Written Answers Nos. 900-924
900. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to simplify the process to apply for a postal vote to include persons with a letter from their employer asking that they be accommodated with a postal vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13530/20]
View answerPostal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of a number of categories of electors - whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of An Garda Síochána, Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners, electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability, electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day, full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State, prisoners and certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside.
An application for a postal vote for electors who are unable to vote at their polling station due to circumstances of occupation, service or employment must be certified by an employer, or in the case of a self-employed person, a statutory declaration, indicating that due to circumstances of their employment they are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote at a polling station. The application form (PV2) is available from local authorities and on www.checktheregister.ie
Work is currently ongoing in my Department to modernise the electoral registration process. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future contains a commitment to complete the modernisation process for voter registration, including through the simplification of forms and the registration process and the development of an online registration option. It also commits to the establishment of an Electoral Commission which will examine the use of postal voting with a view to expanding its provision.
901. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has established a working from home policy for its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/20]
View answerThe majority of staff in my Department have been facilitated to work remotely in accordance with Government policy and HSE advice during the COVID 19 pandemic. Guidance has been provided to staff to support them in this changed working environment and online training has also been made available. A remote working policy for my Department is currently being drafted for the post-pandemic period. My Department will continue to liaise with their colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard.
902. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to change co-living regulations to limit the potential to spread viruses such as Covid-19. [13576/20]
View answerThe new Programme for Government, identifies the need to avoid over-concentration of particular housing types in areas, by requiring local authorities to complete housing need and demand assessments to inform delivery of an appropriate mix of housing typologies to cater for the needs of disparate household types and sizes.
Further to this, my Department will continue to monitor the operation of the Sustainable Urban Housing Guidance with regard to co-living, which will also be informed by the work of a Commission on Housing that will be established under the Programme for Government, to examine issues that will include tenure, standards, sustainability and quality of life in the provision of housing.
903. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the of processing the foreshore licence application by Galway City Council in order that it can commence critical coastal protection works from Sáilín to Silverstrand; when the application was received; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13602/20]
View answerMy Department received an application from Galway City Council in 2014 to develop coastal protection works in an area that is within a designated Special Area of Conservation. There has been correspondence between my Department and the City Council including a request to submit a Natura Impact Statement to allow for Appropriate Assessment of the application and further correspondence raised questions about material alterations and deviations from the planning consent granted by An Bord Pleanala. The Council, in their most recent correspondence detailed the deviations, among other clarifications, but did not comment on validity of the planning consent in these circumstances.
A lot of time has elapsed since this application was originally submitted and there are still complex environmental and planning issues involved. To progress matters the Council should engage with the Marine Planning, Policy and Development Unit of my Department and jointly work towards having the application determined.
905. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will enquire with the Land Registry Office regarding the way in which a situation (details supplied) could occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13626/20]
View answerIn relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority (PRA), arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.
907. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if arrangements will be made to automatically transfer persons in receipt of the rent supplement payment onto the housing assistance payment in view of the impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/20]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. In order for a household to qualify for HAP, they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP.
If a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority. Accordingly, the determination of entitlement to HAP, including the assessment of an applicant's means, is governed by the same arrangements as for other social housing supports.
HAP is replacing Rent Supplement for those with a long-term housing need who qualify for social housing support. However, Rent Supplement will remain available through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to households as a short-term income support.
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. These emergency laws initially applied for a period of 3 months from the enactment of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020, however, this period has now extended until 20 July 2020.
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
908. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he is satisfied with the running and performance of private homeless hostels in view of evidence to show that some private homeless hostels do not Garda vet some staff, in view of the fact that legislation stipulates that persons working with children or vulnerable adults must be Garda vetted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13695/20]
View answer909. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the hiring of staff for privately run homeless hostels without Garda vetting is an issue to which his attention has been drawn; the measures he plans to put in place that will prohibit such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13697/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 908 and 909 together.
Supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness is a priority for this Government. My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
A National Quality Standards Framework has been developed to ensure a consistent approach in how local authorities and service providers respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and to improve the quality of services provided to individuals, families and their children who are accessing emergency accommodation.
The Framework includes the provision that service providers must ensure that staff recruitment and selection procedures comply with statutory vetting requirements. The Framework has been fully operational across the Dublin region since February 2019. All local authorities were requested to fully implement the Framework over a 12-month period, commencing from 1 July 2019.
