Written Answers Nos. 91-110
91. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the sports capital programmes, that is, local, regional and large scale projects; the timelines in respect of each in relation to future allocation announcements and opening for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20947/21]
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 manual for the 2020 round has now been finalised and is available at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie . Given the record number of applications and the detailed information contained in each application, the assessment process will take a number of months to complete. It is envisaged that allocations to applications for equipment- only will be made first during the Summer with allocations to other capital projects announced before the end of the year. Local and regional allocations will be announced at the same time.
In relation to larger projects, the National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund. The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP.
Approximately €86.4m of this allocation has already been awarded to 33 proposals and the priority in the short term is on advancing these projects. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded including to previously unsuccessful applications. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.
92. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the recommendations of the Recovery Oversight Group for Tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21968/21]
View answerThe SFPA commissioned an independent review of the Organisational Capability of the SFPA in 2019 and this was completed by Price Waterhouse Coopers. A Steering Group comprised of three senior and expert persons, all independent of the SFPA, was put in place to oversee the review.
The principal objective of the review was to contribute to the ongoing and future development of the SFPA. The areas covered by the review are the organisational capabilities of the SFPA to deliver on its mission for the effective and fair regulation of the sea fishing and seafood sectors that fall within its mandate.
The Review was completed in April 2020 and made 46 recommendations which, when implemented, will address issues identified to improve the effectiveness of the organisation. An independent Advisory Board, nominated by my Department was put in place to assist the management of the SFPA in the implementation of the Report. This Board is purely advisory and does not have any executive role in the operations of the SFPA. A dedicated Director of Transformation was appointed to the SFPA in January 2021, with overall responsibility for managing the implementation of the review’s recommendations.
The responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations rests with the SFPA, which is an independent agency as set down in the 2006 Act. My role, as Minister, relates solely to corporate governance.
The 2021 budget allocation of €24.810m is to allow the SFPA to continue to meet its National and EU obligations as Ireland's competent Authority for the enforcement of Sea Fisheries and seafood safety law and to meet challenges arising from Brexit. This budget includes a provision of €5.808m under EU- funded programmes for IT and other developments which previsously had been provided for in the general Department's budget.
The additional funds have been allocated over recent years to strengthen the Authority. Staff numbers have increased from 104 in October 2017 to 150 in 2021. In addition, a programme of recruitment is planned for this year to provide for strengthened control and enforcement functions, including supporting the new requirements for seafood trade following the UK departure from the EU.
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department continues to liaise with the stakeholders in the sectors relative to her Department with a view to identifying the way in which she can intervene with assistance throughout the remainder of 2021 recognising the need for recovery and rejuvenation of the sectors under her aegis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11532/21]
View answer99. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans and the provisions she has put in place for tourism, sport and culture to provide for and assist in the safe enjoyment of summer 2021 outdoors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21620/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 99 together.
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. These include:
- The Tourism Recovery Taskforce;
- The Hospitality and Tourism Forum;
- The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce;
- The Sports Monitoring Group.
In addition to these groups I have established the Night-time Economy Taskforce and the Future of Media Commission, both of which are looking at longer term polices in respect of night time culture and media respectively.
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.
I am resolved to continue to work with stakeholders across my sectors to monitor the evolving situation and to work with my Government colleagues to support these sectors not just during this pandemic, but into the all-important recovery phase which will follow it.
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 (which includes dance) 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. €5m is also being allocated by my Department to local authorities to facilitate programming of outdoor live performances in summer 2021, animating town centres for local communities, should public health considerations permit. It will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers.
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.
94. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support businesses to allocate more public space for outdoor dining establishments to allow persons of all ages to feel safer and to increase the capacity of dining establishments which are trying to recover their businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21869/21]
View answerAssisting 100 million people in 88 countries, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the United Nations humanitarian organisation saving and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. It works in partnership with other UN and international organisations, NGOs, civil society and the private sector to enable communities and countries to meet their own food needs. The WFP plays a significant role in the UN’s global campaign for Zero Hunger (Sustainable Development Goal 2) and is at the forefront of dealing with the migration crisis. For its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
My Department leads on Ireland’s engagement with the WFP, which is funded exclusively from voluntary contributions. Ireland’s commitment to the WFP, expressed through three-yearly Strategic Partnership Agreements, was €70million for the period 2019-2021. My Department is currently leading on the preparations for the next SPA (2022-2024). This contribution will help save lives and support food security and nutrition and rebuild livelihoods in fragile settings and it reaffirms Ireland’s role as one of WFP’s most engaged partners. Ireland also chairs Friends of Nutrition, an informal space where Member States and the World Food Programme can come together to discuss the shared ambition for nutrition. Also, my Department represented Ireland at the WFP Executive Board in 2018 and 2019 as part of the rotating board membership. Ireland will sit on the Board again in 2023.
95. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a roadmap for the reopening of the tourism sector; the enterprise supports that will be maintained into 2022; the up-to-date work of her Department to support the tourism sector as a result of Covid-19; the status of the recommendations of the Recovery Oversight Group for Tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21972/21]
View answerWith 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. The Government is due to make further decisions and announcements 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 the collective responsibility of Government and 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.
I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery and have regular engagement with the sector on these issues. 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. Government has made it clear that there will be no 'cliff-edge' end to supports. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, we will be outlining how we will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Government 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.
The Recovery Oversight Group presented its first report to me in February, setting out progress to date in the implementation of the Recovery Plan submitted by the Tourism Recovery Taskforce as well as areas it identified as requiring attention. It also produced a detailed report setting out progress to date with the implementation of recommendations in the Recovery Plan. The Oversight Group noted and welcomed the progress that has been made in implementing the Recovery Plan to date, both in terms of the broader employee and business supports and the tourism-specific measure I have introduced. The reports produced by the Group can be accessed on www.gov.ie/tourismrecoverytaskforce, this includes the latest progress report from the Group.
96. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sí fós sásta go bhfuil gach rud á dhéanamh ag an rialtas chun an Ghaeilge a neartú, mar a dúirt sí ina freagra ar cheist 127 an 1 Aibreán, sa chomhthéacs ina bhfuil bac ar Ghaeilgeoirí clárú do vacsaín Covid-19 nó an líne chabhrach a úsáid gan iompú ar an mBéarla. [21950/21]
View answerMar a chuir mé in iúl don Teachta sa cheist a luann sé, is í an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030 bunchloch pholasaí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. Tá úinéireacht trasRannach ag an Straitéis agus baineann an fhreagracht as í a chur i bhfeidhm, dá réir, le raon Ranna Rialtais, forais agus eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Is í mo Roinn atá freagrach as cur chun feidhme na Straitéise a chomhordú.
Leagtar amach sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta 5 bliana don Ghaeilge , a thacaíonn le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise, os cionn 180 beart a chuirfidh tuairim is 60 páirtí leasmhar i bhfeidhm thar tréimhse cúig bliana, ar mhaithe le forfheidhmiú na Straitéise agus ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta dá réir.
Is í mo Roinn atá freagrach as comhordú a dhéanamh ar fhorfheidhmiú agus mhonatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an bPlean. Tá an dara tuairisc bhliantúil maidir lena chur i bhfeidhm á ullmhú faoi láthair i dtreo í a fhoilsiú tar éis é a bheith faofa ag an Rialtas.
Tá mé muinínach go mbeidh sé le sonrú sa tuairisc sin nuair atá sé foilsithe go bhfuil gníomhaíochtaí an Phlean ag tacú leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus lasmuigh de, in ainneoin tionchar na paindéime ar ghnóthaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tháinig ardú suntasach de €14.8m ar an leithdháileadh don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht atá san áireamh i mBuiséad 2021 - rud a fhágann go bhfuil sa bhreis ar €78m san iomlán á chur ar fáil ag mo Roinn sa bhliain reatha mar thacaíocht don Ghaeilge.
