Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether the review of sports capital grants indicates the desirability of introducing changes or new elements to the application and selection process. [34168/23]
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. The final allocations under the 2020 round were announced on 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP. Details of all allocations can be found on the Department's website.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. This Review has now been published and is available at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-sports-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/.
Among the recommendations contained in the published Review is a continued prioritisation of projects that share facilities with other sports and further enhanced.investment in areas of disadvantage. The Review also identifies new areas for consideration including:
• an increase in thresholds for capital grants at both local and regional level
• rewarding projects which include adaptations for persons with disabilities through ring-fenced scores at assessment stage
• rewarding projects which incorporate climate action measures
• expanding the SCEP remit to include applications for upgrades to swimming pools, and
• prioritising applications from areas witnessing significant population growth.
Once the Review was finalised, I asked my officials to draft the "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round to reflect the recommendations in the Review. This work is now complete and yesterday (12 July) Minister Martin and I published the new "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round. We also announced that the Programme itself will be open for applications from 17 July until 8 September and I look forward to seeing a high level of applications for worthwhile sports projects from right across the country.
82. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what steps her Department is taking to increase tourism in the Boyne Valley. [33735/23]
View answerThe Regional Tourism Development Strategies outline a vision for tourism that sets out a five-year strategic framework for the sustainable development of Fáilte Ireland’s four regional brands. The strategies set a clear path ahead for the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability in the industry, and providing a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more.
The Regional Tourism Development Strategies will be activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Fáilte Ireland’s commitment is for every part of the country to have a DEDP created in partnership with local stakeholders.
The key objectives of the DEDPs are as follows:
• Informed by research, engage with local stakeholders to identify and agree a vision for their area that can showcase its potential at its very best.
• Agree a visitor strategy that focuses collective effort around developing the experiences that meet the needs and motivations of visitors.
• Ensure the local experiences are brought to life through the development of the optimal mix of hero and ancillary attractions and experiences that that entice people to the area and retain them.
• Strengthen the value of tourism to the local community by providing employment opportunities.
• Provide a coherent approach to destination recovery post COVID-19 through a focus on the short-term projects while also retaining a medium to longer development approach
I launched the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) in May 2021. It has brought together the public and private sector in a collaborative and progressive framework. The 'Ancient' DEDP is designed to be a roadmap for enhancing the existing 'Ancient' visitor proposition to achieve the objectives of addressing seasonality, increasing visitor numbers, improving dwell time and visitor dispersion across the destination.
There are four Catalyst Projects contained in the Ancient DEDP for the Boyne Valley, Louth/Meath area as follows:
1. Re-imagining the Boyne Valley Drive – The review of the Boyne Valley Drive identified a project roadmap and action plan to achieve its objective of re-imagining the Boyne Valley Drive from a point-to-point journey between some of Ireland’s most important and compelling heritage sites, to a wider immersive visitor proposition that becomes a 5,000-year journey through time.
2. Boyne Navigation and Greenway – an announcement is expected on the preferred route for the Boyne Greenway in the coming months. The proven success of the Mayo and Waterford Greenways makes this a very exciting prospect for the Boyne Valley in the coming years and Fáilte Ireland will continue to work with the implementation partners to ensure an immersive, compelling experience is implemented.
3. Ancient Alive – Bringing to life the Ancient legends of the area, Fáilte Ireland continues to work with the industry on experience development to bring new experiences to life in the Boyne Valley where the visitor can experience what is unique in the area.
4. Irish Food Stories – 5,000 Years of Food across the Boyne Valley and Louth/Meath. Fáilte Ireland is working with the industry and its strategic partners to tell the Irish Food story through the Boyne Valley. This entails Fáilte Ireland working with the producers and food providers in the area under the marketing group of the Boyne Valley Flavours and Sea Louth SEA Food trail.
Fáilte Ireland will continue to work closely with all strategic partners such as Meath and Louth County Councils, the Office of Public Works and the hospitality and tourism industries over the term of the 5-year plan to achieve sustainable growth in the years ahead, which will positively impact the area.
83. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the national swimming strategy will be published; and if she intends to open a capital grant process for the development of public swimming pools in towns such as Carrickmacross. [34730/23]
View answerWork on the first National Swimming Strategy continues apace, and the working group tasked with its development held its ninth and most recent meeting on 5 July. The working group is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives from relevant National Governing Bodies for sport and stakeholders, specifically Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Active Disability Ireland (formerly CARA), Ireland Active and the Local Authorities.
Whilst it is difficult to be precise about the exact timeframe for the delivery of the Strategy, I hope to be in a position to publish it in Q3 of 2023.
My Department's capital support for any new swimming pools is now being provided through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), with the first allocations announced just prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic obviously gave rise to significant financial challenges for all grantees with many of them having to reprioritise their own expenditure plans due to reductions in their income streams. In more recent times, the high level of construction inflation has also presented considerable challenges for grantees.
In view of these issues, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects that were allocated grants and meetings with all grantees have taken place. It is encouraging that, based on these discussions with grantees, over half of the 33 projects should be in a position to draw down funding this year. While this progress is very welcome, these discussions also confirm that some projects in receipt of LSSIF grants may not proceed in the short to medium term.
In this regard, following engagement with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and in recognition of the challenges faced by some grantees due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the recent high level of construction inflation, officials in the Department have now written to all of the grantees inviting them to apply for additional support by 4 August 2023. To be considered for additional funding, grantees have been advised that the key elements of the project should remain as set out in the original LSSIF application and that priority will be given to applicants who provide evidence-based documentation to support their application. Once the application deadline has passed, we will consider further allocations with a view to ensuring that all projects still proceeding can be completed.
In relation to a new round of the LSSIF, Minister Martin and I will continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, in relation to the additional funding required and the timing and terms and conditions of any new round of the LSSIF will be announced in due course.
On foot of a review of the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, which is published on the Department’s website, it was recommended that the remit of the SCEP be expanded to include applications for upgrades to swimming pools. Once the Review was finalised, I asked my officials to draft the "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round to reflect the recommendations in the Review. This work is now complete and yesterday (12 July) Minister Martin and I published the new "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round. We also announced that the Programme itself will be open for applications from 17 July until 8 September and I am very pleased that applications for improvements to swimming pools will be accepted for the first time.
84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the night-time economy and the task force to unlock the potential this sector will bring to city, town and village centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34767/23]
View answerI published the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce in September 2021. It is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy, all with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities and encouraging innovation and creativity in the Night-Time Economy in our towns and cities across the country. My Department chairs the Night -Time Economy Implementation Group which oversees and monitors the actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and also ensures the Report remains current and flexible, allowing new initiatives and ideas to be developed.
Last year we saw many positive interventions in the Night-Time Economy with new pilot initiatives kick-started and progress made across a number of actions in the Report. Examples of progress include the roll out of the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme to encourage footfall in our cities and towns in off-peak hours and also the roll-out of pilots in our National Cultural Institutions who held a series of late night events and openings to encourage more diversity in our night-time economy.
This year, I have allocated €6 million towards the implementation of a range of new measures to support the Night-Time Economy, which includes an allocation of €2 million in capital funding for the Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme for late night venues. This scheme will support venue owners to take pro-active steps to implement noise mitigation measures to better control and reduce sound emissions from their venues, especially in those areas where it has the potential to impact on residents.
In addition, the Late Night Culture Pilot Programme will be rolled out by the Arts Council and funded by my Department to maximise the use of publicly funded cultural and arts facilities in the Night-Time Economy.
In May, this year, I launched the ‘After Hours at the Museum Grant Scheme’ which encouraged Museums and Galleries around the country to open their doors later into the evening and night. This scheme will bring life to longer evenings in our towns and cities for both communities and tourists alike.
This year I am also providing funding to recruit Night-Time Advisors in 9 cities and towns. The recruitment for these positions is currently underway in all 9 locations (Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Longford Town, Kilkenny, Sligo, Drogheda and Buncrana) and I expect these positions to be filled shortly. The Night-Time Advisors will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way.
