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Wednesday, 28 Apr 2021

Written Answers Nos. 64-90

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (64)

Pa Daly

Question:

64. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on her recent interactions with the major sporting organisations with regard to the return of supporters to live sports events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21594/21]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, spectators are permitted to attend sporting events in limited numbers when the relevant area of the country is at Level 1 or at Level 2. In preparation for such attendances, draft guidelines have been developed with the benefit of an excellent and ongoing engagement with the FAI, the IRFU and the GAA. These guidelines have been submitted to the public health authorities for their consideration. 

The next step is to schedule some test events, the timing of which is of course contingent on the prevalence of the virus. The Ferguson report offers the prospect of building on the good work already done with the sporting organisations concerned.

I believe that we can start to pilot and to test events this summer. We would all like to see spectators back at, for example, one of the All-Ireland matches or a League of Ireland game this summer. I am positive and optimistic about that but we are not there yet. Antigen testing may play a key role, not only around sport but also third level education and other key areas of society that we want to see reopen and stay open.

Accelerating over the summer months the resumption of sport overall is an important objective of the Government, including the holding of competitions, which many young people and adults have missed out on for many months. Safeguarding our physical and mental health is important and outdoor activity is being prioritised by Government.

It is necessary that we continue to be guided by health officials on how best to allow safe attendance at sporting and cultural events.  I can assure the Deputy that Minister Martin and I will continue our constructive and close engagement with the sports sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (65)

Thomas Gould

Question:

65. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she has taken to support sporting organisations and other similar organisations in ensuring that young persons will return; if she has held stakeholder engagement on the issue; and if she will support these groups in outreach campaigns to encourage young persons back given the significant impact Covid-19 has had on the cohort. [21937/21]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the scarring effect that the pandemic has had on young people’s participation in sport especially. There has been an extensive engagement with the sports sector on a number of different levels, Ministerial, Departmental and also though Sport Ireland. Every few weeks, I chair meetings of the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group during which there is an excellent exchange of views with the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships. 

The Government is providing strong financial support for the sector. Last week, Sport Ireland announced an investment of €40 million to support the NGBs and LSPs which will help to encourage and support all concerned, young and old alike, to return to their sport of choice as the public health advice allows. This investment builds on the funding package of €88.5m. allocated to sports organisations last year. We are currently working on the development of another support package. In addition, I hope to complete within the next few weeks a Sports Action Plan to cover the next three years which will contain a number of important measures to steer increased participation in sport.  

I consider that the challenges being faced by young people to be a particular priority. In recent weeks I have held two separate, excellent consultations with young people from Galway, Dublin, Cork, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford. Areas such as access to facilities, transport issues, peer pressure, exam pressure and coaching standards were amongst the most prominent issues raised.

Subject to public health guidance, I intend holding an in-person event around this topic later this year where I hope those involved in providing sport for our young people can attend and listen to their needs. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (66)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

66. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to respond to the appeals by musicians, events, entertainment and culture workers for a reopening roadmap for the sector; if supports will be provided in the meantime for many in the sector who due to the fact they do not have a public facing premises have been unable to avail of existing Covid-19 support schemes to cover ongoing costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21824/21]

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Written answers

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 is will produce a set of overarching guiding principles which all venue promotors 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.

I was pleased to recently announce a new €50 million suite of additional measures to further support the Live Entertainment Sector this year. These include the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme.  Applications made under this scheme are currently being assessed and it is likely that many of the musicians, events, entertainment and culture workers will obtain work from promoters, producers and venues that receive funding under the LPSS. 

In addition, I allocated €14m to the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS). to provide the type of support sought by the Deputy.  It is aimed at businesses and individuals in the sector that have been unable to avail of other COVID-19 supports and that do not have a public facing premises.  The MEBAS will make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19. 

The new scheme will see support offered by way of two levels of flat payments of:-

- €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.

I hope to open this scheme for applications shortly.  

