Written Answers Nos. 393-412
393. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that have been provided to cultural institutions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22044/21]
View answer394. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional supports that have been provided to cultural institutions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22045/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I secured significant increases in the operational budgets of the National Cultural Institutions (NCIs) for COVID-19 related funding. The NCIs encompass our most iconic cultural venues including the National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the National Library, the National Museum (which includes the Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park in Castlebar Co Mayo), the Chester Beatty Library, the Crawford Art Gallery, the National Archives and the National Concert Hall. The following table shows additional funding given to the institutions in 2020. The funding for the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) incorporates additional funding for Turlough House in County Mayo which is an integral part of the NMI.
|
Institution |
Amount €000s |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
800 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
867.9 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
213 |
|
National Concert Hall |
525.4 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
284.77 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
59 |
|
Crawford Gallery Cork |
290 |
In addition, funding for the NCIs increased from €48.9m in 2020 to €60.2m in 2021; an increase of 23% in a single year. Funding was provided to these institution as supports and mitigation measures in response to Covid19.
Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities and supported through capital schemes largely operated by my Department. Support provided to these arts centres by local authorities is critical to ensuring that a stable and vibrant network can be maintained. Capital funding schemes operated by my Department continue to be focused on enhancing this existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. In response to COVID-19, my Department opened a further capital stream (Stream D) of funding specifically for capital adaptations or equipment necessary to assist arts and culture organisations in re-opening. Under this stream capital funding is provided to assist in the re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues as part of Project Ireland 2040. Capital grants of up to €10,000 have been provided to arts and culture facilities including to allow them to re-open safely. To date 95 SLAs have been issued with grants totalling almost €670,000. Full details and application form are published on my Departments website at the following link :
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b61b2-stream-d-of-the-cultural-capital-scheme-2019-2022/.
The National Cultural Institutions also received once off COVID support through B6 totalling €1.7m. A number annually funded bodies such as Archbishop Marsh’s Library, The Hunt Museum, etc. also got additional support of €1m in total. In addition, a new once-off scheme for audience re-engagement for regional, rural and specialised museums allocated a total of €363,150 to 33 projects. Details of expenditure can be viewed on the Departments websites as follows;
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6acdc-cultural-projects-funding/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f2ed0-culture-grants-and-funding/
396. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if discussions have taken place in relation to maximising the tourism potential of the islands considering their prioritisation in the Covid-19 vaccine allocation strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22047/21]
View answerThe National Vaccination Programme is now well advanced and, combined with the extraordinary efforts of the Irish people, there has been a marked improvement in the status of the virus in the community. The vaccine programme is a key enabler to the reopening of society and the economy, along with several other factors such as the status of the epidemiological situation, the evolution of testing technologies and public health advice. Government will meet later in the week to consider next steps in reopening the economy and society. In addition, as part of the development of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will also be considering how we will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including sectors such as tourism.
The Tourism Recovery Plan submitted to me by the Tourism Recovery Taskforce last year will continue to be an important consideration for me as I evaluate additional measures to support the recovery of the sector. The Recovery Oversight Group will keep me apprised of progress with regard to implementation of the Recovery Plan and the recovery of the sector more generally. The group presented it first report to be on the 15th February. I have brought this report to the attention of my colleagues in Government and I will keep the report under consideration as we prepare the National Economic Recovery Plan.
In the more medium term, the development of a new national tourism policy, which will have sustainability at its core, will commence later this year when the sector begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. This new policy will set out a path for the coming years which will support a sustainable recovery and subsequent growth in the sector. Central to developing a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector will be an increased focus on regional growth and season extension to deliver greater visitor dispersal throughout the country with a more even spread of demand across the year. I am very aware of the important role that Tourism plays as a driver of rural economies and I am committed to a continued focus on the potential of tourism to facilitate the development of our islands.
397. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the reopening of the outdoor and self-contained sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22078/21]
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.
398. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the reopening of large-scale gatherings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22085/21]
View answer399. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the use of digital technology to enable the reopening of large-scale gatherings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22086/21]
View answer400. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the use of rapid antigen testing to enable the reopening of large-scale gatherings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22087/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 to 400, inclusive, together.
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, auditoriums, conference or event centres.
I have recently established a Live Entertainment Working Group in order to facilitate stakeholder consultation and develop COVID-19 Guidelines for the Live Entertainment sector. The Group includes stakeholders from across the live entertainment sector as well and those with appropriate technical knowledge in the planning, management and delivery of events. The Group will produce a high level principles set of guidance that all venue promoters can adopt for their specific purposes. The first meeting of this group was held on the 21 April 2021.
The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland have also entered into a strategic partnership 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 shortly
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 the re-opening of the sector.
Funding of almost €6m has been allocated in Budget 2021 to meet existing commitments pertaining to Ireland’s hosting of the Ryder Cup in 2027 and to fund potential future bids for major events. Such events not only have benefits for sport, they can also contribute to economic growth and have the potential to help in Ireland’s recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the epidemiological position allows the Department will facilitate the practical work of hosting test events and refining our approach to ensure a safe return for spectators to sports events.
