Imelda Munster
Question:110. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views regarding the formation of an all-island Irish soccer team. [33259/21]
View answerSports Organisations
Questions (110)
Written answers
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Irish Football Association (IFA) are the respective Governing Bodies for football on the island. They are independent, autonomous bodies and any proposals regarding an all-island international football team would be a matter for those two organisations.
The organisation of sport on an all-island basis has worked very successfully for a number of sports, most notably in the case of rugby and hockey. I am very supportive of cross-border sporting initiatives and collaborations between sporting organisations. Such approaches have excellent potential to enhance relationships on both parts of the island of Ireland.
While any proposal regarding an all-island football team would be a matter for the two organisations, I would welcome any discussions that the FAI and IFA might have on a shared island basis and if the organisations were to bring forward any such proposals, my Department and Sport Ireland would be happy to assist and advise them as appropriate.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (111)
James Lawless
Question:111. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the current guidelines permit organised running events such as an event (details supplied) or other club or charity fun runs; the guidance in relation to same; when same will be allowed if not already permitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33016/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to clarify that parkruns, as with similar charity or community runs, whilst a valuable and inclusive recreational activity for many communities countrywide, are not a sporting activity governed by a recognised National Governing Body of Sport (NGB) and are therefore subject to the rules governing organised outdoor gatherings, not sports events or training events.
Activities undertaken and organised under the auspices of the relevant NGB (in this case Athletics Ireland) are permitted under the regulations in place governing sporting events, subject to compliance with the conditions and protocols that these recognised bodies have put in place in order to ensure participant safety and public health. Guidance on the organisation and running of such events should accordingly be sought and obtained from those NGBs in the first instance. Consultation with the relevant Local Authority would also be required for events taking place in the public realm.
The return of parkruns is fundamentally concerned with the removal of the current restrictions on the size of outdoor public gatherings. I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Health, that there continues to be regular contact with parkrun organisers and detailed discussions regarding a return of parkrun events will commence once Government has taken further decisions in relation to the re-introduction of outdoor mass participation events.
I met with representatives from parkrun on 25th May. There has also been engagement through Sport Ireland and the Expert Group on the Return to Sport in which feedback has been provided on the protocols developed by parkrun in preparation for their return to activity. Parkrun has clarified that it does not intend to modify its mode of operation to accommodate current public health requirements and that it is prepared to wait until the prevailing public health situation is such that parkrun can resume in the same way as pre-March 2020.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 88.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 72.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (114)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:114. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the sports capital grant; the number of applications that were received for the Dún Laoghaire electoral area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33216/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 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. Details of all applications submitted are published on a county basis on my Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#sports-capital-programme-applications-allocations-and-payments. 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. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 76.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (116)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:116. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the proposed supports for artists and events staff including proposals for a universal basic income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31803/21]
View answerWritten answers
I was delighted that as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan launched on June 1st, to secure 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 recently 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.
I have allocated €50 million to a suite of measures to assist the live performance sector including:
- €25m for the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021). I recently announced 237 successful applications for this scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website. The scheme is aimed at supporting employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
- €14m is being for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew. That scheme is now open for applications.
- €5 million for local authorities to support live performances this summer to animate town centres. This funding will be allocated shortly.
- €5 million being made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector.
As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan I also secured an additional €11.5 million for a new Event Sector Covid Support Scheme, the details of which I hope to announce shortly.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (117)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:117. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a bheidh leasaithe do Chéim na Tuarascála de Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2019 réidh le foilsiú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [33188/21]
View answerWritten answers
Mar is eol don Teachta, rinneadh plé cuimsitheach agus fiúntach maidir le Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2019 nuair a tógadh é ag Céim an Choiste sa Dáil san earrach. Gheall mé le linn na díospóireachta sin go ndéanfainn roinnt mhaith de na leasaithe a mhol an freasúra a mheas sa chaoi is go mbeinn in ann mo chuid moltaí fhéin ina leith a thabhairt chun cinn ag Céim na Tuarascála.
Tá an obair sin fós ar bun ag oifigigh mo Roinne i gcomhar le hOifig an Ard-Aighne agus an dréachtóir pharlaiminte. Foilseofar na leasaithe a bhfuil i gceist agam a thabhairt chun cinn ag Céim na Tuarascála a luaithe is a bheidh críoch curtha leis an obair sin.
Dár ndóigh, beidh na leasuithe a bheidh á moladh agam le faomhadh ag an Rialtas roimh Céim na Tuarascála den Bhille chomh maith.
Tourism Promotion
Questions (118)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:118. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures being considered to develop the Lee valley as a must-go destination for both the domestic and foreign tourism markets given that the N22 bypass is progressing for Macroom, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33240/21]
View answerWritten answers
The tourism agencies Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have operational responsibility for the development and promotion of tourism in areas such as the Lee Valley.
Fáilte Ireland recently launched a new domestic marketing campaign ‘Keep Discovering' which is running across all media channels. The campaign is designed to drive consumers to all areas of the country including the Lee Valley in Cork.
The Lee Valley has also featured on Fáilte Ireland's new look DiscoverIreland.ie website for domestic visitors. The website has been redesigned as a one-stop shop for domestic visitors, showcasing the wealth of things to see and do across Ireland.
