Results 4,541-4,560 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: It does not apply to handguns. I am just applying the exact same provisions as the Deputy's Government did two years ago. There is no change whatsoever.

Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I certainly have.

Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I thank Deputies for their contributions, which were varied but constructive overall. To respond to Deputy Troy, only those people with firearms certificates for a shotgun are covered by this Bill and the review of the wildlife Acts will include a review of all aspects of licensing. The Deputy expressed concern at the small number of Bills emanating from my Department and argued that this...

Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: As the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced a series of rationalisation measures in its public service reform plan on 17 November 2011 and a number of amalgamations, mergers and critical reviews of bodies funded from my Department's Vote group are currently being progressed, as required under that plan. Four bodies funded from my Department's Vote group were listed in Appendix IIb...

Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: As I outlined to Deputy Troy during the aforementioned Private Members' debate, his party proposed precisely the same measure when in government and continued with that policy right up to August 2010, during which time it advised people being appointed to boards that it would be for the duration of the board or until a possible merger or amalgamation took place.

Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: It is easy to change one's position when one is in opposition.

Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I note this is Deputy Troy's last day as spokesperson for this portfolio, as he is moving on to another position. I wish him the best of luck and acknowledge he raised many important issues. Moreover, he generally was highly constructive on that side of the House. As I outlined in my reply, I have sent on my proposals to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. He is reviewing the...

Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: In respect of cost benefit analysis, any time one shares services such as human resources or information technology and so on, one obviously saves money. In addition, there will be a streamlining process and I hope that whatever will emerge and be decided on by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, will improve the effectiveness of the cultural institutions. This is my ambition and I note all...

Arts Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels is devolved to the Arts Council which is funded by my Department but statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including funding decisions. With regard to funding submissions by groups of the nature referred to, the Deputy will appreciate that any such submission would be for independent assessment and decision by...

Arts Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: Some weeks ago the Deputy and others were arguing for an arm's length approach between the Minister and the Arts Council to be preserved to ensure the Minister would not have a direct say in how arts funding was spent. I remind the Deputy that I allocated €63 million to the council to look after groups such as the one in question. It makes its decision on funding, while I have to retain...

Arts Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: Yes, I will meet it. If the Deputy contacts my secretary, Ms Sarah Doyle, we can arrange a meeting with it.

Heritage Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: My Department is currently promoting the role that Ireland's heritage has to play in making our country an attractive destination for sustainable tourism and inward investment, both in terms of the operation of our national parks and nature reserves and in the context of our unique built heritage. Culture and heritage are important elements of Ireland's tourism product, and heritage...

Heritage Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: As regards our natural heritage assets, Ireland's six national parks and 78 nature reserves attract a large number of visitors every year. This adds significantly to the tourism product and brings economic benefits to rural areas, while also playing an important role in the conservation of Ireland's rich biodiversity and increasing awareness of our natural heritage. A specific programme of...

Heritage Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: The European Commission's plans to invest €70 billion in this area are the subject of a later question. In the context of the funding that is available to us, we are investing a significant amount in promoting heritage and culture in this country. In this regard one need only consider Kildare Street, on which two cultural institutions - the National Library and the National Museum - are...

Heritage Funding (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: It is important for local communities to avail fully of the pilot project which involves Westport, Youghal and Listowel. The people of Youghal have a great opportunity to develop tourism in the town even further. Youghal is interesting because of its connections with people such as Cromwell and its location at the mouth of the River Blackwater. It has a great deal going for it. I hope the...

Cultural Development (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 29 to 31, inclusive, together. My officials and I are not aware of a European Commission source of funding which contains €70 billion for investment in projects or actions specific to the creative economy. There are two European Union programmes operating in the areas for which I have responsibility. The MEDIA programme is the support programme for...

Cultural Development (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I do not know where the Deputy came upon the figure of €70 billion to which she referred in her question. As I indicated, the allocation under the MEDIA and Culture programmes for 2007 to 2013 was some €1.1 billion, with €1.8 billion earmarked for the period from 2014 to 2020. I am very much engaged in the discussions on this programme with fellow member states. A proposal has come...

Cultural Development (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: As I stated, one must apply for funding if one wishes to draw it down. More Irish organisations need to apply for funding. I have discussed this matter with my counterpart in Northern Ireland, Ms Carál Ní Chuilín, MLA. I have also encouraged the Arts Council to co-operate with its counterpart in Northern Ireland and look outwards to find like-minded partners in Europe. Perhaps they...

Cultural Development (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: The Deputy makes a practical proposal. In the past year, I have met local authority arts and heritage officers who play a critical role in promoting the arts across the country. The Arts Council is a national organisation based in Dublin, whereas local authority arts officers do most of the work promoting the arts in small communities. I envisage an important role for arts officers in the...

Cultural Development (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: Galway has capitalised on culture to build a vibrant economy. Shortly after the recent Volvo Ocean Race festival, we had the opening of the Galway Film Fleadh, which has been followed by the Galway Arts Festival and in a couple of weeks the city will host the Galway Races. Galway is an example of a city that has used the arts and culture as a platform to rejuvenate itself and create a...