Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1637-1652

Appointments to State Boards Data

Ceisteanna (1637)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1637. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of all State board appointments since the general election in 2016; the person who recommended each appointment; the credentials of those appointed; if the vacancy was publicly advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15171/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am advised that all appointments to State boards under the aegis of my Department since the General Election in 2016 are as set out in the following table. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises such vacancies. Since this website was set up in 2014 it has consistently been used by my Department to identify suitably qualified members of the public who are interested in serving on boards under my remit. Candidates must meet specific and detailed criteria that I have determined, in consultation with the relevant Chair, as necessary for the effective performance of the Board. These are then agreed with PAS and details of vacancies, essential and desirable requirements for the role(s) and the application process are published. Applications are assessed by an expert panel established by PAS and a list of suitably qualified candidates is proposed from which the Minister selects Board appointees

There are a number of specific exceptions from these arrangements including the appointment of members to a Board on an ex officio basis and nominations by a third party organisation such as a local authority and these are also listed in the following table. Appointments to boards of North/South bodies are also exempt from this process and are made by the North South Ministerial Council, on the basis of 50:50 nominations from each jurisdiction.

State Board	Name	Position	Date Appointed	Date Reappointed	Expiry Date	Appointment Type
Arts Council	Helen Shaw	Board Member	14/12/2016		13/12/2021	PAS Process
Arts Council	Loughlin Deegan	Board Member	14/12/2016		13/12/2021	PAS Process
Arts Council	Martina Moloney	Board Member	14/12/2016		13/12/2021	PAS Process
Arts Council	Paddy Glackin	Board Member	14/12/2016		13/12/2021	PAS Process
Arts Council	Pádraig Ó Duinnín	Board Member	14/12/2016		13/12/2021	PAS Process
Arts Council	Damien Downes*	Board Member	14/12/2016		10/10/2017	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Josephine Browne	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Catherine Hammond	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Karen Kelly	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Rose McHugh	Chairperson	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Frank Nyhan	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Gareth O'Callaghan	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Barrie O'Connell	BoardMember	15/03/2017		14/03/2022	PAS Process
Crawford Art Gallery	Eamonn Maxwell*	BoardMember	15/03/2017		16/05/2017	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Brian Walsh	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Finnuala May	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Ivor McElveen	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Jane Maxwell	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Kieran Coughlan	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Marie Bourke	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Mary C. Gallagher	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Miriam Fitzpatrick	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Muiris O'Sullivan	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Heritage Council	Sinead McCartan	Board Member	19/07/2016		19/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Film Board	Larry Bass	Board Member	30/03/2017		29/03/2020	PAS Process
Irish Film Board	Mark Fenton	Board Member	30/03/2017		29/03/2020	PAS Process
Irish Film Board	Rachel Lysaght	Board Member	30/03/2017		29/03/2020	PAS Process
Irish Film Board	Kate McColgan	Board Member	30/03/2017		29/03/2021	PAS Process
Irish Film Board	Marian Quinn	Board Member	30/03/2017		29/03/2021	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Mr Justice John Hedigan	Chairperson	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Hiram Morgan	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Ciara Breathnach	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Kieran Hoare	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Natalie Harrower	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	John Grenham	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Elizabeth Mullins	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Catriona Mulcahy	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Michael Nolan	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Stephen Mac Eoin	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Brian McGee	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
National Archives of Ireland	Deirdre Raftery	Board Member	19/07/2017		18/07/2022	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Maura McGrath	Chairperson	15/04/2014	24/06/2016	23/06/2021	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Rebecca Gageby	Board Member	15/04/2014	24/06/2016	23/06/2020	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	James Cavanagh	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2020	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Gerard Gillen	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2020	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Eleanor McEvoy	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2019	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Máire O'Connor	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2021	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Michael O'Donovan	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2019	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	John Reynolds	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2019	PAS Process
