Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Nov 2007

Vol. 642 No. 5

Priority Questions.

Arts Plan.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the status and future of the ACCESS programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/07]

Government policy on the arts is set out in the programme for Government and will be elaborated further in my Department's statement of strategy for 2008-10, which is currently being developed. The objective is to encourage and support the strategic development of the arts in local communities, both geographic and communities of interest, for the disadvantaged and for minority groups. In this regard, my Department has taken a direct role on the provision of capital grant aid for the arts and cultural infrastructure throughout the country in recent years.

The arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, ACCESS, is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved access to and participation in the arts for large numbers of people nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces.

Facilities funded to date include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries, studios, and creative and performance spaces. In this manner the Department provides the bulk of capital funding for building and refurbishing arts facilities around the country, mainly in the not for profit sector, while the Arts Council provides the ongoing revenue support for many of the facilities.

Under the first round of ACCESS, announced in 2001, funding of €43 million was provided to the promoters of 40 arts and culture projects. The majority of these projects were for the provision of new arts centres and most are now open and operational.

The national development plan, NDP, 2007-13 provided €81 million to conclude the first round of ACCESS and to facilitate further rounds. In April 2007 a second round of ACCESS funding was announced and a total of €32 million was offered to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide. The primary focus of the second round of the scheme is the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and cultural facilities and it will run from 2007 to 2009. During 2008 my officials will be working closely with the projects which have been offered funding under the second round of ACCESS to enable early delivery of the projects.

I intend to announce a third round of ACCESS next year and am currently considering the timing of such an announcement.

Nobody can deny the capital funding that has been available to the arts in the past ten years and in the local authority of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown there are now two major theatres where there was none ten years ago. They are representative of the proliferation of facilities that has generated a need for further programmes if we are to get value for money from the ACCESS programme. There are hints of an emerging danger around the country because state of the art facilities, including theatres and multipurpose venues, have been built and do not have money for programming. There is no point in constructing a building without realising it must be managed, heated and maintained and that it needs programmes. It is most important that these buildings are well managed.

I spoke last month of the need for Arts Council funding for touring programmes and so on but today I want to focus the Minister's attention on the €40 million that is left in the NDP for funding facilities through the capital programme. That is a lot of money and we need to focus on where these facilities are to be located because representatives of a number of counties have expressed concern to me that every town in those counties has a facility and they are struggling to provide programming. We need to concentrate on growing audiences for these centres.

As applies to sport, there is general agreement that when one invests in hardware such as facilities and bricks and mortar one must be careful to support the software side also, which includes the talent necessary to manage theatres and artistic facilities. I take the point that we must strike a balance between the capital provision of facilities and investment in the talent, skill and creativity necessary to make them a success, otherwise the capital investment could be wasted.

There is a suggestion that the Arts Council will only fund facilities where the local authority provides matching funding. I think it unfair that facilities would have to draw down money from local authorities that, after all, do not have a statutory function in this regard. Is this the policy and what is the Minister's view on this?

I do not think such a condition exists as the Arts Council deals with current funding and ACCESS funding is capital funding that comes directly from the Department. As far as I know there is no requirement for local authorities to match Arts Council funding.

I understand but I heard it suggested that may be the case in the future.

We may have to examine that with regard to ACCESS but it is not envisaged in respect of current funding.

Sports Funding.

Mary Upton

Question:

2 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the positive effects multiannual funding can have in long-term planning, he has considered providing multiannual funding to the Sports Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31805/07]

The funding of the Irish Sports Council, as with all Departments and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual budget and Estimates process. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society. The question of whether multiannual funding should be provided for agencies such as the Irish Sports Council is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. My Department, like all other Departments, is provided with annual current expenditure budgets through the Estimates process.

The Government acknowledges the many social and health benefits that are derived from sporting participation and this is reflected in the levels of spending on sport. The budget for sport this year is over €295 million, compared to just €17 million ten years ago. Furthermore, the national development plan includes a commitment to provide €991 million for sport infrastructure during the period up to 2013.

