Written Answers Nos. 1080-1104
1080. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will engage with developers holding onto deposits by potential homeowners in circumstances in which due to Covid-19 potential homeowners cannot draw down a mortgage due to job insecurity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11370/20]
View answerThe sale or conveyancing of property is a matter that is governed by property and contract law. In addition, the particular terms on which the title or other rights associated with any particular property is conveyed from a seller to a purchaser, including any conditions in relation to the payment and/or return of a deposit, are contractual matters for the parties to the contract.
As Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government I do not have a primary policy function for the law relating to the conveyancing of property or in relation to the operation of private contracts, and I would have no role in intervening in the contractual arrangements entered into by the parties to a particular private contract. The area of contract law is the responsibility of the Minister of Justice and Equality.
1081. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the total costs payable by Ireland as per a European Commission judgment of 28 March 2019 regarding Ireland’s obligations to meet directive 91/271/EEC, Case C-427/17; if there are ongoing fines relating to non-compliance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11406/20]
View answerThere have been no fines or costs payable by Ireland as a result of the judgment in March 2019 by the Court of Justice of the European Union on Ireland's non-compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Following the judgment my Department, accompanied by Irish Water, met Commission officials and proposed a programme of measures to ensure this case is resolved. My Department wrote to the European Commission in January this year to outline progress on the programme of measures and will continue to update the Commission on progress on this case on a regular basis.
Irish Water continues to develop and implement a long-term investment perspective in order to strategically address the deficiencies in the public water and waste water system. Building water and waste water treatment plants, as well as upgrading or building new water and waste water networks, requires significant and sustained investment. The National Development Plan 2018-2027 provides for significant investment in public water and wastewater infrastructure over the course of the plan to ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s water and waste water infrastructure to support social and economic development across the State and ensure compliance with EU Directives.
1082. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of houses made available for allocation to suitable housing applicants by Kildare County Council or via approved housing bodies through Part 8, purchase and-or direct build in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11496/20]
View answerThe number of social housing homes delivered in Co. Kildare has grown exponentially since the outset of Rebuilding Ireland in 2016.
Table 1 outlines a breakdown of Build Delivery in Co. Kildare of the three years requested.
Table 1: Overall Build Delivery (Co. Kildare) 2017-2019
|
Kildare County Council |
LA New Build |
AHB New Build |
Part V -New Build (All delivery streams) |
Total New Build |
LA Capped Voids |
All Build Total |
|
2017 |
28 |
66 |
24 |
118 |
8 |
126 |
|
2018 |
65 |
76 |
84 |
225 |
9 |
234 |
|
2019 |
128 |
171 |
154 |
453 |
0 |
453 |
|
Totals |
221 |
313 |
262 |
796 |
17 |
813 |
Table 2 give a breakdown of the number of Turnkeys delivered within the overall Build Total.
Table 2: Turnkey Delivery (Co. Kildare) 2017-2019
|
Kildare County Council |
AHB Turnkeys |
LA Turnkeys |
Total Turnkeys |
All Build Total |
|
2017 |
66 |
22 |
88 |
126 |
|
2018 |
131 |
39 |
170 |
234 |
|
2019 |
257 |
78 |
335 |
453 |
|
Totals |
454 |
139 |
593 |
813 |
Table 3 outlines the additional Acquisitions and Leasing outputs which delivered social homes in Co. Kildare over the period 2017-2019 inclusive.
Table 3: Social Housing Acquisitions and Leasing Outputs (Co. Kildare) 2017-2019
|
Kildare County Council |
LA Acquisition |
AHB Acquisition |
Acquisition Total |
Leasing Total |
|
2017 |
108 |
141 |
249 |
53 |
|
2018 |
164 |
68 |
232 |
24 |
|
2019 |
241 |
30 |
271 |
24 |
|
Totals |
513 |
239 |
752 |
101 |
Overall the number of social homes delivered through Build, Acquisition and Leasing over the past three years is 1,666 homes. Since, Rebuilding Ireland launched in 2016, almost 2,000 (1,919) social homes have been provided in by Kildare County Council in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies and we are committed to see this number grow over this year and going forward.