All of these pilot initiatives support the economic growth of our towns and cities but they can also make a positive contribution to our wellbeing by providing rich and diverse cultural experiences.
85. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the extent of her knowledge regarding RTÉ’s secret payments to a host (details supplied). [32523/23]
View answerAs I have previously set out, I became aware in late March, through communication from the Chair to my officials that an issue had arisen with regard to a transaction as part of the regular audit of the RTÉ 2022 annual accounts. At the time, the Chair had no insight into the detail or seriousness of the matter. In order to ascertain the facts, the Chair advised that the Audit and Risk Committee was commissioning an independent fact-finding report to examine the matter and report back to the Audit and Risk Committee. A time frame for completion was not notified by RTÉ at this point.
On 19 June, the Chair wrote to me to advise that the Board had received the Grant Thornton report and that the Board was continuing its consideration of the matter and would provide an update when it had decided on a course of action.
On the afternoon of Thursday, 22 June, shortly in advance of its issue, the Chair of the RTÉ Board provided me and my senior officials with a copy of the statement setting out details of the matter.
In addition to setting out details in relation to transactions relating to a presenter, the statement also set out that remuneration for the period 2017 to 2019 had been understated by €120,000. The statement confirmed that Grant Thornton were to commence a review into the reasons for the understatement in the period 2017 to 2019 and a review of the reported remuneration of the top 10 most highly paid on air presenters.
It is difficult to express the level of shock and disappointment we have all experienced since these matters came to light on 22 June. A trusted, robust and accountable public service broadcasting service is critical to the health of our democracy and society. Trust and confidence in RTÉ must be restored.
That is why my focus, from the outset, has been on ensuring accountability for issues that have and continue to be identified, as well as restoring the confidence of the public, the staff in RTÉ, the Oireachtas and Government in our largest public service broadcaster.
I am doing this through the commissioning of an independent review of governance and culture at RTÉ and an independent review of contractor fees, use of agents and other HR matter as well as the appointment of a forensic accountant, Mazars, to examine the use of barter accounts and any other off balance sheet accounts identified.
87. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if and when she intends to meet representatives of the RTÉ staff to ascertain their views on the payments controversy and the changes in culture and governance needed and to address the employment issues affecting ordinary staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34684/23]
View answerUnder section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is independent in the pursuance of its objects. However, given the nature and seriousness of the damaging disclosures regarding RTÉ in recent weeks, I decided to launch an independent, root and branch examination of RTÉ.
Before finalising the terms of reference of the examination, on 28 June 2023 I met with representatives of the RTÉ Trade Union Group.
The examination of RTÉ comprises two elements, Terms of Reference for which were approved by Government on 4 July:
• an independent review to examine the governance structures and organisational culture of RTÉ overseen by an Expert Governance Advisory Committee; and
• an independent review to examine the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, and other HR matters in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Contractor Fees and HR matters.
The second review reflects a number of concerns raised with me by representatives of the RTÉ Trade Union Group. Its terms of reference are to:
• Examine the oversight and mechanisms by which RTÉ engages presenters and contractors, including fees, the use of agents, the impact on costs borne by RTÉ and the governance of same;
• Examine issues arising from the use of short term employment contracts at all levels;
• Examine employment terms and conditions with particular emphasis on gender equality, diversity and inclusion; and whether any of the existing recruitment and HR practices, in particular those outlined above, have an impact on equality and opportunity;
• Make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the above matters.
The completed examination of RTÉ will inform the development of an implementation plan which will address the recommendations proposed.
I welcome the fact that the new Director General of RTÉ has met with union representatives and that on his first day, he briefed staff on his plans for rebuilding public trust and the trust of staff in RTÉ.
88. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 4 ar an 18 Bealtaine 2023, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i ndáil leis na córais agus an cur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus i ndáil leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riar; cathain a fhoilseofar toradh na hanailíse; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an scéim phíolótach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34667/23]
View answerMaidir le córais agus cur chuige riaracháin Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tacú le húsáid na Gaeilge i measc a cuid cliantchomhlachtaí, tá sé curtha in iúl ag an eagraíocht go bhfuil leasaithe déanta acu ar na córais a bhí in áit le measúnú agus monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar na pleananna teanga atá aontaithe agus á bhfeidhmiú sna cliantchomhlachtaí. Tá an córas sin i bhfeidhm ó bhí tús 2022 ann agus, de réir an Údaráis, táthar ag leanúint an chórais dá réir.
