Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2002 > Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language, 2001

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

2001

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

2001

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 Donal Moynihan replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 10 July, 2001. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Michael Collins 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 Leinster House and in some cases 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 is set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 12 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 14 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 7 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 7 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 12 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

⋆Work Programme 2001, Annual Report 1999/2000

⋆Abbey Theatre

⋆Heritage Council

⋆Discussions on the use of Irish and the proposed Language Bill

⋆National Orchestral Music

⋆RTÉ

⋆Raidió na Gaeltachta

⋆An Taisce

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 7 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

⋆Consideration of 2001 Revised and Supplementary Estimates for Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Votes 41, 42 and 43.

⋆Cites (Protection of Wildlife) Convention

⋆Housing (Gaeltacht) Amendment Bill, 2000

⋆Heritage Fund Bill, 2001

7. Groups and Individuals attending before the Joint Committee

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

⋆The Heritage Council

⋆An Taisce

⋆RTÉ

⋆Gael-Linn

⋆The National Orchestra

⋆University College, Galway

⋆Raidió na Gaeltachta

⋆RTÉ Group of Unions

⋆Mr. Éamon Ó Flannagan

8. Joint Committee Reports

During the year under review the Joint Committee published no Reports.

9. Work in Progress

(a)Broadcasting.

(b)Irish Language issues; arts and heritage policies.

10. Travel by the Joint Committee

A delegation from the Joint Committee travelled to Ottawa from 22 – 28 October 2001 to meet with official bodies dealing with language legislation and digital broadcasting, both of which form a large part of its remit. The delegation consisted of 5 members: Dónal Carey, T.D., Dinny McGinley, T.D., Dónal Moynihan, T.D., Brendan Kenneally, T.D. and Brian O’Shea, T.D., accompanied by the Clerk, Pádraig Ó hAilín. The delegation visited the studios of CBC – the Canadian National Broadcaster and had meetings with the Office of Official Languages, the Office of Parliamentary Translation and Interpretation, the Treasury Board of Canada, Canadian Heritage and with the Clerks of the Joint Committees on Official Languages.

11. Function and Powers

The Committee is happy with its present procedures and role.

__________________________

Dónal Carey, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

February, 2002

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Dáil Éireann

13^th November, 1997, (* 28^th April, 1998), (** 14^th February, 2001)

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,

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

**(iii)Proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 149(A) concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,

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

A Indicates Member has given apologies for being unable to attend

¹ Deputy Brian O’Shea was appointed in place of Deputy Eamon Gilmore on 24 February, 1999

² Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

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

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

⁴ Deputy John Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) was appointed in place of Deputy Deirdre Clune on 29 March, 2001.

⁵ Deputy Donal Moynihan replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally as Vice-Chairman on 10 July, 2001.

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (continued)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Member has given apologies for being unable to attend

¹Deputy Brian O’Shea was appointed in place of Deputy Eamon Gilmore on 24 February, 1999

²Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

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

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

⁴Deputy John Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) was appointed in place of Deputy Deirdre Clune on 29 March, 2001.

⁵Deputy Donal Moynihan replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally as Vice-Chairman on 10 July, 2001.

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

A Indicates Member has given apologies for being unable to attend

¹Deputy Brian O’Shea was appointed in place of Deputy Eamon Gilmore on 24 February, 1999

²Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

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

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

⁴Deputy John Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) was appointed in place of Deputy Deirdre Clune on 29 March, 2001.

⁵Deputy Donal Moynihan replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally as Vice-Chairman on 10 July, 2001.

APPENDIX 7

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee

Minutes of a Private Meeting of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language held on January 23, 2001 at 2.30 pm in Room G2, Kildare House

Attendance

The outstanding minutes were agreed and signed. The Annual Report and Work Programme were considered and adopted. In addition the Chairman signalled forthcoming meetings with Foras na Gaeilge, with Minister O’Cuív on the Language Bill, with the National Symphony Orchestra, with the Abbey Theatre and an Taisce.

The meeting then concluded.

_______________________

Chairman

February 2001

Minutes of a Meeting of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language held

on February 6, 2001 at 2.30 pm in Room G2, Kildare House

Attendance

1.In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman took the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and signed.

