Written Answers Nos. 241-260
241. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending learner permits that are due to expire taking into consideration that there is a huge backlog of driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/21]
View answerAn extension to the validity of learner permits is currently being considered. I expect to announce further details on this matter soon.
242. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a report by a person (details supplied) dated 25 August 2010 which includes draft heads of legislation; his views on the report; if he will publish the report given its important relevance to discussions before the Houses of the Oireachtas; when he plans to introduce this legislation and bring Ireland into line with best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30370/21]
View answerThe report to which the question refers was submitted to the Department in 2010, a time when the three transport accident investigation units (aviation, rail and marine) were located in three different locations in Dublin. Following consideration of the report the three units were co-located in a dedicated investigation facility in the Department’s office.
As you may be aware, I have recently appointed an international expert to conduct a review of the current organisational structures underpinning marine casualty investigation in Ireland in the context of national, EU and international obligations. I understand that as part of the programme of work for this review, the independent expert is taking into consideration previous reports and reviews including the report mentioned in the question. Furthermore, I believe the Reviewer has consulted with the report’s author as well as with the heads of the three accident investigation units.
I am expecting to receive the report of this review in the coming weeks and will give the matter further consideration then.
243. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the increase or decrease by volume and value of goods imported from Britain through Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort to date in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; the reason for this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/21]
View answer244. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the increase or decrease by volume and value of goods exported to Britain through Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort to date in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; the reason for this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30386/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
Tonnage
The CSO has not yet published it's report showing the Tonnage of goods handled by Irish ports for Quarter 1 2021. However, the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has published its statistical report on unitised traffic for Quarter 1 2021.
Section 2.2 of the report provides a commentary on the figures for Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) traffic between Ireland and Great Britain for Quarter 1 2020 and Quarter 1 2021.
Table 3 in the report sets out the RoRo traffic figures for traffic between Dublin Port and Great Britain and Rosslare Europort and Great Britain.
A copy of the table is attached below for ease of reference and shows the year on year growth and declines between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021.
Table 3: RoRo Traffic to Great Britain, Annual Growth
The fall in ROI – GB traffic in Q1 was driven by three main factors; a decline in the use of the UK Landbridge, a decline in the use of ROI – GB routes by NI businesses, and a large stockpile of merchandise goods built up by importers and exporters in late 2020. The move away from the Landbridge was driven by concerns of delays and disruption as a result of new customs controls on traffic between the UK and the EU.
The full report providing further detail may be accessed at the following link: https://www.imdo.ie/Home/sites/default/files/IMDOFiles/IMDO%20Q1%202021%20Unitised%20Traffic%20Report%20April%202021.%20pdf1.pdf
The IMDO’s statistical report for Quarter 1 2020 shows the year on year difference in growth and declines in RoRo traffic between the same periods in 2019 and 2020. For ease of reference the relevant table is copied below:
|
- |
Q1 2019 |
Q1 2020 |
Year on Year Change |
|
|
|
RoRo Units |
RoRo Units |
% |
RoRo Units |
|
Cork |
1,071 |
729 |
-32% |
-342 |
|
Dublin |
270,099 |
255,708 |
-5% |
-14,391 |
|
Rosslare |
27,853 |
25,920 |
-7% |
-1,933 |
|
Total Ireland |
299,023 |
282,357 |
-6% |
-16,666 |
|
Belfast |
133,066 |
133,261 |
0% |
195 |
|
Larne |
49,349 |
49,259 |
0% |
-90 |
|
Warrenpoint |
27,130 |
22,949 |
-15% |
-4,181 |
|
Total N. Ireland |
209,545 |
205,469 |
-2% |
-4,076 |
|
Total All Island |
508,568 |
487,826 |
-4% |
-20,742 |
There were three main factors contributing to the declines seen above.
Firstly, Q1 2019 experienced significant growth in both Ro and LoLo sectors. RoRo traffic expanded by 9% while the LoLo traffic grew by 7%, both outpacing its quarterly average of 5% between Q1 2015 – Q4 2018. Driving the growth in Q1 2019 was a period of inventory stockpiling that took place in as the UK’s proposed date of departure from the EU approached on March 29th.
