Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2000 > Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, 1998-1999

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Oidhreacht agus an Ghaeilge Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Work of the Joint Committee

1998–1999

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Oidhreacht agus an Ghaeilge Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Work of the Joint Committee

1998-1999

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 79A, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 63, Seanad Éireann which provides for Joint Committee reports and work programmes as follows–

•review of its procedure and its role

•annual work programme

•laying minutes of proceedings

•making an annual report.

2. Functions and Powers of The Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13th November, 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19th November, 1997 as part of a programme of Oireachtas reform involving the refining of the Committee system to enable more detailed examination of Government Departments including–

•public affairs administered by each Department

•legislature and expenditure proposals of each Department

•certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of each Department.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified by further Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee, as so modified, are set out at Appendix 1.

Further powers were accorded to the Committee by a resolution of Dáil Éireann of 2 July, 1999 to amend Standing Order 78A of Dáil Standing Orders, enabling the Committee to ‘consider and report to Dáil Éireann on such proposals for EU Legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Dáil Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee’. A corresponding provision was made by way of amendment to Standing Order 65 of Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann on 30 June, 1999.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Dónal Carey was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 4 December, 1997. Deputy Brendan Kenneally was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 4 December, 1997. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Donal Moynihan and Dinny McGinley are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members’ availability for divisions.

The Members of the Joint Committee are specified in Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Kildare House. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Joint Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Joint Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by R.T.É.

Verbatim written reports of public meetings of the Select Committee in relation to Bills and Estimates for the Public Services, Vote 41, 42 and 43 were published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained from the Clerk, Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. A list of these reports at set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 14 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 18 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 7occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 11 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

Records of attendance by Members of the Joint Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 5.

Records of attendance by Members of the Dáil Select Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Dáil Select Committee are set out at Appendix 6.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meeting in public session are attached at Appendix 7.

6. Work of The Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 15 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Broadcasting

•Traditional Music

•An Foras Teanga - North/South Irish Language Body

•Voluntary Irish Language Groups

•General Irish Language issues

6.2 DÁil Select Committee

On the 6 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Consideration of 1999 Revised Estimates for Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Votes 41, 42 and 43.

•Consideration of the Architectural Heritage (Natural Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1998

•Consideration of Major Events TV Coverage Bill, 1999

•Consideration of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment)(No.3) Bill, 1999

7. Groups and Individuals Attending Before The Joint Committee

In the year under report the Joint Committee met with the following:

•Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

•Conradh na Gaeilge

•Film Makers Ireland

•Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge

•UTV

•Department of Irish Folklore, UCD

•RTÉ

•Mr. George Henderson

•Mr. Nicholas Carolan

•Ms. Sandra Joyce, Irish World Music Centre, University Of Limerick

•Mr. Séamus Mac Gabhann, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth

8. Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report the Joint Committee published the following report:

•Work Programme 1999

•Digital Broadcasting

•Traditional Music

9. Work in Progress

(a)Traditional Music: Hearings

(b)Preparation of report on National Parks

10. Travel by The Joint Committee

During the period under report a delegation from the Joint Committee went on a fact finding visit to Western Canada from the 7 September to 14 September, 1999 as part of its on-going work on a Report on National Parks.

11. Function and Powers

The Committee is happy with its present procedures and role.

___________________________

Dónal Carey, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

January, 2000

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann

13th November, 1997:(*28th April, 1998)

Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such—

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and

(ii)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of that Department,

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act, and

(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

Orders of Reference

Seanad Éireann

19th November, 1997, (*30th April, 1998)

(1) (a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act, and

(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas,

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A (1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 4

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee

¹ Deputy Brian O’Shea was appointed in place of Deputy Eamon Gilmore on 24/2/99

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (continued)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

APPENDIX 5

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

APPENDIX 6

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 17 November, 1998

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday, 17 November, 1998 in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies Monica Barnes, Martin Brady, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Donal Moynihan and Brendan Kenneally

Senators: Enda Bonner, Jarlath McDonagh, Labhrás O’Murchú and Willie Farrell in substitution for Paschal Mooney.

