|
|
|
|
APPENDIX 5Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJoint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.Minutes of First Meeting held on Wednesday, 21st January 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR1 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Jimmy Deenihan, Damien English, Jim Glennon, Fiona O’Malley and G.V. Wright. Senators Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputy Brian O’Shea. In Public Session2.Two journalists, P.J. Cunningham from the Irish Independent and Malachy Logan from the Irish Times spoke on the subject of Women in Sport which was in tandem with Deputy Deenihan’s work on the same subject. They discussed the progress of womens’ sport in general but they would not highlight it for the sake of it. If it had merit, it would receive coverage but womens’ sport is still the poor relation. Newspapers do reflect their reader’s interests and positive discrimination is to be avoided. 3.Questions from the Members followed. The meeting adjourned sine die at 5.13 p.m. ____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 18 February 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 4th February 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR1 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Damien English, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly and Jack Wall. Senators Brendan Daly, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputy Brian O’Shea and Senator John Paul Phelan. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed Minister of State Noel Ahern, T.D. who spoke on the national drugs strategy. He outlined the work of the strategy and the various agencies but conceded that progress was slow. He had, however, an increased budget this year and he was hopeful. He declared that there was an increasing problem with cocaine for which there was no immediate remedial treatment, unlike heroin. 3.There followed a question and answer session to which the Minister of State responded. 4.The Chair then thanked the Minister of State and the Members. The meeting adjourned sine die at 5.52 p.m. ____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 18 February 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 18th February 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR1 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Michael Collins, Jimmy Deenihan, Damien English, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly and Fiona O’Malley. Senators Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú, John Paul Phelan and Kieran Phelan. In Public Session2.Special Olympics Ireland and AWARE spoke on the subject of volunteers and their importance to their organisations. Neither could function without them. There followed contributions and an exchange of views from the Members. 3.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the visitors and the Members. Meeting adjourned at 5.40 p.m. sine die. ____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 8 September 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 30th June 2004 at 9.30 a.m. in CR1 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Fiona O’Malley, Brian O’Shea and Jack Wall. Senators Brendan Daly, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Also in attendance were Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister of State, Deputies Dan Boyle and Fergus O’Dowd. In Public Session2.This was the commencement of the hearings on volunteers and volunteering in Ireland and Mr. Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs spoke first. He said that today’s voluntary sector is confident, modern and professional in its outlook and in many cases acts on behalf of the state. Volunteering is an expression of the individual’s involvement in his or her community. While the “Tipping the Balance” Report remains under active consideration, his Department continues to support volunteering in various ways e.g. local volunteer centers, partnership and the local development programme but the Minister was not in favour of a centralized state sector. 3.Mr. David Donoghue of Development Co-operation Ireland spoke on behalf of Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. That Department has been and is closely involved with volunteer activity e.g. GOAL, CONCERN, TROCAIRE and GORTA. Much work is now done supporting the efforts of missionaries through the specialist unit Volunteer 21. Volunteerism should be about working together. 4.There followed contributions from the Members who questioned the witnesses. 5.Ray Bowden (ALONE), Julie Healy (AWARE) and Louise Murray (Business in the Community, Ireland) then gave evidence and were questioned by the Members. 