Arising out of a commitment made in Rebuilding Ireland, a specific course on child protection was developed in partnership between the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and Tusla. The DRHE has been providing child protection training to Private Emergency Accommodation staff, which covers their legal responsibilities under child protection legislation. Child protection booklets have been distributed to operators of private emergency accommodation.
910. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his officials have considered a notice of motion passed by the Shannon Municipal District of Clare County Council in March 2019 subsequently referred to his Department, calling for town status to be granted to the densely populated cluster of Westbury, Shannon Banks and Carraid Midhe in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/20]
View answerThe Local Government Reform Act 2014 established municipal districts as the fundamental sub-county level of governance and democratic representation in the State. Separate town councils are not provided for under the Act. Municipal districts are a key decision-making component, with specified reserved powers, of plenary councils and each municipal district can include several towns and their hinterlands.
The new Programme for Government specifically commits to ensuring a strong voice for towns at the heart of local authority decision making. It also commits to considering the review by the Institute of Public Administration regarding the role and operation of municipal districts with a view to strengthening local democracy and to identifying local needs and initiatives needed to strengthen and grow our communities, villages and towns in a sustainable manner. This review, which was published on 25 June 2020, is available on the Institute's website at https://www.ipa.ie/_fileUpload/Documents/MunicipalReport_June2020.pdf .
911. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it is planned to permit general travel to the offshore islands in view of the fact that phase 5 of the opening of the country has been brought forward to phase four of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the reason for the delay in making an announcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12703/20]
View answer912. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when persons will be allowed to travel on and off the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12936/20]
View answer922. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when persons that own homes on offshore islands but do not reside there can travel to the islands. [13511/20]
View answer927. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the islands will not reopen for tourism before the end of July 2020, in view of the concerns of islanders; the protocols and directions that will be in place for the opening of the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13605/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 911, 912, 922 and 927 together.
My Department has had extensive consultation and engagement with island community and business representatives throughout the COVID-19 crisis, in order to understand the challenges facing island communities and help inform Government policy in managing the crisis.
The Government has been guided by advice from health professionals when considering the acceleration of the original Roadmap. Acting on this advice, the Government has been in a position to ease restrictions earlier than originally anticipated, with all travel restrictions within the country being removed as and from 29 June.
The Department has advised all ferry operators to regularly review the HSE website to ensure they are implementing the requisite guidelines. The HSE has also developed a set of guidelines specifically for ferries operating to the offshore islands:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/porthealthguidance/COVID-19_Guidance%20for%20ferries%20to%20offshore%20islands_v1_20.03.2020.pdf
These guidelines set out the steps that should be taken by the ferry operators, from use of graphics and notices, to hygiene practices, and how to deal with any passengers that may have COVID 19.
The Department understands that work is underway to ensure the proper signage and protocols are in place on the piers, reminding those using the piers to adhere to guidelines in terms of social distancing etc.
The reduction in the spread of the virus has been such that, in keeping with health advice, Government is confident that the restrictions on travel to the islands may now be lifted, with travel to the islands now being permitted as and from 29 June. The protocols and guidelines in relation to social distancing, use of masks and general hygiene advice all remain in place on the ferries as on other forms of public transport. In addition, the Department is in contact with all of the relevant local authorities and Departments responsible for the upkeep of the piers in order to confirm that they have taken steps to ensure the safety of ferry passengers.
913. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if musical societies such as those within a centre (details supplied) are eligible to apply for funding support under the Covid-19 related schemes from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12726/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a range of measures aimed at supporting organisations during the coronavirus crisis. Organisation such as that referred to by the Deputy, can avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners to allow it to retain its employees for the duration of the crisis. The Government has extended the scheme until 31 August. If the organisation is unable to retain some or all employees, they can avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment which is operated by the Department of Social Protection and Rural Development and the Islands.
Earlier this month in light of the challenges faced by the arts and culture sector, Government allocated an additional €20 million to the Arts Council bringing its 2020 allocation to a total of €100 million. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is independent in its decisions on funding and I as Minister cannot intervene. The Council has indicated that it will provide funding to include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations. It has also said that it will take a national and local approach to the survival of strategic arts organisations, particularly arts centres and other buildings-based organisations to meet financial commitments for 2020.
914. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date her Department has identified as the reopening date for cinemas; the restrictions which will be in place in respect of the operation of cinemas in terms of social distancing and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12735/20]
View answerThe third phase of lifting the public health restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus took effect from 29 June 2020. Cinemas are included in the list of cultural venues that may open from that date. Reopening is subject to the Phase 3 and Phase 4 restrictions on numbers for indoor public gatherings as well as other important public health advice including in relation to social distancing. As the country continues to reopen, every step will be guided by scientific evidence and public health advice, including in relation to any restrictions in place.
915. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provided by her Department to a museum (details supplied) over the past 20 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12959/20]
View answerFollowing a review of Departmental records dating back to its establishment in 2011, I am not aware of any application for funding submitted by the museum referred to and, accordingly, no funding has been provided.
916. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá ag an Rialtas chun a chinntiú nach ndéanfar slad éagothrom arís ar Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomparáid leis an nGníomhaireacht Forbartha Tionscail agus le Fiontraíocht Éireann agus chun a chinntiú go ndéanfar infheistiú suntasach d’fhonn cothromú a dhéanamh ar an slad ó 2018 chun go gcuirfear ar chumas an Údaráis fostaíocht a chruthú agus teacht i dtír ar éigeandáil Covid-19; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13069/20]
View answerI dtús báire, is mian liom a chur in iúl do Teachta go bhfuil soláthar iomlán de €23.652m curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn d’Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2020. Baineann €10m den soláthar seo le buiséad caipitil na heagraíochta chun fostaíocht a chruthú.
Sa bhreis air sin, tá ciste suas le €10.484m san iomlán curtha ar fáil don Údarás faoin gCiste um Athghiniúint agus Forbairt Tuaithe, chomh maith leis an gCiste um Forbairt Fiontraíochta Réigiúnaí le dhá bhliain anuas.
Is mian liom an Teach a chur ar an eolas go raibh an leibhéal is mó fostaíochta le 11 bliain i gcliantchomhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta sa bhliain 2019. Cruthaíodh 593 post nua lánaimseartha - rud a chiallaigh glanmhéadú de 219 post lánaimseartha. D’fhág sé seo go raibh 7,844 post lánaimseartha i gcliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis ag deireadh na bliana 2019.
Ó thárla géarchéim COVID-19, bíonn teagmháil leanúnach ag oifigigh mo Roinne le hoifigigh Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin tionchar a d’fhéadfadh an ghéarchéim a imirt ar chliantchomhalachtaí na heagraíochta.
An tseachtain seo caite, d'fhógair mo Roinn go mbeadh rochtain ag cliantchomhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta ar réimse iomlán tacaíochtaí faoin gCiste Cothaithe Fiontair agus €5 milliún breise ar fail i mbliana mar thús don eagraíocht, le hathbhreithniú le bheith déanta ar a cuid riachtanas roimh dheireadh na bliana. Cinntíonn sé seo go mbeidh rochtain ag fiontair Ghaeltachta ar an gCiste €180m Cothaithe Fiontair, atá á riar ag na háisíneachtaí Stáit le cúramaí fiontraíochta, faoi mar a aontaíodh ag an Roinn Fiontair, Gnó agus Nuálaíochta leis an Coimisiún Eorpacha faoin gcreat sealadach cúnaimh Stáit.
Tagann sé seo sna sála ar mhaoiniú breise de €0.6m a fógraíodh d’Údarás na Gaeltachta cúpla seachtain ó shin chun an Scéime Trádála Ar Líne a fheidhmiú sa Ghaeltacht. Is mar thoradh ar an gcomhoibriú leanúnach idir mo Roinn agus Údaras na Gaeltachta agus na ranna agus áisíneachtaí ábhartha eile Stáit atá na tacaíochtaí praiticiúla seo curtha ar fáil do ghnólachtaí atá buailte de bharr Covid-19.
917. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na bearta a dhéanfaidh an Rialtas chun buiséad líne Fhoras na Gaeilge a ardú, ar a laghad go dtí an leibhéal ar a raibh sé in 2007, chun a chumasú don Fhoras tacaíocht a thabhairt don teanga i rith éigeandáil Covid-19 agus dá héis; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13071/20]
View answerIs í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn na buiséid do na Forais Trasteorann uile, An Foras Teanga san áireamh. Mar gheall ar chúinsí polaitiúla i dTuaisceart Éireann, áfach, níorbh fhéidir cruinnithe CATT a eagrú ó lár 2016 i leith agus, dá bhrí sin, níl na buiséid i leith 2017 go 2020 ceadaithe go hoifigiúil go fóill. Idir an dá linn, ó 2017, tá sé aontaithe ag na Ranna Airgeadais sa dá dhlínse go bhfeidhmeodh na Forais Trasteorann uile de réir na buiséid a cheadaigh an CATT ina leith don bhliain 2016.
I mbliana, íocfaidh mo Roinn €11,087,183 (75% den ollbhuiséad CATT) d'Fhoras na Gaeilge. Anuas air sin, cuirfidh mo Roinn maoiniú breise ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le nithe imfhálaithe mar a bhaineann le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge (€1,061,165) agus Colmcille (€118,519). Is fiú a nótáil freisin go ligtear d'Fhoras na Gaeilge an t-ioncam breise a ghintear ó dhíol leabhar agus eile a choinneáil le caitheamh ar a chuid gníomhaíochtaí.
Ba mhaith liom a threisiú go bhfuil an Rialtas ag tacú i gcónaí le clár oibre Fhoras na Gaeilge chun an teanga a chur chun cinn ar bhonn uile-oileáin. Táim sásta go bhfuil na hallúntais atá curtha ar fáil dom le cúpla bliain anuas le caitheamh ar chláir Ghaeilge agus Ghaeltachta mo Roinne agus na n-eagras atá faoina cúram á chaitheamh go stuama ar mhaithe leis an Ghaeilge agus an Ghaeltacht a chur chun cinn agus a fhorbairt.
Is mian liom a dheimhniú go mbíonn oifigigh mo Roinne i dteagmháil ar bhonn rialta le Foras na Gaeilge ar mhaithe le riachtannais na heagraíochta, riachtannais de bharr na paindéime COVID-19 san áireamh, a phlé.
918. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a compensation package for summer schools (details supplied); if the funding is new funding; if not, if it is directed from existing schemes; if directed from existing schemes, the scheme and the budget allocation for the scheme for 2020; the reason accommodation providers applying for same are required to commit to providing accommodation in 2021 as part of the 2020 compensation scheme in view of the fact they have not been provided guidelines or information on potential social distancing requirements for 2021 which they may not be able to meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13205/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my predecessor announced the establishment of an emergency fund worth €4.7m in order to stabilise the Irish summer colleges sector. Funding for this stabilisation measure is being provided from existing resources provided this year for Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge within my Departments Vote, which became available for re-allocation following the decision, on 20th April 2020, to suspend the scheme for 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the primary objectives of this once-off funding is to ensure the long-term viability of the sector going forward into 2021 and beyond, for the benefit of both the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
Arrangements are currently in hand to disburse the fund to qualifying householders and college authorities.
In light of the importance to the sector of ensuring the ongoing availability of suitably qualified households to provide student accommodation into the future and, notwithstanding the uncertainty around how matters will unfold in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants under the stabilisation measure are being asked to confirm inter alia, that they intend to participate in the scheme next year.
Needless to say, my Department will continue to monitor the situation regarding the impact of COVID-19 on an ongoing basis in the context of the Irish summer colleges sector and ensure that public safety remains as a priority.
919. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures she plans to put in place to protect the language and culture of Gaeltacht areas in view of decisions by An Bord Pleanála to allow planning permission for relatively large-scale housing developments in Gaeltacht areas without a requirement for occupants to speak the language or embrace the local culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13332/20]
View answerThe Planning and Development Regulations 2001 contain a number of provisions aimed at protecting the language and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including promoting the Irish language as a community language.
Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 a Planning Authority must contact both my Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta for their views in relation to planning applications for developments which, in the opinion of the authority might materially affect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht, including the promotion of Irish as the community language.
While my Department recognises that compliance with these regulations is a matter for the relevant local authorities, the Department, in the context of its remit in relation to Gaeltacht regions and the Irish language, undertook to formally write on a number of occasions - most recently in 2018 - to the seven local authorities whose jurisdictional area include Gaeltacht regions in order to remind them of their responsibilities in this regard, particularly in the context of the ongoing implementation of the language planning process which has a statutory footing under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012.