1083. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider classifying casual trading fees paid to councils as commercial rates in order to allow businesses to claim the restart grant, rates write-offs and other supports being administered by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11520/20]
View answerThe levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes. Similarly, the control, regulation, supervision and administration of casual trading are reserved functions for the elected members of each local authority. I have no power under legislation to classify casual trading fees in the manner suggested in the Question.
The Restart Fund and the associated terms and conditions are matters for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
1084. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider introducing temporary casual trading by-law measures in order to allow businesses that require mobile trading space due to social distancing measures to quickly get additional casual trading spaces in local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11521/20]
View answerThe making of bye-laws in relation to the administration of casual trading is a reserved function of local authorities under section 6 of the Casual Trading Act 1995. I have no function in this matter as the development and implementation of policy relating to all areas of the retail sector is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
For my part, as Minister with overall responsibility for local government, I have asked local authorities, through my officials, to support businesses to operate effectively under the Covid-19 restrictions.
1085. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on encouraging local authorities to suspend commercial rates for hotel and hospitality businesses when they are closed for the winter months; and his further views on providing local authorities with funding to make up a shortfall. [11546/20]
View answerThe levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes.
The amount of rates paid by a property is based on its rateable valuation, as determined by the Valuation Office, multiplied the Annual Rate on Valuation set annually by the elected members of the local authority in which the property is located. Rateable valuation of hotels and other properties in the hospitality sector determined by the Valuation Office already reflects the trading information such as the trading pattern, turnover, expenditure etc. of individual properties thereby taking account of locations where seasonality is a factor.
In order to support the local government sector, my Department is continuing to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow generally under review and will work with all local authorities on both collective and individual issues arising. In addition, my Department has engaged with the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to commercial rates and local authority funding issues, as well as the role that local authorities may be in a position to play in supporting economic recovery.
To that end, on 2 May 2020, the Government announced that a waiver of commercial rates will apply to all businesses that have been forced to close due to public health requirements, from 27 March 2020, for a three-month period. These costs will be met by the Exchequer. The administration by local authorities of this measure will be by way of a credit in lieu of commercial rates. My Department is currently preparing further guidance on the scope and application of the waiver for local authorities.
Government has also decided that the position following the end of the 3 month waiver will be reviewed at a later date, as part of a wider review of options to support enterprise and employment, and associated local authority funding implications, once the unwinding of public health restrictions has advanced.
1086. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will work with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, approved housing bodies and Tusla to ensure that there is a women's refuge in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/20]
View answerAs housing authorities, local authorities are responsible for the identification of the social housing need in their area. The statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) carried out annually since 2016 captures the total number of households qualified for social housing support to better inform policy and to allow local authorities, such as Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, to develop appropriate responses to meet this need.
Through the supports made available from my Department under Rebuilding Ireland, funding is available to deliver additional social housing stock through a range of initiatives. Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), capital funding may be provided, through housing authorities, to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the delivery of accommodation for people with specific categories of need. It is a matter for individual housing authorities to prioritise projects to be advanced under CAS. To date no proposal has been submitted from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown to my Department for consideration in relation to provision of a women’s refuge.
1087. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to extend the moratorium on evictions and revise the manner in which landlords can evict for rent arrears in view of the extreme loss of income experienced by many during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11566/20]
View answer1088. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a moratorium on upward rent review will be implemented in view of the extreme loss of income experienced by many during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11567/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1087 and 1088 together.
With effect from 27 March 2020, under new emergency measures introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period, tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation, other than in exceptional circumstances. The measures also prohibit any increase to rent for the duration of the emergency period. Initially, these emergency laws will last for a period of 3 months, but they may be extended if the Government considers it necessary.
