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Wednesday, 13 Jan 2021

Written Answers Nos. 262-286

National Asset Management Agency

Questions (262)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

262. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid out in gardening leave by the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, in 2020; and the number to receive gardening leave payments in 2021. [1920/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by NAMA that they were not in a position to finalise the information requested within the timeframe provided. I am further advised that they are currently compiling the information as requested and I will provide this information directly to the Deputy once it is received from NAMA.

Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 258.

Brexit Issues

Questions (264)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

264. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which Brexit will affect applications for tendering of public projects from Northern Ireland or the UK and vice versa. [44693/20]

View answer

Written answers

The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) contains provisions ensuring access to the public procurement markets of both parties. The EU and UK have agreed to create a free trade area with zero tariffs and zero quotas on products that comply with the appropriate rules of origin, regulatory and customs cooperation mechanisms, as well as provisions ensuring a level playing field for open and fair competition, as part of a larger economic partnership.

Title VI of the Agreement, which sets out the provisions relating to public procurement, goes beyond commitments under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), to which the UK is in the process of acceding. EU companies will be able to participate on an equal footing with UK companies in bids for procurement tenders covered by the agreement, and vice versa.

The Agreement further provides for non-discrimination of EU companies established in the UK (and vice versa) for national procurement, i.e. below the current thresholds of the GPA. The Agreement also allows the use of its bilateral dispute settlement mechanisms for disputes that might arise in regards to the procurement opportunities subject to the GPA.

Changes that are effective as of 1 January 2021 include:

- The UK is no longer be part of the EU Customs Union - all customs controls and formalities required under EU law, including entry and exit summary declarations, apply to all goods entering the customs territory of the EU from the UK, or leaving that customs territory to the UK. The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland sets out the arrangements that apply in relation to cross-border trade.

- The EU and the UK are two separate regulatory and legal spaces - all products exported from the EU to the UK have to comply with UK technical regulations and are subject to any applicable regulatory compliance checks and controls. Similarly, all products imported from the UK to the EU need to comply with EU technical regulations and are subject to all applicable regulatory compliance obligations, checks and controls for safety, health and other public policy purposes.

- Supplies and movements of goods between the EU and the UK are subject to the VAT rules on imports and exports. The Brexit Omnibus Bill 2020 provides for the introduction of ‘Postponed Accounting’ for VAT on the importation of goods from outside the EU, whereby businesses have the option to account for the VAT due on imports on their periodic VAT return, rather than pay the VAT due at the point of entry of the goods.  There is no change in the method of accounting for VAT on services received from the UK.  The reverse charge continues to apply. 

- As a general rule, UK nationals, irrespective of where they acquired their qualifications, and EU citizens with qualifications acquired in the UK will need to have their qualifications recognised in the relevant Member State on the basis of each country's existing individual rules applicable to the qualifications of third-country nationals as of the end of the Transition Period.

The NI Protocol which forms part of the Withdrawal Agreement seeks to avoid a hard border on this island, the Common Travel Area provides additional rights to UK and Irish citizens to live and work in both jurisdictions.  The combined effect of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement, the NI Protocol and the Common Travel Area means that procurement opportunities in both jurisdictions remain open to businesses on both sides of the border and the UK.

Defence Forces

Questions (265)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

265. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, cuts to include the Defence Forces that have been reversed by category of worker to date. [44662/20]

View answer

Written answers

The process of unwinding the Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016 – 2018 and has largely been completed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 (PSSA).

The PSSA, which was negotiated in 2017, and the provisions of which were statutorily provided for under the terms of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, allowed for a continued, controlled unwinding of the FEMPI legislation. The unwinding process was progressively weighted towards those at the lower levels of pay (who have seen their salaries increase relative to 2008), and is implemented on a phased basis.

To date, salary rates up to €70,000, which accounts for over 90% of the public service, have been fully restored for all categories of public sector workers.

In addition, a Ministerial Order is required to complete FEMPI pay restoration for those public servants whose salary will not be fully restored (those on annualised remuneration greater than €70,000) through the PSSA increases. Under section 19 and section 20 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, for those covered by the Agreement, the legislation provides for these remaining amounts to be paid no later than July 2022.

Defence Forces

Questions (266)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

266. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, cuts to allowances to include the Defence Forces that have been reversed by category of worker to date. [44663/20]

View answer

Written answers

Under Section 2(3) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Number 2 of 2009, fixed periodic allowances in the public service were reduced by either 5% or 8% depending on the level of annualised basic salary.

