Joe Flaherty
Question:56. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support local newspapers in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37399/20]
View answerMedia Pluralism
Questions (56)
Written answers
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, in recognition of the importance of a sustainable Irish media sector, expanded the remit of the Public Service Broadcasting Commission to become the Future of Media Commission, tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. On 29 September 2020 the Government agreed the terms of reference and membership of the Future of Media Commission. The Commission is chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, former President of Dublin City University, and includes experts in public service media, independent journalism, social media, new technology platforms, media economics, culture, language, creative content, governance and international best practice.
The Commission has held their first two meetings on 29th October and 12th November. They intend to launch a public consultation in the coming weeks and will engage with key stakeholders in the coming months.
In parallel with the commencement of this important work, the Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are also available to the print and online sectors. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service.
I look forward to receiving the Commission's Report on the completion of its work which will inform media policy including print media.
Tourism Promotion
Questions (57)
Martin Browne
Question:57. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the development of a regional tourism area connected by Cashel, Cahir and Tipperary, County Tipperary; her further views on the wealth of areas of natural beauty that are in the region of these three towns; if consideration will be given to developing the area as a localised tourism region that could be promoted as such; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37320/20]
View answerWritten answers
The development of regional tourism is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Cistiúchán Roinne
Questions (58)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:58. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici airgead a chur ar fáil ón a Roinn le feabhas a chur ar bhonneagar na Gaeltachta ar nós bóithre, céanna srl; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36564/20]
View answerWritten answers
Tá na scéimeanna faoina mbíodh cúnamh airgid á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn do na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha den chuid is mó, chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar bhóithre agus céanna beaga Gaeltachta ar fionraí le tamall de bhlianta anois.
Níl sé beartaithe na scéimeanna sin a athmhúscailt ag an bpointe seo.
Is faoi na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha a bhaineann an fhreagracht maidir le cothabháil a dhéanamh ar shaoráidí poiblí atá faoina gcúram.
Tourism Funding
Questions (59)
Brendan Smith
Question:59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital funding provided for 2021 for the further development of the tourism product throughout the country; the specific sectors, if any, identified for further development in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37341/20]
View answerWritten answers
The breakdown of the total Exchequer provision in 2021 for tourism services by subhead will be available in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services, which will be published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be available on that Department's website following publication. It is not possible to provide any further detail of the 2021 capital allocation for tourism product development in advance of the publication of the REV.
With regard to particular aspects identified for tourism product development activity around the country in 2021, through capital funding provided in line with the National Development Plan 2018-2027, Fáilte Ireland prioritises investment in activity-based tourism and tourist attractions in order to provide the type and quality of experience that our visitors are seeking. The intention is to optimise key assets for the benefit of tourism and economic development through increasing regional spread, season extension and promoting sustainable growth management.
The Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023, published in October, made a number of recommendations regarding investment in tourism product and these recommendations will further inform the development of plans for further capital investment in the tourism sector.
Oideachas Gaeltachta
Questions (60)
Pearse Doherty
Question:60. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán faoi aon phlean ag an Roinn faoi láthair maidir le colaistí samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht i 2021; an bhfuil maoiniú curtha ar leathtaobh do mná agus fir tí muna bhfuil na cúrsaí sin a reachtail mar gheall ar Covid-19; an bhfuil an Aire sásta cinnteacht a thabhairt do mhuintir na Gaeltachta a bhíonn ag brath ar na cúrsaí seo go mbeidh cúiteamh ar fáil daofa muna dtéann na cúrsaí ar aghaidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37336/20]
View answerWritten answers
Aithníonn an Roinn gur tréimhse dhúshlánach í seo do phobal na tíre trí chéile agus go bhfuil tionchar á imirt ag COVID-19 ar gach éinne.
Mar is eol don Teachta, chuir mo Roinn ciste éigeandála ar fáil i mbliana chun tacú le cobhsú earnáil na gcoláistí samhraidh Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht
Faoin gciste cobhsaithe, íocadh thart ar €2.7m le húdaráis na gcoláistí le cur ar a gcumas táillí/éarlais a aisíoc le tuismitheoirí, agus íocadh thart ar €1.6m leis an 700 teaghlach Gaeltachta atá cláraithe faoi scéim na Roinne.
Maidir leis an tréimhse seo romhainn, tá sé idir dhá cheann na meá an mbeifear in ann dul ar aghaidh le cúrsaí an bhliain seo chugainn. Níl aon duine againn in ann a bheith cinnte, áfach, faoina bhfuil i ndán.
Ní gá a rá go leanfaidh mé féin agus mo Roinn ag coinneáil rudaí faoi bhreithniú i rith an ama agus rachaimid i gcomhairle arís de réir mar is gá le páirtithe leasmhara, lena n-áirítear an Roinn Oideachais, na húdaráis sláinte agus scáthghrúpa na gcoláistí samhraidh, CONCOS, ach go háirithe.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 8.
