Written Answers Nos. 203-223
203. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the National Swimming Strategy will commence; the timeline for its commencement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8852/22]
View answerInitial preparatory planning work has been undertaken by my Department in this regard. It is intended to establish a working group in the near future to take forward the detailed work of preparing a national swimming strategy, with a view to its completion and publication this year.
204. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total number of applications for the 2021-2022 sports capital grant per county; the number of applications; the name of each club or organisation that applied for 2021-2022 sports capital grants that were invalid in each county; the number and name of each club in each county that had a valid application but was unsuccessful in securing funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8875/22]
View answerThe 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 €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Programme closed for applications on 1st March 2021. By this closing date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8m were announced on Friday 11 February.
Details of all 3,106 applications submitted under the 2020 SCEP round can be viewed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/991ea-sports-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020-applications/.
A list of all successful applicants can be viewed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/
In relation to invalid applications, applicants will be given the opportunity to appeal the Department's decision and such relevant applicants will be contacted shortly with details of the appeals process.
205. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the delays in drawing down a sports capital grant for a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8890/22]
View answerThe club to which the Deputy refers was provisionally allocated a grant under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) for the development of an artificial playing surface. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the SCP, certain legal requirements must be met in order to protect the public investment in the facility. In this regard my Department has recently been in contact with the Department’s legal advisor, the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) to seek an update on the legal requirements.
It will not be possible to provide formal approval for the provisionally allocated grants until the CSSO confirms that all legal formalities have been completed. Once the CSSO confirmation is received there will be no undue delay in progressing the allocations to formal approval stage and subsequently paying the grants subject to the other necessary documentation being submitted by the club.
206. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current position in respect of the release of funds under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme; the status of the funding due to a club (details supplied) given that all of the legal issues which were raised by the Office the State Solicitor were resolved more than six months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8899/22]
View answerThe club to which the Deputy refers, was provisionally allocated a grant under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) for security fencing and the development of a natural playing surface. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the SCP, due to the value of the grants received by the club in the past, it is necessary to execute a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the public investment in the facility. These requirements were communicated to the club at provisional allocation stage and it was made clear that formal approval could not issue until the legal requirements were finalised.
I understand that my Department’s legal advisor, the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO), has been in regular contact with the club’s solicitors, including in recent weeks, in relation to some outstanding documentation which is required to progress matters. As previously stated, it will not be possible to provide formal approval for the grant until the CSSO confirms that all legal formalities are complete. Once the CSSO confirmation is received there will be no undue delay in progressing the allocations to formal approval stage and subsequently paying the grants subject to the other necessary documentation being submitted by the club.
207. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans to announce a further round of sports capital funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8949/22]
View answer209. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the next round of sports capital grants will be open for applications. [8961/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 209 together.
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 €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Programme closed for applications on 1 March 2021. By this date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were finalised and published prior to assessment work commencing and all applications were assessed in accordance with these procedures. Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8m were announced on Friday 11 February. The priority in the medium terms is to progress all of these projects to grant drawdown stage.
In relation to any unsuccessful applicants, my Department will be in touch with relevant organisations shortly outlining the procedures which need to be followed to appeal the Department's decision. When the appeals process is complete, a full Review of the 2020 round of the SCEP will be undertaken and any recommendations contained therein will be included in the terms and conditions of the next Round. The precise timing of this next Round of the Programme will be announced once this Review is complete.
In relation to organisations who may wish to apply for funding in the future, these should first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.
208. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason that a club (details supplied) was unsuccessful in its application for sports capital funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8952/22]
View answerThe 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 €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Programme closed for applications on 1 March 2021. By this date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were finalised and published prior to assessment work commencing and all applications were assessed in accordance with these procedures. All of the improvements which were introduced for recent rounds of the Programme to make the process as user-friendly as possible were maintained for this round. This included giving applicants a second chance to submit corrected documentation. The full scoring system and assessment procedures can be viewed at the following link: www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8m were announced on Friday 11 February.
My Department will be in touch directly with all applicants to notify them of the outcome of their applications. Where relevant, this will include details of why applications were deemed invalid. All such unsuccessful applicants, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy, will have the opportunity to appeal the Department's decision and full details of the appeals procedure will issue to these clubs shortly.
210. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé ar intinn aici deontas atosaithe a thabhairt isteach, cosúil leis an deontas a tugadh isteach do ghnólachtaí eile, do Mhná Tí mar gheall ar na costais bhreise a bheas orthu agus iad ag atosú in 2022. [8973/22]
View answerIs ar an mbunús agus ar an tnúthán go mbeidh na coláistí Gaeilge athoscailte in mbliana atá an Roinn ag feidhmiú agus, dá réir, gur tríd an gcúnamh leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a bheidh an Roinn ag teacht i gcabhair ar an earnáil go príomha mar a bhaineann sé le cúrsaí maoinithe in mbliana.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG) á riar ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le tacú le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna agus triú leibhéal na tíre. Tagann an scéim le cuspóirí foriomlána an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge mar atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030.
