Written Answers Nos. 633-645
633. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter regarding an application under the tourism business continuity scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18982/21]
View answerThe Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
634. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if final approval will be given to a grant for a project (details supplied) under the large scale sporting infrastructure scheme in line with the recommendation, by the former Minister of State, that the project would be fully funded following the result of an appeal that concluded in April 2020; if the matter will now be given urgent priority taking into consideration the amount of time that the applicant has waited since the application was made and the merits of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19009/21]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with €100m being made available over the period to 2027.
An application was received from Clare County Council in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy. All applications under the LSSIF were assessed in accordance with the published scoring criteria. The scores were awarded based on factors such as the priority given to the project by the relevant NGB and/or local authority; the level of funding being provided by the project sponsor and how the project was likely to increase participation. Following the conclusion of the assessment process, provisional allocations totalling €82.4m for 32 projects were announced last year. The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the amount available to allocate and the project referred to by the Deputy did not score sufficiently highly to be awarded a grant under this first set of allocations.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt that an error was made in the assessment process. Six appeals were received including one in respect of the application referred to by the Deputy. All appeals have now been assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process and a final decision will be communicated shortly.
In addition, a review of progress on the existing LSSIF grants is now underway. As part of this work the Department will be examining, inter alia, progress on all projects awarded funding to date. The scope for awarding new grants to projects which missed out under the first set of allocations will also be considered as part of this review.
635. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there has been a determination of invalid applications under the sports capital funding; and if clubs and organisations deemed invalid will be notified in order that they can begin other funding arrangements. [19010/21]
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 and it will take a number of months to assess all of the applications.
If during the assessment process it is discovered that an application has missing or erroneous supporting documentation, the applicant will be contacted my Department and given the opportunity to provide the required material within a set deadline.
As soon as the assessment work is complete and grants allocated, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application. Unsuccessful applicants will also be given an opportunity to appeal the Department's assessment of their application.
636. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the names and-or composition of the expert group on the return of sport; if she will publish its communications on the return of sport; if she will provide its rationale for recommendations made to her; and if she will set out her engagement with the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, on her advice on the reopening of outdoor and indoor sport. [19050/21]
View answerThe purpose of the Expert Group on the Return to Sport is to provide guidance to the National Governing Bodies of sport and other sporting bodies with a view to facilitating consistency of their return to sport protocols with the prevailing public health advice. Its functions do not extend to the provision of recommendations to Ministers.
Information on the Expert Group, including its membership and terms of reference, can be found on my Department's website. The minutes of the group are available on request. The guidance and advice of this body is communicated to Sport Ireland and the relevant NGBs, and would be available from them.
My engagement on matters concerning the reopening of outdoor and indoor sport is pursued through engagement with Ministerial colleagues, including the Minister for Health, who in turn is advised by NPHET.
637. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the large scale sport infrastructure fund will reopen for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19060/21]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Of this, approximately €86.4m has been allocated to 33 projects to date. The priority in the short term is on advancing these 33 projects
While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF Programme which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.
638. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an application for the restart bed and breakfast grant (details supplied) will be processed as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19132/21]
View answerAdministration of the Restart Grant Plus for B&Bs is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
639. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Thomas Pringle den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an mbeidh cead ag na cúrsaí Gaeilge a bhíonn ar siúl i nGaeltacht Thír Chonaill a bheith oscailte i mbliana; an mbeidh teagmháil dhíreach aici le soláthróirí na gcúrsaí agus leis na heagraíochtaí cuí eile le tacaíocht a chur ar fáil don earnáil a thugann maoiniú isteach atá ríthábhachtach do phobail faoin tuath i nGaeltacht iarthar Dhún na nGall; an dtabharfar aon chúiteamh do na mná ‘tí nó do na coláistí a bheas thíos i mbliana muna mbeidh na cúrsaí ar siúl; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [19244/21]
View answerI gcomhthéacs an chúraim atá ar an Roinn tacú le hearnáil na gColáistí Samhraidh agus ar mhaithe le soiléiriú a dhéanamh oiread is féidir ar na bunriachtanais a chaithfí a chomhlíonadh i gcás go mbeadh cúrsaí Gaeilge in ann dul ar aghaidh an samhradh seo, scaipeadh dréacht-treoirlínte maidir le COVID-19 ar earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge ag tús na seachtaine seo.