6.Contributions followed from Máirín Colleary (Glencree Centre for Reconciliation), Philip Browne (IRFU), Peter O’Brien (Special Olympics, Ireland), Máiréad Mallon (Dublin Rape Crisis Centre), Columba Faulkner (SVP) and Anne Crowe (Volunteering Ireland). All witnesses were questioned by the Members who expressed appreciation of all the work being done. The Committee then adjourned at 1.10 p.m. sine die. ____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 8 September 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 8th September 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Fiona O’Malley, Brian O’Shea, Ned O’Keeffe, John Ellis, Jimmy Devins and John Carty. Senators Joe McHugh, Kieran Phelan, Paddy Burke, Camillus Glynn, Paul Coghlan, Geraldine feeney and Fergal Browne. Apologies were received from Deputies Michael Collins, Damien English and G.V. Wright, Senators, Labhrás Ó Murchú and John Paul Phelan. Deputy Dan Boyle also attended. In Public Session2.The Chairman got the agreement of the Joint Committee to conduct a review of Athens 2004 with meetings with the Sports Council of Ireland and the Olympic Council of Ireland as well as with as many of the athletes as possible. 3.The Joint Committee then resumed the hearings on volunteers and volunteering in Ireland and met with the following: Volunteer Centres Ireland, Tricia Nolan; Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Angela Keane; The Wheel, Deirdre Garvey; The National Youth Council, James Doorley; The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Peadar Ward; Goal, John O’Shea; The Irish Red Cross, Tony Lawlor; Muintir na Tíre, Seán Hegarty; Feis Ceoil, Enid Chaloren. Each representative was given 10 minutes speaking time and questions followed from the Members. 4.The Chair then thanked witnesses and Members and adjourned the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 1.33 p.m. sine die _____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 27 OCTOBER, 2004. Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 29th September 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies James Breen (Ind), Michael Collins (Ind), Jimmy Deenihan (FG), Cecilia Keaveney, (FF), Peter Kelly, (FF), Fiona O’Malley, (PD). Senators, Brendan Daly, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputy G.V. Wright (FF). 2.The Chairman explained that the following meetings had been arranged.
Senator Ó Murchús interest in a meeting on the Official Languages Act was further noted. 3.The witnesses were from Theatre Forum i.e. Frank Kelly, Tania Bannotti and Johnny Hanrahan. Tania Bannotti made a Power Point Presentation on the economic impact of the professional Performing Arts in Ireland. Total audiences exceeded 3 million in 2003 with 80% of these representing paid attendance. The main type of event was drama. Total income in the year was €82 million. Some €73 million was spent by all organisations with 43% of this on artistic programme costs. Salaries amounted to 30% of the total spend. The main sources of funding are the Arts Council (74%) local authorities (14)% and FÁS (6%). Some 58% of all receipts from the Exchequer are in effect returned to it as taxation of all performing arts organisations. Thus the net cost to the Exchequer is half of the gross cost. About 5,000 people worked in the Performing Arts in 2003 — three-quarters part-time thus a figure of 2,700 equivalent full-time jobs. There is considerable indirect employment. Messrs Kelly and Hanrahan followed on making the case for better Arts Council funding, VAT law reform, multi-annual funding and more State sponsored education and training. Comment and questions followed from the Members who greatly supported the efforts of Theatre Forum. 5.The Chairman then thanked all concerned and adjourned the meeting. The Meeting adjourned at 11.48 a.m. until 6 October 2004. _____________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 27 October, 2004. Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 6th October 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies, James Breen (Ind), Michael Collins (Ind), Jimmy Deenihan (FG), Damien English (FG), Jim Glennon (FF), Cecilia Keaveney (FF), Peter Kelly (FF), Fiona O’Malley (PD), Brian O’Shea (Lab), Jack Wall (Lab) and GV Wright (FF). Senators, Brendan Daly, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Senator John Paul Phelan. Minister John O’Donoghue also attended. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed Mr. John Treacy, Chief Executive, The Irish Sports Council and his colleagues who had been invited to present their views on the performance of the Irish Team at the recent Olympics. The Irish Sports Council undertook a review (the Sydney Review) of Ireland’s performance at Sydney 2000. The recommendations made represent the basis for the majority of the High Performance programmes run by the Sports Council since 2000. Among the recommendations was the requirement to establish multi sport training camps which would allow athletes to prepare for the Olympic Village. Thee was also a directive to establish a clear and transparent process for team management appointments of each governing body. Ireland now has a framework for Olympic preparation and the establishment of key relationships will ensure the excellent progress continues. A high performance strategy has been developed with additional funding (€3 million annually). There were also established Performance Committees to ensure