Written Answers Nos. 237-261
237. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the options available to a person (details supplied) facing a large benefit-in-kind bill due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40325/20]
View answerThis matter concerns a benefit-in-kind (BIK) charge arising to an employee in respect of an employer provided car. In this case the employee incurred reduced business mileage during 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 and may therefore have a higher tax liability than anticipated as a result of reduced business travel.
The options available to such a taxpayer together with the applicable tax treatment are set out as follows.
Calculation of the BIK charge on the provision of a car to an employee
I am informed by Revenue that section 121 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the taxation of cars provided by an employer to an employee. This benefit is taxed through the payroll by the employer.
BIK is applied to 30% of the original market value of a car. The original market value of a car is the price which it might reasonably have been expected to fetch if sold in the State singly in a retail sale in the open market, immediately before the date of its first registration (in the State or elsewhere). In short, the original market value is the Irish open market price for a single retail sale immediately before the date on which the car was first registered. For a second-hand car, the original market value is the price of the car when purchased new for the first time.
This 30% may be reduced (to 24%, 18%, 12% or 6%) depending on the annual business kilometres travelled. The following table shows the applicable rates:
|
Business Kilometres Lower Limit |
Business Kilometres Upper Limit |
Percentage of Original Market Value (per cent) |
|
24,000 |
32,000 |
24 |
|
32,001 |
40,000 |
18 |
|
40,001 |
48,000 |
12 |
|
48,001 |
-- |
6 |
If the car provided is an electric vehicle, there may be a full exemption or partial relief from benefit-in-kind available.
Concessions permitted by Revenue
Due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain concessional treatment is permitted by Revenue in relation to the operation of BIK on employer-provided vehicles for the tax year 2020, which is outlined below. This concession together with other COVID-19 related concessions can be found on Revenue’s website - available here.
Where an employee is in receipt of a vehicle (car or van) provided by his or her employer, the following may apply:
(a) Employer Takes Back Possession of the Vehicle
Where an employer takes back possession of the vehicle and an employee has no access to the vehicle, no BIK shall apply for the period.
(b) Employer Prohibits Use
Where an employee retains possession of a vehicle, but the employer prohibits the use of the vehicle, no BIK shall apply if the vehicle is not used for private use. Records should be maintained to show that the employer has prohibited the vehicle’s use and that no such use has occurred, e.g. communication from employer, photographic evidence of odometer, etc.
(c) Employer Allows Private Use
Where an employee is not prohibited from using a vehicle, but limited or reduced business mileage (if any) is undertaken during the period of the COVID-19 crisis, the amount of business mileage travelled in January 2020 may be used as a base month for the purposes of calculating the amount of BIK due. Personal use of the vehicle must be limited in this scenario and appropriate records should be kept, e.g. business mileage travelled in January 2020, amount of private use, photographic evidence of odometer, etc.
Where an employee continues to undertake business travel as usual in an employer-provided vehicle, the usual BIK rules will apply.
In addition to the above, as a further measure to support taxpayers, Revenue also allowed employers to temporarily suspend the operation of BIK in respect of employees in receipt of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), for the period the TWSS applied.
Payment options
Generally, where an underpayment of tax arises there are a range of options available to settle this liability with Revenue, to include a Phased Payment Arrangement or a reduction to tax credits etc.
Given the unique circumstances of COVID-19, Revenue further expanded the range of options available to taxpayers. For example, where an employee was in receipt of the TWSS, to minimise any hardship, the employee may opt for Revenue to collect the 2020 liability (arising on the TWSS and any deferred BIK) interest free, by reducing the individual’s tax credits over four years, with the reduction of tax credits not commencing until January 2022. In addition, Revenue will also facilitate employers who wish to pay an employee’s liability for 2020, arising on the TWSS and any deferred BIK, without giving rise to an additional benefit.
In relation to this particular case, the individual can engage directly with Revenue in relation to the liability and the specific options available to them with regard to discharging same, based on their individual circumstances. Contact details for Revenue can be found here.
239. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works, OPW, liaised with Dublin City Council ahead of the decision to close many of the gates in the Phoenix Park in response to Covid-19; and if the OPW will now liaise with the council to ensure that vehicular traffic can exit the park speedily by changing traffic sequences, allowing right turns and so on, especially at the Chesterfield Avenue-Conyngham Road junction. [39742/20]
View answerFollowing a request from An Garda Síochána, the perimeter side vehicular gates in the Park were closed on the grounds of public safety further to the Level 5 Government restrictions. This arrangement has been in place since the 31st October and the two main gates have functioned satisfactorily, with the exception of the weekend of the 21st/22nd November, when there was unprecedented and unexpected numbers visiting the Park, due primarily to the nice weather. That situation led to the Park being unable to cope with the high volume of vehicular traffic including through traffic and visitor traffic on Sunday afternoon.
Officials in the Office of Public Works made contact both with An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council, which is responsible for traffic- light management, to increase the time allocated to vehicles exiting the Phoenix Park at the two main gates. This alleviated the traffic back-up late in the afternoon.
OPW staff in the Phoenix Park have reviewed this with An Garda Síochána and options are being considered with regard to alleviating any traffic congestion in the future. In the meantime, staff with responsibility for patrolling the Phoenix Park will closely monitor the use of the Park and seek to address any further issues arising with traffic volumes.
Officials from the Office of Public Works are working with other key stakeholders, including the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council to examine the issues relating to access in the Phoenix Park. A Steering Group has been established to oversee a process of developing new transport and mobility plans and this group is due to report back to me this month with a range of practical options that can be made operational in the Park. It is hoped to bring these options to public consultation early in 2021 and to publish the final plans for implementation of the preferred option by March 2021.
240. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount the OPW spent on the refurbishment of Malahide Garda station in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [39889/20]
View answerI can confirm that the Office of Public works has spent a total of €112,758.68 on the refurbishment and maintenance of Malahide Garda Station in the years 2018, 2019, and to date 2020. Details of the expenditure for each year is outlined in the following table. These figures are for both works funded by the OPW and An Garda Síochána and include maintenance work, small elective projects, and the upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems.
|
Year |
OPW Expenditure |
AGS Funded |
Total Expenditure |
|
2018 |
€33,031.42 |
€58,257.36 |
€91,288.78 |
|
2019 |
€11,359.06 |
Nil |
€11,359.06 |
|
2020 to date |
€9,497.94 |
€612.90 |
€10,110.84 |
|
Total Expenditure |
€53,888.42 |
€58,870.26 |
€112,758.68 |
241. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work on its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and-or financial penalties and-or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40216/20]
View answerAs agreed with the Deputy, I am providing in the table below the details of all relevant contracts entered into by my Department with a value of €20,000 or more during the requested years. An additional table in included which contains the details for the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department.
I can confirm to the Deputy that none of the contracts detailed were the subject of dispute or a mediation process.
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Nature of work company was engaged to do |
Value of the Contract |
|
2020 |
Storm Technology Ltd |
ICT - SharePoint Development and Support Services |
€2,371,625 |
|
Kaltech Limited |
Infrastructure and Operations resources to support central delivery of ICT services including Government Cloud, Managed Desktop and Shared Hosting |
€2,268,764 |
|
|
Morgan McKinley Ltd |
IT Services for Gov.ie, Citizens Information and eGov Systems |
€1,289,499 |
|
|
Ergo |
Service Desk support services |
€665,929 |
|
|
DQ Networks |
Network Engineering |
€307,107 |
|
|
PwC |