Ar ndóigh, tá obair shuntasach ar siúl ag mo Roinn i dtaca le caomhnú agus treisiú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus go deimhin, lasmuigh de. Tá seo á dhéanamh trí raon beartais, scéimeanna agus tionscnaimh atá á mhaoiniú agus á gcur i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn. Luafainn go sonrach roinnt bearta ábhartha:
An Próiseas Pleanála Teanga
Tá an próiseas pleanála teanga á chur i bhfeidhm faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012. Faoin bpróiseas, tá deis á tabhairt do phobal na Gaeltachta, mar aon le pobail na mBailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na Líonraí Gaeilge, pleananna teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú ar bhonn áitiúil. Cuirtear tacaíocht leanúnach thar thréimhse 7 mbliana ar fáil d’aon phlean teanga a cheadaítear faoin bpróiseas. Tá borradh tagtha ar an bpleanáil teanga le roinnt blianta anuas agus 21 limistéar pleanála teanga ceadaithe agus i mbun oibre. Tá 22 Oifigeach Phleanála Teanga agus Oifigigh Cúnta Pleanála Teanga ceaptha chun a phleananna teanga a chur i bhfeidhm ina gceantair áitiúla. Ina theannta sin, tá dhá Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta a thacóidh leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht ceadaithe freisin.
Tá an Roinn ag tacú le Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta agus Ealaín na Gaeltachta chun tacaíocht ar leith a chur ar fáil don phróiseas pleanála teanga freisin. San iomlán, tá maoiniú suas le €5m ar fáil ó mo Roinn don phleanáil teanga sa bhliain reatha.
An Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga
Tá suas le €10.2m le caitheamh ag mo Roinn faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga in 2021. Le maoiniú ón gclár seo, cuirtear tacaíocht reatha agus chaipitil ar fáil do thionscadail agus d’eagraíochtaí Gaeltachta, i gcomhréir leis na bearta ábhartha atá sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge 2018-2022 agus le tacú ar an iomlán leis an Straitéis 20-Bliain agus an próiseas pleanála teanga.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Mar chuid de Chaináisnéis 2021 tá cistíocht bhreise ar fiú beagnach €4.5m ceadaithe don Údarás sa bhliain reatha faoin gciste caipitil - rud a chiallaíonn go mbeidh soláthar caipitil de bheagnach €14.5m ar fáil don Údarás le tabhairt faoina chlár forbartha, fiontraíochta agus fostaíochta agus chun tacú le comhlachtaí Gaeltachta.
Lena chois sin, tá soláthar méadaithe de €700,000 fógartha i dtreo buiséad maoinithe na gComharchumann agus Coistí Forbartha Pobail Gaeltachta atá faoina stiúir mar fhoras stáit - rud a chiallaíonn go bhfuil buiséad iomlán de €4.75m dó seo sa bhliain reatha.
Cuideoidh an t-ardú suntasach atá curtha ar bhuiséad Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain reatha leis an eagraíocht cur lena cuid gníomhaíochtaí ar mhaithe leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Is cinnte go bhfuil dúshláin againn sa Ghaeltacht ach creidim gur ag obair i gcomhar lena chéile is fearr a bhainfidh muid torthaí fónta amach chun an oidhreacht bheo seo a thabhairt ar aghaidh don chéad ghlúin eile. Sa tréimhse amach romhainn, beidh an Rialtas seo, agus mo Roinnse ag obair go dícheallach leis na pairtnéirí go léir, ag leibhéal an stáit agus an phobail chun na spriocanna atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, an Plean Gníomhachta agus an phróiseas pleanála teanga araon a chur i gcrích.
Fiú, leis an obair dhearfach a bhfuil cur síos déanta agam air thuas, glacaim leis nach bhfuil gach ní foirfe agus go bhfuil dúshláin le sárú go fóill. Gan dabht, ceann de na réimsí go bhfeicim gur gá dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ná soláthar seirbhísi do phobal na Gaeilge ina dteanga féin. Luann an Teachta go sonrach an córas cláraithe don vaicsiniú Covid-19 agus an líne cabhrach ina thaobh.
