Written Answers Nos. 239-260
239. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has received the 2023 Annual Report and 2023 Audited Financial Statement from the National Concert Hall; and if not, when her Department expects to receive same. [20159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI expect to receive the National Concert Hall’s Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023 in the coming months and within one month of the date on which the 2023 audit certificate is issued by the Comptroller and Auditor General to the National Concert Hall.
240. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans by her Department to increase public funding to League of Ireland academy development to support investment into development of youth football in Ireland, as currently Ireland lags behind the rest of Europe with only ten full-time academy staff and youth development is inadequate in regard to local community facilities for football clubs. [20169/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraParticipation is a key principle that must underpin grassroots sport and is one of the key tenets of the National Sports Policy. Investment in, and supports to, both grassroots clubs and national level clubs in the League of Ireland is important and our capital funding programmes, as set out below, are providing significant support on both fronts.
Government funding for football is primarily aimed at supporting the delivery of programmes at local level, including programmes such as Football for All, Summer Soccer Schools and Late Night Leagues. Sport Ireland channels this funding through the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Considerable additional financial support has been provided by the state for the development of football in Ireland, particularly via the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government and the FAI for the period 2020-2023. This provided for a package of funding of €5.8 million per annum to the FAI for the 2020-2023 period for football development. From that amount, €0.8 million was to be dedicated each year to programmes that underpin the development of the League of Ireland and the Women’s National League.
I have very recently received proposals from the FAI regarding funding support beyond the period of the MOU, and in relation to the development of academies. These will be examined by my officials in consultation with Sport Ireland in the first instance.
The government and Sport Ireland will continue to support the FAI in growing the game, in particular amongst young girls and boys and women. Football clubs and communities throughout the country are doing excellent work in promoting football and providing opportunities for young boys and girls to participate.
With regard to capital support, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Under the last round of the Programme alone, over €25 million was provided to soccer clubs around the country.
Assessment of the 3,210 applications received under the 2023 round of the SCEP is ongoing. An announcement in relation to the equipment only element of the Programme is imminent, with funding allocations for non-equipment capital projects to follow later in the year.
Funding is also available from my Department under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). A new round of the LSSIF opened on 26 April. Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30m, will take into account population size, sustainability, reducing administrative overheads and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.
241. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of employees within her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20324/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that I am advised that no employees within this Department are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought by the Deputy is an operational matter for those bodies and not something for which I have direct day-to-day responsibility.
242. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20365/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020.
I am advised that in 2023, €4.5 million was provided for in the Revised Estimate Volume under the EU Just Transition Fund and in 2024, €1.5 million was provided for in the Revised Estimate Volume under the EU Just Transition Fund
243. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an updated timeline on the sports capital funding allocation announcements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20389/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The latest round of the SCEP closed for applications on Friday 8 September 2023. A list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received is published at gov - SCEP 2023 - Applications Received (www.gov.ie).
The detailed assessment work has commenced and assessment of "equipment-only" applications is well advanced. I hope to announce these "equipment only" grants imminently. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with those allocations to be announced later.
244. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on a sports capital application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The application referred to by the Deputy was approved for funding under the 2020 round of the programme and my Department requested further information on 21 March 2024 to progress drawdown of the allocated funding. I would encourage the applicant to get in touch with my Department at sportsapitalprogrammes@tcagsm.gov.ie if any further assistance is required.
245. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on a sports capital application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The latest round of the SCEP closed for applications on Friday 8 September 2023. A list of all applications received by county, including the application referred to by the Deputy, is published at gov - SCEP 2023 - Applications Received (www.gov.ie).
The detailed assessment work has commenced and assessment of "equipment-only" applications is well advanced. I hope to announce these "equipment only" grants imminently. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with those allocations to be announced later.
246. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expenditure in each of the individual Gaeltacht areas provided by her Department from 2018 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20518/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables below provide a breakdown of expenditure in each of the Gaeltacht areas by my Department from its establishment in 2020 to date in 2024. In some instances, as block funding is provided to cover all Gaeltacht areas, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the allocation to each area.