Consultancy for Culture Review in DPER |
€173,172 |
|
|
Gartner |
Research and Advisory Services |
€156,936 |
|
|
Derilinx |
Development and maintenance of the national Open Data Portal and support for the Open Data Initiative. |
€101,965 |
|
|
Crowe |
ICT Advisory Services |
€83,437 |
|
|
Deloitte |
Provision of advice, stakeholder engagement services and strategic analysis to inform Civil Service reform. |
€82,000 |
|
|
Ludex |
Development of prototype chatbot under Enterprise Ireland SBIR scheme |
€50,000 |
|
|
Information Security Assurance Services |
Security Advisory Services |
€49,497 |
|
|
Oxford Global Projects Ltd |
Advice to inform the development of the new external review process for Major Capital Projects |
€43,050 |
|
|
Morgan McKinley Ltd |
Design of the MyData Portal Prototype |
€41,561 |
|
|
Derilinx Ltd |
Data Catalogue Service Delivery and First Year of Support |
€36,875 |
|
|
Byrne Wallace Solicitors |
Provision of Legal Advice (Routine, Project Work and Training) |
€32,823 |
|
|
Mazars |
IT Security Audit for ERDF System |
€22,100 |
|
|
ORRYX |
Innovation Training |
€27,183 |
|
|
2019 |
Storm Technology Ltd |
ICT - SharePoint Development and Support Services |
€2,375,184 |
|
Kaltech Limited |
Infrastructure and Operations resources to support central delivery of ICT services including Government Cloud, Managed Desktop and Shared Hosting |
€2,197,623 |
|
|
Morgan McKinley Ltd |
IT Services for Gov.ie, Citizens Information and eGov Systems |
€633,563 |
|
|
DQ Networks |
Network Engineering |
€369,521 |
|
|
Ergo |
Service Desk support services |
€341,669 |
|
|
e-Boks A/S |
Implementation of Digital Postbox Solution |
€250,000 |
|
|
e-Boks A/S |
Support and Maintenance of Digital Postbox for 2019 and 2020 |
€260,575 |
|
|
Gartner |
Research and Advisory Services |
€188,866 |
|
|
KPMG |
Production of a report on understanding of low levels of productivity in the Irish Construction Sector |
€176,380 |
|
|
Derilinx |
Development and maintenance of the national Open Data Portal and support for the Open Data Initiative |
€112,222 |
|
|
KPMG |
IT Consultancy |
€102,934 |
|
|
Crowe Ireland |
Review of Structures for Management of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programmes in Ireland |
€100,322 |
|
|
Byrne Wallace Solicitors |
The contract relates to the ongoing provision of Legal Advice (Routine, Project Work and Training) |
€84,210 |
|
|
Aspira |
IT Services for Gov.ie and eGov Systems |
€79,704 |
|
|
TBWACawley Nea Limited |
Project Ireland 2040 Strategy and Creative Development |
€61,083 |
|
|
Information Security Assurance Services |
Security Advisory Services |
€60,896 |
|
|
Crowe |
ICT Advisory Services |
€48,937 |
|
|
PHD Media Ireland |
Project Ireland 2040 Strategy and Creative Development |
€46,402 |
|
|
Ergo |
IT Services for Gov.ie and eGov Systems |
€44,649 |
|
|
Grant Thornton |
IT Cyber Security and Disaster Recovery Internal Audit |
€44,003 |
|
|
Information Security Assurance Services |
Security Review of Single Customer View Database |
€25,830 |
|
|
RSM Ireland |
Review of Workforce Planning |
€24,500 |
|
|
2018 |
Kaltech Limited |
Infrastructure and Operations resources to support central delivery of ICT services including Government Cloud, Managed Desktop and Shared Hosting |
€1,757,960 |
|
Storm Technology Ltd |
ICT - SharePoint Development and Support Services |
€1,442,048 |
|
|
Ergo |
Service Desk support services |
€378,750 |
|
|
DQ Networks |
Network Engineering |
€343,296 |
|
|
Aspira |
IT Services for Gov.ie and eGov Systems |
€216,938 |
|
|
KPMG |
Advisory services and business case for data centre. Business case to progress central delivery of ICT infrastructure. Review of current strategy and capability, define target operating model |
€167,354 |
|
|
Gartner |
Research and Advisory Services |
€152,955 |
|
|
Ergo |
IT Services for Gov.ie and eGov Systems |
€125,133 |
|
|
Byrne Wallace Solicitors |
The contract relates to the ongoing provision of Legal Advice (Routine, Project Work and Training). |
€108,086 |
|
|
Morgan McKinley Ltd |
IT Services for Gov.ie and eGov Systems |
€106,057 |
|
|
Derilinx |
Development and maintenance of the national Open Data Portal and support for the Open Data Initiative |
€90,077 |
|
|
Information Security Assurance Services |
Security Advisory Services |
€83,275 |
|
|
Davis Nolan Ltd t/a Next Generation |
ICT Desk side support engineer |
€78,223 |
|
|
Ipsos MRBI |
Irish Civil Service Customer Satisfaction Survey 2019 |
€61,000 |
|
|
Oleeo Plc |
Supply of HR Recruitment Software |
€47,629 |
|
|
Evros |
Gov Cloud Development |
€42,167 |