Apologies: Éamon Gilmore, Michael D. Higgins and Dinny McGinley.

The Vice Chairman Brendan Kenneally T.D. took the Chair

1.The Minutes as circulated were agreed and signed.

2.The Members agreed that the Chairman sign the Annual Report as circulated.

3.The main business of the meeting was the presentation by the representatives of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann on their activities.

Comhaltás continues to thrive in many parts of the world such as the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Luxembourg, Germany and Hungary thus bringing indigenous Irish Music and dance to all corners of the globe.

It has 400 branches worldwide with in excess of 1 million persons attending its activities every year and it contributes significantly to our tourist industry. Given their achievements and status they requested/suggested the following:

1.Appropriate recognition in the Irish Education system;

2.Exchequer funding commensurate with its work programmes;

3.Full consideration to culture/heritage in the North/South bodies envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement;

4.The reinstatement of Seisiún by the Arts Council for funding purposes.

The Members who contributed spoke highly both of the presentation and the work of Comhaltas and fully supported their case for additional funding.

4.Adjournment

The Meeting concluded at 4.10 p.m.

_____________________

December, 1998.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 1 December, 1998 at 2.30pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

1.I Láthair

Na Teachtaí: Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan, Donal Carey (sa chathaoir), T. Sergeant,

Na Seanadóiri: Labhrás O Murchú, Jarlath Mc Donagh, Enda Bonner, Pascal Mooney.

D’fháiltigh an Cathaoirleach roimh ionadaithe Chonradh na Gaeilge, Tomás Mac Ruairí, Uachtarán agus Seán Mac Mathúna Ard-Rúnai a bhi tagtha os comhair an Chomhchoiste chun

a dtuarimí faoi TREO 2000 a léiriú.

Thaghair an tUachtarán Mac Ruairí don tagairt sa tuarascáil sin faoi easpa ról an Stáit. Bhain a lán de na deacrachtaí leis an nGaeilge le easpa chinnireachta ón Stát. I gcomórtas leis seo ta an -bhá ag an bpobal don Ghaeilge. An fhadhb dar leis an Uasal Mac Ruairí ná cur i bhfeidhm an bhá sin.

Do bhí a lán ráite sa tuarascáil faoi maoiniú na n-eagras ach ní raibh an Conradh sásta go

bhféadfaí e seo a dhéanamh ar bhonn tograi amháin.

Dúirt Seán Mac Mathúna go raibh an Conradh an-thógtha leis an smaoineamh go mbeadh fo-choiste rialtais ag leibhéal ard ag plé le pleanáil teanga. Bheadh amhras ortha faoi Chomhairle

na Gaeilge.

Lean sraith ceisteanna inar labhair na Teachtaí M.D. Higgins, E. Kenny, M. Hanafin, D.

Moynihan, T. Sergeant agus an Seanadóir O Murchú.

Tar éis buíochas a ghabháil le honadaithe Chonradh na Gaeilge chuir an Cathaoirleach deireadh

leis an gcuinniú.

_____________________

Cathaoirleach,

12 Eanáir, 1999.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 15 December, 1998 at 3.05pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

1.Attendance.

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Martin Brady, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Enda Kenny and Donal Moynihan.

Senators: Paschal Mooney and Labhrás O’Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Dinny McGinley and Senator Enda Bonner.

2.Rapporteur Reports.

The Chairman began by explaining the difficulties which had been encountered in relation to the payment of rapporteur fees. He had taken up the matter with Deputy Ben Briscoe T.D., Chairman of the Working Group of Chairmen who in turn raised the issues in question with the Minister for Finance. The Chairman promised to keep Members advised of developments.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator Labhrás O’Murchú presented their completed rapporteur studies on digital broadcasting and traditional music respectively. Both members were commended for the excellence of their work (which had been circulated to Members in advance of the meeting) and the Joint Committee agreed that the payment of the amounts agreed last July - £2,000 each - be made from the appropriate subhead in early 1999. A brief discussion followed on the subject matter of the Reports following which it was agreed to consider the issues involved further at a meeting on 12/01/99 before publishing formal Reports.

