Emer Higgins
Question:646. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the initiatives in place to scout for local talent in the arts space. [19787/21]
View answerArts Policy
Questions (646, 647)
Emer Higgins
Question:647. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level of talent-spotting engagement that takes place between RTÉ and the Arts Council regarding, for example, actors, screenwriters, comedy writers or playwrights. [19790/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 646 and 647 together.
Primary responsibility for the development or advancement of the arts rests with the Arts Council under the Arts Act 2003. The Arts Council is independent in its funding decisions under this Art and operates within a published ten-year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. This describes how the Arts Council will lead the development of the arts in Ireland. The strategy has five priority areas: the artist; public engagement; investment strategy; spatial and demographic planning; and developing capacity.
A key strategic priority of the Arts Council is its commitment to support emerging artists of promise and all artists – creative and interpretive – whose quality of practice merits investment. To achieve this the Council continues to monitor its funding to ensure there is a good balance to ensure proportionate investment is made in the work of independent and emerging artists and groups.
The Arts Council supports artists in Ireland through grant funding, project awards and support to individual artists by way of commissions and bursaries. I was delighted to be in a position last summer to announce the recipients of the Next Generation artists’ awards by the Arts Council which is providing support for emerging artists from all backgrounds and genres with an opportunity to develop their skills and produce new work. The purpose of the Next Generation artists’ award is to support a group of promising artists across all disciplines at an early but pivotal stage in their career. Further details of this initiative can be accessed at the following links
http://www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-s-Next-Generation-Award-sees-23-Artists-receive--20,000/
http://www.artscouncil.ie/Funds/Next-Generation-Artists-Award/
The organisations funded by the Council regularly engage in support of emerging artists and fostering of excellence in local contexts.
Culture Ireland also operates a range of funding programmes to support and promote the presentation of Irish arts internationally, including emerging artists. In addition, in terms of supports from my Department for online cultural content over the past twelve months, funding has been provided through Hot Press specifically targeted at emerging artists.
RTE also routinely offers new and emerging talent opportunities across all of its platforms including television, radio and online. It has also collaborated with the Creative Ireland programme in conjunction with its RTE Supporting the Arts initiative to make a number of short film to highlight a broad range of cultural activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (648)
Peter Burke
Question:648. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a business continuity scheme application by a company (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19791/21]
View answerWritten answers
Administration of the Tourism Business Continuity 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. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (649)
Michael Ring
Question:649. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all vacancies (details supplied) are advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19824/21]
View answerWritten answers
On 30 September 2014, the Government decided that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) should be given responsibility for putting in place an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system to support Ministers in making appointments to State Boards. Since then, my Department has actively engaged in the independent shared service in recruitment, assessment and selection provided by PAS. As Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the corporate governance of 21 State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, including Board appointments.
The dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, is the channel through which the PAS advertises vacancies on State Boards. It is also the means through which accomplished, experienced and qualified people, including people who might not previously have been identified as available for appointment, can apply to be considered for particular vacancies.
In certain circumstances, the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC), submit nominees to me for my consideration and for subsequent Government approval in respect of Board appointments in the broadcasting and media sector and I understand that the JOC receive support from PAS during this process.
Details regarding the composition (including the type of appointment) of State Boards under the remit of my Department are publicly available on www.StateBoards.ie as outlined above.
There are a number of exceptions where the PAS process is not applicable and where positions are not advertised on Stateboards.ie such as:
- Re-appointments in line with section 9.1.5. of the Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards;
- Nominations by a third party organisation (i.e. County Councils, RDS & RHA);
- Ex-officio Appointments;
- Nominations approved by the North-South Ministerial Council.
Question No. 650 answered with Question No. 622.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (651)
Michael Ring
Question:651. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any person can apply for a position (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19879/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the Corporate Governance of 21 State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, including Board appointments. You may wish to note that information in respect of the membership of these State Boards and others, is available from www.StateBoards.ie
The majority of Board vacancies are filled using the Public Appointments Services (PAS) process to identify suitably qualified candidates, which has been in place since 2014. For example, PAS cite the following in relation to eligibility -
‘Eligibility
Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision. Certain of these provisions are outlined in the Companies Act, 2014 and the Company Law Enforcement Act, 2001.’ …
Applicants should also be conscious of the fact that the One Person One Salary (OPOS) principal may apply. The OPOS principal states that public servants and public sector employees (with the exception of certain worker Directors of commercial State bodies only) who sit on State Boards may not be paid Board fees.