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (67)

Colm Burke

Question:

67. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional supports will be put in place for businesses which are major tourist attractions and of economic, cultural and historical significance which have suffered over 90% loss in profit throughout the pandemic but still face significant maintenance costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21825/21]

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Written answers

I am aware of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the visitor attractions and broader tourism sector and most importantly, the people working in the sector.  I am particularly conscious of the reliance of visitor attractions on international visitors and the repercussions of restrictions on international travel for the sector.  As set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan, survival, stabilisation and recovery are the requirements for tourism and I will continue to work with industry stakeholders on the measures required. A key support for visitor attractions and other tourism businesses has been the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which was introduced to support businesses significantly affected by restrictions introduced to combat the pandemic.

However, I recognise that not all tourism attractions, particularly those that are primarily outdoor, not for profit or have charitable status, qualified for CRSS, so the funding I secured  in Budget 2021 has allowed me to introduce further measures to assist the tourism sector. With that funding I was able to make support available to tourism businesses, including those visitor attractions, through the first Stage of Fáilte Ireland’s €55m Tourism Business Continuity Scheme.  The Scheme is contributing toward the fixed costs of tourism businesses that are not eligible for CRSS, to support their survival.  

In addition to tourism-specific supports and the CRSS, other horizontal support schemes such as the EWSS and the Rates Waiver have been worth hundreds of millions of euro to the broader tourism and hospitality sectors.  In line with the recommendations of the Recovery Oversight Group, the Government extended the economy-wide supports for businesses and employees until the end of June and has committed that there will not be a cliff edge end to the supports currently in place.

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.  The Government has said there will be no cliff edge in terms of supports and, 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. 

My department has regular engagement with the national representative association for the Visitor Experience and Attractions in Ireland (AVEA). I also recently met with the AVEA on April 12th discussing the safe reopening of attractions, supports, recruitment and working during COVID-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (68)

Emer Higgins

Question:

68. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Gaeltacht summer colleges and other youth summer camps will be permitted to go ahead in summer 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21965/21]

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Written answers

In the context of the Department’s role of supporting the Irish Language Summer Colleges sector and in order to provide clarity insofar as possible on 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.

The 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 recognised 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.

I have held a series of online meetings with representatives of the households that provide accommodation to the students and a meeting was also held with the representative body of the Gaeltacht summer colleges, CONCOS, in order to hear their views and suggestions on the draft guidelines.

I am very grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process.  It was important for me, as Minister of State and for my officials, to hear directly from stakeholders about their concerns and it was clear that public health remains the primary concern of all.

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 and my Department continues to monitor developments in order to be able to make a final decision at an early date and in consultation with stakeholders.

With regard to summer camps in the Gaeltacht, I am delighted personally, and of course for the Gaeltacht community, that out-door summer camps are likely to go ahead this year – with understandable restrictions in place in the interest of public health. My Department’s Summer Camp Scheme provides an excellent opportunity for young people in the Gaeltacht to take part in enjoyable events together each summer in an environment in which Irish is spoken – which is of benefit to both the youth and to the Irish language. We all understand the unique challenges facing young people at present as a result of the pandemic and, as such, it is very important that the summer camp organisers follow the additional guidelines which are in place this year due to COVID-19.

The safety of the participants and staff is always of the utmost importance to my Department and, as such, will be monitored on an ongoing basis in the context of changing public health advice.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (69)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her vision for tourism, culture, arts, sports and media given the ongoing presence of Covid-19; her plans for further interventions which might benefit these sectors in the weeks and months ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3391/21]

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Written answers

The COVID-19 pandemic has utterly changed the operating landscape for the sectors my Department supports.  I recognise the ongoing impact the pandemic and associated public health measures continues to have on these sectors, on the people who work in them and on the communities that depend on them.

However, we should also recognise that these tough decisions have enabled all of us, through collective action, to protect the most vulnerable in our society, and with the ongoing rollout of the vaccination programme we find ourselves positioned at the beginning of a process where we can start to focus our efforts on economic and social recovery.

I have been actively working with and for the sectors within my remit to ensure that they are supported during the pandemic and have established a number of fora and taskforces to ensure that I have the most up to date information about the difficulties facing these sectors.

The Government's - The Path Ahead - plan particularly recognises the need for bespoke sectoral supports to address the worst impacted sectors in the forthcoming National Economic Recovery Plan. 

There has already been some key changes for the sports and tourism sectors in April. These include the reopening of outdoor visitor attractions, outdoor sports facilities and the return of underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15.