Bíonn teagmháil rialta idir mo Roinn agus na húdaráis sláinte agus tapaítear gach deis dul i bhfeidhm orthu maidir le sierbhísí do phobal na Gaeilge. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil suim ar leith á léiriú ag an Teachta i mBille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2019 agus é ag déanamh a bhealach tríd an Oireachtas agus bheadh súil agam go dtabharfadh sé aghaidh ar a lán de na heaspaí atá aitheanta maidir le seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ach é bheith achtaithe.
97. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil teagmháil déanta aici le déanaí le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta maidir le beartais teanga a cuid cliant-chomhlachtaí a neartú, chun a chinntiú nach bhfuil maoiniú stáit á thabhairt do chomhlachtaí atá ag diúltú cearta teanga Gaeilgeoirí sa Ghaeltacht, in aon áit eile sa stát nó ó Thuaidh. [21952/21]
View answerTá sé tugtha le fios ag Údarás na Gaeltachta nach eol dóibh go bhfuil cearta teanga á sárú ag aon chliantchomhlacht dá gcuid.
Dhearbhaigh an tÚdarás go mbíonn coinníollacha teanga curtha le aon tacaíocht deontais a chuireann siad ar fáil do chomhlachtaí nó d’eagraíochtaí dá gcuid de ghnáth.
Mar chuid den phlé le cliantchomhlachtaí i dtaca le gnó a bhunú nó a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht, tuigtear dom go meabhraítear dóibh an tábhacht atá leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn i ngach réimse dá ngnó. Tugtar le fios dóibh chomh maith go bhfuil tacaíocht an Údaráis coinníollach inter alia ar phlean teanga a bheith aontaithe leis an gcomhlacht agus go bhfuil íocaíochtaí deontas ag brath ar choinníollacha teanga a bheith comhlíonta.
Cuireann Údarás na Gaeltachta raon tacaíochtaí ar fáil do ghnóthaí chun cuidiú leo plean teanga a chur i bhfeidhm sa ghnó. Cuirtear na tacaíochtaí a leanas ar fáil mar chuid den chur chuige trí chéile:
- Comhairle, treoir agus tacaíocht ar fáil ón Oifigeach Teanga le Plean Teanga a aontú agus a chur i bhfeidhm sa ghnó;
treoirleabhar ar fáil ina bhfuil cur síos agus samplaí dea-chleachtais faoin bhealach leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sa ghnó, idir an chumarsáid labhartha agus scríofa, i bpolasaí earcaíochta agus oiliúna;
- comhairle i dtaca le dea-chleachtais úsáide téacs dátheangach;
- seirbhís aistriúcháin ar théacs d’fhógraí, do chomharthaí, do shuíomh idirlín agus rl.
- acaíocht ar fáil ar chostais a bhaineann le haistriúcháin, ábhar margaíochta, suíomh idirlín, comharthaíocht nua Ghaeilge/dhátheangach;
- comhairliúchán dearaidh ar fáil agus eolas faoi sheirbhísí priontála, faoi dhéantóirí chomharthaí;
- ranganna Gaeilge a eagrú ar iarratas nó soláthraítear eolas faoi ranganna sa chomharsanacht don bhainistíocht agus don fhoireann.
Le forfheidhmiú an phróisis Pleanála Teanga faoi lán seoil agus ag bailiú nirt i gcaitheamh an ama, tuigtear dom go mbíonn an tÚdarás ag coinneáil an raon tacaíochtaí seo faoi bhreithniú i dtreo gach deis a thapú chun cur lena gcuid tacaíochtaí réamhluaite de réir mar is féidir leo.
98. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration is being given to allowing theatres to open at reduced capacity in summer 2021; and the level of virus suppression that would be necessary to facilitate the reopening of the sector. [21966/21]
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, auditoriums, conference or event centres. I established the Live Entertainment Working Group 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 set of overarching guiding principles that all venue promotors can adopt for their specific purposes. It is chaired by my Department and 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 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.
I was pleased to recently announce a new €50 million suite of additional measures to further support the Live Entertainment Sector this year. As part of this suite, an allocation of €14m will be made available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports.
The 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.
100. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the living wage for artists will be increased. [21488/21]
View answerIn relation to substances seized directly by the Department's officers or substances identified by Customs and passed directly to Department investigators, records of these are not readily available.
However, I can confirm that a single item, identified as boldoteX, was seized in Co. Tipperary and submitted to the State Laboratory for analysis on 6th May 2020. The item has remained there since.
101. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all pubs will be included for funding under the outdoor enhancement scheme which was announced recently; the reason wet pubs are not included for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21935/21]
View answer112. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will amend the new outdoor dining enhancement scheme to include all hospitality establishments, including so-called wet pubs in order to ensure equity across the sector in administering the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21826/21]
View answerAn additional €79 million, including €23 million from the carbon tax fund, was provided in Budget 2021 to support actions by my Department in the area of biodiversity, climate, environment and farm health and safety, all the while supporting farm incomes. This is already being implemented across a range of agri-environment measures through the REAP measure, the re-opening of the Organics scheme and the new call for EIPs on biodiversity, for example. I will be announcing other initiatives from this allocation as the year progresses.
The Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot (REAP) Project for 2021 is the flagship transitional scheme for this year. The aim of this pilot project is to trial an agri-environment results-based scoring system at a national level with a view to identifying up scaling potential for possible inclusion in the next flagship national agri-environment scheme. This model makes it worthwhile for participants to gain an understanding of the conditions required for the delivery of optimum biodiversity and environmental benefits.
Full details of the project including terms and conditions and specifications are available on the Department's section of gov.ie.
102. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the work of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21812/21]
View answerThe Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce was set up in September 2020 and was chaired by Clare Duignan. It completed its deliberations and reported in November 2020, It report is entitled Life Worth Living The Report of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce.
Life Worth Living made ten recommendations to aid the survival of the arts and culture sector during Covid-19 and beyond under three themes: ensuring recovery; building resilience; and facing forward. The ten recommendations seek to protect livelihoods, mitigate income loss; ensure fair play for the makers of creative content; secure the viability of the live events industry; sustain local authority capacity to support arts and culture; ensure well-being; build sectoral capacity; make space for arts and live entertainment; provide more outdoor public spaces for cultural events; and address the environmental impact of arts, culture and event activities.
Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the Taskforce's recommendations and an Oversight Group has been put in place to consider any outstanding proposals, including in relation to basic income.
The Report is published and is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4769e-arts-and-culture-recovery-taskforce-report-published/
103. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2020; if recent increases in conspiracy theory content is being taken into consideration for any such Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21493/21]
View answerThe finalisation of the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill was approved by Government on 8 December 2020. Detailed legal drafting of a Bill by the Office of the Attorney General is progressing well. The Government has placed the draft Bill on the priority list for publication in the Summer 2021 legislative session.
In addition to this, the Joint Oireachtas Committee has commenced pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill including oral hearings beginning on 13 April 2021. The timeline for this work is a matter for the Committee.
The Bill will establish a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner. The role of the Commissioner will be to oversee a regulatory framework for online safety.
This will be done through binding online safety codes that will set out how regulated online services, including social media services, are expected to deal with certain defined categories of harmful online content on their platforms. The defined categories of harmful online content include criminal material, serious cyberbullying material and material promoting self-harm, suicide and eating disorders.
There is also provision in the Bill for further categories to be defined, subject to extensive consultation, a proposal from the Media Commission and Oireachtas approval. In order to make such proposals, the Commission will have a general role in researching and taking stock of the prevalence of potentially harmful kinds of content online. In carrying out this role, the Commission will engage with academics, industry and other relevant stakeholders, including through advisory committees.