This section was repealed on the 1st of October 2020 under Section 24(1) of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.  These allowances have now returned to pre-FEMPI levels.

Further details on specific allowances paid to individual public servants and/or particular grades of public servants can be sought from the relevant Department.

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (267)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

267. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the review of the supplementary pension scheme to be completed; when PeoplePoint will be in a position to process applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44776/20]

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Written answers

I am taking it that the Deputy is referring to the rules regarding supplementary pensions as set out in paragraph 18 of Circular 6 of 1995 (Revised Social Insurance Status and Conditions of Service of Certain Civil Servants). This circular notified changes made by Government to extend full social welfare cover to all newly appointed civil servants and to provide that these civil servants should pay the full Class A social insurance contribution. 

Peoplepoint are already in a position to process supplementary pension cases as part of the normal day to day administration of public service pensions. My Department provides advice to Peoplepoint as and when required in respect of individual applications for supplementary pensions.  There has been no review of supplementary pension arrangements.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (268)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

268. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department or State agencies under the aegis of his Department have awarded contracts to a company (details supplied); if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44791/20]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor any of the bodies under the aegis of my Department have awarded a contract to the company in question.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (269)

Seán Canney

Question:

269. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of capital project contracts final accounts that have exceeded the tender value by more than 20% in each of the years 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44811/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, my Department does not have a direct role in overseeing construction projects implemented by other Departments.  That responsibility rests with the appropriate Minister responsible for the Sanctioning Authority who approved the project, under the policy of delegated sanction that operates in relation to capital expenditure within the capital budgets allocated to line Ministers / Departments.

With regard to my own Department, due to the nature of its role, it had no major State capital projects funded through its own Vote in the period 2011 to 2020.  The purpose of the limited capital investment undertaken by the Department, and the Office of Government Procurement and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer therein, is to deliver greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service through investing in ICT.   

With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, I have been advised of the following by the Office of Public Works (OPW):

The OPW had 12 final accounts on contracts that exceeded the tender value by more than 20% for which the contract was greater than €5 million.   

11 Flood Relief Capital Contracts commissioned by the OPW, or by Local Authorities on their behalf, with values in excess of €5 million, had final accounts that exceeded the tender value by more than 20%. The following are those flood relief projects:

- Bandon, Co Cork

- Bray, Co Wicklow

- Clonmel North, Co Tipperary

- Clonmel West, Co Tipperary

- Ennis Upper, Co Clare

- Ennis Lower, Co Clare

- Fermoy South, Co Cork

- Mallow North, Co Cork

- Mallow South, Co Cork

- Skibbereen, Co Cork

- Waterford City (Phases 2, 3, 4)

The stages and rigour adopted by the OPW in completing flood relief schemes by their nature take a number of years to bring the schemes through development, planning, design, procurement and construction. Coupled with the known work and estimated timeframe for each stage, are respective potential risks that are carefully managed, but by their nature can extend time and require allowances for reasonable budget increases.

Construction budgets are closely monitored in the context of the tendered contract price. The Public Works Contract Form 3, Public Works Contract for Civil Engineering Works (PW-CF3) is used for construction of flood relief schemes. These contracts are priced based primarily on a fixed price lump sum basis (based on the known ‘Works Requirements’ at tender stage).

Some of the risks include unforeseen ground conditions, which can be assessed at a high level by means of site investigation works conducted to inform a scheme’s design. These investigations, however, are constrained as the lands are often privately owned, and flood relief schemes can extend over long stretches and in built-up areas with varying ground conditions. Therefore, the nature of flood relief works, adjacent to river and/or the sea, means that ground conditions cannot be fully known at the commencement of the construction phase. The scope of construction can evolve as schemes are being built, informed, for example, by agreements reached with landowners. These negotiations may necessarily change elements of the design or alter planned scheme finishes. During construction, other unforeseen issues may also arise, including for example archaeological finds.

Given the associated risks during construction of a flood relief scheme, variations to the Works set out at tender for design and construction are inevitably necessary during the course of construction. The OPW actively manages these claims but experience is that incorporating variations during the contract can sometimes be complex and often result in disputes being referred to conciliation, leading to additional costs.

The OPW actively monitors expenditure for each scheme against contract costs and total project budget. The value for money of flood relief schemes is also monitored using a benefit to cost ratio.