the most effective co-ordination of activity to support the performance of Irish teams through preparation and training. There was an Athens Enhancement Programme established in 2002 to channel investment directly to those sports and individuals likely to be competing at Athens. World class coaches were hired and elite squads were established. Training camps were set up which involved high level training and acclimatisation. The National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick was centrally involved in the delivery of sports science services. Total funding over the three year period was over €7.7 million. The Council is also committed to providing individual athlete support through the International Carding scheme which provides both financial and non-financial assistance to our most talented athletes. There were 2 stated ambitions for Athens 2004 — best prepared team which was accomplished and improvement on Sydney with a view to Beijing and beyond. In the opinion of the Irish Sports Council the Irish team produced some exceptional performances. It was acknowledged that a number of performances were disappointing. The Athens Review has now been commissioned. The findings and outcomes of this review will feed into the Quadrennial Plan for Beijing in partnership with the OCI and PCI. This report is expected by year end. There followed vigorous commentary and questions from the Members and to which Mr. Treacy responded. The chair then thanked the witness who withdrew. 3.The Joint Committee then welcomed Mr. John O’Donoghue, TD., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism who introduced the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2004. The measures were welcomed by the Members and after a discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil to the effect that the Joint Committee had completed its consideration of the regulations. 4.The sum of €80 was agreed to enable the Chairman attend the launch of Cork: Cultural Capital of Europe 2005. 5.The meeting then adjourned at 1.09 p.m. until 13 October, 2004. ________________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 27 October 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 13th October 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Michael Collins, Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Brian O’Shea and Jack Wall. Senators Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. In Public Session2.The Chair conveyed the apologies of Deputy Jim McDaid T.D., who for unexpected changes in his schedule, was unable to attend. 3.The Chair welcomed Deputy Bernard Allen T.D., who was before the committee as part of the review of the Athens Olympiad. The new Sports Council was established in late 1996 with John Treacy at the helm. Deputy Allen regarded sport as a significant element in the fight against drugs and held that the emphasis should be on quality of achievement at all levels. Achievement in sport was brought about by nurturing the grass roots. Deputy Allen felt that too much time was spent on Abbotstown. He felt that a national inventory of sporting facilities should be carried out with a view to greater sharing of facilities. A national plan for sport was needed: At the moment it was being corrupted by the Sky Sports Syndrome and sports such as rugby and boxing were suffering. 4.The Members then spoke on the importance of P.E. programmes, coaching, the viability of GAA clubs in the present day and how sport had become big business. They regarded the Olympics as being tarnished with the Spectre of drugs everywhere. 5.In conclusion, the Chairman then thanked the witness and the meeting concluded. The meeting adjourned at 11.18 a.m. until 13 October, 2004 at 4.15 p.m. _________________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2005 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AfairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 13th October 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Michael Collins, Jimmy Deenihan, Damien English, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Fiona O’Malley, Brian O’Shea and Jack Wall. Senators Labhrás Ó Murchú and John Paul Phelan. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed Olive Braiden, Chairperson, Mary Cloake, Director, John O’Kane, Arts Programme Director and John McGahern, Council Member, all of the Arts Council. 