Secondly, a period of inclement weather in February 2020 led to some cancelled sailings, reducing freight carryings during that time.
Lastly, restraints on economic activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact upon the RoRo and LoLo market in the latter half of March 2020. Business closures across retail, construction and hospitality sectors will began to impact both markets from this period onwards. The onset of COVID-19 in March stalled the recovery from lost sailings due to inclement weather in February. The full report can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.marine.ie/Home/sites/default/files/MIFiles/Docs_Comms/Q1%202020%20Full%20Report.pdf
Value
The Central Statistics Office provides a monthly report on the value of exports and imports of goods to and from Ireland and the United Kingdom. These Statistics may be accessed at the following links: Details relating to individual ports are not available:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/gei/goodsexportsandimportsjanuary2021/
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/gei/goodsexportsandimportsfebruary2021/
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/gei/goodsexportsandimportsmarch2021/
For ease of reference these figures are provided below.
|
Details of the combined value of exports and imports to and from Ireland and the United Kingdom for Quarter 1 2020 and Quarter 1 2021 are set out in the table below. |
|||
|
|
Quarter 1 2020 |
Quarter 1 2021 |
Growth |
|
Goods Imports |
€4,725m |
€2,952m |
-38% |
|
Goods Exported |
€3,673m |
€3,715m |
1% |
The CSO said a combination of factors contributed to the large reduction in imports from Britain early in 2021, including the challenges of complying with customs requirements.
Other factors included the stockpiling of goods in the final quarter of 2020 in preparation for Brexit, the substitution with goods from other countries, and a reduction in trade volumes due to the impact of Covid-19 with exports from here to Britain also hit.
In comparing Quarter 1 2020 with Quarter 1 2019, the CSO reported in March 2020 that:
The value of goods exports to Great Britain in the first three months of 2020 was €3,206 million, a decrease of €104 million (-3%) on the first three months of 2019.
The value of goods imports from Great Britain for January to March 2020 was €4,572 million, a decrease of €360 million (-7%) compared with the first quarter of 2019.
In March 2019, with indications of stockpiling taking place as the UK’s proposed date of departure from the EU approached on March 29th, the CSO reported that:.
The value of goods exports to Great Britain in the first three months of 2019 was €3,657 million, an increase of €301 million (+9%) on the first quarter of 2018.
The value of goods imports from Great Britain for the period January to March 2019 was €5,099 million, an increase of €696 million (+16%) on the first three months of 2018.
Some data may differ between publications as figures that included estimates are revised on receipt of the actual data from companies after publication.
245. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 19 May 2021, if his attention has been drawn to the speech by the Minister for Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (details supplied) in which he stated arrangements would be made to ensure recognition of professional qualifications between Ireland and Britain; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the failure to do same for the qualification of transport manager is causing difficulties for the transport and haulage sector; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the matter is causing residency issues for workers who can no longer live in Northern Ireland and work as a transport manager here; and if he will pursue a derogation specific to this region and for this qualification given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland. [30396/21]
View answerAs outlined in the reply to the Deputy’s earlier Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 19 May 2021, following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (TM CPC) issued by a competent authority in the UK, including Northern Ireland, is no longer valid in the EU. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement does not include provision for mutual recognition of TM CPC. It should be noted that the TM CPC qualification affords access to the wider single market.
As previously indicated, persons wishing to act as Transport Manager for a road transport operator established in an EU Member State, including in Ireland, must be resident in the EU in line with Regulation EC No 1071/2009. Residence in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, does not satisfy this requirement. Ireland does not have discretion to derogate from such legislative provisions.
246. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he and his European Union colleagues are taking to ensure better regulation of commodity future markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30320/21]
View answerThe regulation of commodity derivative markets, including commodity futures markets, predominantly falls under the EU Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). MiFID II was transposed into Irish law via Statutory Instrument 375 of 2017.
MiFID II established a position limit and position management regime for all commodity derivative contracts traded on trading venues and economically equivalent over-the-counter contracts. Position limits set a ceiling for the number of shares or derivative contracts that a trader, or any affiliated group of traders and investors may own, so as to prevent market abuse and support orderly pricing and settlement conditions.
