Written Answers Nos. 33-50
33. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which she can address the financial strain on persons working in the performing arts including claims that one third of persons working in the performing arts earn less than the minimum wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8705/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the issues referred to in the question and I am delivering on the commitment to deliver additional supports to the arts and culture sector in line with Government commitments.
Primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and now stands at €75 million in 2019, and increase of some €6.8m or 10% over 2018. The Creative Ireland Programme is also delivering additional resources to the sector, for example, through the Creative Youth Programme and the Culture and Creativity Strategies delivered by local authorities.
The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people's engagement with the arts.
For example the Arts Council now include as an assessment criterion, an organisation’s policy on the remuneration of artists in an effort to ensure that organisations in receipt of Arts Council funding should offer fair and equitable remuneration to artists.
With regard to legal protections for workers across the arts sector, it is important to note that employees in every industry and sector are entitled to all existing legal protections.
As members will be aware legislation was introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 should improve the insecurity and unpredictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours. Employment law in general should also have a role to play in terms of existing legal protections. There are also institutions for reporting abuse of employment legislation. I am satisfied that the industry works in general to a high standard.
34. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken in conjunction with Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure that as much of Bord na Móna’s 80,000 hectares landholding becomes part of the peatlands restorative programme and renewed native ecosystems are funded by her Department, Bord na Móna and the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8503/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeatlands cover approximately 20% of the State’s land area and their use has implications across a wide spectrum of public policy. Intact peatlands produce an array of nature generated benefits to society known as eco-system services. These services provided by peatlands include water retention, which can reduce flooding, water filtration and supply, climate regulation via carbon storage and cultural benefits. Bogs are, of course, an important habitat in their own right and an important breeding ground for many species including highly threatened species such as the curlew.
The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, approved by the Government and published in December 2017, sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed, conserved and restored and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed. The national restoration programme for Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas is contained within this Plan. It is intended to restore all designated raised bogs within 3 cycles, with the first cycle operating for the duration of the Management Plan.
Work on the restoration programme has already begun with a €5.4m project ‘The Living Bog’ which is co-funded under the EU LIFE 2014-2020 programme. My Department is managing this project and is contributing €1.352m with the European Commission providing €4.056m. The Living Bog project aims to restore the favourable conservation condition and increase the area for active raised bog by 277 hectares on the 12 raised bog special area of conservation project sites. This will contribute to the national objective of achieving favourable conservation status for active raised bog in Ireland.
Areas within the protected raised bog network are in the ownership of State agencies. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is undertaking restoration works on State owned lands within the network. The Department has worked in partnership with Coillte to complete some of the restoration measures.
Bord na Móna has recognised the importance of peatlands conservation for many years. Now, with its focus on decarbonisation, I understand that Bord na Móna has earmarked for conservation 4,000 hectares of degraded raised bog capable of regeneration and for the necessary restoration works to reverse the impacts of drainage. My Department liaises with Bord na Móna in relation to the restoration and rehabilitation plans of the company and looks forward to continuing to do so.
Bord na Móna is also represented on the Peatlands Council, the Peatlands Strategy Implementation Group and the Project Steering Group for the EU LIFE Living Bog project.
35. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the new call for applications for Irish sites of built and natural heritage to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the way in which persons can make such and organisations can apply for a call for applications for new candidate sites to join the world heritage tentative list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8700/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the new call for applications for sites of built and natural heritage here to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the way in which persons and organisations including those in counties Carlow and Kilkenny can apply for new candidate sites to join Ireland’s World Heritage Tentative List; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8519/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 62 together.
On 25 January 2019, I opened the call for applications for new sites to join the World Heritage Tentative List. My Department, as State Party to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, is committed to ensuring proper identification, protection, conservation and presentation of cultural and natural heritage sites that possess outstanding universal value, a fundamental requirement for World Heritage inscription. My Department acts as Focal Point for World Heritage issues in Ireland and liaises with UNESCO in relation to all related matters and in particular with regard to our two existing World Heritage Sites, Brú na Bóinne and Sceilg Mhichíl.