Office of Government Procurement
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Nature of work company was engaged to do |
Value of the Contract |
|
2020 |
EY Ireland |
Provision of construction economic advices in relation to price variation mechanisms. |
€143,559 |
|
Horizon Energy Group |
Specialist Procurement Support |
€137,006 |
|
|
DNR Technologies Solutions Limited |
To design, build, implement, support and maintain a Business Intelligence system |
€131,456 |
|
|
Indecon International Consultants |
Research and Report writing services for the production and issue of written report to the Office of Government Procurement on the operation of the roles of: Standing Conciliator and the Project Board |
€129,275 |
|
|
Gartner Ireland Ltd |
Access to ICT research, analysis and associated services |
€125,200 |
|
|
Grant Thornton Consulting Limited |
Organisation Review |
€119,500 |
|
|
Royal Institute of Architects Ireland & Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (joint contract) |
Consultancy and training provider services in respect of the Commercial Skills Academy training programme |
€94,923 |
|
|
Codec - DSS |
Ongoing support and maintain a customer relationship and workflow management ICT system for the OGP |
€45,264 |
|
|
Software One Ireland |
Software Licensing |
€42,480 |
|
|
BDO Ireland |
Review of OGP documentation for clients |
€25,000 |
|
|
2019 |
EUS Holdings |
A fully-managed electronic tender management facility for the Irish |
€355,558 |
|
EUS Holdings |
Ongoing provision of a Fully -managed electronic tender management facility for the Irish Public Sector and additional modules and enhancements |
€330,647 |
|
|
SAS Institute |
Annual license and support of a Business Intelligence system for the OGP |
€269,933 |
|
|
Horizon Energy Group |
Specialist Procurement Support |
€238,319 |
|
|
Codec - DSS |
Ongoing implementation and support and maintain a customer relationship and workflow management ICT system for the OGP |
€194,778 |
|
|
Gartner Ireland Ltd |
Access to ICT research, analysis and associated services |
€119,200 |
|
|
Inventive Marketing t/a Kick |
Provision of Creative and Digital Campaign Services (Lot 1) |
€80,000 |
|
|
Expleo Technology Ireland Limited |
Project Management contractor |
€62,404 |
|
|
Levins Associates |
A review of certain Bills of Quantities prepared using ARM4 for Public Works Contracts PW-CF5 |
€42,700 |
|
|
Great Place to Work (Ireland) Limited |
Employee Engagement Scheme |
€41,400 |
|
|
Crowe Ireland |
Specialist Procurement Support |
€39,375 |
|
|
CDW Limited |
Software Licensing |
€33,879 |
|
|
eQuiddity |
Specialist Procurement Support |
€30,020 |
|
|
A&L Goodbody |
Be-spoke legal amendments to extant documentation previously prepared by A&L Goodbody |
€25,000 |
|
|
Innovative Procurement Solutions Ltd |
Operational procurement support |
€20,190 |
|
|
2018 |
Codec - DSS |
Ongoing Implementation of a customer relationship and workflow management ICT system for the OGP |
€354,955 |
|
EUS Holdings |
Ongoing provision of a Fully -managed electronic tender management facility for the Irish Public Sector and additional modules and enhancements |
€295,359 |
|
|
SAS Institute |
Annual license and support of a Business Intelligence system for the OGP |
€269,933 |
|
|
Horizon Energy Group |
Specialist Procurement Support |
€190,109 |
|
|
Gartner Ireland Ltd |
Access to ICT research, analysis and associated services |
€113,600 |
|
|
Morrow Communication Ltd |
Provision of graphic design/animation services and production of promotional material and reports for the OGP |
€100,000 |
|
|
Expleo Technology Ireland Limited |
Project Management contractor |
€96,598 |
|
|
Innovative Procurement Solutions Ltd |
Operational procurement support |
€68,821 |
|
|
Evros |
Business Analyst Consultancy |
€62,640 |
|
|
Coyne Research Associates |
Provision of Consultancy Services for delivery of a client Survey |
€36,300 |
|
|
McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors |
Legal drafting services, construction consultancy. |
€25,000 |
242. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date of the most recent meeting with the landlord of a location (details supplied); the outcome of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40432/20]
View answerThe most recent meeting between the Commissioners of Public Works and the Landlord referred to was on 16 January 2020. The Landlord requested some time to consider the matters discussed and undertook to revert to the Commissioners. Communications with the landlord are ongoing in this regard.
243. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the Covid-19 guidance that is given to basketball clubs; and if she will consider an exemption under the appropriate level of restrictions for juvenile training where which no outdoor courts exist. [39875/20]
View answer251. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the pathway in place to allow for the resumption of basketball for children when level 5 restrictions end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39706/20]
View answer255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40101/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 251 and 255 together.
The Framework for Restrictive Measures 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 COVID-19. The Government’s strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression. COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, and poorly ventilated spaces.
Given the current epidemiological situation, 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 sports such as basketball.
In Levels, 3, 4 and 5 of the Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan, sporting competitions and events - indoors or outdoors - are not permitted except for defined exempted athletes and teams, as set out in the public health regulations. Individual training indoors is permitted in Level 3 and Level 4, however indoor exercise and dance classes are not.
I recognise that there is great disappointment among those who wish to engage in sport. There has been, and will continue to be, a regular, ongoing engagement with the sports sector, including with the National Governing Body for basketball. In addition to direct engagement with Sport Ireland, the statutory agency for the development of sport in Ireland, sporting organisations 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 National Governing Body for basketball on its return to sport protocols.
244. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason the circus sector has been excluded from the Covid restrictions support scheme despite the statement she made that the sector may qualify for same (details supplied); the grant scheme for which the circus sector is eligible; if none, if a financial support package will be put in place for the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39927/20]
View answer252. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions being taken to save the Irish circus industry during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39811/20]
View answer254. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason she has stated that the circus sector may qualify for the Covid restrictions support scheme when the eligibility criteria for the scheme expressly exclude the circus sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39921/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 252 and 254 together.
Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased steadily in recent years and will reach €130 million in 2021. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published ten-year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. The Arts Council supports and develops the arts in Ireland through grant funding, project awards, support to individual artists, and support to venues, publications and resource organisations.
The Arts Act 2003 specifically includes circus as an art form and circus is supported by the Arts Council by way of grants under a range of categories including Bursary, Strategic Funding, Project Awards and Touring and Dissemination awards. In 2020, circus artists also qualified for the Council's COVID-19 Crisis Response Award. Details of all grants are available on the Arts Council's website at http://www.artscouncil.ie/Who_we_funded/.
Supports from the Arts Council are in addition to the wide range of non-sector specific supports with varying criteria available to assist organisations impacted by the pandemic and information is available on these at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/#rates.
245. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the 2021 sports capital application programme will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40232/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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. Over 12,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to close to €1 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. On 30th November, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced that a new 2020 round of the Programme was opening with applications accepted from 11th December until 12th February, 2021. At least €40 million is being made available and it is planned to make allocations later in 2021.
Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.
246. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 19 November 2020, the Department responsible for oversight of the commercial provision of Irish dancing. [40253/20]
View answer262. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 19 November 2020, if she will confirm that no State support is available for commercial providers of Irish dancing, including tutors who do not have possession of a business premises, and the reason no support is being provided to same. [40256/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 262 together.
My Department does not have responsibility for oversight of the commercial providers of Irish dancing. As commercial businesses, providers of dance classes may apply for a wide range of supports with varying criteria, available to assist organisations impacted by the pandemic. Information on these schemes is available at https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/#rates
These supports include the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) for which some businesses may qualify. The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government, at Level 3 restrictions or higher. Qualifying businesses can apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a cash payment in respect of an advance credit for trading expenses for the period of the restrictions. Detailed information is provided by the Revenue Commissioners at https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf.
It is a matter for each business to determine the scheme for which it may qualify.
247. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will ensure Irish dancing is specifically included in any further announcement of lockdown restrictions or easing of restrictions made. [40254/20]
View answerI am fully cognisant of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have on the sectors that my Department supports. 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 in response to 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 priority in level 3 is to keep health services, schools and early learning and childcare services open and minimise disruption in the work force. In order to keep people safe the public are asked to reduce the number of people they meet to a minimum and stay in their own county, until 18 December. Furthermore people are asked to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.
Many of the sectors under the aegis of my Department involve audiences and people congregating. This is the very thing the Government is trying to minimise, we need to reduce the number of people congregating across a range of settings in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this means that certain elements of the various sectors remain closed.