3.Ms. Braiden referred to the enormous latent potential of Ireland’s Arts sector. Culture is part of our wealth as a nation: it is part of what we are. There is a great need for access to the arts for all. A proper regional spread of cultural amenities is an important part of the infrastructure of the arts. For 2005 the Council are seeking €68 million which they regard as fair and equitable. Mary Cloake, the Director gave a short background on the Arts Council and the figures involved. Some of the flagship orgnisations such as the Abbey, the Druid and the Irish Chamber Music Orchestra have sustained a reduction in their subsidies of circa 20% over the last 5 years. Despite such retrenchment the level of artistic activity has continued to increase, particularly at local level. Last year the amount they were able to give was only 50% of the amount demanded. Deputy Deenihan contributed and supported the increase that was being osught. He stressed the importance of the county arts officers. He questioned the absence of touring companies including the Abbey and Druid. He referred to the Report on Traditional Music quoting a press release issued by two Members “the majority report circulated for the Arts Council meeting in September 2004 was not the version agreed at the final meeting of the Special Committee. It had been altered significantly”. Deputy Deenihan sought an explanation. Deputy Wall contributed and supported the request for increased funding. He also spoke of the damage done to social and cultural life by television. Ms. Cloake responded to the Members on a touring circuit, on the influence of TV and the question of falling volunteer activity, on opera and on dance. Ms. Braiden referred to the Traditional Arts Report which had been warmly welcomed by the Arts Council, presented to the Minister and endorsed. The title is “Towards a Policy for Traditional Arts” which they are working on with the benefit of the document and they are recruiting a traditional arts specialist. Senator Ó Murchú contributed declaring an interest in that his wife is a member of the Arts Council and, he is the Ard Stiurthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. He queried the report of the Special Committee and said that the agreed draft was a majority one but that it was different from the report approved on 13 July. He wanted to know who changed the report and why. He demanded an explanation. Ms. Braiden regretted Senator Ó Murchú’s concerns but without breaching confidentiality she could not discuss the matter further. The Chair got the agreement of the Members to send the transcript of the proceedings to the Minister, particularly on the question of the traditional arts, for his observations and supporting the Arts Council case for funding. 4.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the visitors and the Members. The meeting adjourned at 5.55 p.m. until 27 October 2004. ______________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2004 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 27th October 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR2 in LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Dinny McGinley, Jack Wall, G.V. Wright. Senators Brendan Daly, Frank Feighan, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputies James Breen, Brian O’Shea and Senator Joe O’Toole. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed Mr. Seán Kelly, President of the GAA who came to speak on the subject of volunteers in the GAA. Dúirt an tUachtarán go raibh an t-uafás oibre dheonach déanta ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael le breis agus 100 bliain anuas. Dúirt sé gurb é an obair dheonach an obair is fearr. 3.The GAA is one of the largest voluntary bodies in the country in size, commitment and ambition. It has 200 clubs in Ireland, 100 clubs outside the country and 500,000 members. Many facilities have been provided with a.lmost total voluntary effort and contriubution. The association has circa 200 full time officials and the rest are volunteers. There followed contributions from the Chair, Deputy Deenihan, Deputy Wall, Deputy Glennon, Deputy McGinley, Senator McHugh, Deputy Kelly and Deputy Connolly. An tUachtarán then responded and the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6.15 p.m. 4.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the President of the GAA and the Members. The meeting adjourned at 6.13 p.m. until 28 October 2004. ___________________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2005. Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Thursday 28th October 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR4 in LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Michael Collins, Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Dinny McGinley and Fiona O’Malley. Senators Frank Feighan, Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputy Brian O’Shea and Senator Joe O’Toole. In Public Session2.The Chair welcomed Dr. Pat Duffy, Director and Ms. Sheelagh Quinn, Head of Corporate Services of the National Coaching and Training Centre. 