Nationa Concert Hall	Don Thornhill	Board Member	24/06/2016		23/06/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Michael Cush (Chair 2011-2016)	Board Member	22/02/2010	17/11/2016	16/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Ann Prendergast	Board Member	17/11/2016		16/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Barney Whelan	Board Member	17/11/2016		15/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Gary Jermyn	Board Member	17/11/2016		16/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Jacqueline Hall	Board Member	17/11/2016		15/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Lesley Tully	Board Member	17/11/2016		15/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Lynda Carroll	Board Member	17/11/2016		15/11/2021	PAS Process
National Gallery of Ireland	Owen Lewis	Board Member	01/12/2016		N/a	Ex-Officio - VP, RDS
National Gallery of Ireland	Maurice Buckley	Board Member	12/12/2016		N/a	Ex-Officio - Chairperson OPW
National Gallery of Ireland	James English	Board Member	05/05/2017		04/05/2020	RHA Nominee
National Museum of Ireland	Aidan Walsh	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Ambrose Loughlin	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Andrew Power(DR.)	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Catherine Heaney	Chairperson	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Declan Nelson	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Denise Moroney	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	John R. Bowen	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Judith McCarthy	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Lynn Scarff	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Mary Crotty	Board Member	20/01/2011	06/07/2016	05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Virginia Teehan	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh*	Board Member	20/01/2011	06/07/2016	18/01/2018	PAS Process
National Museum of Ireland	Ingrid Hook	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	RDS Nominee
National Museum of Ireland	Kathleen James-Chakraborty(Prof.)	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	RIA Nominee
National Museum of Ireland	Mary O’Dowd (Prof.)	Board Member	06/07/2016		05/07/2021	RIA Nominee
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dáibhí Ó Cróinín	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	James Kelly	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Jane Ohlmeyer	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Prof. John McCafferty	Chairperson	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Máire Mac Conghail	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Thomas O'Connor	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. Hiram Morgan	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. Ciara Breathnach	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. Liam Chambers	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Ms. Kate Manning	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. David Hayton	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. Patrick Geoghegan	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Prof. Marian Lyons	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Prof. Alvin Jackson	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Dr. Elva Johnston	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Ms. Nicola Morris	Board Member	26/06/2017		10/07/2022	PAS Process
Irish Manuscripts Commission	Mary O'Dowd	Board Member	01/02/2014	26/06/2017	10/07/2020	PAS Process
Foras na Gaeilge	Conor McGuinness**	Board Member	24/06/2016	13/12/2016	23/06/2021	North/South Body Exempt
Foras na Gaeilge	Barra Ó Muirí**	Chairperson	07/07/2016	13/12/2016	06/07/2021	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Máire Ní Neachtain**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2020	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Mairéad Connolly**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Mairéad Farrell**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Niall Ó Gallochobair**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Sorcha Ní Chéidigh**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2020	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Pól Ó Gallchóir**	Chairperson	13/12/2016		12/12/2020	North/South Body
Foras na Gaeilge	Rosie Ní Laoghaire*	Board Member	24/06/2016		12/12/2016	North/South Body
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Anna Ní Ghallachair	Chairperson	20/11/2012	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Eunan Mac Cuinneagáin	Board Member	20/11/2012	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Ian Mac Aindriú	Board Member	20/11/2012	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Seosamh Ó Laoi	Board Member	20/11/2012	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Siobhan Seoighe	Board Member	22/06/2015	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Mary Uí Chadhain	Board Member	12/01/2018		11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Debra Ní Shúilleabháin	Board Member	12/01/2018		11/01/2023	PAS Process
Údarás na Gaeltachta	John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh	Board Member	12/01/2018		11/01/2023	Donegal CoCo Nominee
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Seán Mac Congamhna	Board Member	12/01/2018		11/01/2023	Mayo CoCo Nominee
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Séamus Walsh	Board Member	12/01/2018		11/01/2023	Galway CoCo Nominee
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Séamus Cosaí Mac Gearailt	Board Member	20/11/2012	12/01/2018	11/01/2023	Kerry CoCo Nominee
Údarás na Gaeltachta	Máire Seo Breathnach	Board Member	15/02/2017		14/02/2019	Waterford CoCo Nominee (2yrs)
Ulster-Scots Agency	David McNarry**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Ulster-Scots Agency	Julie Andrews**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Ulster-Scots Agency	Iain Carlisle**	Board Member	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body
Ulster-Scots Agency	Keith Gamble**	Chairperson	13/12/2016		12/12/2021	North/South Body

