Results 761-780 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Appointments to State Boards (5 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: My Department has, from time to time, sought expressions of interest from members of the public for vacancies on various boards of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group by advertising on my Department's website. While to date, applications may have been retained on file in some cases, I can advise the Deputy that no formal list of applicants for positions on boards is held within my...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Natural Heritage Areas (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: In July 2012, a Steering Group involving representatives of the key stakeholders in the Lough Leane trail project was convened and charged with the planning and development of the trail. The Group meets regularly and good progress is being made on bringing this complex multifaceted project to fruition. Most of this trail will be inside the boundary of Killarney National Park and because of...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: National Monuments (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I refer the Deputy to the replies to Questions Nos. 2 and 3 on 22 October 2014. The proposal that a further survey of the area would be commissioned was mooted by a delegation which met with me last week. I explained that I had no plans to commission a further survey and that I was satisfied with the quality of the research in relation to the surveys which have been carried out. It is not a...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Animal Welfare (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is the only hare present in the State and is found throughout the country. It is classified as a “protected species” under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 as well as being listed in Annex V of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). Under Article 17 of the Directive Member States are obliged to report to the European...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Animal Welfare (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: The fox is one of the most common and widely distributed mammals in Ireland. It is not a protected species and no national census has been undertaken. Data collated on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s website, however, shows that it is found in every county of Ireland and has adapted to both rural and urban habitats. Like all wild animals, their populations will fluctuate...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Commemorative Events (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: My Department has been working to finalise the draft programme for 2016, which it is intended to publish shortly to allow for widespread public consultation. An announcement relating to this aspect will be made in the coming days, which will be of relevance to the relatives' groups. The overall programme is being brought forward in partnership with government departments, State agencies,...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Contracts (6 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together. My Department does not use the services of recruitment or employment agencies. The use of such services by the bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group, and any possible fees and changes in such fees, are administrative matters for the bodies and agencies themselves.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Commemorative Events (11 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 585 and 587 together. The location of the National Famine Commemoration rotates between the four provinces of Ireland and in 2015 is due to take place in Ulster. Preparations for the 2015 event are overseen by the National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I chair. The main objective of the Committee is to ensure that all victims of the Great Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Commemorative Events (11 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: Any decision in relation to an exhibition in Collins' Barracks, Dublin 7 is an operational matter for the National Museum of Ireland. However, the National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I chair, has considered the possibility of exhibiting a collection dedicated to the Irish Famine. The Committee was given to understand that much of the evidence relating to the Great Famine is...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: EU Directives (11 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: Since this Government has come into office, huge efforts have been made to solve the issue of the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the Habitats Directive. This has included intense engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission. A long term compensation scheme was...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Heritage Projects (12 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I can confirm to the Deputy that I secured an amount of €4 million in the Budget for 2015 to allow for the roll out of an integrated plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations. This €4 million allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts and education sectors. I am, of course, keen to...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. This scheme does not involve the sale of land or turbary rights held by the applicant. I am advised that payments of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2011), €1,500 in respect of Year 2 of...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. This scheme does not involve the sale of land or turbary rights held by the applicant. I am advised that, on her application form, the applicant has indicated that she extracted turf from the bog plot on...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. This scheme does not involve the sale of land or turbary rights held by the applicant. I am advised that, on her application form, the applicant has indicated that she extracted turf from the bog plot on...

Seanad: Commemoration Planning: Statements (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his good wishes. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the commemorations with the Members and to inform them of the Government's plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. When the Taoiseach appointed me to the position of Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in July, he gave me responsibility to lead the 1916...

Seanad: Commemoration Planning: Statements (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Senators for their thoughtful, considered and constructive contributions. I appreciate their openness and sincerity in the course of what has been a very informative debate. It is somewhat apt that 16 Senators have contributed. I thank Senator Daly for his kind comments. He and Senator White are members of the all-party Oireachtas working group on commemorations. Senator Daly's...

Seanad: Commemoration Planning: Statements (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I have met a number of groups. I join Senator Mac Conghail in remembering Dr. Brian Farrell. I concur with the Senator on the importance of the expert group, which is making a great contribution and provides a fair and balanced analysis. These commemorations do not belong to the Government or the Opposition; they belong to the Irish people. I want to engage communities throughout the...

Seanad: Commemoration Planning: Statements (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: In the spirit of inclusiveness, I want to work with everybody to have an appropriate and respectful commemoration in 2016. It is a very important event in our history and it was in that spirit of inclusiveness that we set out the overarching plan to which people can contribute. It is important that people get involved because it is not about any particular individuals, groups or parties; it...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Autism Support Services (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Senator for raising this matter which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. I advise him that the Department's policy is to promote a child-centred approach to the education of all children with special educational needs, including those with autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder and each child will have individual...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Autism Support Services (13 Nov 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I will ensure that the Senator's contribution outlining the benefits of RPM is brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. I will raise it with her.