Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department propose to ensure the widest possible availability of schemes likely to be of major assistance to communities throughout the country, including interaction on a north/south basis or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28331/23]
View answer106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to interact directly with local communities with a view to maximising benefits to both urban and rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28330/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 106 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. My Department provides targeted investment and supports in both rural and urban communities, which enables rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth.
In 2022 my Department had a budget allocation of €379 million which supported rural and community development, including investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions. This is continuing this year with an increased allocation of €429 million. I can assure the Deputy that all my Department’s schemes are designed to support and contribute to urban and/or rural communities across the country.
This funding ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities throughout the country seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
We will continue to invest in and support communities across the country through our wide range of schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund, Connected Hubs initiative, Libraries Investment Capital funding, PEACE IV Programme and the PEACE PLUS Programme.
All funding schemes operated by my Department are open to applications from eligible groups during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme. Further information on all schemes and programmes, including details of successful applications, can be found on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie
With particular regard to communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, I am very pleased that my Department shares responsibility for the PEACE IV Programme and forthcoming PEACEPlus Programme. Both of these programmes support peace and reconciliation and promote the social and economic stability of all communities in this region. These programmes will continue to deliver significant improvements for all communities, with support and funding provided by my Department.
It is anticipated that the launch of the PEACE Plus programme will take place shortly with a value of over €1.1 billion. This new programme represents an opportunity to continue to fund peace building interventions alongside activities which help to make the region a more prosperous, healthier place to live through funding areas of mutual interest on a cross-border basis.
102. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the projects funded by the Transitional LEADER programme in County Carlow, as well as the amount of funding Carlow has received under the initiative. [28285/23]
View answerIn line with the ‘Our Rural Future’, the Government’s Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, I announced an allocation of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect in April 2021 for the period 2021-2022. Arrangements for a successor programme to come into effect this year are well advance.
The allocation for County Carlow for the transitional programme was €1.89 million.
To date, Carlow LAG has approved 18 transitional projects for a total of €1.48 million, Of the transitional project funding approved, €168,942 has been drawn by the project promoters to date.
The deadline for project approvals under the transitional programme was extended to the end of August 2023 to facilitate the full allocation of the funds available to the LAGs. All funding must be drawn down by end June 2024.
Table 1 below gives details of the approved transitional projects.
Table 1: Projects funded by Carlow LAG under the Transitional LEADER programme.
|
Project Name |
LEADER Grant Amount |
Project Approved |
|
Development of Carlow Golf Club |
€48,719 |
08/09/2021 |
|
Upgrade of Equipment for Mount Leinster Rangers GAA |
€11,250 |
08/09/2021 |
|
Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas 2022 |
€50,430 |
05/05/2022 |
|
Carlow Tourism co-operative marketing application 2022 |
€73,022 |
23/06/2022 |
|
Carlow Grid Study |
€10,125 |
13/09/2022 |
|
Clubhouse Extension and Community Gym |
€199,851 |
20/09/2022 |
|
Blue Way Bikes |
€35,633 |
11/10/2022 |
|
Smart Villages Training Project |
€19,711 |
11/10/2022 |
|
Bagenalstown AFC Solar energy and lighting project |
€37,519 |
11/10/2022 |
|
Upgrade of Software & Machinery Upgrade |
€136,569 |
15/11/2022 |
|
Sustainable Communities Biodiversity Project 2022 |
€20,000 |
15/11/2022 |
|
St Laurence O'Toole Installation of Olympic standard 400m track. |
€500,000 |
15/11/2022 |
|
Collective Tourism Marketing Application - Carlow Tourism 2023 |
€90,166 |
14/12/2022 |
|
St Joseph’s Walk pathway project |
€12,003 |
14/12/2022 |
|
Carlow Arts Festival 2023 National Marketing and Promotion Campaign |
€27,509 |
14/12/2022 |
|
Clubhouse Refurbishment and Walking Track Resurfacing |
€174,038 |
14/12/2022 |
|
Assembly - ROOTS |
€30,000 |
14/12/2022 |
|
Phase Four - County Carlow Community First Responders New groups and Existing group equipment |
€10,106 |
22/05/2023 |
|
Total Approved |
€1,486,649 |
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 25 April 2023, the status of the new policy for the islands; if the policy and its accompanying action plan have been completed to-date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27786/23]
View answerI am delighted to confirm to the Deputy that that I launched Our Living Islands - an ambitious new 10-year policy an designed to support vibrant and sustainable island communities - on Árainn Mhór island off the cost of Donegal last Wednesday 7 June.
