Written Answers Nos. 317-335
317. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works plans to provide mentoring to other public bodies and publicly-funded agencies under his aegis with regard to improving compliance with statutory duties and accessibility requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21838/21]
View answerMentoring of Departments on accessibility will have to be looked at in more detail as there are a number of protocols to be observed and a variety of obligations under the building regulations and legislation requiring compliance. Mentoring is something that the National Disability Authority's own dedicated experts might be asked to coordinate with the Office of Public Works staff on this as a future action. The current position is as follows:
Training in accessibility for current and planned State occupied building stock has been undertaken under the universal access programme since 2010. More recently and predominantly since 2017 a cohort of in house architectural staff have been trained in accessibility auditing. This was done in a series of tranches of 4 or 5 architects and technicians at a time. It takes three full days immersive training with an industry expert, whose company has sufficient expertise and capacity to provide this (on top of having a related baseline of training as an architect, technician or engineer).
Funding would be required for a more comprehensive training programme in the context of a mentoring regime. This would require a co-ordinated approach which might then need specific priority for remedial works to be proposed, planned and procured. A
mentoring regime is a complex proposition which would require careful
consideration and planning.
This is not without challenges, as our programmes of work are diverse and complex. Resourcing it would have to be focused and rigorous with a specific workshop facilitated initially, and a subsequent network set up, governed and managed under a dedicated OPW expert steering committee.
318. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 21 April 2021, if he will report on progress to provide flood relief works specifically at Springfield, Clonlara, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/21]
View answerClare County Council (CCC) is the contracting authority in relation to the proposed flood relief scheme in Springfield/Clonlara, with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The current position is as follows:
CCC has been in contact with land owners affected by the proposals and has consulted with local residents and relevant statutory bodies. The Council submitted the works for planning permission, which was granted by An Bord Pleanala in November 2020. Since then detailed design has been ongoing and is now substantially complete, with some final additional Ground Investigations ongoing, which are to be completed and reviewed in advance of the projected construction start date of Q2 this year, with the construction works being carried out by the OPW as contractor for the local authority.
319. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected timeline for the commencement and completion of refurbishment and upgrading of Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21894/21]
View answerIt is expected that a contract for works to facilitate the re-opening of Bawnboy Garda Station will be placed shortly. The programme for the works will take about 12 weeks to complete.
320. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21908/21]
View answer321. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all forms issued by his Department and agencies under his remit are available in the Irish and English languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21926/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
My Department is committed to meeting its obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003 and, in particular, the commitments outlined in the Department’s Official Languages Scheme which is available on the Department's website. My Department makes every effort to accommodate customers who wish to conduct their business through Irish. To facilitate this, customers can contact my Department at a dedicated Irish Language email address: eolas@per.gov.ie. Due to the nature of its role, my Department does not routinely issue application forms.
The position in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below.
|
|
How persons wishing to engage through the Irish language are facilitated |
Form Availability in Irish and English |
|
Office of Public Works (OPW)
|
A number of OPW staff, with varying levels of proficiency in Irish, can provide interpersonal Irish Language services through written, verbal and in person means. If required, the ‘Foras na Gaeilge' accredited list of external Irish Language translators are utilised when needed. OPW Heritage sites located in Gaeltacht regions can provide all services through Irish. Upon request, a number of OPW sites will facilitate services through Irish, where it is possible to do so.
|
Yes.