In certain circumstances, the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC), submit nominees to me for my consideration and for subsequent Government approval in respect of Board appointments in the broadcasting and media sector and I understand that the JOC receive support from PAS during this process.
Consequently, anyone can apply to be a Board member under the PAS rules and procedures. More information on eligibility to State Boards can be found in the attached link. (http://www.stateboards.ie/stateboards/about.htm)
There are a number of exceptions where the PAS process is not applicable;
- Reappointments in line with section 9.1.5. of the Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards;
- Nominations by a third party organisation (i.e. County Councils, RDS & RHA);
- Ex-officio Appointments;
- Nominations approved by the North-South Ministerial Council.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (652)
Mary Butler
Question:652. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding supports for the amusement park providers who remain closed as a result of current public health restrictions; her plans to introduce further funding supports for the sector to assist with severe financial issues many are experiencing at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20039/21]
View answerWritten answers
In addition to the wide range of horizontal measures introduced by Government to support businesses including in particular the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), I am aware that, subject to terms and conditions, amusement park providers were eligible for both Fáilte Ireland's Covid-19 Adaptation Fund, which closed for applications in December 2020, and Stage One of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, which closed for applications on 8th March.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further direct reply to the Deputy including information on any additional supports that amusement park providers may avail of. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Properties
Questions (653)
Catherine Murphy
Question:653. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the plans for St. Andrew’s Church, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2. [20049/21]
View answerWritten answers
The property referred to by the Deputy is owned and managed by Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the question to the agency for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (654)
Catherine Murphy
Question:654. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to revisit the way in which outdoor golf may resume in the context of allowing clubs to permit non-member fee paying visitors to use their courses that live within the county and or within 20km from their home as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that this arrangement will provide immediate potential to raise revenue and mitigate further losses due to not being in a position to facilitate social and society golf; and the reason for restricting the number of persons that can play together per tee time. [20050/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
As part of that gradual easing of measures, from the 26th of April participation in a range of outdoor sporting activities, such as golf, is to be allowed subject to adherence to the generally applicable measures concerning social distancing, mixing between a maximum of two households and the travel limits within counties or within 20kms of one's home if crossing county boundaries. .
The public health regulations do not draw a distinction between members and non-members in the case of golf, which is a matter for the NGB concerned, Golf Ireland, and its affiliated clubs to manage the available capacity in each club in accordance with the above-mentioned measures.
I would refer the Deputy to Golf Ireland's website, which contains the detailed protocol developed for the gradual resumption of golf from the 26th of April.
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide
Questions (655, 656)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:655. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon obair fiosrúcháin nó pleanáil déanta ag a Roinn mar gheall ar an tionchar is féidir a bheith ag an athrú aeráide ar an nGaeltacht, agus mura bhfuil go fóill, an mbeadh sí sásta tabhairt faoin obair sin go luath. [20235/21]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:656. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon obair fiosrúcháin nó pleanáil déanta ag a Roinn mar gheall ar an tionchar is féidir a bheith ag an athrú aeráide ar an nGaeilge mar theanga sa tsochaí, agus mura bhfuil go fóill, an mbeadh sí sásta tabhairt faoin obair sin go luath. [20237/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 656 together.
Is príomhthosaíocht de chuid Chlár an Rialtais é dul i ngleic leis an athrú aeráide agus todhchaí níos inbhuanaithe a bhaint amach dá gcuid saoránach. Tá an Rionn seo tiomanta do na haidhmeanna seo a bhaint amach trí gach réimse dár gcuid oibre mar a bheidh le sonrú i Ráiteas Straitéise nua na Roinne a bheidh á foilsiú go gairid.
Tá athrú aeráide agus cur chun cinn na hEacnamaíochta Ghlais lárnach do Straitéis Údarás na Gaeltachta don tréimhse 2021 -2025 chomh maith, a bheidh le seoladh go gairid. Sna blianta amach romhainn, beidh Údarás na Gaeltachta ag obair le geallshealbhóirí éagsúla chun réimse leathan de thosaíochtaí inbhuanaitheachta a chur chun cinn a rachaidh chun tairbhe na Gaeltachta ó thaobh na heacnamaíochta agus an phobail de agus a mbeidh tionchar dearfach acu ó thaobh aeráide agus ísliú carbóin de. Beidh inbhuanaitheacht mar théama lárnach i straitéis nua na heagraíochta. Thar tréimhse 5 bliana na straitéise, beidh an tÚdarás ag cur i bhfeidhm gníomh phleananna bliantúla agus tograí éagsúla chun an earnáil ghlas agus an Eacnamaíocht Chiorclach a chur chun cinn - ag cinntiú go mbeidh prionsabail inbhuanaithe tríd gníomhaíochta na heagraíochta uilig.
