Results 1,601-1,620 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Waterways Issues (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that while it has not determined a need for an associated penalty with this by-law at this time, the matter is being kept under review. I am advised also that the locks, docks and harbours are manned and/or frequently visited by Waterways Ireland Operations and Inspectorate Authorised Officers. Where swimmers are encountered, they are made aware of...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Natural Heritage Areas Designation (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1677 to 1679, inclusive, together. Natura 2000 is an EU-wide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. It is comprised of special areas of conservation designated by Member States under the Habitats...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: National Monuments (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I am satisfied that the Official Report is accurate with regard to the proceedings referred to by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Wildlife Regulations (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: All wild birds, including gulls, are protected under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 and the European Union’s Birds Directive. However, there is a facility under the legislation for a person to obtain a permit, under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, to take certain actions, including the scaring, capturing or killing of birds, where they are causing serious damage to buildings and...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Wildlife Protection (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I intend to hold a consultation with relevant stakeholders shortly to consider concerns raised by certain organisations about the shooting of woodcock and to ensure that their views on this matter are known to my Department. There is already legislation in place banning the sale of certain wild birds such as curlew, goldeneye and gadwall. My officials will examine the views expressed in...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Interdepartmental Working Groups (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The development of the audio-visual sector in Ireland is an important element in the Government’s strategy for employment creation. The Action for Jobs Report 2015 specifically cites the film and TV production industry as a potential source of new job creation. An Interdepartmental Group on the Audio Visual sector has been established to examine and report on recommendations to...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Noxious Weeds (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: Control of an invasive alien species such as Japanese knotweed is primarily the responsibility of the owner of the land on which it is found. My Department is not involved currently in any eradication or control measures in respect of Japanese knotweed and consequently will incur no expenditure this year in that regard. Where an invasive species presents a real threat to a protected site...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Broadcasting Legislation (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: Issues in relation to airplay are a matter for the Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: National Monuments (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The final phase of works to Killarney House began in early January 2014 and the works, including the new extension, are now substantially complete. Work is continuing apace with the landscaping to the grounds and ornamental gardens. The contract for the interpretation phase is also advancing. I expect that the various elements of works will be completed in the coming months and it is...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Rural Recreation (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The trail referred to by the Deputy was closed following extensive damage caused by storms of over a year ago, after which felled trees completely blocked the route and made the area unsafe for visitors. Work has been ongoing this year to clear the felled trees and open up the pathway. This work is now complete and the path is currently open. Further work on the path will be required,...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Land Acquisition (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The purchase of assets of the nature referred to by the Deputy can only be considered in the context of my Department’s strategic needs, available budgets and operational priorities. I am advised that my Department is not aware of an active case in this particular matter.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Council (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1689 and 1690 together. I welcome the Arts Council publication of its new strategy Making Great Art Workwhich sets out its plan for leading the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade. The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts and to make...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: National Monuments (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1691 to 1693, inclusive, together. In considering the request of the film company referred to, which is the maker of one of the world’s biggest film franchises, for consent to carry out filming on Skellig Michael, I have balanced the positive benefit it will reap for the Irish film industry and the South Kerry region with the need to ensure that...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Vacancies on State Boards (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1694 and 1701 together. In accordance with Government policy, my Department, through the Public Appointments Service (PAS), advertises board vacancies on . My Department is currently working with PAS to commence the process to identify suitable candidates for an appointment of an ordinary member to the board of the Irish Film Board. Under the Irish Film...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Funding (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: In 2007, a capital grant of €2 million was approved in principle for Tullamore Arts Centre. My Department continues to maintain contact with Offaly County Council in relation to this project, having regard to the conditions of the approval.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Hare Coursing (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1696, 1697 and 1711 to 1713, inclusive, together. Under the terms of the Wildlife Acts, licences are required by the Irish Coursing Club, covering their affiliated coursing clubs, if they wish to capture or tag hares for use at regulated hare coursing meetings. I recently gave approval to the granting of the annual licence to the Irish Coursing Club...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Wildlife Regulations (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August, during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity. As a...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Bodies (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: A change in the name of the Irish Film Board to Screen Ireland will require a legislative change. This will be considered as part of the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill, which is due to be considered at Report Stage in Dáil Éireann shortly. The change of name of the Irish Film Board to Screen Ireland reflects the broader remit of the agency as the...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Deer Hunting (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: A deer hunting licence was issued to the person concerned on 16 September 2015.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Fishery Harbour Centres (22 Sep 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1704 and 1705 together. My Department is presently considering the management arrangements referred to by the Deputy. With regard to the proposed works on a fishery in County Kerry, this proposal was recently received and is currently being examined by officials of my Department. A response will issue once this examination is complete.