While the report of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Group was recently published on the 1st April 2021 the immediate focus is being placed on establishing an agile rapid test knowledge group, which will enable information on validated tests and sampling to be widely shared across government departments, agencies and sectors. While it is not intended for rapid tests to replace PCR testing it does however have a role to play as another valuable tool in Ireland’s battle against COVID-19.
401. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2025; when the plan will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22093/21]
View answerÚdarás na Gaeltachta has just completed the implementation of its three year strategy for the 2018 -2020 period and is about to formally launch its new five year strategy for the period 2021 – 2025. It is expected that it will be published by An tÚdarás at the end of May.
The Strategy will outline the organisation's key objectives and projects which will be advanced over its 5 year lifespan, encompassing the organisation’s primary area of responsibility; the promotion of the Irish language as a community language and the economic and social development of the Gaeltacht.
The successful implementation of the Gaeltacht Language Planning process in the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and numerous Gaeltacht Service Towns will form a key part of the Strategy.
In support of key objectives contained in the Strategy as well as existing and ongoing strategic objectives, Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to progress a number of flafship capital projects including: Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Bhuirne, Sean Ospidéal an Daingin, Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh in Eachléim, Teach Solais Cheann Fhánada, Drioglann Chroithlí and Páirc na Mara, Cill Ciaráin as well as a number of other projects which align with the broader sustainable energy agenda.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has pioneered the concept of remote working in rural Gaeltacht areas and its gteic Digital Network consists of 20 Digital hubs, with 10 more in development. The further development of this sector and the promotion of local natural resources such as tourism, marine resources, the Green Economy/ Renewable energies, cultural resources and the craft sector will play a central role in the forthcoming strategy.
402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports available for churches that on the instruction of the Government have closed and have moved services online at significant cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22100/21]
View answerMy Department has no role in relation to financial supports for churches.
403. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the cost of each contract entered into by her Department and the agencies under her remit to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction; and the name of the contractor in each case. [22148/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of contracts entered into by my Department to deal with COVID-19 management and reaction, is set out in the table below. These contracts were necessitated to ensure the continued operational capability of the Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please note in respect of contracts entered into by the agencies under the remit of my Department, these are a matter for the boards of those organisations who are independent in respect of their operations.
|
Supplier Name |
Purpose |
Total Contract Cost |
|
D/TCAGSM |
|
|
|
SLUA Event Safety Consultancy |
Review of COVID-19 guidance |
€34,000 |
|
Eamon O'Boyle and Associates |
Review of COVID-19 guidance |
€26,120 |
|
Quadra Limited |
Home working ergonomic assessments for staff |
€5,280 |
|
DCB GROUP LTD |
Purchase of laptops to support remote working capability |
€81,180 |
|
ECOM SOLUTIONS LTD |
Purchase of security related licences to support remote working capability |
€13,622 |
|
HUNT OFFICE TECHNOLOGY LTD |
Purchase of laptops to support remote working capability |
€56,924 |
|
DCB Group |
Purchase and delivery of monitors for remote working staff |
€5,227.50 |
|
INDECON Economic Consultants (Tourism Recovery Plan) |
Research and consultancy services to assist in delivering the Tourism Recovery Plan |
€92,543.22 |
404. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will include covering awnings and canopies as items that may be purchased in respect of the outdoor dining grant in view of the prevailing weather conditions in Ireland. [22181/21]
View answerThe development and administration of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme - including decisions relating to eligible expenditure, such as those referenced by the Deputy - are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked the agency to provide further information directly to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
405. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter regarding an application by a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22189/21]
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 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.
The scoring system and assessment procedures for the 2020 round have been finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, are being assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received, this assessment process is likely to take a number of months to complete. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
406. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount spent by her 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. [22283/21]
View answerI have been informed by officials in my Department that no funding has been allocated to acquiring public relations advice or media advice for the time period requested.
407. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount spent by her 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. [22301/21]
View answerAWAITING REPLY
410. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if horse riding lessons for children are classed as underage non-contact training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22326/21]
View answerSport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, provides advice and guidance as required to all National Governing Bodies (NGBs), in relation to specific queries of the type indicated in the Deputy's question.
I understand that there has been communication with the NGB concerned, Horse Sport Ireland, to the effect that horse riding lessons for children can be classed as underage non-contact training on the basis of compliance with the following guidance issued by HSI: https://www.horsesportireland.ie/permitted-sport-horse-activity-in-the-context-of-covid-19-level-5-updated-23-april-2021/
411. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will advise on grants for a glamping business that wishes to provide pods specifically for persons with disabilities. [22327/21]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism, it does not have a role in the administration of Fáilte Ireland's tourism capital programmes. However, I am aware that all accommodation projects, including grants for glamping, are currently ineligible under Fáilte Ireland's capital grants schemes.