There was also one Estate Management Contracts pertaining to the historic Leinster House in Dublin that exceeded the tender value by 20%.  The agreed tender price was €12.82 million.  The final amount paid was €16.4 million exceeding the contract price by 28%.  The excess arose as additional time was required to carry out additional work (at the same tender rates) which only came to light during the contract.  These previously hidden building elements could not have been reasonably foreseen or surveyed prior to contract placement, as the building was in full occupation by the Houses of the Oireachtas.  The unforeseen works included significant cracking in internal walls, structurally unstable chimney flues, hidden structural roof defects, poor quality stone and stonework, additional structural works and fireproofing to floors, additional works to plaster ceilings, additional supports for chandeliers and lanterns, additional services and related builders work.

Public Sector Reform Review

Questions (270)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

270. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to measure compatibility of private sector experience and allow it to be carried over into the public sector, including in the health service. [45054/20]

View answer

Written answers

Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and should not be subject to negotiation. These arrangements are set out in the Department of Finance letter 23 December 2010 ref. E100/8/82 and cover, inter alia, appointments to the civil service, the defence sector, An Garda Síochána, the prison sector, the local government sector, the health sector, the education sector, non- commercial State bodies and agencies.

While starting pay on appointment is governed by these arrangements and by the rules of the particular recruitment competition, the letter of 23 December 2010 does allow for a Head of a Department to make a case for higher starting pay where they are of the view that, in exceptional circumstances, a higher starting pay is justified.

Heritage Sites

Questions (271)

Patrick Costello

Question:

271. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of tour guides and information officers that have been employed at Kilmainham Gaol since 2000 on an annual basis in tabular form with a distinction made between seasonal, part-time and full-time employees. [1177/21]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested is contained in the following table.

Tour Guides/Information Officers employed at Kilmainham Gaol since 2000

Year

Full-Time

Part-Time

Seasonal

Total

2001

12

11

23

2002

11

20

31

2003

11

15

26

2004

11

14

25

2005

15

13

28

2006

14

14

28

2007

10

16

26

2008

11

14

25

2009

10

11

21

2010

10

11

21

2011

11

2

12

25

2012

8

2

12

22

2013

7

2

15

24

2014

7

2

15

24

2015

5

2

18

25

2016

5

2

38

45

2017

12

1

31

44

2018

11

1

25

37

2019

13

1

24

38

2020

15

1

11

27

Heritage Sites

Questions (272)

Patrick Costello

Question:

272. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of complaints the Office of Public Works received from staff, past and present, relating to members of management, head guides level and above at Kilmainham Gaol; the outcome of each case; the measures taken on foot of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1178/21]

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Written answers

As the information requested covers the period since 2000 the relevant source material includes paper records for a number of years. It is not, therefore, possible to access all of the records necessary to inform a reply while current Government Covid 19 restrictions are in place. When the restrictions are sufficiently eased to permit office attendance for non-essential work the OPW will collate the information and I will respond to the Deputy in due course.

Heritage Sites

Questions (273)

Patrick Costello

Question:

273. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the departure of a person (details supplied) from their position of employment in Kilmainham Gaol ; the details of an investigation arising from same; the actions taken on foot of this in terms of on-site measures and any legal criminal action taken against the person; and if the particulars of the case are subject to a FOI request. [1179/21]

View answer

Written answers

An OPW employee based at Kilmainham Gaol was subject to the investigation of a matter that arose following the identification of issues with the visitor admission system by local management. The investigation was undertaken in accordance with the JIC Code of Practice on Disciplinary Procedures and the employee’s employment ceased in early 2017 following the conclusion of the Disciplinary Procedures. The matter was reported to and dealt with by An Garda Siochána.

The actions taken on-site in response to the matter included the implementation of improved measures relating to segregation of duties, dual custody of cash, authorisation and scheduling of tours and system monitoring.

Any request in relation to this matter under the FOI act would be processed in accordance with the provision of that Act.

Community Policing

Questions (274)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

274. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the last time that the Office of Public Works refurbished a community policing office (details supplied); and if the Office of Public Works plans to refurbish this office during 2021. [1198/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that the Office of Public Works has carried out works in 2019 and 2020 at the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy but has received no request from An Garda Síochána in relation to the refurbishment of the Community Policing Office.

 Works carried out at the station in 2019 and 2020 include: 

- 2019 – The full refurbishment of male and female sanitary and welfare facilities.

- 2020 – The creation of an additional female locker room.

- 2020 – The installation of 2 no. portacabins on site. One of these accommodates a new male locker room, and the other is in use as an office/ interview room. 

