Written Answers Nos. 1-46
26. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén céimeanna atá glactha aici chun cuidiú le Údarás na Gaeltachta teacht tríd an géarrchéim Covid-19 agus an easpa maoine atá ortha le breis is 10 mbliana. [17296/20]
View answerI dtús báire, is mian liom a chur in iúl don 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 agus is ionann sin agus méadú de bhreis agus 11% le hais an tsoláthair a bhí ann anuraidh.
Tá €200,000 breise in airgead reatha á chur ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2020 le dáileadh ar na heagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe agus na comharchumainn Ghaeltachta. Is ionann seo agus ardú 25% le 3 bliana anuas ar an gciste seo. Fágann sé sin go bhfuil soláthar iomlán de €4.05m ar fáil don Údarás in 2020 le dáileadh ar na heagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe agus na comharchumainn Ghaeltachta.
Ba chóir a thabhairt faoi deara go bhfuil maoiniú breise de €3m á chur ar fail ag mo Roinn don Údarás in 2020 maidir le gníomhaíochtaí pleanála teanga i dteannta le €350,000 le haghaidh gníomhaíochtaí cultúrtha.
Sa bhreis air sin ar fad, 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.
Cúpla seachtain ó shin, 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 fáil 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 roimhe sin 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.
Is féidir a bheith cinnte de go leanfaidh mé orm chun gach deis a thapú le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an obair fhónta atá ar bun ag an Údarás ar leas na Gaeltachta.
Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 20.
28. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the relocation of turfcutters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17117/20]
View answerSignificant efforts have been made by the State to resolve the issue of the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas within the framework of the EU Habitats Directive, including the establishment of a long-term compensation scheme for affected turf cutters. This cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, established in 2011, is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a legal agreement payment of €500.
280 applicants under this scheme have applied for and are awaiting relocation to a non-designated bog. The relocation of turf cutters is a complex process. Notwithstanding this, progress in relocation has been achieved in a number of cases. 101 turf cutters from 12 different raised bog designated sites have been relocated to non-designated bogs. Another 5 sites are at various stages of development as relocation bogs. These could potentially accommodate up to 39 turf cutters.
For certain designated sites, where the relocation of turf cutters has not been feasible, the 15 years of annual payments under the cessation of turf cutting compensation schemes (less any annual payments or the value of turf deliveries already received under the scheme) has been made available in the form of a lump sum to these turf cutters. So far, 71 turf cutters have availed of this option from 14 raised bog special areas of conservation and 2 raised bog natural heritage areas.
In addition, within the framework of the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, the Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation and the provisions of the Habitats Directive to provide for domestic turf cutting within certain areas of raised bog special areas of conservation. 14 sites are under consideration for the application of article 6 of the Directive.
29. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the need for supports for the country and Irish music industry and Irish artists following Covid-19 will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16588/20]
View answer30. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of measures being introduced to support small theatres which have experienced significant disruption due to Covid-19. [17282/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
My Department has been engaged with a wide range of stakeholders in relation to the impact of COVID-19. These have include both the traditionally subsidised arts and also commercial entertainment interests. In respect of the former, primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
The House is aware that in June, an additional €20m was allocated to the Arts Council, bringing its 2020 allocation to €100m. The Houses of the Oireachtas voted the Supplementary Estimate through earlier this month. The Arts Council has indicated that it will allocate a significant portion of the additional funding to bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations over the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, my Department has supported a range of initiatives to bring cultural and creative content to the public during the period of restrictions. These include Culture Ireland's Ireland Performs initiative, Other Voices Courage, Criunniú na nÓg, as well as the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions. These initiatives employed artists, musicians performing live as well as technicians and crew.
On the broad level of supports, in order to help many sectors including the Irish music and events industry to overcome the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19, the Government has put in place a package of supports that includes direct grants, low-cost loans, the write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. A number of universal supports in place for all sectors including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for employers which has been extended to 31 August. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been extended to 10 August. In addition to these there are jobseekers benefit and jobseekers assistance schemes as well as Jobseekers Assistance for Self-Employed Artists.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will publish a series of actions to support the economy through the recently published July stimulus. In this context, the Government will, among other things, consider further additional measures that may be need to support a number of sectors including the arts and culture sector .
In addition, I will shortly appoint a taskforce for the recovery of arts and culture sector, including music.
31. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider additional supports for local communities to hold replacement events in view of the cancellation of a number of festivals and other cultural events in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in recent months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17283/20]
View answerMy Department runs a Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme. Funding available under this scheme is typically capped at €5,000. Full details of the scheme are available on my Department's website (https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/culture/grants-and-funding/small-scale-local-festivals-summer-schools). Applications for 2020 closed on 24th April 2020 and details of allocations may be also be found on the website (https://www.chg.gov.ie/minister-madigan-announces-funding-for-small-scale-local-festivals-and-summer-schools-2/).
There were no applications from County Carlow or County Kilkenny to my Department's 2020 Small Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme.
The Arts Council fund a number of festivals in the county of Clare under its Festival investment scheme. All funding decisions can also be viewed on the Arts Council website (http://www.artscouncil.ie/funding-decisions/). Below is the list of festivals that the Arts Council funded in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2019 under its programme Festival investment scheme.
The Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas - €10,000
Scoil na gCláirseach Festival of Early Irish Harp - €8,250
It is important to note that under the Arts Act, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its funding decisions, therefore neither I nor my officials have any input into this funding.
Fáilte Ireland provide support to large scale festivals and participative events through its National Programme. At the start of the Covid crisis Fáilte Ireland immediately paid 50% of the festivals agreed funding within this programme. Fáilte Ireland is working with these festivals to establish whether or not the festival will go ahead and where appropriate develop revised programming. The remainder of the funding will be provided based on these revised programmes.
Fáilte Ireland also administer a Regional Festivals programme and funding under this initiative has been paid in full to the local authorities. It also runs an innovation programme for new festivals but this programme has temporarily been suspended and no new applications are being considered at present.
32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of trainees in the live action film sector who qualified and were accredited as a result of such training; the categories; the number of trainees who are now employees of film production companies in receipt of public funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17395/20]
View answerThe Government supports the continued growth of the audiovisual industry and considers skills development as a key facet of this growth. Recent years have seen a firm focus on skills development and career progression rather than on training. Section 481 tax relief requires beneficiaries to provide opportunities for training and skills development in the course of production. Changes were made to the administration of Section 481 in April 2019 and Screen Skills Ireland now has a role in assessing certain ‘Skills Development Plans’ required as part of the section 481 process. Where eligible expenditure will exceed €2 million, applicants must develop a comprehensive Skills Development Plan with Screen Skills Ireland, outlining planned training and skills development initiatives. They are encouraged to undertake a skills needs analysis to ascertain not alone the skills needs of the production and/or the company but also the needs of the individuals engaged and the wider screen sector. Training and upskilling is encouraged across all levels of the production and new frameworks distinguish between new entrants, trainees and upskillers. As part of this process, Screen Skills Ireland consulted with the Screen Guilds and developed resources for producers to capture skills activity data, including outcomes and impact. Since April 2019, over 140 different projects have been certified by my Department with just under 1000 skills development participants engaged on these projects. About 60% of skills participants were engaged in ‘Feature Film’ and ‘Television Drama’ categories of eligible projects and most of the remaining 40% were engaged on animation projects.
Screen Skills Ireland is working with Screen Guilds to develop a competency framework for all ‘below-the-line’ roles in the sector. This will support the Section 481 skills requirements, identify current and future skills needs and support future progression opportunities. Screen Guilds of Ireland represent 23 crew guilds and 2,500 crew members.
33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Film Industry Stakeholder Forum will be convened which was recommended in 2018 by the Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to address disputes and issues in the industry (details supplied); if it will be ensured that all relevant stakeholders, particularly employers in receipt of public funding or tax reliefs and employees who have worked in the sector, are invited to attend and that stakeholders who refuse to attend will no longer receive public funding or support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17394/20]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the Report of the Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht entitled Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry, published in July 2018.
Recommendation 4 of that Report called on the Irish Film Board (now Screen Ireland) to reconstitute the board's film forum, with an independent chair, to allow all stakeholders in the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry. In December 2018, Screen Ireland reported on the work it had undertaken to the Joint Committee explaining that it was not possible to constitute a forum as not all the stakeholders referred to by the Joint Committee were prepared to meet as a single forum. In May 2019, my predecessor took part in a debate in this House on the Report. In the interim, it had been suggested that the film forum would be used for airing grievances. The Minister explained that the purpose of the forum in the first place was to allow stakeholders to come together, in a collaborative and inclusive manner to exchange ideas and to develop solutions for the good of the industry and that it would be inappropriate for a State Agency to bring stakeholders together to air disputes or to express their general dissatisfaction with one another. There are formal state mechanisms for the resolution of Industrial Relations issues, including the Workplace Relations Commission.
