Written Answers Nos. 30-49
30. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta cé na pleananna atá beartaithe ag an Rialtas maidir le tithíocht agus pleanáil tí sa Ghaeltacht, chun cuidiú le teaghlaigh bogadh ar ais chuig an nGaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27369/20]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, is cúram don Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtas Áitiúil, agus na húdaráis áitiúla atá faoina stiúr, cúrsa tithíochta trí chéile lena n-áirítear tithíocht agus pleanáil tí sa Ghaeltacht. Is i gcomhréir leis na forálacha ábhartha san Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 mar a bhaineann siad le gnóthaí cosanta agus caomhnaithe teanga sa Ghaeltacht a bhíonn mo Roinn ag feidhmiú.
Agus é sin ráite, aithnítear a thabhachtaí is atá sé, i bhfeidhmiú na mbearta agus na bpolasaithe éagsúla atá idir lámha ag an Roinn agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta araon cheana féin, timpeallacht chuí atá inmharthanach i dtéarmaí na teanga a chothú sna ceantair Ghaeltachta a mheallfaidh teaghlaigh len iad féin a lonnú sa Ghaeltacht
Sa chomhthéacs sin, luafainn, mar shampla, an obair cheannródach atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoina bhfuil líonra de 31 mol nuálaíochta agus digiteach le ceangal ardluais leathanbhanda acu, á fhorbairt ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i gceantair ar fud na Gaeltachta. Cuirfidh na moil dhigiteacha gteic seo líonra bríomhar d’áiseanna leathanbhanda ardluais ar fáil i gceantair tuaithe Ghaeltachta chun:
- cruthú post a chothú
- cabhrú le cianobair
- filleadh dhiaspóra na Gaeltachta a spreagadh agus a chumasú
- forbairt coincheapanna, cruathaitheacht agus an nuálaíocht a spreagadh
Leis na forbairtí seo, tabharfar deis do phobal na Gaeltachta, sa bhaile agus i gcéin, filleadh ar a gceantar dúchais nó cónaí ann trí dheiseanna cianoibre a chur ar fail.
Níl amhras ar bith, go mbeidh na moil nuálaíochta seo, agus iad fud fad na Gaeltachta, na hoileáin san áireamh, mar chuid lárnach den éiceachóras digiteach chun tacú le hinbhuanaitheacht phobal na Gaeltachta.
Luafainn chomh maith céanna an obair atá idir lámha faoi láthair i nGaeltacht Chiarraí Theas. Tá Uíbh Ráthach i nGaeltacht Chiarraí Theas ina eiseamláir leis na céimeanna uaillmhianacha atá á dtógáil chun daoine a mhealladh chun cónaí a bheith orthu sa cheantar. Tá tascfhórsa idirghníomhaireachta bunaithe faoi scáth na Roinne agus an Údaráis chun cabhrú leis an gceantar seo a athnuachan, agus iad anois ag iarraidh margaíocht a dhéanamh ar an gceantar mar áit chónaithe, oibre agus chun gnó a dhéanamh ann.
Mar chuid d'obair an tascfhórsa, tá sonraí á chur le chéile den tithíocht, spásanna fiontraíochta agus oifigí atá ar fáil sa cheantar i dtreo croíchuspóir an phlean a fhíorú; is é sin daonra cónaithe lán-aimseartha a mhéadú agus chun cur le líon na bpostanna agus na ngníomhaíochtaí atá sa cheantar.
Bheifí ag súil leis go bhféadfadh torthaí an tsaothair seo trí chéile a bheith curtha chun fónaimh ag gníomhaireachtaí agus páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha mar a bhaineann sé rianú a dhéanamh ar cad atá indéanta i gceantair eile chun tuilleadh maolaithe a dhéanamh ar bhánú tuaithe.
31. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports for artistic venues and enterprises that are not supported through the Arts Council and which face closures without such needed support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27430/20]
View answer62. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the recent closure of a venue (details supplied) and the statement by the directors of the venue in the media on 23 September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27429/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 62 together.
