Written Answers Nos. 211-232
212. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an exact breakdown of the funding allocated in 2022 to Tourism Ireland under the revised estimates 2022 under each of the headings A.4, A.5 and A.6. [38163/22]
View answerTourism Ireland’s 2022 funding allocation of €91.782 million from my Department is provided under two subheads of the Tourism Services programme in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services, namely:
- Subhead A.4 - Administration and General Expenses
- Subhead A.5 - Tourism Marketing Fund
A total of €18.303 million has been allocated under Subhead A.4 and this allocation is made up of an Exchequer pay provision of €11.946 million, a pension allocation of €0.566 million and a non-pay allocation of €5.791 million.
A total of €73.479 million has been allocated under Subhead A.5. This total includes €66.562 million for Tourism Ireland’s core overseas marketing activity, of which €7.04 million is a Capital Expenditure allocation. The remaining €6.917 million is for delivery of specific marketing activity within the State.
Tourism Ireland does not receive funding under the A.6 Subhead.
213. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total capital allocation made to Fáilte Ireland in 2022. [38164/22]
View answerFáilte Ireland's 2022 capital funding allocation of €39.55 million from my Department is provided under two subheads of the Tourism Services programme in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services.
The breakdown under each subhead in 2022 is:
- Subhead A.3 - €3.05 million;
- Subhead A.6 - €36.5 million.
214. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital and current Exchequer funding allocated to Screen Ireland in 2022 under B.12 of the revised estimates 2022. [38165/22]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I allocate funding to Screen Ireland, the development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry.Information on allocations under my Department's Vote are published online at www.gov.ie. The 2022 allocation to Screen Ireland is €36.743m. This is made up of €32.15m in capital funding and €4.593 in current funding.
215. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications to the Large-Scale Infrastructure Fund since it first opened; and the number of successful and unsuccessful applications, respectively. [38166/22]
View answer216. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of successful applicants under the Large-Scale Infrastructure Fund in each of the years that the programme was active. [38167/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100 million being made available over the period to 2027.
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. Full details of the LSSIF including all allocations and applications can be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
While the priority in the short term is to advance all of the projects that were allocated funding, as it is now over two years since the first allocations were made, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in finalising the review.
Once the review is complete the scope for awarding any additional grants, adjusting the level of existing grants and the timing of any new call for proposals will be considered.
217. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the €2 million allocated to the sound and vision fund in the July stimulus was a once-off funding increase; if not, if it now forms part of annual core funding; if the funding will be allocated again in 2023; and the total amount of funding that has been provided by the Exchequer to the sound and vision fund to date in 2022. [38187/22]
View answerSection 156 (2) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that the core funding of the Sound and Vision Scheme is derived from the disbursement of 7% of the net TV licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund, which is operated by the BAI and supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. The amount allocated to the Broadcasting Fund from TV Licence receipts in 2020 was €14.9m and in 2021 was €14.8m. Figures for 2022 and 2023 are not yet available as the allocation will depend on the number of TV Licences sold this year and next year. However, from January to June 2022, the Broadcasting Fund received €7.1m from TV Licence sales.
Section 156 (3) of the Broadcasting Act also provides that additional Exchequer funding to the Sound and Vision Scheme may be allocated from time to time with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform but these payments are once-off funding measures rather than core funding.
2020 was the first year that Exchequer funding was allocated to the Sound and Vision Scheme, which was provided in recognition of impact of COVID-19 on the sector and comprised €2m funding as part of the July stimulus package. Additional Exchequer funding of €4.9m was provided to the Sound and Vision Scheme in December 2020, €1m of this was distributed by the BAI in December and the balance of €3.9m was allocated in 2021.
I have allocated an additional €8m of Exchequer funding to support the Sound and Vision Scheme in 2022. €2m will be ring-fenced for Irish language; €2m for live music; and €1.5m for general Sound and Vision scheme projects. €5m will be ring-fenced for Climate Change and Climate Action in a Sound and Vision Scheme funding round with matching contributions of €2.5m from my Department and Minister Eamon Ryan in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
It is not possible at this juncture to state if additional Exchequer funding will be provided for the Sound and Vision scheme in 2023.
