Written Answers Nos. 697-700
697. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason information on national monuments in the care of local authorities is not held by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department holds a record of the location and description of all known archaeological monuments across the State. Where a monument is, however, in the care of a local authority as owner or guardian, the conservation and management of the monument, including title and related matters, is the responsibility of the authority itself, subject to compliance with the requirements of the National Monuments Acts. This includes an obligation on a local authority to obtain my consent, as Minister, to any proposed works to a national monument in its care.
698. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11453/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers is proceeding incrementally. The recent spell of sustained heavy rainfall post-Christmas caused the temporary suspension of works to allow the floods to recede.
Work recommenced on 26th February 2018 with a re-scheduled completion date of July 2018. The site closed on 2nd March 2018 as workers travelling to the site were hampered by heavy snow. Workers were back on site on 5th March 2018.
This project remains a priority for me in the context of the National Development Plan 2017-2027.
699. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff assigned in her Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11699/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Press Office of my Department has a staffing complement at present of 5. This includes a Press Officer (Assistant Principal Officer Grade), two Executive Officers, and a Clerical Officer. In addition, a communications and media assistant (Executive Officer Grade) joined the Press Office in October 2017.
The following table outlines the staffing numbers in the Press Office of my Department since 2015
|
Year |
APO |
HEO |
EO |
CO |
Total |
|
2015 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
2016 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
|
2017 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
|
2018 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
700. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a panel has been established in her Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in her Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; her plans to make such an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11715/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no panel for communications officers has been established in my Department. My Department does not currently have a head of communications role and has made no decision at present to make such an appointment.