Subhead C3 Capital & Current Expenditure – An Clár Tacaíochta Pobail & Teanga
|
C3 Capital Expenditure |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Gaeltacht Dhún na nGall |
|||||
|
Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall |
€106,409 |
€115,969 |
€8,338 |
€9,691 |
€32,598 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
€20,000 |
€4,750 |
€3,245 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Toraigh |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir |
€95,524 |
€19,804 |
€44,582 |
€42,045 |
€4,328 |
|
Dún na nGall Theas |
€133,071 |
€16,190 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Na Rosa |
€0.00 |
€33,093 |
€161,973 |
€154,526 |
€0.00 |
|
Cloich Chionnaola |
€55,522 |
€5,672 |
€0.00 |
€23,850 |
€6,847 |
|
An Ghaeltacht Láir |
€1,592 |
€3,683 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€412,118.00 |
€199,161.00 |
€218,138.00 |
€230,112.00 |
€43,773.00 |
|
Gaeltacht Mhaigh Eo |
|||||
|
Maigh Eo Thuaidh |
€385,729 |
€72,340 |
€188,790 |
€27,605 |
€0.00 |
|
Maigh Eo Thiar |
€8,050 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€393,779 |
€72,340 |
€188,790 |
€27,605 |
€0 |
|
Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe |
|||||
|
Conamara Láir |
€117,039 |
€12,173 |
€0.00 |
€67,838 |
€0.00 |
|
Cois Fharraige |
€204,544 |
€51,490 |
€17,596 |
€12,414 |
€0.00 |
|
Ceantar na nOileán |
€164,509 |
€99,744 |
€42,333 |
€14,318 |
€0.00 |
|
An Cheathrú Rua |
€33,183 |
€15,555 |
€40,539 |
€35,854 |
€0.00 |
|
Maigh Cuilinn |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Árainn |
€110,272 |
€370,237 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
An tEachréidh |
€93,832 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€53,655 |
|
Dúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
€5,155 |
€15,732 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€10,701 |
|
Bearna & Cnoc na Cathrach |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Oirthear Chathair na Gaillimhe |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€728,534 |
€564,931 |
€100,468 |
€130,424 |
€64,356 |
|
Gaeltacht Chiarraí |
|||||
|
Ciarraí Thiar |
€66,734 |
€35,124 |
€95,552 |
€41,480 |
€7,380 |
|
Ciarraí Theas |
€0.00 |
€32,760 |
€2,286 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€66,734 |
€67,884 |
€97,838 |
€41,480 |
€7,380 |
|
Gaeltacht Chorcaigh |
|||||
|
Múscraí |
€1,250 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€29,964 |
|
Cléire |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€1,250 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€29,964 |
|
Port Láirge |
|||||
|
Na Déise |
€6,955 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€6,955 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
An Mhí |
|||||
|
Ráth Chairn agus Baile Ghib |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Other |
€75,724 |
€9,590 |
€0.00 |
€64,366 |
€61,040 |
|
Total |
€63,838 |
€9,590 |
€0 |
€64,366 |
€61,040 |
|
Overall Capital Expenditure |