A range of measures are in place to support venues and events activities in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19. While the Arts Council provides funding to a number of arts centres, it also provides funding to local authorities. A number of arts centres not funded by the Arts Council may be eligible to apply for funding schemes through their local authorities.
Last month, I launched a number of new music and performance support schemes to aid employment in the creative industries. An allocation of €5 million is being made available under the “Live Performance Support Scheme” which aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances and provide employment to workers in the creative industries.
A further support package, the Music Stimulus Package, involves three funding schemes designed to help sustain the popular and commercial music sector across all music genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, indie, jazz, country and western and traditional and folk. Under this package, a fund of €1,000,000 is being put in place to stimulate areas of work which artists would usually fund with income from own sources including live event fees. These schemes are targeted at professional musicians and their teams and will support song writing camps, recording and album releases. The aim is to ensure that Irish musicians, engineers, PR, media, agents, labels and publishers can continue to develop and share their work in the context of COVID restrictions. The Music Stimulus Package schemes will be managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact and will be subject to peer panel assessment.
I have recently appointed the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which is being chaired by Clare Duignan. The membership of the taskforce includes representation from the Events Industry Alliance. Taking as its starting point, the research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders, the Taskforce will prepare a report to me setting out recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry.
The Taskforce has already met twice. Its proceedings will be conducted in a transparent manner and all correspondence will be published in due course.
32. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the number of bed and breakfasts that have availed of the restart grant since she announced that bed and breakfasts could avail of it; her other plans to assist this industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27500/20]
View answerThe July Stimulus Package introduced significant measures to help support businesses to recover following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. This included changes to the restart grant which are particularly welcome for tourism businesses. This will help defray the high costs incurred when closed for public health reasons. B&Bs in non-rated premises will be eligible to apply for flat rate of €4,000 grant paid through Fáilte Ireland and the administration of the is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Some of other the key measures in the July Stimulus for tourism and hospitality include the “Stay and Spend” initiative, the €26m adaptation grant, the €10m grant for coach tourism and the revised Restart grant which now includes B&B’s. Tourism enterprises will also benefit from wider horizontal supports such as the Employment Wage Support Scheme, liquidity and enterprise investment measures, support package for pubs, bars and nightclubs, warehousing of tax liabilities and the extension for a further three months of the waiver of commercial rates.
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce appointed in May submitted its report to me this week. It is making a number of recommendations to help the sector to survive the crisis and eventually recover. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider its recommendations as we prepare for the Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.
33. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to extending an invitation to the organisers of the Tour de France (details supplied) for future stages of the race to be held along the Wild Atlantic Way. [25971/20]
View answerMajor Events have the potential to drive participation in sport. They can also contribute to trade, tourism, business, community pride, community engagement and our ongoing economic growth. Such events can also drive a sense of national pride and affect both how we see ourselves as a nation and how we are viewed internationally.
In the past five years Ireland has won the bid to host Ryder Cup 2026, EURO 2020 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup and engaged in a bid for Rugby World Cup 2023.
Ireland's elite cyclists have represented us well this year not least of which of course was Sam Bennett's impressive stage wins at the Tour de France and his success in winning the green jersey. The Government through Sport Ireland continue to support the national governing bodies for sport in Ireland, promoting elite athletes and encouraging participation.
In regard to future events, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a policy and a strategy for bidding and hosting Major Events and an assessment model for State financial support for such events. Decisions to bid for any future major events, such as the Tour de France, will be made in the context of this events policy.
34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the recommendations she has made for budget 2021 that will provide additional supports to performers, artists and arts workers during ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27481/20]
View answerThe arts and culture sectors have taken a very particular hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; cultural venues and events were among the first to be closed in the country’s public health response to the crisis, and they will be among the last to recover.
I have recently appointed the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which is being chaired by Clare Duignan. Taking as its starting point, the research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders, the Taskforce will prepare a report to me setting out recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry.
