Written Answers Nos. 1-30
4. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the cuts in funding to Irish language and culture organisations which have resulted in the restriction of activities and the promotion of the Irish language and culture. [27285/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht has actually increased over the past year.
As the Deputy will be aware, Foras na Gaeilge is charged with promotion of the Irish language on an all-island basis, and provides support, advice and financial assistance to many groups, including the six lead organisations. These groups work to promote the language, including provision of courses and activities to help people improve or learn the language.
An Foras Teanga, as a North South Implementation Body comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, is co-funded by my Department along with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and its budget is subject to approval by the North South Ministerial Council. The dispersal of Foras na Gaeilge's allocated budget is an operational matter for the organisation, within the framework of the NSMC-approved business plan and budget.
An indicative provision of €14.028m is included in the 2018 Revised Estimates for An Foras Teanga to cover NSMC budgets for Foras na Gaeilge, the Ulster-Scots Agency, Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge and Colmcille. I would also like to remind the Deputy that I secured an additional allocation to Foras na Gaeilge of €450,000 for Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, which is being delivered primarily by Conradh na Gaeilge.
In order to further underpin the implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and particularly the language planning process as set out in Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, a specific allocation of €2.65m has been provided to my Department in the current year. This represents a significant increase from the €500,000 allocated for this purpose in 2014. This will further enable my Department, acting in concert with Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and other relevant stakeholders at community level, to implement a range of specific and practical measures aimed at both supporting the implementation of the Strategy and the language planning process.
Under my Department's Irish Language Support Schemes, financial assistance is provided to a range of organisations and activities that support the promotion of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. Under this programme, funding is provided for Irish language courses in third-level institutions in Ireland and overseas, for the promotion of the language in the business sector and for terminology initiatives which support the status of Irish as an official and working language of the European Union. These schemes have contributed greatly to some of the most innovative work being done in relation to the language in recent years. In 2018 the allocation for this programme was increased by €787,000.
These increases in funding by my Department to Irish language organisations has resulted over the past number of years in an increased level of activities being delivered which, in turn, has a positive impact on the promotion of the Irish language and culture.
7. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications made for funding under the 2018 structures at risk fund; the criteria used in selecting the successful projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27116/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) supports conservation works to historic structures, in both private and public ownership, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. The Fund encourages the conservation, regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The allocation for the 2018 scheme is €1.324 m.
The 2018 Structures at Risk Fund was announced by the then Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, in November 2017 and open to the public for applications until 31 January 2018. The SRF is generally administered by local authorities, who receive applications from members of the public and select projects to put forward to my Department for funding.
A total of 228 applications were submitted to local authorities in 2018, of which 128 applications were shortlisted by the local authorities and submitted to my Department for assessment. A total of 76 projects were approved for funding. Due to the volume of applications received this year, and the high standard of applications generally, it was not possible to fund every eligible project.
Applications were assessed by an expert panel within my Department in accordance with assessment criteria as set out in the Circular governing the scheme, which is available on my Department’s website and all local authority websites. These criteria are:
- Significance of the Structure
- Urgency of the Works
- Quality of the Method Statement
- Efficacy of the Works
Details of all of the projects approved for funding under Structures at Risk in 2018 are published on my Department’s website and all local authority websites.
In relation to a particular historic structure, the best advice for the owner or applicant is generally to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer in the local authority who is well placed to offer advice and assistance in relation to the grants and supports available, as well as providing feedback on grant applications and other specialist advice on building conservation.
10. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of development applications which have been referred to the NPWS, particularly in County Donegal, that have been returned with no comment on them; and if this may be a breach of both Irish and EU law. [27110/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with regulations under the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, planning applications lodged with planning authorities that have the potential to impact on built, archaeological, or natural heritage must be referred to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The Minister is one of a number of such statutory consultees sometimes known as prescribed bodies.
In any such capacity, the Minister may make submissions or observations to assist the responsible authority in carrying out its functions, including consent functions, in compliance with various legislative and administrative requirements with respect to the conservation, protection and preservation of natural and built heritage.