Key to the development of the policy and action plan was the extensive public consultation phase which enabled island communities and other stakeholders to express their views as to the challenges and opportunities associated with living on an island. The outcomes of delivering this policy will see:
• More people living on the islands;
• More people working on our islands, with good career prospects, regardless of where their employer is headquartered;
• Islands contributing to, and benefiting from, the transition to a low-carbon economy and a climate-neutral society and
• Island communities, and especially young people, having an active role in shaping the future for Ireland’s islands
Our Living Islands is the first whole-of-Government Policy for the islands to be published in 27 years.
This new policy will be backed up by rolling three-year Action Plans.
I also published the first of these Action Plans last week, which contains 80 commitments for the period 2023 to 2026 with a real focus on improving housing and water infrastructure, better access to essential services in health and education, delivering high speed broadband, supporting remote working and further developing outdoor amenities and sustainable tourism.
These time-bound actions will be implemented by various stakeholders, led by a nominated Government Department or State Agency. I will also be appointing representatives from the islands to an monitoring committee, which will be chaired by my Department, to ensure that the implementation of the policy is being progressed.
The implementation of the measures set out in ‘Our Living Islands’ will have a real and transformative effect on our islands and improve the lives of the people and families living there.
105. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on thefunding allocated and works undertaken in Bagenalstown, County Carlow under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative. [28284/23]
View answerThe Streetscape Enhancement Measure was introduced in 2021 as part of the commitment under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy
The Measure is delivered under the umbrella of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and aims to improve the visual appearance of our urban streetscapes, which will bring about growth and increase confidence in our towns and villages. In line with the Government's Town Centre First Policy, such investment will help make rural towns across the country more attractive places in which to live, work and visit.
Under the 2022 Streetscape Enhancement Measure €2.6 million was made available to improve the visual appearance of our towns and villages. Since its introduction in 2021, €361,801 has been allocated to Carlow County Council.
In 2021, €261,801 was allocated to Carlow County Council for the towns of Tullow, Rathvilly, Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown. Of this, €85,056.98 was paid to Carlow County Council for works carried out on 28 premises in Bagenalstown. Works included repainting shop fronts, school wall enhancement, and the inclusion of new signage and an awning to improve the visual appearance of Bagenalstown. All elements of these projects have been completed.
The 2022 scheme invited local authorities to prioritise one town or village which would benefit from the Streetscape Enhancement Measure. Bagenalstown was selected by Carlow County Council to benefit from this funding.
Carlow County Council was allocated €100,000 to transform the visual appearance of a range of premises within the town of Bagenalstown. Works to be carried out include green enhancements, painting, decluttering, repairs to shopfronts and the replacement of signage. Local authorities have until 31st August 2023 to have works under the scheme completed and until 30th September 2023 to have all documentation submitted to the Department for the drawdown of funds.
107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 25 April 2023, the status update on her Department's engagement with Galway County Council with regard to the transfer of land on Inisbofin on which the airstrip is situated; the expected timeline for the transfer of land to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27788/23]
View answerI have been informed by my officials that there has been correspondence between my Department and Galway County Council in relation to this issue in the past number of weeks.
I understand that Galway County Council had to address the registration of ownership and boundary matters in order to progress the transfer of the land in question on Inishbofin. I understand that a final survey needed to be completed, after which the Local Authority would proceed to transfer the land to my Department. I understand that this survey is now completed and that the transfer is now in process.
108. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the engagement her Department have had with the Department for Transport on securing joint funding for the local improvement scheme considering the consistent demand for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28386/23]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this year with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year in which the basic allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for 2023 earlier than was the case in 2022 in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.
Conscious of the level of interest in the scheme, I have previously corresponded on a number of occasions with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding the potential for his Department to contribute jointly to the funding of the Local Improvement Scheme which would demonstrate a strong and coherent commitment across Government to supporting rural dwellers.
I am continuing to review expenditure patterns in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to allocating additional funding to the Local Improvement Scheme. Indeed I have recently asked local authorities to advise as to what additional roads they could deliver this year, should funding become available.
109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Broadband Connection Points Programme in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28332/23]
View answerThe roll out of the Broadband Connection Point (BCP) network is progressing well. My Department continues to work closely with local authority Broadband Officers, colleagues at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the two commercial partners, National Broadband Ireland and Vodafone, to complete each connection.
There are currently 290 Public BCPs live across the State. There are BCPs live in every county and in some of the most rural and isolated areas, including a number of our off-shore islands.
