Written Answers Nos. 250-269
250. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33595/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week, no staff of my Department or the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour. This is also the position for the bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of the bodies listed in the table further below.
I would also advise the Deputy that it is important that Ireland’s statutory National Minimum Wage and the Living Wage concept are not confused. Unlike the National Minimum Wage, the Living Wage has no legislative basis and is therefore not a statutory entitlement. The Low Pay Commission annually assesses the appropriate level of the National Minimum Wage, and the current national minimum hourly rate of pay, since 1 January 2021, is €10.20 per hour, as set out in the National Minimum Wage Order (No. 2) 2020.
The suggested Living Wage at €12.30 per hour based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week equates to an annual salary of €23,747. Detailed data on Civil Service staff indicates that only some 0.2% of staff (FTE) in the Civil Service are on salary points less than €23,747. Further to this, all civil servants are paid at rates above the minimum wage of €10.20 per hour.
Those currently on an annual salary of less than €23,747 may be receiving remuneration in excess of the suggested Living Wage through additional premium payments in respect of shift or atypical working hours or are on salary scales that progress to the suggested Living Wage and above through incremental progression.
Building Momentum - A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022 provides for a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500 (whichever is greater) on both 1 October 2021 and 2022, as well as the equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund (in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement) on 1 February 2022. The Agreement is heavily weighted towards those at lower incomes with headline increases of approximately 5% for the lowest paid public servants. These groups will also benefit more from other measures in the Agreement including the overtime rates and premium payment adjustments. By the end of the Agreement, the annualised pay increases will almost eliminate the cohort of civil servants earning less than the suggested Living Wage.
More broadly, the Low Pay Commission has, on request of the Government, formally begun work on examining how Ireland could move towards a Living Wage. The study will examine the design of a Living Wage in an Irish context and consider the policy, social and economic implications. It is expected that the report will be completed in the second half of 2021.
|
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
National Shared Services Office (NSSO) |
State Laboratory |
|
12 Apprentice - Apprentices earn a percentage of point 1 of the Craft Worker pay scale. This is the industry norm. 19 Guides (New Seasonal) - The first point of the pay scale is below the living wage. 12 Supported General Operatives/Special Needs - Generally, there is an entitlement to some social welfare supports and to maintain eligibility for those, salary is kept below a certain rate. |
3 members of staff |
1 member of staff |
251. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of the current and capital costs associated with the creative climate action competitive fund. [33439/21]
View answerThe Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based, all-of-government initiative led by my Department, the core proposition of which is that participation in cultural activity by everyone drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal well-being and achievement. The Programme for Government has a commitment to “Support Creative Ireland in engaging the public on climate change through the creative and cultural sectors initiative”. To date, the Creative Ireland Programme has engaged with representatives across the creative, cultural, climate and public sector to help identify the potential of creative and cultural public engagement to contribute to climate action.
In March 2021 my Department, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, launched the Creative Climate Action fund to create partnerships that connect the public sector and the creative sector in order to enhance public engagement with climate change. This is a current rather than a capital-funded competitive scheme. It is seeking creative and cultural projects that can meaningfully connect people with the profound changes that are happening in our environment, society and economy arising from climate change, and can transform that connection into behaviour change or climate action.
Applications were invited under Strand 1 - An open call to organisations, NGOs, charities, enterprises, institutions and collectives/networks working with creative and cultural practitioners, and Strand 2 - A closed call to local authorities, either individually, with other local authorities or external partners.
The deadline has now closed for applications and further details will be available once the successful projects are announced.
252. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date by which applicants to the sports capital grant 2021 can expect to receive a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32895/21]
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, 2021. 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 for applications for sports equipment- only will be made first during the Summer with allocations to other capital projects announced before the end of the year. At least €40 million is being made available for allocation and local and regional allocations will be announced at the same time. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
253. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the application process for the live performance grant is still open to new applicants; if not, when was the closing date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32905/21]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Parliamentary Question No 64.
I allocated €50 million to a suite of measures to assist the live performance sector. As part of that funding, on Tuesday June 15th I announced the allocations for the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021). I was delighted to be in a position to fund 237 successful applications under this scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website. These grants will help support employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
I have also made an allocation of €14m 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 three levels of flat payments:
- €2,500 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €20,000 - €50,000 with minimum business costs of €3,000 incurred from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021.