Deputy Enda Kenny expressed regret at his inability to produce a Report within the given time frame but this was due to circumstances beyond his control.

The meeting concluded at 4.30 p.m.

12 January 1999

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 12 January, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G24, Kildare House. (Private Meeting)

1.Attendance.

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Martin Brady, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Eamon Gilmore, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Enda Kenny, Olivia Mitchell and Donal Moynihan.

Senators: Enda Bonner, Paschal Mooney, Jarlath McDonagh and Labhrás O’Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Brendan Kenneally and Dinny McGinley

2.The Minutes (2 sets) were agreed and signed.

3.The 2 Rapporteur Reports were then discussed and it was agreed to publish them with an interval of ten days between them along with the conclusions and recommendations of the Joint Committee.

4.There was then a detailed discussion on the formulation of the Joint Committees recommendations on each report. Specific recommendations were agreed on both topics and the Clerk was asked to incorporate these in the published reports.

5.Deputy Kenny strongly urged that Bord na Gaeilge be invited to appear before the Joint Committee to give an account of themselves. This was agreed.

6.The next meeting was fixed for Tuesday 19 January, 1999 and it was agreed to meet fortnightly after that.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting concluded at 4.30 p.m.

Chairman

January 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 19 January, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G24, Kildare House. (Private Meeting)

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Eamon Gilmore, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Donal Moynihan and Michael Moynihan.

Senators: John Connor, Jarlath McDonagh, Paschal Mooney and Willie Farrell*.

Apologies:

Deputies: Pat Carey, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Dinny McGinley and Olivia Mitchell.

Senators: Labhrás Ó Murchú.

In the absence of the Chairman, Deputy Mary Hanafin took the chair in a temporary capacity.

28.The minutes were agreed and signed.

29.The temporary Chairman explained the present position re Rapporteurs and that the Members would be kept informed.

30.It was agreed to meet with the following groups.

Filmakers Ireland

The Neale Heritage Group

Údarás na Gaeltachta (Fo-Choiste Teanga agus Cultúir)

Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge

Bord na Gaeilge

It was agreed that the next meeting would be on the two Reports with the two Rapporteurs making presentations in public session.

31.It was suggested that the Committee look at the area of architectural heritage particularly in light of the recent Bill sponsored by the Minister of Environment.

At the request of Deputy Gilmore it was agreed to write to the Department of Education asking what applications for recognition of Gaelscoileanna they have on hands, what their status is and also to specify what applications for buildings for Gaelscoileanna they have on hands.

In terms of architectural heritage it was also agreed to approach the County Managers Association and a professional archaeologist/architect and interested groups such as An Taisce and the Irish Georgian Society.

It was agreed also to contact UNESCO in relation to forthcoming conferences.

Chairman

2 February 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 2 February, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Dónal Carey, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan, Michael Creed* and Eddie Wade**

Senators: Paschal Mooney, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Paddy Burke***

Also in attendance Deputy Brian O’Shea.

Apologies

Deputies: Eamon Gilmore and Dinny McGinley.

Senators: Enda Bonner.

Deputy Dónal Carey in the chair.

32.The minutes were agreed and signed.

33.Matters Arising

Department of Education and UNICEF have been contacted by the Clerk as requested.

34.Launching of Reports

Both Deputy Michael D. Higgins T.D. and Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke on the two Reports - Digital Broadcasting and Traditional Music.

It was agreed that the Clerk would make enquiries regarding the proposed cross-border body on heritage.

4.The next meeting was fixed for 16 February 1999.

Chairman

March 1999.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 2 March, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Martin Brady, Dónal Carey, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan and John Browne (Wexford)*.

Senators: Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Olivia Mitchell and Senators Enda Bonner and Jarlath McDonagh.

35.The minutes were agreed and signed.

36.It was agreed to meet again on 30 March 1999.

37.The Joint Committee has written to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands concerning the cross-border body. It was agreed to write to the Taoiseach on behalf of Tara TV.

38.It was agreed to place an advertisement seeking submissions on the traditional music of Ireland: 1 advertisement, one insertion in three national papers.