Since 1 November 2011, some 30,722 planning applications were referred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department in my role as a statutory consultee. Of this number, 3,476 were referrals within County Donegal. The National Parks and Wildlife Service had no comments to make to the planning authorities on 2,591 cases. In a number of these cases, the NPWS considered that the referrals were not relevant to nature conservation.
The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 sets out that public authorities having, or exercising functions, including consent functions, which may have implications for or effects on nature conservation, must exercise those functions, so as to secure compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive and the Regulations. All planning authorities are considered to be public authorities within the meaning of the 2011 Regulations. In that regard, public authorities are obliged to ensure, amongst other things that they do not give consent to any party, for any plan or project that may adversely affect the integrity of a European site (SAC or SPA).
A public authority that has been assigned responsibility, such as a consent function, is the relevant authority for undertaking those responsibilities and as Minister I am prohibited from doing so.
Any observations made on development applications referred to me are to assist planning authorities. Ultimately, however the decision to grant planning permission is under law a matter for the relevant planning authority irrespective of whether or not a comment had been made by my Department. Accordingly, there is no breach of national or EU law.
11. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding being provided for small-scale local festivals in County Clare in 2018. [26720/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport for festivals is provided from a number of sources, including from the Arts Council under the remit of my Department, and Fáilte Ireland, under the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
My Department operates a Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme, designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other public monies and which may not be eligible for funding from those bodies.
The total amount of current funding available to this fund for 2018 is €76,000. 71 applications were received in 2018. 52 projects were considered to be eligible under the scheme. I understand that there was one application from Clare under the Scheme this year from Corofin Tourism & Traders association for the Festival of Finn. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I will be providing the Festival of Finn with a grant of up to €2,000 towards festival activities.
In addition, Cruinniú na nÓg is taking place on Saturday, June 23rd in every local authority right across the country. There are over 500 free events happening for Cruinniú na nÓg nationwide, with 13 of these events happening in County Clare. These events include magic shows, craft workshops, film screenings, mask making, story telling, African dance among others. My Department is providing €10,000 to Clare County Council to support these events.
Building on the success of last year's Cruinniú na Cásca events, it was decided this year to focus on children and young people and the development of Cruinniú na nÓg is now a key initiative of the Creative Youth Plan to enable the creativity of every child and young person.
Underlying the Creative Youth Plan, of which Cruinniú na nÓg is one of 18 actions, is a firm conviction that participation in creative and cultural activities from dancing to singing to coding equips our young people to flourish in their personal lives and helps give them skills that will stand to them throughout their lives.
Cruinniú na nÓg is a day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging children and young people to participate in a range of cultural and creative activities through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings, special events and much more. It’s a day for ‘doing’, ‘making’ and ‘creating’ and I am sure that it will be enjoyed by communities and families all around the country including in County Clare.
Local Authorities have been key to the delivery of this initiative and are a vital element of the Creative Ireland Programme. This year, my Department doubled the funding allocation from €1 m to €2 m for the 31 local authorities to deliver the Creative Ireland Programme at local level and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government provided €1 m. Local authorities are currently finalising 5 year culture and creativity strategies and I look forward to publishing these shortly.
14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén ionchur a bhí nó atá aici le maidir le líon na gclár Gaeilge a chraolann RTÉ taobh amuigh de TG4 agus Raidió na Gaeltachta; an bhfuil sí sásta go bhfuil RTÉ ag comhlíonadh a chuid dualgas reachtúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27072/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíl aon ról reachtúil agam maidir le cúrsaí craolacháin in RTÉ agus, dá bhrí sin, ní bhíonn aon ionchur agam maidir le líon na gclár Gaeilge a chraoltar ar an stáisiún.
