Written Answers Nos. 330-354
330. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications for funding received by the Arts Council in 2020; the number of those applications that were approved for funding; the number of those applications that were rejected for funding; and the details of same. [12502/21]
View answerPrimary responsibility for promoting practice of the arts rests with the Arts Council under the Arts Act 2003. It should be noted that under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its funding decisions.
I understand that in 2020, the Council received more than 6,500 applications. This compares with just 3,500 in the previous year. Of the 6,500 2020 applications, 529 were deemed ineligible and 2,743 were not approved. A total of 3,241 applications were approved, awarded funding and processed for payment. It should be noted that these figures are draft figures and will be finalised in the context of the Arts Council’s financial statement currently in preparation.
The Arts Council operates numerous funding schemes every year and these are all advertised on its website. The Council publishes details of its funding decisions on its website at the following link http://www.artscouncil.ie/funding-decisions/.
Funding decisions are also routinely published in the Arts Council newsletter, and historical decisions are recorded in the Arts Council's annual reports which are available online in the publications section.
331. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a specific grant for individual businesses to allow them to adapt their premises to provide facilities for outdoor dining given that it is expected that outdoor dining will be central to the tourism market in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12537/21]
View answer345. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will request Fáilte Ireland to include counties such as Tipperary in the outdoor dining grant scheme as requested by an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12851/21]
View answer357. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to request that Fáilte Ireland open the outdoor dining scheme to all counties including County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13508/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 345 and 357 together.
All tourism funding schemes are designed and operated by Fáilte Ireland as the National Tourism Development Authority. With specific regard to outdoor dining, I understand that Fáilte Ireland is currently considering how best it could support outdoor dining experiences, including scoping out a proposed Outdoor Dining Scheme which has not yet been finalised or launched. I am advised that no final decisions have been made as to the parameters of the proposed scheme.
As the development of supports for outdoor dining experiences is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the agency for further information. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
332. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to publish the names of persons and companies involved in behind the scenes and production work who benefited from the live performance support scheme alongside the performer, venue and promoter recipients whose names were published in November 2020; the efforts that were made to ensure an equitable distribution of funding to ensure companies involved in multiple productions did not receive a disproportionate advantage compared to others struggling without work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12576/21]
View answerThe key aim of the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" was to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances to provide employment to workers in the creative industries while also producing high quality live performances for the public.
The grant funding allocated allowed venues, technicians, artists, producers, promoters and other creatives to ensure performances continued during COVID-19, while adhering to public safety guidelines, whatever level of lock-down restrictions or reduced capacities were in place.
The success of the pilot scheme can be seen in a recent report published by the “Live Venue Collective” who received over €1 million in funding under this pilot scheme. The collective stated in their report that they presented a total of 405 shows of the highest cultural quality, involving 2110 employees, 655 artists, over 416,259 online audience members and 24,000 minutes of digital content created. The Live Venue Collective report also published a full list of artists who received funding from their grant allocation.
It should also be noted that thousands of creatives were involved in the pilot scheme, right across Ireland, and a full list of recipients of grant funding and their locations has already been published on the Department website;
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a415f-minister-martin-announces-recipients-of-funding-under-the-5-million-pilot-live-performance-support-scheme/#
While the listing of all creatives is not being published by the Department, the Deputy will find the majority of the live streamed events supported by the LPSS free on line. These carry credits for performers and "behind the scenes" creatives, organisations and individuals and they can be viewed by everyone.
333. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if recipients of the pilot live performance support scheme will be eligible for any future roll-out of the scheme; her plans to ensure those who did not benefit from the pilot scheme are not excluded again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12577/21]
View answer334. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount allocated in relation to the live performance support scheme; if any of the original promised funding has been allocated to other industry-related proposals; and when the application process will be open to applicants. [12578/21]
View answer343. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which she will ensure that the €50 million to be provided for promoters, producers and live music venues will filter down to individual small businesses in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12840/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 333, 334 and 343 together.
I was pleased yesterday to announce a new €50 million suite of measures to support those in the Live Entertainment Sector.