Garda Stations

Questions (275)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

275. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Garda stations within North Dublin Garda Division that are due to be refurbished by the Office of Public Works in the first half of 2021; when each project will commence; and the time frame for the duration of same. [1199/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that the Office of Public Works intends to carry out refurbishment works to the Garda Stations within the Dublin North Garda Division listed below in the first half of 2021.

Details of these works and the timeframe for the duration of the works are as outlined in the table below.

Dublin North Garda   Station

Refurbishment  Works to be carried out in the first half of 2021

Commencement Date

Timeframe for duration of works *

Fitzgibbon St GS

Completion of full refurbishment of the Station.

Commenced in January 2020 currently on site.

Due for completion March 2021.

 

Howth GS

Completion of Structural repairs to roof capping and   render at high level

Commenced in 2020 currently on site.

Due for completion February 2021

Clontarf GS

Completion of conservation and repair works to facade

Commenced in 2020. currently on site.

Due for completion February 2021

Clontarf GS

Repairs to doors, roof, and rain water goods (downpipes,   eve runs etc)  to outhouses, also high level soffit and fascia to rear facade

Due to commence June 2021

8 weeks

 

 

 

 

Garristown GS

Refurbish/ repair shower/ WC

Due to commence June 2021

4 weeks

Store Street

Resurface car park deck and provide additional drainage

Due to commence April 2021

8 weeks

Store Street

Reconfiguration of custody area

To be confirmed by client

20 weeks

Transaer House

Relocation of airside fence

To be confirmed by client

6 weeks

Information Note

 The works outlined in the table above include works which commenced in 2020 and will continue in 2021 and also works which are due to commence in the first half of 2021.

The Commencement and completion dates may change depending on the duration of the current restrictions. 

Intermediate projects confirmed that they have no projects to include.  

Departmental Contracts

Questions (276)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

276. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details for his Department for outsourcing to consultancies of specifically Covid-19-related work, services or advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1255/21]

View answer

Written answers

The details requested by the Deputy for my Department and the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, are set out in the tables below.

Name of Consultants

Purpose of Consultancy

Cost of Consultancy to date

Byrne Wallace Solicitors

Employment Law (Covid matters)

€6,445

Office of Government Procurement

Name of Consultants

Purpose of Consultancy

Cost of Consultancy to date

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Provision of legal advices for purpose of preparing advisory notes and drafting of two legal agreements for use with standard form Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) contracts.

€12,060

DNM Technology Limited

Supplier Offers Triage Application

€20,756

Chris Mee Group

Provision of online course to OGP staff on Ergonomics for Home Working

 €2,359

Quadra Group

Provision of online self-assessment for home /remote workers

€0*

 *No services drawn down to date.

I understand that the Deputy will receive separate replies from a number of Ministers about any relevant information with respect to their Departments.

Heritage Sites

Questions (277)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

277. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the refurbishment of the General Post Office, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 will commence; and the intended use of the refurbished space on completion of the works to be overseen by the Office of Public Works. [1343/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by my officials that the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications holds the title to the General Post Office and An Post currently occupy the property under licence. 

As An Post continue to occupy the building I understand that no decisions have been taken by the Department in relation to its future use or refurbishment plans.

Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme

Questions (278)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

278. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, schemes for County Louth and east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1676/21]

View answer

Written answers

Through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, detailed engineering analysis, assessment and extensive public consultation was undertaken for 300 communities throughout Ireland, including 90 coastal areas, which in 2012 were identified as being most likely to be impacted by future coastal and fluvial flooding.

One key output of the CFRAM Programme were the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) that contain proposed flood relief measures - informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors - to address the flood risk in each community and nationwide.

The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme, launched in May 2018, supports the Government’s €1bn planned investment in flood relief through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project 2040.

As part of this, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South, includes the Ardee Flood Relief Scheme and will protect some 1,880 properties when completed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda and Baltray, will protect some 450 properties when completed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore will protect some 409 properties when completed.

While the CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken. The Office of Public Works has put in place a process for undertaking such reviews, and it is envisaged that these reviews, including those for Annagassan and Termonfeckin, will be complete within the next 12 months.

The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services has been awarded for Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee that are being progressed simultaneously. The tender brief for Drogheda and Baltray, also being progressed simultaneously, has been finalised and advertised with tenders due back on 25th March 2021. The tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme will begin in the coming months.

Once consultants are appointed to progress each scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme.