2.The status of the Parks Report was queried and the Chairman replied that his understanding was that Deputy Kenny had it finalised and that it would be presented to the Committee presently.

3.The Chairman stated that the main business was to have been a meeting with Foras na Gaeilge, but they had informed the clerk the previous day that they understood the meeting was scheduled for March 6. It was a situation over which the Chairman had no control and he apologised to Members for it.

4.The Chairman then made reference to a letter from a member of the public, Eamon O’Flanagáin, which noted his inability to obtain either Irish Language or bilingual certificates for the millennium trees. The Chairman said he would like to give a hearing to Mr O’Flanagáin and asked Members if they were agreeable to do so on the same day that the Committee met with Minister O’Cuiv. This was agreed to.

5.Senator Mooney asked about the possibility of inviting RTÉ for a hearing in connection with the Licence Fee in the context of its overall Public Broadcasting remit and also, if possible, a meeting with the IRTC in connection with the ongoing expansion of Radio Services nationwide. The Chairman replied that RTÉ have already invited all Oireachtas Members to a seminar in Buswells hotel and the company is due before the Committee in connection with Radio 75. It would also be possible to invite the IRTC to a meeting of the Committee to discuss the issues Senator Mooney raised, but the Chairman stressed that the Committee had no power to compel individuals or bodies such as the IRTC to appear.

6.The meeting then concluded.

_________________

Chairman

February 2001

Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 20 February, 2001 at 2.35 p.m.

Attendance

This meeting took place in the context of the announcement of future plans for the Abbey Theatre including a possible new location and the chairman welcomed Abbey Chairman James Hickey who introduced Board members Eithne Healy, Deirdre Purcell, John McColgan, Artistic Director and Richard Wately, Managing Director.

Mr. Hickey said that the Abbey was doing very well in terms of programming and plays currently running. The success was equally national and international.

Their current home was built in the early 60’s and has weaknesses and various alternative proposals have been examined since 1995.

In the middle of the year 2000 two alternative sites, both valued in terms of tens of millions which would relocate the Abbey gratis and for nothing.

A detailed investigation of all the options took place including on site visits with Minister De Valera and an OPW report has been received by her.

Following Mr.Hickey, there followed contributions and questions from Members including Deputy McGinley, Deputy O Shea, Senator Connor, Deputy Michael D.Higgins, Senator Ó Murchú, Deputy Barnes, Deputy Flood, Senator Cassidy.

In addition to vigorous questioning on a possible relocation for the National Theatre all Members expressed admiration for the Abbey, it’s long history and great successes.

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m.

____________

Chairman

2001.

Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 3 April, 2001 at 2.35 p.m.

Attendance

The Chairman welcomed Representatives from the Heritage Council, Mr. Michael Harnett, Chief Executive and Mr. Liam Lysaght.

The council’s primary functions are to prepare policies and priorities for the identification, protection and preservation and enlargement of the national heritage and by heritage is meant monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats and landscapes e.g. the national park system. The council is pressing for a review of national park legislation as a matter of urgency while recognising the links between cultural and natural aspects of our landscapes. The Irish Government should also become a signatory to the European Landscape Convention. In terms of best practice for National Parks there are five points to note – people, conserving, bio-diversity, regional scale conservation, creative funding and quality of life.

The chairman thanked Mr. Harnett and invited contributions from the Members.

Deputy McGinley, Deputy O Shea, Deputy Michael D.Higgins, Deputy Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny), Deputy Barnes and Deputy Donal Moynihan spoke.

The meeting then concluded at 3.55 p.m.

_________________

Chairman

2001

Miontuairiscí den chruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Oidhreacht agus an Ghaeilge a tionóladh Dé Máirt 1 Bealtaine, 2001. ag 2.45.p.m.

I láthair

Tháinig an tUasal Éamon O Flanagáin i láthair an Chomhchoiste chun labhairt ar úsáid na Gaeilge san earnáil phoiblí. Caitheadh go dona leis ag Coiste na Mílaoise i.e. litir seolta chuig “The Ní Fhlannagáin Family”. Bhí and teastas féin beagnach go hiomláin i mBéarla. Dhein sé iarrachtaí gp leor chun an fhadbh a leigheas gan toradh.