Tenants are required to pay rent to their landlord during the COVID-19 emergency period and, in the event of tenants having difficulty doing so, they are encouraged to engage with their landlords at the earliest opportunity. They should also engage with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) as income supports and Rent Supplement are available to assist them. Further information on these supports can be found by calling the DEASP Income Support Helpline for Covid-19 on 1890 800 024 or by visiting the DEASP website at:
www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/home.aspx.
My Department and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) urge landlords to consider the negative impacts of COVID-19 on their tenants and to show forbearance where temporary rent arrears might arise. I have asked my Department to undertake a piece of research on the potential accumulation of rent arrears during the emergency period in conjunction with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) as part of the established Department/ESRI housing research programme. The research will have regard to the range of rental and income supports being made available to those affected by COVID-19, and will assess the combined impact that these supports together with the changed consumption patterns have on the incidence of arrears.
My Department recently published a Guidance Document on COVID-19 supports for landlords and tenants, which sets out the emergency rental measures and income and other supports available to tenants and landlords during the emergency period. The Guidance document is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/COVID_Update_Guidance_Document_final.pdf
and a list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed and is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf
During the emergency period, a landlord can still serve their tenant with a warning notice if their tenant is in rent arrears or otherwise failing to fulfil their obligations. The landlord must give their tenant 28 days, rather than the usual 14 days, from receipt of a rent arrears warning notice to pay the arrears. The longer rent arrears warning notice during the emergency period is intended to afford more time for tenants to seek any necessary income support. A notice of tenancy termination cannot be served by a landlord during the emergency period for any reason.
The RTB is encouraging all customers who may require assistance or advice, including in relation to any threatened eviction, to contact them via their web chat service as there may be delays to their phone lines during the emergency period. The webchat service can be accessed at the following link: https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/contact-us/.
Under the legislation, the process for any extension of the 3 month COVID-19 emergency period involves the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government requesting the Government to make an Order, having consulted with the Minister for Health and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Government must consider it appropriate and be satisfied that it is in the public interest to extend the emergency period having regard to:
- the threat to public health;
- the highly contagious nature of COVID-19; and
- the need to restrict the movement of persons to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The consideration of whether to request the Government to make an Order to extend the emergency period is ongoing and any subsequent request to Government will be made at the appropriate time and in accordance with the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020.
It is not possible to amend the provisions of the Act at this time.
1089. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a greater level of support will be ensured for tenants accruing arrears due to a loss of income experienced by many during the Covid-19 pandemic; if further support will be ensured for HAP and rent allowance tenants who are paying top-ups to their landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11568/20]
View answerTenants are required to pay rent to their landlord during the COVID-19 emergency period and, in the event of tenants having difficulty doing so, they are encouraged to engage with their landlords at the earliest opportunity. They should also engage with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) as income supports and Rent Supplement are available to assist them. Further information on these supports can be found by calling the DEASP Income Support Helpline for Covid-19 on 1890 800 024 or by visiting the DEASP website at:
www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/home.aspx.
My Department and the RTB urge landlords to consider the negative impacts of COVID-19 on their tenants and to show forbearance where temporary rent arrears might arise. I have asked my Department to undertake a piece of research on the potential accumulation of rent arrears during the emergency period in conjunction with the ESRI as part of the established Department/ESRI housing research programme. The research will have regard to the range of rental and income supports being made available to those affected by COVID-19, and will assess the combined impact that these supports together with the changed consumption patterns have on the incidence of arrears.
My Department recently published a Guidance Document on COVID-19 supports for landlords and tenants, which sets out the emergency rental measures and income and other supports available to tenants and landlords during the emergency period. The Guidance document is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/COVID_Update_Guidance_Document_final.pdf.
and a list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed and is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf.
The RTB is encouraging all customers who may require assistance or advice, including in relation to any threatened eviction, to contact them via their web chat service as there may be delays to their phone lines during the emergency period. The webchat service can be accessed at the following link: https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/contact-us/.