€1,673,208 |
€913,906 |
€605,234 |
€493,987 |
€206,513 |
|
C3 Current Expenditure |
|||||
|
Dún na nGall |
€489,562 |
€496,623 |
€427,585 |
€496,759 |
€85,000 |
|
Maigh Eo |
€82,372 |
€85,140 |
€79,898 |
€102,617 |
€0.00 |
|
Gaillimh |
€707,333 |
€789,345 |
€497,306 |
€778,819 |
€15,784 |
|
Ciarraí |
€709,169 |
€522,674 |
€637,991 |
€533,799 |
€16,800 |
|
Corcaigh |
€16,730 |
€16,901 |
€22,249 |
€19,827 |
€0.00 |
|
Port Láirge |
€17,295 |
€17,357 |
€29,089 |
€25,223 |
€0.00 |
|
Other |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge |
€1,214,957 |
€1,334,000 |
€1,000,000 |
€550,000 |
€0.00 |
|
TG4 |
€175,000 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Comhairle na Mumhan |
€40,084 |
€14,249 |
€44,402 |
€28,162 |
€0.00 |
|
Údaras na Gaeltachta |
€97,787 |
€240,217 |
€309,576 |
€307,692 |
€0.00 |
|
Total Current Expenditure |
€3,550,289 |
€3,516,506 |
€3,048,096 |
€2,842,898 |
€117,584 |
Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
C10 Current Expenditure – Language Planning
|
Organisation |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€1,000,000.00 |
€2,201,000.00 |
€2,896,105.00 |
€3,568,911.00 |
0 |
€9,666,016.00 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
€169,248.00 |
€449,642.00 |
€451,179.00 |
€454,670.00 |
€28,822.01 |
€1,553,561.01 |
|
Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta |
€430,118.00 |
€650,295.00 |
€589,663.00 |
€502,390.00 |
€683,675.00 |
€2,856,141.00 |
|
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta |
€467,185.00 |
€223,033.00 |
€445,337.00 |
€688,704.00 |
€190,665.00 |
€2,014,924.00 |
|
Ealaín na Gaeltachta |
€720,000.00 |
€545,000.00 |
€85,000.00 |
€1,395,720.00 |
€2,745,720.00 |
|
|
Teacht Aniar |
€2,212.00 |
€2,212.00 |
||||
|
Fighting Words |
€25,000.00 |
€22,500.00 |
€15,000 |
€62,500.00 |
||
|
Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh |
€5,000.00 |
€5,000.00 |
||||
|
Glór na nGael - Cuntóirí Teanga BSG+LG |
€130,105.00 |
€30,388.00 |
€160,493.00 |
|||
|
Total |
€2,813,763.00 |
€4,091,470.00 |
€4,482,284.00 |
€6,745,500.00 |
€933,550.01 |
€19,066,567.01 |
247. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expenditure in each of the individual Gaeltacht areas approved by her Department from 2018 to 2023 and to date in 2024 by Údarás Na Gaeltachta, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20519/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables below detail the spending by Údarás na Gaeltachta in each Gaeltacht county for the years 2018 to the end of April 2024. These tables are categorised by major expenditure streams. It is not possible to categorise all expenditure by county especially expenditure that is not client or building specific such as general training programmes. In such instances the expenditure is not included. The Deputy should be aware that, as Údarás na Gaeltachta is a statutory body with its own board, my Department has no role as regards the approval of this expenditure.