As we come into the summer months more activity can take place outside. Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with the local authorities, aims to develop outdoor dining capacity nationwide with a budget of €17million.  

Over the coming months, as the restrictions ease and the vaccine programme is rolled-out, we will see the safe and successful reopening of our society, and with it our Tourism sector, our Arts and Culture venues and events, and the eventual welcoming back of fans to our sportsgrounds.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (70)

Thomas Gould

Question:

70. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding will be provided to sporting organisations and other similar organisations to assist them in meeting fixed costs such as rent which have remained despite closure. [21936/21]

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Written answers

A Covid-19 funding package of €85 million was provided last year to support the sport sector. This significant investment benefited all levels of the sport sector, including thousands of grassroots clubs across the country, and provided some certainty for sporting organisations in their planning for 2021.

Covid-19 has also had a profound impact on Ireland's sport and leisure sector and €3.2 million was provided in 2020 in recognition of the particular challenges faced by swimming pool operators.  

I fully recognise that the financial and operational challenges associated with Covid-19 will continue well into this year and many sporting organisations and clubs are facing financial challenges again this year. 

Last week, Sport Ireland announced the allocation of €40 million in funding to support sport at all levels, through its annual grant funding schemes for National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and high performance athletes. 

Additional funding of €26 million was allocated for Sport Ireland in Budget 2021 which will ensure that we can continue to support our valued sport sector.  This includes funding to provide for supports to the sector to meet the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. Decisions in relation to how this funding will be allocated and the criteria to be applied will be made by Sport Ireland in the coming months as the financial position of the sector becomes clearer.

Sport Ireland is in ongoing communication with NGBs and is assessing the financial needs of the sector for this year.  In addition, I am engaging with NGBs both bilaterally and through the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group, which met most recently on 9 April, with regard to the supports required.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (71)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

71. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement she had with the Minister for Finance to extend the spend and stay scheme given the scheme runs between 1 October 2020 and 30 April 2021 and current restrictions due to Covid-19 mean that this scheme cannot be availed of in view of the duration that the scheme is available for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21955/21]

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Written answers

The Stay and Spend scheme was set up late last summer to stimulate demand for accommodation and hospitality businesses during the off season. Established by my colleague Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, this scheme was launched as an innovative approach to incentivise spending. However, public health conditions beyond our control have clearly prevented that. The stop and start nature of the pandemic and the unpredictable consequences of it have resulted in the scheme being under utilised and it is now scheduled to expire at the end of April.

There have been other very effective supports in place, including CRSS and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for strategic tourism businesses and Government has confirmed there will be no cliff edge in supports.  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. 

A review of the Stay and Spend scheme was one of the recent recommendations of the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group and I have urged cabinet colleagues to give serious consideration to this and other recommendations of that report to facilitate the reopening of the sector. Once the scheme ends it is anticipated that the Minster for Finance will take stock and look to what additional measures might be appropriate to put in place towards the end of the year.  In this regard, and subject to prevailing health advice I am hopeful that the summer season will be buoyed by strong numbers in domestic tourism providing much needed business activity within the sector, but I am cognisant of the seasonal nature of the industry and financial challenges the leaner shoulder and off season months could bring. 

Artists' Remuneration

Questions (72)

Bríd Smith

Question:

72. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for a universal basic income for artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21963/21]

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Written answers

The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report titled Life Worth Living, was published in November 2020 and made ten recommendations for the sector.   The recommendations included a proposal to pilot a universal basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audiovisual and live performance and events sectors. The Taskforce was of the view that a pilot basic income would keep the sector intact, minimising the loss of skills and contributing to its gradual regrowth, with ongoing benefits: social and economic, local and national. 

This is an exciting proposal and has been the subject of positive commentary both nationally and internationally. We can work now to see how it can be enhanced. 

An oversight group has been established to deal with and examine how the pilot for artists can be done - and the Ministers within the relevant departments are supportive of this proposal being examined.   Any action on a pilot basic income scheme will not come solely from my Department.  Like many financial supports before and during the pandemic, a wider cohort in government must assess the strengths and weaknesses of any such scheme and any decision on how it is funded.  