Under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended. HAP supported tenancies are afforded the same protections as all private rented tenancies. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case-by-case basis.
My Department is aware that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords, beyond the amount of HAP being paid on their behalf. There is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards the monthly rent to their landlord beyond that of their HAP payment. However, decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is solely a matter for the local authority concerned and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs being sought.
Where HAP tenants are not financially impacted by the COVID-19 measures, they are expected to continue to pay their HAP differential rent. However, if tenants’ circumstances change, the local authority should reassess those tenants and adjust their differential rent accordingly. Local authorities have been requested to ensure that HAP tenants newly in receipt of Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) supports be facilitated in remaining in their HAP tenancies. If amendments cannot be made immediately to a tenant’s differential rent amount, any arrears accumulating from the date of approval of the new DEASP support should be rectified at a later date. This will not affect the HAP payment to the landlord.
The DEASP Rent Supplement scheme continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 21,150 recipients. The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that renters experiencing a temporary loss of employment during the COVID-19 emergency can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Since the introduction of the Government’s COVID-19 emergency response approximately, 6,400 customers have been provided Rent Supplement support; in addition, there are currently, approximately, 1,500 pending applications awaiting a decision or in the process of providing the necessary documentation to the officer dealing with their claim. The DEASP response to the COVID-19 emergency has ensured the flexibility of the Rent Supplement scheme via specific measures to prevent undue delays in processing applications despite the large number of new cases received over a relatively short timeframe. The 2/3 day turnaround of applications ensures that customers do not build up rent arrears and officers attempt to ensure that a person's rental obligations are met in full.
The DEASP Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme offers a safety net within the overall social welfare system by providing assistance to those whose means are insufficient to meet their own needs and those of their dependents. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance to those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. There are several payments within the scheme including once-off exceptional needs payments (ENPs) which can cover rent arrears.
Where a person has a change of circumstances, such as a loss of income, they should notify the relevant local authority in the case of a HAP claim, or the DEASP for Rent Supplement to assess the level of any payment that can be made.
1090. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount his Department spent on social media monitoring in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11844/20]
View answerThe social media accounts of my Department are managed and monitored by my officials. There was no expenditure on social media monitoring by my Department in 2018 and 2019.
1091. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if offshore islands can be travelled to by persons living on the mainland in a county adjacent to that island under the current travel restrictions that apply in phase 2 of the adjusted Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11013/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, only those resident on an island and those providing essential services are permitted to travel to and from the islands until 10 August 2020. These restrictions are still in place, pending the expected publication of revised guidance.
1092. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for theatre opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11352/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work is being carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie. Organisations should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for organisations in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers, employees and artists the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Authority which is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. The HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
With regards to the reopening of theatres, the Theatre Forum has published guidelines for the reopening of arts centres and these have been welcomed by the Arts Council. These guidelines which can be accessed here www.theatreforum.ie/assets/uploads/Re-opening-Arts-Centres_Doc-v.1.1.pdf should assist arts centres and other cultural facilities throughout the country to consider how they might prepare to re-open under totally changed circumstances. The guidelines recognise arts centres as places of work for artists, and as places for audiences to participate and engage with the arts.
The Arts Council has established a short-term Advisory Group to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. This group brings together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors and will report to the Arts Council on measures to sustain the arts sector through the current challenging period including the challenges posed by reopening. I understand that the Group will complete their work shortly and I look forward to receiving their report.
Fáilte Ireland recently published guidelines for the tourism sector in line with the Government’s Roadmap and which were prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses including some theatres to meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice. The report can be accessed at this link: https://covid19.failteireland.ie/business-supports/business-reopening/activity-providers/guidelines-for-reopening/.
1093. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if access could be opened to the islands in a phased manner with the development of phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business seeing free movement within counties. [11443/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, only those resident on the islands and those providing essential services are permitted to travel to and from the islands until 10 August 2020. These restrictions are still in place, pending the expected publication of revised guidance.
