Written Answers Nos. 576-588
576. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the Office of Public Works project at Carlow castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, in February 2020, Storm Ciara caused the collapse of the lower section of the wall of the North East tower of Carlow Castle. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that the base of the collapse was constructed on clay foundations; this had major consequences for the safe repair and reconstruction of this section of wall.
On a site visit to Carlow Castle earlier this year, the Deputy was briefed in relation to the stabilisation and conservation works that have already been undertaken by the OPW. At this stage, a number of further structural investigations and surveys are required and are being arranged to determine the structural integrity of the Castle and what further works, if any, are required into the future.
577. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is engaged in discussions to agree revised principles for a new higher education staffing agreement to update the current employment control framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20948/22]
View answerAs set out in my previous responses on this matter, officials from my Department engage on an ongoing basis with their counterparts in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on multiple policy issues, which include the consideration of principles for a Higher Education Staffing Agreement. The purpose of a Higher Education Staffing Agreement, once finalised, will be to update the existing Employment Control Framework approach which has been in place since 2011 and which is still in place in a number of sectors in the public service.
It is important to highlight that the Employment Control Framework for the Higher Education sector is updated on an annual basis having regard to the funding decisions made as part of the annual Estimates process and which is then operationalised by the Higher Education Authority across all Higher Education Institutions. I would highlight that overall staffing in the sector, both core and non-core, has increased by approximately 4,500 or 18 percent since 2016.
While the operation and management of the existing Employment Control Framework approach is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the individual Higher Education Institutions, key issues from my Department’s perspective are to ensure that it appropriately reflects fiscal, expenditure and public service staffing and pay policies.
Regarding the overarching principles for a new approach, my Department is seeking to ensure that staffing decisions taken in the higher education sector are affordable and sustainable both from a higher education perspective but also from an Exchequer and wider public service staffing and pensions perspective. My Department is also mindful of the need to ensure that there is appropriate flexibility built in to any revised approach so that higher education institutions can operate efficiently in making their staffing decisions, having regard to their overall expenditure allocations and other appropriate controls.
578. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made by the OPW in developing the south Mayo relief scheme; the estimated cost of the scheme; when it is intended to proceed with the works outlined in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20956/22]
View answerThe Feasibility Report (September 2021) for these works was commissioned by Mayo County Council and funding for the report was approved under the OPW Minor Works Scheme, which is typically used for projects up to €750,000 in value. Currently, based on the proposed scheme, the estimated cost of the works stands at €6.4m. However, this estimate means that the scheme now falls outside the criterion of Minor Flood Mitigation Works for the OPW.
The Feasibility Report indicated that a significant portion of the benefits to be accrued by the scheme are to roads and access. The OPW has communicated to Mayo County Council (February 2022) that they should develop a joint agency proposal in conjunction with the Department of Transport. On completion of the proposal, Mayo County Council may then present this to the OPW for consideration, in terms of how it may be prioritised, resourced and progressed in line with the overall OPW national programme of projects.
579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a piece of surveillance technology (details supplied) is being used by his Department or any agencies under his remit in view of the fact that there are security and privacy concerns associated with the use of same; the data protection policies on the use of artificial intelligence with respect to instances in which this technology is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21240/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the CCTV cameras or face recognition technology referenced in the question are not used by my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement.
With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the CCTV cameras or face recognition technology referenced are not used by the National Shared Services Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, the State Laboratory or the Office of the National Lottery Regulator. The position in respect of the Public Appointments Service is set out in the table below. Finally, I have been advised that the Office of Public Works will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
PAS uses Hikvsion CCTV cameras. However, this does not use facial recognition technology. In addition, PAS have an appropriate CCTV usage policy in place, which has been approved by its Data Protection Officer. |
580. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Future of Media Commission; when the findings of the Commission will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19386/22]
View answerA healthy, independent and well-functioning media system is critical to our democracy, providing a platform for diverse opinion, challenge and debate. It also plays a key role in our cultural vibrancy and development, not least in supporting Irish content in a globalised marketplace.
Recognising this vital role played by the wider media sector in our society, the Government established the Future of Media Commission, Chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, to consider the way forward at a time of profound change and significant challenges.