MiFID II also establishes position reporting obligations to enable monitoring of compliance with the position limit regime and mandates the publication of weekly reports by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) detailing aggregate positions held by different categories of market participants.
Amendments were made to the MiFID position limit regime under the EU Capital Markets Recovery Package that was agreed in December 2020 and published in the Official Journal of the EU in February 2021. The changes were made to make the regime more efficient and to help develop euro denominated commodity markets. Commodity derivatives deemed to be critical or significant as well as agricultural derivatives will remain subject to the position limit regime.
The MiFID regulations concerning commodity derivatives is supported by a suite of other financial services regulation. The European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) introduces central clearing, risk mitigation and reporting requirements for over-the-counter commodity and other derivatives in order to make these markets safer and more transparent. The EU Markets Abuse Regulation (MAR) also increases the regulation of commodity derivative markets by, among other things, extending the regime’s scope to cover certain related OTC traded instruments which can have an effect on the covered underlying market including inside information for spot commodity contracts within the definition of 'inside information' and extending the market manipulation offence to include, in some circumstances, spot commodities. The EU Benchmarks Regulation further increases the regulation of commodity derivatives by providing a framework for the regulation of commodity benchmarks and their administrators.
The totality of financial services regulation of commodity derivative markets, including commodity futures markets, represents a comprehensive set of regulations designed to ensure the proper functioning and integrity of these markets as well as addressing specific concerns regarding the potential impacts of commodity derivative markets on underlying commodity markets.
Finally, I would also note that the EU Commission, the various EU supervisory and regulatory intitutions along with the EU member States regularly consider the overall framework that operates in the EU in this respect.
247. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will address an issue in relation to the case of a business as raised in correspondence (details supplied). [30398/21]
View answerThe Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is an economy-wide enterprise support that provides a flat rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of eligible employees on their payrolls. The EWSS replaced the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which ceased on 31 August 2020.
The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, payments of over €3.2 billion and PRSI credit of over €540 million have been granted to 49,500 employers in respect of 570,000 workers.
To be eligible for EWSS, an employer must have tax clearance for the duration of the scheme and be able to demonstrate that turnover or customer orders have declined by at least 30% due to the disruption caused by COVID-19.
I am advised by Revenue that the business in question commenced trading in June 2019 and as such was required to confirm the minimum 30% reduction in turnover or customer orders in respect of 2020 pay dates when compared with the period 1 July 2019 to December 2019 and in respect of 2021 pay dates by comparison with projected calculations for 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021.
The information provided by the business to Revenue in respect of 2020 confirmed a reduction in turnover of 19%, thereby rendering it ineligible for the EWSS for this period. The information provided in respect of 2021 is incomplete, so Revenue is unable to confirm the employer’s eligibility for the EWSS for this period. Revenue will review the position once the required information is provided and is in discussions with the business’ tax advisor regarding the matter.
For those businesses who may need additional support during this period, I would draw attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available since the July Stimulus Plan, Budget 2021 - including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme.
The Government remains fully committed to supporting businesses and employers insofar as is possible at this time.
248. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue that would be raised by including all residential properties built since 2013 in the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30407/21]
View answerResidential properties built after the current valuation date (1 May 2013) remain outside the charge to Local Property Tax (LPT) until the next valuation date (1 November 2021). The owners of such properties are not required to submit LPT returns or valuations to Revenue, therefore the precise amount of revenue that would be raised is not available.
However, it is estimated that there could be approximately €30 million per annum in additional LPT receipts if these properties were subject to LPT. This estimate is based on Stamp Duty records and other information available to Revenue.
The General Scheme of the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Bill 2021 was published on 2 June, following approval from Government. The proposed Bill will give effect to a package of measures in line with the Programme for Government commitments to address the future of the Local Property Tax and will provide inter alia that properties built since 2013 will be brought into the charge to the tax.
249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which insurance companies have requested increased premiums from a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/21]
View answerI note that the details supplied by the Deputy refers to insurance for a specific organisation. While I recognise the concerns felt by many voluntary and community groups, including the one highlighted by the Deputy, around the cost and availability of insurance cover, he will appreciate that, as Minister for Finance, I am not in a position to comment on individual cases.
Neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, or have the power to direct insurance companies to provide cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU Solvency II Directive insurance framework.