The Taskforce has already met twice. Its proceedings will be conducted in a transparent manner and all correspondence will be published in due course.
In parallel with the work of the Taskforce, the July stimulus package included a range of new supports for the sector. In this context, funding for the Arts Council has been further increased and last month I launched a number of new music and performance support schemes to aid employment in the creative industries. An allocation of €5 million is being made available under the “Live Performance Support Scheme” which aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances and provide employment to workers in the creative industries.
A further support package, the Music Stimulus Package, involves three funding schemes designed to help sustain the popular and commercial music sector across all music genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, indie, jazz, country and western and traditional and folk. Under this package, a fund of €1,000,000 is being put in place to stimulate areas of work which artists would usually fund with income from own sources including live event fees. These schemes are targeted at professional musicians and their teams and will support song writing camps, recording and album releases. The aim is to ensure that Irish musicians, engineers, PR, media, agents, labels and publishers can continue to develop and share their work in the context of COVID restrictions. The Music Stimulus Package schemes will be managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact and will be subject to peer panel assessment.
With the upcoming Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19.
36. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the actions taken to date to promote continued participation in sport during Covid-19. [27522/20]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the promotion of sports participation.
Research recently undertaken by Sport Ireland indicates significant and important increases in the number of people participating in sport and physical activity, especially in relation to recreational walking and cycling. Such upwards trends are most welcome and are consistent with one of the key objectives of the National Sports Policy.
Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) is the primary means employed to deliver participation policies and actions. The LSP network operates countrywide and has continued to implement an exciting and innovative range of programmes, events and initiatives throughout the course of the pandemic. These programmes have been delivered virtually in some cases as needed and are aimed at supporting individuals, communities and sports clubs to get active by removing barriers to sport and physical activity and involvement in sport. The LSP programme being implemented in response to Covid-19 includes such initiatives as:
- a National BeActive Day held on the 28th June 2020;
- Activities for All – a 4-week physical activity plan for people with a disability; and
- An Older Adult Home Exercise Plan.
I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with a comprehensive outline of its participation promotional activities. This report will also set out details of the European Week of Sport taking place this week in addition to the recent announcement of over €7 million in Dormant Accounts funding for sports projects designed specifically for those experiencing social, economic and educational disadvantage and people with disability.
37. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht when sports capital grants will be released in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27519/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved.
The priority to date this year has been to advance all projects previously allocated funding to ensure the facilities are available for use and that the relevant grants are drawn down. In this regard, over €20m has been paid out to over 800 different sports clubs and groups so far this year.
With regard to future rounds of the programme, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP has now been completed and the terms and conditions of the next round of the programme will be based on the recommendations in the Review. Work on these terms and conditions is now being finalised and a decision on a new round of the programme will be made after that is completed.
38. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if it is a condition of being granted a film certificate that a producer company, together with the qualifying company, is required to give an undertaking in respect of quality employment and training, that compliance with same requires an undertaking by the film company that it is the employer of the crew working on the production and that, in the event of a dispute being referred to the Workplace Relations Commission, the undertaking clearly establishes that an employment relationship exists between the company and the crew; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27479/20]
View answerThe Film Regulations 2019 were made by the Revenue Commissioners, in exercise of the powers conferred on them by section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 with the consent of the Minister for Finance, and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in relation to the matters to be considered regarding the issue of certification under section 481. To support an application to my Department, the Regulations require submission of an undertaking that in producing the film, the producer company and the qualifying company (“the companies”) shall provide quality employment, and training and skills development opportunities. In providing those opportunities the companies undertake that in the event that the application for certification of the film is successful, the companies shall as a condition of certification:
- comply in all material aspects with all applicable laws including but not limited to all obligations in the field of environmental, social and employment law that apply at the place where the Services are provided, that have been established by EU law, national law, and collective agreements
- be responsible for compliance with all statutory requirements of an employer and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing shall be solely responsible in law for the employment, remuneration, taxes, immigration and work permits of all personnel retained for the purposes of the production of the film
- have in place written policies and procedures in relation to grievances, discipline and dignity at work (including harassment, bullying and equal opportunities)
- provide details of any Work Place Commission decisions in relation to the companies or other companies in the film group, and where those decisions are a finding against such a company, confirmation that the finding has been followed or an explanation where the finding has not been followed.