39.The main business of the meeting was a presentation by Film Makers Ireland on broadcasting issues. The delegation consisted of Joan Egan, James Hickey, Máire Ní Thuathail, Darragh Byrne and Tania Banotti. They represented themselves as producing some of RTE’s most successful programmes. Since its inception T na G has bought 5,000 hours of programming from the independent sector - hence its importance to Film Makers Ireland. They are concerned at the proposed cap on RTE vis a vis the independent sector as they are at any arrangements for funding T na G as an independent entity. Digico was also mentioned as a matter of concern. A brisk question and answer session followed in which there was active participation from all sides.

40.Under any other business Senator Mooney requested that the Minister and the Minister for State be invited before the Committee to discuss the proposed cross-border body.

41.The meeting concluded at 4.10 pm.

Chairman

March 1999.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 30 March, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Dónal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Jarlath McDonagh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Willie Farrell*.

Apologies: Deputies Monica Barnes, Mary Hanafin and Dinny McGinley and Senator Enda Bonner.

42.In the absence of the Chairman Deputy Michael D. Higgins took the Chair in a temporary capacity.

43.The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed. The advertisement for submissions on traditional music had been placed. It was agreed that the 20 April slot would be the next scheduled meeting given the Easter break.

44.Tháinig ionadaithe Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge i láthair an Chomchoiste - Pádraig O’Ceithearnaigh agus Seosamh Mac Donncha. Chuir an Chomhdháil fáilte roimh Treo 2000 go háirithe an Fho-Choiste Rialtais. Tá siad sásta leis an aitheantas a tugadh don earnáil dheonach. Tá gá le monatóireacht ar an gcúnamh airgeadais a tugtar. Tá tús curtha le airgeadú ar bhonn tógraí agus tá tús curtha leis an obair don Acht Taenga. Caithfid Foras na Gaeilge aitheanta comhpháirtíochta a thabhairt don earnáil dheonach. Deineadh tagairt ar leith don easpa pleanáil teanga agus cuireadh béim ar a leithéid.

45.Lean díospóireacht chuimsitheach ar na fadhbanna éagsúla a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge inar ghlac mórchuid de na Comhaltaí a bhí i láthair páirt agus chríochnaigh an cruinniú ansin.

Cathaoirleach

Meitheamh 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 20 April, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Dónal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Dinny McGinley, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: John Connor, Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Senator Jarlath McDonagh.

46.In a discussion on the Traditional Music Report and the written submissions received it was agreed to invite all those who contributed submissions to make oral presentations.

47.Tháinig Éamon O’Cuív Uasal T.D. Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta Gaeltachta agus Oíleán os comhair an Chomhchoiste agus thug sé cur síos cuimsitheach ar Fhoras na Gaeilge. Dúirt sé gur chéim mhór chun tosaigh í an Fhoras don Ghaeilge a thabharfaidh struchtúr don chéad uair chun tacaíocht uile-oileánda a bhronnadh ar an nGaeilge. Beidh cúraimí i dtaca leis an Ultais agus le cúrsaí cultúrtha Ultais ag an bhForas chomh maith. Dhá Áisinteacht ar leith a bheidh ann. Is leis an bhForas a íocfar an deontas i gcathair ón Stáit seo agus ón tuaisceart. Beidh 24 duine ag feidhmiú mar Bhord an Fhorais - 16 don Ghaeilge agus 8 don Ultais agus ainmneoidh an Rialtas anseo leath agus an feidhmeannnas nua ó thuaidh an leath eile. Díscaoilfear Bord na Gaeilge ón dáta a thiocfaidh an Foras Teanga i bhfeidhm, déanfar an tAcht um Bord na Gaeilge 1978, a aisghairm agus déanfar feidhmeanna an Bhoird agus an fhoireann a aistriú chuig an Foras Teanga. Beidh na heagrais deonacha faoin scáth an Fhorais chomh maith móide an gúm. Beidh breis agus £12M mar bhuiséad ag an bhForas sa bhliain 2000, an chéad Bhliain féilire iomlán.