|
Grants & Investments (€'M) |
|||||||||
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
% |
|
|
Donegal |
1.99 |
2.24 |
1.68 |
3.48 |
1.20 |
1.37 |
0.72 |
12.68 |
36% |
|
Mayo |
0.49 |
0.58 |
1.20 |
0.59 |
1.00 |
0.29 |
0.08 |
4.22 |
12% |
|
Galway |
1.08 |
2.50 |
1.54 |
2.57 |
1.98 |
1.46 |
0.29 |
11.41 |
32% |
|
Meath |
0.21 |
0.21 |
0.70 |
0.16 |
0.06 |
0.18 |
0.02 |
1.53 |
4% |
|
Kerry |
0.33 |
0.43 |
0.56 |
0.31 |
0.28 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
2.40 |
7% |
|
Cork |
0.35 |
0.54 |
0.18 |
0.30 |
0.49 |
0.18 |
0.12 |
2.16 |
5% |
|
Waterford |
0.16 |
0.02 |
0.18 |
0.32 |
0.29 |
0.23 |
0.06 |
1.26 |
4% |
|
Total |
4.61 |
6.50 |
6.03 |
7.72 |
5.31 |
4.21 |
1.29 |
35.67 |
100% |
|
Buildings & Estates (€'M) |
|||||||||
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
% |
|
|
Donegal |
2.30 |
4.31 |
2.17 |
1.18 |
1.11 |
2.45 |
0.13 |
13.65 |
25% |
|
Mayo |
0.23 |
0.63 |
0.80 |
0.62 |
1.68 |
2.42 |
0.02 |
6.40 |
12% |
|
Galway |
0.97 |
1.71 |
2.72 |
5.02 |
6.62 |
6.77 |
0.68 |
24.50 |
44% |
|
Meath |
0.29 |
1.13 |
1.70 |
0.29 |
0.08 |
0.65 |
0.01 |
4.15 |
7% |
|
Kerry |
0.10 |
0.03 |
1.08 |
0.11 |
0.60 |
2.02 |
0.36 |
4.29 |
8% |
|
Cork |
0.11 |
0.06 |
0.52 |
0.88 |
0.34 |
0.30 |
0.04 |
2.25 |
4% |
|
Waterford |
0.00 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.00 |
0% |
|
Total |
3.99 |
7.88 |
8.99 |
8.11 |
10.42 |
14.61 |
1.24 |
55.24 |
100% |
|
Community Development & Language Planning (€'M) |
|||||||||
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Iomlán |
% |
|
|
Donegal |
0.80 |
0.98 |
1.24 |
1.82 |
1.91 |
2.15 |
0.43 |
9.32 |
29% |
|
Mayo |
0.25 |
0.36 |
0.42 |
0.46 |
0.58 |
0.72 |
0.14 |
2.94 |
9% |
|
Galway |
0.85 |
1.21 |
1.55 |
1.92 |
2.27 |
3.05 |
0.57 |
11.43 |
36% |
|
Meath |
0.10 |
0.18 |
0.15 |
0.22 |
0.21 |
0.24 |
- |
1.10 |
3% |
|
Kerry |
0.40 |
0.55 |
0.55 |
0.73 |
0.63 |
0.85 |
0.28 |
4.00 |
12% |
|
Cork |
0.20 |
0.19 |
0.21 |
0.36 |
0.50 |
0.51 |
0.17 |
2.14 |
7% |
|
Waterford |
0.12 |
0.14 |
0.17 |
0.20 |
0.23 |
0.23 |
0.08 |
1.16 |
4% |
|
Total |
2.72 |
3.61 |
4.29 |
5.70 |
6.34 |
7.77 |
1.66 |
32.09 |
100% |
|
Maintenance (€'M) |
|||||||||
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
% |
|
|
Donegal |
0.96 |
0.71 |
0.66 |
0.68 |
0.66 |
0.78 |
0.15 |
4.60 |
29% |
|
Mayo |
0.10 |
0.11 |
0.11 |
0.11 |
0.19 |
0.19 |
0.04 |
0.85 |
6% |
|
Galway |
0.94 |
1.03 |
1.02 |
1.15 |
1.66 |
1.29 |
0.38 |
7.46 |
47% |
|
Meath |
0.01 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.00 |
0.04 |
0% |
|
Kerry |
0.19 |
0.31 |
0.22 |
0.32 |
0.27 |
0.23 |
0.06 |
1.60 |
10% |
|
Cork |
0.12 |
0.25 |
0.11 |
0.18 |
0.14 |
0.30 |
0.03 |
1.14 |
7% |
|
Waterford |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.00 |
0.02 |
0.01 |
0.00 |
0.07 |
1% |
|
2.33 |
2.43 |
2.12 |
2.44 |
2.96 |
2.81 |
0.66 |
15.76 |
100% |
|
248. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expenditure by Údarás na Gaeltachta in each of the individual Gaeltacht areas from 2018 to 2023 and to date in 2024, and the individual expenditure headings to which this spending was allocated within each individual Gaeltacht area, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20520/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides core Exchequer funding to Údarás na Gaeltachta under three separate headings; current expenditure (pay & pensions); current expenditure (programmes) and capital expenditure. The Department also provides a separate allocation towards the implementation of the language planning process in the Gaeltacht. This funding is supplemented by own source income and funding sourced from other external programmes.