Employees in Ireland benefit from a range of statutory employment protections. Responsibility for employment rights policy rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which is also the Department under whose aegis the Workplace Relations Commission lies. Determination of employment status in terms of PRSI are dealt with by the Scope Section of Social Protection which has responsibility for making decisions on the insurability of employment. Any person, business or their representatives may apply to have an employment investigated to make sure that the correct PRSI Class is applied.
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the mission statement of her Department in respect of media, tourism, arts, culture, sport and the Gaeltacht, with particular reference to the urgent needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; the extent to which she has engaged with the stakeholders involved; the parameters within which she expects to be in a position to assist towards maintaining and increasing employment and public interest in the sectors in the difficult times presenting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27366/20]
View answerFollowing the announcement by the Taoiseach in June of the establishment of my Department bringing together a range of functions previously held by three different Departments of State, my Department is now in the process of developing a new mission statement and Statement of Strategy to encompass its broad remit.
In this context, it will be important to recognise the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the sectors supported by my Department. The public-facing and audience driven nature of the arts, culture, tourism and sports means that each time there is an escalation for any county in the Level applicable under the Living with Covid Plan those sectors have been among the hardest hit. The Government is acutely aware of these challenges.
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport are integral parts of the fabric of society, supporting economic activity, physical and societal well-being. Well-being should a core principle underpinning how we continue to live with COVID-19, as it will be fundamental to public confidence and resilience as we manage the crisis over the longer term.
My officials and I are in regular contact with stakeholders, industry, governing bodies and representatives in all of the sectors for which I have responsibility. I have established a number of sector specific taskforces to map out plans for the recovery of the tourism, arts, culture and sports sectors and ensure those sectors remain viable and resilient as we continue to deal with the pandemic. Those taskforces include:
- The Tourism Industry Taskforce;
- The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce;
- The Night-time Economy Taskforce, and;
- An Expert Group on Return to Sport.
I will consider the views and recommendations of these taskforces in the context of Budget 2021 and in mapping out how to best help those sectors remain viable going forward. With the upcoming Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will continue to review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19.
40. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta céard iad na tosaíochtaí beartais atá aici i leith na Gaeilge don bhliain seo romhainn; cá mhéad airgead atá ar fáil aici i mbliana don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26627/20]
View answerTá tosaíochta an Rialtais maidir leis an Ghaeilge agus an Ghaeltacht leagtha amach sa Chlár Rialtais a foilsíodh lé déanaí.
Tugann an Rialtas nua aitheantas do thábhacht na Gaeilge mar chéad teanga an stáit, mar theanga bheo agus mar chuid dár n-oidhreacht. Táimid diongbháilte, ní hamháin go mbeadh amharc níos fearr ar an teanga ach freisin go láidreofaí a húsáid laethúil mar theanga phobail. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Rialtas agus agam féin go mbeidh daoine arb í an Ghaeilge a gcéad teanga cumhachtaithe mar shaoránaithe. Tabharfaidh an Rialtas seo agus mise mar Aire, cumhdach do cheantair Gaeltachta agus déanfar iad a chaomhnú sa treo is go bhfanfaidh siad mar chroí-lár den teanga bheo.
Leanfar le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus leis na spriocanna ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta atá leagtha amach sa Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022 a foilsíodh i Meitheamh 2018. Foilseofar an chéad tuarascáil maidir le dul chun cinn an phlean sin go luath a chuimseoidh an tréimhse 12 mhí ó Iúil 2018 go Meitheamh 2019.
I measc na rudaí faoi leith atá luaite sa Phlean atá ag imirt tionchair dhearfaí cheana féin ar an nGaeltacht, tá an próiseas pleanála teanga, cláir thacaíochta éagsúla mo Roinne agus Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi seach chomh maith leis an bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta atá á chur i bhfeidhm ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna.