I fully recognise the importance of the Christmas season from social and community perspective, as well as from an economic perspective. In that context, Government has decided to make certain exemptions to help people celebrate this important time at the end of an extremely challenging year. In the context of the Deputy’s Question, the guidance specifies that no exercise or dance classes are allowed at Levels 3, 4 or 5. This precludes any exercise class, including gymnastics classes, and any type of dance class – traditional, step, jazz, or ballet. While classes are not allowed, individual training and one-to-one instruction can take place.
248. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40288/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, from today (Tuesday 1 December), all counties have been placed on level 3 of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020 – 2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.
From Friday 4 December, restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants (serving a substantial meal) can open for indoor dining with additional restrictions. This includes access for non-residents to restaurants in hotels.
As regards provision for domestic travel, the public are asked to stay within their own county until 18th December, from which time inter-county travel will be allowed – a provision due to remain in place until 6th January.
249. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a Christmas festival (details supplied) was not awarded a grant under the live performance support scheme despite being a ready-to-go project as opposed to many of those awarded the grant that were only at concept stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39544/20]
View answerAn amount of over €5 million was provided for the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" which was heavily oversubscribed, with over 100 applications seeking funding of over €16 million. As a result, it was not possible to provide funding to all applicants. The pilot scheme was developed following consultation with the live performance sector and will inform any future schemes developed, as the Government has provided €50 million for this sector in 2021. Department officials are taking note of the elements of this pilot scheme which worked well and those that could be further enhanced in any similar future scheme. Officials in my Department have also provided feedback to applicants who applied for funding under this pilot scheme.
250. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if grants and supports will be provided to the self-employed and sole traders who work in the arts, entertainment, music and event industry and continue to have work-related overheads despite having little or no work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39651/20]
View answerIt has been widely acknowledged that the impact of COVID-19 on the live performance sector including live music, has been more detrimental and will last longer than in nearly any other sector. To help the sector, I recently announced funding allocations under the Music Industry Stimulus Package and the Live Performance Support Scheme.
Under the Music Industry Stimulus Package, 184 musicians/bands have being awarded a total of €896,000 to assist them to record singles, EPs and albums. This support covers a wide range of music genres including rock, indie, jazz, trad, folk, country, classical and electronic. There were over 1,400 applications for recording support, which reflects the high demand for support as well as being an indication of the vibrancy of the music sector in Ireland. The total funding for the 2020 Music Industry Stimulus Package of €1.7 million is supporting 79 song writing camps and 56 new album releases as well as the 184 recording awards announced.
Under the Live Performance Support Scheme, over €5 million in funding is being provided to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the coming months, with a total of 59 organisations benefitting from the scheme. The main objective of this pilot scheme is to provide employment opportunities in this uncertain time and allow commercial organisers of live performances to commence preparations immediately and productions to go ahead with either a live audience or to share content through streaming.
The Government will also provide support for live entertainment in the amount of €50 million in 2021. This will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector, and will support live entertainment in venues across the country, building on the stimulus measures announced in July. This funding will also support:
- work opportunities for musicians, artists, crew and venue workers nationwide;
- supports for music, building on the strong demand for support under the July stimulus Music Scheme; and
- a scheme of capital grants for equipment.
253. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has received the 2019 annual report for the National Concert Hall; and if so, when it will be published. [39886/20]
View answerThe 2019 Annual Report of the National Concert Hall has been noted by Government and is now available on the website of the National Concert Hall.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding previously awarded under the sports capital programme in the case of a club (details supplied) is secure given delays to ongoing projects due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40129/20]
View answerThe club referred to by the Deputy was allocated a grant under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme towards the development of dressing rooms, shower and toilets.
There are no plans at present to withdraw any of the grants under the 2017 round of the Programme although my Department does pursue a withdrawals process for grants if no progress has been made after a number of years. Accordingly, if the project is unlikely to advance, the club should contact the Sports Capital Unit of my Department to discuss options including a possible change of purpose for the grant in question.
257. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if venues will be allowed to host live music sessions under level 2 restrictions provided enhanced physical distancing and proper hygiene protocols are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40139/20]
View answerUnder the Government’s living with Covid-19 plan attendances at organised indoor gathering are allowed in limited numbers when the country is at Level 1 or at Level 2 of the measures in place to keep us all safe. In this case organised indoor and outdoor gatherings are those having controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager such as events in theatres or other arts events.