The tables below detail the organisation's spending in each Gaeltacht county for the years 2018 to the end of April 2024. These tables are categorised by major expenditure streams. It is not possible to categorise all expenditure by county, in particular expenditure that is not client or building specific such as general training programmes. In such instances, the expenditure is not included. However, this accounts for only a small amount of the overall expenditure. Similarly, current expenditure relating to the administration of the organisation is not included in this analysis. The expenditure is categorised as follows:
Grants and Investments
This includes all grants and shares paid to Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies, including Covid support schemes. Investments derive from applications made by client companies under various support grant and investment schemes made available by Údarás in accordance with State Aid Rules.
Building and Estates
This category incorporates capital spending on new buildings as well as expenditure relating to the repurposing and renovation of existing building stock. It also includes capital investment in industrial estates.
Community Development and Language Planning
This expenditure relates to supports provided to community development organisations working in conjunction with Údarás to deliver targeted investment, based on agreed annual programmes in communities throughout the Gaeltacht. The larger Gaeltacht areas would have a greater number of such organisations.
A key objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is the delivery of an effective language planning process in 26 Language Planning Areas and 3 Gaeltacht Service Towns. Funding in this regard is provided to designated community organisations to deliver agreed programmes of activities.
Maintenance
This expenditure relates to the utility costs for industrial estates and the ongoing maintenance of industrial buildings, offices and estates in the Gaeltacht.
Expenditure by Údarás na Gaeltachta in each of the individual Gaeltacht areas from 2018 to 2023 and to date in 2024
249. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a detailed charter of Údarás na Gaeltachta in terms of its mission statement, its governance structure, and the responsibilities and KPIs to which it is tasked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20521/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraÚdarás na Gaeltachta's Strategic Plan 2021-2025, as agreed by the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta and submitted to my Department, sets out the organisation’s mission statement as follows:
"To foster a sustainable Gaeltacht community where Irish is the main language, and where employment, society and culture make a world-class quality of life available."
As a statutory body Údarás na Gaeltachta is subject to the provisions of all relevant legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, 2016. Its board members are appointed by the Minister in accordance with the provisions of Acht na Gaeltachta 2012. There are regular meetings of the board which considers and approves investment proposals and initiatives promoting and sustaining the use of the Irish language. The Board also has oversight of the governance and financial structures in place in the organisation and receives regular reports to that end. These structures include the following:
• The organisation's Audit and Risk Committee, comprising four board members and one external member, reports on a regular basis to the board.
• An Internal Audit Service is provided to Údarás na Gaeltachta which operates in accordance with the Framework Code of Best Practice set out in the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies.
• Údarás is also subject to an annual statutory audit performed by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
• The Minister also receives an annual letter from the Chairperson of the Board setting out compliance with various legislative and governance requirements.
Further details regarding the governance structure are detailed in the organisation’s Annual Reports which are laid before the Houses.
From an oversight perspective, regular monitoring meetings are held between senior members of my Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta throughout the year to review inter alia the KPI’s detailed in the Performance Delivery Agreement between the Department and Údarás.
The following are the primary key performance indicators agreed with my Department for 2024 across various sectors:
Enterprise and Employment
With regards to key performance indicators in Enterprise and Employment, Údarás na Gaeltachta has a target of having created 400 jobs by the end of 2024 and to support 8,500 jobs in its client-companies.
gteic Digital Hubs
By the end of 2024, Údarás na Gaeltachta aims to have a total of 32 Digital Hubs opened and aims to have an overall occupancy rate of 65% across these hubs.
Community Development
Údarás na Gaeltachta has outlined a target of funding 33 organisations throughout 2024.