*Have resigned their positions on State Boards

**Appointments to boards of North/South bodies are made by the North South Ministerial Council, on the basis of 50:50 nominations from each jurisdiction.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (1638)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1638. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of expenditure on consultancy by her Department in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the number of consultants engaged by her Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps that have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by her Department in these years and for the future. [15198/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Expenditure on consultancy from the administrative budget of my Department was €33,937 in 2015 and €2,514 in 2016 with no such expenditure in 2017.

The consultancies commissioned for the period in question are set out in the following table.

Commissioned	Company	Subject of Report
2015	Public Affairs Ireland (PAI)	Review of Management Structure and Ireland (PAI) Grading of Senior Management Posts within Údarás na Gaeltachta
2015	Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge	Coimriú ar an tSeirbhís Rapporteur don Díospóireacht Oscailte ar Pholasaí faoin Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge, 2010 – 2030
2016	The Vat Practice	To inform administrative decisions in relation to compliance with VAT tax obligations

Contracts for the provision of services are not included in this Table. I would also point out that my Department also commissions engineering, environmental and other experts from time to time to provide technical reports or activities on specific issues, as required. While the providers of these services are consultant engineers, environmental consultants etc. or may describe themselves in other such terms, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget. Value for money is always a key consideration of the Department when engaging consultants.

Waterways Ireland Funding

Ceisteanna (1639)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

1639. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a breakdown of spending on Waterways Ireland in the past five years. [15278/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Waterways Ireland is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland. The current expenditure of the body is funded 85% by my Department and 15% by DfI, which reflects the distribution of the navigable waterways in each jurisdiction. Capital expenditure is funded 100% in the jurisdiction in which the capital works are carried out.

The amount of funding allocated to Waterways Ireland from my Department's Vote for each of the past five years is set out in the following table:

Year	€m	Current	Capital
2013	€25.463m	€21.292m	€4.071m
2014	€24.183m	€20.325m	€3.858m
2015	€23.426m	€20.058m	€3.368m
2016	€22.799m	€20.119m	€2.680m
2017	€22.859m	€20.179m	€2.680m

Waterways Ireland has been allocated €24.106m (Current €20.526m, Capital €3.580m) from my Departments Vote for investment in the management, maintenance and development of the inland waterways under its control for 2018.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Ceisteanna (1640)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

1640. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 389 of 26 September 2017 and further to a request made by the HSE to the islands division to acquire an identified site for a replacement primary health centre on Inishbofin, County Galway, the progress made on the acquisition of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15313/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As the Deputy will be aware, in 2017, my Department undertook a public consultation process whereby it sought submissions from interested parties in relation to the future use of both Clifden and Inishbofin airstrips and surrounding sites. A large number of submissions were received and these are currently being reviewed by my Department. As part of this process, my Department is assessing a request from the HSE regarding the possibility of making available to that body, a site upon which a primary health centre for the island would be developed. A decision on this matter will be made in due course.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (1641)

James Browne

Ceist:

1641. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the national monuments located in County Kerry in the care of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15329/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

A list of the national monuments in Co Kerry that are in my ownership or guardianship as Minister is available on my Department’s National Monuments Service website at https://www.archaeology.ie/sites/default/files/media/pdf/monuments-in-state-care-kerry.pdf

All of these national monuments are managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (1642)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1642. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of pieces of legislation both enacted and published by her Department that originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; the details of each piece of legislation in the corresponding year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15344/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am advised that, during the period in question, my Department has not enacted or published legislation, which originated from work carried out by the Law Reform Commission.