Moladh don Uasal O Flannagáin an cás a thógáil le Fear an Phobail agus duirt sé go ndéanfadh sé é sin.

Do labhair na Teachtaí Brian O Shea, Dinny McGinley, Michael D.Higgins, an Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú, and Seanadóir Paschal Mooney, and Teachtaí Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny), Seanadóir Bonner agus an Teachtaí Donal Moynihan. Do bhí gach duine ar aon aigne go raibh gá leis an mBille Teanga atá le teacht.

Chríochnaigh an cruinniú ag 3.45 p.m.

_________________________

Cathaoirleach

Deireadh Fomhair 2001

Meeting of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language held on Tuesday 15^th May 2001 at 3.05 p.m.

Attendance

The Joint Committee met with Representatives of An Taisce i.e. John Ducie, Norman Campion, and Elizabeth Arnott.

An Taisce aims to protect Ireland’s Heritage for future generations for the benefit of all. They carry out lobbying on environmental and heritage matters. They also conduct research. The National Trust movement is worldwide. The National Trust was founded in 1895 and Kanturk Castle was the first acquisition. An Taisce was founded in 1946 and is now seeking full legal status with the benefits of tax credits and inalienable property rights and that was the request that the delegation made to the Members.

There followed a question and answer session with contributions from Senator Paschal Mooney, Deputy Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny), Deputy McGinley, Deputy Michael D.Higgins, Senator Connor, Senator Ó Murchú, Deputy Barnes and Deputy O Shea.

The Committee agreed to make representations to the Minister regarding the legal status of An Taisce.

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.45 p.m.

__________________

Chairman

2001

Minutes of Meeting of The Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language held on Tuesday 29^th May 2001 at 4.15 p.m.

Attendance

The Joint Committee went into Private Session to discuss a travel proposal and a delegation of 5 and the Clerk was agreed.

The Joint Committee went into Public Session at 4.45 p.m. to meet with representatives of RTE – Bob Collins, Director General, Helen Shaw, Director of Radio, Ed Mulhall, Director of News and Cathal Goan, Director of Television.

Mr. Collins referred to a turning pointing in broadcasting with the passing of the Broadcasting Act, 2001 and the review of the Television with Frontiers Directive.

He defined Public Service Broadcasting as broadcasting owned and available to all the citizens of Ireland as are the education, health and transport systems. Public Service Broadcasting is television, radio and digital media for all citizens who, in return for the licence fee, receive genuinely Irish programme services that reflect to the greatest extent possible, the distinctive experience of life in Ireland now.

Shareholders can invest in commercial broadcasting in Ireland and make a return on their investment, and so they should. RTE is happy to compete with this.

Public Service Broadcasting is dependent not only on indigenous programmes. It is a matter of how RTE brings together the various elements – native and foreign – that make up their schedules.

At present RTE is proposing a licence fee increase which would cost 33 pence per day but RTE must show that it gives good value in return for the licence fee.

At the end of Mr. Collins’ contribution a number of Members spoke. Senator Connor, (licence fee, public service broadcasting), Deputy O Shea (extra channels, childrens’ broadcasting, pay TV and digital terrestrial television), and Deputy McGinley, (the RTE deficit, financing of the new stations, funding for TG4), Deputy Higgins, (public service broadcasting, international concentration of ownership, licence fee, digitisation), Deputy Browne, (Carlow-Kilkenny), (RTE salaries, the sale of transmission equipment, viewing figures for GAA), Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú (transparency, programming, diversity), Senator Bonner (Sports coverage), Senator Mooney (public service broadcasting, sports coverage).

The meeting then concluded.

_____________________

Chairman

2001

Miontuairiscí an Chruinnithe den Chomchoiste um Oidhreacht agus an Ghaeilge ar an 26 Meitheamh 2001 ar 3 a’chlog in Áras Teach Laighean 2000

I láthair

D’fháiltigh an Cathaoirleach roimh ionadaithe Gael-Linn, Hermann O’Briain,

Príomhfheidhmeannach agus Dáithí O’Dufaigh.