The Commission's task was a complex one, to examine how we might put in place a sustainable framework for the wider media sector; for print, for radio, and for all other platforms. It was about how we can enable greater accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusivity in the media; support environmental sustainability, and promote our language, our culture and our creativity.
Given the wide ranging and far reaching recommendations which the Commission have addressed, it is only right that we give the report very careful and detailed consideration. The Commission's work must also be considered in the context of a range of other complex and inter-related issues in the media and wider digital space.
Following further consideration by An Taoiseach, myself and other key Ministers, it is intended to bring the report to Government, after which it will be published.
581. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the funding opportunities that may be open to this group to fund this trip; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19455/22]
View answerThe invitation of St. Mary's Brass & Reed Band to take part in the parade in New York in 2023 offer bands members a great opportunity to reach a wide US audiences over the St Patrick's Day period.
Through my Department, Culture Ireland provides grant funding for Irish professional artists to present their work worldwide in partnership with international partners. Unfortunately, I understand that Culture Ireland is unable to extend support for bands to travel to participate in parades given its focus on professional artists.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has however confirmed that its support to present St. Patrick's Day parades taking place overseas is available through its Emigrant Support Programme.
582. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the details of the name, salary, position and roles of persons who are being paid for by her Department for secondment to another public, private or semi-private entity in tabular form following the announcement that the salary of a person (details supplied) being seconded to Trinity College, Dublin will be paid by the Department of Health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19558/22]
View answerI am advised that there are no individuals being paid by this Department who are seconded from this Department to another public, private or semi-private entity.
There are two individuals currently on secondment to two Government Departments. Both individuals are paid by their respective receiving Department.
583. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit run apprenticeship programmes or are directly engaged in the training of apprentices; if so, the number of apprentices involved; the specialties in which they are being trained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19593/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department does not run apprenticeship programmes and is not directly engaged in the training of apprentices.
In relation to the State Agencies under my remit, I can confirm that there are two State Agencies, outlined below, who run apprenticeship programmes or are directly engaged in the training of apprentices.
(I) Screen Ireland are training 6 apprentices in CGI technical art for animation, games and visual effects.
(ii) Údarás na Gaeltachta does not employ apprentices directly, but runs an apprenticeship scholarship programme which supports Gaeltacht participants throughout the course of their training. Employers also receive a grant for those apprenticeships. The Údarás na Gaeltachta Scholarship / Bursary is open to all participants of apprenticeship programmes as recognised by SOLAS. There are currently 122 participants.
584. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of persons employed by her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30; the role that those persons occupy within her Department or relevant body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19638/22]
View answerI have been advised that there are 40 staff in my Department earning less than €12.30 per hour. The roles they occupy are set out below:
|
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
No. of persons employed with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30 |
Role of the Person |
|
17 |
Clerical Officer |
|
|
5 |
Service Officer |
|
|
18 |
Temporary Clerical Officer |
I can advise the Deputy that in relation to the State Agencies under my Department's remit, as outlined in the table below, there are currently three Agencies that employ persons with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30:
|
State Bodies |
No. of persons employed with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30 |
Role of the Person |
|
Chester Beatty |
3 |
Heritage Council Conservation Intern; Retail Assistant; Visitor Services Officer |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
4 (including 1 vacancy to be filled next month) |
Clerical Officers |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
14 |
Service Attendant – 1; Cleaner – 1; Clerical Officer – 6; Visitor and Security Officers (Clerical Officer) – 6 |
585. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding can be made available to a rural sports club outside of the Sports Capital Grant process in cases in which the club intends to extend its clubhouse (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19678/22]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Its objectives are to:
- assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and Education and Training Boards and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation:
- prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups (such as people with disabilities) in the provision of sports facilities; and
- encourage the sharing of sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.
As per the published 2020 SCEP Guide to Making an Application, the SCEP does not fund, inter alia, bars, kitchens, sleeping accommodation, offices or other parts of a project that have little or no sporting content. My Department officials are always happy to advise potential applicants on which elements of a proposed project could be funded under the SCEP.
In relation to other possible supports outside of the SCEP, a separate tax relief scheme for donations to sports clubs may be used by any sports club or organisations to assist in funding the acquisition of land, developing facilities, purchasing non-personal equipment for sports activities, or repaying a loan for any of these purposes. More information in this regard can be found at www.revenue.ie.
586. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the salaries and expenses paid to advisers, Ministers and or Ministers of State in her Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [19755/22]
View answerIn reply to the Deputy's question, the information requested is set out in tabular form below:
|
2020 |
||
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Catherine Martin |
€39,770.20* |
€1,321.06 |
|
Minister of State Jack Chambers |
- |
€464.98 |
|
Special Adviser Juno McEnroe |
€27,900.23 |
- |
|
Special Adviser Tanya Warren |
€23,118.80 |
- |
|
2021 |
||
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Catherine Martin |
€81,006.75* |
€10,245.65 |
|
Minister of State Jack Chambers |
- |
€1,419.08 |
|
Special Adviser Juno McEnroe |
€90,751.11 |
- |
|
Special Adviser Tanya Warren |
€90,540 |
€559.30 |
|
2022 |
||
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Catherine Martin |
€25,280.16* |
€1,371.93 |
|
Special Adviser Juno McEnroe |
€29,180.99 |
- |
|
Special Adviser Tanya Warren |
€29,180.99 |
€1,252.05 |
*Minister Catherine Martin made the following voluntary deduction from wages in each year in 2020 - €9,929, 2021 - €21,084, 2022 - €6,487.44
587. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications for the live performance support scheme 2; the number applications that were refused; the number that were refused on appeal; the specific financial supports that she is putting in place for unsuccessful applicants left with debt due to Government imposed Covid restrictions on their live events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19801/22]
View answerThroughout the pandemic I have been very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts, culture and live entertainment industry and I remain committed to the live entertainment sector as the industry recovers following the lifting of all restrictions in January.
To this end I have provided a €50 million suite of supports for the live performance sector in 2022 including;
-€15 million allocated for the Live Performance Restart Grant Scheme to support the recovery of the live performance sector by providing business restart grants as a support to de-risk the planning of events across spring and summer of 2022;
-€4m allocated for the MEBAS 2022 (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme) scheme specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses which do not operate out of a rateable premises;
-€5m for Local Authorities to support local artists and performances through the LLPSS (Local Live Performance Support Scheme). This scheme in particular has provided thousands of hours of employment for local musicians, artists and crews;
-€5m to continue the capital supports scheme (CECGS) to venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other COVID adaptations. This scheme is open for applications until 31 May 2022, and
-€1m for the Saint Patrick's Festival 2022.
€5m was allocated for the LPSS- Strand II to support pantomime and seasonal musical theatre impacted by the Covid restrictions in place in December and January. In order to be eligible for this scheme a business must have VAT-exclusive turnover of €100,000 or above as a result of seasonal musical theatre /pantomime for each of at least two of the past 3 years (2018-2020). This scheme closed for applications on 31st January with a total of 17 applications submitted. Grants have been offered to 9 applicants through this scheme.
Applicants could appeal a decision on their LPSS - Strand II application via the appeals process for this scheme, further details of which can be found on my department’s website here - www.gov.ie/en/publication/c2f62-live-performance-support-scheme-2021-strand-ii-seasonal-musical-theatre-panto-support-scheme-appeals/. 4 appeals were submitted in relation to LPSS Strand II, with the original decisions upheld in 3 cases and the decision varied in one case.
588. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the hospitality sector is now suffering due to the increased energy costs and is struggling; her views on whether the extension of the VAT rate would help the sector to recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19802/22]
View answerThe Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I co-chair the hospitality and tourism forum, and in the context of our respective roles, my focus is on the development of tourist traffic within or to the State and the development and the marketing of tourist facilities and services in the State while the Tánaiste has responsibility for the overall hospitality sector as a key economic sector. The current trends in energy prices are not unique to Ireland and are, in fact, part of global trends. While increased energy costs present a challenge to all economic sectors, including hospitality and tourism, the comprehensive response of Government to energy supply and cost challenges is ongoing and aims to minimise the impact on sectors and consumers as far as possible.
In February, the Government agreed a package of €505million, including the €200 energy credit and a lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of the fuel allowance, to help offset the increases in energy prices. In March, a further tax measure was introduced to immediately reduce the cost of fuels for families and businesses. This €320 million measure has seen a temporary reduction in excise duties on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil, which cuts excise by 20c per litre of petrol and 15c per litre of diesel and a reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October.
