Written Answers Nos. 65-86
65. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider the realignment of Fáilte Ireland in order that it becomes the parent supporting body for the hospitality sector post-Covid-19. [33139/21]
View answerFáilte Ireland was established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. The Agency, under the Act, is a non-commercial State body responsible for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism development as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
The functions of the Authority are set out in Section 8 of the Act. It sets out that the role of Fáilte Ireland is to encourage, promote and support the development of tourist traffic within and to the State and the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services in the State. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have played a key role in developing the tourism sector to be one of the leading indigenous sectors in the country and in the continuous growth of tourism prior to COVID-19.
Tourism was one of the most directly affected sectors in this current crisis. Fáilte Ireland provided vital assistance in sustaining tourism business during lockdown, supported enterprises during reopening and will be crucial in assisting the tourism sector survive and thrive into the future. Tourism helps sustain infrastructure and businesses that are vital to the local economy and local communities. It is closely related to the wider hospitality sector, the bulk of which serves the non-tourist local resident market.
My Department and Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the wider hospitality sector and Government Departments on issues of mutual concern. The Hospitality and Tourism Forum, was established by An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I, to provide a platform for structured engagement between the Hospitality and Tourism sectors, the tourism agencies and relevant Government Departments.
The Forum enables The Tánaiste and I, to engage with a wide spectrum of industry stakeholders in order to assess the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to help improve understanding and responses to the crisis and to discuss ideas for recovery measures, thus assisting the Government in formulating its on-going response to the crisis.
Fáilte Ireland also currently chairs the Tourism & Hospitality Careers Oversight Group which is a collaborative approach by stakeholders, including Industry Bodies, Education Providers, Government Departments and State Agencies to addressing skills shortages in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.
Tourism has proven itself resilient before and I am confident that, with the support of Government, it will recover from this crisis and thrive again. Accordingly, while I am always open to review and improve existing structures, I have no plans at present to realign Fáilte Ireland.
70. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the development of the Gaeltacht language planning process including Gaeltacht language planning areas and Gaeltacht service towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33296/21]
View answerThe Language planning process is being rolled out under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012. Údarás na Gaeltachta is charged with facilitating the implementation of the process in Gaeltacht language planning areas and Gaeltacht Service Towns located within the Gaeltacht with Foras na Gaeilge having similar responsibility for the implementation of the process outside the Gaeltacht.
Of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, 22 language plans have been approved to date. My Department is currently undertaking an analysis of three further plans - Oileáin Árann, Cléire and Maigh Eo Thiar. I am also informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that preparation of a Language Plan for An Ghaeltacht Láir, Co Donegal is currently underway. I am confident that language plans for each of the 26 language planning areas will be approved and indeed that their implementation will be underway before the end of 2021.
To date, language plans for four Gaeltacht Service Towns have been approved under the process, namely, Letterkenny, Daingean Uí Chúis, Galway City and An Chlochán Liath, which I recently approved. My Department is also currently evaluating the language plan for Tralee, Co Kerry. The process of preparing language plans is underway for the following Gaeltacht Service Towns: Dungarvan, Cahirciveen and Cork City.
I should also point out that language plans have been approved for the Irish Language Networks of Clondalkin, Ennis and Loughrea.
19 Language Planning Officers and four Assistant Language Planning Officers have been recruited and are implementing the plans approved to date.
My Department has, through successive budgets, increased the allocation available for implementation of the language planning process. The total allocation from budget 2021 for the process amounts to €5m - an increase of €1.3m on the 2020 allocation. From this allocation, I was, in recent weeks, in a position to approve funding of €3.4m for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge to assist them with implementation of the process during the current year. From this allocation, my Department is also supporting the early years, family and traditional arts sectors through the provision of funding for Comhar Naoínraí na Gaeltachta, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta and Ealaín na Gaeltachta respectively with each of these sectors being an important component of the language planning process.
All in all, I am satisfied that the language planning process is now gaining momentum. At full-implementation stage, we will have a team of nearly 50 full-time language planning officers dedicated exclusively to the implementation of language plans across Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks. This important work at community level will be complemented by the new initiatives provided for in the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill to be taken at Dáil Report Stage shortly. These initiatives include the objective of 20% of new recruits to the public service being competent in the Irish language by 2030 and the development of a National Plan for the Provision of Irish-Medium Public Services - the implementation of which the Government has already committed to in its Civil Service Renewal Strategy 2021-2030.
71. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the work her Department is carrying out to encourage foreign production companies to hire a percentage of Irish actors when working in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33215/21]
View answerThe Government’s longstanding ambition is to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation. This is supported by the initiatives outlined in the Audiovisual Action Plan, launched in June 2018 under the Creative Ireland Programme.
The aim is to grow the audiovisual sector in Ireland to such an extent that sufficient employment opportunities are made available to allow our cast and crew to work consistently work across different productions. In Ireland, a key attraction to foreign production companies is the calibre of our talented workforce in the audiovisual sector and the positive reputation they enjoy internationally. Looking at the recent announcement of the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) 2021 Nominations for the Irish Academy Awards, I was struck by how much our Irish acting talent is being showcased, both here in Ireland and across the world through myriad roles in film and television. It is truly heartening to see Irish talent on the global stage, both in front of, and behind the cameras.
Government policy supports the film and television sector to create an attractive environment for film production. Key to this is support for skills and training initiatives in the sector. Ireland also supports the sector though its international film co-production treaties and by offering a competitive section 481 tax credit. This is a tax credit calculated by reference to expenditure on cast and crew working in Ireland, and on goods and services sourced in Ireland. As members of the European Union, we must of course be mindful of our responsibilities to avoid discrimination on the grounds of nationality but we are unabashedly proud of our talented Irish workforce and the reach of our talent across the global industry is testament to this.
My Department funds Screen Ireland, the national development agency for the screen sector investing in Talent, Creativity and Enterprise. Screen Ireland’s role is to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country.
Not all projects taking place in Ireland will have Screen Ireland funding but I can assure the deputy that Screen Ireland and particularly its training division Screen Skills Ireland place a strong emphasis on the promotion and development of Irish talent.
72. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has assessed the long-term impact on local media of accelerated changes during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33267/21]
View answer75. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the future of local media; if there will be further rounds of the sound and vision funding; if similar levels of funding will be made available to local newspapers; if updates have been received from the Future of Media Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33249/21]
View answer113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has assessed the pressures on the local print media sector and the challenges it faces in the short and medium-term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30807/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 75 and 113 together.
The local media sector faces a fall in revenue arising from the pandemic, but also longer term challenges as a result of changing patterns of media consumption, technology and shifts in advertising revenue. I recognise the essential role that the local media plays and the particular value of local and regional newspapers, as well as local, regional and community radio stations, in bringing communities together and sharing reliable and relevant local news.
In recognition of these longer term challenges facing the sector, the Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The Future of Media Commission conducted a public consultation, that resulted in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups, including local media, and the general public. In addition, the Commission conducted a number of online dialogues with stakeholders and experts CRAOL, IBI, the NUJ, Local Ireland, and NewsBrands. I look forward to receiving the Commission's Report on the completion of its work in July which will inform media policy, including local print and broadcasting media, over the next 10 years.
Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have met key stakeholders including NewsBrands, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). My Department has developed an understanding of the impact of the pandemic and general financial trends in the print sector through particularly useful engagement with Local Ireland. My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues arising and build an understanding of the range of challenges facing the sector.
The Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are available to local newspapers, such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme. The loss the sector has suffered from the impact of the restrictions has also been addressed by the public health advertising placed by the Government.
I understand that at least €4.4 million has been expended on regional and local print advertising from March 2020 to April 2021. I am also ensuring that advertising campaigns organised by my Department include a local print media element. Recently the campaign for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creative events for young people, included a spend of €187,000 on local print advertising.
To relation to the local radio sector, I have received quarterly reports from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, analysing how COVID-19 has affected Independent Radio. These reports have identified the size of falling revenue streams for commercial radio, especially local radio; and the beneficial impact of government supports, such as the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, which has reduced costs for local stations. In the first quarter of 2021, 17 radio stations availed of this scheme and received €1.5m in supports. Moreover, government and HSE COVID-related advertising spend also produced a source of revenue for radio stations which amounted to €1.8m in Q1 2021. The BAI will continue to report to me on the sector in the coming months.