Early Education
Údarás na Gaeltachta has set a target of supporting 132 early education services with 2,000 children attending same.
Language Planning Process
Along with having 28 language plans in the implementation phase by the end of 2024, Údarás na Gaeltachta aims to have an additional Language Plan submitted to the Department in 2024 and to have 3 Gaeltacht Service Town plans in a preparatory phase.
250. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media about a funding request (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20568/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides annual funding to the organisation in question to support it in its ongoing operation. While I appreciate the sensitivity of this matter, and I extend to the child in question and her family every best wish for her participation in dancing, as Minister, my Department and I recognise also the autonomy of organisation in relation to the theming and eligibility for entry in their competitions.
251. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding that was allocated to a project (details supplied) was drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the funding allocated to the project in question under the 2018 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme remains available to be drawn down.
I would encourage the applicant to get in touch with my Department at sportsapitalprogrammes@tcagsm.gov.ie if assistance is required.
252. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist aici ardú deontais a thabhairt do na teaghlaigh a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i mbliana agus an t-ardú ar an gcostas maireachtála le blianta beaga anuas agus na cúraimí breise a bhaineann le scoláirí a choinneáil á gcur i gcuntas; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20816/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá roinnt beartas ceadaithe faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge le dhá bhliain anuas chun tacaíocht bhreise a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do lucht freastal na gColáistí Gaeilge agus do theaghlaigh nua atá ag teacht isteach sa chóras. San áireamh anseo:
• Tháinig ardú 20% ar an bhfordheontas laethúil ó €10 go €12.
• Tháing ardú ar an bhfordheontas a íoctar le lucht brúnna agus coláistí cónaithe ó €5 go €7;
• Tháining ardú ar an bhfordheontas a chuirtear ar fáil do na teaghlaigh a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do lucht ERASMUS Gaeltachta ó €17 go €21; agus
• Tháinig ardú ar fordheontas a chuirtear ar fáil do lucht lóistín na scéime ÁRAINN Gaeltachta ó €27 go €33.
Chun breis cúnaimh a thabhairt don earnáil, ardaíodh an t-uaslíon scoláirí gur féidir le teaghlaigh atá aitheanta faoin scéim a thógáil ó 12 go 16 - rud a chiallaíonn go mbeidh deis ag teaghlaigh ioncam breise a shaothrú dá bharr.
Anuas ar na ardaithe ar an bhfordheontas, ardaíodh ó €2,000 go dtí €6,000 an deontas tosaithe aon uaire do theaghlaigh nua a chláraíonn faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge agus do theaghlach atá ag iarraidh teacht ar ais sa chóras tar éis dóibh a bheith imithe as an scéim le cúig bliana nó níos mó. Clúdaíonn an deontas seo costais a bhaineann le measúnú sábháilteacht dóiteáin, mar aon le costais a bhaineann le hábhair ar leith bainteach le lóistín a chur ar fáil.
Go deimhin bíonn mo Roinn i gcónaí ag faire amach ar aon deis chun tuilleadh fós a dhéanamh ar leas earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge.
253. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20828/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 commit to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. A public consultation on its development closed in October 2022 and work on the analysis of the very large number of responses is now complete.
Work on developing the National Swimming Strategy is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position to publish it in the coming period. A report detailing the findings of the public consultation process will be made available in tandem with the publication of the Strategy.
254. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the progress of a report on the financial health of the commercial radio sector that she requested from the BAI on 5 December 2022; if she will share the details of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20829/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA strong and independent media sector is vitally important to our democracy and our society. Within this, radio continues to play a key role, evidenced by the latest JNLR report showing 80% of adults in Ireland tuning in daily. Radio news is a vital and trusted source of information for the public, particularly for local and regional services. The European Broadcasting Union found that it was the most trusted media across many European countries, including Ireland.
