Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2001 > Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, 1999-2000

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

1999–2000

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

1999-2000

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 at 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 and on one occassion in the Dáil Chamber. 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 is set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 9 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 7 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 16 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 35 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 9 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•European Language Initiative

•Traditional Music

•National Parks

•Gaelic Athletic Association

•Arts Council

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 16 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Consideration of 2000 Revised Estimates for Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Votes 41, 42 and 43.

•Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999

•Broadcasting Bill, 1999

•Supplementary Estimtes, 2000, Votes 41& 42

•Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 2000

7. Groups and Individuals attending before the Joint Committee

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

•Representatives of the European Language Initiative

•Representatives of the GAA

•Representatives of the Arts Council

•Mr. Fintan Vallely

•Mr. Pádraig O’Riain

•Mr. Liam O’Cuinneagáin

•Mr. Tom Munnelly

8. Joint Committee Reports

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

•Work Programme 2000

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 Israel from the 15th May, 2000 to the 20th May, 2000 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, 2001

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 Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

¹ Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

² Deputy Deirdre Clune was appointed in place of Deputy Enda Kenny on 29 June, 2000.

³ Deputy Ulick Burke was appointed in place of Deputy Olivia Mitchell on 29 June, 2000.

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

¹ Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

² Deputy Deirdre Clune was appointed in place of Deputy Enda Kenny on 29 June, 2000.

³ Deputy Ulick Burke was appointed in place of Deputy Olivia Mitchell on 29 June, 2000.

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee (continued)

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee (continued)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

¹ Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

² Deputy Deirdre Clune was appointed in place of Deputy Enda Kenny on 29 June, 2000.

³ Deputy Ulick Burke was appointed in place of Deputy Olivia Mitchell on 29 June, 2000.

APPENDIX 7

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 25 January, 2000 at 11.45 am in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Donal Carey (in the chair), Michael D. Higgins, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

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

Apologies: Deputy Monica Barnes, Deputy Michael Collins, Deputy Brendan Kenneally and Deputy Dinny McGinley and Senators Enda Bonner and John Connor.

1.The sole business of the meeting was the perusal of the draft Annual Report for 1999/2000. The report was duly adopted and it was agreed that it be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with Standing Orders.

2.The meeting concluded at 12 Noon.

Cathaoirleach

January 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 22 February, 2000 at 5.25 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Enda Kenny, Dinny McGinley and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Enda Bonner, Paschal Mooney, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Fergus O’Dowd*

Apologies: Deputy Michael D. Higgins, Brendan Kenneally and Donal Moynihan.

1.The Chairman welcomed Mr. Fintan Vallely as a commentator on and student of traditional Irish Music. He said that he regarded the original report as being inadequate. He regarded the area most in need of attention in the advancement of traditional music was education.

The Chairman explained that the Joint Committee’s report was constrained by finance and by time. Mr. Vallely felt that both the Arts Council and the educational establishment have an antiquated view towards music.

Senator O’Murchú defended his rapporteur study and stated that he had not sought the assignment but that the Joint Committee had asked him to carry out the study and that he had no ulterior motive.

The Chairman reminded the assembly that the Joint Committee were the first to commission a study such as this and he suggested that equally strong views were held on all sides.Mr. Vallely then withdrew.

2.Mr. Pádraig O’Riain and Mr. Liam O’Cuinneagain then appeared before the Joint Committee. They both grew up with a great interest in traditional music and became involved with Comhaltas, both as musicians, teachers and administrators. They both regretted the lack of Arts Council funding for traditional music. They both supported the report and commended the Committee for sponsoring it. They asked for a proper place for traditional music in the school curriculum and for proper funding for the art. The Chairman then thanked the witnesses.

3.The meeting concluded at 7.10 p.m.

Chairman

January 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 21 March, 2000 at 3.00 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Donal Carey (in the chair), Pat Carey, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Enda Bonner and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Monica Barnes.

1.The main business of the meeting was deferred owing to the death of Michael Ferris T.D., late Chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

2.The Members present expressed their sorrow at the passing of Deputy Ferris and extended sympathy to his wife and family.

3.The meeting concluded with expressions of sympathy to the Clerk of the Committee, Pádraig Ó hAilín on the occasion of the recent death of his father, the late Tómas Ó hAilín.

4.The meeting ended at 3.20 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

January 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 4 April, 2000 at 3.00 pm in Room G2, Kildare House

Attendance

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

Senators: Labhrás Ó Murchú, Willie Farrell (substituting for Paschal Mooney)

Apologies: Senator John Connor.

The Committee met with representatives of the Arts Council in the context of recent highly publicised resignations from the Council. Patrick J Murphy, Chairman and Ms Patricia Quinn, Director of the Council appeared before the Committee along with Dermot McLaughlin and Ms Mary Cloake. Ms Quinn gave a presentation on the Arts plan in which she emphasised the concept of partnership particularly with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and with local authorities. A major function is the distribution of public funds. There is also an ongoing examination, jointly undertaken with their counterparts in the North, of the infrastructure for the arts and to establish if they are adequately equipped to serve local communities. Mr Murphy explained that no outside consultants had been appointed to review the workings of the Council but that discussions were ongoing with the I.P.A.

As regards the publicity about positions in the Arts Council Mr Murphy, the new Chairperson; suggested because he was new he came into the press line of fire and he rejected the colourful criticisms which had been made.

Concerns were expressed on all sides regarding lack of funds for promoting Irish culture abroad and it was explained that there is close North/South co-operation vis a vis the arts.