I am now seeking to identify further sites that may ultimately prove to be suitable for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of a periodic review of the Tentative List of potential candidate sites. This is the first step in the inscription process. I greatly welcome the opportunity it presents to bring forward and promote additional Irish sites that are of international significance and I look forward to my Department’s engagement with local authorities and other interested parties, including those in Carlow and Kilkenny.
Candidate sites for Ireland's new World Heritage Tentative List will be subject to appraisal by my Department and a board of external assessors before the Tentative List is submitted to UNESCO in 2020. My Department will work with stakeholders to progress the readiness of sites for World Heritage status by providing guidance and advice in relation to what is required by the nomination process, including the need for appropriate conservation measures and controls and management plans.
My Department’s policy is that the process of identifying any new site should begin at local level by interested parties in close collaboration with the relevant local authority. My Department will be seeking details of each site, including summary information about why applicants consider it to be of Outstanding Universal Value, and any information currently available about management controls and legal protections already in place or propsed. My Department will also be assessing the level of likely community engagement and support for any eventual World Heritage nomination. Of course, of itself, this process also affords a great opportunity to communities to enrich their knowledge of the historical and archaeological treasures that exist in their local area.
This is indeed a very exciting time for World Heritage in Ireland. The opportunity to make an application to my Department to go on the new World Heritage Tentative List remains open until June 2020. Further information is available on the worldheritageireland.ie website and I would encourage all potential applicants to engage with their local authority, which will seek any necessary advice or guidance from my Department, at the earliest possible stage.
Apart from, World Heritage, a number of key built heritage sites in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny are benefiting from funding schemes provided by my Department through the local authorities. In 2018, heritage sites in both Counties Carlow and Kilkenny were successful grant recipients.
In Carlow, these included St. Johns Church, Cloydagh, Milford; Borris House itself and its Apple House Walled Garden; Ballydarton House, Fenagh; and Farrar's Tower House, Dunroe.
In Kilkenny, the successful applicants were The Stone Cottage, Callan; Yesterdays, Lower Patrick Street, Kilkenny City; Mountain View, Graiguenamagh; Dunkitt House, Dunkitt; Bridge View House, High Street, Inistioge; 6 Priors Orchard, Johns Quay, Kilkenny City; Old Methodist Hall, Inistioge; Forest Lodge, Gowran; Kilree House, Bennettsbridge; The Thatch, Burnafea, Castlewarren; Ballyduff Mill, Ballyduff, Thomastown; and the Former Stable Block & Barracks, Clomantagh, Barna.
36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the management and quarterly reports of the auditor pursuant to the performance delivery agreement signed and dated 6 November 2018 in relation to Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8683/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of progress for Galway as EU Capital of Culture in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8537/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
The Government has committed €15 million towards the funding of Galway 2020 as European Capital of Culture. The terms and conditions for the provision of the funding are set out in a performance delivery agreement between my Department and Galway 2020. The agreement addresses the roles and responsibilities of the Department and Galway 2020 in the provision and expenditure of the grant, as well as the key deliverables and performance indicators attached to the drawdown of the grant, and the monitoring and reporting arrangements in place.
On 31 January last, my Department received the first management and auditors’ report under the performance delivery agreement from Galway 2020, in advance of a monitoring meeting with the company the following week.
The management report sets out the progress made by Galway 2020 in recent months, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the appointment of new board members, board and audit committee meetings held, the periodic reviews of risks undertaken, progress on the development of the cultural programme including the European dimension, community engagement, staffing, and the development of the partnership and monitoring and evaluation programmes.
The auditors’ report verified the payments reviewed and confirmed that Galway 2020 has followed best practice in transparency, accountability and securing value for money.
The reports were discussed further at the monitoring meeting between officials from my Department and Galway 2020, in addition to more recent developments, including the appointment of new Chair to the Board, Mr Arthur Lappin, as well as the appointment of cultural production company, Artichoke, to the role of cultural leadership for the project.
I am satisfied that Galway 2020 is progressing with the development of the delivery phase of the Capital of Culture programme and look forward to a successful and impactful year that will serve to further highlight the vibrant and diverse cultural offering in Galway and Ireland, more generally.
38. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the outcome of the Culture Ireland Global 2025 conference that took place in Dublin Castle in January 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8517/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Global Ireland 2025 initiative, Culture Ireland convened a conference of cultural stakeholders to discuss how best to establish cultural programmes that advance our global visibility and strengthen our global relationships. The conference took place on 24th January 2019 in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle. Culture Ireland is aiming to increase our cultural footprint internationally through the promotion of Irish arts, heritage and culture, reaching new generations and new audiences across the world.
The conference was attended by almost 300 cultural stakeholders and was live-streamed on the Culture Ireland website and also by RTE, which increased the reach significantly. The delegates came from all areas of the arts sector and the day provided a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to network and exchange views.
A questionnaire seeking formal feedback has issued to all delegates and Culture Ireland will be reporting on the finding of that survey in due course.
The conference provided an important opportunity for the arts sector to engage with international programmers and media and to and discuss current issues facing the sector. Two of Ireland’s newly appointed Cultural Ambassadors took part in the panel discussions and the conference provided an excellent opportunity for a discussion on the importance of their role.
The conference also provided an opportunity for some Irish artists to present their work to the audience and there has been a strong interest from international programmers in providing touring opportunities for the artists featured at the conference. Subject to feedback from the delegates, it is hoped to arrange a follow up conference in the future to provide updates on progress and to further discuss the progress on the overall aim of increasing our cultural footprint.
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she is in a position to offer funding under various headings to cultural and heritage projects, community based or otherwise nationally in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8702/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised to the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 28 February 2018, both my Department and the bodies under its aegis operate a wide range of funding schemes in the areas of arts, culture and heritage. Details of these schemes are made available on my Department's website and the individual website of the bodies concerned.
For the Deputy's convenience a summary of the various funding areas and the links to detailed information in respect of funding is set out in the following tables.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Funding Schemes available from the Department
|
Programme Area |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Film and Investment |
http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/arts-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Cultural Policy and Institutions |
http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/%20freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-%20provided-by-the-department/cultural-policy-and-institutions-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Culture Ireland |
http://www.cultureireland.ie/funding |
|
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy |
http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/%20freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/%20services-provided-by-the-department/built-heritage-%20and-architectural-policy-unit/#grantfunding |
|
National Monuments Service |
http://www.chg.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/national-monuments-service/#grantfunding |
Funding available from bodies under the aegis of the Department
|
Body |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Council |
http://www.artscouncil.ie/funding/ |
|
Irish Film Board |
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/funding_programmes/ |
|
Heritage Council |
http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
http://www.udaras.ie/en/forbairt-pobail/tionscnaimh-ealaion-chulturtha |
|
Waterways Ireland |
https://www.waterwaysireland.org/heritage-grant |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
http://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/sceimeanna-maoinithe/ |
40. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the State commemorative events she plans to fund and direct as part of the Decade of Centenaries commemorations for the period 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8502/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy objective in approaching the development of the State Commemorative Programme for the years from 2019 – 2023 is to ensure that, in remembering this complex period in our history, which includes the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State, and Partition, we promote a deeper understanding of the significance of these events, which accepts that the shared historical experience of those years gave rise to very different narratives and memories. It will also take account of sensitivities across communities in Northern Ireland and continue to recognise that very different perspectives persist on many of these events.
The commemorative programme will be respectful, measured, inclusive, and authentic, and will comprise four broad thematic strands:
- A State Ceremonial Strand which will comprise a limited number of State-led commemorations focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who suffered and who lost their lives during this period.
- An Historical Strand which will comprise a rich and diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders.
- A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations – between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate.
- The Creative Imagination Strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1919 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives.
On 21st January the centenary of the convening of the First Dáil was commemorated, with a diverse programme, including a ceremonial event, led by the Houses of the Oireachtas. On 20th January, I represented the Government at a community-led commemoration to mark the centenary of the Soloheadbeg Ambush. I approved a grant allocation of €10,000 to assist Tipperary County Council in supporting the local commemorative committee and wider community in developing their plans for this event, in recognition of the significance of the Soloheadbeg Ambush as the generally accepted first action in the Struggle for Independence.