Mar a bhaineann sé leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga, tá 18 plean teanga ceadaithe go dtí seo I gceantair Ghaeltachta.
Maidir leis an mbliain seo romhainn, mar is eol don Teachta, is faoin bpróiséas meastúcháin a dhéanfar allúntas na Roinne a dheimhniú don bhliain 2021. Mar sin féin, tá maoiniú suntasach d'os cionn €50m curtha ar fáil i mbliana le haghaidh Chlár C de vóta mo Roinne mar a bhaineann le gnóthaí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta agus Oileán. San áireamh leis sin, tá:
- infheistíocht bhreise ar fiú €500,000 é don phróiseas pleanála teanga a chinnteoidh go dtógfar ar an obair mhaith atá ar siúl faoin bpróiseas cheana féin;
- ardú de €1m nó 11% ar sholáthar caipitil Údarás na Gaeltachta chun cur tuilleadh lena chumas a chlár oibre a chur chun cinn ar leas na Gaeltachta agus,
- €200,000 breise do mhaoiniú na gcomharchumann Gaeltachta.
Chomh maith leis sin, tá an Pacáiste Spreagtha Post ag cur €8 milliún breise ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta chun uasghrádú riachtanach a dhéanamh ar a stoc foirgneamh agus ar shaoráidí cóireála uisce chun margaíocht a dhéanamh ar spásanna monarchana atá díomhaoin i láthair na huaire ar mhaithe le margaíocht a dhéanamh ar thionscadail cruthaithe fostaíochta chomhaimseartha agus sin a éascú. Cruthóidh sé seo 40-50 post nua tógála ar fud phobail Ghaeltachta sa ghearrthéarma agus tacófar le 320 post nua níos fadtréimhsí a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht, i gcliantchuideachtaí de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Mar aon leis an maoiniú breise de €250,000 atá á chur ar fáil d'Ealaín na Gaeltachta chun tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do na healaíona traidisiúnta i dtimpeallachtaí scoile agus an próiseas pleanála teanga uileghabhálach sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, beidh suntas mór ag baint leis an infheistíocht bhreise seo do cheantair Ghaeltachta.
Is 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.
Tá sé i gceist go dtionólfar cruinnithe CATT arís go gairid, agus ag an am sin go gceadófar buiséid 2017 - 2020 agus go bpléifear gach gné d’obair an Fhoras Teanga, an buiséad do 2021 san áireamh.
Agus mé ag tosú amach i mo théarma oifige, tá i gceist agam tógáil ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta cheana féin ar mhaithe le bunsraith níos láidre a thabhairt don teanga sa Ghaeltacht agus chun a chinntiú go láidreofar í mar ghnáththeanga labhartha na réigiún sin.
42. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she has increased the funding available to disability groups to provide sporting opportunities to those with a disability during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact that many have been confined to their homes for long periods and need an outlet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27496/20]
View answerA referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport.
In recognition of the disproportionate impact of COVID 19 on people with a disability, Sport Ireland will ring-fence a proportion of the investment so that it is targeted directly at the disability sport sector. A specific Disability Sport Working Group will be established to identify the needs of the sector.
I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail on supports for this sector.
43. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta céard atá déanta ag a Roinn chun cuideachtaí a mhealladh go hEastát Tionscail na Tulaí i mBaile na hAbhann, Contae na Gaillimhe; an bhfuil imní uirthi faoi líon na bpost a cailleadh san eastát sin le blianta beaga; agus cén plean atá ag a Roinn chun cúrsaí tionscail san eastát a athbheochan agus cuideachtaí eile a spreagadh chun athlonnú ann. [26836/20]
View answerTosaíodh ar fhorbairt eastáit tionscail ar an Tulaigh i 1983 mar acmhainn luachmhar de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta mar a bhaineann sé fostaíocht a chruthú agus gnóthaí a mhealladh chuig ceantar na Tulaí.