As part of this suite, an allocation of €25 million is being made available under the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021. This scheme builds on the successful outcomes of the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS) in 2020, which provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of musicians, actors, crew and technicians and the valuable insights gained. This new scheme is aimed at commercial venues, producers and promoters in the culture sector and will support employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and continued high quality artistic output for the general public. Grant recipients of the pilot LPSS may apply under this new scheme. The scheme has been developed following consultation with the sector and will be managed directly by my Department. The Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 will be open for applications on 19th March 2021 and further information can be found on my Department's website.
An allocation of €5 million will also be made available to local authorities for outdoor live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit. This will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers. Performances can be recorded or streamed if health restrictions prevent live events. Local authorities will be encouraged to engage events companies to develop and deliver a programme of performances.
As a further support measure for those in the live entertainment industry, an allocation of €14m will be made available for a new scheme to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. The main features of this new Music Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) will see support offered by way of two levels of flat payments:
- €2,500 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €20,000 - €100,000;
- €5,000 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000.
Self-employed businesses whether sole traders, partnerships and incorporated entities operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector are eligible to apply. The scheme will open when the necessary administrative and IT systems are in place.
€5 million will also be made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector. This will be applied to supporting the installation of high quality recording and streaming facilities in venues through a competitive grant application process.
Up to €1 million has been allocated to the St Patrick's Festival 2021 for programming to support the employment of performers, producers, artists, technicians, creatives and support staff. With gatherings still restricted, SPF 2021 has curated a rich and dynamic programme of events involving hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, creators, and community organisations that will be broadcast on the St. Patrick’s Festival TV online channel over six days and nights, marking the national day.
335. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a full list of the funding streams available for community sports initiatives will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12585/21]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels its funding through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport.
I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with details of the funding streams available for community sports initiatives. Please contact my office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
In relation to capital supports, my Department's 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. Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie . The most recent round of the programme closed on March 1st last and received 3,106 applications.
336. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the criteria used to determine access to the high performance programme as operated by an organisation (details supplied); the process used to determine the potential cycling athletes for Paris 2024; the breakdown of funding to the organisation in 2020; the way it was distributed by training camps, salaries and competitions at junior and senior level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12594/21]
View answerSport Ireland provides funding to the organisation referred to by the Deputy to support the operation of its high performance programme. There are two streams of funding allocated by Sport Ireland which are central to the delivery of the organisation's programme including High Performance Programme Funding and the International Carding Scheme.
High Performance Programme Funding is provided to support a range of activities including salaries, training camps and competitions at junior and senior level, pathway development, and performance services. In 2020, the organisation received €440,000 in High Performance Programme Funding.
The International Carding Scheme provides financial support to athletes for their training and competition programmes. The primary purpose of this funding is to support Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.
The International Carding Scheme is criteria based requiring athletes to achieve standards set forth by their NGB in agreement with Sport Ireland. These standards are based on performances achieved at international competitions. Athletes are considered and approved for funding by Sport Ireland based on applications received from the organisation. As part of the International Carding Scheme Sport Ireland allocated €426,000 to the organisation, which was made up of €224,000 for their Olympic Programme and €202,000 for their Paralympic Programme.
Further to those listed on the International Carding Scheme, Sport Ireland recognises that there will be other athletes who will require support from the NGB, specifically those who are tracking to compete in Paris 2024. Sport Ireland has recently engaged with the organisation who have confirmed their intention to establish an alternative mechanism of support for these athletes which may include service provision, training camp and competition exposure, or direct athlete funding through alternative resources. The organisation will be responsible for developing this mechanism of support recognising it must be sport specific and reflective of the capacity within the NGB.
In 2021 the organisation is projecting an expenditure of €583,500 on International Competitions, Training Camps and Support Services for all athletes (Senior, Junior, Youth & U23). It is proposed to allocate 2/3 of this support to Senior Athletes with 1/3 allocated to Junior, Youth & U23. This is broadly consistent with what was planned for 2020 notwithstanding the disruption caused by COVID-19.
337. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding her Department provides to Paralympic athletes who have qualified for the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12648/21]
View answerThe process for qualification to the Paralympic Games is ongoing. To date, 5 athletes have achieved automatic quota places for the Paralympic Games through World Championship performances. Further qualification will be secured through ranking results and slots awarded by the International Paralympic Committee to Ireland. It is anticipated that the final team size will be between 25-30 athletes.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport and its funding allocations. It provides a range of supports to Paralympics Ireland to support their high performance programmes and athletes. Specifically, in respect of athlete support, the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme provides financial assistance to athletes for their training and competition programmes. The primary purpose of this funding is to support Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level. The International Carding Scheme is criteria based requiring athletes to achieve standards set forth by their NGB, in agreement with Sport Ireland.
In 2021, Sport Ireland will provide €620,000 in direct athlete supports to para athletes in a range of sports through the International Carding Scheme.
In addition Sport Ireland (through the Sport Ireland Institute) will also provide other non-financial supports in the following areas:
- Sport Ireland Institute & Paralympics Ireland have extended their Games support partnership to cover the postponed Games. This has confirmed the appointment of five specific Institute practitioners to the Irish Paralympic Team covering S&C, Nutrition, Physiology, Transition support and Performance Analysis.
- Sport Ireland are currently working with Paralympics Ireland to identify and resource a further addition to their medical staff for the Games arising from the extensive COVID-19 protocols in place.
- 301 direct support days to Para sports was provided by the Sport Ireland Institute Team in 2020 representing 13.87% of the total resource.
338. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some Irish Olympic athletes have been forced to fundraise to supplement their training and participation in the games; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12649/21]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to fundraising activity recently publicised by Paralympics Ireland.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport and its funding allocations. It provides funding to Paralympics Ireland to support its administration and operational costs. Sport Ireland also provides High Performance Programme funding to Paralympics Ireland to support the delivery of its para programme, which supports Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European Championships, World Championships, and the Paralympic Games.
In addition to the annual funding allocations, Sport Ireland has provided Paralympics Ireland with a package of funding for the Paralympic Games throughout the Tokyo cycle. Due to Covid-19 it is reasonable to anticipate that further costs will arise for Paralympic Ireland in 2021 recognising that additional protective measures are required for Team Ireland. These costs relate to the necessity for single room occupancy, private transportation, additional Covid-19 officers, and a PCR testing programme. In this regard, Sport Ireland will run an extensive funding process for high performance sport in 2021. This process will determine the immediate and confirmed costs to Paralympics Ireland, which are reasonable and beyond the funding previously provided to address Games costs. This commitment for further funding has been formally communicated to Paralympics Ireland
To enhance the capacity and capability of high performance programmes, Sport Ireland encourages National Governing Bodies including Paralympics Ireland to establish robust business plans which are underpinned by stable and diverse income streams. Paralympics Ireland have a clear target for sponsorship and fundraising income in 2021, which will supplement funding received through Sport Ireland.
Throughout the Tokyo cycle 2017-2020, and in year 1 of the Paris cycle which coincides with the rescheduled Paralympic Games 2021, Sport Ireland has provided €7,722,500 in funding to Paralympics Ireland. The table below details these funding streams and associated allocations.
339. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is considering a replacement for the stay and spend scheme as introduced; if she has met with the Minister for Finance regarding such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12653/21]
View answerThe Tourism Recovery Oversight Group recently presented its first report to me and I have brought the report to the attention of my cabinet colleagues. Among the steps the Group recommend is a revision of the Stay and Spend initiative to make it more consumer friendly and extending the qualifying period to the end of 2021.
I am advised by the Minister for Finance that Stay and Spend is scheduled to operate until 30 April but the flexibility exists for him to extend its operation in 2021 beyond that date (to end 2021). The Minister for Finance has further advised that decisions on next steps relating to the scheme have yet to be taken and he will continue to assess matters as circumstances evolve.
340. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider an issue for a sports club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12655/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures are currently being finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, will be assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received this assessment process is likely to take several months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
341. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding her Department provided to each national cultural institution in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form [12726/21]
View answerThe following table sets out the annual funding that has been allocated to national cultural institutions in 2019, 2020 and 2021:
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
1,489,000 |
1,499,000 |
1,733,000 |
|
Chester Beatty |
2,801,000 |
2,837,000 |
3,216,000 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
5,958,000 |
6,014,000 |
6,410,000 |
|
National Concert Hall |
3,048,000 |
3,062,000 |
11,824,000 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
14,109,000 |
14,259,000 |
15,178,000 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
10,547,000 |
10,657,000 |
11,381,000 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
7,825,000 |
7,915,000 |
8,383,000 |
|
National Archives of Ireland |
1,666,000 |
1,666,000 |
2,066,000 |
|
Total |
47,443,000 |
47,909,000 |
60,191,000 |
342. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of a sports capital grant application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12833/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures are currently being finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, will be assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received this assessment process is likely to take several months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
344. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if supports are available or will be provided for businesses (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12844/21]
View answerThe July Stimulus and Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors including the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) as well as the ReStart grants and tax warehousing provisions.
Most recently Fáilte Ireland launched the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme which will provide support to providers of?certain?tourism services who have been unable to qualify for assistance under the Government's Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). It is designed to help?these?tourism businesses offset their fixed costs incurred last year and support them to continue operating through 2021.??I understand that the requirement for a minimum annual turnover of €50,000 to apply for that scheme is based on the likelihood that for businesses with turnover less than €50,000, non-payroll fixed costs will be sufficiently low to enable the owners furlough the business by availing of other state aids namely income supports such as PUP and EWSS.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to examine this case and to make contact with them in regard to options for support.
346. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional supports to be made available to local newspapers in view of the continuing lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12867/21]
View answerA strong and independent media sector is central to our parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech and to the provision of quality and impartial information, particularly in the context of Covid-19. I recognise the essential role that the print media plays in this regard and the particular value of local and regional newspapers in bringing communities together and sharing reliable and relevant local news. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service. The Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which are available to local newspapers.
The sector faces a fall in revenue arising from the pandemic, but also longer term challenges as a result of changing patterns of media consumption, technology and shifts in advertising revenue.
In recognition of these longer term challenges, the Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, recently concluded a public consultation to which a number of stakeholders in the print sector have made submissions. The Commission is currently in the process of engaging with key stakeholders in a series of thematic dialogues. I look forward to receiving the Commission's Report on the completion of its work which will inform media policy, including print media, over the next 10 years.
In terms of specific supports for the sector, the Deputy will appreciate it is of particular importance in relation to media organisations to avoid any perception of Government interference or influence and the funding of newspapers is therefore a complex issue. I am however cognisant of the importance of this sector, and the financial issues which it currently faces.
Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have engaged in meetings with key stakeholders including Newsbrands, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Most recently I met with Local Ireland on Wednesday 17th February. My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues facing the sector.
347. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of students who undertook work experience or internships with State and semi-State agencies under her aegis in 2019; the cost in terms of wages and allowances; and the estimated numerical capacity of State and semi-State agencies to provide work experience and internships on an annual basis. [12964/21]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the governance of State Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department.
