Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
277. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the main policy achievements of her Department since 27 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61659/22]
View answerInformation in relation to my Department's priorities are set out in its published Statement of Strategy 2021—2023 while, information and announcements on the ongoing activities of my Department are also made available on its website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/.
I have previously informed the House in response to Parliamentary Question No 79 of December 15, 2021, of the range of activities and achievements undertaken by my Department across its remit in its first 18 months of operation. I also provided a further update on progress being achieved in my response to Parliamentary Question No 153 of 29th September last.
Minister Chambers and I continue to make significant progress across all areas of our Department's brief, supporting individual and community well-being and addressing the challenges the sectors under my remit have faced in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the impact of the war in Ukraine. In the course of this work we have recently announced initiatives and policy achievements including:
- The enactment of Online Safety and Media Regulation OSMR Act 2022 which will establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán to oversee the regulation of harmful online content and hold social media platforms to account. An Coimisiún will also support the broader media sector, in particular through the implementation of the Future of Media Commission’s recommendations
- The announcement earlier this year of the awarding of 2,000 grants for artists and creative arts workers through the new Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme giving effect to the number one recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce established in 2020.
- The progression of the National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2022 which is at Committee Stage in the Seanad this week and which it is expected will be enacted before the end of the year.
- Government approval has been obtained for the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill.
- The coming into effect of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act in December 2022, strengthening the Official Languages Act 2003 and making a significant contribution to the quality of services in Irish provided to the public by State bodies.
- Securing Government approval for the extension of the Creative Ireland programme to 2027, which will include delivery of new initiatives in Creative Industries, Creative Health and Well-being, Climate Action and Social Sustainability.
- The launch of the new Digital Plan for Irish in December 2022 which will make it easier than ever for businesses and State service providers to make Irish available as an option in their digital services to the public.
- The announcement in December 2022 of the restoration and redevelopment of the National Concert Hall. Following completion of the external assurance process, a core element of the public spending code, preparatory work for a planning application will commence in 2023.
Furthermore, for Budget 2023, Minister Chambers and I announced, on 28th September, 2022, details of a €1,142m gross funding allocation for the Department’s sectors.
This funding support brings a wide range of important new initiatives and a continuation of some existing measures to support further growth and development for these Sectors. The following are the key highlights of these measures:
Tourism
- Budget 2023 saw €15 million continued additional funding for a range of Fáilte Ireland initiatives, including Sustainable Tourism actions with a further €15 million allocated to marketing Ireland overseas as a destination, and the development of the Invitation project.
Culture and Arts
- €130m funding for Arts Council retained for a further year.
- €35m for pilot Basic Income for the Arts scheme.
- €2m funding increase for Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide.
- New €7m capital funds for artists’ spaces, and for climate adaptation measures.
Irish Language
- Additional €8.5m to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
Sport
- Additional funding to Sport Ireland of €8m – to support high-level performance sport, develop a new coaching fund, grow participation at all levels, and deliver first-ever national swimming strategy.
- Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan approved by Government and launched on 17 November
- €35 million Sports Energy Support Scheme initiated to assist sports clubs and organisations to manage increased energy costs over Winter / Spring 2022 – 2023.
Media
- €7.5m to enable Coimisiún na Meán commence the vital work of online safety and media regulation.
- €6m to new Media Fund’s Courts and Local Democracy Reporting Schemes as part of wider support package for local, regional and national media and journalism.
- Largest ever increase to TG4 will support the launch of a new dedicated Children’s Channel, as part of their continued provision of quality Irish language programming.