In bringing forward plans to mark the significant historical events that took place between 1919 - 1923, my approach will continue to be informed and supported by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations and developed in consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations. One of my key priorities this year will be to advance plans under each of the four strands and build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, with a particular focus on local authority engagement.
It is, I believe, very fitting that local authorities have a leading role in supporting inclusive, respectful and meaningful community-led commemorations which remember all of the lives lost, augmented as appropriate with support from the State, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In recognition of the very important role that local authorities have played to date, and will continue to have, in encouraging measured and authentic citizen engagement which is sensitive to the local context, I have requested my officials to organise a special Decade of Centenaries forum for the local authorities, which will take place on 13th March.
41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the film production underway at a studio (details supplied) is in receipt of section 481 tax relief and Irish Film Board grants; if so, the actions undertaken to ensure the provision of quality employment and training and the full application of employment legislation in terms of recruitment on the production; if the producer in receipt of the public funding and support has offered employees and trainee positions on the production to all employees and trainees that were previously employed by the producer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8676/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that at present, there are a number of productions which are using the studio to which the Deputy refers. I also understand that one of these productions is a project which has been awarded funding by Screen Ireland which was formerly know as the Irish Film Board.
Screen Ireland conditions includes the production of budgets, finance plans, screenplay, biographies of the main creative personnel and their signed contracts, shooting schedule, a full list of cast and crew including trainees, insurance, details of postproduction and VFX arrangements and a full list of delivery requirements for the film for distribution and archiving purposes. Screen Ireland conditions include, inter alia, full compliance with all statutory and legal and contractual obligations of the producers in connection with the production of the film which includes all the obligations of employers to employees.
The conditions attaching to Section 481 also require the production of similar documentation on budgets, details of employment and the engagement of between 2 and 8 trainees on every production. Information relating to beneficiaries of Section 481 is published by the Revenue Commissioners when the project is finished and all compliance checks have been completed. The list of beneficiaries is published quarterly by Revenue.
In addition, I understand that Screen Ireland is considering further conditions of funding in areas such as gender equality, diversity and inclusion, dignity in the workplace, skills development and upskilling and environmental awareness.
42. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na moltaí a chuir an Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi bhráid an Rialtais ó thaobh tuilleadh cumhachtaí agus solúbthachta a thabhairt don Údarás i gcomhthéacs Brexit, agus go háirithe ó thaobh an Bhille Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha (Tarraingt siar na Ríochta Aontaithe as an Aontas Eorpach an 29 Márta 2019), 2019 [8682/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI dtús báire, is mian liom aird an Teachta a tharraingt ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar an gCeist tosaíochta faoin ábhar seo níos luaithe inniu. Mar a thug mé le fios sa bhfreagra sin, tá Údarás na Gaeltachta ag comhoibriú i rith an ama le gníomhaireachtaí Stáit eile mar a bhaineann sé le cur chuige comhordaithe maidir leis an mBreatimeacht.
Lena chois sin tá an tÚdarás ag obair as lámha a chéile le Fiontraíocht Éireann chun a chinntiú go bhfuil na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil do chomhlachtaí a thagann faoi scáth na heagraíochta sin ar fáil chomh maith do chliaint chomhlachtaí de chuid an Údaráis.
Sa chomhthéacs sin, is fiú a lua go bhfuil Meamram Comhthuisceana i bhfeidhm le tamall de bhlianta anuas idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Fiontraíocht Éireann, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil fáil ag Comhlachtaí Gaeltachta ar scéimeanna éagsúla tacaíochta a chuireann Fiontraíocht Éireann ar fáil ar fud na tíre.
De thoradh seo agus, go deimhin, an comhoibriú leanúnach atá idir an dá eagraíocht, táim sásta go mbeidh fáil ag cliantchomhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta ar na deiseanna agus na hacmhainní céanna atá agus a bheidh ar fáil do chomhlachtaí atá faoi scáth Fhiontraíocht Éireann mar thoradh ar Achtú an Bhille atá luaite ag an Teachta.
Ní call dom a rá go bhfuil teagmháil rialta idir feidhmeannaigh mo Roinnse agus feidhmeannaigh na Roinne Fiontraíochta, Gnó agus Nuálaíochta faoin ábhar seo agus go n-aithníonn an dá Roinn an gá go mbíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Fiontraíocht Éireann in ann na tacaíochtaí céanna a thairiscint dá gcuid cliantchomlachtaí faoi seach.
43. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the levels of Creative Ireland funding that is designated for supporting DEIS schools in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form, by county; and the amount each DEIS school is receiving. [8692/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not fund DEIS schools directly. I can confirm however that a number of DEIS Schools have received funding under Creative Ireland's Creative Youth programme.
The Creative Schools pilot project is a flagship initiative of Creative Youth which is being led by the Arts Council and funded primarily by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. Creative Schools aims to understand, develop and celebrate the arts and creativity, as a core aspect of school life, and to foster children and young people’s creativity and participation in the arts as an integral part of their education in Ireland.
Creative Schools was launched in 2018 with funding of €1m provided for its successful roll-out. A total of 150 schools all across the country are now taking part. Of these, 41 are DEIS schools (33 primary and 8 post-primary), seven are special schools and four are Youthreach schools. 47 Creative Associates have been appointed to work with schools. All have been trained to enable the voice of the child throughout the Programme. Each school receives a grant of €2,000 to assist in the development of their creative plans and also receives the assistance of a Creative Associate. A list of all participating schools including the DEIS schools is available on the Arts Council website. However, I will arrange for a separate list of the 41 DEIS schools taking part in the initiative to be provided to the Deputy.
In partnership with the Minister of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council, I recently announced a joint funding package of over €6m for the implementation of a range of initiatives under Creative Youth which will have a positive impact on DEIS schools and indeed other schools right across the country. Almost €2.4m has been allocated to Creative Schools which will allow us to double the number of creative schools from 150 to 300 (which includes maintaining the current 150 for a further year). As in 2018, this process is open to all schools including DEIS schools to apply for and registration for new applicants is now open with applications accepted online until 21st March 2019. All information in relation to this Scheme is available on the Arts Council website and I would urge all schools to consider applying.
The Creative Youth Plan is ambitious and ever developing, and I hope that by 2022 it will have touched the lives of every child and young person in Ireland.
44. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to purchase a location (details supplied) in view of the unique archaeological and ecological importance of same. [8681/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the interests of the preservation, conservation, management and presentation of the built and archaeological heritage, my Department seeks to acquire certain heritage properties and monuments as resources and opportunities permit. From time to time these may come onto the open market, may be bequeathed to the State or may be offered to it free of cost. In addition, lands surrounding or in proximity to national monuments or heritage properties in State care (i.e. incorporating the setting of the monuments/properties) often reside in private ownership. In certain cases, improved protection of the monument/property, or access to the monument/property, would be possible if the State was to acquire such additional lands.
In all cases the Department examines the potential acquisition carefully, taking into account the conservation needs of the property and Value for Money principles.
The national monuments in State care already number some one thousand sites at over 760 locations around the country and these command considerable resource commitments in terms of both funding and personnel allocation. In addition, there are in excess of 120,000 monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and Places that are not maintained by the State. Recorded monuments are protected under Section 12 of the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act and two months’ notice is required to be given to my Department in advance of works at, or in their vicinity.
The property at the location referred to by the Deputy contains a national monument in my ownership as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The day-to-day care of the monument is undertaken by the Office of Public Works on behalf of, and in consultation with, my Department. The national monument is fully protected under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014, and any works at or in its vicinity require Ministerial Consent under Section 14 of the 1930 Act. There are also a number of recorded monuments on the property in private ownership, which are also protected under national monuments legislation.
My Department, in cooperation with the Office of Public Works, is only in a position to acquire, maintain, conserve and present to the public a limited number of properties and monuments.
It is not deemed prudent to publicly disclose interest or not in potential future acquisitions.