With regard to your question concerning student work experience and internships, and associated costings, with State and semi-State Agencies, this is an operational matter for the respective Agencies. In that context, I will forward your question to the relevant Agencies and bodies, under the aegis of my Department, and request them to respond directly to you on the matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
|
Body |
Number of Work Experience Students |
Number of Interns |
Cost (Allowances / Wages) |
Estimated Numerical Capacity for Work Experience on Annual Basis |
|
Arts Council |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
1 |
€ 30,172 |
1 |
|
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
4 |
1 |
€0 |
TY Students : 4 Intern : N/A |
|
Failte Ireland |
15 |
Nil |
€0 |
Nil (See additional comments below) |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
1 |
Nil |
€ 3,405.43 |
(See additional comments below) |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) |
1 |
Nil |
Living Wage: Salary up to fixed term end date of 10/09/19 was €14,000 in 2019 |
1 |
|
National Concert Hall |
3 |
Nil |
€0 |
3 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
22 |
5 |
€0 |
22 (See additional comments below) |
|
National Library of Ireland |
3 |
Nil |
€ 66,056.42 |
3 studentships & 1 internship |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
18 |
Nil |
€0 |
(See additional comments below) |
|
Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) |
Nil |
1 |
€28,250 |
1 |
|
Screen Ireland (formerly Irish Film Board) |
2 |
Nil |
€0 |
2 |
|
Sport Ireland |
0 |
Nil |
Nil |
0 |
|
TG4 |
8 |
Nil |
€95,056 |
6 (See additional comments below) |
|
Tourism Ireland |
4 |
1 |
€0 |
Nil (See additional comments below) |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
10 |
Nil |
€290 per week |
10 (See additional comments below) |
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Additional Comments from Bodies |
|
|
Failte Ireland |
The response relates to 15 Transition Year Students on 1 week work experience. |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
Estimated Numerical Capacity for Work Experience on Annual Basis: Over the past number of years, Foras na Gaeilge have facilitated work experience placements for third level students who must complete work experience as a module of their courses. Foras na Gaeilge have accommodated up to 5 students over the course of a year – usually in 12 week blocks or 1 day a week for an academic year for example. Foras na Gaeilge pay the students an allowance where appropriate for the duration of their placement. |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
The National Gallery has engaged student work experience and internships in the past. These internship opportunities arose from long-standing established partnerships between the Gallery, art colleges, universities and art related networks. In 2019, a total of 5 interns were engaged within the Public Engagement and Collections & Research divisions. These internships proved to be a beneficial and practical way to develop students’ knowledge of art. On 30 April 2019, DTCAGSM informed the Gallery that requests for unpaid work experience placements, studentships or internships could no longer be facilitated and also confirmed that second level transition year students for one or two weeks could continue. The Gallery has a well-established Transition Year (TY) programme in place. The TY programme engages two cohorts of young people every April and December. In 2019, there were 11 transition year students onsite in April and December respectively. The TY programme is currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that the TY programme will resume as soon as practicable. |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Estimated Numerical Capacity for Work Experience on Annual Basis: Nil for 2020/2021. Cannot quantify for these years due to introduction of a new pending policy in relation to placements /work experience and due to COVID -19 restrictions in 2020. Research students/college students as part of their placement/ undertake research to support their studies. |
|
TG4 |
8 in total 4 in Jan to Aug 2019 4 in September to December 2019 |
|
Tourism Ireland |
2019: 1 x Finance Intern (19 Feb – 17 July, 2019) 4 x transition year students (max one week each during 2019) In spring of 2020, Tourism Ireland embarked on an exercise to look at their annual capacity to take on students. However, this was put on hold because of COVID-19 and the move to working from home. Tourism Ireland’s HR team will re-visit this post-COVID. |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€290 per week per student (May – August) |
348. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the gender disparity data report on Irish radio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12987/21]
View answerI am strongly supportive of the promotion of gender balance on our broadcasting services. I am familiar with the report on gender disparity on Irish radio and I recently met with the producers of the report. My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to further explore appropriate approaches to the issues raised in the report.
The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory framework for the regulation of sound broadcasting services. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent regulator for sound broadcasting content in the State. Commercial radio stations are subject to contractual obligations, including public service commitments with the BAI, which are agreed upon during the licensing process. Compliance with such obligations is monitored by the BAI.
The BAI have undertaken a number of positive actions in relation to gender balance on our broadcasting services. In 2018, BAI produced a Gender Action Plan aimed at promoting gender equality in the Irish audiovisual sector though its key pillars: data collection and publication, research, encouraging gender initiatives and accountability. Under BAI’s Sound & Vision Funding Scheme, the assessment of applications has included consideration of the number of women in key creative roles, as a measure to support greater gender equality in the industry. This information is then used as an assessment criterion as part of the BAI’s assessment process.