I believe the arts sector represents an appropriate area for a pilot basic income scheme for many reasons. It is characterised by low, precarious and often seasonal income.  Artistic and creative work is intrinsically valuable to society; it includes a broad mix of employment types.

Separately, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has requested the Low Pay Commission to examine the commitment in the Programme for Government and the Commission has agreed that this request will form part of its workplan for 2021.  The terms of reference for the study on Universal Basic Income are currently being finalised by the Commission and research is due to begin shortly.

Future of Media Commission

Questions (73)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

73. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the Future of Media Commission is due to produce a report and recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21795/21]

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Written answers

The Future of Media Commission held its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2020.  Since then, the commission has engaged comprehensively with stakeholders, including broadcasters, journalists, publishers, regional media and the wider public. The first phase of the Future of Media Commission public consultation, which ran from December 12th 2020 to January 8th 2021, resulted in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups and the general public on a wide range of themes.

At the end of January 2021, the Commission began a series of thematic dialogues through online webinars in which panels of experts explored key themes in more depth and answered follow-up questions from the virtual audience and the Commission members.  The webinars and the public consultations mentioned earlier are all available on the Future of Media Commission’s website.  The Commission is expected to report to An Taoiseach and myself over the coming months and I look forward to receiving their report and recommendations.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (74)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a scheme of Covid-19 related supports for tourist related businesses with a turnover of less than €50,000 on the islands and the mainland, similar to that introduced by her for businesses with a turnover of more than €50,0000; the reason they were excluded from the original scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21084/21]

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Written answers

The focus of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is to support strategic tourism businesses to offset fixed costs incurred in 2020, particularly those that are ineligible for the CRSS, and support them to continue operating through 2021.  One of the eligibility criteria for the scheme is a minimum annual turnover of €50,000.  The rationale for this threshold is based on the likelihood that, for businesses with a turnover of less than €50,000, non-payroll fixed costs will be sufficiently low to enable the owners furlough the business by availing of other state aids (namely income supports such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS)), thereby enabling these businesses to re-emerge as public health restrictions ease. 

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 tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens. 

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (75, 116)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

75. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration has been given to introducing a voucher scheme to stimulate tourism and hospitality as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. [21962/21]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

116. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a tourism voucher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21958/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 116 together.

The Stay and Spend scheme was set up late last summer to provide targeted support in the off season to accommodation and hospitality businesses most affected by continued restrictions. Established by my colleague Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, this scheme was launched as an innovative approach to incentivise spending in tourism and hospitality. However, public health conditions beyond our control have clearly prevented that. The stop and start nature of the pandemic and the unpredictable consequences of it have resulted in the scheme being underutilised and it is now scheduled to expire at the end of April. It is anticipated that my colleague the Minster for Finance will then take stock and look to what additional measures might be appropriate to put in place.

There have been other very effective supports in place, including the EWSS, CRSS and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for strategic tourism businesses. Government has confirmed there will be no cliff edge in supports and we will consider sector specific supports as needed for the recovery of tourism and hospitality as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan. We are hopeful that the summer season will be buoyed by strong numbers in domestic tourism providing much needed business activity within the sector, however, I am cognisant of the seasonal nature of the industry and financial challenges the leaner shoulder and off season months could bring.

Culture Policy

Questions (76)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount paid to Galway 2020 in 2020 and to date in 2021; the way in which the funding has been spent; the amount promised for the future; the conditions attached to future moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21872/21]

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Written answers

In 2020, the Department paid €7.1 million to Galway 2020 bringing the overall Department funding paid to Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture to €14 million of a total allocation of €15 million. No funding has been paid to date in 2021.

It is envisaged that the remaining €1 million Department commitment will contribute to Galway 2020 legacy initiatives, the plans for which are under consideration by the Board of Galway 2020, the Department, and City and County Councils.

The table below provides the breakdown of expenditure to date from the total €14 million paid by the Department.