The Irish Sports Council was established in 1999 as the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. The council's mandate comes from the Irish Sports Council Act 1999, which gives it six key functions. It should encourage the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport, develop strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport and co-ordinate their implementation by all Irish bodies involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational sport facilities. It should facilitate good standards of conduct and fair play in both competitive and recreational sport, combat doping in sport, initiate and encourage research concerning competitive or recreational sport and facilitate research and disseminate information concerning competitive or recreational sport.

In 2000, the first full year of operation of the Irish Sports Council, its funding allocation was €13.2 million. This was increased to €19.6 million in 2001, €28.7 million in 2002, €28.3 million in 2003 and it rose to €40.9 million by 2006. The figure was over €54 million in 2007. The increase from 2000 to this year represents a very significant increase of more than 300%. The Government has provided funding of over €240 million to the Irish Sports Council since it was established. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and the Government's commitment to sport is evidenced by these very substantial increases in funding.

I am pursuing funding for the council in 2008, along with all aspects of sport funding, as we work to conclude the 2008 Estimates process, which is underway.

I welcome the decision to fund the annual team performance scheme for inter-county players and I welcome the statements from the Minister and the Gaelic Players Association, GPA, in this regard. I am pleased the matter has been resolved and that teams will compete in the new year with funding in place.

I thank the Minister for his reply in regard to funding for the Sports Council. During the debate on the national drugs strategy, which preceded Question Time, the role of sport in combatting drugs was raised, as was the importance of investment in this area. The Minister has outlined clearly the incremental increases and the overall increase, which is substantial, for the Sports Council.

However, the key issue for the council is that it is required to have a three-year strategy, which involves setting out its proposed expenditure over that period, as the national governing bodies are also required to do. It is difficult for any organisation to do this when there is not certainty as to the funding that will be available on an annual basis. The funding that will be provided in a three-year period is not known, therefore, but the council must put forward a three-year plan.

I appreciate what the Minister said about the annual budget, but perhaps he might discuss with the Minister for Finance whether there is a way that three-year funding programmes can be put in place.

I thank the Deputy for her comments on this morning's announcement regarding the agreement with the GPA. Capital funding is allocated on a multi-annual basis because of the large number of capital projects under way throughout the State. The Deputy is correct that current funding is not provided on a multi-annual basis. I appreciate that every agency would like to know, year on year, what its income will be for the next three or four years. However, the budgetary framework means we must do battle on an annual basis through the Estimates process. I am conscious of the unsatisfactory nature of this from the point of view of many organisations, but that is the system in which we must operate.

If funding were to be made available on a multi-annual basis, does the Minister agree we would get better value for money? For example, the Arts Council must plan one or more years in advance if it wishes to engage an opera singer. The same is probably true for the Sports Council if it wishes to engage a badminton coach, for instance. The lack of certainty as to future funding places organisations in a predicament in that they are unable to plan for significant current investments. The Sports Council receives no commitment for the funding available for a given three-year period but may be obliged to make decisions a year or two in advance of the availability of the money. If this system were changed, we would get better value for money.

I take the Deputy's point that certainty is preferable. However, it is sometimes difficult in the areas of arts and sports to tell the difference between capital and current expenditure. In the case of a once-off event such as the Ryder Cup, for example, the Department of Finance might go 40 rounds with my Department in its insistence that it is capital expenditure. However, it is effectively current expenditure in the sense that it is capital expenditure that will only be spent once. There is much argument about the definitions, particularly where there are many once-off events. I will take the Deputy's arguments into consideration.

Tourism Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

3 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the potential loss of tourism opportunities as a result of the planned termination of the Dublin-Dubai flight by Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31685/07]

Last year was a record year for Irish tourism with an all-time high of 7.7 million overseas visitors to the country and associated foreign revenue earnings of €4.7 billion. We are on track to surpass that performance this year, with the most recent figures published by the CSO showing an increase of more than 4% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2006.

I understand, from media reports, that Aer Lingus has announced its intention to redeploy all its long-haul capacity to the United States, resulting in the suspension of the Dubai service from the end of March 2008. According to Aer Lingus, this decision is due to the significant demand for both existing and new United States destinations in the busy summer season. While the final tourism impact is uncertain at this stage, it is reasonable to assume that it may impact negatively on potential growth from new and developing markets such as the Gulf, India and China, while possibly impacting positively on the United States market. If there is a sustained higher load factor from the United States than from the Gulf, the net impact on tourism flows to Ireland may well be positive.