É sin ráite, tá mo Roinn ag déanamh na socruithe faoi láthair chun Plean Gníomhaíochta 5 Bliana faoin Stráitéis 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 a sheoladh. Is é príomhaidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta seo gníomhaíochtaí sonracha a aithint agus a leagan síos, a bhfuil eagraíochtaí sonracha luaite le bheith freagrach as iad a chur i bhfeidhm agus amscálaí sonracha luaite chuige sin, chun a chinntiú go mbainfear na cuspóirí sonracha sin amach. Mar chuid den phróiseas sin, bhí plé dearfach ag oifigigh mo Roinne le RTÉ agus beidh ról lárnach ag RTÉ sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta, áit a mbeidh sraith gníomhaíochtaí sonracha luaite leis an eagraíocht.
Tá Plean Ghníomhaíochta Gaeilge forbartha agus á gcur i bhfeidhm ag RTÉ chomh maith le blianta beaga anuas, le maoiniú de €70,000 in aghaidh na bliana, thar tréimhse trí bliana, curtha ar fáil ó mo Roinn. Tá an Phlean seo ag cur go mór le seirbhísí RTÉ ar-líne, go háirithe i réimsí na foghlama ar-líne, na seirbhísí do ghasúir, do dhaltaí scoile agus do mhic léinn ollscoile in Éirinn, agus thar sáile. Go ginearálta, tá an cur chuige nua seo ag méadú feiceálacht na Gaeilge ar RTÉ, rud a theastaigh go géar le roinnt mhaith blianta anuas. Mar chuid den cur chuige cruthaíodh ról do Chomhordaitheoir ar Ábhar Digiteach, le freagracht as eagarthóireacht Gaeilge, foilsitheoireacht agus na meáin shóisialta, ionas gur féidir forbairt mhórthábhachtach a dhéanamh sa réimse digiteach. Sampla den dul chun cinn atá déanta ná go raibh tráchtaireacht i nGaeilge le cloisteáil ar chluichí ceannais na hÉireann le cúpla bliain anuas.
15. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of the music capital scheme 2017-18; the status of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding for the purchase of equipment under the Music Capital Scheme by way of capital grants. Performing groups and individual talented musicians are entitled to apply for these grants. The capital grant scheme is managed by Music Network on behalf of my Department. This initiative is in existence since 2008 and has proved very popular over the past decade.
In May of this year, a total of €224,000 in capital grants was allocated to performing groups and individual musicians for the 2017- 2018 academic year.
The Music Capital Scheme is designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments, and to respond to a broad range of capital needs within the music sector in Ireland. A particular area of difficulty for musicians and ensembles is purchasing musical instruments. The cost of instrument purchase, maintenance and repair can be significant barriers to the development of many organisations and this scheme aims to address this.
The capital scheme is made of two distinct awards – Streams one and two - which provide funding towards the purchase of musical instruments both to performing groups and individual musicians at a professional performing standard.
Stream One Awards provide €160,000 towards the purchase of musical instruments to not-for-profit and community music groups across a wide range of musical genres including Marching/Concert/Pipe Bands, Multi-genre, Irish Traditional, Popular Contemporary, Choral and Samba. A total of €35,000 of this amount was ring-fenced funding for prioritised counties in this case Counties Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary.
Stream Two Awards provided €64,000 to 17 highly skilled musicians performing at professional level to assist with the purchase of instruments/equipment. Musical genres covered in these allocations were as diverse as Irish Traditional, Classical, Jazz/Improvised, Punk/Electro-acoustic and Early/Baroque.
Music Network partnered with Local Authority Arts Offices to provide Music Capital Scheme information sessions that offered practical advice to applicants as well as addressing specific queries relating to the scheme’s guidelines.
The Music Capital Scheme is a fantastic initiative which has benefitted thousands of people since the scheme was set up in 2008. The Music Capital Scheme is a key resource for musical groups and talented musicians. Over the last 10 years it has helped musicians who, for lack of a decent instrument, may have otherwise struggled to achieve their full potential.
Full details of the scheme and a list of awardees can be accessed in the Music Network website.
16. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department’s input into the planning and construction stages of large scale road projects within special areas of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26707/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning, design and implementation of road schemes as specified in the Roads Act, 1993, as amended, is the overall responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in conjunction with the local authorities.
The EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive are the cornerstone of EU law to conserve and protect our natural environment and in particular a wide range of habitat types, animals including birds and plants. These Directives have been transposed into Irish law primarily by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 and by the Planning Acts.
As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht I have statutory responsibility under the 2011 Regulations to designate and advise on the protection of habitats and species identified for nature conservation, including Special Areas of Conservation also known as SACs and Special Protection Areas also known as SPAs. Together these sites make up what is known as the Natura 2000 network.
All public authorities having, or exercising functions, including consent functions, which may have implications for, or effects on, nature conservation must ensure compliance with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive and the 2011 Regulations. In that regard, public authorities are obliged to ensure that they do not undertake or adopt, or give consent to any party, for any plan or project that may adversely affect the integrity of a European site. A public authority that has been assigned responsibility, such as a consent function, is the relevant authority for undertaking those responsibilities and, as Minister, I am prohibited from doing so.
In accordance with regulations under the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, proposed developments that have the potential to impact on the built, archaeological, or natural heritage must be referred to me as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I am one of a number of such statutory consultees or prescribed bodies as they are sometimes known.
Since 2011, 18 large scale road projects from various locations around the country have been referred to officials of my Department in the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In 8 of these cases further information was requested, in 2 cases conditions in relation to nature conservation were recommended and in 8 cases no comments or observations were made.
An Bord Pleanála is the decision-making authority for large scale road projects. My Department’s role at the planning application stage of large scale road projects, as with all planning and development applications, is to provide advice to the decision-making authority to assist the authority in carrying out its functions. Ultimately, decisions to grant planning permission for various developments is a matter for planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanala, and I have no function in this regard.
18. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the engagement her Department has had with the Department of Finance in relation to the extension of section 481 film relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27111/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to her earlier Priority Question on this matter.
As a tax relief, Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Finance. Section 481 is a film tax credit which provides a critical support for the Irish production sector, generating thousands of jobs, and providing a strong value proposition for the public purse. The existing tax credit extends to 31 December 2020.
The Department of Finance is now undertaking a full review of Section 481 in line with tax expenditure guidelines in advance of any formal decision to extend the extension of tax credit. My Department is working closely with Department of Finance on an ongoing basis on the issue including the provision of information for input into the review.
Pillar 4 of Creative Ireland Programme focuses on Ireland's potential to be a global leader in film production, TV drama, documentary, children's storytelling and animation. Central to this pillar is the production of an Audiovisual Action Plan, which I will be publishing very shortly and which will aim to put in place a strategic and coherent approach to making Ireland a leader in this sector. The Audiovisual Action Plan is being informed from a number of key inputs including:
- A Report by economic consultants Olsberg SPI with Nordicity entitled An economic analysis of the Irish audiovisual sector which includes with policy recommendations.
- The outcomes of a Media Production Workshop at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, hosted by my Department last year, which was attended by over 150 representatives of the film, broadcast and animation sectors.
- A report on a Strategy for the Development of Skills for the Audiovisual industry in Ireland, which was commissioned jointly by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Irish Film Board, prepared by consultants Crowe Horwath.
The plan will also be underpinned by the Government’s capital investment plan Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 which provides for funding of €200m to be invested in media production and audio visual industries through Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland - the new name for the Irish Film Board - over the next 10 years. This funding level will meet the aspiration of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland to invest €20m per annum in film production over the period of the plan and reflects the Government's strong commitment to the industry.
20. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta céard é stádas na gcúig phlean teanga atá curtha ós comhair na Roinne faoi láthair; cén uair a bheidh siad faofa aici; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27071/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá pleananna teanga á mbreithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair i leith na limistéir pleanála teanga Gaeltachta a leanas: An Cheathrú Rua; Maigh Eo Thuaidh, Árainn Mhór agus Conamara Láir.
Fearacht gach plean eile a chuirtear faoi mo bhráid chun críche faofa, tá na pleananna sin á mbreithniú i gcomhréir lena bhfuil leagtha amach sna Treoirlínte Pleanála Teanga a d'eisigh an Roinn in 2014 mar áis do gach páirtí leasmhar atá bainteach le hullmhú agus le feidhmiú plean teanga faoin bpróiseas.
