Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sí ar an eolas faoi chás inar sháraigh Comhairle Contae Chorcaí an dlí teanga le déanaí agus an léiríonn an teip ar an reachtaíocht gur gá pionós a fhorchur mar gheall ar sháruithe. [22204/22]
View answerTáim ar an eolas faoin sárú ar Achtanna na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 go 2021 atá luaite ag an Teachta.
Tá sé tráthúil a rá gur faoin gCoimisinéir Teanga atá sé monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar fhorleanúint comhlachtaí poiblí d'fhorálacha Achtanna na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 go 2021. I measc na príomhdhualgais atá ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga, tá monatóireacht le déanamh ar an gcaoi a bhfuil forálacha na n-Achtanna á gcomhlíonadh ag comhlachtaí poiblí; imscrúduithe a sheoladh as a stuaim féin ar iarratas ón Aire nó mar thoradh ar ghearán a bheith déanta leis ag aon daoine i gcás ina gcreidtear go bhfuil teipthe ar chomhlachtaí poiblí a ndualgais a chomhlíonadh faoi Achtanna na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; tuarascáil a ullmhú faoi gach imscrúdú; comhairle a chur ar fáil don phobal maidir le neart na teanga faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; comhairle a chur ar fáil do chomhlachtaí poiblí maidir lena ndualgas teanga faoin Acht; agus tuarascáil bhliantúil faoi ábhair Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a sholáthar don Aire le cur os comhair Thithe an Oireachtais.
Faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021, tá curtha leo siúd trí leasú a thugann cumhacht don Choimisinéir Teanga faireachán a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh aon achtacháin eile a bhaineann le stádas nó úsáid teanga oifigiúla chomhlachtaí poiblí.
Pléadh an cheist maidir le fíneálacha a thabhairt isteach nuair a bhí an reachtaíocht nua á plé i dTithe an Oireachtais anuraidh ach níor cuireadh san áireamh iad san Acht.
32. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the development of a Major International Sports Events Policy for Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22109/22]
View answerWhile Major Sports Events are of benefit to participant teams and athletes they also have the potential to drive participation in sport more generally, contribute to trade, tourism, community engagement and economic growth. Such events can also increase national wellbeing and affect how we are viewed internationally.
Ireland has consistently demonstrated ambition in terms of attracting international major sports events that can make a positive return in terms of the economy and tourism, wider participation and general wellbeing. This is evidenced by the Government’s recent decision to support an expression of interest by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in bidding, with the UK, for the right to host the Euro 2028 football championships, and by the decision to support the hosting of the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup, in association with England, Wales and Scotland as well as the upcoming hosting of the following events:
- US College Football classics every August from 2022 to 2026
- The Europa League football final in 2024, and
- The Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to put in place a Strategy for attracting Major Sports Events to Ireland.
As part of my Department's work in this regard, a public consultation on hosting Major International Sports Events in Ireland is currently live and is accessible at www.gov.ie. The consultation seeks the public’s views on how Ireland should approach such events into the future. The consultation is already attracting a good range of considered responses and I would encourage others to share their views. The closing date for submissions is the 26th of May and the outcome of the consultation will feed into the development of the policy around hosting Major International Sports Events.
33. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that are in place and will be introduced to support women’s rugby; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22137/22]
View answerFunding for rugby is primarily allocated by Sport Ireland through through its Field Sport Programme. Under this programme, €2.25 million is provided annually to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) with the broad aim of creating more opportunities for young boys and girls to participate in field sports. The field sport programme is based on an ethos of developing the grassroots of the game, growing participation numbers, embracing communities outside of the traditional base of the sport and improving coaching and playing standards.
In addition, €230,000 has been allocated to the IRFU for the two years 2021 and 2022 under the Women in Sport funding programme. The Women in Sport Programme aims to support National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and enhance all aspects of female involvement across the Women in Sport policy target areas namely, Coaching & Officiating, Active Participation, Leadership & Governance and Visibility.