It is, however, important to note that, while this Bill is both important and timely, it is only one of a number of initiatives at Irish and European level that will tackle harmful online content. This includes the regulation of the transparency of online political advertising through the Electoral Reform Bill and the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation, which is currently being revised as part of the European Democracy Action Plan. Disinformation will also be addressed in the forthcoming Digital Services Act, currently being negotiated at European level, which the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is leading in respect of Ireland.
104. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide further details in relation to the grant scheme for outdoor and indoor dining; the engagements she has had and planned engagements with local authorities in relation to planning permissions and licensing laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21961/21]
View answerI must clarify that the only tourism scheme relating specifically to dining is Fáilte Ireland's Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme being delivered in partnership with local authorities across the country. There is no scheme for indoor dining. As the development and administration of any dining-related schemes are an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Government remains committed to supporting tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. In this regard, the Government will soon be publishing a National Economic Recovery Plan outlining how we will help people return to work and support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Government 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.
107. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider a restart type grant for the hospitality sector when it is safe to reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21959/21]
View answerIm 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, we will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
108. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if discussions have taken place on the recommencing of sport for all age groups; her plans to allow spectators to attend sporting events; if consideration has been given to the use of antigen testing to assist in the reopening of society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21973/21]
View answerMinister Martin and I have an ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sports sector, as do the officials in my Department and also Sport Ireland. This engagement enables an effective exchange of views on all matters concerning the impact of the pandemic on sport, including the importance of recommencing sport for all age groups at the earliest possible date. The Government will meet before the end of the week to consider the next phase of the reopening based on public health advice and taking account of the engagement with the sector.
Insofar as attendance by spectators at sporting events is concerned, we will continue to be guided by health officials on how best to allow safe attendance at such events. Under the Government’s Living with Covid-19 plan, 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. As the country is currently at Level 5, no spectators are permitted at sports matches or events.
In order to ensure effective preparation for the safe return of spectators, draft guidelines have been developed for very large purpose built event facilities such as sports stadia. This guidance has been submitted to the public health authorities for their consideration, which is awaited.
The next step is to schedule some test events. However, the precise timing for such events is contingent on the prevalence of the virus and the prevailing public health situation. I am optimistic that some test events can be undertaken in the relatively near future over the summer period. While it may play in role in the return of spectators, the widespread use of antigen testing across society and the economy is a matter for Government.
110. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le ceist 16114/21, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le Plean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe; cén dáta a fhoilseofar an plean; cad é cúis na moille maidir le foilsiú an phlean; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [21873/21]
View answerTá plean teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne ag Foras na Gaeilge agus é á mheas faoi láthair. Táim ag súil go mbeidh mé in ann ceadú an phlean seo a fhógairt go gairid.
Uair amháin atá an plean ceadaithe, beidh maoiniú suas le €100,000 in aghaidh na bliana á chur ar fáil don cheanneagraíocht Gaillimh le Gaeilge thar tréimhse 7 mbliana. Tabharfaidh an maoiniú seo deis do Ghaillimhe le Gaeilge, a d’ullmhaigh an plean i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú chun cuidiú lena bhfoireann an plean teanga a chur i bhfeidhm.
Beidh Cathair na Gaillimhe mar an tríú Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta atá ceadaithe faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga, in éineacht le Daingean Uí Chúis agus Leitir Ceanainn. Agus plean teanga na Gaillimhe á chur i bhfeidhm, táthar ag súil go mbeidh sé mar thacaíocht don Ghaeilge sa chathair agus do mhuintir na Gaeltachta.
Anuas ar phleananna teanga an Eachréidh agus Oirthear Chathair na Gaillimhe a ceadaíodh le tamall anuas, is dul chun cinn suntasach don Ghaeilge sa chathair agus ina timpeallacht a bheidh i gceist le ceadú plean teanga na Gaillimhe.