218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns at present in Northern Ireland in relation to limited access to RTÉ channels for many viewers with further difficulties emerging with the availability of television streaming services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38256/22]
View answerUnder Section 114(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ are required to offer a free to air service to the whole community on the island of Ireland. Under Section 98 of the Act, RTÉ are independent in the pursuance of these objects. All Irish public service TV channels are widely available in Northern Ireland, including via Saorview, Freeview, Sky, and cable provider Virgin Media, and are available online through the RTÉ player.
RTÉ offers a television streaming services in respect of its channels through the RTÉ Player, which may be accessed online. RTE has made available information to the public which states that difficulties in accessing the RTÉ Player in Northern Ireland may arise due to the location of the Internet Protocol address that has been assigned to Northern Ireland residents by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). In this case, RTÉ has advised Northern Ireland residents to contact their ISP to resolve the issue.
In the case of sporting events, sporting bodies decide how broadcasting rights are allocated across the different territories and my Department has no role in this regard. Broadcasting rights are a commercial matter for negotiation between individual sporting bodies and the broadcasters.
219. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the salary of four roles within her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38305/22]
View answerI am advised that the salaries as paid by my Department for the four roles to which the Deputy refers are as follows:
1. Salary of €211,765
2. Two roles with salaries of €138,019 and two with salaries of €157,886 (steps 1 and 4 of the relevant grade)
3. Salary as a TD paid by the Oireachtas, with an additional Ministerial salaried allowance of €82,739 paid by the Department.
4. Salary paid by the Oireachtas
220. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions that her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department are taking to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38418/22]
View answerAs per the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (‘the Duty’), public service organisations have a statutory obligation to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and protect the human rights of staff and those to whom they provide services.
As a civil service employer, my Department operates within a legislative framework that recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and work environment. Recruitment of the vast majority of staff in my Department is via the Public Appointments Service (PAS). My Department is supportive of current PAS recruitment initiatives that seek to appoint persons from diverse backgrounds to posts in the civil service.
In relation to the State Bodies under my Department's remit, the requested information is displayed in tabular form below:
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State Bodies |
Actions being taken to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities |
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Arts Council |
Key policies of the Arts Council include its Equality, Human Rights and Diversity (EHRD) Policy and Strategy. This policy has been incorporated into its programmes, schemes and awards. The Council also has Paying the Artist policy on the fair and equitable remuneration and contracting of artists. Earlier this year, the Council published its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit, which supports organisations in implementing positive policy measures to promote equality of opportunity, access and outcomes for everyone living in Ireland. Each year, the Council publish statistical information on individuals applying for and receiving Arts Council funding, broken down by gender, disability and ethnicity. The latest annual report can be accessed here: Equality Data and Arts Council Awards: www.artscouncil.ie/about/Equality,-Diversity-and-Inclusion/Equality-Data-and-Arts-Council-Awards/ |
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Chester Beatty |
One of four strategic priorities in Chester Beatty’s current Strategic Plan 2021-2024 is ‘Strategic Priority 3: Foster Diversity and Inclusion’: www.chesterbeatty.ie/assets/uploads/2018/10/2021-2024_Strategic_Plan_Chester_Beatty_English.pdf |
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Crawford Art Gallery |
Acquisition of artworks by LGBTQIA+ artists or LGBTQIA+ themed works (e.g. Stephen Doyle’s Dylan Is Ainm Dom…and Meditating Tongqui; Kevin Gaffney’s Expulsion; Amanda Dunsmore’s Senator David Norris) for the National Collection;Implementation of LGBTQ+ Gallery Trail (2021) and free Guided Tours (2018-2022) for visitors;Participation in OUTing the Past 2022 festival and hosting an ‘In Conversation’ event with artists Audrey Gillespie and Pádraig Spillane;EDI is active part of all recruitment for the Gallery. |
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Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) |
At present, we are reviewing our recruitment policies and procedures in relation to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, Fáilte Ireland joined a workshop with LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut to mark Pride. It was a very engaging and informative session with lots of take aways around LGBTQ+ identity and terminology and some simple steps we can all take as allies of the LGBTQ+ community. It also gave Fáilte Ireland insights offering important considerations when it comes to collecting data on people’s gender and what we should be aware of in relation to creating forms. |
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Foras na Gaeilge |