Bilingual forms are provided within the Gaeltacht regions and any form can be provided in Irish upon request. |
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
PAS provides services, through Irish to Irish speakers who make contact with the office. The PAS Irish Language Scheme, sets out the commitments which PAS has made in terms of the services which it will provide in compliance with the Official Languages Act. PAS has a full-time Translator on staff to support the provision of those services. |
Yes. The online application facility of publicjobs.ie comprises: Candidate Registration Job Title and Description Application Form Information Booklet The Candidate Registration Facility is in place in both Official Languages and the Job Title, Job Description and Application Form are available in both Official Languages during the application period. |
|
National Shared Services Office (NSSO)
|
The NSSO is fully committed to providing a bilingual service. The NSSO is dedicated to ensuring that customer service is available in both languages. The NSSO have agents available in all of its Shared Services Centres to take calls and respond to emails and letters in Irish. The customer service phone lines are also bilingual. The stationery displays the NSSO names and addresses in both Irish and English and all customer alerts are bilingual. Both the Payroll and HR portals (for customers and internal use) are fully bilingual, with all information and forms available in both languages. |
Yes. |
|
Office of the Ombudsman
|
The Office of the Ombudsman has an Official Languages Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the Official Languages Act. Services provided in Irish include: written and oral services; websites with Irish content in accordance with provisions of the scheme; and online facility to conduct business through Irish. |
Yes. |
|
State Laboratory
|
The State Laboratory is a scheduled office under the aegis of the Department which provides a comprehensive analytical and advisory service to Government Departments and Offices. It does not provide a service to the public. The State Laboratory has a fluent Irish speaker on staff who can deal with queries in the Irish language. |
The State Laboratory does not provide a service to the public. |
|
Office of the National Lottery Regulator (ORNL)
|
The Regulator of the National Lottery provides comprehensive services in both Irish and English and informs customers of their right to choose the official language in which they wish to be dealt with, by way of the organisation’s Customer Charter. The Regulator responds to customers in Irish where it is requested and publishes the Office’s main corporate documents, signage and stationery in both Irish and English, on and offline, in accordance with the obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. |
The Regulator of the National Lottery does not issue forms to the public.
|
322. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of each contract entered into by his Department and the agencies under his remit to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction; and the name of the contractor in each case. [22144/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of contracts entered into by my Department (including the Office of Government Procurement) and the bodies under its aegis to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction is set out in the table below.
In respect of my own Department, it should be noted that some additional Covid-related spending also took place under existing contracts.
I have been advised that the Office of Public Works will reply directly to the Deputy in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51B.
|
|
Contractors Name |
Contract Details |
Date Contract Commenced |
Cost to date |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
The Learning Rooms (SHRC Limited) |
Provision of eLearning to meet Covid-19 related training needs |
April 2020 |
€20,900 |
|
|
Eir |
Security Services |
July 2020 |
€123,000 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors |
Provision of legal advices for purpose of preparing advisory notes on Covid related topics and drafting of two legal agreements for use with standard form CWMF contracts.
|
April 2020 |
€24,120 |
|
|
DNR Technologies Solutions Limited |
IT services for provisioning of application to triage supplier offers of assistance with national response to the pandemic |
May 2020 |
€20,756.25 |
|
|
The Chris Mee Group |
Online Working from Home Ergonomics course |
November 2020 |
€2,359 |
|
Bodies under the aegis: |
|
|
|
|
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
Accent Solutions |
PPE and cleaning products |
May 2020 |
€7,700 |
|
State Laboratory |
Splashtop |
Remote access licences |
March 2020 |
€11,736 |
|
|
Sureskills |
Remote access licences |
March 2020 |
€1,024 |
* The remaining bodies under the aegis of my Department did not enter into any new contracts to respond to the impact of Covid-19. Where additional spend was required, the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) used existing suppliers under existing contracts/Government frameworks.
323. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 548 of 21 April 2021, if he will provide a schedule of the 40 former Garda stations that are flagged for disposal and or alternative use; the company that will be used to conduct the planned auctions; and if he will provide a further schedule of the stations that will be included in the auction. [22161/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) plans to dispose of 28 of the 40 former Garda stations closed in 2012 and 2013 as part of An Garda Síochána’s rationalisation programme and remaining in State ownership by auction in 2021 and 2022.
In addition to the sale of the 28 former Garda stations the OPW plans to transfer three former Garda stations to Local Authorities, lease a further three to a Local Authority for community use and licence five directly to community groups. One former Garda station is sale agreed and is scheduled to close in the next couple of weeks.
A schedule of the above is provided in Appendix A.