- €4,000 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €50,001- €100,000 with minimum business costs of €6,000 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021.
- €5,000 for businesses with VAT-exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000 with minimum business costs of €7,500 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021.
Under the scheme, self employed businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector are eligible to apply. Applications may be made via the MEBAS application portal on my Department’s website.
I have also made an allocation of €5 million 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. This funding will be allocated shortly.
€5 million will also be made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector.
Up to €1 million was allocated to the St Patrick's Festival 2021 for programming and it has supported over 3,500 days of employment for performers, producers, artists, technicians, creatives and support staff. With gatherings still restricted, SPF 2021 curated a rich and dynamic programme of events involving hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, creators, and community organisations which was broadcast on the St. Patrick’s Festival TV online channel marking the national day.
In addition, as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan I have secured an additional €11.5m for a new Events Sector Covid Support Scheme which I hope to launch soon. This scheme will target SMEs in the events sector which aren’t eligible for the CRSS and for whom MEBAS and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 will not make a significant contribution to fixed costs relative to the level of support that would be available under CRSS, had such SMEs been eligible for that support.
254. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the Covid-19 safety measures in relation to testing and monitoring which have to be abided by at trial live events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32906/21]
View answerFollowing the recent Government decision to prepare for the safe reopening of live cultural, sporting and entertainment events, my Department has prepared a programme of pilot live events for June and July. This broad programme includes sporting, cultural and live entertainment events, both indoors and outdoors. These pilot events will allow for sports, arts, culture and entertainment organisations to test necessary control and other measures in venues across a range of settings and have been designed to inform the safe reopening of these sectors.
As part of the preparations for the events, my Department has worked and continues to work with representative bodies and stakeholders from the culture, sport and live event sectors on the programme of events. The events are being organised with venue operators and promoters who are submitting Event Management Plans to my Department which are reviewed by Health and Safety consultants.
My Department has also been monitoring pilot events internationally and is aware of the role that testing can play in supporting activities. I announced today that antigen testing will be deployed for the forthcoming concert event at IMMA on 3 July. 3,500 fans will be in attendance, 500 of those will be health care workers; and some of Ireland's best talent will be performing on stage - talent we have all greatly missed seeing live this past year. The measures being employed will be reviewed for their appropriateness as pilot events proceed and will be adjusted as necessary and if necessary.
255. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the Burren trail will become operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32918/21]
View answer257. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Burren Trail; when Fáilte Ireland will give a start date for the trail; the levels of investment expected to ensure its viability and security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33032/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 257 together.
I understand that the Deputies are referring to the Burren Discovery Trail being developed by Fáilte Ireland. As this is an operational matter for the agency, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputies. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
256. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has considered providing additional funding for the Fáilte Ireland Ireland-based inbound agents business continuity scheme. [32966/21]
View answerThe Government’s recently announced Economic Recovery Plan sets out a framework for recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular for sectors most impacted, such as tourism. Under the Economic Recovery Plan, Government extended the period during which a range of horizontal and business supports will be available to enterprises and workers in all sectors of the economy, including the tourism sector. The relevant measures include:
- Extending the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). Revisions will see payments for businesses reopening of up to €30,000;
- Extending the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to 31 December;
- Extending the Commercial Rates Waiver to end-September 2021;
- Broadening of eligibility criteria for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19, which opens the scheme up to businesses in non-rated premises; and
- The ERP sets out the intention to introduce a new, additional and more streamlined business support scheme in September 2021, called the Business Resumption Support Scheme.
In addition to benefiting from revised and extended horizontal supports, the Economic Recovery Plan also provides for an extension of the 9% VAT rate to September 2022, which will continue to act as a stimulus for the tourism sector as it moves towards recovery.
These measures and supports will provide tourism businesses with much-needed clarity that will enable them to plan longer-term with confidence and accept bookings. The ERP also commits to continuing to provide business continuity schemes through Fáilte Ireland.
