Written Answers Nos. 258-276
258. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW would see merits in a new forum to oversee the governance and management of all of Galway City's historic waterways in one unified structure; and if the OPW would work with Galway City Council and local stakeholders to do so. [42956/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is the lead agency for flood risk management in Ireland and is responsible for the development and implementation of flood risk policies and strategies.
The OPW, in partnership with Galway City Council, are currently progressing the development of a flood relief scheme for Galway City ‘Corrib go Cósta’ and following a tender process, consultants were appointed in November, 2020. Public and stakeholder engagement are key components of the overall communications strategy that has been developed for the scheme, which details proactive engagement with all key stakeholders with interest in Galway City and the Flood Relief Scheme. This engagement with significant stakeholders has commenced in addition to the first public engagement day which took place in June 2021.
The Galway Flood Relief Scheme, while primarily focused on addressing the sustainable and effective management of flood risk, shall also ensure that the design of any measures, in particular structural measures, takes cognisance of the sensitivity of the distinctive context of the city and a wide range of issues such as cultural heritage, biodiversity and public realm. This will involve significant engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders and will be an ongoing process throughout the development of the scheme.
The OPW would be happy to engage as appropriate with stakeholders with respect of the management of other elements of Galway City's waterways.
259. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of freedom of information requests responded to by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of responses that included documents related to text messages and other phone message communications such as messages sent through an application (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42970/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received and responded to by my Department in the specified period is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Number of Freedom of Information requests |
|
2021 (to date) |
178 |
|
2020 |
295 |
|
2019 |
306 |
|
2018 |
207 |
|
2017 |
247 |
|
2016 |
349 |
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not capture details of the nature of documents issued to FOI requesters as part of its FOI processes and therefore cannot supply the information requested regarding the type of records.
260. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of formal and informal roles held by a person (details supplied) in the name of his Department or associated agency in the lifetime of this Government; when they were appointed to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43041/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the person in question has not held a formal or informal role in the name of my Department, or the Office of Government Procurement which is also part of my Department, since the commencement of the 33rd Dáil. This is also the case in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department.
261. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he and or his special advisors and or officials use or have used services (details supplied) to communicate in the past 18 months. [43077/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy neither I nor my advisors use either of the named applications. This is also the position with respect to members of the Department’s Management Board.
A number of other Department officials do use one of the applications, Slack. The purpose of this application is to facilitate quick updates between external partners and internal teams on live ICT issues. In addition, as part of research conducted into secure solutions to enable continuity of communications in the event corporate communication tools were compromised, my ICT team did make limited use of Signal. All records are retained and searchable under FOI.
262. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures included by cost, description and Department in the €8.1 billion in temporary spending for 2022 outlined in table 4 of the Summer Economic Statement 2021. [43182/21]
View answer263. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures included in the employment wage subsidy scheme by cost, description and Department in the €5.3 billion in Covid-19 measures and contingency for 2022 outlined in table 8 non-core expenditure trajectory of the Summer Economic Statement 2021. [43183/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
The Summer Economic Statement (SES) laid out up to €8.1 billion in 2022 for non-core, temporary spending under the overall expenditure ceiling. This €8.1 billion under ‘temporary spending’ heading in Table 4 of the SES is made up of the non-core expenditure areas listed Table 8, intended to address the specific challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit. This comprises €7 billion for measures in response to Covid-19 and Ireland’s €1.1 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve allocation.
In addition to the €1.5 billion indicated for automatic stabilisers, primarily job-seekers payments, €5.3 billion is indicated as Covid-19 measures and contingency. This combines the €2.5 billion included in the Stability Programme Update to meet pressures that may remain in delivering public services in line with any continued public health requirements and the €2.8 billion contingency reserve set out in the SES. Given the continued uncertainty in relation to Covid-19 and the requirement to ensure that supports are carefully withdrawn in a manner that supports recovery in the economy, this contingency reserve will allow Government flexibility to respond as the situation with the virus evolves. A further €0.2 billion relates to funding under our National Recovery and Resilience Plan expected to be spent in 2022.
Further to this, Ireland has been allocated €1.1 billion under the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve, to fund measures to address the negative impacts of Brexit across the eligible period of the fund. The full allocation has been assigned to 2022 on a technical basis. However, this funding will likely be allocated across Budget 2022 and Budget 2023.
Decisions on specific measures to be covered by this funding, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, and allocations to Departments will be made as part of the Estimates process. As in 2021, it is intended that all expenditure allocations related to Covid-19 will be separately identified in the Expenditure Report to ensure transparency.
Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 262.
264. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when antigen testing will be rolled out as an option for access to indoor dining; the reason for delays in implementing antigen testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42683/21]
View answerAt present, in line with public health-related Regulations, access to indoor dining may be granted to permitted persons with acceptable proof of immunity and also to children accompanying such permitted persons. However, as set out in Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, the Government's agreed plan for the next and final phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government hopes to be in a position from 22 October to remove remaining measures such as the legal requirement to prove immunity in order to access indoor hospitality.
The merits of possible application of antigen testing in settings such as indoor dining are being kept under review in my Department, informed by the work of the Rapid Testing Advisory Group chaired by Prof Mary Horgan. In the meantime, our primary focus is to continue with our careful and gradual approach to easing remaining restrictions and facilitating full reopening from 22 October, while supporting the maximum reach of the vaccine programme and allowing time to achieve the full benefits for all those currently being vaccinated.
265. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in her Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of her Department; the disability quota of her Department at present; if there is an active campaign to increase the disability workforce from the current target of 3% to a minimum of 6% by 2024; if this quota has now been exceeded; if so, the details of same; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to the quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41602/21]
View answerMy Department and agencies under its remit are governed by the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service.
My Department is required to provide information annually to the National Disability Authority (NDA) on the number of persons with disabilities employed on 31st December each year in both the Department and in agencies under its aegis.
The NDA has a statutory role in monitoring employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector, arising from Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, and publishes the statistics provided on its website.
My Department conducted a Disability Staff Census for 2020 to assist monitoring of the number of employees with disabilities, as required under the Disability Act 2005. Almost 10% of staff in my Department self-identified as having a disability as defined by the Act, exceeding the 6% quota in the Comprehensive Strategy for People with Disabilities (2015-2024).
My Department has a strong record of employing persons with disabilities and is strongly committed to the development and implementation of improved measures to promote and support the employment of individuals with disabilities.
My Department is currently participating in the Oireachtas Work Learning Programme (OWL) for persons with intellectual disabilities and has also recruited three graduates with disabilities from the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) work placement programme which aims to promote access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities and build the capacity of employers to integrate disability into the mainstream workplace. All staff have access to the Department's Disability Liaison Officer who provides additional support to staff with disabilities on an ongoing basis.
Each public body under the aegis of the Department is responsible for ensuring they meet the annual statutory disability target. A Monitoring Committee has been established in my Department to monitor compliance of bodies under the aegis of the Department with Part 5 of the Disability Act, 2005 (Article 48). I am informed that a key objective of the Monitoring Committee is to support the public bodies meet the Government’s public service employment target for persons with disabilities. Below, detailed in tabular form are the statistics gathered and submitted to my Department for the 2020 Part 5 Returns for Public Bodies under the aegis of the Department. I understand these statistics will be published by the NDA in due course.
|
Name of Public Body |
% (Highest to lowest) |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
10.53% |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
10.26% |
|
National Library of Ireland |
9.09% |
|
Foras na Gaeilge(North South Body) |
8.16% |
|
Ulster Scots Agency (North South Body) |
7.69% |
|
Údarás Na Gaeltachta |
6.90% |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
6.42% |
|
RTÉ |
4.88% |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
4.76% |
|
TG4 |
4.55% |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
4.00% |
|
National Concert Hall |
4.00% |
|
Sport Ireland |
3.92% |
|
Arts Council |
3.13% |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
2.22% |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
1.86% |
|
Screen Ireland |
0.00% |
|
Tourism Ireland (North South Body) |
0.00% |
Appointments to posts in my Department are normally made from recruitment panels of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). I am informed that my Department actively seeks to accommodate new recruits with disabilities when such persons become available from PAS panels.
266. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the return of wheelchair hurling for fully vaccinated persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41634/21]
View answerIn line with the recently published Government plan COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, there will be a further easing of restrictions on organised indoor and outdoor sporting activities generally from 20 September, which will facilitate the resumption from that date of indoor sports such as wheelchair hurling in accordance with the conditions and limits specified in the Government's plan. The plan indicates a maximum of 100 participants (with appropriate protective measures) in such indoor sports if all participants are fully vaccinated. Further details and updated guidance will also be available from the specific National Governing Body (NGB) of wheelchair hurling. Sport Ireland maintains a close liaison with the various NGBs and provides guidance to them as required.
267. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she will report on the feasibility of establishing a digital legal deposit scheme for large-scale, systematic and sustained archiving of the Irish web domain as committed to in section 108 of the Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Law Provisions Act 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41647/21]
View answerMy Department is working with the National Library of Ireland (NLI) on exploring the feasibility of expanding the NLI’s capacity to establish a digital legal deposit scheme to serve as a web archive for the .ie domain and work is ongoing.