Screen Ireland funding and Section 481 funding is allocated and paid to producers and I can confirm that the representatives of producers – Screen Producers Ireland and Animation Ireland- were not among the stakeholders unwilling to attend a forum.
Over the past number of months, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has been conducting an audit of the audiovisual industry and has accepted submissions from stakeholders on employment practices and procedures in the Irish Film and Television Drama Production Sector. The WRC is examining these submissions to assess any issues arising and may make recommendations. I keenly await the outcome of that process.
34. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of plans for the introduction of new bursary schemes for young artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17406/20]
View answerThe Arts Council is the main route through which the Government funds the arts and artists in Ireland. The 2020 allocation to the Council has been increased to €100 million. It includes an additional €20 million allocated last month in recognition of the challenges facing the sector. The Arts Council has indicated that it will allocate a significant proportion of the additional funding to bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations over the coming weeks and months.
In the recent report entitled Survive, Adapt, Renew, by an Expert Advisory Group established by the Arts Council makes a number of key recommendations to support the arts through the Covid-19 crisis.
One of the recommendations is that priority be given to enhanced commissioning schemes and increased bursary and professional development schemes for independent artists, arts workers and arts organisations.
The Creative Youth Plan under the Creative Ireland Programme commits to specific actions to increase and enhance access to a range of creative and cultural activities and practices for young people. Such supports include pilot projects aimed at increasing and enhancing access to drama and group singing activities for young people in partnership with Youth Theatre Ireland and Sing Ireland respectively.
35. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that arts and cultural bodies in Dublin are consulted to ensure that they recover and enhance their impact in the aftermath of Covid-19. [17281/20]
View answer39. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that arts and cultural bodies in County Cork are consulted to ensure that they recover and enhance their impact in the aftermath of Covid-19. [17278/20]
View answer42. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that arts and cultural bodies in Dublin are consulted to ensure that they recover and enhance their impact in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17288/20]
View answer50. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that arts and cultural bodies in County Cork are consulted to ensure that they recover and enhance their impact in the aftermath of Covid-19. [17291/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 39, 42 and 50 together.
Since the advent of the crisis, my Department and the bodies under its aegis have continuously engage with the arts and culture sector to best understand the challenges. Officials from my Department have engaged with and had meetings with a broad range of stakeholders including resource organisations, advocacy groups and individual artists and practitioners across the sector. This engagement is ongoing.
In Ireland, the Arts Council is the primary organisation through which Government supports and delivers funding to the arts. In March and April this year, the Council had undertaken surveys of arts organisations and artists to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on audiences, employment and finances. Among the findings to emerge from the surveys was that 12,000 events were cancelled with projected audiences of 2.4 million and that 90% of artists and 85% of arts organisations are affected by cancelled or postponed events.
More recently, my Department also undertook a survey of the sector and put significant effort into ensuring that is was widely disseminated. The results of this survey are being considered at present. I have no doubt that many arts and culture bodies in both Cork and Dublin availed of the opportunity to convey information to the Department and to the earlier Arts Council surveys.
36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the specific culture and heritage projects she plans to prioritise during the lifetime of the 33rd Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17255/20]
View answer47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the mission statement of her Department; the extent to which she expects to meet specific targets throughout the lifetime of the 33rd Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17254/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 47 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government sets out at an exciting and challenging agenda for all Departments over the coming years, including my own newly configured Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
The commitments contained in the Programme for Government have provided me with a strong mandate to bring forward important legislative and policy initiatives aimed at fulfilling my new role across the range of my Department's brief.
The Irish language and the Gaeltacht was of huge importance to the Government and I look forward to working closely with the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, the Irish Language and Sport, Jack Chambers TD, to progress the broad remit of the Department.
Our unique language and culture and sport are central to how we identify as a nation and that this in turn is at the heart of what attracts foreign and domestic tourists to holiday in Ireland. The forging of stronger links between all of these elements will build a rich and rewarding cultural experience for our citizens and visitors alike.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a very severe impact on all areas of society, and it is particularly acute in our arts and tourism sectors. I look forward to working towards fulfilling the Government’s commitment to assisting these sectors in particular as we plan our country’s economic recovery.