All of Foras na Gaeilge’s employment and funding opportunities to promote Irish language are emphatically open to all. Foras na Gaeilge does not knowingly fund any exclusively LGBTQIA+ specific project/schemes and as a general rule we do not seek to collect or hold ‘special category data’ on employees, funding applicants or recipients without a basis under GDPR.A listing of Foras na Gaeilge’s grant schemes is available at the link here: www.forasnagaeilge.ie/funding-schemes/?lang=enHowever, we work very closely with members of the LGBTQIA+ communities to ensure the correct and most suitable terminology is available for them in the Irish language.The Recruitment Code of An Foras Teanga / The Language Body (which is comprised of both Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch) ratified a revised Recruitment Code in September 2016. The following statement appears at the bottom of all advertisements for posts:“Tá Foras na Gaeilge tiomanta don chomhionannas deise agus cuirimid fáilte roimh iarratas ó iarrthóirí a bhfuil na cáilíochtaí cuí acu gan bheann ar chreideamh, ar inscne, ar mhíchumas, ar chine, ar dhearcadh polaitíochta, ar aois, ar stádas pósta, ar chlaonadh gnéis nó cé acu atá nó nach bhfuil cleithiúnaithe acu. De réir fiúntais amháin a mheasfar gach iarratas.”Proficiency in the Irish language, both written and oral is an essential requirement for all posts. As is obvious, there is an Irish Language requirement for all roles in Foras na Gaeilge. The founding legislation states:The functions of the Body in relation to the Irish language will be exercised by an Irish language agency of the Body. The working language of the agency will be Irish, subject to the provisions of the Financial Memorandum. This essential requirement means that we are automatically drawing on a reduced pool of possible candidates.’ |
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Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) |
IMMA runs a very inclusive arts programme that includes bespoke workshops that explore the personal histories, narratives and activism of LGBTQIA+ people in Ireland. All job advertisements state that IMMA is an Equal Opportunities advocate.IMMA’s Human Resources staff recently participated in training on the subject of ‘Hiring for Diversity’. |
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National Concert Hall |
The National Concert Hall undertakes to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and to guard against discrimination on the following grounds:Gender: this means man, woman or transsexual;Civil status: includes single, married, separated, divorced, widowed people, civil partners and former civil partner;Family status: this refers to the parent of a person under 18 years or the resident primary carer or parent of a person with a disability;Sexual orientation: includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual;Religion: means religious belief, background, outlook or none;Age: this does not apply to a person aged under 16;Disability: includes people with physical, intellectual, learning, cognitive or emotional disabilities and a range of medical conditions Race: includes race, skin colour, nationality or ethnic origin;Membership of the Traveller community.The National Concert Hall agrees under the terms of the Employment Equality Act 1998-2016 to meet its legal obligations in this regard and to promote equal opportunity throughout the organisation. The legislation also makes it an offence to penalise an employee for exercising their right to equal treatment and the National Concert Hall further acknowledges the rights of dignity and respect and will ensure that merit is the only differential criterion used.Recruitment and Selection - the National Concert Hall will strive for recruitment, employment, training and promotion practices and policies that are free of barriers, both systemic and deliberate, that directly or indirectly discriminate against people. This includes those with disabilities, members of racial minorities, sexual orientation , women and all other protected groups. All positions in the company are opened to suitably qualified people. Applicants will be given details of job requirements to enable them determine their suitability for positions. Job requirements will relate to the actual duties of the post. Both internal and external recruitment and promotional material will indicate the organisations commitment to equal opportunity. Individuals will be selected, promoted and treated on the basis of merit, qualifications and abilities along with the essential requirements of the job.Equality in Practice - All employees have a role to play in ensuring the effective implementation of the equality policy. Management accepts ultimate responsibility in this regard. Management will ensure that all staff reporting to them are aware of the policy and of their responsibilities under this policy. |
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National Gallery of Ireland |
The National Gallery of Ireland (‘Gallery’) is an equal opportunities employer. This is stated on every job advertisement. The Gallery values equity, diversity and inclusion and recognises the benefits it brings to staff and visitor interactions.The Gallery strives to embed an inclusive work culture. Staff are required to participate in Dignity at Work and Equality Diversity and Inclusion training. This is highlighted at recruitment stage and these are aligned to the Gallery’s organisational values. This training underpins the implementation of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.There is a Recruitment Procedure and Employee Handbook in place that outlines the Gallery’s support of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.All job specifications are widely advertised via a multiple of avenues such as the Gallery’s website, professional networks and social media. This inclusive approach ensures that the Gallery is attracting potential applicants from a broad and diverse background, both nationally and internationally.Staff at the Gallery had the opportunity to attend a series of workshops titled the ABCs of LGBTQIA+ which were facilitated by ShoutOut. These learning sessions offered a comprehensive overview of LGBTQIA+ identity, terminology, and allyship. |