In recognition of challenges facing the sector and its important contribution to society as a whole, I secured additional funding for the Sound and Vision scheme alongside the allocation of 7% of net licence fee receipts which normally supports the fund. I allocated an additional €4.9m to the BAI in December 2020. €1m of this was distributed by the BAI in December and the balance of €3.9m comprising €2.5m for the independent radio sector and €1.4m to support the live music sector was recently allocated by the BAI. On 31 May 2021, in Round 38 of the Sound and Vision 4 scheme, the BAI announced the allocation of €7.2m in supports which will facilitate the production of 104 projects.
A further round of €2.58m was awarded on 29 April to support all 32 radio stations in the independent radio sector. This funding, which is Round 39 of the Sound and Vision 4 scheme, is on top of the supports already put in place in 2020. Further Sound and Vision funding rounds will follow later in year and the BAI, will announce these as they arise.
It must be noted that the Sound and Vision scheme is a statutory scheme provided for under Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and is largely funded by the television licence. It is limited by statute to audiovisual and sound media and is independently administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. There is no equivalent statutory framework for the print sector. However, as stated above, the report of the Future of Media Commission will make recommendations in relation to the print media when it reports next month.
My officials continue to engage with the secretariat of the Future of Media Commission and relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues arising and build an understanding of the range of challenges facing the sector at present and appropriate solutions for the future.
73. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the take-up of the €50 million suite of supports for those working in the live entertainment sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33297/21]
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, I have announced 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 that would be available under CRSS, had such SMEs been eligible for that support.
74. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way she is supporting local and regional arts and culture organisations, artists and venues through the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33244/21]
View answerPrimary support for the arts, including support for a wide range of cultural venues, is delivered by the Arts Council. In 2021, the Government allocated €130m to the Arts Council which is an increase of 62% over the amount initially allocated for 2020. The Arts Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003. The Arts Council announced details of its investment plans last February and this included a range of initiatives aimed at supporting artists and arts organisation through the crisis.
From the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Arts Council adopted pro-active approach to supporting individual artists of all genres as well as arts and culture organisations. One of the Council's first actions was its announcement to honour all existing funding commitments, pre-funding grantees up to 90% of funding to assist with commitments, especially to artists. Since then, the Arts Council introduced new and enhanced funding programmes specifically in response to COVID-19. Further information of these investments can be accessed on the Arts Council’s website
In 2021, I allocated €50 million for a suite of measures to assist the live performance sector aimed at supporting employment and wellbeing 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 separate €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.
76. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding will be made available for a stadium (details supplied); and the details of funding provided by her Department to the stadium in the past five years. [33280/21]
View answer115. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has had any communications with the management of a stadium (details supplied) to date; if she will take steps to prevent the sale of the stadium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33281/21]
View answer126. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will help to develop and enhance a stadium (details supplied) to ensure women and men's football can continue to play in a modern stadium into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33279/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 115 and 126 together.
The question of any possible sale of the stadium referred to by the Deputy is a matter for Dublin City Council in the first instance.
In terms of my role, my Department provides grant assistance for sporting facilities through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Under the SCEP, grants of up to €300,000 are available to community organisations, sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities to develop or refurbish sports facilities. The stadium referred to by the Deputy received a provisional allocation of €71,000 under the 2018 round of the Programme but this has not been drawn down.
The latest round of the SCEP closed for applications on the 1st March and assessment work is underway. An announcement on the timing of the next round of the Programme will be made once these allocations have been finalised.
The National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of the LSSIF. The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount (€300,000) available under the SCEP. The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund. Approximately €86.4m has been allocated to 33 projects to date including an allocation of €918,750 to Dublin City Council towards the overall design cost for the redevelopment of the stadium to which the Deputy refers.
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 near future. This review will look at, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and the timing of a new call for proposals will also be considered.
A key consideration in the assessment of any applications under the SCEP and the LSSIF is the likelihood of increasing participation including female participation and the government is committed to continued investment in our sport infrastructure in the years ahead. Any future application for funding for the stadium referred to by the Deputy under either the SCEP or LSSIF will be considered on its own merits in line with the relevant assessment criteria.
78. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that are in place to sustain the live music sector at present. [29842/21]
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, I have announced 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 that would be available under CRSS, had such SMEs been eligible for that support.
79. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 28 April 2021, the status of the development of proposals by the oversight group for the promised basic income guarantee pilot scheme for artists; when she expects the proposals to be finalised; when she expects to implement the pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33291/21]
View answer95. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the oversight group which is assessing the pilot for the artist basic income guarantee scheme. [33103/21]
View answer123. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps taken to pursue a basic minimum income for members of the artistic and cultural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33295/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 95 and 123 together.
I was delighted that as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan launched on June 1st, I secured a commitment from Government for a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists. The Government recognises that bold steps are necessary for our invaluable and much treasured arts community to come back stronger than ever before.
I have established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report Life Worth Living. The Oversight Group held its first meeting on May 27th and is being chaired by my Department and joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members and as well as a representative of the County and City Managers Association.
I have asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the examination of Recommendation 1 of the Life Worth Living report, and to examine the manner in which a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists could be delivered. The Oversight Group is expected to report to me by the end of July.
The work of the Oversight Group will be independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the Programme for Government commitment to pilot a Universal Basic Income within the lifetime of this Government commitment.
80. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding will be provided to sporting clubs to host commemorative tournaments and events given the significance of the Decade of Centenaries and the opportunity this presents to educate young persons. [33252/21]
View answerOn 27th April, the Government announced plans for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries programme and, in particular, plans for 2021. The commemorative programme is led and co-ordinated by my Department but has significant input from various partners, including National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning, local authorities and community organisations, custodians of records, and creative communities, among others.
I can advise the Deputy that although there is no dedicated funding stream to support commemorative initiatives led by sporting clubs, there are many opportunities within the programme for community-led engagement, particularly with young people, potentially including commemorative sporting initiatives of the sort mentioned by the Deputy.
For this final phase of the Decade of Centenaries, the Expert Advisory Group has advocated a three-tier approach, comprising a small number of State-led commemorations, augmented by local authority and community-led commemorative initiatives. This approach recognises the need for us all to lean into the expertise and experience of our local authorities in supporting and driving community-led commemoration, supported with appropriate State recognition and participation. This measured and balanced approach has proven to work very well in complex and sensitive local contexts where the distressing events of 100 years ago are remembered respectfully within their communities.
In December, I announced a funding allocation of €50,000 for every local authority to support the development of community-led commemorative activities. If a local sporting organisation would like to develop a specific commemorative initiative, I would encourage them to contact the Decade of Centenaries co-ordinator in their local authority to discuss their ideas and proposals further. The relevant contact details can be found on the Decade of Centenaries web-site https://www.decadeofcentenaries.com/local-authorities/
81. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil freagra aici ar an gcinneadh a glacadh ag an Ard-Chúirt i gcás MacFhlannchadha v an tAire Talmhaíochta agus Bia go gcaithfear rialacháin nua a fhorordú chun a chinntiú go mbeidh Gaeilge agus Béarla araon ar lipéid agus paicáistiú táirgí leighis d’ainmhithe; ar labhair sí go fóill leis an Aire Talmhaíochta agus Bia mar gheall ar stádas na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn sna rialacháin seo, nó an bhfuil sé i gceist aici labhairt leis go luath; agus an dtapóidh sí an deis rialacháin níos forleithne a fhorordú chun a chinntiú go mbeidh dátheangachas riachtanach ar lipéid agus paicáistiú táirgí do thomhaltóirí go ginearálta. [33234/21]
View answerCé nach bhfuil aon fhreagracht reachtúil orm ó thaobh lipéadú dátheangach ar tháirgí leighis thréidliachta, tá spéis ag mo Roinn go mbeadh an Ghaeilge níos infheicithe i saol eacnamaíochta an Stáit. Ar an mbonn seo, rinne oifigigh de chuid mo Roinne teagmháil le hoifigigh de chuid an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara níos túisce i mbliana, tar éis breith Cúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh i leith úsáid na Gaeilge ar lipéid tháirgí tréidliachta.
Tá teagmháil déanta le mo Roinn freisin maidir le feachtas atá ar bun le lipéadú dátheangach ar phacáistí bia go ginearálta a chur chun cinn, agus tá oifigigh mo Roinn i dteagmháil le heagraí an fheachtais seo.