Agus an próiseas breithnithe sin thart, cuirfear moltaí i leith na gceantar atá luaite agam faoi mo bhráid le ceadú.
21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the performance delivery agreement in relation to Galway 2020; the details of the agreement in respect of the €250,000 already advanced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2014 the Government decided that Ireland should exercise its right to nominate a European Capital of Culture for 2020 and committed in principle at that time to provide €15 m to the selected project. Galway's designation as European Capital of Culture 2020, along with Rijeka, Croatia, is a great honour for Ireland and a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and promote our culture nationally and internationally.
The Government's support represents the largest single contribution to the overall cost of Galway 2020 as the European City of Culture, which is €45.7 m. The balance of the funding is sourced from city and county local authorities, and commitments from business and sponsorship. The EU Commission's award is €1.5 m.
Galway as European Capital of Culture 2020 is being delivered by the Galway 2020 Company with a board which represents the relevant partners. My Department officials continue to work and support the Galway 2020 Company and its Board with the preparations for delivery of the programme.
My Department provided a first tranche of funding of €250,000 in December 2017 toward certified expenditure already incurred for Galway 2020. The audited accounts for 2017 for 'Galway Cultural Development and Activity Company Limited by Guarantee', the legal structure set up to undertake all the activities of Galway 2020, show total expenditure of €749,129 to end 2017 of which €229,132 was on salaries, €240,921 on overheads, including rent of €39,788 with the remaining €279,076 spent on programme costs.
The balance of the €15 m grant will be paid to Galway 2020 through a performance delivery agreement which is currently being drawn up by officials of my Department in consultation with Galway2020. It is intended to finalise this agreement in the near future.
22. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the activities happening for Cruinniú na nÓg in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26718/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCruinniú na nÓg is taking place on Saturday, June 23rd in every local authority right across the country. Building on the success of last year's Cruinniú na Cásca events, it was decided this year to focus on children and young people and the development of Cruinniú na nÓg is now a key initiative of the Creative Youth Plan to enable the creativity of every child and young person.
Underlying the Creative Youth Plan, of which Cruinniú na nÓg is one of 18 actions, is a firm conviction that participation in creative and cultural activities from dancing to singing to coding equips our young people to flourish in their personal lives and helps give them skills that will stand to them throughout their lives.
Cruinniú na nÓg is a day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging children and young people to participate in a range of cultural and creative activities through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings, special events and much more. It’s a day for ‘doing’, ‘making’ and ‘creating’.
It is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, and is being supported and led by the local Creative Ireland Programme Culture teams across all local authorities, with huge support from local artists, arts and youth organisations and community festivals. This year's activities include everything from bicycle tyre painting and bee-hotel making to robotics and smart phone film making. There are also lots of interesting workshops for everyone from early years (0-4 years) to teenagers in visual arts, creative writing, coding, music-making, theatre, crafts and dance.
There are over 500 free events happening for Cruinniú na nÓg nationwide, with 13 of these events happening in County Clare. These events include magic shows, craft workshops, film screenings, mask making, story telling, African dance among others.
All events have been programmed by the Creative Ireland Culture Team in each local authority and coordinated by the Creative Ireland Programme Office in my Department. A full list of events is available on www.creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu and can be filtered by local authority area.
I would encourage families to attend as many of these events as possible.
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to strengthen the resources of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. [27073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department manages a property portfolio in respect of National Parks and Reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. These important biodiversity areas are located all around the country.
In terms of human resources, staffing levels across my Department are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Of my Department’s total staff, I understand that some 330 work in the area of natural heritage through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). In addition, my Department takes on in the region of 70 seasonal staff during the year to assist the NPWS. Conservation Rangers are deployed through a regional structure and assignments are determined in light of Departmental business needs and priorities.
Under "Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage, 2018 - 2027” capital investment of some €50 m has been earmarked for the National Parks and Nature Reserves. This investment ensures long term protection of the National Parks and Reserves and my Department is delighted to have the opportunity for investment and implementation of measures to protect our habitats, landscapes and wildlife.
