Written Answers Nos. 423-441
423. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish the report into the findings of the ethics legislation review; the timeline that he is working towards in bringing forward new legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/23]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that the Review to which her question refers has been completed and a report was submitted to Government by my predecessor Minister McGrath in December. The Government approved the publication of the Review Report and agreed to the preparation of a General Legislative Scheme informed by the Review's outcome. The draft legislative scheme will be prepared in consultation with relevant Ministers and brought to Government for approval to publish during 2023. The Review Report itself is currently being prepared for publication and it will issue shortly.
As the Deputy may recall, my Department’s review of Ireland's statutory framework for standards in public office, which was agreed by the Government in September 2021, covered the following elements:
- A review of Ireland’s existing ethics legislative framework, including a reassessment of the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill;
- A review of the recommendations of relevant tribunals of inquiry;
- A review of recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) based on its operation of the current regime;
- Consultations with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the local government aspects of a consolidated statutory regime.
- A review of current EU/International best practice; and
- Public Consultation.
The Review considered input from key public sector stakeholders including the Departments of Justice and Housing and Local Government. It also engaged with the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members Interests. It also considered recommendations from the Standards in Public Office Commission.
I can inform the Deputy that the recommendations in the Review Report broadly focus on five key themes:
- A legislative framework for Ethics to be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles
- New specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information
- Strengthening disclosures requirements to improve transparency and examining whether the regime should encompass more office holders
- Strengthening the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
- Post-term employment restrictions for elected officials/public servants that address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and should align closely with that legislation.
The Government’s ultimate goal is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.
424. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the highest possible prizes have been won by players of the national lottery in the past twelve months; the way that this corresponds with the number of times that major prizes were won in the previous year; the extent of the cost of advertising in the past twelve months and in the previous year; if the community receives 90% of the proceeds of the National Lottery as advertised on television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2244/23]
View answerThe National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland and across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs.
The National Lottery Fund transferred €289m to the Exchequer in 2021 which represents a significant 14% increase on 2020 and is a record, unprecedented figure under the license commenced by Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) in 2014.
Circa €6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery commenced operations in 1987.
The number of times that the jackpot / top prize has been won in National Lottery draws in 2022 and 2021 is as set out in the table below.
The spend on advertising by PLI the operator of the National Lottery, for the last 12 months, is not currently available as the operator’s 2022 audited financial statements are not yet available.
The amounts allocated to the community (as defined in the operator’s advertisements, they include prizes, plus amounts to retailers’ commission, plus amounts to good causes) are about 90%.
|
Game Type |
2022 |
2021 |
|
Lotto (prizes of greater than €1m) |
10 |
8 |
|
Lotto Plus 1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Lotto Plus 2 |
7 |
10 |
|
Euromillions (Irish Winners) |
1 |
0 |
|
Euromillions Raffles (winners of over €1m) |
7 |
5 |
|
Euromillions Plus |
25 |
25 |
|
Daily Million |
7 |
8 |
|
Daily Million Plus |
1 |
6 |
|
Christmas Millionaire Raffle |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
67 |
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of prize amounts |
|
|
|
€1m or greater |
34 |
31 |
|
€250,000 or greater, but less than €1m |
33 |
41 |
425. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when pensioners of Eircom will be entitled to the 3% increase in pension that was announced in July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/23]
View answerGenerally, issues such as pension increases are matters for consideration of the sectoral Minister in the first instance and take into account the application of scheme rules as well as the overall sustainability of pension funds.
Section 10 of the Eircom scheme rules specifies that discretionary pension increases may be authorised by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance on foot of the recommendation of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
My Department received a request for a pension increase for members of the Eircom pension scheme via the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) on the 10th November 2022.
DECC and DPER have been engaging with the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) in recent weeks in relation to the increase requested. NewERA has been asked to prepare a report analysing the proposed increase and this is expected to be finalised shortly.
When NewERA’s analysis of the proposed increase has been provided, my officials and I will give full consideration to the requested pension increase. Following the granting of Ministerial consent for a pension increase the timing of the payment of the increase will be a matter for the employing body.
426. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if sluice gates will be fitted at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2319/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995, as amended.
The matter concerns an old derelict sluice gate that has not been operational for a number of years. It is not possible to keep the sluice gate open, as it continues to block up due to the level of mud at the location. Engineering staff have examined the issue and the sluice gate is not critical, as other sluice gates operate from the same back-drain. Engineering staff from the OPW are satisfied with the conveyance of the channel. I am advised officials from the south west region of the OPW have liaised with the person concerned.
427. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a pension payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2398/23]
View answerDue to Data Protection the NSSO cannot comment in public on an individual’s personal pension entitlements. However, a full response has been just issued directly to the applicant advising them in regard to this pension query.
428. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will issue an apology to the families of persons (details supplied). [63221/22]
View answerAs we navigate the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023, the Government's approach to commemorations continues to be under-pinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and informed by consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations. The EAG has published three statements to date, which can be found on gov.ie.
(www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5ead-decade-of-centenaries/). I would urge everyone who has an interest in the current period of commemorations to consult the principles and advice set out in these publications
I am committed to ensuring that the State's approach to the remembrance of the Civil War and all of those who lost their lives during those years, is based on the respectful, sensitive, measured and authentic ethos that has become the hallmark of the Decade of Centenaries Programme. Historical accuracy, academic integrity and archival discovery are key tenets as the Civil War commemorative programme continues to develop, to follow the centenary timeline of the historical events of the period. It is important that our history is faithfully presented, even when the historical record is distressing. We must acknowledge the great tragedy of all of the lives that were lost or irrevocably altered during those divisive and traumatic years. I welcome and encourage the continuing research of historians and custodians of records, who seek to increase our understanding of the historical events that occurred, which have so significantly shaped our modern world. The State’s Decade of Centenaries Programme invites everyone to consider the painful legacies of our past and reach their own conclusions – the programme does not seek to communicate a preferred narrative or make judgements about any persons or actions. It is not appropriate for the State to retrospectively analyse historical events, through the lens of contemporary perspectives. This is best left to scholars trained in the discipline of history. The guidance of the Expert Advisory Group in this regard is clear – “The State’s task is to encourage a reflective and a reconciliatory tone that recognises that neither side had the monopoly of either atrocity or virtue and this was true of words as well as actions."
429. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén fáth a bhfuil Naíolann Ráth Chairn i nGaeltacht na Mí dúnta do leanaí nua. [63359/22]
View answer430. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán ó tharla nach féidir le Naíonra/Naíolann Ráth Chairn i nGaeltacht na Mí freastal don éileamh áitiúil ar sheirbhísí cúraim leanaí trí Ghaeilge agus ar luath-oideachas trí Ghaeilge ó thuismitheoirí na háite agus gurbh éigean dóibh malairt socruithe a dhéanamh le seirbhísí trí Bhéarla, rud atá ag teacht salach ar an bpleanáil teanga, an aontaíonn an tAire nach bhfuil sé seo sásúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [63360/22]
View answer431. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán ó tharla go bhfuil éileamh gan sásamh ar sheirbhís cúraim leanaí trí Ghaeilge agus ar luath-oideachas trí Ghaeilge i mBaile Ghib i nGaeltacht na Mí, ar mhiste leis an Aire a mhíniú (1) conas a mhaoinítear naíonraí agus naíolanna sa Ghaeltacht, idir chostais bhunaithe agus costais reatha agus (2) cad é an ról atá ag Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta maidir le bunú agus le maoiniú naíonraí agus naíolanna sa Ghaeltacht. [63361/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 429 to 431, inclusive, together.
Cuireann Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta (CNNG) tacaíocht ar fáil do ghrúpaí/coistí áitiúla le seirbhísí luathbhlianta a bhunú agus a reáchtáil sa Ghaeltacht.
Bhunaigh Údarás na Gaeltachta an cuideachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta Teo. (CNNG) in 2004 chun bainistiú agus riar a dhéanamh ar bhonneagar luathoideachais na naíonraí agus na seirbhísí cúram leanaí atá lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht. Is ar an gCeathrú Rua atá an eagraíocht lonnaithe, le fo-oifigí i Maigh Eo, i nDún na nGall agus i bPort Láirge.
Is iad príomh aidhmeanna na heagraíochta ná:
- Deis a thabhairt do gach páiste sa Ghaeltacht freastal ar sheirbhís luathoideachais nó cúram leanaí trí mheán na Gaeilge;
- Seirbhís luathbhlianta d'ardchaighdeán a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta;
- Polasaithe an Stáit i leith na luathbhlianta a chur i bhfeidhm;
- Polasaithe an Stáit i leith na Gaeilge sa chóras oideachas luathbhlianta a chur i bhfeidhm;
- Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht an linbh a chinntiú mar aon le sábháilteacht na foirne oibre.