45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the actions she has taken to date to address delays in setting up a film forum. [8697/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry recommended in July that Screen Ireland (formerly the Irish Film Board) constitute a Film Forum, with an independent Chair, in order to allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
Screen Ireland has been endeavouring to organise the Forum and had drawn up a list of all stakeholders to invite to the Forum. These include representatives of workers in the industry which include
- The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
- SIPTU
- Irish Film Workers Association (IFWA)
- GMBh Trade Union
- Screen Guilds of Ireland
The emergence of disputes between stakeholders have, however, impeded progress on the Forum. I understand that following the transmission of an RTÉ Prime Time programme on the film industry, ICTU and SIPTU stated that they would not attend a Forum to which the IFWA is invited, and that the Screen Guilds of Ireland gave a similar response. Based on the ICTU position, Screen Producers Ireland also indicated that it would not attend. This position was communicated to the Oireachtas Committee on 21 December last by Screen Ireland who requested that the Committee meet with stakeholders to hear their concerns in relation to the proposed Industry Forum
My Department will continue to work through the Audiovisual High Level Steering Group to address issues raised in the audiovisual industry, and to support the industry and the people who work in it.
46. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of national and international events to commemorate the Irish Famine in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8534/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn announcement in relation to the designation of the location for this year's National Famine Commemoration will be made shortly.
Proposals are currently being developed by officials of my Department and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to the 2019 International Famine Commemoration and these will be submitted to the Committee for consideration shortly.
47. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é stádas na hanailíse breise atá beartaithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ina Phlean Straitéiseach 2018-2020 chun teacht ar bhonnlíne maidir le líon reatha na gcainteoirí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, ionas gur féidir gníomhú chun an líon sin a mhéadú 25% faoi 2030 [8686/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, tá cúramaí faoi leith sannta d'Údarás na Gaeltachta mar a bhainean sé le cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis pleanála teanga sa Ghaeltacht, rud atá ag croílár chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. Mar chuspóir lárnach na straitéise agus an phróisis pleanála teanga tá treisiú na Gaeilge mar theanga pobail agus teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht.
Sa straitéis agus sa bPlean Gníomhaíochta 5 Bliana - a foilsíodh anuraidh mar thaca agus mar luasaire ar chur chun feidhme na straitéise, leagtar béim faoi leith ar phleanáil chomhtháite teanga ag leibhéal an phobail le cúnamh leanúnach an stáit.
Ós rud é gurb é an Daonáíreamh an príomhmhodh cainníochtúil atá ann chun líon na gcainteoirí laethúla Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a thomhais agus a mheas tá obair faoi leith déanta chun a chinntiú go mbaintear leas cuí as mar a bhaineann sé leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga ach go háirithe agus mar áis chun dul chun cinn a chinntiú.
Luafainn sa chomhthéacs sin an t-amharcóir mapa (GIS) atá forbartha ag mo Roinn i gcomhar leis an Údarás ag an Príomh-Oifig Stadreamh. Faoin gcóras seo - a bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh na Roinne, cuirtear sonraí daonáirimh ar fáil ar bhonn Limistéir Pleanála Tenga Gaeltachta mar a bhaineann sé le Daonáireamh 2011 agus 2016 faoi seach.
Cabhróidh an áis seo - chomh maith leis an anailís cháilíochtúil atá agus a bheidh ar bun ag ceanneagraíochtaí pleanála teanga - le cúnamh agus comhairle leanúnach mo Roinne agus an Údaráis araon, chun dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin atá roimh an teanga sa Ghaeltacht, mar a léiríodh sna torthaí a d'fhoilsigh an CSO in 2017.
Cé go léirítear sna torthaí sin na dúshláin mhóra atá le sárú maidir leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, táim muiníneach go rachaidh an obair atá ar bun agus beartaithe ag an Údarás, ag mo Roinn agus ag páirtithe leasmhaar eile chun sochair na Gaeilge mar theanga pobail agus teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht agus go mbeidh toradh na hoibre sin le sonrú i dtorthaí daonáirimh amach anseo.
48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital funding in the Estimates for 2019; the amount and percentage overall of the capital budget that will be allocated to Waterways Ireland; the works and projects to be undertaken with such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8680/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Estimates for 2019 have provided €75,800,000 in capital funding for my Department.
Of this €4,380,000 - 5.7% has been allocated to Waterways Ireland for capital works.