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National Library of Ireland |
To underpin our strategy, mission and values, we are conscious about, for example, monitoring for non-exclusive language in recruitment; and in supporting our ‘welcoming’ value through use of pronoun preferences and staff training to build an environment of allyship. Recent high-profile acquisitions and programming by the NLI have highlighted our commitment to recording and making available perspectives and lived experience of the LGBTQIA+ communities. The NLI has actively engaged with Shout Out, BelongTo and TENI, amongst others in both collecting and exhibitions programming and as part of our dedicated EDI work. While largely these are not active or specific recruitment foci, it is our intention that our visible engagement and welcome ensure that the NLI is viewed as an inclusive place to work, build a career and contribute. |
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National Museum of Ireland |
The NMI is committed to the principles of equality and diversity and is an equal opportunities employer. All members of staff involved in recruitment and selection must be aware of the requirements of equality legislation and its implications. The Employment Equality Act 1998-2015 promote equality and prohibit discrimination (with no exemptions) across nine grounds, which are gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability and membership of the travelling community. All external competitions are additionally advertised by the Public Appointments Service who plays a central role in recruiting diverse talent through inclusive recruitment practices in conjunction with their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021 – 2023. The NMI will continue to be vigilant in our recruitment and promotion processes to ensure discrimination is prevented and diversity is welcomed.The NMI Diversity & Equality working group was established in 2018 whose aim is to promote and support equality, diversity, and inclusion, to organise training opportunities for staff and to devise policies including the Gender Identity and Expression Policy and the Policy on Employing People with Disabilities which have received approval.The NMI holds a monthly LGBTQIA+ virtual coffee morning where we welcome external speakers to join us on topics including the promotion of LGBTQIA+ + inclusion in schools, LGBTQIA+ inclusive education, 'Gay and Lesbian Activism in the Republic of Ireland, 1973-93' and Sexuality in the 19th century male convict depot on Spike Island.The Director of the NMI has committed to engaging external expertise in the area of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) to support updating NMI policies relating to this. |
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Screen Ireland |
All our recruitment processes are open to all communities and we welcome all applications from all under-represented groups. |
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Sport Ireland |
Inclusive job adverts advising we are an equal opportunities employer;Hold Diversity and Inclusion workshops - last one dated 15th June 2022;A publicly launched diversity and inclusion policy which expresses its vision for a sport sector that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and is pro-active in providing opportunities for lifelong participation for everyone - launched on 19th May 2022;Logo Adaption on all media outlets to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community during pride month;Sport Ireland and Sporting Pride launch #LetsGetVisible Campaign in support of the LGBTI+ community on 20th June 2022 to give the sports sector the opportunity to show our support for the LGBTQI+ community and to promote sport as a welcoming and inclusive space for the community. |
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Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch |
The Ulster-Scots Agency is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates irrespective of religious belief, gender, disability, race, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether or not they have dependants. All applications are considered strictly on the basis of merit. |
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Tourism Ireland |
Tourism Ireland has a robust Equal Opportunities Policy, which ensures that we do not discriminate against any community |
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Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Is fostaitheoir comhionannais é Údarás na Gaeltachta. Údarás na Gaeltachta is an equal opportunities employer.Déanann Údarás na Gaeltachta ceiliúradh ar Bród/ Pride. Údarás na Gaeltachta celebrates Pride.Beartais um Shaoire Tuismitheora caighdeánaithe – Gach duine ábalta saoire tuismitheora a ghlacadh. Standardised Parental Leave Policy – everyone is entitled to take parental leave. |
In relation to the following public bodies (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, RTÉ and TG4), this is an operational matter for these bodies concerned. Section 24 and Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the independence in the performance of their functions. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
221. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which her Department owns and public bodies and agencies under her remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort. [38728/22]
View answerThe Building Regulations 1997-2021 set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around such buildings. These come within the policy remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The provision of office accommodation for my Department, and for many of those bodies under the remit of the Department, such as the national cultural institutions, falls within the remit of the Office of Public Works. A number of these buildings are protected structures.