Le beagnach 40 bliain anuas tá fostaíocht leanúnach curtha ar fáil do phobal Chonamara ag comhlachtaí de gach cineál ar eastát na Tulaí agus is mar sin atá sa lá atá inniu ann chomh maith. Fearacht gach ceantair eile cosúil leis an Tulaigh, bíonn méadú agus laghdú fostaíochta le sonrú ann i rith an ama - de réir mar a athraíonn cúinsí.
Mar léiriú air seo, b'údar díomá do chách é gurbh éigean don chomhlacht Planet Payments (Fintrax), scaoileadh le scór fostaithe dá chuid de bharr tionchar COVID-19 ar a ghnó. Ar an lámh eile, bhí deá-scéala ann le seachtain anuas go raibh HID Global Ireland Teo. le formhór an líon suntasach fostaithe atá acu ar an bpáirc ghnó sa Tulaigh a choinneál ansin don tréimhse seo romhainn.
Tá sé dearbhaithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chomh maith go bhfuil siad ag obair as lámh a chéile le pobal an cheantair, le comhlachtaí agus gnóthaí áitiúla chun an fhostaíocht ar an eastáit ann a bhuanú i rith na tréimhse corraithí seo. I gcomhar le pobal an cheantair, tuigtear go bhfuil an tÚdarás ag féachaint le tuilleadh forbartha a dhéanamh ar an bPáirc Ghnó chun gur féidir áiseanna den scoth a fhorbairt a bheadh ar fáil do ghnóthaí ar mhian leo tosú amach nó lonnú sa cheantar.
Tuigim chomh maith go mbeidh infheistíocht shuntasach á déanamh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta in infreastruchtúr an eastáit sna míonna agus blianta seo romhainn a chuimseoidh athchóiriú foirgnimh ann, uasghrádú a dhéanamh ar an gcóras séarachais, chomh maith le hoibreacha cothabhála eile.
De thoradh an méid sin, tá an tÚdarás dóchasach go mbeidh siad in ann tacú tuilleadh le deiseanna fiontraíochta agus fostaíochta a chothú i gceantar na Tulaí, rud a bheidh ar leas an cheantair trí chéile.
44. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta maidir le cliantchomhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar líon na bPleananna Teanga atá curtha le chéile ag an Údarás in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 agus 2020; an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an gcórás monatóireachta atá i bhfeidhm chun a chinntiú go bhfuil an Ghaeilge á húsáid go nádúrtha agus go forleathan; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27096/20]
View answerTá sé curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bpléitear an tábhacht atá leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn i ngach réimse den ghnó mar chuid den phlé a ndéanann an tÚdarás le cliantchomhlachtaí dá chuidse i dtaca le gnó a bhunú nó a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht.
Tugtar le fios do na cliantchomhlachtaí go bhfuil tacaíocht an Údaráis coinníollach ar phlean teanga a aontú agus a chur i bhfeidhm, agus léirítear dóibh chomh maith an raon tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil ina leith.
Bíonn teagmháil rialta ag feidhmeannaigh an Údaráis leis na cliantchomhlachtaí chun dul i bhfeidhm ar lucht bainistíochta sna comhlachtaí agus tuairiscítear go mbíonn tionchar dearfach ar a gcuid oibre.
Mar chuid den phróiseas pleanála teanga, tá deis ann don Údarás agus do na pobail áitiúla a léiriú do na cliantchomhlachtaí an tionchar gur féidir leo a imirt ina Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta ó thaobh cur chun cinn na Gaeilge de agus a chur ina luí orthu go bhfuil ról tábhachtach acu i bpróiseas na pleanála teanga.
Seo a leanas líon na bpleananna teanga a aontaíodh nó a athbhreithníodh i gcliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis ó 2016 go data:
|
Bliain |
Líon Pleananna / Cliantchomhlachtaí |
|
2016 |
70 |
|
2017 |
35 |
|
2018 |
74 |
|
2019 |
91 |
|
2020 (go dáta) |
18 |
45. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans to further promote and expand the tourism offering of the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27382/20]
View answer52. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism brand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26662/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 52 together.
