Written Answers Nos. 357-363
357. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of archaeological licences which have been issued by her Department since 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4674/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of individual archaeological excavation licences issued by the National Monuments Service of my Department under Section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930 since 1995 to date amounts to 20,164.
The licensing of archaeological excavations is an important function of the National Monuments Service in the protection of archaeological sites and monuments where there is a risk of damage from development-led works.
358. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí cuntas ar an dul chun cinn maidir le scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga, go háirithe maidir leis na postanna breise a cheadaigh an tAire ach nár líonadh i 2017 sna scoileanna seo a leanas: Scoil an Chéidigh, Scoil an Bhreacaigh, Scoil Mhín a Ghabhann agus Pobalscoil na Rosann; cen fath, i mBliain seo na Gaeilge, go bhfuil scoileanna i dtoghcheantar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta fós ag fanacht le breis agus dhá bhliain anuas le cuntóir teanga [4680/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar atá luaite roimhe seo, tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag an Roinn ar Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga ar mhaithe lena chinntiú go bhfuil an scéim ag tacú ar an gcaoi is fearr is féidir le feidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga agus an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta araon.
Mar chuid den athbhreithniú, a mbeidh tairiscintí ina leith á lorg go poiblí ag an Roinn faoi réir an chórais soláthair phoiblí gan mhoill, tá sé i gceist go scrúdófar mar is cuí, an ghné den scéal a bhaineann le hinaitheantas scoileanna Gaeltachta lena n-áirítear scoileanna nach bhfuil aitheanta faoin scéim i láthair na huaire. Tá na ceithre scoil atá luaite ag an Teachta i measc na scoileanna sin.
359. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if changes are being made, or are due to be made, to the Wildlife Act 1976 with regard to the burning of gorse on our hills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4743/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, proposals were announced in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures is included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016.
The Bill has completed its passage through Seanad Éireann and has completed Second Stage in Dail Éireann. A date for Committee Stage in the Dail is awaited.
In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts remain in force.
360. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff under her Department and agencies or bodies under her aegis seconded as national experts to the EU; and the grade number, pay scale and the length of time each member has been serving while under secondment, in tabular form. [4765/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there is one such person has been seconded to the EU as indicated in the following table.
|
Grade |
Pay Scale (First Point - Last Point) |
Duration of Secondment |
|
Principal Officer |
€80,852 - €99,408 |
Since May 2016 |
361. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the introduction of an annual commemoration of the meeting of the first Dáil on 21 January 1919 and the Declaration of Independence; if discussions have been held regarding same; the timeframe for the progress of the Declaration of Independence Day Bill 2017 through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4851/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place in the Round Room of the Mansion House on the afternoon of 21st January 1919. The elected members present at that meeting asserted the exclusive right of the elected representatives of the Irish people to legislate for the country, adopting a Constitution and approving the Declaration of Independence. At that meeting, the Dáil also approved a Democratic Programme, based on the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic and read and adopted a Message to the Free Nations of the World.
I believe that an event to mark this momentous occasion in our history is appropriate and this will be one of the key historical events to be marked by the State in 2019. My Department is consulting and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, in order to progress plans in this regard. The State's approach to the appropriate commemoration of this sensitive and challenging period in our history will be guided at all times by the advice of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. I am aware also that the Houses of the Oireachtas are planning a significant programme of events to mark this centenary and I and my Department will work with colleagues there, where possible.
With regard to the progression of the Declaration of Independence Day Bill 2017 this is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas.
362. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the names of advisers she has appointed to her office since becoming Minister; the responsibilities of each; the previous employment of each; the salaries of each; and if she plans to make further appointments. [4864/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister on the 30th November 2017, I have appointed one special adviser, Mr. John Keogh. Mr. Keogh has been appointed as my Media Adviser from the 8th January 2018. He has extensive experience as a senior editor with over twenty years’ experience in both traditional and digital media. Mr Keogh was Director of News at Newstalk for 13 years, Managing Editor of the Network news (which supplies news to every radio station in the country) for 8 years and was a senior producer at Sky News. Over his career he has also worked for TV3 news and many local radio stations both here in Ireland and in the UK. He is paid €91,943 per annum. In line with normal practice, as provided for by the Public Service Management Act 1997, I intend to appoint a second Special Adviser shortly.
363. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided to a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4935/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act the Arts Council is independent in relation to its funding decisions. Further information on the work of the Arts Council and the funding schemes is available on the website of the Council at www.artscouncil.ie
The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 which was announced in 2016 is focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities throughout the country. This scheme is running from 2016 to 2018 over three complementary grant streams. To date, funding of €10.214m has been allocated to 134 projects under the 3 streams. This is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and is targeting investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces.
A full list of all successful projects under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department’s website at the following link https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/grants-and-funding/.
My Department proposes to re-open this scheme for applications later this year.