 Allocation of Spend

Amount

Cultural Programme

         €10,251,122   

Production

         €1,148,538  

Volunteering

             €252,680  

Operations and Monitoring and Evaluation

         €1,115,995  

Spend to End of Programme

           €1,231,665   

Total 

€14,000,000.00

Cultural programme expenditure comprises the funding paid to cultural partners for the creation, development and delivery of their projects under Galway 2020. Production expenditure refers to the funding paid for the creative direction, programming and production resource costs to deliver the cultural programme. Volunteering expenditure refers to the funding paid for the volunteer programme under Galway 2020. Operations and monitoring and evaluation expenditure comprises the funding paid for ongoing operational costs and the Monitoring and Evaluation programme, the latter being one of the criterion for delivery as part of the designation as European Capital of Culture. Spend to end of programme comprises the funding due to be paid to cultural partners for delivery of the remaining events under the cultural programme at this time and over the coming months.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (77, 105)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

77. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the ban on live music at weddings under new Fáilte Ireland guidelines for level 3; if her attention has been drawn to the further difficulties this is causing for those working as musicians and or working in bands; if she has considered speaking with her Ministerial colleagues in relation to reviewing the decision; and if not, if she has considered additional supports for businesses and self-employed persons in the music industry. [43938/20]

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Patrick Costello

Question:

105. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the €50 million provided for the arts and culture live entertainment sector in Budget 2021 to survive and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. [21487/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 105 together.

I understand the difficulties current restrictions pose for couples on their special day and the challenges facing all musicians who rely on live performance to sustain their livelihoods on foot of necessary public health restrictions. 

I have put in place a range of sector specific supports for musicians, bands and those working in the live entertainment sector.  These initiatives are in addition to to the broad range of horizontal supports provided by the Government.  Recently, I was pleased to announce a €50 million suite of measures, which include the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021).  Assessment of applications to the scheme are currently underway. LPSS 2021 builds on the successful pilot Live Performance Support Scheme in 2020, which provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of musicians, actors, crew and technicians in tandem with a pipeline of high quality on-line much needed entertainment for Irish audiences. The 2021 scheme is aimed at supporting employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.

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, including a number of meetings between department officials and the Wedding Band Association.  Administrative arrangements for this scheme are being finalised and it is hoped that it will open for applications in the coming weeks when the necessary IT systems are in place.

An allocation of €5 million will be made available to local authorities for live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit.  This will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers.  Performances can be recorded or streamed if health restrictions prevent live events. 

€5 million will also be made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (78)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

78. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the tourism business continuity scheme; the support distributed to key tourism businesses that are struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21619/21]

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Written answers

The Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is designed to support strategic tourism businesses to survive the pandemic and drive recovery.  This Scheme contributes to the fixed costs of identified tourism businesses that are not eligible for CRSS to support their survival.  Phase One was announced on 1st February by Fáilte Ireland and it provides an equitable level of payment to the CRSS for qualifying businesses and covers businesses such as tourism attractions, hop-on hop-off bus tour operators, activity providers, cruise hire companies, tourism boat operators, and caravan and camping sites.  Phase One of the Scheme closed for applications on 8th March; and Phase Two of the scheme, which focused on tourism transport, opened on 8th April. 

The administration of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information.  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

Film Industry

Questions (79)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the allegations of blacklisting will be investigated against film workers who are members of a union (details supplied) who gave evidence of blacklisting practices to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in January 2018 and many of whom have been unable to secure employment on film productions since, despite the fact that all film productions are funded by section 481 tax relief which requires adherence to provision of quality employment and training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21823/21]

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Written answers

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body established in 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015.  Workers and individuals who believe they are being deprived of employment rights, may make a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that may be enforceable through the District Court. 

WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate breaches of employment legislation or complaints arising from alleged breaches. Complaints can be submitted online. Both the WRC and the Labour Court operate under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

If the Deputy is aware of matters that should be adjudicated on by those organs of the state charged with the resolution of disputes relating to workplace matters and employment rights, I encourage him to make the individuals aware of their entitlement to have recourse to these fora.

The section 481 tax relief is available to qualifying films, to film producer companies on particular expenditure provided certain conditions, as laid out in statute and regulations, and as specified in the film certificate issued by my Department, are met.  It is a relief calculated on the basis of eligible expenditure incurred in the production of a film and applicant companies who meet the requirements of the scheme can claim a payable tax credit of up to 32% of eligible expenditure.  Applications for Section 481 are now required to provide a commitment to quality employment as part of the application process.