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m..

Chairman

January, 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 11 April, 2000 at 2.40 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Donal Carey, Martin Brady, Michael D Higgins, Brendan Kenneally, Enda Kenny, Donal Moynihan, Michael Moynihan

Senators: Fintan Coogan*, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Paschal Mooney

Apologies: Deputy Monica Barnes and Senators Enda Bonner and Jarlath McDonagh.

1.Chuir an Cathaoirleach fáilte roimh an toscaireacht ón gCumann Lúthchleas Gael a tháinig chun leárgas a thabhairt ar an bplean Gaeilge atá curtha le chéile acú. Micheál Mac Giolla Easpaig, Peadar Mac an Iomaire, Seán MacThaidhg (Uachtarán le ceapadh), Micheál Ó Gruagáin, agus Liam O’Maolmhichíl a thainig i láthair an Chomhchoiste. Duirt Peádar Mac an Iomaire gur Coiste Gaeilge CLG a chur an plean seo le chéile. Pointe tábhachtach is ea é an comhoibiú a moltar leis an heagrais Ghaeilge agus leis an heagrais chultúrtha. Is gá comhpháirtíocht idir na grúpaí éagsúla d’fhonn an Ghaeilge a chur ar aghaidh agus go dtiocfadh an Coiste Gaeilge faoi scáth chomórtas Ghlór na nGael.

2.Tar éis sraith ceisteanna ó na Comhaltaí cuireadh deireadh leis an gcruinniú.

Cathaoirleach

Eanáir 2001

PRIVATE MEETING

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 18 April, 2000 at 2.30 pm in Room G24, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Michael Collins.

Senators: Psschal Mooney and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies: Deputy Brian O’Shea and Senator Jarlath McDonagh.

1.The Joint Committee agreed to meet in private session.

2.The update on the national parks was deferred due.

3.The Joint Committee considered a possible visit abroad.

4.The meeting then concluded.

Chairman

January 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 13 June, 2000 at 2.30 pm in Room G2, Kildare House.

Attendance

Deputies: Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Michael Collins, Chris Flood, Enda Kenny, Dinny McGinley, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Enda Bonner, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Michael Finneran*

Apologies: Deputies Monica Barnes and Michael D. Higgins and Senators John Connor, Jarlath McDonagh.

1.In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Deputy Brian O’Shea was nominated to take the chair in a temporary capacity.

2.A list of proposed meetings for the balance of the session was agreed. The Joint Committee will conclude on 11 July 2000 and recommence in September.

3.The European Language Initiative represented by Mr. Leo McNeir, Mrs. Cassandra McNeir and Mr. Éamon Ó’hÓgáin, appeared before the Joint Committee. They are producing a Parliamentary Dictionary Irish/English and English/Irish which will be of considerable use to the Members of the Oireachtas. It is being funded jointly by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Northern Ireland Office. Some samples of the work done to date were distributed to the Members who commented favourably and welcomed the project and complimented the principals. There was then some general debate and some questions from the Members.

4.The meeting concluded at 3.40 p.m.

Cathaoirleach

January 2001

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 3 October, 2000 at 2.30 pm in Room G2, Kildare House

Attendance

Deputies: Monica Barnes, Donal Carey, Pat Carey, Deirdre Clune, Michael Collins, Chris Flood, Brendan Kenneally, Donal Moynihan and Brian O’Shea.

Senators: Jarlath McDonagh and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies:Senator Enda Bonner.

This meeting was held in private session and the Chairman began by announcing that following a meeting he had had with the Taoiseach, he the Taoiseach had agreed to host a state reception to celebrate the Irish language and its supporters. This will be an annual affair and will be hald this year on November 22. Guest lists in draft form will be circulated to members. The Chairman also explained that the work of the Joint Committee would be somewhat restricted by the heavy legislature programme of the Select Committee. However, it was agreed to commence meetings in so far as possible on

-the National Parks Raporteur Study

-Work Programme 2001 and report 2000

-Foras Teanga

-Heritage Council

-An Foras Teanga

at the request of Senator Mooney the Chairman agreed to seek clarification on the role of Senators vis-a-vis taking evidence on bills.

The meeting then concluded.

Chairman

January 2001

Oireachtas Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Draft Work Programme 2001

Broadcasting, particularly the Digital Age;

Monitoring the implementation of the new legislation.

Teilifís na Gaeilge; local and regional television.

Offshore Islands.

What are their problems and are they being addressed.

Archaeological Conservation/National Monuments and Heritage Matters.

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? Funds for acquisition of National Heritage and policy re same.

Irish Language Issues such as Coimisiún na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. Issues relating to Bille na Gaeilge and the demographics of the spoken language.

The arts in the community; the review of arts legislation.

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.

Waterways; National Parks, completion of report; The Film Industry; The Cultural Institutions; The Heritage Plan.

Policy/Administration

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

Policy with Minister/Minister of State; 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 under consideration subject to Standing Orders.

Dáil Select Committee

Consideration of Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann;

Consideration of 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.

¹Deputy Ulick Burke was appointed in place of Deputy Olivia Mitchell on 29 June, 2000.

²Deputy Deirdre Clune was appointed in place of Deputy Enda Kenny on 29 June, 2000

³Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

* In substitution for Senator Jarlath McDonagh.

* In substitution for Senator Jarlath McDonagh.

* In substitution for Senator Jarlath McDonagh

* In substitution for Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú.