Written Answers Nos. 1-25
6. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider not renewing or limiting the terms of permits issued to the Dublin Airport Authority for the culling of hares for 2019. [47221/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s primary interest in relation to the hare is its conservation status. EU Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) requires Ireland to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all listed species, including the hare. Ireland’s most recent report in 2013 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare. That report stated that the Hare is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog. The Hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche. None of the identified threats were considered likely to impact on its conservation status in the foreseeable future and the Overall Conservation Status was assessed as Favourable.
My Department has commissioned a new assessment of the status of hare’s population in Ireland. The work to inform this population assessment has already begun. The survey is using hundreds of camera traps deployed across all habitat types and in every county of Ireland. The final report is due in mid-2019.
Aviation safety is of paramount importance for any airport authority and all airports must manage hazards, including hazards presented by wildlife, to ensure the safety of airline passengers, their staff and the local communities.
Wildlife safety risks associated with airports include the risk of ingestion by birds into an aircraft engine while on arrival, departure or close to the airport and the risk of a ground incident on or close to a runway where hares or other animals could be accidentally struck or otherwise killed which could result in further birds being attracted to the area.
Dublin Airport Authority has a strategy to deal with these issues. In the case of birds, the primary method of control is through the growing of grass at a length which deters certain species, undertaking bird scaring activities or as a last resort, the shooting of a bird. In the case of hares, the primary method of dealing with safety risk is through capture and relocation of the hares. This is done in co-operation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. As licences are needed under the Wildlife Acts to capture hares, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has issued a number of permits in recent years under the Wildlife Acts to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to remove hares from the Dublin Airport airfield due to potential damage to aircraft and the threat to passenger safety. It is understood that over the last 4 years in excess of 480 hares have been captured and released in this manner.
I understand that following a serious safety incident involving hares in 2017, the Dublin Airport Authority decided that measures additional to catch and release were needed and that it would be necessary to cull some hares which were located in the grassy islands around the runway where it is considered that catches cannot be undertaken in these areas due to safety risks for persons involved as well as for passing taxiing aircraft.
While the shooting of hares is permitted under the Wildlife Acts under the Open Seasons Orders during a certain prescribed period, licences are needed to shoot at night at any time. The open season for hares is between 28 September and 28 February of the following year. The hare culls carried out by DAA were carried out during this permitted open season but my Department issued permits to the DAA to allow culling at the airport at night.
Clearly the safety of the travelling public, the staff and visitors at the airport is of paramount importance and I’m sure we all agree that one airline accident is too many. While I expect the catch and release programme at Dublin Airport to continue, I will consider any applications to cull hares at night time having regard to the safety needs of all concerned.
13. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta de bhun Ceist Pharlaiminteach Uimhir 89 an 2 Deireadh Fómhair, an bhfuil an fhoirmle réitigh fógartha; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47424/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCeadaíodh deontas suas le €325,000 d’Ealaín na Gaeltachta i mí Iúil seo caite chun clár gníomhaíochtaí sna healaíona traidisiúnta do dhaoine óga a chur chun cinn ar fud na Gaeltachta le linn na scoilbhliana reatha. Tá sé seo á dhéanamh i gcomhréir le beart 2.10 den Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022 don Ghaeilge a sheol mé i mí an Mheithimh, thar ceann an Rialtais.
Faoin gclár nua, déanfar leathnú agus forbairt chéimiúil ar an soláthar ranganna ceoil, damhsa, amhránaíochta agus ealaíona béil ar fud na gceantar Gaeltachta uile. I measc ghnéithe an chláir, beidh an méid seo a leanas:
- iniúchadh ar na deiseanna oiliúna sna healaíona traidisiúnta atá ar fáil do dhaoine óga sna ceantair Ghaeltachta ar fad i láthair na huaire;
- soláthar ranganna ceoil, damhsa, amhránaíochta agus ealaíona béil i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe ó mhí Eanáir 2019.
- soláthar ranganna trí Scoil Cheoil na Crannóige i nDún na nGall agus trí Ionad Cultúir an Dochtúir Ó Loingsigh i gCorcaigh
Tá Ealaín na Gaeltachta tosaithe i mbun taighde agus obair ullmhúcháin eile faoi láthair. Tá próiseas earcaíochta i gcomhair Comhardaitheoir sna hEalaíona Dúchasacha do Dhaoine Óga ar bun acu i láthair na huaire agus tá súil go mbeidh duine ceaptha roimh dheireadh na míosa seo.
Cé go bhfuiltear ag leanúint sa ghearrthréimhse leis an soláthar ranganna atá ar fáil cheana féin i gceantair Ghaeltachta Dhún na nGall agus Chorcaí do scoilbhliain 2018/19, ní bheidh chumas EnaG tús a chur le ranganna i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe go dtí Eanáir 2019 de bharr na socruithe maidir le hearcú teagascóirí agus cúrsaí riaracháin eile atá le cur i gcrích lena chinntiú go gcuirfear seirbhís chuí, ar ardchaighdeán, ar fáil do dhaltaí agus do thuismitheoirí araon.
Idir an dá linn, d'fhógair mé ar an Máirt seo caite go bhfuil maoiniú á cheadú do Ghréasán Múinteoirí na Gaillimhe chun a chinntiú go bhfuil ranganna sna healaíona traidisiúnta á gcur ar fáil i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe agus Árann ó Mheán Fómhair go Nollaig 2018. Cuimsíonn an Gréasán ceithre theagascóir déag agus déantar freastal ar scoileanna agus ionaid ar fud Chonamara agus Árann. Is socrú sealadach é seo atá curtha ar bun agus tiocfaidh deireadh leis i mí na Nollag, tráth a thosóidh Ealaín na Gaeltachta ar chur i bhfeidhm a gcláir sa cheantar i mhí Eanáir 2019 ar aghaidh.
14. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 776 of 12 July 2018, if a grant scheme has been opened that would consider an application for funding to restore and maintain vintage mechanical equipment and machinery such as steam engines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47215/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a specific scheme for the restoration of vintage machinery. There could however be a possibility that equipment or machinery would be encompassed within an overall project that fulfils the criteria of the scheme. An example would be a museum in which such machinery was held. The recent Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016 - 2018 is focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities throughout the country. Funding of €10.214m was allocated to 134 projects under three complementary grant streams. This is the most significant investment in cultural infrastructure in a decade with funding provided to a range of facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. A full list of all successful projects is available on my Department’s website.
Project Ireland 2040 has given explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage and to our sustainable development by the unprecedented commitment by Government to invest €1.2 billion over the next decade. Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. The plan sets out significant investment on a phased basis over the next 10 years including €40 million to secure existing investment in arts and culture infrastructure nationwide and ensure a regional balance. This infrastructure includes art galleries, museums, theatres and performance spaces, most of which is operated by our 31 local authorities. These play an important role in supporting and enriching rural communities. The Irish Museums Association estimates that there are approximately 230 museums throughout Ireland and these welcome over 6 million visitors annually.
The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme is making a huge difference to many individual organisations and my Department is already seeing good outcomes and receiving positive feedback. My Department is currently giving consideration to new round of grant funding for Arts and Cultural Capital to be announced in the near future.
I hope to be able to re-open the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme over the coming months.
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures she plans to take to ensure representation of all stakeholders and grades in the film industry on the board of Screen Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47419/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFís Éireann is established under the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2011 as a board to assist and encourage the development of a film industry in the State and to empower the board to provide investments, grants, loans and guarantees of loans for the making of films in the state.
Section 12 of the Act provides that the members of the Board shall be appointed by me as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a period of appointment not exceeding four years. Section 13 provides for the appointment of one of the members of the Board as Chair by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. There is a maximum of seven members of the Board of Fís Éireann.
The Act does not provide for the Board of Fís Éireann to be a “representative” board whereby the composition of the board is determined by the formal connection of members to particular constituencies or stakeholder groups.
Since 2014, the selection of appointees to the Board of Fís Éireann follows the system introduced by the Government whereby all appointments are required to be advertised openly on the State Boards portal www.stateboards.ie operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). This means that anyone who considers that they have a contribution to make, can apply to be a member of the Board.
Applications made through Stateboards.ie are processed by way of a transparent assessment system designed and implemented by the independent Public Appointments Service to support Ministers in making appointments to State Boards. This is an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system which has yielded applications from accomplished, experienced and qualified individuals who wish to make a commitment to public service that might not have previously been identified as available for appointment to State Boards.
I can confirm that all current members on the board of Fís Éireann were selected from applications from candidates deemed suitable by the PAS under the Stateboards system.
16. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the request for additional funding above the original grant from Cork County Council to her Department to repair a theatre (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47390/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016 - 2018 is focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities throughout the country. To date, funding of €10.214m has been allocated to 134 projects under three complementary grant streams. This is the most significant investment in cultural infrastructure in a decade with funding provided to a range of facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. A substantial grant was allocated to the facility to which the Deputy refers. A full list of all successful projects is available on my Department’s website.
Due to the very exceptional circumstances in the case to which the Deputy refers, my Department was supportive of assisting with the reconstruction of this building under the above mentioned Scheme. 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.
However, I understand that the County Council's re-instatement proposal is significantly more ambitious than the available finance and the Council has been in ongoing engagement with officials in my Department in relation to the project and this shortfall in funding. In this regard, there may also be other options open to the Council to close the funding gap. My Department will maintain contact with the Council in this regard.
Project Ireland 2040 has given explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage. Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. The plan sets out significant investment on a phased basis over the next 10 years including €40m to secure existing investment in arts and culture infrastructure nationwide and ensure a regional balance. This level of investment will ensure the upkeep of regional infrastructure right across the country.
The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme is making a huge difference to many individual organisations and my Department is already seeing good outcomes and receiving positive feedback. My Department is currently giving consideration to new round of grant funding for Arts and Cultural Capital to be announced in the near future.
17. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her plans in respect of the development of the National Symphony Orchestra; if she remains committed to retaining the orchestra and bringing it to full strength; her plans regarding the role of the National Concert Hall in the future of the orchestra; if budget provisions for the orchestra for 2019 to 2021 have been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra25. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in relation to the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47401/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 25 together.
Following the publication of the report by RTÉ that it commissioned from independent consultants Helen Boaden and Mediatique on the RTÉ Orchestras entitled RTÉ Orchestras Ensuring a Sustainable Future, the Government agreed in principle that the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (RTÉ NSO) should come within the remit of the National Concert Hall (NCH). The Government also authorised the initiation of discussions on the implementation of the recommendations of the report. It should be noted that the National Concert Orchestra will remain within RTÉ.
The overall aim of the Government decision in relation to the proposed transfer of the RTÉ NSO is to enable the orchestra to be established as a world class orchestra which would, with the NCH, provide a creative and imaginative programme strategy that would greatly enhance the offering of the combined organisation to the public.
In addition, the Government’s Creative Ireland programme commits to a range of important initiatives to support culture and creativity in Ireland, and the Department's 10 year National Development Plan, envisages major capital investment in our National Cultural Institutions, including a major re-development of the National Concert Hall. The National Concert Hall since it opened its doors in 1981 has been the home of the National Symphony Orchestra which provides the backbone to the Hall’s orchestral music programme. There is now an opportunity for the NSO to play an even stronger role as part of these wider developments and this should greatly enhance the offering of both organisations to the public.
An Oversight Group has been established with formal terms of reference, with a view to identifying and addressing the relevant issues to enable the successful transfer of the NSO from the remit of RTÉ to the remit of the NCH. The group has already met on two occasions. In addition, a Working Group, as a subset of the oversight group, has been tasked at examining the detailed issues involved in the proposed transfer of the orchestra. The issues to be examined include funding and I will not prejudge what proposals officials might make regarding funding.
At this point, it is considered that 2020 would be the earliest date for the completion of the proposed transfer.
My Department welcomes the opportunity to work with all stakeholders including the members of the RTÉ NSO to ensure that it can contribute fully to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she expects to develop the image of culture and heritage locations here as a means of positive and lucrative promotion of Ireland internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has, time and again, demonstrated its capacity to make an impact at a scale beyond our size, and it is without doubt, that our unique culture and heritage play a key role in achieving this impact. Our culture and heritage define who we are as a people, but they are also the reason many people visit and stay in Ireland. They are a priceless and irreplaceable national asset.
Global Ireland - the Government’s plan to increase Ireland’s global footprint to 2025 – includes key initiatives such as promoting Irish arts, heritage and culture to new generations and new audiences across the world.
Culture Ireland, a Division of my Department operates on a cross Government basis with the Expert Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, IDA and Tourism Ireland as well as representatives of the sector. My Department is currently in the process of organising a conference of cultural stakeholders to examine how best to establish curated and strategic cultural programmes that advance our global reputation. It is expected that the conference will be held in early 2019.
Separately, I also recently announced a 4 month consultation on a new national heritage plan for Ireland, Heritage Ireland 2030. This consultation offers us a unique opportunity to rethink how we care for our habitats, landscapes, wildlife, historic buildings and monuments, so they can be celebrated and enjoyed long into the future.