Nevertheless, I can assure the Deputy that this Government is fully committed to improving the cost and availability of insurance for all consumers, businesses and community groups. In this regard, the Action Plan for Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions across a number of policy areas. Work is already underway to deliver these enabling reforms. Recent achievements include the adoption of new Personal Injuries Guidelines by the Judicial Council, and the creation of an Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market within the Department of Finance. Minister of State Fleming and I will continue to work with colleagues and stakeholders to drive implementation of the Action Plan and deliver further key reforms in this area.
With respect to the issue highlighted by the Deputy, it may interest the organisation involved to know that Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover. This can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. I would also note that where somebody feels they have been treated unfairly by a particular insurance provider, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000.
250. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff members employed in the Office of Government Procurement tendering advice service; and the cost of wages in 2019. [30282/21]
View answerAs outlined in the Tender Advisory Service Information Note available at https://ogp.gov.ie/tender-advisory-service/, which was published in July 2018, the Tender Advisory Service (TAS) is an informal outlet, provided free of charge, to suppliers in order to raise queries in relation to a live tender process carried out by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) or other public sector contracting bodies where the bidder is not satisfied with the response from the contracting authority.
There are no staff in the OGP solely dedicated to the Tender Advisory Service. TAS responsibility is integrated into the work of certain personnel in the Office. In 2019, one Higher Executive Officer was responsible, in addition to other duties, for responding to TAS queries, with oversight from an Assistant Principal Officer. The combined salary for the two officers in 2019 was €126,819.
251. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify the situation regarding flood relief funding for a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [30298/21]
View answerThrough the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, detailed engineering analysis, assessment and extensive public consultation was undertaken for 300 communities throughout Ireland, including 90 coastal areas, which in 2012 were identified as being most likely to be impacted by future coastal and fluvial flooding.
One key output of the CFRAM Programme was the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s) that contain proposed flood relief measures - informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors - to address the flood risk in each community and nationwide.
The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme, launched in May 2018, supports the Government’s €1bn planned investment in flood relief through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project 2040.
The CFRAM programme proposed a flood relief scheme at Ballingeary to be progressed at a projected cost estimate of approximately €3.1 million. This proposed scheme consists of Installation of hydrometric gauges, flood walls and embankments and will protect 46 properties when completed.
The proposed scheme is not in the first tranche of projects being progressed, but my Office and Cork County Council will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as soon as possible within the programme of investment.
Once consultants are appointed to progress this scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
252. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full savings to the State from changes made to public sector pensions since 2009 to date including the savings from the public service pension reduction on pensioners and the pension related deduction and additional superannuation contribution on serving staff; and the full savings to the State in each year from contributions sought from other occupational schemes since 2009 to date as a result of the financial crisis or as a part of the FEMPI legislation in tabular form. [30328/21]
View answerThe Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) was introduced on 1 January 2011 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010. It is the only measure which has decreased the actual payment value of public service pensions since 2008.
PSPR is applied in a progressive manner, operating by way of percentage reduction to pensions above the relevant exemption threshold, with proportionately larger reductions imposed on relatively higher value pensions.
A three-stage partial reversal of PSPR was provided for in the FEMPI Act 2015, with rate reductions occurring on 1 January in each of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provided for the substantial further lessening of the impact of PSPR by way of rate and/or threshold changes in each of the years 2019 and 2020.
The annual yield at the launch of PSPR was estimated at €100 million and at its peak, PSPR was bringing in an annual yield of €135 million. The current approximate annual yield for the remaining number of affected pensions is approximately €12 million per annum. PSPR will be removed from this remaining cohort with effect from 1 July 2021 in accordance with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (Section 27(3)) Order 2020.
The Pension Related Deduction (PRD) was introduced in March 2009 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (as amended) and was a temporary deduction from the salary of serving public service employees who hold a public service pension entitlement, as defined in the legislation. PRD did not apply to pensioners. PRD was replaced by the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) with effect from 1 January 2019. The Exchequer yield from PRD in the years 2009 to 2018 is set out in the table below.
|
- |
PRD Yield |
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2009 |
€837,419,000 |
|
2010 |
€948,605,000 |
|
2011 |
€960,224,000 |
|
2012 |
€934,739,000 |
|
2013 |
€925,986,000 |
|
2014 |
€877,800,000 |
|
2015 |
€875,985,000 |
|
2016 |
€705,998,000 |
|
2017 |
€478,617,000 |
|
2018 |
€522,499,000 |
Note: The years 2009 to 2016 do not include Local Government PRD yields. The yearS 2017 and 2018 do not include the HSE PRD yield.