This funding envelope will allow us to develop a major investment programme for our National Parks, improving visitor facilities and information, improve signage, as well as developing trails, maintain existing trails and walkways and invest in new routes. We will provide better access to nature and protect the natural heritage in the parks. This investment will ensure that we can seek alternative access to parks and lessen the impact of rising visitor numbers and balance conservation with this increase in tourism. It means we will be able to showcase our beautiful habitats and improve visitor experiences simultaneously.
“Experiencing the Wild Heart of Ireland”- a Tourism Interpretative Masterplan for the National Parks is presently being finalised. It is intended that this report will guide the phased development of these enhanced visitor facilities and improved visitor experiences based on research into international best practice.
I’m aware that an important area of concern for the Deputy is that of compliance with the Wildlife Acts and addressing wildlife crime. I want to acknowledge the Deputy’s assistance to my officials in bringing some egregious matters to their attention. I recall too that I undertook to look to address the resources in this area when I could and I can assure the Deputy that this remains a priority for me.
25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici maoiniú a sholáthar d'oileáin i nDún na nGall maidir le bóithre poiblí ar na hoileáin éagsúla; an ndeimhneoidh sí an bhfuil allúntas leagtha amach i mbuiséad na Roinne i mbliana dó sin, agus an mbeidh allúntas breise ar fáil d'oileáin i mbuiséad 2019; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26836/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTugann mo Roinn cuireadh bliantúil do Chomhairlí Chontae a bhfuil oileáin faoina gcúram iarratas a chur chuici ar chomh-mhaoiniú do thograí mionoibreacha ar na hoileáin úd. Áirítear cúnamh do bhóithre poiblí i measc na dtograí i gceist. Sa bhliain 2017, chuir mo Roinn chomh-mhaoiniú de €450,750 ar fáil do Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall maidir le mionoibreacha ar oileáin faoina cúram. Tá na hiarratais atá faighte ag mo Roinn i leith chlár mionoibreacha 2018 do na hoileáin á meas faoi láthair.
Níl an buiséad a bheidh ar fáil do mo Roinn do thograí caipitil ar na hoileáin in 2019 socraithe fós ach is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil mé féin agus mo Roinn tiomanta d'fhorbairt infrastrachtúr n-oileán amach ón gcósta.
26. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a director will be appointed to the Irish Museum of Modern Art; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27115/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe post of Director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art was advertised on Friday 8 June 2018 and the closing date for applications is Friday 22 June 2018. The appointment of a new Director will be a matter, in the first instance, for the Board of Irish Museum of Modern Art, subject to my approval after consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
In the interim, an acting Director has been appointed by the Board.
27. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if extra funding will be sanctioned to make up the shortfall of funding needed to repair a theatre (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27064/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018, a total €10.2 m was allocated to 134 arts and culture organisations across the State. Organisations undertaking capital projects usually require a number of years to draw down capital following the year of allocation, and while €0.5 m of this has been paid out to date, it expected that all grants will be paid out this year and the following 2 years.
Due to the very exceptional circumstances in the case to which the Deputy refers, my Department was very supportive of assisting with the reconstruction of this building. In this regard, my Department offered to provide funding of up to €250,000 to assist with the restoration and enhancement, in principle, to Cork County Council, pending clarity on all reinstatement issues including the contribution from insurances and subject to the acceptance by the Council of the conditions attached to this funding.
Cork County Council have recently been in touch with my Department in relation to the project and discussions are ongoing in this regard.
28. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason she does not have a detailed national music strategy. [27052/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Arts Act, the Arts Council is the primary means through which the Government provides support for the arts sector including music and opera. The Arts Council's Strategy document entitled Making Great Art Work which is being delivered through its Three-Year Plan 2017-2019, sets out its response to the changing nature of artistic practice and engagement with the arts including music in Ireland. The Arts Council provides a range of schemes and initiatives which provide support for all genres of music, and is funded by my Department.