Ar ndóigh, beidh idir dúshláin agus deiseanna i gcúrsaí athraithe aeráide don Ghaeltacht agus don Ghaeilge mar theanga pobail sa sochaí agus sa todhchaí.
Tá sé mar fhís ag an Rialtas, ag mo Roinn agus ag an Údarás go mbeidh na pobail Ghaeltachta inbhuanaithe i ngach gné den saol agus go mbeidh ról lárnach ag na heagraíochtaí Stáit i gcumasú agus i neartú na bpobal chun an méid sin a bhaint amach. Tacófar le inmharthanacht na gceantar Gaeltachta trí infheistíocht a dhéanamh in acmhainní daonna, in acmhainní nádúrtha agus in acmhainní caipitil na Gaeltachta ar bhealach a bhíonn chun leasa na bpobal agus na timpeallachta ina mhaireann muid.
Chuige sin, tá Údarás na Gaeltachta tiomanta don inbhuanaitheacht mar cheann de phríomh théamaí a gcuid oibre, sé sin – inbhuanaitheacht phobail, inbhuanaitheacht teanga agus inbhuanaitheacht eacnamaíoch.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (657, 658)
Imelda Munster
Question:657. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding being allocated to the weatherproofing and outdoor dining infrastructure scheme for 2021; and the amount that will be allocated to each individual local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20360/21]
View answerImelda Munster
Question:658. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding that has been allocated to outdoor seating and accessories for tourism and hospitality services scheme; and the amount that has been allocated each local authority in tabular form. [20361/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 658 together.
On 31 March I announced details of a €17million Scheme operated by Fáilte Ireland for developing outdoor dining capacity nationwide. The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme comprises two parts and will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country. Part One of the Scheme will provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity. Funding allocated under Part Two will enable Local Authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres.
The development and administration of the schemes for outdoor dining experiences to which the Deputy refers are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to provide further information directly to the Deputy's question. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (659, 660)
Catherine Murphy
Question:659. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will extend the inbound agents continuity scheme for the remainder of 2021 and 2022 in view of the fact that the inbound market replies on countries that are now on the prescribed list for mandatory hotel quarantine (details supplied). [20532/21]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:660. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) from a representative body regarding the continuation of the inbound agents continuity scheme; and his plans to introduce further supports for this sector. [20533/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 660 together.
I am aware of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the inbound agents sector and was pleased to make a fund of €10m available, through Fáilte Ireland, for the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme. The scheme has assisted inbound tour operators, destination management companies and professional conference organisers by providing a direct financial contribution to support their business continuity plans.
I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As part of that plan, along with my colleagues in Government, we will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Questions (661)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:661. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad iarratas ar chead pleanála de gach cineál a rinne Údarás na Gaeltachta nó cliant-chuideachtaí dá chuid le cúig bliana anuas, briste síos de réir limistéar pleanála teanga Gaeltachta leis na sonraí seo a leanas: cé mhéad de na hiarratais phleanála a bhí déanta go hiomlán i nGaeilge amháin; cé mhéad acu a raibh na cáipéisí tacaíochta ar fad i mBéarla; agus cé mhéad acu a bhí go hiomlán i mBéarla amháin. [20590/21]
View answerWritten answers
Tá punann leathan de mhaoin ag Údarás na Gaeltachta sna seacht gContae Gaeltachta. Tógadh formhór na maoine seo sna 1970’aidí agus 1980’aidí agus cé gur déanadh uasghrádaithe éagsúla ar fhoirgnimh áirithe i rith na mblianta, tá roinnt den mhaoin a bhfuil obair athchóirithe suntasach ag teastáil uaidh ach na hacmhainní cuí a bheith ar fáil chuige sin.
Déanann an tÚdarás féin iarratais phleanála a réiteach i gcás tograí beaga neamhchasta agus is i nGaeilge amháin a dhéantar an obair sin.