Former Garda Stations Closed Under the 2012 and 2013 Policing Plans (40)
|
No |
County |
Property |
Current Status |
|
1 |
Clare |
Broadford |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
2 |
Clare |
Doonbeg |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
3 |
Clare |
Inagh |
Under consideration by Clare County Council |
|
4 |
Clare |
Lahinch |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
5 |
Cork |
Adrigole |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
6 |
Cork |
Ballyfeard |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
7 |
Cork |
Ballygurteen |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
8 |
Cork |
Goleen |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
9 |
Cork |
Knocknagree |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
10 |
Donegal |
Malin |
Under consideration by Donegal County Council |
|
11 |
Donegal |
Cloghan |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
12 |
Dublin |
Dalkey |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - 2021 / 2022 |
|
13 |
Dublin |
Kill O'The Grange |
Under consideration by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
|
14 |
Galway |
Ballymoe |
Under consideration for community use |
|
15 |
Galway |
Kiltullagh |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
16 |
Galway |
Leenane |
Sale Agreed |
|
17 |
Kildare |
Ballytore |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
18 |
Kerry |
Brosna |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
19 |
Kerry |
Kilgarvan |
Under consideration for community use |
|
20 |
Kerry |
Moyvane |
Under consideration for community use |
|
21 |
Leitrim |
Dromahair |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
22 |
Leitrim |
Drumkeeran |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
23 |
Leitrim |
Keshcarrigan |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
24 |
Limerick |
Castletown Conyers |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
25 |
Limerick |
Galbally |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
26 |
Limerick |
Kilfinane |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
27 |
Limerick |
Shanagolden |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - November 2021 |
|
28 |
Longford |
Ardagh |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
29 |
Longford |
Ballinalee |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
|
30 |
Mayo |
Ballyglass |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
31 |
Mayo |
Blacksod |
Under consideration for community use |
|
32 |
Mayo |
Hollymount |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
33 |
Monaghan |
Newbliss |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
34 |
Roscommon |
Ballintober |
Council have agreed to lease property from the CPW |
|
35 |
Roscommon |
Ballyforan |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
36 |
Roscommon |
Knockcroghery |
Council have agreed to lease property from the CPW |
|
37 |
Roscommon |
Tarmonbarry |
Council have agreed to lease property from the CPW |
|
38 |
Sligo |
Cliffoney |
Under consideration for community use |
|
39 |
Waterford |
Ballyduff |
Being prepared for disposal by auction - September 2021 |
|
40 |
Wicklow |
Hollywood |
Being prepared for disposal - 2022 |
The OPW had a planned disposal programme in place and a number of auctions were planned for 2020. However, the disposal programme was interrupted due to Covid-19 and associated restrictions meant those auctions had to be rescheduled on a number of occasions.
The OPW plan to hold four auctions later in 2021 but this will be subject to Covid-19 restrictions and may have to be rescheduled again if restrictions continue. There are currently three auctions planned for 2022. It is also planned to dispose of other surplus properties at these auctions subject to Contracts for Sale being prepared. A schedule of the auction of the 28 properties is provided at Appendix B.
As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property. The OPW’s approach to managing vacant properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed either for Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties or sites are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
Before the former Garda station properties are placed on the market, the services of an auctioneer are procured to manage the marketing strategy and public auction. All legal aspects of the transactions are managed by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
O’Donnellan Joyce Auctioneers, following a procurement process, have been appointed to manage the next two auctions of properties in the counties of Galway/Mayo and Donegal.
The procurement of auctioneers for later auctions will take place when there is greater certainty of the timing for these auctions following the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
324. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Skibbereen flood relief scheme; the outstanding works on the Cork Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/21]
View answerThe Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was undertaken by Cork County Council, as the Contracting Authority, with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The scheme was substantially completed on 6th June 2019 by the main contractor, Jons Civil Engineering Ltd. All identified defects arising from the construction have been remedied, with some delays as a result of Covid-19. Planning for the operation and maintenance of the scheme is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of the OPW in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the scheme. A small number of works to address elements identified during construction, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works’ packages.