3.Dr. Duffy said hat the Centre was established in 1992. They are formally linked to the University of Limerick within the context of the policies of the Irish Sports Council and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. It is now moving towards the status of a company limited by guarantee. Their work is to provide effective coaching systems across all our sports and also to support emerging and elite athletes in designated sports. They have established the national coaching development programme including training camps in an holistic training environment on the campus of University Limerick. Revenue generated over the past 5 years has been €1.8 million over and above State allocations to the centre. Thy have 15 full time staff and their core grant in 2004 from the Sports Council was €894 million. They have a coaching implmentation manual which supports 36 different sports in the country. They have supported more than 50 medal winning performances at European or World level. In their view the results achieved at Athens were less than what might have been expected: equally they regard some of the expectations as being unrealistic. Their Olympic function was to co-ordinate the sports science and medical support programmes for the Athens enhancement sports under the Irish Sports Council’s programme. Also technical support i.e. heat pollution, hydration etc. In terms of preparedness a lead in of 18 to 24 months for the Athens enhancement programme was too late. They should be on 4, 8 and 12 year programmes. Because of budgetary constraints they had to close the athletes village in 2004. Above all an agreed long plan is required. The Chair contributed then (age of participation in sport, the closure of the village) followed by Deputy Denham (the role of Dr. Duffy in the Athens Review, the closure of the village, the issue of Abbotstown and regional centres, coaching excellence), Deputy O’Malley (staying at University Limerick campus, possible duplication, the Athens Review) and Deputy Glennon (funding for sports, the Athens Review longer lead in cycles, the closure of the village, mass participation in sport). Dr. Duffy responded and the sitting then suspended at 11.20 a.m. and resumed at 11.35 a.m. 4The Chair welcomed Mr. Paddy Boyd and Mr. Garrett Connolly from the Irish Sailing Association. Mr. Connolly said that the news was not all bad in terms of achievement by the sailors given the investment and effort. The team blended youth and experience. But sailing is now a full time game and the Association were perhaps not prepared for that but they never made promises about performance. They have had a warm relationship with the Irish Sports Council. Contributions followed from the Chair, Deputy Glennon, Deputy O’Malley and Deputy Deenihan. Messrs Boyd and Connolly responded. 5.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the visitors and the Members. 6.The meeting adjourned at 12.19 p.m until 10 November, 2004. __________________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2005 Joint Committee on Arts, Sport and Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 10 November 2004 at 4.15 p.m. in CR2 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), Jimmy Deenihan, Jim Glennon, Martin Brady, Fiona O’Malley, Brian O’Shea and Jack Wall. Senators Joe McHugh, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. Apologies were received from Deputies Peter Kelly and Senator Frank Feighan. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed a delegation from the Olympic Council of Ireland, Mr. Pat Hickey, President, Mr. Dermot Sherlock, General Secretary, Mr. Willie O’Brien, Chef de Mission and Mr. Dermot Henihan, Deputy Chef de Mission. 3.Mr. Hickey stated that the Olympic Council of Ireland has an excellent relationship with Minister John O’Donoghue and his Department and with the Sports Council and with the National Coaching and Training Centre. The review of Athens 2004 is being carried out by consultants who are interviewing all the athletes. They will report mid December. The Olympic Council of Ireland is not happy with the results achieved in Athens. The implmentation of the quadrennial plan was however the remit of the Sports Council, not the Olympic Council of Ireland. Mr. Hickey referring to the publicity on sailing confirmed that he had stated to the Press that the sailing team had performed badly but he was not blaming the athletes, rather the administration of the sport and the federation had received the largest share of all the federations in preparation for the games. At the Athens Games two people represented the Olympic Council of Ireland with one office person. All the other 35 people were managers or coaches of individual sporting feeerations. With regard to voting powers for individual sports the Olympic Council of Ireland must operate under Olympic Rules — one psort, one vote. The Olympic Council of Ireland is fully open and democratic therefore. Deputy Deenihan raised the question of drug scandals and Ireland’s reputation and the question as to which sports should be funded in the run-up to Beijing. He also referred to the various training camps and the closure of the University of Limerick camp. (NCTC). Deputy Wall referred to the aftercare/debriefing of athletes after the Olympics and questioned the make up of the Olymppic Council of Ireland, team spirit and the value of the Olympic village. Deputy Glennon queried whether the taxpayer got value for money from the Olympics exercise and asked about the long term future of the Olympic Games particularly in view of the many drugs controversies. Deputy O’Maley asked if Mr. Hickey should be standing down after so many years at the helm. Deputy O’Shea asked about gender balance in the Olympic Council of Ireland and the drugs problem. Senator McHugh also referred to the gender imbalance. The delegation then responded. 