Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the number of new State agencies, forums and task forces that have been established in 2012; the number of new employees there are as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53694/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that no new State bodies/agencies have been created from within my Department's Vote Group during 2012. With regard to other forums and task forces referred to in the Deputy's Question, the relevant groups that have been established since 1 January 2012 are referenced below. I am assuming that it is not intended that routine internal committees or working groups established by my Department to support the delivery of its goals be included. My Department was instrumental in establishing a task force with regard to the 'Historic Towns Initiative' in 2012. Fáilte Ireland, the Heritage Council and representatives from the relevant local authorities are represented. In April 2012, responsibility for commemorative events transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach to my Department, which now has responsibility for the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Commemorations and the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. A Departmental/Bord na Móna Working Group was established this year in the context of the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs. No new employees have resulted from the establishment of these groups.