Our vision for heritage is a simple one - that heritage is valued and protected. Heritage Ireland 2030 is built around that vision: that the way in which we identify and protect our heritage is the best it can be. Heritage Ireland 2030 is built around three emerging themes - National Leadership, Stronger Heritage Partnerships and Communities and Heritage. It is intended to draw up an Action Plan under each theme with full, open and regular review of objectives over the lifetime of the Plan to 2030.
The Plan will serve to raise awareness and appreciation of the wonderful natural and built heritage that Ireland has to offer, and ensures its sustainability for this and future generations to come.
19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding, both current and capital, provided to Waterways Ireland in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47393/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The current expenditure of the body is funded 85% by my Department and 15% by the Department for Infrastructure 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 2018 is €24,106,000 made up of €20,526,000 in Current and €3,580,000 in Capital - an increase of €1,148,000 on the 2017 allocation.
Waterways Ireland focuses on delivering its core activities and maintaining front line services. In 2018, Waterways Ireland has concentrated the resources available on the areas of navigation which receive the highest levels of use. A key goal for Waterways Ireland is to increase the use of the inland waterways. The number of registered users as of September 2018 stands at 15,479 with 95% of waters navigable during the boating season (mid-March to October)
Waterways Ireland is proactive in the development of Blueways and Greenways as a means to attract new visitors and in response to the growth for recreational activities such as walking, canoeing and cycling. It is also actively involved in the development of the towpaths along the canals to provide off-road, safe amenities for walkers and cyclists.
The organisation provides services as diverse as physical maintenance of the infrastructure from navigation markers, sluices, back drains embankments, weirs and locks to service blocks, pump outs, and towpaths and carparks.
Water management and control are important elements of the organisation's work together with provision of the Warden and Inspectorate service on each waterway to manage recreational use.
Waterways Ireland provides navigation guides and information to support use of the waterways and has a strong community and business outreach and partnership policy to engage with and deliver services for communities adjacent to the waterways to create social, recreational, health and economic benefits.
The inland waterways are an intrinsic part of the island's tourism attractions and Waterways Ireland plays a key role in their marketing and promotion. Working with Tourism Ireland, Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board it has created and leads initiatives such as the Lakelands and Inland Waterways programme to develop a co-ordinated marketing focus.
20. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for the building of a theatre (details supplied) and related resources for the national theatre; the timeframe for the completion and opening of the project, including the development of the additional buildings acquired by the theatre along the Dublin quays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched my Department's capital plan 'Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 - 2027' in April as part of Project Ireland 2040. This plan provides for total investment of over €1.2 billion over the next decade in our culture, heritage and language infrastructure. Under this plan there is an indicative investment of €80 million provided for this redevelopment project referred to by the Deputy which has been identified as a priority project by my Department.
The current building is over 50 years old and is widely recognised as being deficient in the facilities it provides for artists, audiences and staff and in terms of its energy efficiency. The new theatre building is intended to honour the history and legacy, whilst matching the national theatres of other European Capital Cities. The proposed new theatre will also contribute to revitalising a key area in Dublin 1, at the juncture of the two major Luas lines.
A business case was submitted to my Department in June 2018 that outlines the options for possible redevelopment of the theatre. As the cost of the theatre Redevelopment Project is over €20 million, a Cost Benefit Analysis will also need to be examined and reviewed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform in the coming months as required under the Public Spending Code. The completion of these reviews will be a further step in progressing this project.
A number of high level meetings have taken place this year between the theatre and officials in my Department over this proposed redevelopment, including a meeting I had with the Chair of the Board of the Theatre last summer to discuss the vision for the project.
As the Deputy will also understand, that planning and construction of a facility as large and as costly as this project, must have a significant lead-in time. The project is still at a very early stage but progress is ongoing. Significant more work has to be undertaken before a clear time-line for this project emerges. However, Officials in my Department are continuing to work with the Theatre to bring this project to fruition.
21. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that the film industry forum is convened as soon as possible; if all industry stakeholders are invited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47417/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the 11 Recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report on the Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry called on Fís Éireann to constitute a Forum for the audiovisual industry with an independent Chair. The Forum would allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
I have met with the Chair and CEO of Fís Éireann in recent weeks and Fís Éireann has subsequently confirmed its intention to hold an industry forum to respond to the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee
Fís Éireann is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. It supports these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.