I gcás tograí casta a mbíonn staidéir agus tuairiscí níos casta le déanamh ina leith, is minic nach mbíonn an dara rogha ach comhairleoirí neamhspleácha ar bheagán Gaeilge a earcú. Tá na ceantair Ghaeltachta lán le ceantair speisialta caomhnaithe agus ceantracha áille cois cósta gur gá saineolas ar ard chaighdeán a chur in áit chun cosaint cuí a thabhairt dóibh. Chuige sin, i go leor cásanna, ní bhíonn de rogha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ach saineolaithe ábhartha a fhostú chun tabhairt faoin obair seo. Áirítear anseo staidéir cuí a bhíonn le cur isteach leis na hiarratais pleanála. Aithníonn an tÚdarás go bhfuil sé tarlaithe ar chúpla ócáid gur chuir cuid de na gníomhairí seo iarratais isteach thar cheann an Údaráis i mBéarla ar fad gan an t-iarratas a bheith i nGaeilge mar ba chóir.
Tá aghaidh á thabhairt ag an Údarás ar an gceist seo faoi láthair chun leanúnachas agus caighdeán cuí teanga a bhaint amach sna hiarratais phleanála a dhéanann gníomhairí tríú páirtí thar cheann na heagraíochta.
Is fiú a nótáil chomh maith gur minic a lorgaíonn na hÚdaráis Áitiúla leaganacha Béarla de na cáipéisí agus go bhfiafraítear eolas breise i mBéarla.
Ní choinníonn an tÚdarás sonraí maidir le hiarratais pleanála a rinne cliantchomhlachtaí ná eagraíochtaí eile sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Seo a leanas briseadh síos de na hiarratais pleanála atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta le cúig bliana anuas de réir contae:
|
Contae |
Gaeilge Amháin |
Ábhair Tacaíochta i mBéarla |
Béarla Amháin |
Iomlán |
|
Dún na nGall |
- |
10 |
- |
10 |
|
Gaillimh |
10 |
2 |
2 |
14 |
|
Maigh Eo |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
|
Ciarraí |
2 |
4 |
- |
6 |
|
Corcaigh |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
|
Port Láirge |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
|
An Mhí |
2 |
- |
- |
2 |
|
Iomlán |
14 |
17 |
2 |
33 |
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (662)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:662. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the music entertainment business assistance scheme will open in April 2021 as announced by her on the 9 March 2021. [20670/21]
View answerWritten answers
I was pleased to announce recently a new €50 million suite of additional measures to further support the Live Entertainment Sector this year. As part of this suite, an allocation of €14m will be made available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. The main features of this new scheme 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.
Under the scheme, businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers - whether sole traders, partnerships or incorporated entities - operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector will be eligible to apply. This scheme has been developed following wide consultation with the sector and will be managed directly by my Department. Department officials are finalising the administrative arrangements for this scheme and it is hoped that the scheme will open for applications in the coming weeks when the necessary IT systems are in place.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (663)
John McGuinness
Question:663. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the efforts her Department is making to achieve gender balance on all State boards and agencies under the remit of her Department; if she will set out the changes achieved to date on each; if 50% of the membership of all boards, policy groups or agencies that provide advice to Government on matters of policy will be reserved for appropriately qualified individuals from the private sector in order to achieve a balance between the public and private sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20735/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the Corporate Governance of 21 State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, including Board appointments.
The current overall gender balance ratio, in respect of the 21 State Boards, is 50% female and 50% male representation.
Of the 21 State Boards;
- 12 have a female representation of 50% or more
- 14 of those reached an enhanced 45% target;
- 16 have reached the 40% gender balance target set by the Government;
In respect of Fáilte Ireland, Screen Ireland and Sport Ireland, these Boards do not currently have 40% gender balance but processes are ongoing to fill vacancies on these Boards and gender balance will be taken into consideration in any appointments.
Tourism Ireland and the Ulster Scots Agency do not currently have 40% gender balance and I will examine the possibility of enhancing the balance on these boards when relevant vacancies next arise.
The success of my Department in achieving a good gender balance ratio on the majority of its State boards is the result of a concerted effort in recent years. The following are examples of the type of efforts engaged when arrangements are being made to fill Board vacancies.