Under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, PRD was replaced by the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) with effect from 1 January 2019. As with PRD, ASC only applies to serving public service employees who have a public service pension entitlement and does not apply to pensioners. ASC forms a significant additional contribution from public servants towards the sustainability of public service pensions. The yield in the years 2019 and 2020 is set out in the table below.
|
- |
ASC Yield |
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2019 |
€439,440,000 |
|
2020 |
€412,243,000 |
Note: Figures do not include the HSE ASC yield which can be obtained directly from the Department of Health.
PRD and PSPR were adopted as part of the suite of financial emergency measures necessary to secure and stabilise the public finances. These measures applied to all relevant serving or retired public servants, as appropriate, and a distinction was not made based on pension scheme membership.
The ASC was introduced as part of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 - 2020 as a permanent contribution towards the cost of Public Service pensions, relating specifically to pension scheme membership and the costs of the benefits arising from those schemes.
I am not aware of any other cost saving measures involving the collection of additional contributions from other public service occupational pension schemes to which the Deputy may be referring. In relation to employee pension contributions more generally, the authorities responsible for the administration and oversight of the other range of schemes operating in the various sectors of the Irish public service are, in general, the relevant employers and Ministers in those sectors. It would be a matter for those sectoral authorities, including relevant Ministers, to supply any specific information which may be requested in respect of queries on employee contributions for individual schemes.
253. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe cé mhéid duine a bhí cáilithe agus a cuireadh ar an bpainéal Oifigeach Feidhmmeannach sa státseirbhís (Comórtas 2019) a bhí cáilithe oibriú i nGaeilge; an lion acu siúd a tairrgíodh post sa státshéirbhís dóibh go dáta; an dáta faoin a dtiocfaidh deireadh leis an bpainéal áirithe seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30376/21]
View answer254. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an líon Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin a bheadh cáilithe le n-oibriú trí Ghaeilge a fostaíodh sa státsheirbhís le bliain anuas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30377/21]
View answerTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 253 agus 254 le chéile.
Mar is eol don teachta, is í an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí (PAS) an t-earcaitheoir neamhspleách i gcomhair ceapachán sa Státseirbhís. Tá gach earcaíocht faoi stiúir éilimh agus téann PAS i mbun comórtas thar ceann na Státseirbhíse chun painéil a bhunú ar féidir tarraingt orthu de réir mar a thagann folúntais aníos i Ranna nó Oifigí Rialtais.
Chuir PAS in iúl dom gur éirigh le 88 iarrthóir áit a fháil ar an bpainéal i gcomórtas 2019 Gaeilge EO. Go dtí seo, sannadh 32 iarrthóir.
Níltear ag dúil go ndéanfar ceapacháin ón gcomórtas seo i ndiaidh Mheán Fómhair 2021.
255. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there is a special grant for private roads in Gaeltacht areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30331/21]
View answerScéim na mBóithre Áise, to which the Deputy is referring, has been suspended for some years now. Under the provisions of the scheme which was administered by my Department, financial assistance was provided to the relevant local authorities to undertake repairs in respect of qualifying Gaeltacht roads.
There are no plans to reintroduce this scheme at this time.
256. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán An gcuirfidh sí scéim chúitimh ar fáil do na mná agus na fir tí don tsamhraidh seo agus na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta curtha ar cheal; cé mhéad a chuirfidh sí ar fáil dóibh; cén dáta faoina mbeidh soiléiriú ar an scéim chúitimh ag na mná tí; agus cén dáta faoina mbeidh siad ag fáil íocaíocht. [30362/21]
View answer257. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an gcuirfidh sí scéim chúitimh ar fáil do na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta don tsamhraidh seo agus na coláistí samhraidh curtha ar cheal; cé mhéad a chuirfidh sí ar fáil dóibh; cén dáta faoina mbeidh soiléiriú ar an scéim chúitimh ag na coláistí, agus cén dáta faoina mbeidh siad ag fáil íocaíocht. [30363/21]
View answer258. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an gcuirfidh sí scéim chúitimh ar leith ar fáil do na hallaí pobail Gaeltachta don tsamhraidh seo agus na coláistí samhraidh curtha ar cheal; cé mhéad a chuirfidh sí ar fáil dóibh; cén dáta faoina mbeidh soiléiriú ar an scéim chúitimh ag na hallaí; agus cén dáta faoina mbeidh siad ag fáil íocaíocht. [30364/21]
View answer259. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an aontaíonn sí go bhfuil níos mó airgid de dhíth ar choláistí samhraidh, mná tí agus hallaí pobail Gaeltachta i mbliana ná mar a bhí anuraidh toisc an breis costais a bhí le caitheamh orthu chun ullmhúchán a dhéanamh le bheith in ann cloí leis an gcoinníollacha sláinte a cuireadh orthu sular gcuireadh na cúrsaí samhraidh ar ceal i mbliana. [30365/21]
View answer260. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán An bhfuil sí tar éis cás na gcoláistí Gaeltachta atá ag brath ar dhaltaí ó na sé contae a ardú leis an Aire Pobail nó an Aire Oideachais san Fheidhmeannas ó thuaidh, go háraithe coláistí samhraidh i mBun an Inbhir, Machaire Rabhartaigh agus Loch an Iúir, chun tacaíocht agus maoiniú a fháil dóibh, agus muna bhfuil an ndéanfaidh sí dul i gcomhchomhairle leis an Aire cuí go luath. [30366/21]
View answerTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 256, 257, 258, 259 and 260 le chéile.
An mhí seo caite, rinneadh cinneadh nach bhféadfadh coláistí Gaeilge feidhmiú den dara bhliain as a chéile mar gheall ar COVID-19. Rinneadh an cinneadh tar éis dom dul i ndáil comhairle le páirtithe leasmhara - idir lucht lóistín, lucht stiúrtha na gcoláistí agus lucht stiútha hallai pobail ábhartha na Gaeltachta araon.
Agus an cinneadh á dhéanamh, tógadh san áireamh an imní shuntasach a bhí le sonrú faoi shláinte phoiblí agus faoi shábháilteacht theaghlaigh Ghaeltachta agus phobail áitiúla i dtaca le COVID-19 dá reáchtálfaí cúrsaí samhraidh.
Tuigim go mbeidh díomá ar go leor daoine dá bharr seo, go háirithe ar na daoine óga a bhí ag súil le freastal ar chúrsa i mbliana. Tuigim chomh maith céanna na himpleachtaí a bhaineann leis an gcinneadh seo do gheilleagar na Gaeltachta, a bhraitheann cuid mhaith ar na coláistí samhraidh.
Mar a luaigh mé, bhí sraith cruinnithe ar líne agam féin agus ag feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne le roinnt seachtainí anuas chun tuairimí agus moltaí faoin ábhar a chloisteáil go díreach ó na páirthe leasmhara. Bhí cruinnithe againn le grúpa ionadaíochta na dteaghlaigh Gaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do na coláistí samhraidh, le scáthghrúpa na gColáistí Samhraidh, CONCOS, agus le grúpa ionadaíochta na hallaí pobail Gaeltachta a bhaineann na coláistí samhraidh leas astu.
Bhí an plé sin thar a bheith tairbheach domsa mar Aire agus chabhraigh sé go mór dom léargas níos fearr a fháil ar na deacrachtaí agus na tosaíochtaí atá ag na páirithe leasmhara in earnáil na gColáistí Samhraidh.
Tá obair idir lámha faoi láthair ag an Roinn i dtreo ciste cobhsaithe cuí a chur i dtoll a chéile don earnáil chomh luath agus is féidir.
Táim muiníneach gur féidir teacht ar réiteach sna seachtainí atá romhainn a chinnteoidh go mbeidh teacht aniar ann don earnáil tábhachtach seo ionas go mbeidh sí in ann leanúint ar aghaidh in 2022 agus sna blianta amach romhainn.