On the other hand, the introduction of direct services between Abu Dhabi and Dublin by Etihad Airways presents fresh opportunities to grow inbound tourism to the island of Ireland from long-haul markets. I understand, from previous statements made by the airline, that Etihad may shortly increase frequency on its Dublin service and, in 2008, add services to China to its network. The latter would be beneficial in terms of connecting flights for potential visitors to Ireland from the Chinese market.

Tourism Ireland has increased its marketing activity in the Gulf countries with the appointment of full-time representation in July 2007 and will now work to capitalise on the improved awareness of Ireland in the market.

Past success is no guarantee of future performance and we must always be on our guard. The Minister mentioned that there may be a benefit in Aer Lingus's decision in terms of further developing the United States market. However, putting all one's eggs in one basket is not a sensible approach. Moreover, that was never the intention. Aer Lingus deliberately set out to grow the United States market but also the Middle Eastern market. It is disappointing, particularly given Mr. Dermot Mannion's experience of the Middle East, that Aer Lingus should provide a flight whose scheduling was doomed from the beginning.

Depending on Etihad to enhance its services to Ireland is not the same as securing access to a major hub in the Middle East. Is there anything the Minister can do to encourage other airlines, such as Emirates, to fly into Ireland? That airline has a huge worldwide network that would be of tremendous benefit to our tourism industry. The company's marketing ability is enormous and would provide us with promotional opportunities on a worldwide scale.

Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and my Department constantly encourage airlines flying out of locations where we see tourism potential to provide services to Ireland. Ultimately, however, such decisions are commercial and are made by the airlines themselves. We will continue to work hard to convince airlines to operate out of Ireland. I take on board the Deputy's useful suggestion regarding Emirates.

I recognise that these are commercial decisions. However, this State is making a huge commercial decision in spending hundreds of millions of euro under the national development plan on international tourism. There must be some coherence between the money we are spending and, on the one hand, the markets in which it is spent and, on the other, the destinations available to us.

Aer Lingus seems to be focussing on the United States market for the foreseeable future. This suits us in some respects given our investment in that market from a tourism point of view.

However, the growing market is Asia.

I take the Deputy's point that we should try to match investment with potential opportunities. However, private companies will ultimately make their own decisions.

Film Industry Development.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

4 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the now critical disadvantage suffered by the Irish film industry vis-à-vis other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31686/07]

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board, IFB. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.

The task of attracting international production into Ireland is dependent on a number of elements, not all of which fall within the sphere of influence of my Department or that of the Irish Film Board. Decisions to site a film project in a particular territory involve complex funding, cultural, logistical and project-specific elements, all of which are crucial for a successful result. At present, the unfavourable exchange rate against the US dollar continues to affect the level of United States production in Ireland.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the section 481 tax relief scheme. This scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board, and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. The scheme was amended and enhanced in the Finance Acts of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and most recently in 2006. The Department of Finance, in conjunction with my Department, is currently examining a report prepared by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the case for further improvement in respect of the scheme. Indecon's terms of reference were to identify a structured and innovative way forward to develop and consolidate the Irish film industry, taking account of the serious international competition issues now apparent.

My aim is to support and encourage the Irish Film Board in its role of marketing Ireland as a film location. In 2006, the board opened an office in the heart of Hollywood in Los Angeles specifically to market Ireland as a film and television location. The role of that office is to facilitate inward production from the key United States market by building key relationships and providing a focal point for the Irish industry and talent in the United States. The industry in Ireland has never been stronger in terms of international recognition and commercial success. This is evidenced by both the critical and financial successes of films, including, for example, the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2006 for “The Wind that Shakes the Barley”; the Oscar for the short film “Six Shooter”; the CICAE Art and Essai Cinema Prize at Cannes in 2007 for “Garage”; a number of awards at film festivals for “Once”, including festivals in the USA, London and Moscow; and two Emmys for the television series “The Tudors”.

Our challenge now is to continue to build on those successes and we are committed to doing so.