Many of the bodies under the aegis of my Department are public facing organisations, and therefore provide access to available facilities as part of their wider public-facing role.
222. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way that her Department and public bodies and agencies under her remit are implementing action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38746/22]
View answerOverall responsibility for coordination of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021, rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. In 2021, that Department announced that the NDIS 2017-2021 would be extended for an additional year.
My Department is represented on the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group (NDISSG) which is chaired by Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte T.D. The Group which comprises key government departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders group meets on a quarterly basis to review the implementation of actions contained in the Strategy including those within the remit of my Department.
The NDA Independent Assessment of Implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy for 2021 was published in April 2022. Under action 32, the report commended the Traffic Light updates provided by a number of bodies under the aegis of my Department.
Additionally, I am advised that my Department has established a Disability Consultative Committee as recommended under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and has recently been assigned three representatives of the Disability Stakeholders Group.
223. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the content and date of observations submitted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to the consent process conducted by the Department in relation to offshore geophysical survey work detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022 issued by the Department of Transport at locations offshore from Dublin and counties Louth and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38219/22]
View answerThe work detailed in Marine Notice 43/2022, issued by the Department of Transport, related to an intention by Lir Offshore Array to conduct geophysical survey works as part of a scientific data gathering exercise. Grid references provided in the Notice indicate operations are entirely outside of the 12 nautical mile limit. My Department did not receive any communication from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to these operations.
No consent has been granted by my Department under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011) or the Foreshore Act (1933). The Marine Notice does not specify the precise nature of the works.
224. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated revenue that would be raised from increasing the vacant site levy to 20% based on the most recent valuation data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38686/22]
View answerUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.
My Department recently issued Circular Letter PL 03/2022 requesting the submission of a further progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy by local authorities.
My Department received a return from each of the 31 local authorities which indicated that as of 1 January 2021 there were 179 sites with market valuations of €103.68m listed on local authority registers and liable to the levy in 2022. These sites will be levied at 7% market valuation rate in 2022 unless works commenced in the interim or their inclusion on the registers is successfully appealed. Based on the information from the recent progress reports, it is estimated that the levy proceeds could be of the order of €20.736m in 2022 if it was applied to the sites listed in the most recent progress reports at a rate of 20%.
The levy is not intended to be a revenue generating measure with the proceeds accruing to the relevant local authority rather than the Exchequer. The levy proceeds generated are specifically intended to be used by local authorities for the provision of housing and regeneration development in the local area in which vacant sites are located. No more than 10% of the levy monies received by planning authorities may be used on their administration costs in collecting the levy.
225. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has undertaken any analysis into the reasons for overturned planning decisions, specifically decisions in relation to large windfarms. [38178/22]
View answerUnder section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), any person who considers that they have reason to question the validity of a decision made by a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála under the Act may apply to the High Court seeking a judicial review of that decision or act. It is a matter for the Courts to decide whether to grant leave for judicial review in planning cases in accordance with sections 50 and 50A of the Act.
The recording of decisions of court cases is one in which I have no statutory function and is a matter for the Courts Service which is statutorily independent. Judicial reviews against the State, in which my Department may be included as a party, are co-ordinated by the Chief State Solicitors Office under the guidance of the Attorney General's Office (AGO).
Where the state is a named respondent to a case or a notice party, my Department would consider the outcome of the case in conjunction with the AGO and where appropriate would seek to address any legislative issues raised as a result of the Judgement. My Department would also monitor the outcome of other planning challenges in which the State is not a party and respond where appropriate. This would include decisions relating to large wind energy developments, as well as other development types.
226. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any analysis has been undertaken, including investigation of potential environmental damage or if any corrective actions have taken place in relation to windfarm sites at Derrybrein, Keeper Hill or Meenbog. [38179/22]
View answer227. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has a forum through which concerned citizens and non-Governmental organisations can be briefed and raise concerns or make submissions directly to his Department in relation to potential environmental damage as a consequence of planning and development decisions. [38180/22]
View answer228. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to convene a new Constituency Commission following on from the preliminary Census results which were published on 23 June 2022. [38184/22]
View answerThe Electoral Reform Bill 2022, which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides for, among other matters, the establishment of an Electoral Commission. In addition, the Bill provides for the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies to be undertaken by the new Electoral Commission following its establishment. The Bill also provides for the repeal of Part II of the Electoral Act 1997 (including section 5 which currently provides for the establishment of a Constituency Commission following the publication of a Census of Population Report setting out the preliminary result of a Census).