In the case of indoor events under Level 2, up to 50 patrons are permitted and in pods or groups of up to 6 if appropriate, with arrangements to ensure no intermingling of groups. Up to 100 patrons are permitted for larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one-way controls for entry and exit can be implemented.
In the case of organised outdoor gatherings under Level 2, up to 100 patrons are permitted for the majority of venues and up to 200 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (with robust protective measures as per sectoral guidance).
For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance is being developed for indoor and outdoor gatherings with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.
Further information on Level 2 can be accessed on the gov.ie website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/18e18-level-2/.
258. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider whether swimming lessons can be allowed under level 3 restrictions provided enhanced hygiene protocols are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40172/20]
View answerThe Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only at Level 3. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes at this level. My Department has issued guidance to the sports and leisure sector confirming that group swimming lessons are not permitted in Level 3. Only one-to-one swimming instruction is permitted in Level 3.
While the Government fully understands the benefits that sport brings to peoples 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.
While I am pleased to note that COVID-19 data indicates some 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 further easing of restrictions, including those currently applying to swimming pools.
259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms her Department has engaged to carry out work on its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if she will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and-or financial penalties and-or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40220/20]
View answerI am advised that my Department has not engaged the services of either legal or project management firms. Details of the consultancy, accountancy and IT firms engaged by my Department, the type of work they were engaged in, and the total cost of engagement for the period 2018 to date in 2020 are set out in the tables below.
I am advised that no dispute over costs arose in respect to any of the contracts listed.
Consultancy and Accountancy Firms
|
Nature of Service/Title of Project |
Name of Firm |
Year |
Project Cost (Including VAT) |
|
Review and report on governance structures and arrangements at St Patrick’s Festival. |
Institute of Public Administration |
2020 |
€22,140 |
|
Research and analysis services to assist the Tourism Recovery Taskforce in the preparation of a Tourism Recovery Plan. |
Indecon Economic Consultants |
2020 |
€92,543 |
|
Provision of Expert Economist Report in the context of State Aid Complaint against Ireland |
PMCA Economic Consulting |
2020 |
€9,225 (See Note 1 Below) |
|
To conduct a review and prepare a follow-up report on the Internal Audit function of the Department |
Crowe Ireland Chartered Accountants |
2019 |
€3,063 |
|
Review and report on the annual St Patrick's Festival – including evaluation of its benefits and assessment of models for delivery of the festival – to ensure the sustainable delivery of an efficient, effective and impactful annual festival. |
Ernst and Young |
2019 |
€40,994 |
|
Review of International Sustainable Tourism Policy and recommendations on Policy, Guiding Principles & Implementation for Sustainable Tourism Development in Ireland. |
Earthcheck PTY Limited |
2019 |
€75,096 (See Note 2 Below) |
|
Review of Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup |
Aidan Pender Consulting |
2018 |
€18,007 |
|
Assessment of Candidates for Position of Chair of Horse Sport Ireland |
Attentius Associates Ltd t/a Osborne Recruitment |
2018 |
€4,858 |
IT Firms
|
Nature of Service/Title of Project |
Name of Firm |
Year |
Project Cost (Including VAT) |
|
Hardware/Software Configuration |
Arkphire |
2020 |
€4,403 |
|
Network Configuration |
DQ Networks |
2020 |
€4,489 |
|
Hardware/Software Configuration |
eCOM |
2020 |
€19,363 |
|
Software Support |
Inpute Technologies Ltd |
2020 |
€99,359 |
|
Migration of Systems |
Kainos |
2020 |
€811 |
|
Systems Review |
MJ Flood |
2020 |
€8,349 |
|
Systems Support |
Unity |
2020 |
€23,180 |
|
Software Support |
Waterford Technology |
2020 |
€22,164 |
|
Systems Support |
Cannon |
2019 |
€7,687 |
|
Network Configuration |
DQ Networks |
2019 |
€6,457 |
|
Network Configuration works |