Sport Ireland also allocates funding for the women’s sevens game through its high performance funding programme. In 2021, Sport Ireland provided additional funding of €120,000 to specifically support the appointment of key personnel to coach and lead the Women’s Sevens Programme.
The Deputy will be aware that Minister Martin and I demonstrated our support for women’s rugby through our recent engagement with the group of players who sought our support in relation to issues they had with the IRFU and particularly the reviews that the IRFU were conducting into the women’s game.
Sport Ireland supported the players in their engagement with the IRFU and remained engaged with all parties up to the launch, in March 2022, of the independent review commissioned by the IRFU into the Women’s Rugby World Cup qualification campaign. This included meetings with all of the parties present and sessions with the players. Sport Ireland remains available to all parties should it be required.
34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to utilise Ireland’s culture in the promotion of a positive image at home and abroad which will ultimately benefit the tourism sector throughout the country with particular reference to the promotion of historic houses and ancient sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22132/22]
View answerOur culture is an important component of the holiday experience in Ireland for our overseas visitors and is therefore a key promotional theme for Tourism Ireland around the world. Tourism Ireland’s key audience is the ‘Culturally Curious’ traveller. These are people who have a strong desire and high propensity to travel internationally and who are interested in our rich heritage and culture.
Therefore, our living and historic culture sits at the heart of what is presented and communicated widely across Tourism Ireland’s suite of global marketing communications. Tourism Ireland aims to ensure that visitors understand that they can easily marry opportunities to visit and appreciate our historic sites – pre-Christian, monastic, castles or stately homes – with active involvement in our vibrant living culture through festivals, music, literature, theatre and so on. A number of historic and iconic sites, including Trinity College and the Giant’s Causeway, feature in Tourism Ireland’s global Green Button campaign in overseas markets.
Festivals and events also play a significant part in attracting and holding visitors in particular areas of Ireland at different times of the year. Tourism Ireland works closely with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets overseas. The St Patrick’s Festival, Galway 2020, Cork Jazz Festival, and Wexford Festival Opera are just some examples of festivals which have received extensive coverage through Tourism Ireland’s marketing overseas.
Tourism Ireland also work with Culture Ireland to bring the best of Ireland’s artists, writers, poets, musicians and dancers to the attention of enthusiasts and new audiences.
Tourism Ireland's work in the Cultural Space celebrates James Joyce's ‘Ulysses’ which was first published as a complete novel on 2 February 1922. One hundred years later, Tourism Ireland is taking every opportunity to highlight Ulysses100 and Dublin’s literary credentials in its promotional activity around the world. Tourism Ireland’s aim is to encourage potential visitors to come and follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom, to explore Dublin and discover some of the city’s cultural and architectural delights.
Tourism Ireland also launched an exciting new giant-screen documentary film called 'Ireland' across the United States in February 2022. Narrated by Liam Neeson, 'Ireland' celebrates our rich history, culture, arts and music, as well as our spectacular scenery. The release of 'Ireland' has played a significant part in the recovery of tourism from the United States this year. 'Ireland' has been seen by millions of people across the United States – helping to inspire them to put the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list for 2022.
Irish Culture also features prominently throughout Fáilte Ireland’s domestic marketing communications. Taking the past year as an example, the promotion of culture and heritage sites was ongoing in the ‘Keep Discovering’ multi-channel national campaign. All 26 counties featured and had dedicated campaign assets that showcased their cultural attractions and experiences. Some examples include Knowth, Co. Meath; Birr Castle, Co. Offaly; Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway; National Heritage Park, Wexford; and Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin.
Fáilte Ireland's 'Winter in Dublin' campaign which ran into the new year was created to promote a specially curated programme of cultural events and experiences taking place in the capital throughout the Winter. Flagship events within the campaign - such as TradFest - promoted Irish musical talent at their core.
35. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applicants that applied for the basic income for artists by the mid-point of the application window; and if this is in line with expectations. [22192/22]
View answerI am advised that at the midpoint of the open period for applications (that is, day 15 of the 30 day period that the application portal is open), the Department had received 3530 applications, which is in line with expectations for the scheme at this point.
36. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason no reassurances have been given to artists with disabilities that the basic income for artists will not push them over the means testing threshold for essential disability supports on which they rely; and her views that this discourages their participation. [22191/22]
View answerEligibility for social welfare supports is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
I have been determined since the outset of the BIA pilot scheme that artists with disabilities would be in a position to participate to the greatest extent possible. Accordingly, my Department has worked with the Department of Social Protection, to establish that the payment will be treated as earnings from self-employment and can be taken into account in earnings disregards that applies to many social welfare payments including Disability Allowance and the One-Parent Family Payment.
Of course, each individual case will differ depending on other household income.
In the case of the Disability Allowance, it will be possible to for many people to avail of the basic income and retain their social welfare benefits in addition to the moneys received from the BIA Pilot Scheme. As this will depend on each individual’s circumstances, they will need to engage with the Department of Social Protection on the matter. The Department of Social Protection published a guide to the Interaction of the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme with DSP Payments (www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd818-interaction-of-the-basic-income-for-the-arts-pilot-scheme-with-dsp-payments/#) on Gov.ie on 13 April to assist all applicants for BIA in receipt of DSP supports including those with disabilities.
My Department has met with representatives from the disabled artists community to examine how best we can make artists aware of the position established between my Department and DSP in respect of DSP supports. My Department also has a dedicated email address to answer any questions that applicants may have about any aspect of the Scheme to assist artists and creative arts workers with queries about the Scheme.
37. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 10318/22, cathain a chríochnófar an tríú gné den obair athbhreithnithe atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir leis na córais agus leis an gcur chuige atá i bhfeidhm ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus ar na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [22177/22]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, agus ceisteanna faoin ábhar seo á bhfreagairt roimhe seo le gairid, tá sé curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil cinneadh déanta acu taighde breise a dhéanamh ar riachtanais na bhfostaithe sna cliantchomhlachtaí ó thaobh cothú na Gaeilge de. Beidh sonraí an taighde sin á n-áireamh ag an Údarás ina chur chuige i leith na tacaíochtaí a chuirtear ar fáil do na cliantchomhlachtaí le tacú leo an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sa ghnó.
Tá an tÚdarás ag súil go mbeidh an taighde críochnaithe go hiomlán faoi dheireadh an fhómhair.
38. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon aiseolas faighte ag a Roinn go dáta maidir le laghdú suntasach a bheith ann ar líon na dtithe atá ar fáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i mbliana; má tá, cé na beartais atá i gceist aici a chur i bhfeidhm chun teacht roimh an bhfadhb seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [22175/22]
View answerÓs rud é go bhfuiltear ag súil leis go mbeidh córas na gcoláistí faoi lán seoil an samhradh seo, is é tosaíocht mo Roinne faoi láthair, mar a bhaineann sé le córas na gcoláistí Gaeilge, cúram a dhéanamh de phróiseáil iarratas ar aitheantas ó na coláistí agus éilimh íocaíochtaí ar dheontais Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge de chuid na Roinne.
Mar is iondúil san fhómhar nuair atá cúrsaí an tsamhraidh thart, beidh an deis chuí ann chun gnéithe scéim na Roinne a bhreithniú ag an tráth sin i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara.
Chun tacú le hathoscailt bisiúil an chórais tar éis COVID-19, cheadaigh mé trí bheart faoi leith i mbliana ar leas an chórais:
- Cheadaigh mé ardú 10% sa deontas laethúil a íoctar le teaghlaigh Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar chostas tuairim is ceithre céad míle euro (€400,000). Cabhróidh sé seo gan amhras le hiarrachtaí na gcoláistí teaghlaigh a choinneáil agus a mhealladh.