Under the provisions of the Electoral Reform Bill, the Report of the Electoral Commission on the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies will be published within three months of the publication of final Census results. This mirrors current arrangements whereby a Constituency Commission must complete its work within three months of the publication of final Census results. While the publication of final Census results is a matter for the Central Statistics Office, final results are anticipated for publication in Spring 2023.
This would indicate that a final report from the Electoral Commission on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies would be expected in Summer 2023. It will be a matter for the Oireachtas to legislate for revised constituency boundaries following its consideration of the final report of the Commission.
It is intended that the Electoral Commission will be established as a matter of priority following enactment of the Electoral Reform Bill 2022. In this regard, a transitional team has been put in place in my Department to progress the administrative elements of the Commission's establishment.
229. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to increase the thatching grant in line with the actual cost of re-thatching houses given the small number of vernacular older thatched cottages that are still in existence and their historic importance; if he plans to remove the condition of the scheme that the house has to be the primary dwelling of the owner to receive the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38193/22]
View answer230. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated number of older vernacular thatched houses still in existence; the amount paid out in thatching grants in 2021 under the thatching grant scheme; the number of beneficiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38194/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.
Under my Department’s renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, in general a grant of up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.
There is no requirement for the house to be the primary dwelling of the owner, however, the owner must consent to the proposed works and the house must be occupied as a full time place of residence on completion of the approved works i.e. not occupied as a holiday home. A total of 95 thatching grants were processed in 2021 with associated funding of €435,038.
Separately, Minister Malcolm Noonan, launched A Living Tradition, the new vernacular architectural heritage strategy, in December 2021. Action 6 of the strategy sets out to ‘enhance the protection and conservation of historic thatched roofs’. Officials in my Department have established a specific steering group, the Built Vernacular Heritage (Thatch) Steering Group to oversee and assist with the implementation of this particular part of the strategy. Under Action 6, the Steering Group will examine all issues relevant to thatched buildings, including thatching standards, fire prevention guidance, and the availability of suitable thatching materials, and any other relevant matters. The action also seeks to accelerate the recording and protection of these buildings, and to establish a central database. At present my Department estimates that there are 2,000 older vernacular thatched houses, and the establishment of a central database will provide further clarity on this figure.
My Department, in conjunction with the Steering Group, will also progress relevant parts of other actions of the strategy as they relate to thatch, including a review of grant assistance for such buildings.
231. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the outcome of the National Homeless Action Committee considerations on whether HIQA should be appointed to inspect services for persons that have become homeless including privately-run emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38215/22]
View answerAs provided for in Housing for All, the National Homeless Action Committee (NHAC) was established in Q4 2021. The overarching objective of NHAC is to ensure that a renewed emphasis is brought to collaborating across Government to implement actions in Housing for All, along with bringing better coherence and coordination of homeless-related services in delivering policy measures and actions to address homelessness. I chair the meetings of NHAC which occur on a quarterly basis.
At our Q2 meeting, I asked NHAC members to consider the most appropriate way forward in terms of inspections of services for persons that have become homeless, including privately run emergency accommodation. At the Q3 meeting on 7 July, a discussion was held on this point and members shared their views and recommendations which are now under consideration.
232. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the consents that he determined in relation to the offshore activity detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022, issued by the Department of Transport on 1 July 2022, in relation to geophysical survey works on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week from 1 July to 15 August 2022 at locations off Dublin and counties Louth and Meath; the application reference number, the environmental assessments that have been conducted; the date of determination; the location in which public access to the consent granted is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38217/22]
View answerThe work detailed in Marine Notice 43/2022, issued by the Department of Transport, related to an intention by Lir Offshore Array to conduct geophysical survey works as part of a scientific data gathering exercise. Grid references provided in the Notice indicate operations are entirely outside of the 12 nautical mile limit. This would mean that a licence could not be granted under the Foreshore Act 1933. No consent was granted by this Department under that legislation or the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011). The Marine Notice does not specify the precise nature of the works.