The works on Cork Road are not part of the main Scheme, but were subsequently identified as being necessary. Detailed assessments are currently being progressed by Cork County Council and consultants RPS, in conjunction with the OPW and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to identify the most effective solution. The OPW is providing funding under the Minor Works & Flood Mitigation Scheme towards these works. While work is currently ongoing on the development of a solution, the Council is not yet in a position to confirm the programme times in relation to planning approvals and construction.
325. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the actions being taken to address the serious deterioration of the recently constructed Bandon river fish pass; the estimated costs of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22252/21]
View answerLast month, the Office of Public Works (OPW) became aware that the bed of the fish pass, completed as part of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme in 2018 for the migration of aquatic species upstream of the pre-existing weir, had suffered deterioration through the erosion of bed material at the upstream end of the structure.
Site inspections were immediately undertaken by OPW and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and emergency measures have now been agreed to alleviate this problem. An Appropriate Assessment Screening process for the proposed work has been completed, in line with the requirements of the Habitats Directive. The proposed solution will comprise large boulders being placed in a line across the width of the fish pass - close to the ‘step’ at the upstream end of the pass - to create a pool from which the fish can pass with greater ease.
A contractor has been appointed to undertake the works and consultations are underway with landowners in relation to access for the proposed works. It is planned to commence the works in the coming days and to have all works completed within the next week to 10 days. The estimated cost of these emergency works is approximately €70,000 (excl. VAT).
In addition, an investigation into the reasons for the deterioration of the bed material on the fish pass has commenced. A longer term solution will be developed with a view to fully rectifying the issue over the coming months.
326. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on public relations advice and media advice since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged for this advice in tabular form. [22279/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department and the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, have incurred no such costs in the period specified.
327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on advertising and public messaging in print, broadcast and online since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged to assist with placing the advertisements and the companies advertised with in tabular form. [22297/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Supplier Name |
Details of Service |
Date of Service |
Cost of Service |
|
Cawley Nea Limited |
Project Ireland 2040 Public Information Campaign – Social Media Updates |
January 2020 |
€3,437 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme - public consultation newspaper advertisement |
January 2020 |
€9,124 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
River Bride Flood Relief Scheme - public consultation newspaper advertisement |
January 2020 |
€9,669 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
River Slaney (Enniscorthy) public consultation scheme newspaper advertisement |
July 2020 |
€8,470 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
River Deel (Crossmolina) public consultation newspaper advertisement |
November and December 2020 |
€7,837 |
|
PHD Media (Ireland) Ltd |
Review to Renew (NDP Review) Campaign – social media fees |
December 2020 |
€1,964 |
|
Mediavest |
Review to Renew (NDP Review) Advertisements in national newspapers |
January 2021 |
€14,210 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme - notice of Ministerial decision newspaper advertisement |
January 2021 |
€878 |
|
Mediavest ltd |
River Bride Flood Relief Scheme - notice of Ministerial decision newspaper advertisement |
March 2021 |
€829 |
|
Google ads |
Online Advertisements of behalf of the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs - AdWords campaigns targeting countries listed for mandatory quarantine on arrival into Ireland and informing users that mandatory hotel quarantine was coming into place in Ireland |
April 2021 |
€1,700 |
328. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the locations of the temporary toilet facilities for the Phoenix Park; and the expected duration these facilities will be in place for. [22359/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is currently arranging for the positioning of temporary toilet facilities within the Phoenix Park.
If the situation warrants it, further temporary facilities may be put in place in other areas of the Park. It is not possible yet to say how long such temporary facilities will remain in place.
329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not own any vehicles.
This is also the case for all of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of the Office of Public Works (OPW). I wish to advise the Deputy that the OPW will issue a deferred reply to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51B.
330. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Gaeltacht colleges will reopen in summer 2021 for second year secondary students who are booked in from 7 June 2021 for a period of three weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22094/21]
View answerIn the context of my Department’s role in supporting the Irish Language Summer Colleges' sector and in order to provide clarity insofar as possible in the current circumstance regarding the general COVID-19 safety measures required on the part of key players in the sector, my Department published draft COVID-19 Guidelines for the sector last week.