Having met with the Tourism Recovery Taskforce and examined its Initial Report, I look forward to the outcome of the Taskforce’s deliberations and to working with the sector towards a sustainable recovery. I am also aware of the challenges that exist for the National Governing Bodies of Sport and sports clubs as sports begin to return and I look forward to meeting the key stakeholders in the sector in the near future.
Covid-19 has also shown us the critical importance of a vibrant and informed media, and particularly the importance of public sector broadcasting in both of our national languages. This sector, which is a fundamental pillar of a modern and pluralistic democracy, faces very specific challenges.
My officials are already engaged in the work of developing the appropriate structures and strategies to deliver on this challenging agenda and this will be reflected in the Department's Statement of Strategy that will be published in later in the year.
37. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if it will be ensured that in the appointment of education liaison officers, consideration is given to the natural marine heritage where appropriate. [17284/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the appointment of Education Liaison Officers in each of our National Parks to work with schools across the country, to promote the importance of biodiversity and the natural world, and to involve pupils in the work that goes on in our National Parks. In line with this, officials from my Department will liaise with officials from the Department of Education and Skills to determine a role description in respect of natural heritage and to progress the process of appointment, engagement and the associated resourcing. In this context, consideration will be given to all forms of natural heritage on this island. I look forward too to engaging with the Minister for Education and Skills on the matter and to delivering on this commitment in early course.
38. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made with regard to implementing a strategy to combat systemic harm and poisoning of under-threat birds of prey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17399/20]
View answerThe Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 are the primary statutes designed to afford protection to the various species in the State and which set out the framework for dealing with wildlife crime. In addition, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 include provisions affording strict protection to a number of species and habitats.
Wildlife crime takes many forms and includes persecution of badgers, illegal hunting of deer species, illegal hunting of hares, trapping of wild birds for illegal trade, wilfully disturbing or destroying the eggs or nests of wild birds and poisoning of raptor species.
Within my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage, including species protection and biodiversity at national level. There are currently 71 conservation rangers stationed around the country who deal with enforcement matters under the Wildlife Acts.
Their work includes the monitoring of compliance with national and European law in relation to nature conservation and wildlife crime across the country. The team also conducts patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation and investigate reports of breaches of legislation. My Department works closely with An Garda Síochána who are also specifically empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute as it sees fit.
In relation to the poisoning of birds of prey in particular, the Deputy may be aware of the death of some 22 buzzards by poisoning in West Cork earlier this year. This is the subject of an ongoing and active investigation by my Department.
My Department has provided funding for satellite tags for research on the movements of some of the introduced birds of prey and also hen harriers and these have provided important information on poisoning. In addition, my Department publishes a Raptor Protocol which is a collaborative approach between my Department, the Regional Veterinary Laboratories, and the State Laboratory to systematically determine the extent to which human actions (for example poisoning, persecution, disturbance, collisions, etc.) are threats to Ireland's native birds of prey. My Department issues an on-line report annually providing records, information and analysis of mortality and persecution of birds of prey.
I am committed to ensuring that we continue our actions to tackle wildlife crime including incidents such as the killing of buzzards in Co Cork and to working with other agencies, including An Garda Síochána and the I.S.P.C.A to counteract these illegal activities.
40. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure ongoing support for local authorities through the Creative Ireland programme. [17289/20]
View answerThe Creative Ireland Programme is an all-of-Government, culture-based initiative led by my Department and designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing through participation in creative activities. All 31 local authorities have been, and will remain, crucial to the successful delivery of the Creative Ireland Programme.
Support for the local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programme comprises of work co-funded by my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government as well as work that is exclusively funded by my Department.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on 19th July 2019. The objective of this MoU was a commitment to support the implementation and delivery of Pillar 2 of the Programme – Creative Communities - over the period 2019-2022.
Earlier this year, 3-year Service Level Agreements (SLAs) were signed between my Department and each of the 31 Local Authorities reflecting the commitment of both Departments to continue to financially support their delivery of the Creative Ireland Programme until 2022.
Also, encompassed by these SLAs is a separate commitment by my Department to provide funding to each local authority to support the annual delivery each June of Cruinniú na nÓg – our national day of free creative activities for children and young people under 18 years of age.