In addition to the Arts Council significant support, I provided a budget of €6 m as part of Budget 2018 to further the implement the Creative Ireland Programme. This will ensure that the Department can build on the work accomplished in 2017, continue to drive the implementation of the Programme at local level and fund specific actions and priorities which further the wider aims of the Programme. The Creative Ireland Programme includes among its commitments a number of strategic measures aimed at supporting a wide number of arts forms including music and its many genres
My Department also supports the wider music sector through a number of initiatives for example:-
- The commitment in the Creative Ireland Programme that every child will have access to tuition in Music, Drama, Art and Coding by 2022.
- A new national day of creativity for children and young people, Cruinniú na nÓg on 23 June 2018 with €0.8 m being allocated to the initiative which aims to get as many young people involved in creative activities including musical ones with an emphasis on making, doing, seeing and experiencing. Every local authority has been allocated €10,000 to fund a programme of local activities while there will be a special programme of activities across Dublin City.
- Annual funding of €1.6 m is provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) in 2018 for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture. CCÉ provides weekly classes at community level in all traditional instruments, singing, and dance through its network of centres and branches all over the country.
- The provision of support for the purchase of equipment under the Music Capital Scheme to performing groups and individual talented musicians. Support of €224,000 was recently under Scheme for 2017/18.
- Culture Ireland, provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers.
29. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí cur síos ar na pleananna atá aici Scéim na mBóithre Áise a chur ar bun an athuair do bhóithre nach bóithre contae iad, bóithre áise a fhad le tithe agus feirmeacha, i gceantair Ghaeltachta amháin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26837/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar atá mínithe agam cheana roimhe seo don Teach, faoi Scéim na mBóithre Áise de chuid na Roinne, a bhfuil tagairt déanta di ina cheist ag an Teachta, chuirtí airgead ar fáil do na húdaráis áitiúla ar mhaithe le obair dheisiúcháin a dhéanamh ar bhóithre beaga faoi leith sa Ghaeltacht.
Le go mbeadh bóthar cáilithe chun críche na scéime, ba ghá roinnt coinníollacha faoi leith a bheith comhlíonta, ina measc; gur bóthar é nach raibh faoi chúram an údaráis áitiúil ábhartha agus gur bóthar é a bhí ag freastal ar theach amháin ar a laghad móide gabháltas talún nach le húinéir an tí é. Bhí sé mar choinníoll faoi leith chomh maith nach raibh aon gheata transna an bhóthair a thabharfadh le tuiscint don saol fodhlach go raibh cosc orthu an bóthar a úsáid. Mar is eol don Teachta tá an scéim ar fionraí le tamall de bhlianta anois.
Tuigtear go gcuimsítear feabhas ar bhóithre den chineál atá luaite faoin Scéim Feabhsúcháin Áitiúil atá faoi stiúir na Roinne Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail.
30. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of new national monuments which have been designated in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27023/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of archaeological monuments that have been added to the Record of Monuments and Places in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27022/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 35 together.
Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 provides for the establishment and maintenance by my Department of a record of monuments and places (the Record of Monuments and Places) in respect of each county. While the current content of the Record of Monuments and Places remains as established in the late 1990s, work is under way on revision and updating of all records on a national basis, this being a necessary precursor to the issuing of a revised listing for each county. The monuments proposed for inclusion in a revised Record of Monuments and Places, along with existing entries, are listed in the non-statutory Sites and Monuments Record which may be viewed on my Department’s website. The number of additions made to the Sites and Monuments Record in the last five years is 3,862.
The National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 define “national monument” as meaning (in summary) any monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic, or archaeological interest attaching to it. Therefore, the Minister does not have, under the Acts, a function as such of designating monuments as national monuments other than by way of the exercise of a number of specified functions under the Acts which she may, at her discretion, exercise in respect of a monument which, in her opinion, are national monuments. These functions are the power to make preservation orders or temporary preservation orders in respect of national monuments which are in danger, the power to become guardian of a national monument and the power to acquire national monuments. There have been two instances of acquisition in the period in question.