Beidh a fhios ag an Teachta gur bhunaigh mo Roinn trí chiste faoi leith anuraidh ar leas na hearnála arbh fhiú €4m in iomlán iad. Bhain ceann acu - ar luach €2.2m - le lucht lóistín an chórais. Níl aon amhras orm ach gur chabhraigh sé seo uile leis an earnáil teacht tríd na dúshláin arbh éigean dúinn uile mar phobal a iompar le beagnach dhá bhliain anuas de bharr na paindéime.
Mar bheart breise le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil cuireadh in iúl do choláistí i bhfómhar 2021 go mbeifear sásta mar eisceacht, gearrchúrsaí seachtaine a aithint faoin scéim i gcás go mbeadh coláistí ag iarraidh a leithéid a eagrú chun freastal a dhéanamh orthu siúd a chaill amach ar an deis cúrsaí trí seachtaine a dhéanamh de dheasca COVID-19.
Ní gá a rá go leanfaidh mo Roinn ag coinneáil an scéal ar fad faoi bhreithniú i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara - ag súil leis i rith an ama go mbeidh athoscailt iomlán i ndán don chóras sa tréimhse atá amach romhainn.
211. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the recommendation from the Traveller accommodation expert review group to repeal trespass laws is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8830/22]
View answerThe Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, published in July 2019, reviewed the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, and other legislation that impacts on the provision and delivery of accommodation for Travellers. The Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across 4 categories which are aimed at:
1. Addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;
2. Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;
3. Increasing resources and delivery capacity; and
4. Strengthening governance arrangements.
Delivery and implementation of the recommendations will involve several areas within my Department as well as input from other Departments, local authorities and other external stakeholders.
A Programme Board established to drive implementation of the recommendations from the Expert Group report agreed a work programme which includes consideration of the recommendation regarding trespass laws. The Programme Board recently agreed to report progress on implementation of the recommendations on my Department's website. It is expected that this information will be available shortly.
212. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) regarding the annual State-wide Wild Bird Derogation Declarations (Regulations) normally renewed and signed into law by him on 30 April each year. [8842/22]
View answer213. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is the case that his Department does not plan to carry out its usual public consultation in 2022 in relation to the annual State-wide Wild Bird Derogation Declarations (Regulations) which is normally completed at the end of January ahead of the 1 May declarations; if so, if he will address a series of matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8843/22]
View answer214. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a copy of the nominee’s notes of his meeting of 22 June 2021 with an organisation (details supplied) which were provided to his Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service as a substantive accompaniment to a letter and report. [8844/22]
View answer215. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy of his Department and National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to high density urban seagull colonies (details supplied). [8845/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 to 215, inclusive, together.
The Wild Bird Declaration will be reviewed and considered prior to the current Declaration expiring on 30 April 2022 and a decision will be made in due course. While there is no statutory obligation on my Department to carry out a public consultation for the Wild Bird Declaration, consultations were undertaken in the last two years, with very similar results. My Department intends to hold a similar consultation for the coming year, prior to a final decision on the matter.
My officials will make arrangements to contact the Deputy directly to furnish a copy of the notes of the meeting on 22 June 2021 with the organisation referred to.
As advised previously, the management and control of protected wild birds is carried out under the Wildlife Acts 1976 through the licencing system under Section 42 and Section 22(9)(d) of those Acts. In addition, the State-wide Wild Bird Declaration also allows for the control of certain protected wild birds by removal of the nest or eggs of those species in a particular area of North Dublin without going through the licence application process.
216. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person is entitled to apply for the local authority home loan if, having been a previous homeowner, they had to sell their house due to a relationship breakdown in which there was no profit made from the sale of the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8846/22]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage scheme for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to State loan schemes such the Local Authority Home Loan. In recognition of such instances as set out in the Deputy's question, an exemption to the First Time Buyer eligibility criteria can be applied under the Fresh Start Principle for the following category of persons to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan:
- Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but is divorced and has left the property and divested themselves of their interest in the property are eligible.
The final decision regarding the Local Authority Home Loan application is made by the relevant Local Authority Credit Committee on a case by case basis.
Further details can be found on localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
217. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Independent Working Group on Housing Defects will complete its work by the end of March 2022; the status of this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area addressing building defects. It commits to an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report, "Safe as Houses ?". Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates this commitment.
In this regard, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. This working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021 (except for August). In addition, regular subgroup meetings take place to advance elements of the work.
The group’s terms of reference, adopted in May 2021, are focused on fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The full terms of reference of the Working Group are to:
1. Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’.
2. Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:
- Identification and description of defect,
- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,
- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,
- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,
- Period of construction affected,
- Type of dwelling affected,
- Location of dwellings affected.
3. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
4. Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.
In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.
5. Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:
- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,
- Efficient means of carrying out work,
- individual dwellings or whole building approach,
- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,
- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.
6. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
7. Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.
8. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
In regard to the working group’s deliberations, the first round of stakeholder consultation commenced in July 2021 with more detailed follow up and additional stakeholder consultations ongoing at present. A series of online surveys was also launched by the Working Group on 31 January seeking the experiences of homeowners, landlords, Directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents. The surveys will run until 14 March 2022 and can be accessed at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/consultation/7e319-online-survey-in-relation-to-defects-in-apartment-and-duplex-buildings/
The engagement with stakeholders and the online consultation will inform the deliberations of the Working Group and support the delivery on its extensive terms of reference and finalisation of its report.
I am satisfied that the Working Group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter, and will require sufficient time to complete its work beyond March 2022. In that context, I look forward to a report later this year following completion of their consultations and deliberations. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.
218. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be processed by 6 March 2022 in order that they can travel with their family. [8901/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
219. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a refund will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8948/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant to let them know that a refund is being issued to them. A second application is currently being processed for this applicant.
220. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify the allocation of SNAs for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8826/22]
View answerIn light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools was deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.
In order to minimise disruption for schools, in the current circumstances, and to provide for continuity of allocations, the following arrangements for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year were announced:
- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 were maintained and automatically rolled over into the 2021/22 school year.
- No school received an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.
- SNAs currently in mainstream settings can continue in post for the 2021/22 school year in the normal way.
- Priority consideration was given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year. In particular, applications from schools with no SNAs and developing schools were prioritised with determinations made before 30 June. Other applications were processed in order of date received.
- As in previous years, where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website, ncse.ie/for-schools
The NCSE published SNA allocations on their website www.ncse.ie .
SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.
Circular 0029/2021 advised schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year.
Provisions set out in Circular 0030/2020 were extended for the 2021/22 school year.
Circular 0029/2021 and Circular 0030/2020 are available on the Departments website.
221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will allow trainee teachers to complete an online alternative to their mandatory Gaeltacht placement in summer 2022 (details supplied). [8855/22]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Standards for initial teacher education (ITE) at primary, all student teachers must complete a 4 week Gaeltacht learning period (GLP) (2x 2 weeks) as part of their programme. This is compulsory in order to graduate. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional Gaeltacht learning periods could not go ahead as planned and my Department and Teaching Council agreed that these could take place online. This ensured that there were no barriers to students completing their ITE programme and graduating as planned in 2020 and in 2021.
Both my Department and other key stakeholders expect that Irish language courses in the Gaeltacht for student teachers will be in a position to resume in the traditional manner this year.
While the primary responsibility for the overall administration of Gaeltacht-based Irish language courses rests with the relevant Gaeltacht college authorities – both the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and my Department together play a key role in overall support of the sector. My Department will continue to keep this matter under review, taking account of the evolving public health guidance at all times and will continue to consult as necessary with stakeholders on the matter - including the Teaching Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Higher Education Institutions and the representative body for the Gaeltacht Colleges.
222. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the reason that the reference to facemasks being worn by teachers in classes with hearing difficulties which is set out in the HSE guidelines issued on 30 November 2021 was excluded in the guidelines issued by her Department to schools on 30 November 2021; the specific advice that was issued by her Department, not the National Council for Special Education on the use of facemasks in such circumstances; when her Department issued a circular to schools on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8885/22]
View answerThe change in policy regarding face coverings in primary schools was made on foot of a Government decision taken on 30 November 2021, which considered and accepted public health advice received from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on 25 November 2021. This new, and temporary policy, was introduced in light of the epidemiological situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 at the time.
The letter sent to schools by the CMO stated that NPHET has recommended, on a temporary basis, the wearing of face masks for children aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate; and in third class and above in primary school.
The Department published a frequently asked questions guidance on Monday 6 December 2021 to assist schools engage with parents where there are particular difficulties arose for individual children. Where issues arise, schools will engage pragmatically and sensitively with parents to explore any particular difficulties arising for an individual child. The FAQ can be found at the following link here
The guidance recognises that in the case of certain children with additional needs, schools may be already aware of difficulties they may face in the appropriate use of face coverings. Schools will be best placed to identify those children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, and to discuss this with parents as required.
In the case of children who have a hearing impairment and or reply on lip reading, the guidance provides for schools to use visors or consider other solutions that do not present an impediment to communication.
Public Health have also confirmed that current infection prevention and control measures in place in schools at this time will be reviewed by mid-term in February.
223. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the current implementation status of each recommendation of the 2011 National Council for Special Education policy advice paper, The Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Ireland; the date of complete implementation of each outstanding recommendation; the recommendations not implemented; the reason in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8888/22]
View answerThe information requested is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.