- Anuas ar sin cheadaigh mé ciste faoi leith ar fiú ceithre céad míle euro eile (€400,000) chun go mbeidh an deis a bheith ag suas le ceithre céad scoláire ó scoileanna DEIS na tíre freastal ar chúrsa sa Ghaeltacht.
- Lena chois sin uile ceadaíodh gearrchúrsaí Gaeilge nach giorra ná 3 oíche faoin scéim mar bheart eisceachtúil don bhliain seo amháin. Rinneadh é seo chun cabhrú tuilleadh le téarnamh na hearnála. Tabharfaidh an beart faoi leith sin deis bhreise do scoláirí a chaill amach ar an deis freastal ar chúrsaí sa Ghaeltacht le dhá bhliain anuas de bharr COVID-19.
Is ionann luach na mbearta sin ar fad agus infheistíocht bhreise ar fiú tuairim is ocht gcéad míle euro (€800,000) a bheith curtha ar fáil don chóras sa bhliain reatha. Is é seo ceann na harduithe bliantúla is airde ar chiste chóras na gcoláistí ó bunaíodh Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge caoga bliain ó shin. Fágfaidh sé seo uile go mbeidh infheistíocht ar fiú os cionn cúig mhilliún euro (€5m) á cur ag mo Roinn i dtreo earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge.
Tagann sé seo uile, ar ndóigh, sna sála ar an gcúig bheart faoi leith a bhunaigh mo Roinn thar dhá bhliain anuas arbh fhiú os cionn ocht milliún euro iad (€8m) chun cabhrú le teacht aniar chóras na gcoláistí Gaeilge tar éis COVID. Bhí na bearta aon uaire sin dírithe ar theaghlaigh an chórais, ar hallaí pobail Gaeltachta agus, ar ndóigh, ar lucht stiúrtha na gcoláistí féin.
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.
Ach an oiread le gach réimse eile atá faoi mo chúram mar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, coinneoidh mo Roinn cás na hearnála faoi bhreithniú agus tapófar le aon deis chuí a thagann chun cinn chun cabhrú tuilleadh - i gcomhthéacs na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil agus ag cur éilimh eile san áireamh mar is cuí.
39. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of recruitment of an Online Safety Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22116/22]
View answerThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will, when enacted, formally dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services and the new regulatory framework for online safety. Coimisiún na Meán will also have functions relating to the promotion of an open, trusted and pluralistic media and online environment, including research, education, media literacy, the protection of children, and journalistic and creative supports.
Given that infringement proceedings have been launched against Ireland for the delay in the transposition of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which will be given effect in Irish law by the Bill, I am keen to see the Bill enacted by the Summer Recess. This would pave the way for formal establishment of An Coimisiún by Ministerial commencement order in the second half of this year.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 was initiated in the Seanad on 25 January 2022 and underwent Second Stage on 22 February 2022. Committee Stage of the Bill in the Seanad commenced on 26 April 2022 and continued on 28 April and yesterday, 4 May. The next Committee stage session is scheduled for 10 May.
Given the importance of An Coimisiún, Government has approved its establishment on an administrative basis prior to the enactment of the Bill. While An Coimisiún will, as set out in the Bill, ultimately be funded through levies on regulated services I secured €5.5 million in Budget 2022 to provide start-up funds to resource the establishment process.
A programme of work is now underway to secure the recruitment of key staff with the relevant skills and expertise to establish and lead An Coimisiún and to lay the groundwork for the commencement of its regulatory functions. This includes managing the transition of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland staff and functions to An Coimisiún, while at the same time ensuring the continuity of existing broadcasting regulation set out under the Broadcasting Act 2009.
The recruitment of the senior staff who will lead and manage An Coimisiún is a priority. Work is currently underway between my officials and officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Appointments Service to secure the recruitment of those staff, including the Executive Chairperson and Online Safety Commissioner, through open, transparent and effective public competitions. In light of the international reach of An Coimisiún's remit, the recruitment process will commence with an Executive Search by the Public Appointments Service, to raise the profile and awareness of these critical posts, followed by advertising of the posts.
40. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the development of a new national tourism policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22111/22]
View answerThe primary focus over the course of the last two years in relation to tourism has been on the survival of the sector. As our economy and society opens up, we have an opportunity to reconfigure our tourism sector and to more meaningfully address sustainable development and management within the tourism ecosystem.
In this regard my Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. The development of this new policy will involve extensive consultation with the tourism industry and our communities to help set out a path for the coming years which will support a sustainable recovery and subsequent growth in the sector.
This new policy will be informed by and build upon the work undertaken by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group. Officials in my Department will be engaging with key tourism stakeholders in the near future with a view to participating in an informal consultation which will map out the key priorities as we seek a sustainable recovery and future for our sector.
Following the completion of this initial informal consultation and a review of the previous policy (People Place and Policy 2025) a formal consultation will take place with a view to publishing the Sustainable Tourism Policy in 2023.
42. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the Irish language planning process including outstanding commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22102/22]
View answerUnder the language planning process as set out under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012, Údarás na Gaeltachta is charged with facilitating the implementation of the process in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and Gaeltacht Service Towns located within the Gaeltacht, while Foras na Gaeilge has similar responsibility for the implementation of the process outside the Gaeltacht insofar as it relates to Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks.
Language plans in respect of all of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have now been approved under the language planning process, as of April 2022.
To date, language plans for five Gaeltacht Service Towns have been approved, namely, Leitir Ceanainn, Daingean Uí Chúis, Cathair na Gaillimhe, An Clochán Liath and Trá Lí. Plans for Castlebar and Dungarvan are currently being examined by my Department while the preparation of plans is being advanced in the case of Cahersiveen and Cork City. Preparatory work is also in hand in the case of Clifden, Co Galway.
To date, 3 Irish Language Networks have been approved under the process - Ennis, Loughrea and Clondalkin - as well as two others in the north - Carn Tóchar and Iarthar Bhéal Feirste - which have been approved by Foras na Gaeilge under a non-statutory process being overseen by the organisation.
21 Language Planning Officers (19 in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and two in Gaeltacht Service Towns) and four Assistant Language Planning Officers are currently engaged in implementing approved plans.
My Department has, through successive budgets, increased the allocation available for implementation of the language planning process. The total allocation from budget 2022 for the process amounts to €5.8m - an increase of €800,000 on the 2021 allocation.
Approved language plans are provided with annual funding over a seven-year period of between €80,000 and €150,000, with one plan receiving €300,000 on an exceptional basis primarily due to geographical challenges, namely: Oileáin Árann.
In further support of the process, my Department also provides current funding to support language-centred programmes in the domains of early years; family and the traditional arts by way of funding agreed work programmes with Comhar Naoínraí na Gaeltachta; Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta and Ealaín na Gaeltachta respectively.
It should also be noted that the Department's Community and Language Supports Programme is also being deployed on an ongoing basis in overall support of the process.
My Department will shortly commence a periodic implementation review of approved plans. Under this arrangement, all plans approved under the process will be reviewed in year four of their implementation respectively.
A broader overview of the advances being made in support of the language and Gaeltacht regions, including the language planning process, is set out in the second progress report on the ongoing implementation of the Government's 5-year Action Plan for the Irish Language which my Department published on behalf of Government in October 2021.
43. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of artists from the most recent data available that have applied for the artists basic income scheme and the number of those artists that are in receipt of a means-tested payment from the Department of Social Protection. [22185/22]
View answerIn regard to the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme, I am advised that my Department has received 4117 applications as of the 3rd of May, the 21st day that the application portal has been open.
Applicants are not required to provide information on their income from means-tested or other payments from the Department of Social Protection, as my Department will not be assessing eligibility on the basis of that information. Collecting personal information at this point which does not form part of the eligibility assessment would not be not in line with the principles of data protection by which all of our processes are guided.