The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, recently concluded a public consultation. I am aware that submissions have been made to the consultation by Women on Air, an advocacy group for the representation of women on broadcasting media, and by the Equality Expert Group, a new collective of experts drawn from a variety of fields, public and private, seeking to support equality and diversity in Irish social, economic and cultural life.
349. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects to announce the results of the latest round of applications for the sports capital grant (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13029/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures are currently being finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, will be assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received this assessment process is likely to take several months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
350. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of a sports capital grant application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13075/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures are currently being finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, will be assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received this assessment process is likely to take several months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
351. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for moving indoor visitor attractions to level 2 in COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which is an increase from level 3 under which they previously operated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13147/21]
View answerSince September 2020, the Government has been applying restrictions in line with the Framework for Restrictive Measures contained in the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 and included again as an Appendix to the recent COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead.
Public Health advice is clear that this Framework continues to provide an appropriate mechanism to guide decision-making, but experience over the last number of months has underlined the importance of it continuing to be applied in a flexible manner, adapting measures to address the public health risk at a given time in addition to any specific contextual considerations.
Accordingly, the application of the Framework by Government at any given time (including the instance referenced by the Deputy) is informed by that approach
352. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the exclusion of marine tourism from all Covid-19 aid schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13173/21]
View answerThe July Stimulus and Budget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors including the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) as well as the ReStart grants and tax warehousing provisions. With specific regard to supports in the tourism sector and for those working in marine tourism, Fáilte Ireland's Covid-19 Adaptation Fund, which was open from August to December 2020, was open to cruise hire companies and to boat tour operators.
Most recently, Fáilte Ireland launched the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme which will provide support to providers of?certain?tourism services. This includes cruise hire companies and tourism boat tour operators, who have been unable to qualify for assistance under the CRSS. It is designed to help?these?tourism businesses offset their fixed costs incurred last year and support them to continue operating through 2021.??
353. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the purpose for which the funding of theatres (details supplied) will be used. [13381/21]
View answerAn amount of €15,000 was paid to the first of the two theatres referred to by the Deputy in October 2020. The funding was for the purpose of capital works to upgrade the box office. No funding was made available by my Department to the second of the two theatres referred to by the Deputy.
354. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider producing a five-year plan with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the hospitality sector with a road to recovery after Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13429/21]
View answerAs Minister with responsibility for tourism, I am aware that many of our hospitality businesses are dependent on both domestic and inbound tourism for business. Together with the Tánaiste, I jointly chair a Hospitality and Tourism Forum which allows us both to monitor developments in these sectors.
The challenges facing tourism as a result of the pandemic are hugely significant. All tourism activity is affected when businesses cannot open and people cannot travel due to the necessary public health measures introduced. In Ireland, the impact is even greater due to the fact that we are heavily reliant on inbound overseas tourism for approximately three-quarters of all revenue generated and this sector is even more adversely affected by the pandemic.
A Tourism Recovery Taskforce was appointed last May to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which includes a set of recommendations on how best the Irish Tourism sector can adapt and recover in a changed tourism environment as a result of the crisis. The Taskforce presented the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020–2023 to me on September 30th last. The Plan makes a number of recommendations to help tourism businesses to survive, stabilise and recover from the COVID pandemic. This Plan has been a very useful input for me as I have considered, along with my Government colleagues, measures to help the tourism sector to survive the effects of the pandemic and, in time, to recover. The Plan has informed many of the measures we have introduced.
In December, I appointed a Recovery Oversight Group to oversee the implementation of the Recovery Plan and monitor the recovery of the tourism sector. This Group reported to me for the first time last month and I brought this report to the attention of my colleagues in Cabinet. This report welcomed progress made to date and set out a number of areas on which the Oversight Group believes the Government should focus.
I will continue to use the Tourism Recovery Plan and the outputs from the Recovery Oversight Group to inform my thinking as the situation evolves. Overall, a recovery in tourism activity will serve to help all of those businesses which depend on tourism to generate revenue.