1094. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress being made with the Barrow blueway project; the target date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10605/20]
View answerIn November 2019, funding of €5m was awarded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Waterways Ireland and its partners, Kildare and Laois County Councils to progress the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy. As part of indicative timescales in relation to the project, Waterways Ireland has informed the Department that detailed analysis and design of the route and infrastructure is taking place currently. Work is due to commence on the project in Autumn 2020 with a completion date of Spring 2022.
1095. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the Arts Council has decided not to create a new platform to host the work of the recipients of the Covid-19 response award; and the alternative means that will be used to disseminate the work of the recipients. [10888/20]
View answerThe Arts Council is statutorily independent under Section 24 of the Arts Act 2003 and I as Minister have no function in relation to the Council’s funding decisions.
I understand that the Arts Council decided that work created by the recipients of the Covid-19 response award will be presented on the Arts Council website and other platforms including those of media organisations and of resource organisations funded by the Arts Council.
1096. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the approved payments will be allocated to Irish colleges and bean an tí. [11080/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be pleased to learn that I recently approved a once-off emergency measure worth €4.7m to support the stabilisation of the Gaeltacht Irish summer college sector.
The stabilisation fund is being provided as a specific once-off measure with the overall objective of ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector, thereby enabling it to continue to contribute to the systematic effort being made to support the language and Gaeltacht regions in line with the overarching objectives of the Government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the accompanying 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022. The measure follows the cancellation, on 20th April 2020, of Irish summer college course by my Department in the interests of protecting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under this measure, up to €3.1m will be directed at supporting the college authorities to refund fees/deposits to parents while a further €1.6m is being allocated under the measure towards supporting the c. 700 certified Gaeltacht householders who normally keep students attending one of the recognised 42 colleges during the summer months.
My Department will continue to engage with the sector, namely the relevant college authorities as well as the Gaeltacht households recognised under the Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in order to administer the application process in relation to the measure. It is expected that the processing of payments will commence at the end of June.
1097. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will recommend to the planning authority that a structure (details supplied) be added to the register of protected structures. [11153/20]
View answerMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility, however, to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). The area in which the building is question is located has not yet been surveyed by the NIAH and I understand that it is not currently listed in the Record of Protected Structures. I understand the structure concerned is part of a live planning application and therefore I am precluded from commenting on the matter.
1098. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh Coláistí Samhradh cónaithe ábalta teacht ar an maoiniú don lóistín atá ar fáil faoi chóras an Tionscnaimh Cobhsaithe; cén saghas tacaíochta atá ar fáil do ghnónna eile áitiúla a bheadh ag freastal ar phobal na gColáistí, amhail siopaí agus bialanna; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11159/20]
View answerBeidh áthas ar an Teachta a chloisteáil gur fhógair mé le gairid ciste éigeandála aon uaire ar fiú €4.7m chun tacú le cobhsú earnáil na gcoláistí samhraidh Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Is beart aon uaire é a bhfuil mar aidhm aige inmharthanacht leanúnach na hearnála a chinntiú agus dá réir, ligean don earnáil leanúint ar aghaidh chun cur leis an iarracht chórasach atá á déanamh chun tacú leis an nGaeilge agus leis na réigiúin Ghaeltachta de réir chuspóirí uileghabhálacha an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030 agus an Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018–2022 lena mbaineann.
Faoin gciste cobhsaithe atá fógartha, cuirfear tacaíocht ar fiú suas le €3.1m é i dtreo údaráis na gcoláistí le cur ar a gcumas táillí/éarlais a aisíoc le tuismitheoirí agus cuirfear €1.6m ar fáil chun tacú leis an 700 teaghlach Gaeltachta incháilithe a chuireann lóistín deimhnithe ar fáil dóibh siúd a fhreastalaíonn ar cheann de na 42 coláiste samhraidh Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a bhfuil aitheantas acu faoin scéim.