Tá polasaí Gaeltachta láinseáilte ag Gael-Linn lena mbaineann trí ghné: cúrsaí pleanála, instituíd ealaíon Gaeltachta agus seirbhisí trí Ghaeilge ón stát dóibh suíd a lorgaíonn íad.

Cúrsaí pleanála is mó a tharraing aírd an phobail. An rud ba mhó ar mhaith leo a rá faoin bpolasaí Gaeltachta ná go gcaithfeadh an stát ó cheart a gcearta agus seirbhísí cuí a thabhairt do lucht na Gaeltachta.

Do labhair na Teachta Mac Fhionnlaoich, ó Sé, agus an Seanadóir Enda Bonner agus morán tuairímí agus ceísteanna acu.

D’fhreagair ionadáithe Gael-Linn agus ghaibh an Cathaoirleach buíochas le gach duine agus chríochnaigh an cruinniú ansin.

_______________

Cathaoirleach

Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 10 July, 2001 in CR2 LH2000 at 2.30 p.m.

Attendance

* Deputy Ned O’Keefe substituted for Deputy Martin Brady.

* Deputy Cecilia Keaveney substituted for Deputy Michael Collins.

The Committee met with representatives of the Music Division of RTÉ including members of its Orchestra and led by Mr. Niall Doyle, Director of Music.

The delegation made a comprehensive presentation which detailed that RTÉ music is in charge of three professional groups: the National Symphony Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the RTÉ Vanburgh Quartet. They also have two amateur groups under professional direction, the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and Cór na nÓg. All these groups are very important national cultural assets and for many years have been the backbone of professional classical, orchestral and choral music in Ireland. They broadcast a large number of their performances. All groups are involved in recordings. The music section is also undergoing change in going from being a subsection of radio to a division of RTÉ. It has also responded to the PIANO report and the NSO will start to play outside Dublin. One deterrent to playing around the countryside is the lack of local performance infrastructure and of course overall funding is short of what is needed.

The Chairman thanked the delegation and there followed a question and answer session to which Deputies McGinley, O’Shea, Flood, Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny) and Keaveney contributed as well as Deputy Burke and Senator Connor.

The meeting then concluded.

_________________

Chairman

Miontuairiscí an Chruinnithe den Chomchoiste um Oidhreacht agus an Ghaeilge ar an 16 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 ar 2.30 p.m. i Áras Teach Laighean 2000

I láthair

Tháinig toscaireacht ó Ollscoil Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Gaillimh, i láthair an Chomhchoiste. Chuir an Cathaoirleach fáilte roimh Iognáid O’Muircheartaigh Uodtarán chomh maith le Peadar Mac an Iomaire agus Seosamh Mac Donncha.

Tá ról speisialta ag Coláiste na hOllscoile Gaillimh i leith na Gaeilge agus tá athbhreithniú straíteíseach deánta ar an ról sin. Tá plean forbartha don oideachais triú leibhéal sa Ghaeilge curtha faoi bhráid an Áire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta agus an tÚldarás um Ard Oideachais. Tá an plean bunaithe ar riachtanais phobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta agus aithnítear fadhbanna áirithe i.e. múinteoirí atá ínníúil ar mhuíneadh na Gaeilge a aimsiú agus a thraenáil. Fadhb eile fós is ea é freastal ar an tionscal cumarsaíde Gaeilge i.e. daoine a sholáthar le Gaeilge don earnáil seo. Ceann eile fós is ea an t-éileamh ar aistritheoirí a bheidh ag teastáil nuaír a thagann an Bille Teanga ar an saol. Ceann de na riachtanais eile a aithníodh gur ghá an oíread agus is féidir den oideachas a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht féin i.e. ionad oideachas tríú leibhéal a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht agus réimse leathan cúrsaí le Gaeilge sna hionaid sin. Chun an aidhm seo a bhaint amach tá gá le forbairt ar na hionaid ar an gCeathrú Rua, i gCarna agus ar an láthair i gcampus an choláiste agus tá gá le ionad nua i nGaoth Dobhair. Costas iomtan _31m a bheidh i gceist. Tá gá le forbairt ar na cúrsaí féin chomh maith agus tá tábhacht ar leith le taighde.