While my Department will continue, when requested to do so, provide observations to planning authorities in relation to such planning applications which fall within the ambit of the aforementioned regulations, the Department also recognises that the decision to grant or refuse permission in such cases - and indeed to assign conditions in the case of such planning applications where permission is granted - is ultimately a matter for the relevant planning authorities.
920. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will bring forward policy measures to discourage persons from feeding seagulls in parks and public open spaces generally in view of the nuisance this creates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13409/20]
View answerMy Department's responsibilities include the protection and conservation of bird species including seagulls under national and EU legislation. I do not have the powers to control the feeding of bird species by members of the public in public open spaces which are matters for consideration by individual local authorities.
921. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if concerns (details supplied) raised in relation to the events industry will be addressed; if further supports will be made available for freelance and self-employed workers in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13424/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a wide range of measures aimed at supporting business during the COVID-19 crisis. Among these the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment operates a number of support packages available for all businesses including the sectors referred to by the Deputy. Measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need, and at vulnerable but viable companies. In parallel, the Revenue Commissioners operate the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which has been extended to 31 August, while the Department of Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands operates the Pandemic Unemployment Payment extended until 10 August. These supports are available to businesses and workers in the events industry and in the school transport system. Full details on these COVID-19 supports are available at the following links
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/63d47e-government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses/
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
My Department has responsibility for initiatives specific to the tourism sector and events and festivals. To this end, a Tourism Recovery Taskforce was set up to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan 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. Full details including updates may be accessed at this link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8f914-tourism-recovery-taskforce-news-and-updates/
There are also two jobseekers benefit schemes are in place for the self-employed as well as the Social Welfare Scheme for Self-Employed Artists. The latter scheme recognises the unique creative circumstances of artists in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance and gives them special assistance in their first year out of work, allowing them to focus on their creative output. Further detail of these schemes can be accessed at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/4cf0e2-covid-19-coronavirus-information-for-employers-and-employees-test/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0b6a34-advice-for-employers-and-employees/
On 16 June a significant investment of €25 million in Arts and Culture in 2020 was announced by Government 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.
Also on 16 June, it was announced that the Department of an Taoiseach and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht would 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. That process of engagement is now underway.
923. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated date for the publication of the islands action plan. [13512/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government established an Interdepartmental Committee for Island Development in July last year and, following meetings of this committee, a work plan was agreed for the preparation of an islands policy and subsequent action plan.
As part of this process, a consultation paper, with input from relevant Government Departments was prepared and published. This consultation paper set out information on services that are currently being provided to the islands which would form the basis for the consultation process.
Since January this year, officials of my Department arranged a series of consultation meetings to provide island communities the opportunity to offer their views and opinions on a future islands policy and to discuss island necessities.
To date, meetings have taken place on eleven islands as follows:
|
Islands |
Date |
|
Sherkin |
9 January 2020 |
|
Whiddy |
10 January 2020 |
|
Dursey |
10 January 2020 |
|
Bere Island |
17 January 2020 |
|
Inis Oírr |
22 January 2020 |
|
Inis Mór |
29 January 2020 |
|
Inis Meáin |
30 January 2020 |
|
Heir |
7 February 2020 |
|
Long |
7 February 2020 |
|
Cléire |
7 February 2020 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
13 February 2020 |
The public consultation element of the process has had to be temporarily postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The next step in the process will be to arrange meetings on the remaining islands and with relevant stakeholders, including state bodies who provide services to the islands. Once this aspect of the work has been completed, it is intended that the new Islands Policy will be agreed by Government and published, following on from which an action plan based on the policy will be developed.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that this work has been identified as a priority in the recently agreed Programme for Government.
924. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on putting in place funding to provide public toilet facilities on each offshore island. [13513/20]
View answerThe provision of public toilets on the islands is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant Local Authority.
However, my Department’s funds a small works programme for the islands whereby an allocation is set aside annually to fund small infrastructure projects on the inhabited offshore islands. This is done in conjunction with the relevant Local Authorities who submit a list of the proposed works to the Department.
In order to maximise effectiveness of the funding available, my Department provides 75% of the total capital cost with the remainder paid by the relevant Local Authority.
If an application were to be received from a local authority for the provision of public toilets on an island, it could be evaluated in the contest of the demands on the aforementioned scheme and the financial allocation available under same.