Eamonn O’Connor |
2019 |
€1,447 |
|
Systems Support |
ESRI |
2019 |
€16,331 |
|
Systems Support |
Inpute |
2019 |
€116,188 |
|
Systems Migration |
Kainos |
2019 |
€39,192 |
|
Systems Support |
Sureskills |
2019 |
€31,777 |
|
Systems Support |
Threatscape |
2019 |
€7,387 |
|
Systems Support |
Unity |
2019 |
€118,516 |
|
Software Support |
Waterford Technology |
2019 |
€39,083 |
|
Systems Configuration |
Zinopy |
2019 |
€25,798 |
|
Systems Migration |
Cannon (Irl) Business Equipment Ltd |
2018 |
€2,447 |
|
Systems Migration |
Compass Informatics |
2018 |
€799 |
|
Network Support |
DQ Networks |
2018 |
€3,321 |
|
Systems Support |
eCom |
2018 |
€58,150 |
|
Software Support |
Iconic Translation Machines |
2018 |
€17,220 |
|
Systems Migration |
Kainos |
2018 |
€10,243 |
|
Systems Implementation and Support |
Sureskills |
2018 |
€15,416 |
|
Software Support |
Threatscape |
2018 |
€738 |
|
Hardware Support |
Total Power Solutions |
2018 |
€14,270 |
|
Software Support |
Waterford Technology |
2018 |
€43,324 |
|
Systems Support |
Unity |
2018 |
€52,678 |
|
Systems Support |
Zinopy |
2018 |
€61,196 |
Note 1. PMCA Economic Consulting - In February 2020 the Chief State Solicitors Office engaged a consultant to prepare an economic report as part of the Department's response to additional questions which were forwarded by the Commission. It was agreed that the cost of the report would be shared between the then Department of Transport Tourism and Sport and the Department of Housing.
Note 2. Earthcheck PTY Limited - Consultancy services procured by Fáilte Ireland on behalf of the Sustainable Tourism Working Group. This group consisted of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS). While the total cost for this consultancy was split between the group (with DTTAS contributing €26,174.81), Fáilte Ireland was the sole client for this contractor.
Note 3. Systems Support & Migration of Systems – The expenditure in relation to the majority of the Systems Support and all of the Systems migration spend relates to a project undertaken to consolidate all IT support within the Department’s IT service provision.
In addition to the above, my Department commissions other experts from time to time to provide technical reports or advice on specific issues. Such work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.
260. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of an application (details supplied). [40246/20]
View answerUnder my Department's Community and Language Supports Programme (Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga) financial assistance is provided for the development and refurbishment of community, language and recreational facilities in Gaeltacht regions, in addition to the purchase of equipment.
Funding of €5,535 - equivalent to 75% of the overall cost - was sanctioned by my Department to Comhar Dún Chaocháin in October for professional fees relating to the development of a play area at Ceathrú Thaidhg, Béal an Mhuirthead. The project is being undertaken by Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, in partnership with Mayo County Council and the Ceathrú Thaidhg/Ros Dumhach Playground Committee. A further application has been submitted to my Department from Comhar Dún Chaochán Teo for the development phase of the project.
Further information has been sought from Mayo County Council in relation to planning permission in respect of the project and, on receipt of same, the application will receive further consideration in the context of available resources and competing demands.
261. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas a rinne an rialtas fáil réidh leis an gCoimisiún Logainmneacha sa bhliain 2013, agus cóip de chibé barántas nó ordú faoina fuarthas réidh leis an gCoimisiún sin a chur ar aghaidh chugam. [40255/20]
View answerMar thoradh ar chinneadh an Rialtais i 2011, socraíodh mar chuid de Phlean an Rialtais um Athchóiriú na Seirbhíse Poiblí go mbunófaí coiste saineolaithe, a bheadh ag feidhmiú ar bonn pro bono, in áit an Choimisiúin Logainmneacha. Tá an Coiste sin i mbun oibre ó shin i leith. Ceapadh Coiste nua Logainmneacha ar 11 Eanáir 2020, agus é mar phríomhdhualgas aige comhairle a chur ar an Aire maidir le logainmneacha na hÉireann mar a shainítear iad sin in alt 31 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003.
Mar go ndéantar tagairt i gcónaí don Choimisiúin Logainmeacha in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 is gá leasú a dhéanamh ar an Acht úd chun a chumasú don Aire Orduithe Logainmneacha a dhéanamh. Tá i gceist tabhairt faoi seo agus leasú á dhéanamh ar an Acht trí Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2019 atá ós comhair na dTithe faoi láthair.