Notwithstanding the exceptionally challenging circumstances this year, my Department supported the local authorities to deliver an online version of Cruinniú na nÓg in order to support the mental wellbeing of children and their families during social distancing.
In the past few weeks, my officials in the Creative Ireland Programme have been working with Programme partners including in the local authorities to develop a series of newly-funded initiatives in relation to positive ageing and creative wellbeing. I am pleased that, as a result, 16 local authorities will also now receive additional new funding support. The funding will support them to deliver creative initiatives over the coming months in support of the mental wellbeing of our older people at this challenging time.
The matter of funding measures under the Creative Ireland Programme for 2021 and 2022 will be agreed in the context of Programme priorities for those years and, as the Deputy will appreciate, are subject to annual budgetary and estimates processes.
41. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá deanta ag a Roinn i bhforbairt na céibheanna in Inis Meáin agus Inis Oírr; cén uair a bhfuil súil tosaí ar an talamh le forbairt an dá chéibh faoi sheach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [17310/20]
View answerTá forbairt Ché an Chalaidh Mhóir, Inis Meáin agus Ché Inis Oírr san áireamh i dTionscadail Éireann 2040.
Maidir le ché an Chalaidh Mhóir, bíonn mo Roinn i dteagmháil le Comhairle Contae na Gailimhe go rialta maidir leis an togra seo agus, ag eascairt as na teagmálacha sin agus mar chuid den mheasúnú ar an togra, tá deontas ceadaithe ag mo Roinn don Chomhairle Chontae chun taighde a choimisiúnú ar mhaithe le samhail ionsamhlúcháin a réiteach a léireoidh na roghanna éagsúla don fhorbairt.
Agus an chéim sin curtha i gcríoch, déanfar an togra a mheas arís faoi théarmaí an Chóid um Caiteachais Phoiblí. i gcomhthéacs an airgid atá ar fáil do mo Roinn le caitheamh ar thograí caipitil agus na n-éileamh éagsúla ar an airgead sin.
Maidir le forbairt Ché Inis Oírr, cuirfear an togra seo chun cinn faoi réir théarmaí an Chód um Chaiteachais Phoiblí chomh maith. Mar chuid den Chód sin, tá oifigigh mo Roinne agus Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe ag comhoibriú ar chás gnó i leith an togra a chríochnú faoi láthair.
Agus an chéim sin curtha i gcríoch, déanfar an cás le haghaidh an togra a thabhairt go dtí céim na tairisceana a mheas i gcomhthéacs an airgid atá ar fáil do mo Roinn le caitheamh ar thograí caipitil agus na n-éileamh éagsúla ar an airgead sin. Táthar ag súil an chéim seo a chur i gcríoch roimh dheiridh na bliana.
43. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Her plans to support the arts and music sector in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16779/20]
View answer55. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contingency planning that has taken place within her Department with respect to the arts, music and entertainment industry having to function with an indefinite period of social distancing and limits on audience numbers, particularly in relation to the logistics of concerts, plays and other live performances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16594/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 55 together.
On 19 June, the Government, based on public health advice provided by the National Public Health Emergency Team, approved the rephasing of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Apart from some exceptions, most sectors were brought forward to Phase 3, which began on Monday 29 June. Due to social distancing and public confidence issues, the reopening of live performance and entertainment venues will prove challenging. While the Government's objective is to get people back to work as quickly as possible, public health and safety remains a top priority. This is why the move to Phase 4 of the Roadmap for reopening society and business was paused. The current restrictions of 50 people at indoor gatherings and 200 people at outdoor gatherings have been extended to 10 August.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a guide for organisations making assessments and adapting workplace procedures and practices to comply with the COVID-19 public health protection measures. Theatre Forum published guidelines for the reopening of arts and cultural facilities and these have been adopted by the Arts Council.
The Arts Council is the primary route through which Government funds the arts and artists in Ireland. The 2020 allocation to the Council has been increased to €100 million, including an additional €20 million allocated to assist the Council is addressing the challenges facing the sector. The Arts Council has indicated that it will allocate significant additional funding to bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations.
Last week, I announced that my Department would provide capital grants for arts and culture organisations to enable them to undertake appropriate alterations to help them to reopen safely.
The Government operates measures to support businesses affected by COVID-19 that apply to all sectors of the economy, including those who work in the arts, music and entertainment industry. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment operates support packages designed to assist businesses in the management of their companies and allow them to start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead.