In County Meath the Ashbourne Flood Alleviation Scheme is currently at the Construction Stage, having  commenced in 2019 with a completion timeframe of later this year. The Scheme comprises of the construction of an overflow weir to divert flow to the Broadmeadow River and the improvement of the channel and culvert capacity along the Broadmeadow and Ward Scheme. It will provide protection against a 100-Year flood event for a total of 69 properties.  This scheme is being carried out by the Office of Public Works direct labour.

As part of the CFRAM Programme, Mornington, Co. Meath, was identified as being one of 300 areas believed to be of significant flood risk and the scheme, with funding from the OPW a scheme is being progressed by Meath County Council.

Heritage Sites

Questions (279)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

279. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the historical gates of the Phoenix Park removed in summer 2018; when the original gates will be restored and returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1745/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Office of Public Works obtained permission, under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2002 (as amended) to remove seven pairs of gates and ancillary structures, from vehicular and pedestrian entrances at the perimeter of the Phoenix Park, in order to facilitate the free and safe movement of people and vehicles for the Papal visit to the Phoenix Park in 2018, and for their repair, refurbishment and reinstatement, to include in situ stone repair works at their existing locations. 

All seven pairs of gates have now been refurbished and returned to the OPW for rehanging. 

Works on the Knockmaroon gates, which were undertaken in situ, were completed in August 2020. The North Circular Road gates were fully restored and rehung in early December 2020. 

The rehanging of the remaining gates located at Castleknock, Chapelizod, Blackhorse Avenue, Cabra and Islandbridge, including repair works to stonework and railings, was due to be completed over the coming weeks.  However these works are now temporarily paused due to the requirements of the Level 5 restrictions of the Government's Plan for Living with Covid-19.  

Work will resume as soon as practicable with the objective of finalising same within the coming months.

Toghcháin d'Údarás na Gaeltachta

Questions (280)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

280. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é an tuairim atá aige maidir leis an ráiteas a rinne an tAire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, go bhfuil struchtúr Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta ag feidhmiú go sásúil, go háirithe sa chomhthéacs inar thug sé féin gealltanas go gcuirfeadh sé toghcháin Údarás na Gaeltachta ar bun arís nuair a bheadh sé ina Thaoiseach; an bhfuil sé fós i gceist aige an gealltanas a thug sé a chomhlíonadh agus toghcháin Údarás na Gaeltachta a chur ar bun arís agus é ina Thaoiseach anois; agus cén tráth faoina mbeidh an gealltanas sin comhlíonta (sonraí tugtha). [44699/20]

View answer

Written answers

Mar is eol don Teachta, luaitear sa Chlár Rialtais go ndéanfar athbhreithniú ar struchtúir fheidhmiúcháin agus rialachais Údarás na Gaeltachta, agus ar an bpróiseas roghnúcháin/toghacháin i ndáil le Bord an Údaráis.

Faoin socrú reatha agus faoi réir fhorálacha ábhartha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, ainmníonn na hÚdaráis Áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram acu cúigear comhalta faoi seach chuig an mbord.  Faoi réir an Achta, agus i gcomhréir le cleachtais choitianta i ndáil le boird stáit, roghnaítear an seachtar comhalta eile tríd comórtas poiblí a eagraítear faoi scáth na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí. 

Tá sé mar sprioc agam go gcuirfear tús le hathbhreithniú faoi réir an ghealltanais sa Chlár Rialtais chomh luath agus is féidir agus tá obair ina leith idir lámha chuige sin.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (281)

Seán Canney

Question:

281. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when restrictions placed on indoor training for inline figure staking will be lifted, given this is a non-contact sport which has been very negatively impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions on indoor training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44818/20]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Government's Framework for Restrictive Measures which outlines the overriding public health rationale for the suite of measures applicable to each of the Framework's five levels. Under this Framework, apart from elite and professional sport, no indoor training activity is currently permitted. 

It is a matter for the Government to decide on the imposition and lifting of restrictions to be applied in response to the pandemic circumstances prevailing at each of the five levels of the Framework. The gravity of the current epidemiological situation does not permit Government consideration at this time of an alteration to the restrictions applying to indoor training.  The Government's clear message is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (282)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

282. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason community radio stations have been granted financial aid in 2020, while others such as a station (details supplied) have been denied same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44982/20]

View answer

Written answers

Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the disbursement of 7% of the net television licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The Broadcasting Fund supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. Total Licence Fee Receipts comprises monies from TV licence sales and exchequer funding from the Department of Social Protection for the operation of the free TV licence Scheme.  