Tá tiomantas tugtha i Réimsí Gnímh 6.8 – An Saol Eacnamaíochta, de chuid Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 maidir le Lipeadú agus Pacáistiú dátheangach. Gealltar go féachfaidh an Rialtas an bhféadfaí cód deonach a thabhairt isteach do lipéadú agus do phacáistiú dátheangach i gcás gach earra a dhíoltar in Éirinn. D’fhéadfaí an gníomh sin a úsáid mar mheicníocht chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar raon na réimsí inar féidir le daoine Gaeilge a roghnú mar theanga tráchtála.
Chomh maith leis sin, sonraíonn Alt 2.8.1.2 de Phlean Gníomhaíochta Gaeilge an Rialtais 2018-2022 go soláthróidh Foras na Gaeilge, i gcomhar le páirtithe ábhartha raon bearta le tacaíochta a sholáthar do úsáid na Gaeilge in earnáil an ghnó agus sa saol eacnamaíochta. Tá Foras na Gaeilge i mbun:
- Scéim tacaíochta maoinithe dírithe ar Fhiontair Bheaga agus Mheánmhéide: Scéim deontais í seo ina bhfuil maoiniú meaitseála oiread agus €3,000 ar fáil chun tacú le comharthaíocht, stáiseanóireacht, ábhair margaíochta chlóite, suíomhanna idirlín agus ábhair brandála eile a fhorbairt go gairmiúil i nGaeilge nó go dátheangach
- Pacáiste Acmhainní Tacaíochta do Ghnólachtaí: Tá 31 saináis tacaíochta don earnáil ghnó ar fáil saor in aisce ón gcóras féinordaithe. Mar chuid den phacáiste tacaíochta, tá rogha comharthaí féinghreamaithe, suaitheantais, bileoga agus earraí tacaíochta eile chun cur le hinfheictheacht na Gaeilge i dtimpeallacht ghnó
- Treoirleabhráin ar DheaChleachtais: Mar chuid de shraith foilseachán, foilsíodh dhá threoirleabhrán chun treoir phraiticiúil a thabhairt don earnáil gnó ar úsáid an dátheangachais: ‘Comharthaíocht Dhátheangach’ agus ‘Pacáistíocht Dhátheangach’. Beidh an chéad treoirleabhrán eile dírithe ar úsáid an dátheangachais go leictreonach agus ar shuíomh Idirlín.
- QMharc Gnó le Gaeilge: cód deonach agus córas cáilíochta nuafhorbartha don earnáil ghnó is ea ‘QMharc Gnó le Gaeilge’, atá dírithe ar aitheantas oifigiúil a thabhairt don sárchleachtas dátheangach bunaithe ar an gCaighdeán Idirnáisiúnta ISO 9001:2008. Is féidir le fiontair bheaga agus mheánmhéide ar fud oileán na hÉireann cur isteach ar an ngradam seo.
Leanfaidh oifigigh mo Roinne ag comhoibriú le Foras na Gaeilge, lena chinntiú go gcuirfear Alt 2.8.1.2 i bhfeidhm.
Chomh maith leis seo, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do eagraíochtaí mar Gael-Taca i gCorcaigh; Gnó Mhaigh Eo; Gaillimh le Gaeilge agus le déanaí Cill Dara le Gaeilge, le tacaíocht a thabhairt d’úsáid na Gaeilge i réimse an ghnó.
82. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to lobby for an extension to employment supports for the tourism and hospitality sector post the reopening of the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27882/21]
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 and hospitality sector is supported in their recovery as we reopen our society and our economy.
83. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that are available to homeowners in Gaeltacht regions, that is, mná tí whose primary incomes are from working during the summer months as host families for students who move to the Gaeltacht to improve their Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33238/21]
View answerMy Department, via Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, subvents the cost of attending summer college in Gaeltacht regions. Under the terms of the scheme, the Department provides a subsidy, currently worth €10 per day (equivalent to €220 per student for a three week course) which benefits over 26,000 students a year while staying in any of the c.700 Gaeltacht households approved under the scheme.
This represents a State investment of over €4m annually in support of the Irish summer colleges sector. Not only does this annual state investment yield benefits in providing language learning and enrichment opportunities to thousands of young people annually, it also generates economic benefits for Gaeltacht regions.