Tá curtha in iúl ag an Údarás chomh maith go bhfuil taighde coimisiúnaithe ag an eagraíocht dírithe ar eolas agus tuairimí a bhailiú ó fhostóirí agus ó fhostaithe a cliant maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge sa ghnó. Deir an tÚdarás go bhfuair siad aischothú ó bheagnach 800 fostaí i suirbhé a rinneadh mar chuid den taighde sin agus go bhfuil dréacht tuairisc curtha faoi bhráid an Údaráis. Sa tuairisc sin, tá eolas faoi thorthaí an taighde agus tá moltaí déanta maidir leis na bealaí a d’fhéadfaí tacú lena cliant – na fostaithe ach go háirithe – le níos mó Gaeilge a úsáid sa ghnó, sa mbaile agus sa phobal.
Tá mínithe ag an Údarás go mbeidh an eagraíocht ag díriú ar na bealaí gur féidir tionchar a imirt ar iompar agus ar chleachtas teanga na 8,000 fostaí atá ag obair ina chliantchomhlachtaí ar fud na Gaeltachta, ní amháin ar an láthair gnó ach taobh amuigh den ionad oibre sa mbaile agus sa phobal.
Tá ráite ag an Údarás go bhfuil an eagraíocht ag súil le scéim nua tacaíochta a fhorbairt agus a thairiscint bunaithe ar an taighde agus na moltaí atá déanta. Tá an obair sin idir lámha faoi láthair, de réir an Údaráis, agus beidh an scéim sin a forbairt agus a soláthar i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara eile sa phobal a thugann cúram don teanga i réimsí eile ar nós réimse an teaghlaigh, an luathoideachais agus an óige.
De réir an Údaráis, déanfar an scéim seo a thairiscint ar bhonn phíolótach le linn fómhair 2023 do líon aontaithe cliaint ar dtús sa chaoi is gur féidir an t-éileamh agus cur chuige na scéime a thástáil chomh maith le modhanna éifeachtacha a aimsiú chun tionchar na scéime a thomhais. Dé réir an Údaráis, déanfar an obair sin idir seo agus deireadh na bliana seo agus tá an tÚdarás ag súil le go mbeidh scéim nua a fógairt i Ráithe 1 2024.
89. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if, in light of recent statements by the Football Association of Ireland regarding the lack of funding for League of Ireland clubs, she will provide the total amount of funding allocated to soccer clubs and soccer organisations in County Louth through the sports capital funding programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34692/23]
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. The first sports capital grants were provided in the early 1970s and responsibility for such grants has rested in various Government Departments in the interim period. 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.
A list of all county allocations under SCEP rounds since 2000 is published on my Department's website at: - www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/ . In addition, following the most recent rounds of the Programme, a Review has been published. These Reviews include, inter alia, statistical information on the breakdown of allocations. The 2020 Review was published in May and can be found at the following link:-
www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-sports-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/ .
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. This Review has now been published and is available on the Department’s website. Once the Review was finalised, I asked my officials to draft the "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round to reflect the recommendations in the Review. This work is now complete and yesterday (12 July) Minister Martin and I published the new "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round. We also announced that the Programme itself will be open for applications from 17 July until 8 September and I look forward to seeing a high level of applications for worthwhile sports projects from right across the country.
90. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to elaborate on the measures her Department, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, is implementing to address escalating hotel prices, which is causing significant distress to customers and tourists seeking accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34766/23]
View answerMy position on the general issue of hotel pricing and indeed the wider value for money proposition within Irish tourism remains unchanged. While Ireland is not a low-cost destination, it is vital that the sector keeps the value for money proposition to the fore across all its segments to ensure that our high quality reputation is maintained and that new and repeat visitors continue to come here. The long term impacts of short-term thinking need to be carefully considered by all tourism businesses in setting their prices.