There are differing viewpoints on the introduction of digital legal deposit and it is important that consultations incorporate all viewpoints. It is hoped to bring forward a report in the coming months.
268. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when live music will be permitted back in indoor hospitality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41816/21]
View answerUnder COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, the Government's agreed plan for the next and final phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, live music is permitted from 6 September in indoor hospitality settings having due regard to appropriate protective factors.
269. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a plan will be produced for safe reopening for staff, children and parents involved in the performing arts and a timeline for the safe resumption of indoor classes. [41826/21]
View answer275. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has a roadmap for when indoor classes will be allowed to resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42134/21]
View answer277. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if one to one music classes are identified as a personal service; and if she will provide clarity on the return of one to one music classes under the current public health guidelines. [42203/21]
View answer279. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will establish a framework that brings the public health restrictions on individual in-person music tuition in line with other sectors in order that students can attend classes as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42309/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269, 275, 277 and 279 together.
On 31 August, the Government published a plan - COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting. The Government has agreed that during the period between 1 September and 22 October, we will continue our careful and gradual approach to reopening, while supporting maximum reach of the vaccine programme and allowing time to achieve the full benefits for all those currently being vaccinated. The Plan emphasises the importance of personal responsibility in minimising opportunities for virus transmission as we move into the final stages of the reopening of our society and economy.
In terms of arts and culture activities, one to one music, dance and art classes may operate at the moment.
Additionally, at its meeting on 31 August, Government agreed on the return of organised indoor group activities, on the following basis from 20 September:
- For organised indoor activities where attendees are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, and accompanying minors, 100 people may attend;
- For organised indoor activities where attendance is a mixed group of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the group should be organised in pods of up to 6 participants (excluding adult leaders/teachers), with 2m distancing between pods.
Indoor group activities include sports, arts, culture and dance classes. All indoor group activities should ensure that there are appropriate infection prevention and control measures in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission. The Arts Council has prepared guidance on the reopening of arts, culture and dance activities for children and young people which is available on their website http://www.artscouncil.ie/covid-19/government-guidelines/, which is currently being updated.
As signalled by Government in its reopening plan, it is envisaged that a full return to these activities will be possible after 22 October 2021 as the vaccination programme progresses and subject to the levels of infections and hospitalisations at that time.
270. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cur síos a dhéanamh ar cén comhordanú atá déanta ag a Roinn leis an Aontas Eorpach chun an tionscadal píolóta a ligeann d’aistritheoirí na Gaeilge a bheith lonnaithe san Aonad i gContae na Mí a leathnú, agus chun a chinntiú go dtiocfaidh méadú ar líon na n-aistritheoirí le Gaeilge in AE in áit díreach athlonnú ón mBruiséil go dtí an Mhí a spreagadh. [41898/21]
View answerCuirimse fáilte roimh chinneadh Choimisiún an Aontais Eorpaigh seirbhísí aistriúcháin Gaeilge ag leibhéal an AE a fhorbairt ar mhaithe le deireadh a chur leis an maolú ar úsáid na Gaeilge in institiúidí an AE ag deireadh na bliana seo. Tá oifigigh sinsireacha mo Roinne ag obair go dlúth lena gcomhghleacaithe sna hinstitiúidí le blianta beaga anuas chun úsáid na Gaeilge ag leibhéal an AE a mhéadú. Chuige sin, tá ionadaíocht ag mo Roinn ar Coiste Stiúrtha an tionscnaimh chun deireadh a chur leis an maolú. Níl aon ról ag mo Roinn, áfach, i gcinntí na n-institiúidí maidir leis na láthair ina mbeidh a gcuid baill foirne lonnaithe.
271. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures she is taking to promote or facilitate remote working for staff in her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department; the costs this has generated in terms of the provision of laptops, desktop computers or contributions to wi-fi costs or phone-related expenses; the number of staff who have applied for permission to work from home on a permanent or hybrid-model basis (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41961/21]
View answerDepartments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. To facilitate remote working, the Department provided laptops and mobile phones to staff where required and also carried out an home working health and safety assessment. The Department did not contribute to wifi costs.
An interim blended working policy is currently under development for staff of the Department to support a combination of office and remote working. A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised over the coming months.
Below, set out in tabular form, is a summary of costs. ICT costs refer to the provision of laptops and telephony costs refer to the provision of mobile phones.