These guidelines are primarily aimed at the directors of the Irish Colleges and the qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation to students attending any of the 40 or so accredited Gaeltacht colleges.
These guidelines are subject at all times to change on foot of emerging circumstances, regulations and overall public health advice. The guidance is, therefore, a live draft document.
My officials and I recently engaged in stakeholder consultation with representatives of the households that provide accommodation to the students and a meeting was also held by my officials with the representative body of the Gaeltacht summer colleges, CONCOS, in order to hear their views and suggestions on the draft guidelines.
The discussions also served to inform both me and my officials as to whether it would be possible or prudent to seek to organise courses in the current and anticipated circumstances.
I am very grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process. It was an important and useful exercise to hear directly from key stakeholders about their shared concerns.
It remains to be seen whether the Irish Language Summer Colleges will be able to proceed this year due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation. My Department continues to monitor developments with a view to making a final decision shortly in consultation with stakeholders and in the best interests of all concerned.
331. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans being put in place to protect the employees of the hospitality sector (details supplied). [22309/21]
View answerThe Government has introduced some very effective supports for tourism businesses and employees since the pandemic began last year, including the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the CRSS, the EWSS and the PUP. The Government has stated that there will be no cliff-edge ending to these supports.
Fáilte Ireland, along with its stakeholders, is working to address issues such as skills shortage and labour supply in the tourism hospitality sector through initiatives such as a Recruitment Event which took place earlier this week to address sector-wide HR reopening challenges. Fáilte Ireland is also engaged in the provision of a range of supports and services to employers to fill vacancies (in collaboration with Dept Social Protection); and exploring new initiatives, such as a proposed Tourism Education Gateway to provide education and skills training for all tourism employees.
My colleagues the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills, Niall Collins TD, also recently announced two new skills programmes to assist hospitality and tourism sectors with COVID-19 challenges and ensure they are ready for reopening of the sectors.
I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery and I continue to engage with bodies representing the tourism hospitality sector. 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. Along with my colleagues in Government, I 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.
332. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional supports her Department has considered implementing to assist the tourism sector here during the summer months. [22311/21]
View answerI am fully aware of the impact COVID-19 has on tourism and hospitality nationwide and I also acknowledge that public health restrictions continue to be very challenging for the tourism sector. The national vaccination programme is critical and provides hope that in 2021 we will see the beginning of the recovery for the sector but this will not happen overnight. For now, the focus remains on helping businesses and jobs in tourism to survive the pandemic and be ready for recovery.
In line with the plan set out in The Path Ahead and after taking full account of the current status of COVID-19 in the community and the public health advice, the Government has been implementing a limited phased easing of some Level 5 restrictions through the month of April. The Government is due to make further decisions and announcements this week regarding the position to apply for May and beyond, with a view to facilitating the safe reopening of more services as the public health situation permits.
In addition to horizontal supports such as CRSS and EWSS, there was a record level of funding for Tourism overall, of just under €221 million in Budget 2021 and there have been additional measures to support tourism, such as the VAT rate reduction to 9%, as well as the €55m Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund and other tourism sector-specific schemes. 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. Along with my colleagues in Government, I 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.
I also recently announced details of Fáilte Ireland’s €17m Outdoor Dining Grant Scheme, which will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the Local Authorities and is designed to support tourism businesses increase their outdoor dining capacity. I also launched Phase Two of Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Tourism Investment Programme, which will provide €19m in funding for the development of activity facility centres in selected waterside locations around the country, where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction.
I am aware that Fáilte Ireland, at the appropriate time, will be launching their domestic tourism marketing campaign, ‘Keep Discovering’. International access to Ireland is also pivotal for tourism. In this regard, I continue to work closely with my colleagues in Government in respect of international travel policy, in particular the European Commission proposal on a Digital Green Certificate. We will make every effort to reopen safe international travel and tourism at the earliest possible opportunity.
333. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial support and business assistance available for the funfair and circus industry which has not been included in any of the financial support schemes to date, but which has remained closed for most of 2020 and 2021, thus incurring significant losses (details supplied). [21124/21]
View answer360. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding support for the cultural sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21657/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 360 together.