While there is fair value to be had in tourism accommodation, including hotels, around the country for much of the year there are specific price spikes at specific times and locations, often coinciding with concerts and sporting events. These spikes, or compression events that occur when demand is highest, have the potential to cause reputational damage for the sector. I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that this is not necessarily representative of the wider hotel sector in general but, to bring some definitive facts to bear on the situation, I have asked Failte Ireland to commission some independent research to better understand the potential scale and frequency of any pricing issues based on the best-available available empirical evidence with recommendations for actions arising, as appropriate.
My officials continue to engage on an ongoing basis with Fáilte Ireland on a range of issues relating to the tourism sector, including potential concerns around pricing.
I think it is recognised that businesses, including hotels and others within tourism, continue to face significant cost pressures due to inflation and other economic factors. Rising costs however are not unique to the tourism industry and are a challenge for the wider economy. Businesses need to be able to make a sustainable trading margin but they must also pay attention to their pricing and how they can continue to deliver added value to ensure their long-term viability.
91. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will devise a strategy to maximise the benefit of coach-tour tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34488/23]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
92. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sí buartha faoin titim leanúnach ar líon na gcainteoir laethúil Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht atá léirithe i nDaonáirimh 2016 agus 2022; agus an aithníonn sí go léiríonn seo go bhfuil géarchéim teangeolaíoch sa Ghaeltacht; agus ráiteas a thabhairt faoi conas dul i ngleic leis an bhfadhb. [34778/23]
View answerIs léir ó thorthaí Daonáireamh 2022 go bhfuil dúshláin ar leith don teanga ós ár gcomhar. É sin ráite, tá torthaí dearfacha le feiceáil sa Daonáireamh freisin. Tá le feiceáil ó na torthaí a foilsíodh go bhfuil ardú 6% tagtha ar líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge sa Stát ó 1.76m go 1.87m agus go bhfuil ardú tagtha ar líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge i ngach contae ina bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta lonnaithe.
Tá raon leathan gníomhaíochtaí á maoiniú agus á gcur i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tacú le húsáid na teanga sa Ghaeltacht agus chun líon na gcainteoirí a mhéadú sna blianta amach romhainn. San áireamh anseo, tá an próiseas pleanála teanga atá tagtha faoi bhláth anois, Clár Tacaíochta Pobail agus Teanga de chuid mo Roinne, seirbhísí Thuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta agus Ealaín na Gaeltachta agus cinn eile nach iad.
Anuas air seo uile, tá obair ar bun ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2021 a chur i bhfeidhm - obair a chuirfidh le caighdeán agus leibhéal na seirbhísí phoiblí atá ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta ina dteanga féin.
Is cinnte go mbeidh torthaí Daonáireamh 2022 mar áis do mo Roinn agus í ag díriú isteach ar bhealaí nua le cur leis na gníomhaíochtaí sin ar mhaithe le líon na gcainteoirí laethúla Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a mhéadú sna blianta amach romhainn.
93. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the external independent review into governance and culture at RTÉ. [33736/23]
View answer104. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration will be given to the implementation of regular external reviews of RTÉ whereby an independent root-and-branch examination of the organisation would be carried out going forward, in view of what has transpired in recent weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34490/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 104 together.
A trusted public service broadcaster is a vital part of our democracy. Given the recent failings in RTÉ that have come to light, that trust must be restored. This can only be accomplished through a wide-ranging and comprehensive examination of the failings in RTÉ and by putting in place new ways of doing business to prevent their recurrence .
On Tuesday last week, the Government agreed to proposals I brought forward to initiate a root and branch examination of RTÉ comprising two elements:
• an independent review to examine the governance structures and organisational culture of RTÉ overseen by an Expert Governance Advisory Committee; and,
• an independent review to examine the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, and other HR matters in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Contractor Fees and HR matters
The purpose of this Examination is to support the restoration of public trust in RTÉ:
• firstly, by identifying any corporate governance and cultural weaknesses that have led to the current failings and recommending actions to remediate identified weaknesses; and,
• secondly, by reviewing issues and making recommendations in relation to how RTÉ engages presenters and contractors and the fees paid to them, particularly for high earning contractors. The review will also examine issues in relation to the use of short-term employment contracts and the impact of current practices on gender, equality, and diversity.
