Results 2,081-2,100 of 6,645 for speaker:Jimmy Deenihan

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together. In implementing and applying measures for the protection of our natural environment, I am very much aware of Ireland's economic needs. In accordance with the principles of sustainable development and our EU legal obligations, my aim is to ensure that parameters are set by which economic development can take place, whilst safeguarding...

Written Answers — Turbary Rights: Turbary Rights (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together. Some 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SACs) have been designated for reasons of environmental protection under the EU Habitats Directive and 75 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHAs) have been designated under national law in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts. Some 50 blanket bog SACs and 73 blanket bog...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 203, inclusive, together. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 486, 487, 492 and 495 of 6 June 2012. Further to my reply on that occasion, I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently approved offers of funding to 41 conservation projects in 27 local authority areas to a total value of €500,000 under the Structures at Risk Fund of my...

Written Answers — Merger of Cultural Institutions: Merger of Cultural Institutions (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: As the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced a series of rationalisation measures in the Public Service Reform Plan on 17th November 2011. Certain of these measures that relate to National Cultural Institutions funded from my Department's Vote Group are currently being advanced, as required under the Reform Plan. These include the following: · Combine Irish Museum of Modern...

Written Answers — Ministerial Advisers: Ministerial Advisers (18 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Deenihan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011. Two special advisors are currently appointed to my office, one with effect from 7 June 2011 and the other from 2 April 2012. No special advisors have been appointed in the case of the Minister of State at my Department.

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...

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...