Primary support for the arts is delivered through the Arts Council which was set up as a statutory agency under the Arts Act 2003. Funding for the Arts Council has increased steadily in recent years, reaching €130 million in the context of Budget 2021. Under the Arts Act, the Arts Council is independent in its funding decisions.
While the Arts Council does not provide funding to funfairs, the Arts Act 2003 specifically cites circus as one of nine artforms. Circus is supported by the Arts Council by way of grants under a range of categories including Bursary, Strategic Funding, Project Awards and Touring and Dissemination awards. In that regard, 2019 and 2020 saw a very significant increase in supports provided for circus, with over €2.2 million allocated for to Circus, Street Arts and Spectacle in 2021. In 2020, many circus artists also qualified for the Council’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Award. Details of all grants are available on the Arts Council’s website at http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/
Supports from the Arts Council are in addition to the wide range of non-sector specific horizontal supports available for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19. The Government's response to the impact of the pandemic on the economy is comprised of a broad range of supports delivered across a range of Departments. Along with the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, there are a number of enterprise supports including the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19. Information in relation to the business and financial supports provided by the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment place for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can be viewed at the following link https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports.
334. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being taken to support the return of live performances and events in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21183/21]
View answerWe all aspire to a safe resumption of live performance which is so fundamental to the arts, culture and entertainment sectors. I am engaged directly and through my Department with stakeholders and colleagues across Government to prepare for such a resumption when public health considerations permit. In the interim, my Department operates a range of sector specific supports in addition to a broad range of horizontal supports. These include the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme. Applications made under this scheme are currently being assessed.
The Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead plan sets out the Government’s objectives for the full recovery of social life, public services and the economy. The plan committed to the development of sectoral guidance for very large purpose built event facilities, for example: stadia, auditoria, conference and event centres. I established a Working Group to facilitate stakeholder consultation on the development of COVID-19 Guidelines for the Live Entertainment sector. This group had its first meeting on 21 April 2021. The Live Entertainment Working Group includes stakeholders with appropriate technical knowledge in the planning, management and delivery of events and it will produce a set of overarching guiding principles which all venue promoters can adopt for their specific purposes.
In addition, the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland entered into a strategic partnership in order to develop guidance for the safe presentation of festivals and live events. This document is currently at the consultation stage and is due to be published in the coming weeks.
While the timeframe for the resumption of entertainment events remains uncertain and, is dependent on public health considerations, it is critical that a set of COVID-19 guidelines is developed and ready in advance of any re-opening of the sector.
335. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the sporting activities that qualify as elite as per the Covid-19 guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21185/21]
View answerA limited exemption is in place to enable high performance sportspeople to continue their sporting activities, principally focused on allowing our high performance athletes and teams to qualify and prepare effectively for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The applicable definition is that contained in the relevant public health regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 168 of 2021), namely those athletes that:
- are in receipt of financial support provided by Sport Ireland under the scheme commonly known and referred to as the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme
- compete at a senior level and are participants in a high performance training programme of the national governing body of the sport, which body receives, from Sport Ireland, financial support commonly known and referred to as the Sport Ireland High Performance Programme Funding
- are professional sportspersons who receive payment for training and playing sport under a contract of employment with a soccer club or the rugby football organisation commonly known and referred to as the Irish Rugby Football Union
- are members of an inter-county team, at senior level, in a competition organised by the organisations commonly known and referred to as the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association or the Camogie Association
Additionally, Sport Ireland may, in consultation the Health Service Executive, provide certification to additional High Performance or Pathway athletes. These are athletes that represent or have the potential to represent Ireland at an internationally competitive level. Any athlete seeking certification under these legislative provisions should in the first instance apply to their National Governing Body. Sport Ireland assesses each application in accordance with the provisions and criteria set out in the above-mentioned Regulations.
This definition is established to provide a mechanism to exempt a limited group of individuals to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is not intended to represent a universal definition of high performance and professional athletes but rather reflects the Government's prioritisation in this matter.