In addition, I am exercising powers under Section 109(7)(a) of the Broadcasting Act to appoint a forensic accountant who will focus in the first instance on the barter accounts and any other off-balance sheet accounts that may be identified. I appointed Mazars to this role yesterday and my officials are meeting them today.
As set out in my statement following the Government meeting that day, I expect to receive the final reports within six months of the commencement of the examination, with interim reports submitted as required. As the reviews progress, findings may prompt, at my discretion, a widening of the scope of the examination, including those findings arising from subsequent Grant Thornton reports, the work of the Public Accounts Committee and Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media, and issues arising from their deliberations.
95. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will ensure there will be further engagement with the UK Government and stakeholders in Northern Ireland regarding the impact of the electronic travel authorisation scheme for tourists travelling to Northern Ireland via this State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34632/23]
View answerI refer the Deputy to his earlier Parliamentary Question No. 82 of June 28 last when the matter of the UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme was discussed.
Since 2021, the Irish Government has raised concerns about the ETA proposals with the UK Government and Governmental engagement on this issue has been primarily led by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and other Ministers have also engaged directly with the UK Government, highlighting how the proposed scheme could inhibit the fluid nature of movement on the island and North-South cooperation, especially with regard to all-island tourism.
Recently, the Government raised the UK’s ETA proposals again with the UK at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 19 June. We continue to closely monitor the impact of the ETA scheme on tourism and travel on this island.
Government officials will continue to engage with the UK Government and Northern Ireland stakeholders on the matter.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to ensure the availability of sufficient accommodation for tourism throughout the season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32449/23]
View answerFáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, is currently working on Accommodation Audits to establish a baseline on existing capacity and to provide gap analysis in each destination and region. As part of the roll out of all Destination Experience Development Plans, Fáilte Ireland will audit and map out current accommodation stock. This will include a quality and gap analysis (if any) for additional accommodation development on a county-by-county basis. Fáilte Ireland will use these audits to inform Local Authorities as they shape their own tourism accommodation strategies.
It is just over 500 days since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which resulted in a record numbers of displaced people seeking protection across Europe. Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of the Irish people, more than 100,000 people from Ukraine and asylum seekers from elsewhere are now being accommodated in Ireland,
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is engaged across Government concerning temporary accommodation for those in need of shelter. This approach is in line with the whole-of-government response to the twin accommodation crises relating to Ukrainian arrivals as well as International Protection applicants.
Previous analysis by DCEDIY of its overall humanitarian accommodation portfolio had focused on that portfolio as a percentage of the registered tourism stock quantum. However, as more and more non-registered and non-tourism stock has come into the portfolio, the percentage of registered tourism accommodation being used by DCEDIY has declined.
A more granular analysis of its data by DCEDIY, taking a more focused approach to the different classes of accommodation types in its portfolio, shows that the percentage of registered tourism accommodation being used for humanitarian purposes is significantly lower – at under 14% - than had been initially estimated. The data show that, in five counties, more than 20% of the registered stock is used for humanitarian purposes, peaking at 33% in Clare. While the national average of 13 – 14% displacement is less impactful in terms of impact on the downstream economy and the wider tourism ecosystem, in some counties the impact could be more significant.
I welcome this recalibrated analysis as it shows that the scale of the challenge presented to the wider tourism ecosystem by accommodation stock displacement is not as wide as had been feared. However, the analysis does still show that, in certain counties, the scale of accommodation stock displacement is large and this could have downstream economic and other impacts. I have asked Fáilte Ireland and my officials to continue to keep this issue under review and I have asked the sector itself to engage with Fáilte Ireland regarding evidence of impacts on the ground.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to encourage public broadcasting in the wake of recent events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32448/23]
View answerPublic service broadcasting is of vital importance to our society as a whole, and in particular to the functioning of our democracy. The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory basis for the governance and funding of public service broadcasting in Ireland, and provides for two statutory public service broadcasters, TG4 and RTÉ.