There is no point in the Minister telling us how good things are when the reality is the income from film is a tenth of what it was in 2003. We have spoken before about section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, which is one element of what is wrong. As the Minister knows, the British have wiped our eye in that regard by copying our incentives and trumping them. That left us in a very difficult position. The very fact we have had an office in Los Angeles for over a year without even a sign or nibble at a chance to bring movies to Ireland is indicative of how serious is the matter.

There are more fundamental problems and the Minister cannot sit back and argue the Irish Film Board has to do it all. The Minister should have a hands-on approach and there is a need for some kind of direction. Our industry costs are way above everywhere else, we are uncompetitive and the only studio we have is half the required size. We have no computer-generated imaging facilities or film laboratory. With these types of serious systemic and structural problems, the industry will not grow. The Minister must show leadership and take the industry's problems seriously.

There is fantastic potential in this area. I have no problem agreeing with the Deputy if she is saying we are only scratching the surface, as we can do much more. It is very large and competitive business. Section 481 is one aspect of our attractive features and there are issues to tackle with regard to Ardmore studios. Some of the matters of a technical nature raised by the Deputy must also be dealt with.

If the Deputy's message is that there is an enormous amount that we can do, I would agree. I am reviewing this area fairly urgently to see if we can ramp up efforts substantially. There is fantastic scope here.

Sport and Recreational Development.

John O'Mahony

Question:

5 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when it is proposed to complete the roll-out of the sports partnership network throughout the 33 local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31803/07]

An Agreed Programme for Government commits to the roll-out of the local sports partnership, LSP, programme on a nationwide basis to provide the development of sport at local level. The Irish Sports Council, ISC, is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the local sports partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and co-ordinated. The local sports partnerships are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring local resources are used to best effect and making sure the experiences of participants in sport are positive.

Following an independent review of the local sports partnerships by Fitzpatrick Associates in 2005, my predecessor gave approval to the Irish Sports Council to extend the LSP network from 2006 on a national basis. Accordingly, funding has been provided to the ISC to facilitate continued extension of the network. The LSPs have received more than €16 million in Government funding since they were first set up in 2001.

The Irish Sports Council has informed me it has now signed heads of agreement with all 33 LSP-designated sites and there are currently 22 sites fully operational. At present, eight sites are finalising recruitment arrangements and an additional three sites will advertise early in the new year. The Irish Sports Council expects all 33 LSPs will be fully operational during 2008.

The Irish Sports Council provides support and advice to the LSPs and is working to create productive relations with the local sports co-ordinators, including the creation of a network of co-ordinators. The Irish Sports Council has provided training to the LSPs and will continue to provide regular information and training updates. It is also involved in the development of specific programmes, courses and resource materials for the LSPs.

I thank the Minister for his answer. I compliment all involved parties, including the Minister, in bringing the issue surrounding the grants schemes for Gaelic footballers to a conclusion. The ball was bouncing around for a long time and I am glad it has been sorted out. We will all have some work to do in the new year.

Now that problem has been solved, the Minister might help to solve this problem. I am glad to hear the 33 local authority areas will have the sports partnership network rolled out as I am conscious of the great work it does in widening the appeal of sport and increasing participation across all ages, ethnic groups and social classes.

With regard to funding, I gather the budget is minimum, with approximately 3% of a total amount spent on sport. Is there any plan to increase the funding for these sports partnerships? Many different groups would benefit. For example, at the age of 20, only 36% of women participate in sport compared to 65% of men. A recent survey indicated that 52% of older people would like in some way to get involved in activities. An activity park was recently opened in Trim in that regard. There is much potential and as our population ages, we would see significant health benefits.

The straight answer is "yes." In the natural course of Estimate processes, the local sports partnerships will be receiving additional funding.

I thank the Deputy for his welcome of the agreement with the Gaelic footballers. I express my thanks to the Gaelic Players Association, the GAA, the Irish Sports Council and my own officials for putting in much hard work to reach agreement, which we announced just this morning. I thank the people involved for moving to a position where we could reach agreement, which was welcome.

The local sports partnerships actually form part of that agreement. One factor of the agreement I was particularly pleased with this morning was the indication that the players would work with the local sports partnerships in return for some support. They would be able to give back some kind of leadership to society through the sports partnerships. I thank them for this action in particular.

I am also commencing a review of the role of the women in sport in particular. There is much work to be done in that area and we will commence the work fairly shortly.

Top
Share