Results 26,401-26,420 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Public Sector Staff Recruitment (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I have been informed by the agency concerned that the position referred to by the Deputy has been advertised on , in the Belfast Telegraph and on the agency's own website. The position was also advertised internally to all the staff of the agency. As the leading recruiter for public service jobs, the website of the Public Appointments Service, , is the main access route for candidates...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Applications (24 Mar 2015)

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. I am advised that a payment of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2011) was made to this applicant. The qualifying criteria for the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme are that:- The claimant must...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Funding (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The Music Capital Scheme is funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and managed by Music Network. The closing date for the present scheme was 10 October 2014. Allocations have now been made and these are published by Music Network on its website at . I am currently considering capital grant allocations, including a future allocation to the Music Capital Scheme, and...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Strategy Statements (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: My proposal to publish the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025 was approved by Government recently. The Strategy will assist in meeting our obligations under the European Landscape Convention, which was ratified by Ireland in 2002 and came into effect on 1 March 2004. It is intended that the Strategy will be published and launched in the coming weeks. Implementation will take place on a...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Natural Heritage Areas Designation (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: The focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland's obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites, i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas. This issue has been the subject of adverse findings by the Court of Justice of the European Union and Ireland must address these designations as a priority. While a review of the...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Library Services Provision (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: While I am aware that there are discussions taking place in relation to the future of Bolton Library, my Department does not have a direct role in the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Languages Programme (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: My Department is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language, having regard to its constitutional position, and for the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language and heritage, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. My Department has no role in relation to the promotion of Irish Sign Language.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Heritage Projects (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I am aware of the proposal and will consider it in the light of resources available to my Department. It should be noted that, while my Department is happy to provide advice and assistance in relation to local memorials, they are generally funded locally. I would also advise that the committee contact Mayo County Council for local advice in relation to any planning issues which could...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Freedom of Information Data (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I am not aware of any occurrence of the nature referred to by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Data (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 to 1015, inclusive, and 1018 together. Compensation has been paid under a number of schemes administered by my Department in respect of raised bog habitat nominated for designation as special areas of conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. In 1999, a voluntary bog purchase scheme was introduced under which domestic turf cutters could sell their...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Relocation Options (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1016 and 1017 together. Twenty-five applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation have been received and acknowledged by my Department in respect of Ardgraigue Bog. None of these applicants has expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. Two bogs in County Galway have been...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Coillte Teoranta Lands (24 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: Some 2.36 hectares of bog are registered with the Property Registration Authority of Ireland (PRAI) as being in the ownership of the State (Coillte) in the area referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for the opportunity to clarify the position. Having a site progressed from being on a national tentative list to its inscription by UNESCO on the world heritage list is a long and involved process that requires comprehensive management plans for the site, full agreement with local interests, significant local authority actions and support and,...

Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I listened carefully to the Deputy and I share his views on the importance and value of securing world heritage status for these sites as quickly as possible. I take on board what he said about the progressive county councils. When county councils work with us, it does make it much easier. When we have their assistance it is preferable, but my Department will continue to push for progress...

Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I hope I have clarified this but I take the Deputy's point that there are county councils that are not interested in getting involved in this process. I have taken on board what the Deputy said.

Other Questions: Hare Coursing (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for her question. I know this is an area she is very passionate about, but I wish to make clear that issues relating to welfare and cruelty are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and not me as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. My interest and area of responsibility is in the conservation of the hare. The scientific evidence...

Other Questions: Hare Coursing (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy. The conservation of the hare is my responsibility and the evidence I have received indicates that it is in good conservation status. From my perspective, no issues arise in terms of conservation. However, if the groups wish to contact my office, we will certainly consider a request for a meeting.

Other Questions: Commemorative Events (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan for raising this matter. Officials from my Department have met the Committee for the Commemoration of the Irish Famine Victims periodically in recent years. At the most recent meeting with the CCIFV last month, my officials committed to keeping it apprised of all arrangements in relation to the 2015 famine commemoration and provided its representatives with...

Other Questions: Commemorative Events (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: I acknowledge the work of the committee and the National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I chair. The event goes from place to place each year and issues always arise about timing. If we keep the date flexible it means we can give a broader range of venues an opportunity to host the famine commemorations. A commemoration was held in my local town of Clones and it was a lovely event....

Other Questions: Easter Rising Commemorations (11 Mar 2015)

Heather Humphreys: Last year, I established a 2016 project office in my Department which has responsibility for co-ordinating and leading on all activities relating to the development and implementation of the Ireland 2016 initiative, which is focused on the commemoration of the centenary of the events of the 1916 Easter Rising. The initiative will also reflect on the legacy of that period and look towards our...