Results 27,041-27,060 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Other Questions: Commemorative Events (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I would be happy to meet spokespersons to discuss the commemorations. I want to be as inclusive as possible and I welcome any suggestions. The Deputy asked about having different people visiting during the 2016 events. I am new in the job but it is important the commemorations be respectful, inclusive and sensitive. This is a major commemoration for the country because of its significance...

Other Questions: Commemorative Events (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: This is about building relationships. I am only in this job a couple of days so, as I said earlier, I will consult widely. We want to achieve the best commemoration possible and consult all stakeholders.

Other Questions: Public Park Access (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I agree with the Deputy that the Phoenix Park is a jewel in the crown. It is a tremendous facility that we need to treasure and protect. A process is under way regarding the application for UNESCO status. This process has to be led by the local authority because my Department cannot impose it. However, we are happy to support the local authority in progressing the matter. Regarding the...

Other Questions: Public Park Access (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I agree with the Deputy because it is a tremendous facility for people to go walking. They bring their cars to the park and then they go for a walk. It is great to have that facility.

Other Questions: Departmental Strategies (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: My Department is committed to implementing the priorities set out in the programme for Government and in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016, which was published by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on 11 July. These will form the underlying basis of the work of my Department for the next 12 months and for the remainder of this Government's term of office. The statement of...

Other Questions: Departmental Strategies (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: We are committed to the Irish language. As I noted in several interviews, like many others I learned school Irish but unfortunately if one does not use it, one loses it. My parliamentary assistant, who is in his early 20s, was awarded student of the year for his Irish. He told me this morning that he is one of many who does not use it and then loses it. There is a huge cohort of people...

Other Questions: Departmental Strategies (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: We are committed to the services to Inis Mór and they will be examined in the context of the budget.

Other Questions: Caiteachas Ranna (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: With regard to the budget figures, I will be happy to speak to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. TG4 comes under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I take on board the Deputy's point.

Other Questions: Arts Council Funding (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: The Arts Council receives funding from my Department but it is independent. It recently published a strategic review of its work, entitled Inspiring Prospects, which was undertaken by a steering group, with Mr. Terence O’Rourke as the independent chairman. I look forward to reading this report in more detail and assimilating its implications. The review and the process underlying it...

Other Questions: Arts Council Funding (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: As I stated, the Arts Council receives its budget from my Department but it is independent. I accept its funds are public money and that we must be very accountable for public money. I understand the council is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and is subject to the same rules and regulations as other bodies. I am to meet the new chairman. The council has carried out a...

Other Questions: Arts Council Funding (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I agree that the arts should encompass all areas of society, including disadvantaged communities. It is important that communities be very much supported in respect of the arts. If the Deputy has any concerns, I can speak to him later about them. I will be happy to pass them on to the representatives of the council when I meet them. As I stated, the Arts Council is independent. It is...

Other Questions: Public Park Access (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I understand that the Office of Public Works, which is both owner and manager of the Phoenix Park, has no plans to introduce general admission charges to the park, now or in the future. The nomination process for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is initiated by state authorities drawing up a tentative list of what they consider to be the most important heritage sites within their...

Other Questions: Caiteachas Ranna (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: Is oth liom nach bhfuil ar mo chumas an cheist seo a fhreagairt as Gaeilge, ach cuirfidh mé leagan dhátheangach den fhreagra ar fáil don Teachta. As the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, my response to the Deputy's question deals with the period since that date. My Department administers a wide range of programmes and measures....

Other Questions: Caiteachas Ranna (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: Tá brón orm; níl a lán Gaeilge agam, but I will try to answer the question as best I can. On the issue of replies to questions in Irish, if the Deputy wishes to have his replies in Irish I will ensure they are so provided into the future. On the budgets, the Government wants to maintain services to the public and has done so in so far as possible. The Deputy will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I acknowledge what the Deputy says and that 61,000 is a great number of veterans. They have made a wonderful contribution. I support the commemoration of all persons who have served their country at home and abroad, especially those who have given their lives. It is important we recognise them. There are already a number of monuments and memorial gardens throughout the country that pay...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I accept what the Deputy says. I would be happy to meet the people involved. I attended the commemoration events on Saturday and the national day of commemoration on Sunday and realise how important it is to these people that the sacrifices they have made are recognised. I am happy to meet the people concerned.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for his good wishes and kind words. I also am looking forward to working with him. The National Museum of Ireland is an autonomous body with its own board and, as such, is responsible for all day-to-day operational matters. I, as Minister, have no statutory responsibility in respect of such operational matters, which include the location of monuments on museum sites....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for her good wishes and look forward to working with her. As the Deputy is aware, revised designs submitted by the owners of the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street for the restoration of the monument buildings and the creation of a commemorative centre to the leaders of the 1916 Rising on the site were approved by my Department on 30 April 2014. Previously, in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: To answer the last question, I have not had an opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach yet but I am aware the relatives are meeting him as we speak. The national monument is being protected by the State, as I said earlier, but anything outside Nos. 14-17 Moore Street is a matter for the planning authorities and the owner of the site. I have no function in regard to the regulation of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Quesitons: National Monuments (16 Jul 2014)

Heather Humphreys: As I said, I have no function in regard to the regulation of development outside the bounds of the preservation order. I mentioned that the Minister granted consent on 16 July 2013 but he also refused consent for the demolition of any structures or removal of material which date from or before 1916. Works for the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national...