I have ensured that the application process is as straightforward as possible for applicants to access, and only information that is required has been asked for at this stage. Once the randomised selection of successful applications has taken place for entry to the pilot scheme, more detailed information will be sought to further the research portion of the scheme.
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 24 February 2022, the details of the legacy framework arising from Galway 2020; the way that the remaining €1 million will be spent under the legacy framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22179/22]
View answerThe details of the legacy framework arising from Galway 2020 are in development and my Department has been engaged in continuing discussions with the relevant partners to advance this. I expect to be in a position to have a detailed legacy framework for consideration in the coming weeks.
The remaining €1 million from my Department's commitment to Galway 2020 will be spent on supporting the implementation of the legacy framework, with a particular focus on place based cultural programming and continued capacity building for the cultural sector in Galway including a focus on EU engagement.
46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagements she has had with the stakeholders of the Gearagh in County Cork to improve the attractiveness of this site for tourism by placing improved signage and information panels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22164/22]
View answerThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the progress on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill including the activity of the expert group considering an individual complaints mechanism in the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22105/22]
View answerThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 was initiated in the Seanad on 25 January 2022 and underwent Second Stage on 22 February 2022. Committee Stage of the Bill in the Seanad commenced on 26 April 2022 and continued on 28 April and yesterday, 4 May. The next Committee stage session is scheduled for 10 May.
I established an expert advisory group to examine the potential for an individual complaints mechanism for online safety matters in the Bill. The role of the expert group is to examine whether it is practicable to do this and, if so, how it may be done.
The group will be reporting to me in the first half of May with their recommendations. If an amendment to the Bill is required to give effect to any recommendations of the group, this will require further detailed consideration and I would of course need to consult with the Office of the Attorney General regarding how such an amendment could be structured and drafted.
As I have said before, if an individual complaints mechanism can be provided for, then I’d like to ensure that it is. In this regard, any proposals that I bring forward must be workable and legally robust.
48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department and the agencies under the remit of her Department will avail of funding under the Peace Plus Programme to develop tourism infrastructure in the Border region and on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22161/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the PEACE PLUS 2021-2027 programme presents an excellent opportunity to deliver North South co-operation projects in the border counties and tourism is one of the investment areas identified under the programme.
Since 2019, officials in my Department have been engaging with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and with the three tourism agencies on the island – Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland - to identify possible tourism initiatives or pipeline projects that may qualify for PEACE PLUS funding.
Department officials, both North and South, continue to engage with the three tourism agencies and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) in advance of Calls for Applications, after which a joint tourism proposal will be submitted to the SEUPB for consideration for programme funding.
49. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sí ar an eolas faoin taighde ó Ghlór na nGael a léiríonn nach bhfuil ach 7,000 teaghlach ar fud na hÉireann ag tógáil páistí le Gaeilge, agus an n-aontaíonn sí gur gá Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a thabhairt ar ais chun tabhairt faoin dúshlán seo [22203/22]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta mar a bhaineann sé le ceantair Ghaeltachta go sonrach, chuirtí deontas faoi Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge, arbh fhiú suas le €260 in aghaidh na bliana é ar fáil do theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a bhí in ann a léiriú don Roinn gurbh í an Ghaeilge príomh-theanga labhartha bhunadh an tí acu.
Mar atá luaite roimhe seo - ós rud é go bhfuil na tacaíochtaí teanga a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Chlár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga na Roinne agus go deimhin faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga araon dírithe ar thacaíochtaí ar bhonn pobalbhunaithe trí chéile seachas ar dheontais phearsanta, tá cistíocht shuntasach - atá ardaithe go céimiúil ó cuireadh deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge - á cur ar fáil ar leas na Gaeilge mar theanga teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht.