4.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the visitors and the Members. 5.The meeting adjourned at 6.48 p.m. until 18 November, 2004. _______________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2005. Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Thursday, 18th November 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR4 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies Cecilia Keaveney (in the Chair), James Breen, Jim Glennon, Peter Kelly, Damien English, Brian O’Shea and Jack Wall. Senators Frank Feighan, Joe McHugh and Labhrás Ó Murchú. Apologies were received from Fiona O’Malley. In Public Session2.The Chairman welcomed Minister of State, Noel Ahern T.D., Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs who was before the committee to discuss the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy — 2001 to 2008. This involves the 4 pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research. 3.A steering group is conducting the review involving various Departments and agencies. At the core of the review is consultation on a wide basis taking in the view of the public and their suggestions for the future. Five regional seminars were held in the Autumn with a wide geographical spread as were focus groups with young people. The Steering Group is considering the outcomes of the consultation process. The Chairman responded pointing out the visit to the drug treatment centre in Tallaght and the Report of the Joint Committee on Sport and the Arts as antidotes to alcohol and substance abuse. The Chair suggested greater use of sniffer dogs in searches. Deputy English as the Fine Gael spokesperson on drugs maintained that there was a lack of progress with the strategy. Money has to be invested in the strategy and this is timely with the Budget looming. Drugs are widespread and cocaine freely available. There is a need for merging the strategies on drugs and alcohol with multi-annual funding and youth programmes. Criminal Assets Bureau receipts should be ring fenced. Deputy O’Shea felt that information is not getting through to young people. The move towards cocaine is sinister, especially crack cocaine. One quarter of all crime is drug related. The area of alcohol needs to be addressed. Deputy Glennon referred to the lack of progress with the strategy and the wide availability of drugs which are only a phone call away. Lack of Garda resources is a significant factor. Senator Feighan felt that this was one review too many. The resources are not there to deal with an increasing problem. He felt that alcohol should be dealt with separately. Deputy Kelly felt that the Gardaí could do more if they had public co-operation. The Minister of State responded to the points raised. 4.In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and the Members. 5.The meeting adjourned at 11.37 a.m. until 25 November, 2004. _______________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February 2005. Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht AffairsMinutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 25th November 2004 at 10.00 a.m. in CR3 LH 2000Attendance1.Deputies James Breen (Ind), Cecilia Keaveny (FF), Peter Kelly (FF), Dinny McGinley (FG), Brian O’Shea (Lab). Senators Frank Feighan, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Kieran Phelan. 2.The Joint Committee met to consider two documents referred to the Committee for further scrutiny by the Sub Committee on Euro Scrutiny on 30th September 2004 in accordance with Standing Orders 81(4) [Dáil] and 65(4) [Seanad]. The documents relate to the draft proposals COM(2004) 469 Culture 2007 programme (2007-2013), and COM(2004)470 a programme of support for the European audiovisual sector (MEDIA 2007). 3.The Chair welcomed Ms Sabina O’Donnell and Ms Christine Sisk, Arts Division from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The two Officials made a presentation to the Committee and outlined what is involved in the proposals and their implications. There followed questions from the Members. The Chair thanked the witnesses 4.Having heard from the two officials the Committee considered the proposals and were satisfied with — (i)the proposals COM (2004)469 and COM(2004)470; (ii)the progress made to date on negotiations on the proposals; (iii)the Committee’s discussions with officials on the proposals and made no recommendations in relation to the proposals. 5.The Chairman made the Decision to lay a Report before both Houses in accordance with Standing Orders 84(1) [Dáil] and 69(1) [Seanad]. The Joint Committee agreed its Report, which incorporates the proceeds of the Joint Committee, on 25 November, 2004, and also that a copy be forwarded to the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny. 7.The Chairman thanked the Members and the meeting concluded. The meeting adjourned at 10.45 a.m. until 8 December, 2004. ________________ Cecilia Keaveney Chairman 2 February, 2005. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