Included also, are the costs gathered and submitted to my Department in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
- |
ICT Costs - |
Telephony/Broadband Costs |
|
Department |
€281,926 |
€88,733* |
|
|
|
|
|
Bodies under the Aegis |
|
|
|
Arts Council |
€95,905 |
€58,491 |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
€16,434 |
€0 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
€7,725 |
€0 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
€31,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
€157,290 |
€25,800 |
|
Fís Éireann | Screen Ireland |
€98,522 |
€0 |
|
Foras Teanga (Foras na Gaeilge) |
€28,180 |
€0 |
|
Foras Teanga (Ulster-Scots Agency) |
€240 |
€0 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
€27,872 |
€10,709 |
|
National Concert Hall |
€65,849 |
€0 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
€153,552 |
€0 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
€79,636 |
€0 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
€72,277 |
€53,199 |
|
Sport Ireland |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Tourism Ireland |
€147,295 |
€0 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€79,572 |
€0 |
* includes ongoing mobile phone costs arising prior to Covid 19 as part of day-to-day business.
RTÉ and TG4 have advised that they will respond directly to the Deputy.
272. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when indoor sports training is likely to recommence; and when guidelines will be issued. [41974/21]
View answerThe resumption of indoor sports training has been permitted on an individual basis since 7 June. In line with the recently published Government plan, COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, there will be a further easing of restrictions on organised indoor and outdoor sporting activities generally from 20 September which will permit the resumption of indoor sports training on a group basis in accordance with the conditions and limits specified in the Government's plan. Further details and updated guidance will also be available from the various National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Sport Ireland maintains a close liaison with the NGBs and provides guidance to them as required.
273. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of details of consultants retained by Fáilte Ireland including the name of the consultant, project work, cost of project and date of completion in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [42028/21]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the question to the agency for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
274. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of the refurbishment costs carried out by Údaras na Gaeltachta on its factory premises in the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht in County Meath over the past four years in tabular form (details supplied). [42130/21]
View answerA major refurbishment and redevelopment of a 4,127 square metre factory building owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Baile Ghib, Co. Meath commenced at the end of 2017, arising from an expression of interest and subsequent business plan submitted by an innovative new company, Novelplast, with a view to locating the business and creating new jobs in the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht.
Novelplast commenced operations in Baile Ghib in 2019 and has surpassed its business expectations to date. At the end of 2019, the company had 20 full time staff employed and has now grown to 39 staff, with plans for further expansion.
The company operates in the green economy and the business is based on sustainable and innovative recycling solutions for the industrial plastic industry. Novelplast recycles and repurposes industrial offcut filament and fibre material from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturing facilities in order to make PET pellets/chips.
Údarás na Gaeltachta committed funding for the upgrade of the building to bring it to the required industry specifications, along with substantial extra works specified by the client company, Novelplast. The total capital expenditure on the project to date is c. €2.8m. A substantial portion of this relates to the extra works specified by the company, in respect of which Údarás na Gaeltachta will be repaid in full by the company as is the norm with such expenditure. Details of expenditure made by An tÚdarás are provided in the table below.
|
Year |
2017 / 2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total to date |
|
Expenditure |
€321,623 |
€1,153,389 |
€1,017,430 |
€300,513 |
€2,792,955 |
I understand that Novelplast is working with industry partners and third level intuitions to transform the plastics industry through a project which was approved earlier this year for grant aid under the Government’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. More recently, I understand that Noveplast was successful in being selected under the Government’s first Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) for a project that aims to develop the technology capable of sustainably recycling marine litter and discarded/used fishing nets.
276. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the basic income guarantee pilot scheme for artists as per the report by the oversight group which she previously advised was due at the end of July 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42149/21]
View answer280. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of her plans to introduce a pilot living wage for artists' scheme. [42338/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 280 together.
The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report Life Worth Living, was published in November 2020 and made ten recommendations for the sector. The recommendations included a proposal to pilot a basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audiovisual and live performance and events sectors. As part of the Economic Recovery Plan launched on June 1st, Government committed to a Basic Income pilot scheme for artists.
I established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Life Worth Living report. The membership of the Group is drawn from Departments and Agencies which have the ability and wherewithal to make appropriate progress on the outstanding recommendations, including the Basic Income Guarantee pilot.
The Oversight Group held its first meeting on May 27th chaired by the Department and joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members alongside a representative of the County and City Managers' Association.
I asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the manner in which a Basic Income pilot scheme for artists could be delivered. The Group has provided me with a preliminary report on the different options and I will be discussing these with my senior officials in the coming days. Once I've had an opportunity to review I will go back to the Oversight Group to ask them to finalise the report. I expect to be making a proposal for a Basic Income as part of the Budget 2022 discussions, after which further details should be available on how the pilot scheme will be progressed.