Tuigtear dom, bunaithe ar eolas atá faighte ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ó CNNG, go bhfuil 62 páiste ag freastal ar Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn atá á reáchtáil ag CNNG. Tá ceathrar páistí ag freastal ar an tseirbhís naíolanna, 34 páiste ag freastal ar an tseirbhís naíonra agus 24 páiste ar an tseirbhís iarscoile.
Tá 11 fostaithe ag CNNG in Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn. Tá CNNG i mbun próiseas earcaíochta le roinnt míonna anuas le beirt eile a fhostú. Ar an drochuair, bíonn deacrachtaí leanúnacha ag an eagraíocht a ndóthain daoine cáilithe a earcú dá cuid seirbhísí - dúshlán atá le feiceáil san earnáil ar fud na tíre. É sin ráite, tá beirt nua aimsithe ag CNNG le dul i mbun oibre san Ionad Cúram Leanaí i Ráth Chairn agus tá siad ag tabhairt faoi cúrsa cáilíochta QQI Leibhéal 6 i gcúram leanaí faoi láthair le tacaíocht ó scéim oiliúna Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá súil ag CNNG go mbeidh siad ar fáil le dul i mbun obair chúram leanaí san Ionad i Ráth Chairn nuair atá an cháilíocht sin bainte amach acu agus go mbeifear in ann breis páistí a thógáil i Meán Fómhair 2023.
Níor thóg Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn aon leanaí faoi bhliain d’aois isteach sa naíolann don bhliain 2022/23 de bharr nach bhfuil dóthain foirne ar fáil le aire a thabhairt do na páistí san aoisghrúpa sin. Is cóimheas aon duine fásta le triúr leanaí (1:3) atá i gceist le páistí faoi bhliain d’aois.
Tuigtear don Roinn go raibh plé ar siúl idir coiste áitiúil i mBaile Ghib le hos cionn dhá bliain anuas maidir le naíonra a bhunú ansin. D’aontaigh Bord Stiúrtha CNNG i mí Feabhra 2021 glacadh le iarratas a bhí faighte aige ó choiste a bhí ag iarraidh naíonra nua a bhunú i mBaile Ghib. Bhí go leor plé idir CNNG, an tÚdarás, an coiste agus ionadaithe an halla áitiúil sa cheantar maidir leis na riachtanais go léir a bheadh le cur in áit, teastas dóiteáin san áireamh, chun go bhféadfaí an ionad a chlárú le Tusla agus seirbhís luathbhlianta a sholáthar i mBaile Ghib.
Cé nach raibh na céimeanna cuí curtha ina n-áit in am do chlárú Mheán Fómhair 2022, meastar go bhfuil gach in áit don iarratas atá faoi bhráid Tusla faoi láthair. Meastar go mbeidh scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an ionad i mí Feabhra 2023 agus, má éiríonn leis, go mbeidh tuismitheoirí á gcur ar an eolas go mbeidh seirbhís ar fáil ó Mheán Fómhair 2023, ag brath ar fhoireann cáilithe a bheith ar fáil leis an tseirbhís a reáchtáil.
432. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a grant is available to sports clubs for the purposes of purchasing for the club and training members with AED defibrillator devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63367/22]
View answerIn relation to my Department's responsibilities, the 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. Grants are available for a wide variety of capital works and non-personal sports equipment including first aid kits and defibrillators.
In relation to future rounds of the SCEP, following completion of the appeal process last year, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once these discussions are concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
Defibrillators situated at sports clubs are generally also for community use and I am aware that funding is also available through the HSE’s national lottery grants schemes and other community grants schemes. At a local level, the network of local sports partnerships throughout the country delivers education and training opportunities across a broad range of areas to local sports clubs and community groups. This includes first aid workshops, which typically cover CPR and-or defibrillator training as part of the content.
A number of national governing bodies of sport also have schemes in place to support their club networks in cardiac care, screening and defibrillator training. The GAA’s community heart programme, the FAI’s heart care programme and the IRFU’s safe rugby programme are excellent examples of proactive supports to assist clubs and members to participate safely in sport.
433. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all sections of all Acts passed in the past ten years have been commenced; the number of sections that are outstanding; the number of Acts that have review periods; if the reviews have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63390/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of those Acts under the remit of my Department, enacted during the past ten years which have not yet been fully commenced, is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Act |
Non-commenced Sections/provisions and comment. |
No of Acts that have review periods |
|
2022 |
Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, 2022. Enacted 10th December, 2022. |
Preparations are underway for the commencement of this Act during Q1 2023. |
Section 8 (inserting section 30 into the Broadcasting Act 2009) will enable Coimisiún na Meán to review the legislation. |
|
2021 |
Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. Enacted 22nd December 2021. |
Sections 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 have not commenced. It is anticipated that most of these Sections will be commenced during 2023: |
N/A |
434. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an féidir leis an Aire a mhíniú cén fáth go bhfuil Naíolann Ráth Chairn i nGaeltacht na Mí dúnta do leanaí nua. [63399/22]
View answer435. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán ó tharla nach féidir le Naíonra/Naíolann Ráth Chairn i nGaeltacht na Mí riaradh don éileamh áitiúil ar sheirbhísí cúram leanaí trí Ghaeilge agus ar luath-oideachas trí Ghaeilge ó thuismitheoirí na háite agus gurbh éigean dóibh malairt socruithe a dhéanamh le seirbhísí trí Bhéarla, rud atá ag teacht salach ar an bpleanáil teanga, an aontaíonn an tAire nach bhfuil sé seo sásúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [63400/22]
View answer436. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán ó tharla go bhfuil éileamh gan sásamh ar sheirbhís chúram leanaí trí Ghaeilge agus ar luath-oideachas trí Ghaeilge i mBaile Ghib i nGaeltacht na Mí, ar mhiste leis an Aire a mhíniú, conas a mhaoinítear naíonraí agus naíolanna sa Ghaeltacht idir chostais bhunaithe agus costais reatha; agus cad é an ról atá ag Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta maidir le bunú agus le maoiniú naíonraí agus naíolanna sa Ghaeltacht. [63401/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 434 to 436, inclusive, together.
Cuireann Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta (CNNG) tacaíocht ar fáil do ghrúpaí/coistí áitiúla le seirbhísí luathbhlianta a bhunú agus a reáchtáil sa Ghaeltacht.
Bhunaigh Údarás na Gaeltachta an cuideachta, CNNG, in 2004 chun bainistiú agus riar a dhéanamh ar bhonneagar luathoideachais na naíonraí agus na seirbhísí cúram leanaí atá lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht. Is ar an gCeathrú Rua atá an eagraíocht lonnaithe, le fo-oifigí i Maigh Eo, i nDún na nGall agus i bPort Láirge.
Is iad príomh aidhmeanna na heagraíochta ná:
- Deis a thabhairt do gach páiste sa Ghaeltacht freastal ar sheirbhís luathoideachais nó cúram leanaí trí mheán na Gaeilge;
- Seirbhís luathbhlianta d'ardchaighdeán a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta;
- Polasaithe an Stáit i leith na luathbhlianta a chur i bhfeidhm;
- Polasaithe an Stáit i leith na Gaeilge sa chóras oideachas luathbhlianta a chur i bhfeidhm;
- Sláinte agus Sábháilteacht an linbh a chinntiú mar aon le sábháilteacht na foirne oibre.
Tuigtear dom, bunaithe ar eolas atá faighte ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ó CNNG, go bhfuil 62 páiste ag freastal ar Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn atá á reáchtáil ag CNNG. Tá ceathrar páistí ag freastal ar an tseirbhís naíolanna, 34 páiste ag freastal ar an tseirbhís naíonra agus 24 páiste ar an tseirbhís iarscoile.
Tá 11 fostaithe ag CNNG in Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn. Tá CNNG i mbun próiseas earcaíochta le roinnt míonna anuas le beirt eile a fhostú. Ar an drochuair, bíonn deacrachtaí leanúnacha ag an eagraíocht a ndóthain daoine cáilithe a earcú dá cuid seirbhísí - dúshlán atá le feiceáil san earnáil ar fud na tíre. É sin ráite, tá beirt nua aimsithe ag CNNG le dul i mbun oibre san Ionad Cúram Leanaí i Ráth Chairn agus tá siad ag tabhairt faoi cúrsa cáilíochta QQI Leibhéal 6 i gcúram leanaí faoi láthair le tacaíocht ó scéim oiliúna Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá súil ag CNNG go mbeidh siad ar fáil le dul i mbun obair chúram leanaí san Ionad i Ráth Chairn nuair atá an cháilíocht sin bainte amach acu agus go mbeifear in ann breis páistí a thógáil i Meán Fómhair 2023.