- The requirement for gender balance is always highlighted in advertisements for expressions of interest in appointments to State Boards, using the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website Stateboards.ie
- The Chair of the Board of the respective Agency - and a representative from my Department - sit on an assessment panel convened by PAS to select a shortlist to be provided to me for my consideration. Consistent care is taken during the selection process so that this shortlist is gender balanced.
- In some circumstances, Boards (e.g the Arts Council) have a requirement for gender balance written into their legislation.
My Department’s internal procedures, for appointments to State Boards, has recently been updated to include consideration of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) with a strong focus on maintaining my Department’s good gender balance record.
With regard to the issue of private sector representation to which the Deputy refers, it is open to anyone to apply to be a Board member under the PAS rules and process. For example the PAS eligibility criteria specifies;
'Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision. Certain of these provisions are outlined in the Companies Act, 2014 and the Company Law Enforcement Act, 2001'.
The Department takes care to specify the skill sets required for each Board, and appointments are regularly made of experts across a variety of sectors and professions. Consequently, anyone can and is welcome to apply to be a Board Member regardless of Sector or indeed gender.
Cúrsaí Gaeilge
Questions (664)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:664. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad airgead atá á chaitheamh ag a Roinn le cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar ag an tríú leibhéal, nach mbaineann leis an nGaeilge mar ábhar nó leis an múinteoireacht, ar nós Dlí, Eolaíochta, Gnó, agus cé mhéad mac léinn timpeall na tíre atá sna cúrsaí seo. [20770/21]
View answerWritten answers
Tá an Tionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge a mhaoiniú ag An Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meáin ó 2006 mar fhreagra ar an riachtanas sainaitheanta go méadófaí líon na gcéimithe le scileanna i réimsí sonracha i gcomhthéacs Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus an Ghaeilge ina teanga oifigiúil de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh (AE). Faoin tionscnamh seo, cuirtear réimse cúrsaí Gaeilge, m.sh aistriúcháin, ateangaireachta agus dlí ar fáil agus dá bharr seo, tá soláthair daoine cáilithe le scileanna Gaeilge chun freastal ar riachtanais earcaíochta in Éirinn agus san AE.
Sa bhliain acadúla 2019/20, íocadh amach maoiniú de €935,564 i leith an dá cheann déag de chursaí atá á maoiniú faoin Tionscnamh Ard-Scileanna Gaeilge agus bronnadh cáilíochtaí ar 86 mac léinn ag deireadh na bliana acadúla céanna. Tá na cúrsaí á reáchtáil arís i mbliana le maoiniú de €970,953 atá á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn ina leith.
In éindí leis an gciste faoi leith thuasluaite níor mhiste a nótáil chomh maith go bhfuil cúnamh reatha ar fiú €900,000 in aghaidh na bliana á chur ar fáil chomh maith ag an an Roinn Roinn d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge faoi scáth na hollscoile ar mhaithe le cur le seachadach soláthar cúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge ar trí champas Gaeltachta de chuid na hollscoile atá suite i nGaoth Dobhair, Carna agus ar an gCeathrú Rua. De thoradh an chúnaimh seo atá mar chuid de chlár maoinithe trí bliana atá comhaontaithe ag an Roinn leis an ollscoil, tugtar an deis do thuairim is c. 2,700 mac léinn freastal ar raon leathan cúrsaí de chuid na hollscoile a eagraítear ar na campais Ghaeltachta seo gach bliain.
Chomh maith leis seo, tá maoiniú á chur ar fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta do na cúrsaí seo a leanas, i gcomhpháirtíocht leis na hInstitiúidí Triú Leibhéal:
- cúrsa Ard-Dioplóma i nGaeilge Fheidhmeach agus Aistriúchán (Dearbhú Cáilíochta & Cáilíochtaí Éireann Leibhéal 8) / MSc (Dearbhú Cáilíochta & Cáilíochtaí Éireann Leibhéal 9) atá á riaradh ag Institiúid Teicneolaíochta na Gaillimhe Mhaigh Eo i gcomhpháirt leis an gcomhlacht aistriúcháin Gaeltachta, Europus.
- cúrsa Ard-Dioplóma i Léiriú Teilifíse agus na Meáin Dhigiteacha (Dearbhú Cáilíochta & Cáilíochtaí Éireann Leibhéal 8) le Institiúid Phort Láirge i gcomhar leis an gcomhlacht léirithe teilifíse Gaeltachta, Nemeton.