Tourism Policy

Questions (80, 109)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

80. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure the revival of tourism in counties Carlow and Kilkenny and the south-east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21809/21]

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Martin Browne

Question:

109. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on promoting tourism in towns in County Tipperary such as Cashel, Cahir and Tipperary; her further views on the need for investment in infrastructure that would entice tourists from tourism attractions such as the Rock of Cashel into the towns themselves; her plans to allow for the quick emergence of the tourism and hospitality sector in County Tipperary as restrictions ease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21967/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 109 together.

The matters raised by the Deputies are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputies with further information on their work developing and promoting tourism in Ireland.  Please contact 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 (81)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans in place to allow caravan and camping parks to safely reopen; if consideration has been given to the sectors proposed for safe tourism packages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21597/21]

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Written answers

With regard to the reopening dates for different sectors of the economy, 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.  Following individual and collective consideration by Ministers of all relevant factors, further Government decisions and announcements regarding the position to apply for May and beyond are intended to facilitate the continued safe, reopening of more services on a phased basis as the public health situation permits.

These decisions are made by Cabinet, on foot of advice from NPHET and the Minister for Health.  This cautious approach is due to continue until a substantial level of vaccination has been achieved, at which point we hope to move to reopen our society more widely.

With specific regard to caravan and camping sector, tailored guidelines for caravan and camping parks are available on the Fáilte Ireland website, alongside a range of other sector-specific guidelines for other types of tourism businesses, to assist with safe reopening and continued safe operations in line with Government advice.  To further reinforce employer, employee and customer confidence in safe operations and adherence to the relevant sectoral guidelines, caravan and camping park operators (as well as other tourism businesses) are also encouraged to sign-up to Fáilte Ireland’s COVID-19 Safety Charter.

Artists' Remuneration

Questions (82, 106, 122)

Dara Calleary

Question:

82. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she has taken to pursue a basic minimum income for members of the artistic and cultural communities; and her current proposals on the matter. [21793/21]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

106. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the basic income for artists will be delivered; the stage the proposal is at; and if she will ensure that this provides artists and arts workers with the living wage. [21951/21]

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Catherine Connolly

Question:

122. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement she has had with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to the recommendation by the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce to pilot a universal basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audio-visual and live performance and events sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21871/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 106 and 122 together.

The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report titled Life Worth Living, was published in November 2020 and made ten recommendations for the sector. The recommendations included a proposal to pilot a universal basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audiovisual and live performance and events sectors. The Taskforce was of the view that a pilot basic income would keep the sector intact, minimising the loss of skills and contributing to its gradual regrowth, with ongoing benefits: social and economic, local and national.

I believe the arts sector represents an appropriate area for a pilot basic income scheme for many reasons. It is characterised by low, precarious and often seasonal income. Artistic and creative work is intrinsically valuable to society; it includes a broad mix of employment types. This is an exciting proposal and has been the subject of positive commentary both nationally and internationally. We can now work to see how it can be enhanced.

I have established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the recommendations of Life Worth Living and particularly those which are outstanding. The membership of the Group is drawn from departments and agencies which have the ability and wherewithal to make appropriate progress on the outstanding recommendations, and to whom recommendations of the Taskforce are addressed.

The Oversight Group is being chaired by my Department joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members and they will be joined by a representative of the County and City Managers Association.

I have asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the examination of Recommendation 1, a basic income for artists. I have engaged with relevant Ministerial colleagues on this matter and they have indicated their support for developing proposals. This would be independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the Programme for Government commitment to pilot a Universal Basic Income within the lifetime of this Government commitment. I intend therefore to proceed with the development of proposals for a basic income for artists as a matter of priority.

Separately, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has requested the Low Pay Commission to examine the commitment in the Programme for Government and the Commission has agreed that this request will form part of its workplan for 2021. The terms of reference for the study on Universal Basic Income are currently being finalised by the Commission and research is due to begin shortly.

Future of Media Commission

Questions (83)

Denis Naughten

Question:

83. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to the Government review of the strategic communications unit by the Secretary General (details supplied) in 2018, the steps she is taking to facilitate a national policy debate on the issue of the financial health of the Irish media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1425/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, in recognition of the importance of a sustainable Irish media sector, provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which is tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion.