The Government has extended its two universal income support measures. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment, operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is extended to 10 August. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, has been extended to 31 August and allows employers to retain the link with employees so that when the crisis passes, people can get back to work as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
In addition to the measures to be announced by the Government in the context of the July stimulus, the Government has also committed to bringing forward a National Economic Plan, to be published alongside the Budget in October, which will outline the Government’s plans to support the long-term sustainability of the economy. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, I will shortly appoint a taskforce to develop an approach for the recovery of arts and culture sector which will in turn inform the National Economic Plan.
44. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if management plans will be developed for each of the national parks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17331/20]
View answerIreland's six National Parks account for almost 65,000 hectares with another almost 22,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites.
They are managed as Category II National Parks under the criteria set out by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Accordingly, all National Parks in Ireland are fully owned and managed by the State.
In 2017 the partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and Fáilte Ireland was created to achieve the shared goal of further developing quality experiences at our National Parks and Nature Reserves. One major output from the Department's Strategic Partnership with Fáilte Ireland, was a Masterplan for the six National Parks and Nature Reserves. This provides a high level and integrated blueprint for the NPWS to invest in and better manage the Parks for conservation, biodiversity and visitor alike. In effect, it enables the aligning of conservation objectives of the Parks with increasing visitor appeal and numbers. The Masterplan guides the phased development of these enhanced visitor facilities and improved visitor experiences based on research into international best practice. The Department intends to produce visitor and management plans for its National Parks on an on-going basis, the availability of resources permitting.
As part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to protecting our heritage and recreation product, it has been exploring ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites under our control in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives. In this context, it should be noted that my Department negotiated the extension of Wicklow Mountains National Park by purchasing almost 4,900 acres of Dublin Uplands at Glenasmole in 2016 at a cost of €800,000. In 2017 the entire Wild Nephin area was consolidated into the ownership of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This creates a State – owned re-wilding project of over 11,000 hectares and aims to provide increased nature conservation benefits and biodiversity as well as enhanced recreational and social benefits through the ‘re-wilding’ of the forest which adjoins the National Park.
In 2019 over €5m from the Rural Regeneration fund was announced for the Parks and Reserves providing infrastructure that allows sustainable access to them. Most of these projects have been initiated and some of those recently concluded include the purchase of Electric Buses for visitors of Glenveagh National Park, improved trail networks in the Sliabh Blooms and enhanced trails in Dromore and Derrycrag Nature Reserves. In the last 5 years to date over €16.3m in current funding and nearly €7.8m in capital funding has been spent in our National Parks and Reserves, in areas including invasive species control and infrastructure improvement.
Given the resources available for investment within our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am of course mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing Parks and Reserves lands; the Department focuses on conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites. Ireland's 3rd National Biodiversity Plan runs from 2017 to 2021 and captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of stakeholders in government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity not just in our own National Parks but countrywide.
45. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of the night-time economy taskforce; if the taskforce will advance the appointment of a night-time culture mayor for Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17280/20]
View answer46. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of the night-time economy taskforce; if the taskforce will advance the appointment of a night-time culture mayor for Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17279/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
The establishment of a Night time Economy Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and my Department is leading on this commitment. The aim of the proposed Taskforce is to look at innovative approaches to supporting and developing a vibrant, diverse night time culture and economy in Ireland and it is intended that key Departments, Agencies and relevant groups will be represented on this Taskforce at senior level.
The Taskforce will build on the work carried out by my Department in this area which included a symposium to investigate the possibility of creative nightlife and cultural activity after hours and the establishment of pilot projects in both Cork and Dublin to provide more detailed insights into the specific issues facing the development of a night time culture and to seek wider public views.
The Taskforce will examine progress on these measures to date and also examine more complex issues including issues around licensing laws and regulations governing our night-time culture at national and local level. Part of the role of the Taskforce will also be to examine the establishment of Night-time Culture Mayors in Cork and Dublin, a role that some other European cities have already established.
We know that many businesses and creative practitioners which depend on the night-time economy are suffering huge losses due to the necessary restrictions caused by COVID-19 and the work of this Taskforce is even more important in this context. The support and cooperation of key Departments and agencies and local authorities will be vital to the success of this initiative and my Department is currently writing to these Departments and agencies to seek nominations to the Taskforce.
The Taskforce will also consult with and inform the various interest groups who have been involved in the development of this initiative, as the work progresses.