Fáilte Ireland develops and promotes the tourism potential of Ireland’s regions in line with the relevant tourism experience brands which, in the case of the midlands, is primarily Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. I am satisfied with progress made to date by Fáilte Ireland since the launch of this tourism experience brand in April 2018 and I believe that the area has great potential for further development.
As a tourism experience brand, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands benefits from a broad programme of Fáilte Ireland supports. These supports aim to develop visitor experiences and associated tourism infrastructure and products; enhance industry capability and run targeted marketing campaigns and other promotional activity - all underpinned by coordinated leadership structures, appropriate networking and community activation. I understand the next phase of brand development will be further informed by Tourism Master Plans for the River Shannon and Beara Breifne Way – the two centrepieces of the brand offering.
As the development of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands on the ground is led by Fáilte Ireland, I have asked the agency to provide the Deputies with further detail on its plans for further brand development and expansion and promotion of the related tourism offering. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
47. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil coinníollacha teanga i bpleanáil tithíochta agus forbartha sna ceantair Ghaeltachta pléite aici leis an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, nó an bhfuil sé i gceist aici iad a phlé; cé na céimeanna atá i gceist aici chun pleanáil teanga agus pobal na Gaeilge a chosaint i gcúrsaí pleanála agus forbartha sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. [27398/20]
View answerIs féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuil scríofa ag mo Roinn chuig na húdaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta ina ndlinse ar roinnt ócáidí thar na blianta chun a mheabhrú dóibh a gcuid dualgais maidir leis an nGaeilge a mheabhrú dóibh. Tapaíonn mo Roinn na deiseanna a tugtar di aighneachtaí a sheoladh chuig údaráis pleanála maidir le forbairtí tithíochta a bhféadfadh tionchar ar úsáid teanga a imirt i gceantar Gaeltachta.
Níos túisce i mbliana, chuir mo Roinn aighneacht chuig an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta maidir le hathbhreithniú atá á dhéanamh acu ar na treoirlínte d'údaráis pleanála inar leag sí béim ar na dúshláin a fheictear bheith ag baint leis an ábhar seo go ginearálta.
Tuigimse féin agus mo Roinn an tábhacht a bhaineann le tionchar teanga bheith tógtha san áireamh i dtaobh forbairtí tithíochta i gceantar Gaeltachta agus leanfaimid ag tapú deiseanna é sin a chur in iúl do na húdaráis pleanála.
48. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will keep to the aim of the previous Government of doubling the arts budget by 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27497/20]
View answerThe Government remains firmly committed to the development of the arts in Ireland, and the key focus at this time is to address the extreme challenges posed to the sector by the COVID-19 crisis. In responding to the crisis the Government has committed significant additional funding in 2020. Total funding for the arts and culture sector in 2020, excluding provisions for expenditure on administration in my Department, together with the COVID-19 and Jobs Stimulus funding, will increase from €183 million to almost €239 million, which is an increase of €56 million, or more than 30%.
The Arts Council of Ireland is the body through which primary support for the arts is delivered. The Arts Council funding has increased in recent years and has been increased in 2020 from €80m to €105 million to assist it in supporting artists through the crisis.
The recently appointed Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce is preparing a report including a set of recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry. This approach is being informed by research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders.
With the upcoming Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19. As Minister I will also be looking to the longer term needs of the sector, recognising the important role that art and culture plays in society and our economy and the need to ensure a positive and sustainable future for artists and arts workers.
49. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if a financial scheme will be introduced to assist local authorities to develop areas for use by motorhome and camper van owners. [27362/20]
View answerUnder the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016 Fáilte Ireland has specific power and functions in relation to the mandatory registration and grading of certain types of tourist accommodation, including caravan and camping parks. However, these regulations mainly relate to the quality of the product and the level of service. Neither this Department nor the tourism agencies have any responsibility for the development of areas dedicated to motorhomes and campervans.