The projects to be undertaken by Waterways Ireland are:
|
€ |
Projects |
|
|
Meelick |
2,500,000 |
Repair of Meelick Weir |
|
Eastern Region (Canals) |
1,000,000 |
Maintenance/Sealocks Dublin |
|
Shannon |
200,000 |
Maintenance/Lock gate replacement |
|
Shannon Erne |
200,000 |
Dredging/Maintenance/3rd Party Project |
|
Ulster Canal |
250,000 |
Moorings/Retentions |
|
Other |
230,000 |
Development projects, City Block 19, |
|
Total Departmental Allocation |
4,380,000 |
49. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on protecting the 11 peat habitats listed for special protection under EU directives since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8596/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s peatlands, occurring as raised bogs, blankets bogs or fens are unique on a national and global scale. Ireland recognised the importance of these peatlands and took steps to protect the best remaining bogs through designation as special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas. Between 1997 and 2002, Ireland nominated 53 raised bog sites for designation as special areas of conservation. 75 raised bog natural heritage areas have also been designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 to supplement the raised bog special area of conservation network. Ireland has also identified 50 areas as special areas of conservation for the protection of blanket bog. A further 73 sites containing blanket bog habitat have been designated as natural heritage areas under Irish law. 67 sites have been selected for conservation for one or more Habitats Directive Annex I fen habitat in Ireland.
Ireland has approximately 60% of the remaining raised bog habitat in Western Europe. Most of Ireland’s raised bog peatlands are no longer of ecological interest as they have been cut over. For conservation purposes, there has been a need to restrict turf-cutting on a number of sites to protect the best of our remaining active raised bog habitat.
Significant efforts have been made by the State to resolve the issue of the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation, within the framework of the EU Habitats Directive. This has included the establishment of the Peatlands Council, intensive and on-going engagement with turf cutting interests, the farming community, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission, as well as the establishment of a long-term compensation scheme for affected turf cutters. The aim is to address the needs of turf cutters as part of an overall raised bog designated network solution, as set out in the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022. This involves a balance of protecting traditional rights, providing compensation where these rights are curtailed and seeking to facilitate feasible alternatives where possible, while working to ensure that Ireland meets its legal obligations.
The national restoration programme for Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas is contained within this Plan. It is intended to restore all designated raised bogs within 3 cycles, with the first cycle operating for the duration of the Management Plan.
Work on the restoration programme has already begun with a €5.4m project ‘The Living Bog’ which is co-funded under the EU LIFE 2014-2020 programme. My Department is managing this project and is contributing €1.352m with the European Commission providing €4.056m.
The Living Bog project, which commenced in 2016 and will conclude at the end of 2020, aims to restore the favourable conservation condition and increase the area for active raised bog by 277 hectares on the 12 raised bog special area of conservation project sites. This will contribute to the national objective of achieving favourable conservation status for active raised bog in Ireland.
In tandem with the LIFE project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is undertaking restoration works on State owned lands within the protected raised bog network.
50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if efforts to establish a film stakeholders' forum have been abandoned due to the fact that some stakeholders have decided to boycott it; if so, the reason some stakeholders are allowed to effectively veto efforts to resolve ongoing disputes across the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8674/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry recommended in July that Screen Ireland (formerly the Irish Film Board) constitute a Film Forum, with an independent Chair, in order to allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
Screen Ireland has been endeavouring to organise the Forum and had drawn up a list of all stakeholders to invite to the Forum. These include representatives of workers in the industry which include
- The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
- SIPTU
- Irish Film Workers Association (IFWA)
- GMBh Trade Union
- Screen Guilds of Ireland
The emergence of disputes between stakeholders have, however, impeded progress on the Forum. I understand that following the transmission of an RTÉ Prime Time programme on the film industry, ICTU and SIPTU stated that they would not attend a Forum to which the IFWA is invited, and that the Screen Guilds of Ireland gave a similar response. Based on the ICTU position, Screen Producers Ireland also indicated that it would not attend.
It is important to underline that the State has formal institutional arrangements for the resolution of disputes in all industries. The audiovisual industry is not exempt from these arrangements which consist of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Film Forum would have a developmental role in the industry.
My Department will work with the Audiovisual High Level Steering Group to address issues raised in the audiovisual industry, and to support the industry and the people who work in it.