Chuir na comhaltáí fáilte roimis an cur i láthair agus do labhair na Teachtaí McGinley, O’Shea, Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny), an Seanadóir O’Murchú agus an Seanadóir Mac Donncha.

Chríochnaigh an cruinniú ar 4.00 p.m.

___________________

Cathaoirleach

Miontuairiscí an Chruinnithe le Foireann Ráidió na Gaeltachta, Dé Ceádaoin 21 Samhain, 2001 ar 10.30 a.m. i CR2, Teach Laighean 2000

I láthair

D’fháiltigh an Cathaoirleach roimis an toscaireacht agus thug sé cead cainte dóibh – Eoin O’Murchú, Máire Uí Cheilleachair, Máirtín O’Fatharta, Gormlaith Uí Thuairisc, Cian mac Aodh agus Conall O’Dubhthaigh. Mhíníodar go raith áit lárnach ag Ráidió na Gaeltachta i saol na hÉireann ó thaobh na teanga agus ó thaobh an cheoíl thraidisiúnta de. Guth laethúil na Gaeltachta is ea é an stáisiún agus oibríonn siad le foireann fíor bheag. Tá gearradh siar 10% de bhuiséad Ráidió na Gaeltachta ordaithe ag RTÉ, suim £370,000. Tá gearradh 5% i Radio One. Cén fáth? Beidh cláracha á gcailliúint. Beidh an tOireachtas i mbaol agus comórtas peile na Gaeltachta.

Tá gá le athbhreithniú agus le soláthar neamhspleach do Ráidió na Gaeltachta mar tá cinneadh mí – chothom tógtha ag RTÉ.

Ghaibh an Cathaoirleach buíochas leis an toscaireacht agus dúirt siad leis nach raibh gá, b’fheídir, le neamhspleachas iomlán ach córas cinnte le haghaidh maoiniú. Do labhair na Teachta Mac Fhionnlach, de Brún agus O’Shea chomh maith leis an Seanadóir Bonner, Ansin labhair an Teachta Michael D. Higgins.

Chríochnaigh an crúinniú ag 11.50 a.m.

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Cathaoirleach

Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 11 December, 2001 in CR2 LH at 2.40 p.m.

Attendance

The Joint Committee met with a delegation from the RTÉ group of unions who made a comprehensive presentation on the problems besetting the service. The delegation consisted of Muriel Kearney, Herbie Corkey, Ray McHugh, Jimmy Jordan, Dónal O’Braonáin and J.P. Coakley. They sought an open examination of the state of RTÉ and its staff. They dealt with public service broadcasting, state funding, audience share (very high), indigenous programmes, competition with U.S imports and the transformation process in RTÉ. They agreed to 330 job losses and now even more are being sought. The less than expected licence fee increase has caused its own difficulties. Digital development has been halted and plans for new programmes are being severely curtailed.

The Chairman thanked the group of unions and invited comment from the Members. Deputies John Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny), Michael D. Higgins, Dinny McGinley, Brian O’Shea and Senator Pascal Mooney all contributed to a lively discussion and debate.

The Chairman thanked the delegation once more and the meeting concluded at 4.25 p.m.

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Chairman

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language

Work Programme 2002

Broadcasting, particularly the Digital Revolution;

Monitoring the implementation of the new legislation.

RTÉ, TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Archaeological Conservation/National Monuments and Heritage Matters.

The National Cultural Institutions.

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 Review of Arts Legislation.

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

Waterways; National Parks; The Film Industry; 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 the Joint Committee from responding to ongoing events. If necessary, therefore, this programme may be amended 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 February, 1999

² Deputy Chris Flood was appointed in place of Deputy Mary Hanafin on 11 April, 2000.

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

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

⁴ Deputy John Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) was appointed in place of Deputy Deirdre Clune on 29 March, 2001.

⁵ Deputy Donal Moynihan replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally as Vice-Chairman on 10 July, 2001.