trials. I have no role in relation to the payment of any fees relating to these trials.

Hare Coursing Regulation

Ceisteanna (657)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

657. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consequences of coursing clubs not adhering to their licence conditions; the number of such breaches recorded in 2016 and 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

During the 2015/16 coursing season, my Department sanctioned two coursing clubs (Thurles, Co. Tipperary and Doon, Co. Limerick) due to non-co-operation with Departmental officials by reducing the number of courses run during their meetings. Doon coursing club subsequently cancelled the holding of their meeting.

During the 2016/17 coursing season my Department published three reports on incidents at the Rathdowney, Co. Laois, Loughrea, Co. Galway and Ballinagar, Co. Offaly meetings in relation to alleged breaches of the conditions of the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of its affiliated club. These reports are available on the Department's website. Following the Department’s investigation of the incident at Rathdowney, my Department directed that their meeting should not take place.

I am aware of the reports of National Parks and Wildlife Service officers of my Department in relation to coursing meetings monitored during the current 2017/18 coursing season. All issues arising from such reports will be reviewed and considered in the context of licenses for the 2018/19 coursing season.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (658)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

658. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision will issue on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4105/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The individual referred to in the Deputy's question appealed to the Peatlands Council against a decision of my Department that he does not fulfil the qualifying criteria to be eligible for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme.

The Council has forwarded its recommendation to me in this case. As soon as I have made my decision as regards this recommendation, the appellant will be advised of it.

Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga

Ceisteanna (659)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

659. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfear Cuntóir Teanga ar fáil do scoil i gContae Dhún na nGall (sonraí curtha ar fáil); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [4351/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ar mhaithe lena chinntiú go bhfuil Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga ag feidhmiú ar an gcaoi is fearr is féidir mar thaca don phróiseas pleanála teanga agus an Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta araon, tá mo Roinn ag tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar an scéim i mbliana.

Ós rud é go bhfuil éileamh thar na bearta ó scoileanna Gaeltachta le bheith rannpháirteach sa scéim, beifear ag súil leis, de thoradh an athbhreithnithe, go mbeifear in ann aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhreastal níos fearr a dhéanamh ar an éileamh sin.

Clár Éire Ildánach

Ceisteanna (660)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

660. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta conas atá an Ghaeilge á cur chun cinn ag Creative Ireland; an bhfuil maoiniú faoi leith ar fáil i dtaobh imeachtaí lán-Ghaeilge nó dhátheangacha a chur ar bun; an bhfuil dreasachtaí ar fáil dóibh chun úsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun tosaigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [4380/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Fógraíodh ar 13 Nollaig 2017 go raibh Bliain Na Gaeilge 2018 faofa ag an Rialtas. Ag tógáil ar rath An Teanga Bheo a bhí mar shraith faoi Éire 2016: Clár Comórtha agus i bhfianaise go mbeidh Conradh na Gaeilge ag ceiliúradh 125 Bliain d’Athbheochan na Gaeilge i 2018, feictear gur togra tráthúil í Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018 chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an teanga, go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta.

Chun tacú le gníomhaíochtaí na Bliana, cheadaigh Foras na Gaeilge pacáiste airgeadais de €450,000 roimh dheireadh 2017, agus tá Meitheal Oibre comhdhéanta d'ionadaíocht ó mo Roinn, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, RTÉ, TG4 agus Conradh na Gaeilge bunaithe ar mhaithe leis an togra a stiúradh. Tá i gceist go mbeidh cur chuige tras-Rialtais i gceist agus an Bhliain á ceiliúradh.

Tá clár imeachtaí Eanáir go Meitheamh foilsithe cheana féin agus is féidir imeachtaí bhreise a chlárú i gcónaí ar gaeilge2018.ie. Tá Éire Ildánach ag obair leis na údaráis áitiúil ag iarraidh iad a spreagadh le bheith páirteach sa cheiliúradh agus le himeachtaí a eagrú a thacaíonn leis an gcoincheap

Tá i gceist go mbeidh na himeachtaí seo ag díríú isteacht ar:

- bheocht na teanga a cheiliúradh;

- úsáid, íomhá dearfach, infheictheacht agus gnáthú na Gaeilge sa phobal a mhéadú;

- an obair leanúnach a spreagadh agus aitheantas a thabhairt do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge; agus

- an Ghaeilge a chosaint mar theanga labhartha na Gaeltachta.

Táim cinnte go ndéanfaidh an fócas speisialta ar an nGaeilge dearcadh dearfach i leith na teanga a spreagadh i measc an phobail i gcoitinne, rud a thacóidh le cuspóirí na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 a bhaint amach.

Ar ndóigh, mar chuid de Bhliain na Gaeilge, déanfaidh mo Roinn cinnte de go mbeidh an Ghaeilge lárnach chomh maith i gClár Éire Ildánach - i mbliana ach go háirithe. Cheana féin cuireadh páirtnéireacht ar bun le hEalaíon na Gaeilge Teo i 2017 chun a chinntiú go raibh an Clár ag freastal ar mhuintir na Gaeltachta agus cuireadh roinnt imeachtaí ar siúil da bharr sin. Chomh maith le sin bhí freastal ag Clár Éire Ildánach ar Oireachtas na Samhna agus chonaic ar a laghad 60,000 duine an físean a chuireadh le chéile ag an Oireachtas leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Cuirfear leis an obair seo i 2018 mar chuid de Bhliain na Gaeilge.

Public Private Partnerships Data

Ceisteanna (661)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

661. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the public private partnerships her Department is currently engaged in; the name, cost and timeframe of each; the names of all private parties involved; the nature of each project in terms of design, build, maintain and so on, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4431/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised that my Department is not currently engaged in any Public Private Partnership.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Ceisteanna (662)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

662. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad duine atá ar Bhoird Údarás na Gaeltachta; an mó folúntas atá ann faoi láthair; cad é an plean agus an clár ama atá ag an Aire chun aon fholúntas a líonadh [4489/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Faoi réir na bhforálacha ábhartha d'Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, is bord de dháréag atá ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Is i gcomhréir le forálacha ábhartha an Achta agus na cleachtais agus na rialacháin ábhartha a cheap mé bord nua don Údarás le gairid. Níl aon fholúntais ann faoi láthair, dá réir.

De réir mar ba chuí, ba faoi réir an Achta agus na rialachán agus na gcleachtas úd a líonfaí aon fholúntas a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ann idir seo agus deireadh shaolré cúig bliana an bhoird.

Commemorative Medals

Ceisteanna (663, 664)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

663. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason some personnel who participated in the 1916 centenary commemorations were not recipients of commemorative medals in view of the fact their colleagues in other front-line emergency services were awarded such medals; her plans to rectify this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4540/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

664. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the criteria regarding the award of commemorative medals for front-line emergency service providers; the reasons all such personnel were not considered for inclusion in this programme to mark their contribution to the centenary commemorations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4541/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together.

The presentation of medals for participation in the 1916 centenary commemorations was a matter for the services concerned and/or their sponsoring Departments. My Department had no role in relation to the decisions of the relevant emergency service providers.

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