Deer Culls

Ceisteanna (1643)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1643. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to cull deer in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15607/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

It should be noted that my Department does not own the deer population. Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They roam freely throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. Deer can cover large distances on a daily or seasonal basis in search of food. There is a significant challenge in attempting to balance the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation with the need to ensure that deer populations occupying the same land resources are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, however, where deer species are increasing in range and numbers, depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats (especially woodland), culls need to be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

The area referred to by the Deputy is a large tract of land incorporating both private property and state-owned National Park land. Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners. Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, however, there is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence.

The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer. Landowners may also apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage. My Department has granted over 5,000 deer hunting licences for the current deer hunting season. Licences are issued for an annual period with all licences expiring on 31 July, 2018.

With regard to the National Park in question, my Department actively manages the deer populations within the park on an ongoing basis. 97 deer have been culled there this year.

Gaelscoil Issues

Ceisteanna (1644)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

1644. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided to carry out substantial refurbishment works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15653/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The college to which the Deputy refers in his question has long been recognised as an Irish summer college under the Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (Irish Language Learners' Scheme) and was, therefore, in receipt of the standard subvention provided under the scheme to a number of such residential Irish language summer colleges.

I understand that the possible redevelopment of the building is currently being actively advanced by the college authorities and, in that regard, that an application for funding has been received by my Department. Accordingly, my Department will be seeking to further discuss the matter with the college authorities as soon as possible.

Without prejudice to the outcome of those discussions, the Deputy can be assured that the college's application for capital funding will receive careful consideration in accordance with the terms of the Public Spending Code.

Architectural Heritage

Ceisteanna (1645)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

1645. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is funding available that a voluntary group can apply for that would assist financially in the restoration of a building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15736/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The building mentioned has been recorded by my Department as being of Regional significance on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and recommended for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) by the planning authority. Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities a number of powers to deal with such structures and safeguard their future. The inclusion of a structure on the RPS is a reserved function of the planning authority.

Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings. These schemes are administered by local authorities and include the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund.

Projects to be funded under these schemes in 2018 were announced recently and details are available on all local authority websites and on my Department’s website. While the closing date for the 2018 schemes has now passed, my Department remains in contact with local authorities throughout the year to ensure the best possible use of funding, including by reallocating funds when, for example, projects do not go ahead.

In the context of a particular building, the best advice may be to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in the local authority who will be able to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with the building.

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes for 2018 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (1646)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1646. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the dates of meetings held with officials or by officials with other Ministers on the issue of funding for a project (details supplied); and the Ministers that were involved in these meetings. [15775/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department continues to engage, through correspondence and discussion, with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and with the relevant local authority on the complex issues surrounding the project to which the Deputy refers. Officials from my Department accompanied my predecessor to a meeting with the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government in relation to the project in September 2016.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (1647)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

1647. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén plé atá déanta aici nó ag a Roinn leis an Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil maidir le seirbhís iomlán raidió Gaeilge a bheith ar fáil d’aos óg na tire mar atá geallta sa Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge. [15796/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Tá Raidió Rí-Rá ar an bhfód ón mbliain 2008 agus á mhaoiniú ag mo Roinn ó 2009 ar aghaidh. I mbliana, beidh mo Roinn ag cur maoinithe de €75,000 ar fail don stáisiún. Díríonn an stáisiún seo ar an aos óg agus cuirtear béim ar cheol phríomh srutha seachas ceol ailtéarnach. Tá an stáisiún á chraoladh ar an idirlíon ar feadh 24 uair a chloig in aghaidh an lae ó 1 Márta 2008. Tá sé ar fáil ar an bhfeidhimchlár don iFón agus d’Android agus bíonn sé ar fáil ar FM ar feadh thréimhsí chomh maith. Tá an líon éisteoirí atá ag an stáisiún ag méadú i gcónaí.