48.Nuair a chríochnaigh an tAire Stáit lean seisiún ceisteanna agus freagraí agus chríochnaigh an cruinniú ag 4.20p.m.

Cathaoirleach

Meitheamh 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 27 April, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Martin Brady, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputies Donal Carey, Michael D. Higgins and Dinny McGinley and Senators Enda Bonner and Jarlath McDonagh.

49.In the absence of the Chairman the Vice Chairman, Deputy Kenneally took the chair.

50.The witnesses were from Ulster Television and Mr. Desmond Smyth, Managing Director introduced his colleagues Mr. John McCann, General Manager and Mr. Con Power, Adviser and spoke on broadcasting for the island of Ireland since the beginning in the early 60’s and they were focusing on what may be achievable in the future.

At present there are 6 indigenous channels, 4 in the South and 2 in the North. The indigenous Northern channels can be received in 70% of homes in the South and the 4 Southern channels can be received in 40% of Northern homes. The increased capacity from the Claremont Carn transmitter will bring this up to 70%.

UTV is fully supportive of all Ireland Broadcasting and the aim should be for the widest possible distribution across the island. The eventual goal would be as close as is technically possible to 100%. This will require legislation governing guaranteed access in both Irish and UK Parliaments.

Indigenous broadcasters would also have to resolve the copyright issue and a joint working party could allocate frequencies and decide on various other technical details.

51.A question and answer session followed to which Deputies Kenny, O’Shea, Barnes, Hanafin, contributed as did Senators O’Murchú and Mooney.

Cathaoirleach

Meitheamh 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 11 May, 1999 at 3.05 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Olivia Mitchell, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Dinny McGinley and Senators Enda Bonner and Jarlath McDonagh.

52.The subject matter of the meeting was traditional music and presentations were made by both RTÉ and the Department of Irish Folklore at UCD.

53.Mr. Bob Collins expressed the surprise in RTÉ at the lack of reference in the Report to Radio Éireann or indeed RTÉ and he contented that RTÉ and its precursor had and still have full support for traditional music, that RTÉ as a broadcaster was and is a promoter of such music and the broadcasters themselves were and are experts in this field. He also stated that Radio na Gaeltachta represents the single most significant and sustained source of broadcast traditional music available on the island of Ireland.

Deputy Mary Hanafin raised the question of the possible compartmentalisation of Irish music to which Mr. Collins responded that they recognised the value of diverse musical programmes as well as the role of specialist programmes. He also referred to the appearance of such groups as Dé Danann on flagship shows such as the Late Late Show and Kenny Live. Ronan Collins and Carrie Crowley also play Irish music on their programmes.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins raised the question of the archive and Mr. Collins stated that the archive was a central responsibility for RTÉ and traditional music was a significant part and this takes the form of updating on a continual basis, maintenance and storage and consequent investment of resources and publication of CD’s.

Following a point raised by Deputy Pat Carey the Director General undertook to raise the question of making the audio archive available to schools with the Department of Education and Science.

54.Professor Séamus O’Catháin spoke on the subject of Irish Folk Music which is part of the overall responsibility of the Department of Irish Folklore UCD. Also included are song and dance, traditional activities such as the strawboys, mummers and calendar festivals. The holdings in the archive are multia-media and include sound recordings, phonographs and ediphone cylinders from the turn of the century. There is also a modern collection of some 1,500 tapes with transcriptions. They also have a original broadsheet ballad collection and various other papers as well as a specialist folklore library which includes 45,000 volumes and 22,000 off prints.

55.After contributions from Deputy Hanafin and Senator O’Murchú the meeting concluded at 4.25 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

Samhain 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 22 June, 1999 at 3.00 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Mary Hanafin, Enda Kenny, Olivia Mitchell, Donal Moynihan.

Senators: Enda Bonner, Jarlath McDonagh, Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Michael D. Higgins, Dinny McGinley and Brian O’Shea.