Luafainn sa chomhthéacs sin an chistíocht atá á cur ar fáil ag an Roinn don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta. Leis an gciste sin ar fiú breis agus milliún sé céad míle euro (€1.6m) é thar tréimhse trí bliana faoi láthair, cuirtear clár leathan tacaíochtaí praiticiúla ar fáil atá dírithe ar thacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh.
Níor mhiste a lua go bhfuil an ciste sin deich n-oiread níos airde ná an gciste bliantúil arbh fhiú caoga míle euro (€50,000) dá fheabhas é - a chuirtí ar fáil don eagraíocht cúig bliana ó shin.
Comhthreomhar leis an gciste sin, luafainn chomh maith an maoiniú suntasach atá á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta don eagraíocht Comhar Naíonraí na Gaelachta atá dírithe ar thacú ar bhonn níos leithne le teaglaigh Ghaeltachta a bhfuil páistí ag aois réamhscoile acu. Tá ciste ar fiú beagnach leath mhilliún euro curtha ar fáil don eagraíocht ag mo Roinn i mbliana go deimhin - a thagann sna sála ar an gciste trí bliana arbh fhiú sa bhreis ar aon pointe dó milliún Euro a cuireadh ar fáil ó 2018 go 2021.
Mar a bhaineann sé le tacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta tríd an ngréasán bunscoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta, luafainn an chistíocht shuntasach thar tréimhse trí bliana atá á cur ar fáil ag mo Roinn chun deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil do lucht freastail scoileanna Gaeltachta ó cheann ceann na bliana. Cuimsítear sa tacaíocht fhoriomlán sin na cistí faoi leith a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga; Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha, Clár na nEalaíon Teangabhunaithe dar teideal CUISLE agus beartais eile nach iad.
Ní áirítear sna tacaíochtaí teaghlaigh atá luaite agam, na tacaíochtaí ábartha eile atá á gcur ar fáil ar bhonn lógánta faoi scáth an phróisis pleanála teanga ná an raon cúnamh ábhartha a chuirtear ar fáil faoi scáth Údarás na Gaeltachta - a chabhraíonn go díreach nó go tánaisteach le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht.
Leis an gcistíocht ar fiú seacht milliún déag euro in iomlán (€17m) atá curtha ar fáil i mbliana don Chlár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga agus an próiseas pleanála teanga araon - atá ardaithe go deimhin thar ciste na bliana seo caite - táim sásta go bhfuil na cistí sin á gcur chun fónaimh chun cabhrú le réimsí éagsúla lena n-áirítear teaghlaigh ó cheann ceann na Gaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó a dteastaíonn uathu é sin a dhéanamh.
Is féidir leis an Teachta a bheith cinnte de, mar atá luaite roimhe seo, go leanfar ag faire amach i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara ar na bealaí a bhféadfaí na tacaíochtaí seo a threisiú tuilleadh leis na hacmhainní atá agus a bheidh ar fáil.
Tugtar léargas níos leithne ar a bhfuil déanta agus ar bun ag gach páirtí leasmhar a bhfuil baint acu leis an scéal sa dara tuarascáil maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge 2018 - 2022 a d'fhoilsigh mé thar ceann na Rialtais i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2021.
50. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports she is putting in place for unsuccessful applicants for the LPSS2 funding, left with debt due to Government imposed Covid restrictions on live seasonal entertainment events from Christmas 2021; if she will consider the case of Liberty Pantomime; if she will meet with a person (details supplied) whose production could not go ahead as planned; the person or body that was rejected in this application and appeal for LPSS2 being a new business set up in 2021 and could not produce VAT returns for the previous two years to the required amount of €100,000 in which cast and crew are still waiting to be paid where his business and personal reputation has been impacted through no fault of his own in which without government imposed Covid restrictions the production would have been self-financing due to ticket sales; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21877/22]
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 had 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.
Officials from my Department will arrange to meet with the applicant concerned in relation to this application and subsequent appeal.