Sports Organisations
Questions (62)
Neale Richmond
Question:62. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the pathway to a return to non-elite sport for children and adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36658/20]
View answerWritten answers
The pathway to a return to non-elite sport for children and adults is contingent and dependent on the progression of the virus in the period ahead. The Living with COVID-19 Framework for Restrictive Measures, published in mid-September, sets out the approach that the Government intends to take in the management of the pandemic over the period to mid-2021. It is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to stop escalation of the transmission of the disease. The Government’s strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression.
Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and considerable numbers of hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities, including non-elite sporting activity by children and adults. It is noteworthy in that context however that sports training activity by children under the age of 18 is permitted in highly controlled settings under the current Level 5 restrictions.
While it is encouraging to note that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions. The suite of measures to be applied after the current period of restrictions, including for the sport sector, will be decided by Government on the basis of the prevailing public health situation and in the context of the Framework published in September.
Craoltóirí Seirbhíse Poiblí
Questions (63)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:63. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén méid airgid a cuireadh ar fáil do TG4 ón státchiste i mbliana; cén méid atá le cur ar fáil an bhliain seo chugainn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36563/20]
View answerWritten answers
Cuimsítear an Cultúr, na Meáin agus an Ghaeltacht sa réimse oibre atá faoi mo chúraim mar Aire. Tá an-mheas agam, mar sin, ar ról TG4 i dtaobh tacaíocht a thabhairt don Ghaeilge agus don Chultúr. Mar chraoltóir foilsitheora, cuireann TG4 tacaíocht ríthábhachtach ar fáil don earnáil neamhspleách léiriúcháin, go mór mór i gceantair Ghaeltachta. Bhí lúchair orm cruinniú a bheith agam leis an gCathaoirleach agus leis an bhfoireann fheidhmiúcháin le déanaí, uair a cuireadh ar an eolas mé faoina gcuid straitéisí agus táim ag súil le bheith ag obair leo.
Is beagnach go hiomlán ón Státchiste atá TG4 á mhaoiniú, anuas ar roinnt ioncam ó ghníomhaíochtaí tráchtála. Is ionann an leithroinnt Státchiste do TG4 agus €37.2m in 2020, comhdhéanta de €34.2m in airgead reatha agus €3m in airgead caipitil. Bhí áthas orm maoiniú breise €1.9m a chur ar fáil in 2020 i leith costas a thit ar an stáisiún de bharr Covid-19, ar mhaithe le cláir thábhachtacha ar nós Cúla4 ar Scoil a chraoladh.
Bhí áthas orm chomh maith €3.5m i maoiniú breise a fháil don bhliain 2021 rud a fhágfaidh gurb ionann €40.7m an maoiniú iomlán ón Státchiste do 2021, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil moladh Údarás Craoltóireachta na hÉireann ina athbhreithniú 5-bliana maidir le maoiniú don tréimhse 2018-2022 go gcuirfí €6m breise ar fáil don stáisiún curtha go hiomlán i bhfeidhm. Anuas air sin, beidh fáil ag an stáisiún ar bheagnach €1m i maoiniú caipitil breise atá riachtanach chun a cinntiú go bhfuil an teicneolaíocht agus an bonneagar cuí ag TG4 chun ábhar craolta a sheachadadh ar a lucht féachana.
European Capital of Culture
Questions (64)
Catherine Connolly
Question:64. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the legacy programme for Galway 2020 in view of the fact that it is one of the key programme indicators pursuant to the performance delivery agreement between her Department and Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37348/20]
View answerWritten answers
The development of a meaningful legacy to Galway's 2020 European Capital of Culture Programme is an important element of the overall fulfilment of designation.
The impact of COVID 19 has resulted in the delivery of a reimagined programme for Galway 2020, which will now extend into the first quarter of next year. Galway 2020 Executive continues to work closely with the local authorities, local and national stakeholders on the development of a legacy plan for the programme.
In that regard, on Tuesday last, 17 November, the Board of Galway 2020 held a special meeting devoted to a discussion on legacy. I expect to have full details on the outcome of the meeting in the near term.
Departmental Reports
Questions (65)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:65. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress on the night-time economy taskforce; the work programme of the task force; the timeline for the completion of its deliberations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37411/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I established the Night-time Economy Taskforce earlier this year on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for my Department. Key Government Departments and Agencies are represented on the Taskforce and a representative from Give us the Night and the Lord Mayors of Cork and Dublin are also members.
We know that Covid 19 has severely restricted social gatherings and has been detrimental to the night time economy and culture of our cities, towns and villages. However, as the economy opens up in the coming months in line with the Government's Plan for living with Covid 19, the industry needs to be ready to bounce back and to have as few obstacles as possible to develop and grow.