In July 2020, under round 36 of the Sound and Vision Scheme, the BAI announced funding awards for the community radio sector in respect of their social benefit obligations. The BAI is fully independent in respect of the projects to which it awards funding and it publishes full details of all successful applications on its website at www.bai.ie  

Under round 36, Radio Corca Baiscinn was awarded €33,787 in funding for the development and production of three new projects; "Brothers of Charity", "Community Unity" and a bilingual Irish/English project "Smaointe". 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (283, 288)

Robert Troy

Question:

283. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if indoor stage schools can resume as of 9 January 2021 (details supplied). [45191/20]

View answer

Gerald Nash

Question:

288. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 8 December 2020, if the term "individual" specifies only one student in a room; if not, if it means many students as long as they meet the social distancing criteria; if the requirement for an excess of 2 m social distancing between each of the predefined areas pertains to a 2 m square bubble or 2 m around a 2 m square bubble; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44902/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 288 together.

The Government’s Living with COVID-19 Plan sets out how services should operate at five different levels. The country is at present at Level 5 of this Plan and this will apply nationally. The Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until midnight on 31 January 2021.

At Level 5, the public health risk means that people are being asked to stay at home, except for travel for essential work or other essential purposes, or to take exercise within 5km of home. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings. No indoor or outdoor exercise group activities, including those involving children, should take place.

Under Level 5 no exercise or dance classes, no indoor or outdoor gatherings involving “individual training” except for professional and elite sports should take place.

My Department provides regular guidance for the Arts and Culture sector in respect of current restrictions in relation to COVID-19 and the latest information can be accessed on the gov.ie website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d35dd-covid-19-guidance-for-arts-and-culture/ . My Department is also in regular contact with the Arts Council, and other parts of the Government, ensuring how best to manage through the crisis.

The Arts Council have prepared guidance on dance practice and training, when restrictions permit and these are available on their website. In addition the Arts Council supports a number of resource and representative organisations to provide advice and information to artists within their given sector and many of these are providing support and advice online. Further information on these resource organisations can be accessed on the Arts Council website at the following link: http://www.artscouncil.ie/covid-19/latest-news/ .

It is recognised that this decision will have an impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, but the clear message is that we must all now stay at home, with the exception of essential purposes, in order to stop the spread of the virus. Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 means that the virus poses a serious threat and the rate of infection is increasing significantly in the community. The more we work together to reduce the level of the virus, the more activity we will be able to have in our communities.

Supports such as the PUP and the CRSS will continue to be made available to those impacted. Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also available to help maintain people in jobs. Further details of the range of government supports available to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Can be viewed at the following link https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (284)

Paul Murphy

Question:

284. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will publish the full list of recipients of funding under the music industry stimulus package including the allocations by first music contact, her Department and the Arts Council of Ireland; the criteria by which recipients are chosen; the criteria used by the allocating bodies to dispense funding in each case to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44715/20]

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Written answers

I introduced the Music Industry Support Package in 2020 to help meet the needs of the whole of the music sector in these unprecedented times. This was the first time this type of support was offered to the music industry and it was designed to cover all music genres and had three components, song writing, album release and recording.

The administration of the schemes was managed by First Music Contact on behalf of my Department.

The criteria for each of the three schemes  is published on the First Music Contact website. The full list of awardees of funding under the Music Industry Stimulus Package has also been published and is available to view on the First Music Contact website https://www.firstmusiccontact.com/misphomepage 

Departmental Contracts

Questions (285)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

285. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department or State agencies under the aegis of her Department have awarded contracts to a company (details supplied); if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44795/20]

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Written answers

I am advised that neither my Department, or by any State agency under the aegis of my Department, have awarded contracts to the company referred to by the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (286)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

286. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all Olympic athletes are considered elite for training purposes under public health restrictions. [44888/20]

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Written answers

I would refer the Deputy to Sport Ireland's website, which contains information on the applicable classification of professional and elite sport. I can confirm that the classification includes the following categories:

- A Member of a high performance team funded by Sport Ireland; and

- Those who compete at major international events including European and World Championships and Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Specifically, the following athletes and players are included: 

- Athletes on the 2020 International Carding Scheme

- Players on the 2020 Team Ireland Golf Scheme

- Senior riders in Show-Jumping, Eventing & Dressage

- Senior team players in Hockey, Cricket, and Rugby Sevens.

The public health regulation provides for both training and competition events for elite athletes.

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