Given the importance of the radio sector, at my request Coimisiún na Meán have prepared a Report into the Economic Viability of the Commercial Radio Sector. The report was prepared with a view to:
• inform deliberations on any possible short-term measures that could support the sector;
• gaining an understanding of the dynamics of the current economic environment and its impact on the viability of the sector here;
• examine specific pressures identified in the context of underlying structural factors in the sector, including ownership structures; and,
• inform deliberations by Coimisiún na Meán on the structure of the levy or levies that funds the cost of regulating the sector.
I welcome the insights which the report provides into the revenues, costs, and profits in the sector over the past number of years, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector which it identifies, in particular regarding independent local radio stations. Coimisiún na Meán published the report on 3rd May 2024 and it is now for Coimisiún na Meán to consider how the findings of the report can be incorporated into its approach to supporting the independent radio sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Future of Media Commission was established to examine the challenges faced by the media sector and the impact on the provision of public service content. The Report made a number of recommendations to counter these challenges, including the establishment of a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media sector at local, regional and national levels on a platform neutral basis. The Commission recommended €30m be provided. That included the funding already made available through the existing Broadcasting Fund, which amounts to an average of €15m per annum from TV licence receipts and which supports the Sound and Vision Scheme. Since the formation of this Government a further €28.4m in Exchequer funding has been provided to Sound and Vision, enabling increased investment in public service content for television and radio.
In 2023, €16.7m in funding was awarded by Coimisiún na Meán to applicants of the Sound and Vision scheme, providing support to a range of independent producers, commercial radio and community broadcasters. In 2023, I granted an additional €6m of Exchequer funding to the fund, enabling the expansion of the funding rounds. A dedicated €2.4m round for independent commercial radio was enabled entirely through the additional funding which I provided.
With regard to the wider Media Fund, I secured €6m in Budget 2024 for new Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes. These are being prioritised for implementation by Coimisiún na Meán. The Schemes will support the employment or engagement by media service providers of journalists for the production of public interest journalism.
A process of engagement with the European Commission regarding State Aid has concluded positively and it has been agreed that the Schemes can be implemented without prior State Aid clearance. In terms of next steps, it is now for Coimisiún na Meán to implement the Schemes. A public consultation on the detailed design of the schemes closed on 8th May 2024. Once the schemes are finalised, Coimisiún na Meán will run a call for applications for both schemes. Further details on the timelines for the rollout of the schemes will be made available by Coimisiún na Meán in due course.
255. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what progress his Department has made in drafting and adopting of a statutory code of conduct for preventing the wilful and deliberate harassment of basking sharks in Irish territorial waters where they are now legally protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20924/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Basking Shark was added as an animal to which Section 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976 applies under Statutory Instrument No. 485/2022, making it a “protected wild animal”. This makes it an offence to hunt, injure (unless under licence) or wilfully interfere with the breeding or resting place of this species. Tour operators or individuals who seek to photograph or research this species must apply for consent under Section 23. When issued, such licences include conditions whereby disturbance to this species is minimised, and encounters or reports must be logged.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is committed to developing a code of conduct to guide wildlife tourism operators in their interactions with marine mammals, seabirds and their nesting areas, and other protected marine species such as the Basking Shark, with a view to publication in 2024.
256. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of new buy-and-renew homes delivered in each of the years 2016 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20173/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are encouraged to acquire vacant/derelict properties to be upgraded as new, value-for-money social homes via the Buy & Renew Scheme. Since it was introduced in 2016, in excess of 900 properties have been delivered under this arrangement. The table below shows the breakdown of such units delivered on an annual basis since 2016.