56.The Chair was taken by Deputy Enda Kenny in an acting capacity in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

57.The Joint Committee heard submissions from Mr. George Henderson and Mr. Nicholas Carolan, on the Traditional Music Report. Mr. Henderson thanked the Joint Committee for meeting with him and explained that his particular interest was singing. He had been instrumental in the establishment of a number of singing clubs and circles. He felt that this area had been neglected in the Report. He also thought that a new Report should be commissioned as he was of the opinion that the original report leans towards Comhaltas to the exclusion of others. He also queried the basis for the recommendations in the Report. The Members thanked Mr. Henderson for the frankness and honesty of his contribution and he then withdrew.

58.The Chairman, Deputy Donal Carey then took the chair and welcomed Mr. Nicholas Carolan who suggested that the phrase “Irish Traditional Musics” should be substituted for “Irish Traditional Music” because of the diversity of music types. Essentially music is a private and aesthetic activity - at its core it is not a responsibility of government but there are certain dimensions on which government can infringe, education for example where music should be recognised as part of national culture and identity. While the present regime does not work too well traditional music can be taught without exams i.e. modular and experimental systems. Mr. Carolan also referred to broadcasting as a responsibility of government and stressed the positive role of Radio na Gaeltachta in the development and promotion of traditional music. The same can be said for Teilifís na Gaeilge but only to a lesser extent RTÉ Radio and he decried the non existence on 2FM of traditional music.

Mr. Carolan concluded by stating that while he disagreed with the Report he had not uttered a word of criticism of Comhaltas since its publication.

59.After a number of brief contributions from Members the meeting concluded at 4.15 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

Samhain 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 21 July, 1999 at 2.30 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Michael D. Higgins, Dinny McGinley, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Enda Bonner, John Connor, Jarlath McDonagh, Paschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Mary Hanafin.

In Private Session.

60.Travel Proposals.

The Committee agreed to send delegations of 5 each with the Clerk to a conference in Cardiff and on a fact finding visit to Canada relating to National Parks, both in September in accordance with the details and estimates which had been circulated by the Clerk.

In Public Session.

61.The Joint Committee heard a submission from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on the Traditional Music Report. They welcomed the Report and stated that they were in full agreement with its proposals. They themselves run up to 600 classes per week as well as some 44 Fleadh Ceoil where 25,000 competitors vie with one another. They also maintain regional and national archives. They expressed the belief that traditional arts need to be placed on a statutory basis and funded by government and they asked the Joint Committee to pursue the recommendations in the Report with the relevant government agencies. Another point that was made was the voluntary nature of the work of Comhaltas, harnessing the abilities and energies of thousands of people nationwide.

There followed a discussion on millennium recognition for Comhaltas, the archives held by Comhaltas and the associated difficulties with them, state funding (£215,000 p.a.), the role of Comhaltas in relation to other likeminded groups and the fierce opposition to the Report. Comhaltas see this as being limited to people who have never been known to be supportive of Comhaltas as a national organisation. The contributors for Comhaltas were Mr. Thomas O’Maoldomhnaigh, Ard Rúnaí, Mr. Pádraig O’Dufaigh, Ard Chisteoir and Ms. Sarah-Jane Woods.

62.After thanking the visitors the Chairman concluded the meeting at 3.55 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

Samhain 1999

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HERITAGE AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 2 November, 1999 at 2.30 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Martin Brady, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Dinny McGinley, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Enda Bonner, Paddy Burke*, John Connor and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputies Monica Barnes, Michael D. Higgins and Senator Jarlath McDonagh.

63.The Minutes (3 sets) were agreed and signed.

64.It was agreed, at the suggestion of Deputy Enda Kenny, that an ad be placed in the three national dailies (Irish Times, Irish Independent and The Examiner) seeking submissions on the National Parks of Ireland.

65.The Joint Committee then met with Ms. Sandra Joyce of the Irish World Music Centre, University of Limerick and with Mr. Séamus MacGabhann who is associated with various cultural groups in Co. Meath on the subject of traditional Irish music. Ms. Joyce confined her contribution to the role of Irish music in education, both curricular and non-curricular and while she acknowledged that the teacher guidelines failed to distinguish between the terms “Irish music” and “Irish traditional music” she allowed that there is a good representation of Irish traditional music in the suggestions for listening and approaches to music in general and that Irish traditional is seen and promoted as a very important component of the primary curriculum. Still however traditional music instruction appears to be dependent on the effort and ability of the individual teacher more than on a structured national approach.