Tagann an tionscnamh seo tar éis gur fhógair mo Roinn ar an 20 Aibreán 2020 nach reáchtálfaí aon chúrsa foghlama Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht an samhradh seo de bharr na paindéime Covid-19, ar mhaithe le sláinte phoiblí a chosaint.
Is é an ráta caighdeánach a bheidh iníoctha leis na coláistí faoin mbeart ná suas le 15% de tháillí na gcúrsaí aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG), suas le híocaíocht uasta de €150 an scoláire an cúrsa. Tá an íocaíocht forchostais seo bunaithe ar iomlán na dtáillí cúrsa iníoctha i ndáil le scoláirí a bhí cláraithe le haghaidh cúrsaí amhail ar 20 Aibreán 2020, an dáta a d’fhógair mo Roinn go gcealófaí cúrsaí mar gheall ar COVID-19. Meastar gurb é €3.07 milliún iomlán an chostais.
Is é an ráta caighdeánach a bheidh iníoctha i leith lóistín (coláistí cónaithe aitheanta san áireamh) ná suas le 40% den íocaíocht laethúil a bhíonn iníoctha ag mo Roinn go hiondúil faoin scéim (ie €10 an scoláire do na teaghlaigh, €5 an scoláire do na coláistí cónaithe). Faoin socrú seo dá réir, íocfar suas le 40%, is é sin €4 an scoláire an oíche do na teaghlaigh cháilithe agus €2 an scoláire an oíche do na coláistí cónaithe atá aitheanta ag mo Roinn.
Beidh iomlán na híocaíochta do gach teaghlach bunaithe ar líon na scoláirí ar íocadh SFG ina leith don tréimhse ó Aibreán go Lúnasa 2019. Maidir leis na coláistí cónaithe, fearacht na gcoláistí eile, bunófar an íocaíocht a ndéanfar leo ar líon na scoláirí a bhí cláraithe acu le haghaidh cúrsaí suas go dtí 20 Aibreán 2020, an dáta a d’fhógair mo Roinn go raibh cúrsaí curtha ar ceal. Fágann sé seo ar fad go mbeidh tacaíocht ar fáil do na coláistí cónaithe faoin dá ghné den tionscnamh cobhsaithe.
Beidh mo Roinn ag dul i dteagmháil go rí-ghairid leis an earnáil – idir lucht stiúrtha na gcoláistí - coláistí cónaithe san áireamh agus, ar ndóígh, leis na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge chun an próiseas a chur ar bun faoina ndáilfear an cúnamh.
Maidir le gnóanna eile sa Ghaeltacht, tá Údarás na Gaeltachta ag dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin reatha agus ag obair as lámh a chéile le Ranna Rialtais agus Gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha eile i rith an ama chun a chinntiú go mbainfidh a chliant comhlachtaí leas as an raon tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil ón Stát. Sa chomhthéacs sin, is fiú dom a threisiú go bhfuil teagmháil leanúnach ar bun idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus Údarás na Gaeltachta chun a chinntiú go bhfuil na tacaíochtaí sin ag feidhmiú mar is cuí agus chun brúphointí airgeadais a mhaolú.
Fearacht na socraithe i ndáil leis na heagraíochtaí Gaeltachta a fheidhmíonn le cúnamh reatha na Roinne, chuir an Roinn cistíocht chuí i bhfoirm réamhíocaíochta ar fáil don Údarás chun go mbeadh siad in ann coinneáil orthu ag seachadadh clár oibre atá ar leas foriomlán a chliant comhlachtaí agus gheilleagar na Gaeltachta i ndeireadh báire.
Tá Údarás na Gaeltacha ag obair go dlúth le Fiontraíocht Éireann chomh maith le cinntiú go bhfuil scéimeanna tacaíochta an fhorais stáit sin ar fáil do ghnólachtaí Gaeltachta go díreach tríd an Údarás. Tá deontais agus dearbháin éagsúla ar fáil chun tacú le pleanáil airgeadais, leanúnachas gnó agus trádáil ar line, mar aon leis na cistí maoinithe agus tacaíochtaí eile atá curtha ar fáil ag an Rialtas, cosúil leis an Scéim Fóirdheontais Pá Covid-19.