This Taskforce is currently examining all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night time culture and economy such as regulations, licensing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues so our cities, towns and villages which have already faced so many challenges will be able to find and develop new opportunities.
The Taskforce has met twice to date and a number of sub-groups have also been established and are working to progress various elements of the overall terms of reference of the Group. A stakeholder consultation process is also underway with relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role in the night-time economy included to ensure that all views and ideas are considered by the Taskforce.
I have asked the Taskforce to report back to me within six months from their first meeting with a series of recommendations on practical measures which will help us develop a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy.
A range of supports and measures from my own Department and across other Departments have already been established for hard hit sectors which contribute to the night-time economy including the arts and creative sectors and the tourism sectors. However, we need even more creative thinking and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy and I want every opportunity explored and maximised. I look forward to the outcome of the work of this Taskforce.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 39.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 47.
Sports Facilities
Questions (68)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:68. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if community pools and leisure centres will be permitted to hold swimming classes as sports for children in primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the enormous benefits of swimming as a sport for children and its importance as part of the national education curriculum; if swimming lessons will be included in controlled sports under future restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37047/20]
View answerWritten answers
The importance of swimming is fully recognised in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027. Given its particular capacity to provide lasting benefits over people's lifetimes, swimming is one of three priority participation sports identified in the Policy and is to be the subject of a specific National Swimming Strategy to be completed and published next year.
While the Government fully understands the benefits that sports such as swimming bring to people's overall health and well-being, the measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
Insofar as future measures are concerned , the Living with COVID-19 Framework for Restrictive Measures, published in mid-September, sets out the approach that the Government intends to take in the management of the pandemic over the period to mid-2021. The current Level 5 restrictions will continue until 2 December. The suite of measures to be applied thereafter, including for the sport sector, will be decided by Government on the basis of the prevailing public health situation and in the context of the Framework published in September.
Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 47.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (70)
Neale Richmond
Question:70. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the discussions she has had with an organisation (details supplied) regarding Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36659/20]
View answerWritten answers
There has been, and will continue to be, a regular, ongoing engagement with the sports sector as a whole, including with the body referred to by the Deputy, who I met in September.
In addition to direct engagement with Sport Ireland, the statutory agency for the development of sport in Ireland, sporting organisations including the body referred to by the Deputy, have also contributed to regular meetings of the Sports Monitoring Group, which is chaired at Ministerial level. Moreover, the Expert Group on Return to Sport, which is chaired by my Department, has reviewed and provided, via Sport Ireland, feedback to the body referred to by the Deputy on its return to sport protocols.
As part of my commitment to a strong collaboration with the sports sector in pursuit of our ambitious policy aims, it is my intention to meet all of the sporting organisations in person when circumstances permit.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (71)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:71. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is considering amendments to the sports section of the living with Covid plan for any future potential restrictions. [37155/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Living with COVID-19 Framework for Restrictive Measures, published in mid-September, sets out the approach that the Government intends to take in the management of the pandemic over the period to mid-2021. It is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to stop escalation of the transmission of the disease. The Government’s strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression.
Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and considerable numbers of hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities, including sporting activity.
While it is encouraging to note that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions. The current Level 5 restrictions will continue until 2 December. The suite of measures to be applied thereafter, including for the sport sector, will be decided by Government on the basis of the prevailing public health situation and in the context of the Framework published in September.
The Government recognises the impacts COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and well-being by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months and into 2021. All of this is available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 35.
Tourism Policy
Questions (73)
Joe Flaherty
Question:73. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support the further development of the tourism industry and in particular eco-tourism in the Midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37400/20]
View answerWritten answers
Last month, I received the recommendations of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce for the survival, stabilisation and recovery of the tourism industry. In the coming weeks I will establish a Recovery Oversight Group to assist in the implementation of these recommendations, which will help guide the future development of the sector. Central to this will be sustainability, particularly around schemes and supports which promote the concept of and business case for sustainable tourism both at the enterprise level and the consumer level. These are issues which I will keep on the agenda with the tourism agencies as I seek to develop a sustainable tourism policy, as set out in the Programme for Government.
The development of regional tourism industry is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (74)
Gary Gannon
Question:74. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for getting arts and entertainment businesses open at level 3 of the Living with Covid-19 plan. [37373/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Framework for Restrictive Measures is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to prevent escalation of the transmission of Covid-19. Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are baskets of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. At present, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. The public health risk at level 5 means that we are all asked to stay at home, with limited exceptions. Information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/. At all times the priority guiding the plan will be to keep our schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting the resilience of our economy and communities.
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020 give effect to level 5 restrictions under the Plan. The Regulations list essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions.
The Government has yet to make a decision on the restrictions will apply after 1 December as that will depend on the epidemiological situation at the time. The impact of any and all restrictions for every sector, including dance, will be considered carefully as the Government seeks to balance the public health risk posed by COVID with economic, social and well-being considerations.