The convening of an audiovisual industry form was also discussed at the Audiovisual Steering Group which brings together all Government Departments and State Agencies which have involvement in the Irish audiovisual industry
I should just say that I am satisfied that the industry in general works to a high standards. My Department will work with all partners to ensure that all sectors of the industry comply with their obligations and that everyone in the industry works in a respectful environment and supportive environment as that is the best way of ensuring the continued growth and success of the industry in the interests of all workers engaged within it.
I should however, also point out that there are challenges in convening the proposed forum in the context of the revelations in the recently broadcast RTÉ Prime Time programme, which focused on bullying and harassment in the film and television industry. Fís Éireann is committed to continuing to work on the organisation of this event and it is hoped that a further announcement will be made in the near future.
I am confident that we can address the issues of bullying and harassment in the audio visual industry with a similar approach to that adopted in the theatre sector.
22. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta de bhun Ceist Pharlaiminteach Uimhir 64 an 2 Deireadh Fómhair, cad is ainm d’Oifigeach na Gaeilge ag ‘Galway 2020; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47423/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a chuir mé in iúl don Teachta i mo fhreagra do Cheist Pharlaiminteach Uimhir 64 ar an 2 Deireadh Fómhair, tá próiseas ar siúl ag Gaillimh 2020 chun Oifigeach na Gaeilge a earcú. Tá sonraí an phoist á fhorbairt faoi láthair agus tá Gaillimh 2020 ag plé le grúpaí éagsúla san earnáil Ghaeilge faoin tslí is fearr chun é a líonú. Tuigim go bhfuil Gaillimh 2020 ag súil leis an bpost a líonú roimh dheireadh na bliana.
23. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her efforts and future plans to promote the cultural heritage of sports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I, and my Department, play a key role in protecting, supporting and promoting the traditions, practices, language, landscape, habitats, architecture and monuments that comprise Ireland’s cultural heritage. We do this on a national level, through the work of my Department and bodies under the aegis. We do this on a European level through legislation, programmes and initiatives, such as participation in this year's European Year of Cultural Heritage. Finally, we do this on an international level though membership of international conventions, such as the UNESCO 2003 Convention on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Each country that ratifies the Convention is required to take the necessary measures to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory. This includes drawing up a national inventory of the intangible cultural heritage, with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non-governmental organisations. Ireland ratified the Convention in 2015 and my predecessor approved an Interim National Inventory the following year, comprised of uilleann piping, hurling and harping. This was done in anticipation of a wider consultation for the nomination of traditions and practices that could be included in Ireland’s national inventory. That consultation took place in late 2017 – early 2018 and attracted a wide range of expressions of interest for inclusion in the national inventory. My Department appointed an Expert Advisory Committee to examine the expressions of interest. That process is now completed and my Department is currently in the process of finalising the first inventory for my approval. The process is also rolling and interested communities or groups may submit an expression of interest at any time.
Once the first national inventory is finalised, my Department will examine options for ensuring ongoing recognition and awareness of the traditions and practices on the national inventory.
Items on the national inventory may be nominated to the UNESCO Representative List for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2017, Ireland nominated hurling, encompassing camogie, to the List. The nomination process is drawing to a close and the upcoming meeting at the end of November of the Convention Intergovernmental Committee will decide on whether hurling will be inscribed onto the Representative List.
24. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to convene a committee of historians and others to advise on the forthcoming commemorations in respect of the War of Independence, the anniversary of the First Dáil, the Democratic Programme, the Civil War and the foundation of the State; if she has reached agreements on the significant State commemorations to be held to commemorate these events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47416/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's approach to commemorating the Decade of Centenaries is informed by the work of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations which has been in existence since the outset of the Decade of Centenaries. The development of the programme of commemorations for the second half of the Decade is being informed by the guiding principles of the Second Statement of the Expert Group which was published in October last year. The Expert Group is due to meet again on 20/11/2018. I would like to acknowledge the very significant work completed by the Advisory Group over the past year in formulating its guidance. I am now considering the recommendations of the Group and I anticipate that the remainder of the period will follow the approach adopted in the first half of the Decade of Centenaries of being respectful, meaningful, proportionate and authentic.
I also chair the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations, which is made up of members of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly. I look forward to further engaged and constructive meetings of the group to explore and address appropriate commemoration of the events and milestones in the period covered by the next phase of the Decade of Centenaries.
My Department will also continue to consult and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the local authority network, in developing the State commemorative programme out to 2023.