Go deimhin an tseachtain seo caite, fógraíodh go bhfuil €600,000 breise curtha ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta leis an Scéim Dearbhán Trádála Ar Líne a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht.
Tá léirithe ag cliantchuideachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil ar a gcumas, agus gur mian leo, a bheith nuálaíoch chun teacht tríd an bpaindéim seo, go príomha mar a bhaineann sé leis an ngluaiseacht seo i dtreo trádáil ar líne. Cuideoidh an maoiniú breise seo ar fiú €0.6m, atá á chur ar fáil ag mo Roinn féin agus ag an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil, le cumasú don Údarás tacú níos fearr le gnólachtaí Gaeltachta agus iad ag aistriú i dtreo trádáil ar líne le linn na tréimhse dúshlánaí seo don gheilleagar domhanda.
1099. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to bird kills involving the banned insecticide carbofuran; and the steps she plans to undertake to prevent bird kills involving insecticide products. [11191/20]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is aware of an incident of poisoning involving the death of a number of buzzards in West Cork a number of months ago. Testing of the carcasses was carried out by the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Cork which confirmed that the cause of death was the banned insecticide Carbofuran. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Nos 1413, 1414, 1416, 1420, 1424 and 1428 of 20 May 2020 for further information on this incident.
Officials of the NPWS of my Department are continuing their investigation into this case.
1100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has received a submission from a group (details supplied) for special assistance to deal with the effects in the short and medium-term of the Covid-19 pandemic on the very important events industry; when the consideration of the submission will be completed and decisions made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/20]
View answerI wish to advise that a reply to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has issued.
In accordance with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business announced on the 5th June, there are now two remaining phases instead of three, with Phase 3 starting on the 29th of June, and Phase 4 on the 20th of July. Further work is being carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine which actions will take place in each phase. Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie. Organisations should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures. Based on their assessment, identify which category in which phase of reopening they will be in a position to reopen safely and in line with the continued public health measures. It is not necessary for organisations to seek official authorisation to reopen.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for organisations in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers, employees and artists the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Authority which is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. The HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
With regards to the reopening of arts and cultural centres, the Theatre Forum has published guidelines for the reopening of arts centres and these have been welcomed by the Arts Council. These guidelines which can be accessed here www.theatreforum.ie/assets/uploads/Re-opening-Arts-Centres_Doc-v.1.1.pdf should assist arts centres and other cultural facilities throughout the country to consider how they might prepare to re-open under totally changed circumstances. The guidelines recognise arts centres as places of work for artists, and as places for audiences to participate and engage with the arts.
The Arts Council has established a short-term Advisory Group to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. This group brings together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors and will report to the Arts Council on measures to sustain the arts sector through the current challenging period including the challenges posed by reopening.
Fáilte Ireland recently published guidelines for the tourism sector in line with the Government’s Roadmap and which were prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses including some theatres to meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice. The report can be accessed at this link: https://covid19.failteireland.ie/business-supports/business-reopening/activity-providers/guidelines-for-reopening/.
On 20th May my colleagues the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, announced the formation of a special Tourism Recovery Taskforce. The Taskforce is charged with preparing a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Minister which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023.
More generally, in light of the challenges faced by the arts and culture sector, the Taoiseach and I today announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. The funding will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations, and resources for museums and culture workers as they prepare for the re-opening of society. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.
A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.
In addition to all of these measures, my Department and the Department of an Taoiseach will also convene a meeting of relevant representatives from the public and private sector to discuss how to protect and sustain the arts and culture sector through the Covid19 recovery and beyond, recognising that the issues faced by venues as well as artists in an era where mass gatherings are restricted, are unique and will be problematic for quite some time.