Alongside the acquisition and upgrade as new social homes of existing properties in need of refurbishment, in recent years an increasing number of local authorities are tackling more substantial projects involving vacant and derelict properties. This allows for local authorities to tackle dereliction where substantial construction work is involved and to produce further new social homes. This work is tackled alongside a local authority's programme of construction on green field sites. Together with Buy & Renew acquisitions, it creates opportunities for local authorities to respond to more significant dereliction in town centres, thereby supporting the Governments Town Centre First Policy.
|
Year |
No. of SH Units |
|
2016 |
5 |
|
2017 |
144 |
|
2018 |
268 |
|
2019 |
200 |
|
2020 |
118 |
|
2021 |
57 |
|
2022 |
74 |
|
2023 |
57 |
|
Totals |
923 |
257. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the programme of maintenance relative to the River Barrow, and the cost of work in each of the last five years; if there are any impediments on the river and canals section that prevent or hinder barges and boats from using the amenity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20198/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is the Navigation Authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. There are eight navigations within this remit, of which the Barrow is one.
Waterways Ireland carries out an extensive programme of maintenance works on the Barrow including, inter-alia, lock gate manufacture and replacement, bank strengthening, revetment and repair, trackway maintenance, repair and vegetation maintenance, aquatic and invasive weed management, dredging of navigation channel as well as litter, debris and obstruction removal.
Expenditure on maintenance activities in the Barrow Operational Area over the past 5 years is as follows:
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Expenditure |
€1,538,072 |
€1,388,955 |
€1,315,019 |
€1,969,732 |
€2,570,315 |
The Barrow Navigation is within the Barrow & Nore Special Area of Conservation (Site Code 002162) and therefore all works, including routine maintenance works require proper environmental assessment prior to works being undertaken, including screening for Appropriate Assessment, and in certain cases a Natura Impact Statement.
Planning permission is generally required to proceed with works other than very minor works, and is applied for via the relevant Planning Authority.
Waterways Ireland has identified a number of areas which require maintenance to ensure no impediments prevent vessels from safely enjoying this amenity. These maintenance works are being considered by the 3 relevant local authorities and we await the outcome of this statutory process. The planning applications can be viewed through the relevant online planning portals searching for these reference numbers:
Kildare: 2460093
Laois: 2460049
Carlow: 2460026
258. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of long-term social housing leases in place in 2023 and the total cost of these leases in that year. [20206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments. Dwellings under the scheme come from a number of different sources including private owners, Part V and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Long term lease arrangements can be entered into by either local authorities or approved housing bodies (AHBs) for periods of between 10 and 25 years.
Details of the number of units and funding of the long term leasing scheme for 2023 can be found on my Department's website at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Number of units - assets.gov.ie/253731/385ff381-c907-4698-aeff-097f6ca0b319.xlsx
Funding - assets.gov.ie/99984/d10e5f7c-a0f5-40ab-9ccf-0559e22f3afa.xlsx
The long term leasing scheme includes properties leased by AHBs directly, leased by local authorities from private owners, Enhanced leasing, and Part V Leasing.
259. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of farm plan scheme applications that were received in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of farm plan scheme applications that were approved in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of farm plan scheme participants who had planners appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of farm plan scheme participants who had plans in place by the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20213/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of 2023 applicants to the farm plan scheme who received a payment in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20214/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average payment made in 2023 to all farm plan scheme participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20215/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 264, inclusive, together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme is a means to engage with farmers and landowners to enhance nature on their land, through encouragement, advice and financial supports.
A total of 372 farm plans were active over the course of 2023, with a total number of 24 planners. However, some farmers withdrew from the scheme, resulting in 322 active plans by the end of the year.
In 2023, a call for new farm plans was issued and 174 applications were received. After a competitive process, 63 plans were approved. There were no new planners appointed in 2023.
Planners are now being appointed to prepare these 63 NPWS farm plans, following the conclusion of a competitive procurement and evaluation process.
This will bring the total number of active plans to 385, assuming contracts are finalised with the relevant farmers.
Payments totalling €874,457 were made to existing participants in 2023. The NPWS is continuing to verify and process outstanding payments to participants for their 2023 commitments, in compliance with the terms and conditions of the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, with an average individual payment of approximately €8,832.