Since taking office in 2020, I have secured an increase in the annual Exchequer allocation to TG4 of €15 million, or 40%, bringing to the total Exchequer allocation to TG4 from €37.2m in 2020 to €52.2m in 2023. In September 2022, I approved the addition of a new Irish language children's channel, securing €3.3m of a total of €7.3m funding package for TG4 for this initiative as part of Budget 2023. This was the largest-ever increase in TG4's allocation.
I have also demonstrated my commitment to the Sector through my support for both public service broadcasters RTÉ and TG4, community broadcasting and the commercial radio and TV sector through the provision of an additional €20.4m in Exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme since 2020. This has provided the viewing and listening public with high-quality programmes based on Irish culture, heritage and experience in both official languages. This funding is in addition to the statutory funding for Sound and Vision of 7% of net TV licence fee receipts.
I remain fully committed to supporting the implementation of the recommendations in the Future of Media Commission Report and to supporting independent, accountable, public service broadcasters.
However, it is important that our public service broadcasters are trusted by the people and the Oireachtas. That is why, in light of recent governance failings, I launched an independent, root and branch examination of RTÉ. The purpose of this examination is to restore trust in RTÉ and prevent a recurrence of the failings that have been revealed in recent weeks.
98. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ar an gcéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012; cathain a thabharfar an obair athbhreithniúcháin chun críche; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34668/23]
View answerAr 28 Meitheamh 2023, d'fhógair mé go raibh conradh bronnta ar an gcomhlacht, Barr Feabhais Teo., chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi réir Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Is iad seo a leanas an 10 bplean teanga atá i gceist:
• Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach & Machaire Rabhartaigh;
• Ná Déise;
• Ciarraí Theas;
• Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir;
• Ciarraí Thiar;
• Conamara Láir;
• An Cheathrú Rua;
• Maigh Eo Thuaidh;
• Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib; agus,
• Árainn Mhór.
Cinnteoidh an tionscnamh seo, a bhfuil buiséad suas le €92,500 á chur ar fáil ina leith, go ndéanfar athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar fheidhmiú na bpleananna teanga seo. Cuirfear aiseolas maidir le feidhmiú na bpleananna ar fáil agus, bunaithe ar an méid a aithnítear san athbhreithniú, beifear in ann céimeanna a ghlacadh chun cur i bhfeidhm an phróiseas pleanála teanga a fheabhsú.
Tá tréimhse 9 mí ó thus an chonartha luaite chun leagan críochnúil an athbhreithnithe a chur faoi bhráid mo Roinne - rud a chiallaíonn go mbeadh toradh na hoibre ar fáil faoi dheireadh Márta 2024.
100. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil na teaghlaigh ar fad a choinnigh scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí suas go dtí deireadh mhí an Mheithimh tar éis a gcuid íocaíochtaí a fháil ón Roinn; mura bhfuil, cathain a íocfar iad; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34527/23]
View answerIs i rith na seachtaine seo caite a sheol formhór na gcoláistí a gcuid éileamh ar íocaíochtaí isteach chuig an Roinn i leith na gcúrsaí atá curtha i gcrích go dtí seo. Tá oifigigh de chuid mo Roinne ag déanamh measúnaithe ar na héilimh sin faoi láthair agus ag súil go mbeidh na híocaíochtaí sin próiseáilte go luath.
Tá na héileamh ar íocaíochtaí a bhí faighte roimhe sin agus a raibh an páipéarachas ina leith in ord próiseáilte ag an Rannóg. Ní mór a lua go bhfuil an rannóg fós ag fanacht ar éilimh ó roinnt coláistí a bhfuil a gcuid cúrsaí críochnaithe acu. Tá meabhrúchán seolta amach ag an Roinn chuig na coláistí sin ag lorg an pháipéarchais chuí chun aon mhoill ar íocaíochtaí a sheachaint.