1101. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici íocaíocht a dhéanamh leis na mná a bhí ag coinneáil mic léinn meánscoile ar na hoileáin i leith na tréimhse idir Mí an Mhárta agus deireadh na scoilbhliana agus suas go dtí an tréimhse sin, mar a dhéanfar leis na mná tí a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11250/20]
View answerTá na socruithe riaracháin idir lámha faoi láthair ag an Roinn maidir leis an gciste cobhsaithe atá bunaithe ar leas earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge - a bhfuil na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge mar chuid lárnach di.
Tá an ghné den scéal a bhaineann leis na teaghlaigh sin a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh siúd a dhéanann freastal ar feadh scoilbhliain iomlán sa ghnáthbhealach ar cheann de na hiar-bhunscoileanna oileánda á breithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair.
Chomh luath is atá cinneadh ina leith déanta, beidh mo Roinn i dteagmháil, mar is cuí, leis na teaghlaigh ábhartha sin agus go deimhin leis na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta trí chéile mar a bhaineann sé le dáileadh an chiste chobhsaithe.
1102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the Arts Council survey of artists and the report on the impact of Covid-19 on Irish artists which she received in April 2020 from the Arts Council; the urgent action she plans to take on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/20]
View answerThe Arts Council had undertaken surveys of arts organisations and artists to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on audiences, employment and finances.
The Arts Council has published the results of the surveys on its website. They are available at the following link www.artscouncil.ie/publications/?&Year=2020#search. Among the findings to emerge from the surveys was the cancellation of 12,000 events with projected audiences of 2.4 million, with 90% of artists and 85% of arts organisations affected by cancelled or postponed events.
In light of these findings, and a widespread consultation with sectoral stakeholders, the Taoiseach and I today announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. The funding will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations, and resources for museums and culture workers as they prepare for the re-opening of society. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.
A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.
1103. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding financial support for higher education; and if there are additional subsidies available. [11270/20]
View answerThe Arts Council is the principal agency through which current funding is channeled to artists and arts organisations. The Arts Council provides funding for a number of bursaries including dance as well as travel and training awards to support professional artists to develop their art practice. Applicants are eligible to apply for such funding on reaching 18. Under Section 24 of the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is independent in the performance of its funding functions.
My colleague the Minister for Educational and Skills operates a number of scholarships and bursaries for students studying abroad and may be aware of supports from which assistance could be provided. The individual concerned may also wish to review the criteria for the various scholarship and bursary schemes supported by that Department, to determine if he/she might be eligible for support. Information on these schemes can be accessed at the following link: www.education.ie/en/Learners/Services/Scholarships/.
1104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the restoration of the Ulster Canal; when she expects the project to fully reach completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11343/20]
View answerIn July 2007, the North South Ministerial Council agreed to a proposal to restore a 13km section of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones. This project is important for the border region with potential to stimulate economic activity, giving a much needed boost to job creation and with the growth in water based tourism helping to attract significant numbers of visitors to the area.
In relation to Phase 1, work was completed in 2019 on dredging works to the River Finn, construction of a new navigation arch at Derrykerrib Bridge and the installation of a new mooring facility at Castlesaunderson.
In Phase 2, Waterways Ireland was successful in 2019 in securing funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund towards the restoration of the canal between Clones and Clonfad (circa 1 km) in County Monaghan. The body is currently preparing plans for the restoration of this section of the canal while a commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply is ongoing. Future plans include connecting Castle Saunderson to Clonfad, thereby linking the town of Clones by navigable waterway to the Erne system.
Waterways Ireland is also continuing to work with its local authority partners to develop 22km of greenway along the Ulster Canal from Smithborough, Co. Monaghan to Middletown, Co. Armagh.
Work is currently on-going to prepare for a planning application. An Ulster Canal Greenway strategy has been produced by Waterways Ireland and its partners which sets out how this greenway could become the spine of a network of off-road greenways across this rural border region.
The project is progressing incrementally, as resources allow, and options for moving to the next phases are being considered.