Níor thóg Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráth Chairn aon leanaí faoi bhliain d’aois isteach sa naíolann don bhliain 2022/23 de bharr nach bhfuil dóthain foirne ar fáil le aire a thabhairt do na páistí san aoisghrúpa sin. Is cóimheas aon duine fásta le triúr leanaí (1:3) atá i gceist le páistí faoi bhliain d’aois.
Tuigtear don Roinn go raibh plé ar siúl idir coiste áitiúil i mBaile Ghib le hos cionn dhá bliain anuas maidir le naíonra a bhunú ansin. D’aontaigh Bord Stiúrtha CNNG i mí Feabhra 2021 glacadh le iarratas a bhí faighte aige ó choiste a bhí ag iarraidh naíonra nua a bhunú i mBaile Ghib. Bhí go leor plé idir CNNG, an tÚdarás, an coiste agus ionadaithe an halla áitiúil sa cheantar maidir leis na riachtanais go léir a bheadh le cur in áit, teastas dóiteáin san áireamh, chun go bhféadfaí an ionad a chlárú le Tusla agus seirbhís luathbhlianta a sholáthar i mBaile Ghib.
Cé nach raibh na céimeanna cuí curtha ina n-áit in am do chlárú Mheán Fómhair 2022, meastar go bhfuil gach in áit don iarratas atá faoi bhráid Tusla faoi láthair. Meastar go mbeidh scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an ionad i mí Feabhra 2023 agus, má éiríonn leis, go mbeidh tuismitheoirí á gcur ar an eolas go mbeidh seirbhís ar fáil ó Mheán Fómhair 2023, ag brath ar fhoireann cáilithe a bheith ar fáil leis an tseirbhís a reáchtáil.
437. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a sports club can apply for sports capital grants for the replacement of light bulbs in flood lights, when LED bulbs will be used instead of older bulbs for energy efficiency and cost effectiveness, given that this is existing infrastructure that is already in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63462/22]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. Following the conclusion of the appeals process, the final set of allocations were announced at the end of May last year. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The installation of LED floodlighting is funded under the SCEP and is specifically referenced in the "Guide to Making an Application". Numerous organisations have benefitted from SCEP funding for such floodlights and details of all allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
In relation to future SCEP applications, following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
I understand that energy-efficiency promoting grants are also available to sporting clubs and facilities via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Further details can be found on its website at www.seai.ie.
438. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a date for new applications for the sports capital grant 2023; and the amount that has been allocated. [63471/22]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. Following the conclusion of the appeals process, the final set of allocations were announced at the end of May last year. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage. This requires detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
439. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional recourse that has been provided to Fáilte Ireland to carry out its new role in regulating short-term lets; the number of additional staff that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63648/22]
View answer442. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the new enforcement regime for short-term letting. [1073/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 442 together.
On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.
I have written to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media regarding the Bill in line with agreed protocols for pre-legislative scrutiny. My Department is also engaging with the European Commission on the draft legislation under the notification requirements of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive. I look forward to engaging with Oireachtas colleagues with a view to passing the legislation in the coming months.
With regard to resourcing, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has appointed a dedicated team of ten staff to establish, maintain and implement the proposed short-term tourist letting register. This team is assisted by other teams across Fáilte Ireland including legal, ICT and finance functions.
Preparations are being made for the launch of the register, including the establishment of the necessary systems and procedures to maintain and implement the register, the development of a registration portal, and various stakeholder engagements.
440. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the other grants or schemes that are available for an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63862/22]
View answerIn relation to my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Schools are eligible to apply for funding once the application is made jointly with a sports club. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas. Details of how to register for the Programme and a copy of the latest "Guide to Making an Application" can be found at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. Following the conclusion of the appeals process, the final set of allocations were announced at the end of May last year. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP. A significant number of school-led projects benefitted and details of all allocations including those to schools can be found at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
441. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an féidir léi an sceideal a luaigh sí sa fhreagra do Cheist Pharlaiminteach Uimh. 17 an 17 Samhain 2022 a fhoilsiú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [63974/22]
View answerMaidir leis an sceideal d'fhorálacha atá faoi thagairt agat, tá sé i gceist é a fhoilsiú go luath, agus chun tús feidhme a chur le roinnt mhaith d’fhorálacha an Achta sna míonna beaga amach romhainn.