At present, there are 25 BCPs in Cork with 24 now live and the final site due for completion in the coming weeks. Details of these BCPs are set out below.
|
Broadband Connection Points - Cork |
Eircode |
|
Whitechurch Community Centre |
T34RR58 |
|
Aghabullogue Community Centre |
P12CD51 |
|
Ballindangan Community Centre |
P67W562 |
|
Castletownkenneigh Community Centre |
P47YR96 |
|
Lisavaird Community Centre |
P85W840 |
|
T.O. Park Community & Sports Centre |
V35E895 |
|
Bere Island Heritage Centre |
P75W660 |
|
Laharn Heritage Centre |
P51FK44 |
|
Mealagh Valley Community Centre |
P75K253 |
|
Glash School Community Centre |
P51W024 |
|
Aubane Community Centre |
P51EP49 |
|
Clogagh Community Hall |
P72KF65 |
|
Ballydaly Community Hall |
P51DP95 |
|
Sherkin Island Community Hall |
P81AE02 |
|
Coláiste Phobal Cléire |
P81P627 |
|
Courtbrack Community Centre |
T23NH22 |
|
Inch Community Centre |
P36RC43 |
|
Castlelyons Community Centre |
P61DT88 |
|
Ionadh Áise, Renaniree, Macroom |
P12F447 |
|
Glengarriff Community Centre - to be completed |
P75V067 |
|
Caheragh Community Hall, Drimoleague |
P47CH60 |
|
Riverstick Community Centre |
P43DX99 |
|
The Old Schoolhouse, Dromina |
P56K302 |
|
The Old Mill, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd., Castletownroche |
P51F9PX |
|
Cork ETB Community Education Centre - Remote Working |
P85 Y927 |
110. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on how her Department are implementing the published guidelines on rural-proofing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28387/23]
View answerOur Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades. It commits to developing an effective rural proofing model to ensure the effects of significant new proposals on rural communities are fully considered, and better target the particular challenges and opportunities facing them.
To advance this measure, my officials commissioned a research report on rural proofing which was published in January 2023. It outlines options that could be applied in the Irish context and assesses the merits and potential barriers to their implementation.
The report makes clear that all the international evidence in relation to rural proofing is that no ‘one size fits all’ approach can be quickly and successfully implemented. This international experience is an important factor in shaping our approach to rural proofing. Informed by the conclusions of the report, my Department is developing a nationally applicable rural proofing approach by first applying rural proofing concepts to a number of pilot test initiatives.
This includes rural proofing the review of the National Planning Framework which is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and this work has be commenced. My officials are also working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in relation to rural proofing and the development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy. Similarly, work is also underway on the development of the new National Hubs Strategy, and the incorporation of the rural perspective is a key part of this work.
My officials will continue to engage collaboratively with relevant Departments to progress work in this area to ensure that our approach to rural proofing incorporates an appropriate ‘rural lens’, is sustainable over the longer term and adds value. Informed by the lead Departments' work programmes for the initiatives outlined above, I would anticipate that the basis of a consistent and cross Government approach to rural proofing future policy proposals could be brought forward by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.
111. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department will work with local authorities to encourage them to apply to new funding for the town and village renewal scheme; if there will be a minimum submission requirement for each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28384/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €154 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future , Ireland's rural development policy, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. The review process for the main Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2023 is currently at an advanced stage and I intend to launch the 2023 scheme shortly.
My Department works with local authorities on an ongoing basis. For example, my officials facilitated a workshop on rural development investment programmes in April of this year for local authority staff which included a focus on the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This was another important opportunity to encourage engagement with the scheme, to clarify any queries in relation to developing applications, and to consult with our key delivery partners in relation to the most effective operation of the scheme.
Further information and assistance will be available following the launch the 2023 scheme. As the details of the scheme have not yet been finalised, I am unable to confirm the submission requirements at present.
The TVRS Team in my Department engages systematically with local authorities and is on hand to assist with any queries that may arise from local authorities during the process of advertising, preparing and submitting applications to the scheme to ensure the Scheme has the maximum impact.
112. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding could be allocated to the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28216/23]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future.
The Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. I am committed to improving connectivity for rural residents, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
My Department reviews the scheme criteria each year prior to launch including the mechanism for funding allocation. The prioritisation of roads for submission to my Department is a matter for each local authority in line with the Scheme Outline.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this year with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works of roads on our offshore islands.
I continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022 where an additional €20.5 million was allocated over the two years.
113. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department assesses the benefits of the Community Support Fund to the communities where funding is allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28350/23]
View answerLast November, I was delighted to launch the 2022 Community Support Fund (CSF) under the Community Enhancement Programme, with funding of €10 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country.
Support is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds. The fund is delivering small grants to help groups with running costs and rising energy bills. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.
The 2022 CSF funding is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The relevant LCDC received and appraised applications.
The 2022 CSF is now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in the coming weeks.
I have seen first-hand how these small grants make a big difference for local communities. The feedback from community groups and from the LCDCs is very positive, and as these grants deliver immediate, targeted funding support that can be used against a range of costs, both capital and current, they are making a real impact on the ground. I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful supports like the CSF to local communities to support them in responding to the challenges they face.
114. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local improvement scheme in Cork; the number of applications received and approved in Cork in 2022 and to date in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28333/23]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Between 2017 and 2022, almost €7.4 million was provided to County Cork which has resulted in improvement works taking place on 186 roads benefitting landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Cork was allocated a total of €1,298,240 in 2022. As part of this allocation a total of 22 roads were submitted and approved for funding. This year €1,065,151 has been allocated to Cork for improvement works, including a specific allocation of €140,000 for works on off shore islands. A total of 19 roads were submitted and have been approved for funding.
115. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the current and recent engagement held with stakeholders by the working group of the cross-government review of legislation regarding dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28288/23]
View answerIn late 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) commenced a cross-government review of legislation regarding dogs. Minister Mc Conalogue and I held a meeting in early January and asked officials to convene a working group on the issue. The working group comprised a range of stakeholders including representatives of Local Authority Vets, Dog Wardens, the CCMA and An Garda Síochana.
The working group examined issues related to dog control and made a number of recommendations for action. In addition to input from the working group participants, the work of the group was also informed by a previous review undertaken by my Department in relation to dog control legislation. That review concerned measures relating to specific breeds and also dogs in general, both in urban and rural settings and involved a public consultation process to which over 1,000 responses were received. The report of the working group was approved by Government and is available on Gov.ie.
Recommendation 14 of the working group report proposes the establishment of a stakeholders group on control of dogs issues. This group will be convened by my Department, with representation from DAFM and will provide a forum for stakeholder organisations to express their views on issues and possible solutions related to dog control issues.
I hope to provide further information on the terms of reference and membership of this stakeholder group in the coming weeks.
My officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to co-ordinate efforts in the area of dog control and related issues across government, and I look forward to engaging with stakeholders as we progress this important work.
116. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a full list of public bodies under the aegis of his Department; and Oireachtas contact details for each. [27052/23]
View answerNational Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), is the only body under the aegis of my Department. NESDO has the following dedicated email address for Oireachtas members: Oireachtas@nesdo.ie.
117. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach when the promised inquiry into the handling by the State of Covid-19 pandemic will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/23]
View answerA comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur. It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
The exact format that the evaluation will take is currently under consideration.
It is intended that it will be established in 2023.
118. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his Departmental social media accounts, or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit, that included closed captioning/subtitling between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; and the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish or another language. [27664/23]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to the Department of the Taoiseach and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) - which incorporates the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) - is set out in the tables below.
|
Organic videos posted on MerrionStreet.ie social media accounts that include closed captioning/subtitling between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish |
||||||
|
Platform |
Total no. of videos |
No. of videos with closed captioning/subtitles |
% of videos with closed captioning/subtitles |
% of videos with speech or narrative that feature captioning/subtitles |
No. of videos translated into Irish |
% of videos translated into Irish |
|
|
85 |
36 |
42.35% |
100% |
11 |
12.94% |
|
|
147 |
57 |
38.78% |
93.55% |
15 |
10.20% |
|
|
39 |
31 |
79.49% |
100% |
1 |
2.56% |
|
|
58 |
28 |
48.28% |
84.85% |
2 |
3.45% |
|
YouTube |
43 |
34 |
79.07% |
91.89% |
0 |
0% |
|
TikTok |
28 |
10 |
35.71% |
62.50% |
0 |
0% |
|
All Platforms |
400 |
196 |
49% |
91.63% |
29 |
7.25% |
|
Organic videos posted on the National Economic & Social Council social media accounts that include closed captioning/subtitling between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature translations into Irish |
||||||
|
Platform |
Total no. of videos |
No. of videos with closed captioning/subtitles |
% of videos with closed captioning/subtitles |
% of videos with speech or narrative that feature captioning/subtitles |
No. of videos translated into Irish |
% of videos translated into Irish |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
YouTube |
1 |
1 |
100% |
100% |
0 |
0 |
|
TikTok |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
All Platforms |
1 |
1 |
100% |
100% |
0 |
0 |
119. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if his Department, and public bodies and agencies under his remit, have an anti-racism policy which can be accessed by the public. [27682/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach, in line with the rest of the Civil Service, is committed to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. This includes providing equality of opportunity and treatment of its staff and to persons to whom it provides services.
Equality and diversity is enshrined as a core principle in the Department’s Customer Service Charter to ensure the rights to equal treatment established by equality legislation. This sets out a customer complaints procedure whereby complaints will be fully investigated and replied to.
120. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach the total spend on consulting services and on ‘business-as-usual’ outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of ‘Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016’ for each non-commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for the year 2022. [27971/23]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only non-commercial public body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach.
NESDO is the corporate body for the National Economy and Social Council (NESC) which advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland.
In 2022, NESDO spent a sum of €76,839 on consultancy services which was distributed between two consultants: AECOM and Second Nature. AECOM received a payment of €38,130 while Second Nature received €38,709.