On 29 September 2020 the Government agreed the terms of reference and membership of the Future of Media Commission. The Commission is chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, former President of Dublin City University, and includes experts in public service media, independent journalism, social media, new technology platforms, media economics, culture, language, creative content, governance and international best practice.

The goals of the Independent Commission are to:

- Identify what the Irish experience has been in delivering the above aims through public service broadcasters, other broadcasters, print and online media at a local, regional and national level and the challenges created for these media by new global platforms and changing audience preferences in relation to how content is delivered;

- Consider the extent to which the current models of delivery are the appropriate ones the next 10 years;

- Review best practice in other comparable jurisdictions, particularly across the European Economic Area in terms of providing future-proofed models for meeting the above four public services in light of changing audience expectations, in particular the preferences and behaviours of younger audiences

The Commission is tasked with:

- proposing how those public service aims should be delivered in Ireland over the next ten years;

- how this should contribute to supporting Ireland’s cultural and creative sectors;

- how this work can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money to the public;

- making recommendations on RTE’s role, financing and structure within this framework;

- How this is overseen and regulated, having regard to our EU obligations including the requirements of the revised Audio-visual Media Services Directive. 

The Commission held its inaugural meeting on 29 October. This was followed by a period of public consultation, which ran from December 12th 2020 - January 8th 2021, resulting in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups and the general public. In addition, six Thematic Dialogues were held between January 28th and April 15th  which involved panels of speakers on a range of matters who responded to questions from online participants and Commission members. These dialogues are available on the Commission's website.   

The Commission is expected to report to An Taoiseach and myself at the end of July  and I  look forward to reviewing their recommendations.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Questions (84)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

84. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a fhoilseofar reachtaíocht nua chun go mbeidh bord le baill tofa ag pobal na Gaeltachta uair amháin eile ag Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [21085/21]

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Written answers

Luaitear sa Chlár Rialtais go ndéanfar athbhreithniú ar struchtúir fheidhmiúcháin agus rialachais Údarás na Gaeltachta, agus ar an bpróiseas roghnúcháin/toghacháin i ndáil le Bord an Údaráis.

Faoin socrú reatha agus faoi réir fhorálacha ábhartha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, ainmníonn na hÚdaráis Áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram acu cúigear comhalta faoi seach chuig an mbord.  Faoi réir an Achta, agus i gcomhréir le cleachtais choitianta i ndáil le boird stáit, roghnaítear an seachtar comhalta eile tríd comórtas poiblí a eagraítear faoi scáth na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí. 

Tá sé mar sprioc agam go gcuirfear tús le hathbhreithniú faoi réir an ghealltanais sa Chlár Rialtais chomh luath agus is féidir agus tá obair ina leith idir lámha chuige sin.  Sa chomhthéacs seo, ag brath ar thorthaí an athbhreithnithe seo, tá i gceist ag an Rialtas Bille a thabhairt chun cinn ar mhaithe le toghcháin an Údaráis a thabhairt ar ais.

Sports Facilities

Questions (85)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

85. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions taken to obtain the view of young persons in increasing their participation in sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21803/21]

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Written answers

I share the Deputy's emphasis on obtaining the view of young people in increasing their participation in sport. The pandemic has clearly prevented young people from participating in their preferred sport and physical activity and many are experiencing considerable difficulty due to this.

At my request, my Department organised two important consultation sessions in recent weeks. In March, I listened to boys from the the FAI Fingal Transition Year Programme and girls from the Galway Swimming Club and the Shark Swimming Club, also from Galway. Earlier this month, with the great assistance of An Foróige, I had a similar video consultation with young people from Blanchardstown Youth Service and Comhairle na nÓg from Cork, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford.

There were many insightful and considered views on the current situation as well as suggestions on improvements.  Areas such as access to facilities, transport issues, peer pressure, exam pressure and coaching standards were amongst the most prominent issues raised.