In addition to providing and administering this practical assistance, the Department also administers a number of further specific measures under the scheme, including DEIS Gaeltachta. Under this measure which was introduced in 2019, 50 scholarships are made available annually - worth c. €850 each - to qualifying students attending DEIS post-primary schools. The scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, which also administers another initiative called Árainn Gaeltachta. This initiative provides funding of up to €150,000 over a 3-year period so that up to 30 post-primary students per year can spend a full year attending any one of the three post-primary schools on the Aran islands while residing with accredited Gaeltacht households.
While my Department has for a number of years subsidised the accommodation costs for trainee teachers attending residential Gaeltacht courses, in 2019, it launched a new initiative, named Erasmus Gaeltachta, which provides up to 175 third-level students with the opportunity to spend a semester residing with accredited Gaeltacht households. This initiative is administered under my Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge to subvent the cost of accommodation for students staying with Gaeltacht households approved under the scheme. It is expected that this will resume in the new academic year, having been cancelled over the past year due to the pandemic.
Both I and my officials are continuing to engage with the summer colleges sector on foot of the decision to cancel courses this summer. The overall purpose of this engagement - which includes discussions with a representative group of Gaeltacht accommodation providers, is 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.
Needless to say, my Department continues to keep under constant review how best to further support and develop the sector within available resources and in a way which best supports the overall objectives of the overarching 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and in turn, the Irish language and Gaeltacht regions.
84. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar fhorbairt Choláiste Lurgan. [33302/21]
View answerAr mhaithe le cur tuilleadh le forbairt cheantar Chois Fharraige – ar leas na Gaeilge agus gheilleagar an cheantair trí chéile - tá forbairt Ionaid Oideachais agus Óige in Indreabhán ar cheann de na tosaíochtaí straitéiseacha atá ag mo Roinn, i gcomhar le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta. Séard atá beartaithe a dhéanamh ná áis nua-aimseartha, ilfheidhmeach a thógáil in áit an foirgneamh ina bhfuil Coláiste Lurgan Teo., ag feidhmiú faoi láthair atá in úinéireacht an Údaráis.
Déanfar seo sa chaoi is go mbeadh an foirgneamh nua in ann freastal níos fearr a dhéanamh ar riachtanais an choláiste samhraidh é féin chomh maith le bheith ar fáil lasmuigh den samhradh mar áis oideachais, óige agus phobail, ar leas foriomlán an phobail.
Chun go mbeifear in ann an fhorbairt seo a bhrú chun cinn, beidh gá don Údarás talamh a cheannach ar an dá thaobh den fhoirgneamh atá faoi láthair i seilbh Coláiste Lurgan Teo. Tá plé ar bun, dá réir, le Coláiste Lurgan Teo. le tamall, faoi seo uile.
Ós rud é go mbeadh infheistíocht shuntasach airgead poiblí i gceist, is gá a chinntiú go ndéantar gach rud faoi réir na rialachán agus na dtreoirlínte ábhartha a bhaineann le caiteachas poiblí. Aithnítear dá réir, go mbeadh gá le comhaontú ceangaltach a bheith comhaontaithe ann idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Coláiste Lurgan Teo., a chuimseoidh gach ghné den scéal.
Ar mhaithe le tuilleadh éascaíochta a dhéanamh ar rudaí i dtreo a bheith in ann na chéad chéimeanna eile maidir leis an togra a ghlacadh gan tuilleadh moille, cuireadh in iúl do Choláiste Lurgan Teo ar 14 Bealtaine 2021 go n-íocfadh an stát seachas an coláiste as an trealamh sainiúil stáitse agus fuaime a bheadh ag teastáil uathu.
Ar mhaithe le tuiscint níos fearr a chothú i measc phobal na háite faoina bhfuil ar bun agus beartaithe ag an Údarás faoin togra go ginearálta, beidh sraith cruinnithe á n-eagrú go luath le heagraíochtaí ábhartha sa cheantar. Eagraíodh a leithéid de chruinniú eolais le gairid le hionadaíocht mhná tí an choláiste.
Ní gá dom a rá go leanfar leis na hiarrachtaí ar fad atá idir lámha ag an Údarás agus ag an Roinn chun an togra seo a bhrú chun cinn go rathúil oiread is féidir.
86. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of tourism funding provided to County Monaghan in 2020; and the allocation for 2021. [33194/21]
View answerFunding for tourism is channelled through the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. In this regard, the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