Ms. Joyce commended the new Junior and Leaving Certificate syllabus for the manner in which they have successfully integrated contemporary performance practice of Irish traditional music. Traditional music forms an integral part of each component of both courses.

Much traditional music education takes place outside the context of schools and third level. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann provides an invaluable education service in this regard, as do the numerous classes of traditional Irish music organised by dedicated individuals and teachers around the country as well as the huge amount of traditional dance schools throughout Ireland and the diasporic communities.

Ms. Joyce also referred to the various archives and associated material within Ireland especially the Traditional Music Archive in Merrion Square which is the premier source of sound and other material. Other archives include Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Monkstown and the Department of Folklore UCD and the Irish World Music Centre, University of Limerick.

As for third level the strongest representation of Irish traditional music occurring at undergraduate level is within the B.Mus and BA (Music) degrees at U.C.C. and various other institutions offer traditional music modules which are often optional.

After making a series of recommendations Ms. Joyce engaged in a question and answer session with the Members and then withdrew.

66.Mr. Séamus MacGabhann stressed the importance of community where song, music, dance, verse and folklore express the personality and identity of a community over time. Community does not presuppose a locality but a sense of community eliminates class distinction or discrimination on grounds of wealth, gender or political affiliation. For instance in this country traditional music is cherished both North and South of the border and in the North by both sides of the political divide. Heritage and the traditional arts offer huge tourism potential, especially in cultural tourism. The Comhaltas tours overseas, the Chieftains and Riverdance are prime examples.

67.After a question and answer session there being no further business the meeting concluded at 4.30 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

Samhain 1999

APPENDIX 7

Oireachtas Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Work Programme 2000

Work Programme

Broadcasting

General Broadcasting issues such as Teilifís na Gaeilge and the role of television in the local as opposed to the global community.

Offshore islands and an Islands Authority

Ferry Services to the offshore islands are essential to their social and economic viability. What plans are being drawn up for such basic services for all of our island communities? Is there a role for private investment in this section and what is the experience abroad? Is there a need for an Islands Authority linking all the islands of Ireland.

Archaeological Conservation/National Monuments

Can we learn from the experience in other jurisdictions? Is our archaeological heritage being marketed appropriately as an element of cultural tourism? Is the right balance being struck between access and conservation? What about security?

Irish Language Issues such as Gaelscoileanna and the demographics of the spoken language.

The establishment of a scholarship scheme (initially on a pilot basis) to enable students from the U.S. at all levels of competence in the Irish Language to attend Irish courses such as those offered by Oideas Gael, Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain and Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.

The arts in the community

All-Ireland issues coming within the remit of the Committee especially those arising from the Good Friday Agreement.

Rural Theatre, Access to Music and Music Education and the funding thereof, Traditional music.

Policy/Administration

–Strategy Statement of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands

(a)Policy with Minister/Minister of State;

(b)Administration with Secretary General/designated Officer.

–Policies of Bodies under the aegis of the Department.

Such other matters as may be referred by both Houses.

Such other matters under the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committees as it may decide.

Travel as necessary in the context of a matter for consideration subject to Standing Orders.

Dáil Select Committee

Consideration of:

–Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann;

–Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

The items listed for consideration in the programme are not in any order of priority as a timetable would impose rigidity and preclude us from responding to ongoing events. If necessary, therefore, this programme may be amended during the year to allow for new matters arising and such an amended programme shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

¹ Deputy Brian O’Shea was appointed in place of Deputy Eamon Gilmore on 24/2/99

* In substitution for Senator Enda Bonner.

* In substitution for Deputy Monica Barnes.

** In substitution for Deputy Martin Brady.

*** In substitution for Senator Jarlath McDonagh

* In substitution for Deputy Michael Collins.

* In substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney.

* In substitution for Senator Jarlath McDonagh.