I have asked both tourism agencies to provide the Deputy with further information on their work developing and promoting tourism in the Lee Valley. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (119)
Duncan Smith
Question:119. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the use of rapid antigen testing at proposed live events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33221/21]
View answerWritten answers
Following 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 promotors 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (120)
Imelda Munster
Question:120. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce additional supports for travel agents and other tourism-related companies whose businesses are reliant on certainty regarding the reopening of international travel that are currently open for business but are not expected to make any significant turnover until well into 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33257/21]
View answerWritten answers
My remit for tourism is concerned solely with inbound travel and does not cover outbound travel agents for Irish residents travelling abroad. In this regard, in addition to the horizontal supports for the sector, Fáilte Ireland introduced a €10m scheme for Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme, which ran in the final quarter of 2020.
The 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 sector is supported in their recovery as we reopen our society and our economy.
Olympic Games
Questions (121)
Neale Richmond
Question:121. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of preparations for Irish athletes competing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33045/21]
View answerWritten answers
Minister Martin and I have had, and will continue to have, regular, ongoing engagement with the sports sector as a whole, including with the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and Paralympics Ireland (PI). The OFI and PI continue to work closely in partnership with Sport Ireland, the Sport Ireland Institute, the Sport Northern Ireland Institute and National Federations to facilitate Team Ireland's effective preparation and participation in the upcoming Tokyo Games.
Tokyo organisers have recently released an updated Tokyo playbook which outlines the various protocols that will be implemented by the organisers. These comprehensive guidelines, which are a key part of the overall countermeasures being put in place for the Games, provide extensive details for each key stakeholder group to assist them complete their preparations for travelling to and arriving in Japan, their time at the Games, and their departure from Tokyo.
The primary focus for high performance sports at the moment is in relation to their respective qualification pathways to the Tokyo Games with significant qualifications events taking place over the next few weeks. There are currently 95 athletes qualified to date, across 15 sports for the Olympics. This will continue to change over the coming weeks as key qualifiers take place and sports manage the World Ranking points that athletes require to qualify in certain sports. The complete team announcement is scheduled for the beginning of July.
Caiteachas Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta
Questions (122)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:122. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán agus sinn leath bealaigh tríd an samhradh anois, an bhfuil aon dul chun cinn déanta aici ar an scéim cúitimh a gheall sí do choláistí Gaeltachta, mná agus fir tí, agus hallaí pobail sa Ghaeltacht; an bhfaighfidh na daoine atá ag brath ar an earnáil sin aon airgead roimh dheireadh an tsamhraidh; agus an raibh aon chruinnithe aici nó ag an Aire Stáit ó glacadh an cinneadh na coláistí samhraidh a chur ar cheal arís i mbliana. [33233/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 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 an 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.
Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 79.
Broadcasting Sector
Questions (124)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to carry out a comprehensive reform as to the way the television licence fee and other Exchequer funding is distributed to broadcasters for public service broadcasting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33189/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The independent commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, is tasked with examining the challenges facing the sector and to consider the extent to which the current models of delivery are the appropriate ones for the next 10 years. It is examining how the public service media can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money to the public. This includes consideration of the current television licence fee model.
The Commission's Report is due to be completed at the end of July and I look forward to receiving their recommendations which will inform future funding policy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (125)
Thomas Pringle
Question:125. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the trial events that will be taking place in the north-west of the country for the reopening post-Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33217/21]
View answerWritten answers
On Friday May 28th the Government agreed pilot events will take place in June and July, depending on the epidemiological situation at the time and subject to the roll out of the vaccination programme.
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 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. The learnings from these events will inform guidance which will have application nationwide.
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 76.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (127)
Pa Daly
Question:127. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the evidence from other jurisdictions that has been used in relation to the protocols for live events held under the auspices of her Department. [33083/21]
View answerWritten answers
Following 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. They will be subject to ongoing review including with respect to the prevailing public health situation.
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 promotors who are submitting Event Management Plans to my Department which are reviewed by Health and Safety consultants.
My Department is monitoring test events internationally and I will continue to keep all of these matters under review as the pilots progress and as public health guidance evolves.
Sport and Recreational Development
Questions (128)
Gary Gannon
Question:128. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if specific funding will be provided to enhance and develop sport facilities in the inner-city area of Dublin. [33282/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. The latest 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 and includes many applications for projects in Dublin's inner city. The scoring system and assessment manual for the 2020 round has now been finalised and is available at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. The scoring system prioritises projects from disadvantaged areas such as parts of Dublin's inner-city.
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. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
Departmental Funding
Questions (129)
Matt Carthy
Question:129. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps required by Monaghan County Council to secure funding under the large-scale sports infrastructure fund towards the provision of a public swimming pool in Carrickmacross. [33193/21]
View answerWritten answers
Previously, Government support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). To date 52 pools have been completed under the LASPP and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the programme.
Exchequer support for any new swimming pool projects is now being provided under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The LSSIF was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Provisional grants to 8 swimming pool projects under the LSSIF were awarded in January 2020. No application was received under the first call for proposals for a new pool in Carrickmacross.
While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF Programme which is expected to be complete in the near future. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered in the context of this review and the review of the National Development Plan. All local authorities will be informed when new proposals under the LSSIF are being accepted.