As the Deputy is aware, Fáilte Ireland ran an Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme of €10m in the final quarter of 2020. Taking into account the new and revised horizontal supports set out in the ERP, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to examine what supports will be needed for the tourism sector in the coming months. I will discuss these proposed supports with colleagues across Government to ensure that the tourism sector is supported in their recovery as we reopen our society and our economy.
258. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the 2021 sports capital programme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33061/21]
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, 2021. 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 for applications for sports equipment- only will be made first during the Summer with allocations to other capital projects announced before the end of the year. At least €40 million is being made available for allocation and local and regional allocations will be announced at the same time. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application. An announcement on the timing of the next round of the Programme will be made once all of the allocations under the current round are finalised.
259. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason applications to the live performance support scheme from companies that host bingo are being rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33158/21]
View answerAs part of the €50 million suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, I recently announced 237 grant allocations under the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme. This scheme aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the summer months, supporting employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
There was a high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 imaginative and diverse applications submitted requesting funding of over €80m, given the available funding of €25 million, difficult decisions had to be made and it was not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied. I acknowledge and appreciate the work and effort that went into preparing these applications, however given the volume of applications received, it was not possible to allocate funding to all eligible applicants.
Recipients of this funding range from small to large venues, producers and promoters, supporting live events in every county, including festivals, concerts, theatre productions, comedy and outdoor events.
260. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied) and it will be ensured the appropriate officials will provide direct assistance to the organisation in respect of its application under the live performance support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33272/21]
View answerI allocated €50 million in 2021 to a suite of measures to assist the arts and culture sector. As part of that funding, on Tuesday June 15th I announced the allocations for the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021).
I was delighted to be in a position to fund 237 successful applications under this scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website. There was a very high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 applications requesting funding in excess of €80 million. Given the available funding of €25 million, difficult decisions had to be made and it was not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied.
The 237 grants awarded will help support employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
Officials in my Department are engaging with the applicant to which the Deputy refers in relation to the outcome of their Live Performance Support Scheme application and they will review the status of the application shortly.
261. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of her Department or that receive funding from her Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33322/21]
View answerAs Minister, I have responsibility for the governance of agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to ensure full compliance on the reporting requirements under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies and the governance functions included in the legislative and regulatory frameworks for each of the respective bodies. The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for the bodies under the aegis of the Department. Financial details for the agencies and bodies for the year 2020 will be set out in their Annual Report and Accounts when published.
262. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement she has had with the Minister for Health given the current lifting of Covid-19 restrictions to ensure that the Gaeltacht summer colleges will be able to fully operate in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25115/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the outcome of the extensive consultation process undertaken with the Irish Language Summer Colleges sector over the previous few weeks.
During the consultation process, a representative group of Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation for students, as well as course operators expressed significant concerns around health and safety, due to COVID-19, were courses to proceed.
On foot of the feedback received and the concerns expressed, a decision was taken not to proceed with recognised Irish courses this summer.
I understand that this will be disappointing for many young people who were looking forward to attending this year.
I am also conscious of the economic consequences of the decision for Gaeltacht communities. For this reason, officials from my Department are continuing to engage with the sector over the coming weeks to tailor insofar as possible, suitable stabilisation measures with a view to ensuring the sector is on a sound footing for a full and safe return in 2022.
263. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to allow for test events in licensed venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33331/21]
View answerOn Friday May 28th the Government agreed pilot events will take place in June and July. My Department has worked with the Arts Council and a number of stakeholder engagement structures in place to support the development and delivery of those pilot events. The first event took place in the Iveagh Gardens on the 10th of June in collaboration with the National Concert Hall and further events will take place across the course of the summer.
These events will assist in safely charting a path back to greater levels of activity in line with developments in public health guidance over the coming weeks and months. Pilot events are necessary as a proof of concept for the safe management of events whilst COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and in order to evaluate, adapt and build confidence in the COVID-19 guidance and event management protocols developed by the culture and sports sectors.
Events are planned across the country including in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Thurles, Kilkenny and Killarney a number of which will be taking place in licensed venues.
I will continue to keep these matters under review as the pilots progress and as public health guidance evolves.
264. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of funding available to local sports clubs to install and maintain defibrillators in the Cork north central area in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33340/21]
View answerThe procurement of defibrillators and subsequent training is a matter for each individual club in the first instance. I am aware however, that a number of National Governing Bodies of Sport have schemes in place to support their club networks in relation to cardiac care, screening and defibrillator training. The GAA’s Community Heart Programme, the FAI’s Heart Care Programme and the IRFU’s Safe Rugby programme are excellent examples of proactive supports to assist clubs and members to participate safely in sport. At a local level, the network of Local Sports Partnerships throughout the country deliver education and training opportunities across a broad range of areas to local sports clubs and community groups. This includes First Aid Workshops, which typically cover CPR and/or Defibrillator Training as part of the content. Defibrillators situated at sports clubs are generally also for community use and funding is also available through the HSE’s National Lottery grants schemes and other Community grants schemes.
In relation to my Department, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 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. Grants are available for a wide variety of capital works and non-personal sports equipment including first aid kits and defibrillators.
While the 2020 round of the Programme closed in March of this year, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to continue the programme. A decision on the timing of the next round of the Programme will be taken once the grants under this current round are finalised.
Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding in the future must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.
265. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has assessed the impact of the tourism crisis on town centres and the problems they will face in the short and medium-term. [30806/21]
View answerThe pandemic has had a particularly disruptive impact on city and town centres. It has also triggered discussions around re-imagining our cities and towns as better places to live, work and visit and bodies across Government and local government have been responding to this promptly and thoroughly. It is clear that appropriate artistic, cultural, public realm animation and tourism/hospitality interventions have a key role to play in reinvigorating city and town centres and attracting people back into urban areas. Officials of my Department have participated in collaborative, cross-organisational consideration of the challenges faced and steps being taken in relation to cities and urban areas in the period ahead arising from the COVID pandemic.
With specific regard to tourism capital supports, Fáilte Ireland has launched two schemes in particular aimed at supporting and enhancing the tourism experience in cities and towns. One is the Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme - a pilot Capital Grants Scheme for Local Authorities aimed at supporting sustainable tourism development through public realm and urban animation projects that have the potential to transform and re-imagine urban centres for visitors and communities. The other is the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, which comprises two parts being delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country. The Scheme provides capital funding to individual tourism and hospitality businesses to help them develop or increase their own outdoor seating capacity and is being administered and evaluated directly by each Local Authority. Under the other part of the Scheme, funding is allocated directly to local authorities to enable them to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres, similar to?those that exist in various European cities.
On the Arts and Culture side, my Department is also making funding available to local authorities to improve public spaces for cultural and events activity under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme, which I launched on 11 February 2021. The scheme provides up to €250,000 for each of the 31 local authorities to adapt, equip or otherwise improve public spaces for cultural and events activities, taking account of public health guidelines and the needs of local arts and entertainment communities. The intention is to support flexible, innovative proposals that facilitate year-round use of public spaces in a way that supports the recovery of the creative, cultural, entertainment and events sectors and is future-proofed from a health and safety perspective. Projects should aim to deliver speedy results or actions with added benefits for tourism and the hospitality sector and should also demonstrate how they will support the Night-Time Economy. I have also made €5 million in funding available to local authorities for live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit.
My Department also has a number of advisory groups in place to inform development of policy and initiatives, including the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce, Night-time Economy Taskforce and Tourism Recovery Taskforce.
As we collectively pave the way for a sustainable recovery from the pandemic on life, society and the economy, there is now cause for optimism as the roll-out of vaccinations gathers pace. My Department will play its part in bringing life and vibrancy back to city and town centres.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a review can be undertaken into the recent refusal of support for a company (details supplied) under the live performance support scheme that was also unsuccessful in the pilot scheme and that provided all information requested of it; if the appeal route can be outlined also for the company in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33380/21]
View answerI allocated €50 million in 2021 to a suite of measures to assist the arts and culture sector. As part of that funding, on Tuesday June 15th I announced the allocations for the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021).
I was delighted to be in a position to fund 237 successful applications under this scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website. There was a very high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 applications requesting funding in excess of €80 million. Given the available funding of €25 million, difficult decisions had to be made and it was not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied.
The 237 grants awarded will help support employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
Officials in my Department are engaging with this applicant in relation to the outcome of their Live Performance Support Scheme application and last week provided details in relation to the appeals process for this scheme.
267. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Uimhir Cheist na Parlaiminte 59 ar an 28ú Aibreán 2021, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú i dtaobh an phacáiste tacaíochta atá beartaithe chun cabhair a thabhairt do na coláistí samhraidh agus do na mná tí i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [33421/21]
View answerAn 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 stiúrtha 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 mo Roinn i dtreo ciste cobhsaithe cuí a chur i dtoll a chéile don earnáil.
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.
268. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will liaise with the National Museum of Ireland with a view to securing a permanent exhibition on the Great Hunger - An Gorta Mór; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33440/21]
View answerMy Department supports a range of commemorative activity in relation to the Great Irish Famine, including national and international commemorative events on an annual basis. In addition, there are many local museums and other entities around the country that display material relating to the tragic events of this period in Irish history, such as the very significant Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, County Roscommon.
Decisions in relation to the curation and presentation of temporary or permanent exhibitions within State funded museums in Dublin are operational matters for the relevant cultural institutions or other entities concerned and I understand that there are no plans at present for the establishment of a dedicated famine museum in the National Museum of Ireland.
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects to be in a position to assist in the promotion of the arts post-Covid-19 given the challenges arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33488/21]
View answer271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which, notwithstanding the lockdown, she is in a position to encourage, promote and invest in the arts in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33490/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 271 together.
Decisions on COVID-19 public health measures are the responsibility of Government and are made by Cabinet, on foot of advice from NPHET and the Minister for Health. In line with the plan set out in The Path Ahead the Government has been implementing a phased easing of restrictions for the month of June. The Government will shortly make further decisions which should allow for the continued phased reopening of the music and entertainment sectors for the critical summer season, as the public health situation permits
The Government has responded to the challenges facing the arts, and culture sector through a range of measures. Significant additional funding was announced in Budget 2021, with €130 million allocated to the Arts Council for 2021 and €50 million for supports for life performance. The supports in 2020 and again in 2021 included provision for extensive online content to be generated. Supports have also been provided to those impacted in the arts, culture, performance and events sector through the pandemic unemployment scheme and various wage subsidy schemes. My Department also continues to expand the delivery of the Creative Ireland programme.
In 2021, I allocated €50 million for a suite of measures to assist the live performance sector aimed at supporting employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public. Included in this package are the following measures:
- I recently announced 237 grant allocations under the 2021 Live Performance Support Scheme amounting to €25m.
- An allocation of €14m has been 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 negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. This Scheme is a demand led scheme and is accepting applications at present.
- An allocation of €5 million has been made available to local authorities for live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit.
- Up to €1 million was allocated to the St Patrick's Festival 2021 for programming and it supported over 3,500 days of employment for performers, producers, artists, technicians, creatives and support staff.
A new €11.5m new fund for the entertainment industry, including festivals, conferencing and large events has been agreed between myself and the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. This Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS) will support SMEs that are not eligible for the CRSS.
I am providing funding to local authorities in support of local creative and cultural activity under the Creative Communities Strand of the Creative Ireland Programme. The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme to promote individual, community and national well-being. Its core proposition is that participation in arts, cultural and heritage-based activities drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. Under the Creative Communities initiative in the Creative Ireland Programme, my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provide funding to Kildare and to the other 30 local authorities to implement their individual Culture and Creativity Strategies 2018-2022.
In County Kildare, the Culture and Creativity Team is made up of local authority-defined positions including the Librarian, Arts Officer, Heritage Officer, Irish Language Officer and Climate Action Officer along with economic development staff. To support the implementation of their Culture and Creativity Strategy, Kildare County Council has been allocated funding on an annual to implement their Strategy. This includes access to targeted funding streams to facilitate engagement in creative ways to address societal issues such as those related to climate action, positive ageing and health and well-being. For example in 2021, Kildare County Council successfully applied for additional funding of €26,810 under the Creativity in Older Age scheme for an initiative that supports positive ageing groups in communities in Kildare to explore, discuss and question artworks from the Kildare County Council Municipal Art Collection.
Funding for local authorities for commemorative events under the Decade of Centenaries can be applied to appropriate cultural events under the creative imagination strand.