Is í an aidhm atá ag Raidió Rí-Rá stáisiún raidió náisiúnta lánaimseartha den chéad chaighdeán a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge a bhéas dírithe ar dhaoine óga ar an iliomad ardán. Tagann an aidhm seo le cuspóir an Rialtais sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030.

Tá cruinnithe tionólta idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus a gcuid comhghleacaithe sa Roinn Cumarsáide agus Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil maidir le cur chun cinn an stáisiúin. Anuas air sin, bíonn mo chuid oifigigh i dteagmháil go leanúnach le lucht bainistíochta Raidió Rí-Rá.

Tuigim go raibh cruinniú ag lucht Raidió Rí-Rá le mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Cumarsáide agus Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil i mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana seo caite faoi thodhchaí an stáisiúin agus faoin bhféidearthacht é a chur ag craoladh ar FM go lánaimseartha. Tá plé ar bun idir lucht an stáisiúin agus an Roinn sin ó shin.

Idir an dá linn, tá plé ar bun idir Raidió Rí-Rá agus RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ 2FM agus TG4 maidir le bealaí gur féidir le Raidió Rí-Rá comhoibriú leis na stáisiúin seo ar mhaithe lena lucht éisteachta a leathnú amach.

Wildlife Control

Ceisteanna (1648)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1648. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will implement measures to control the seagull population in Howth, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15875/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department has no statutory function in actually controlling seagull numbers.

The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances – for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually and an annual review of the Declarations is undertaken prior to their expiry. The review process includes consideration of the views of stakeholders, such as hunting and conservation bodies, and airport authorities on the operation of the declarations.

This review for the period 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018 took into account the issue of seagulls in the North Dublin area especially in Balbriggan which had been the subject of correspondence to my Department from some community groups and other residents which proposed the inclusion of seagull species in the Declaration.

Following consideration of the matter, the current Declaration, which is effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018, includes methods to control seagull species in the Balbriggan area for public safety reasons. The control method can involve the removal of eggs and nests only; the culling of seagulls is not permitted.

These changes were introduced on a one year pilot basis and will be subject to review as part of a wider comprehensive review of the operation of the derogations this year. This comprehensive review will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available in respect of all the bird species in the declaration.

My Department appointed ANIAR Ecology earlier this year to undertake the review following a public tendering process. An interim report is due from the consultants this month to include recommendations in respect of the derogation process including in relation to the 2018/19 declarations.

It is my understanding that the consultants commenced an initial consultation process with relevant stakeholders and a wider more detailed public consultation process will be carried out.

Question No. 1649 answered with Question No. 1635.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (1650)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

1650. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the inspection of a bog has been carried out in line with an application for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16013/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. With respect to 36 raised bog natural heritage area sites, the qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:

- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right (right to cut turf)) in one of these sites on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from the property on that date;

- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period up to 14 January 2014;

- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and#

- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.

My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation has recently been undertaken. My Department will be in a position to further process the application when a report on this inspection, including any necessary follow up, has been completed.

Arts Promotion

Ceisteanna (1651)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

1651. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the orchestral review; if cross-departmental responsibility will be taken for developing a national strategy for orchestras here involving her Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment along with RTÉ and the Arts Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16033/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Under Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ has a statutory requirement to ‘establish and maintain orchestras, choirs and other cultural performing groups’. RTÉ has acknowledged that its orchestras are integral to RTÉ’s arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy.

The review of orchestral services was commissioned by RTE with the aim of making recommendations regarding the best configuration of the orchestras and staff for RTÉ to deliver upon its objectives and I understand that the review is due to be published shortly.

Officials from both Departments continue to liaise in relation to the matter.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (1652)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

1652. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 1085 of 20 March 2018, the details of expenditure of the €54 million in additional funding allocated to the national planning framework for 2018 under the headings of culture, arts and the Gaeltacht, respectively; and the spending that has been allocated to specific projects in each of these categories. [16105/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Details of the specific individual allocations which comprise the €54 million in capital funding allocated to my Department for 2018 are available as part of the Revised Estimates for 2018 published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform http://www.per.gov.ie/en/rev/