Is ar lucht stiúrtha na gColáistí Gaeilge agus ar theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh atá na treoirlínte dírithe.
Ós rud é go dtagann na treoirlínte seo faoi réir pé rialacháin agus comhairle sláinte phoiblí atá i bhfeidhm ag aon am faoi leith, aithnítear go bhféadfadh athruithe teacht orthu le linn an ama. Is dréacht-cháipéis bheo í dá réir.
Tar éis an deis a bheith ag gach éinne na dréacht-treoirlínte seo a mheas agus an deis a bheith ag lucht stiúrtha na gcoláistí dul i gcomhairle lena gcuid tithe faoin ábhar, beidh mé féin agus feidhmeannaigh na Roinne ag bualadh go gairid le hionadaíocht ó na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do na coláistí.
Beidh plé ann chomh maith le scáthghrúpa na gColáistí Samhraidh CONCOS. Ina theannta sin tá deis ann do pháirtithe leasmhara a gcuid tuairimí faoi na treoirlínte réamhluaite a roinnt i scríbhinn leis an Roinn idir seo agus 27 Aibreán.
Is é an cuspóir atá leis an mbeart seo trí chéile ná a chur ar shúile gach éinne a bhfuil baint acu leis an earnáil cad iad na himpleachtaí a bheadh ann dóibh ó thaobh COVID-19 i gcás go bhféadfaí dul ar aghaidh le cúrsaí ar an gcéad dul síos agus deis éisteachta agus plé a bheith ag an Roinn le páirtithe leasmhara faoin ábhar.
Ós rud é go bhfuil tosca COVID-19 ag athrú i rith an ama tá an scéal ar fad faoi an mbeifear in ann dul ar aghaidh le cúrsaí samhraidh á choinneáil faoi bhreithniú ag an Roinn i rith an ama i dtreo a bheith in ann cinntí a dhéanamh faoin ábhar i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara, oiread is féidir, nuair atá sé níos soiléire cad a cheaptar faoi na treoirlínte réamhluaite.
640. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans for the return to sport; the engagement that has taken place with sporting organisations on the current public health restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19461/21]
View answerThe easing of public health restrictions in the area of sport is a matter for decision by the Government. It is envisaged that, towards the end of April, the Government will examine the situation then prevailing and will look at further reopening of the economy and society including sports.
Minister Martin and I have an ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sports sector, as do the officials in my Department and also Sport Ireland. This engagement takes many forms from virtual one to one meetings with National Governing Bodies of sport to larger group meetings, also conducted virtually. There are two main groups which engage with the sector, namely the “Expert Group on Return to Sport” and the “Covid-19 Sport Monitoring Group".
To facilitate the safe return of sporting activity, the Expert Group was established last year to provide advice and guidance to sporting bodies and to review protocols to ensure they are in compliance with public health advice. The Expert Group has had 37 meetings (up to and including Thursday the 15th of April) and has approved protocols from sporting bodies and other relevant organisations. In addition, the Expert Group has developed extensive guidance for the sport sector on assessing and mitigating the risk of infection at sports training and competitive events. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of the Group for their efforts which have facilitated a safe return to sport for children and adults.
The other main group which interacts with the sports sector is the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group. This group has met 11 times, most recently on April 9th. I chair this group which comprises Department Officials, Sport Ireland and a broad range of stakeholders in sport such as National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships as well as other partners including the Federation of Irish Sport, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and Ireland Active. The group serves as a forum for the stakeholders to engage directly with the Minister on issues of concern for their members.
I can assure the Deputy that Minister Martin and I will continue our close and regular engagement with the sporting bodies.
641. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has been in contact with the Minister for Health on the return to sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19462/21]
View answerMatters regarding the return to sport are for consideration and decision by the Government. In the context of the Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, it has been agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I will continue to work closely and constructively in order to ensure the most effective preparation possible for the safe return to sport consistent with the protection of public health.
642. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the case of a business (details supplied) that does not qualify for the Fáilte Ireland grant for limousine tour guides will be examined; the supports in place to aid this business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19534/21]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to Phase Two of Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Business Continuity Scheme. Administration of this Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy in respect of the Scheme's eligibility criteria and information on tourism-related supports in place that may assist the business. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
643. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh an mbeidh coláistí Gaeilge ar siúl i mbliana; an íocfar cúiteamh leis na mná tí, na coláistí, na hallaí áitiúla agus páirtithe leasmhara eile mura mbeidh siad ar bun [19592/21]
View answerI gcomhthéacs an chúraim atá ar an Roinn tacú le hearnáil na gColáistí Samhraidh agus ar mhaithe le soiléiriú a dhéanamh oiread is féidir ar na bunriachtanais a chaithfí a chomhlíonadh i gcás go mbeadh cúrsaí Gaeilge in ann dul ar aghaidh an samhradh seo, scaipeadh dréacht-treoirlínte maidir le COVID-19 ar earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge ag tús na seachtaine seo.
Is ar lucht stiúrtha na gColáistí Gaeilge agus ar theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh atá na treoirlínte dírithe.
Ós rud é go dtagann na treoirlínte seo faoi réir pé rialacháin agus comhairle sláinte phoiblí atá i bhfeidhm ag aon am faoi leith, aithnítear go bhféadfadh athruithe teacht orthu le linn an ama. Is dréacht-cháipéis bheo í dá réir.
Tar éis an deis a bheith ag gach éinne na dréacht-treoirlínte seo a mheas agus an deis a bheith ag lucht stiúrtha na gcoláistí dul i gcomhairle lena gcuid tithe faoin ábhar, beidh mé féin agus feidhmeannaigh na Roinne ag bualadh go gairid le hionadaíocht ó na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do na coláistí.
Beidh plé ann chomh maith le scáthghrúpa na gColáistí Samhraidh CONCOS. Ina theannta sin tá deis ann do pháirtithe leasmhara a gcuid tuairimí faoi na treoirlínte réamhluaite a roinnt i scríbhinn leis an Roinn idir seo agus 27 Aibreán.
Is é an cuspóir atá leis an mbeart seo trí chéile ná a chur ar shúile gach éinne a bhfuil baint acu leis an earnáil cad iad na himpleachtaí a bheadh ann dóibh ó thaobh COVID-19 i gcás go bhféadfaí dul ar aghaidh le cúrsaí ar an gcéad dul síos agus deis éisteachta agus plé a bheith ag an Roinn le páirtithe leasmhara faoin ábhar.
Ós rud é go bhfuil tosca COVID-19 ag athrú i rith an ama tá an scéal ar fad faoi an mbeifear in ann dul ar aghaidh le cúrsaí samhraidh á choinneáil faoi bhreithniú ag an Roinn i rith an ama i dtreo a bheith in ann cinntí a dhéanamh faoin ábhar i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara, oiread is féidir, nuair atá sé níos soiléire cad a cheaptar faoi na treoirlínte réamhluaite.
644. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if formal sports capital approval will be granted to a club (details supplied) as soon as possible. [19611/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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 club referred to by the Deputy has submitted applications under various rounds of the SCEP and grants were awarded under both the 2017 and 2018 rounds of the programme with funding of €79,000 allocated. Formal approval for both the 2017 and 2018 grants issued on the 31st of March this year. The club may now seek payment of these grants.
The club has a further application pending under the 2020 round of the SCEP. The 2020 round of the SCEP 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 and it will take a number of months to assess all of the applications.
The scoring system and assessment procedures are nearing finalisation and all applications, including the application from the club 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 a number of months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
645. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the situation with respect to Ireland signing and ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, known also as the Macolin Convention, which opened for signature in September 2014 and came into force in September 2019; the implications of same for Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19663/21]
View answerThe National Sports Policy 2018-2027 contains a commitment to complete the preparatory steps necessary to facilitate a decision on the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, also known as the Macolin Convention.
My Department is in the process of engaging with other Departments on a consideration of the legal issues and implications arising from the signature and ratification of this Convention. It is planned to present the matter to Government during the course of this year.