Subject to public health guidance, I intend holding an in-person event around this topic later this year where I hope those involved in providing sport for our young people can attend and listen to their needs with a view to improving the situation in the long term.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (86)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

86. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional funding and support for pubs, restaurants and hotels will be provided in order that they can reopen and to ensure that the so-called wet pubs will be included and opened in conjunction with all involved in the hospitality business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21932/21]

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Written answers

I 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.  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.  

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (87)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

87. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider allowing self-catering hospitality venues to open their doors to in-county guests only in order to allow them to compete with service providers such as a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22001/21]

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Written answers

With regard to the reopening of different sectors of the economy, 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 very shortly 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.  These decisions are made by Cabinet, on foot of advice from NPHET and the Minister for Health, and this cautious approach is due to continue until a substantial level of vaccination has been achieved, at which point we hope to move to reopen our society more widely.

With specific regard to tourist accommodation – and noting that company to which the Deputy refers is an online sales platform for a variety of accommodation – I can confirm that the provision of any type of non-essential/holiday accommodation services is prohibited under the current Level 5 restrictions, regardless of the point of origin of potential guests.  Accommodation may only be provided to those travelling for permitted essential reasons, as specified in the relevant regulations.

Arts Centres

Questions (88)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

88. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for a permanent civic arts centre for Galway city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21870/21]

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Written answers

Under Project Ireland 2040 – the National Development Plan (NDP) there is a large programme of investment in our culture and creativity across the country. This ambitious programme includes a range of high value projects which will contribute significantly to the development of Ireland's cultural and sporting facilities, as well as important economic investments in tourism and rural infrastructure and facilities.

There is a large number of dedicated purpose built arts and culture facilities across the country.  From time to time my Department runs capital funding grant schemes provided under a competitive process to a maximum of €300k grants for the upgrading of this existing stock of arts and culture facilities throughout the country. My Department has made a number of capital grants to Galway Arts Centre with most recent payments made in 2018.  Proposals relating to this or to a civic arts centre would be a matter for the local authority in the first instance.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (89)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

89. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the specific supports that will be available for County Donegal under the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21492/21]

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Written answers

The Tourism Recovery Taskforce presented the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020 – 2023 to me on September 30th last. The Plan makes a number of recommendations to help tourism businesses to survive, stabilise and recover from the COVID pandemic, and has been an important input for me and my colleagues in government in considering measures to assist the tourism sector. Together with horizontal measures introduced by Government, such as the EWSS and the CRSS, the sector-specific measures I have introduced have been key in helping tourism businesses to survive and employees to remain engaged in the sector right across the country.

With regards to specific tourism initiatives in County Donegal, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further information on their work developing and promoting tourism in County Donegal. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (90)

Pa Daly

Question:

90. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports that have been given to sporting organisations to make up for income lost due to a lack of paying supporters. [21595/21]

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Written answers

In 2020, an unprecedented €88.5 million funding package was provided for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic since March 2020.  

The funding package included COVID-19 funding of €70 million, which provided support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund. €15 million was provided for gaelic games, which assisted the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association towards the successful running of the 2020 inter-county championships.  In addition, a further €3.5 million was provided under the July Stimulus package - €2.5 million to assist the re-opening of swimming pools and €1 million for Local Sports Partnerships in Dublin. 

The funding was invested through grant schemes with Sport Ireland’s recognised funding partners, including the National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sporting organisations. The schemes were designed to ensure sports organisations maintain operations, avoid insolvency and prepare for a return to productive activity in good financial health.  

A breakdown of the funding provided to individual sporting organisations in November and December 2020 is available on Sport Ireland's website at the following links: 

https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2020-11/sport-ireland-covid-19-funding-annoucement-breakdown.pdf

https://www.sportireland.ie/news/eu58-million-in-covid-19-supplementary-funding-for-sport

I fully recognise that the financial and operational challenges associated with Covid-19 will continue well into this year and many sporting organisations and clubs are facing financial challenges again this year.

Last week, Sport Ireland announced the allocation of €40 million in funding to support sport at all levels, through its annual grant funding schemes for National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and high performance athletes.  Sport Ireland is in ongoing communication with NGBs and is assessing the financial needs of the sector for this year.  In addition, I am engaging with NGBs both bilaterally and through the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group, which met most recently on 9 April, with regard to the supports required.

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