Paul McAuliffe
Question:101. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what steps her Department has taken to tackle abuse of referees during matches. [34738/23]
View answerSports Events
Questions (101)
Written answers
Any form of abuse, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour towards anyone involved in sport is absolutely unacceptable. Referees, and all other officials, players and coaches, are an integral part of our sporting structures and deserve to be respected for the important role they play in sport.
It is important that sporting organisations across all sports provide a safe environment for referees, officials, players and coaches and, where abuse and threatening behaviour is aimed at them, appropriate action must be taken by the sporting organisations.
While it is acknowledged that the primary responsibility for ensuring a safe, respectful and disciplined sporting environment rests with individual participants and their National Governing Bodies, it is important for the Government and Sport Ireland to assist and to take whatever actions we can in order to ensure that integrity is a value and behaviour evident across all levels of sport.
On May 9, I conveyed a meeting of leading executives from the FAI, IRFU and the GAA, together with Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland, to discuss how we can tackle abuse of officials.
In order to assist sporting bodies to tackle this issue, Sport Ireland convened a working group to develop a national Code of Conduct template across Irish sport, incorporating respect for, and the elimination of abuse towards referees, officials, coaches and players. Sporting organisations can then use the template Code of Conduct to promote good practice within their sport. This is an important action which will greatly assist sporting bodies in addressing the issue of abuse of referees and officials.
It is anticipated that this template will be circulated by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations this month.
Sports Funding
Questions (102)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:102. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the new sports capital programme will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34727/23]
View answerWritten answers
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. 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 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.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Questions (103)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:103. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on her interactions, and those of her Department, with the RTÉ board and executive board in relation to the ongoing issues at the broadcaster; if she will outline the terms of reference for the inquiries into RTÉ that her Department is involved in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34631/23]
View answerWritten answers
Since the issues relating to the understatement of the remuneration of a contractor in RTÉ first came to light on 22 June last, I have met twice with the Chair of the RTÉ Board and spoken with her by phone on several occasions. I met with the Chair on 24 June and after that meeting I announced that there would be an independent examination of RTÉ. The second meeting with the Chair on 6 July last also included the new Director General and the Acting Deputy Director General.
My interactions with the Chair and the new Director General have emphasised the need to ensure that RTÉ fully cooperates with all questions, Oireachtas hearings and examinations that are underway, so that they can establish the facts on issues that have arisen. In addition, I have focused on addressing these issues as a first step in restoring trust and confidence in RTÉ by the Irish public, who are the audience and funders of RTÉ, the Oireachtas to whom RTÉ is statutorily accountable, and the many dedicated and hard-working professionals in the organisation who had nothing to do with these issues.
In our most recent meeting on 6 July last, I stressed to the incoming Director General that it is now critical that he works, from day one, to change the tone and culture between the executive and the board and staff and that he addresses the widening gulf between RTÉ and its audience.
The Director General committed to full cooperation with the independent root and branch examination and the forensic accountant that I am commissioning, and it was agreed that these actions would complement the work and reform of RTÉ that he is planning.
The details of the examination are as follows:
Review of Governance and Culture in RTÉ
The first strand of the examination will identify any failures or weaknesses in corporate governance or organisational culture that are likely to have contributed to the findings of the Grant Thornton reports commissioned by RTÉ in relation to certain payments and understatements of earnings in the 2017-2019 and 2021-2022 periods.
The terms of reference of this element are:
i. Conduct an examination of RTÉ’s corporate governance framework and advise the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on whether the corporate governance framework:
(a) reflects best governance practice for Commercial State Bodies as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies;
(b) complies with the relevant legislative provisions which apply to RTÉ; and
(c) includes a robust system of internal governance, including appropriate divisions of responsibilities, operational procedures, internal checks and balances relevant to the organisational context of RTÉ and direction and oversight by the Executive Board and the RTÉ Board. This will include an examination of the barter account and its governance.
ii. Where applicable, make recommendations to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on changes to RTÉ’s corporate governance framework to ensure robust public accountability.
iii. Provide an assessment of any organisational cultural characteristics and ways of conducting business within RTÉ, including staff morale and engagement, as well as the impact of RTÉ’s commercial income activities on its public service remit, identified from the corporate governance review or otherwise, that are likely to have contributed to the findings in the Grant Thornton reviews commissioned by RTÉ in relation to both the 2021-2022 overpayments and 2017-2019 period.
iv. Arising from this assessment, make recommendations to reform organisational culture, which supports staff engagement and a positive working environment, and to deliver a more open, transparent, and accountable organisation.
The members of the Expert Advisory Committee that will oversee this review are:
• Professor Niamh Brennan, Chair;
• Dr. Margaret Cullen; and,
• Mr Stephen Smith
Review of Contractor Fees, Human Resources (HR) and other matters
In the context of concerns regarding the engagement of RTÉ contractors, including those on short-term employment contracts, and wider HR practices in RTÉ, the Minister has decided that the second strand of the examination will focus on these matters.
The terms of reference of this review are:
i. 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;
ii. Examine issues arising from the use of short term employment contracts at all levels;
iii. 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;
iv. Make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the above matters.
The members of the Expert Advisory Committee that will oversee this review are:
• Mr Brendan McGinty, Chair;
• Ms Patricia King; and
• Mr Liam Kelly
These reviews will be supported by the external forensic accountant, Mazars, which I appointed yesterday under powers I am exercising under Section 109 of the Broadcasting Act. The forensic accountant will focus initially on the barter account and any other off-balance sheet accounts.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 93.
Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge
Questions (105)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:105. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an aithníonn sí go bhfuil dreachrachtaí fós ann Mná Tí úra a mhealladh nó súid a bhí ina mná tí roimhe a choiméad toisc rialacha mí-réasúnta, roghanna níos solúbtha bheith á mhealladh ón earnáil, costas árachas srl ardaithe as cuimse, agus cén cèimeanna úra a ghlacfar chun cuidiú le Mná Tí sgus na Coláistí Samhradh atá ag brath ortha. [34779/23]
View answerWritten answers
Tá roinnt beartas difrúla ceadaithe faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge le níos mó ná bliain anuas chun tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do lucht freastal na gColáistí Gaeilge agus do theaghlaigh nua atá ag teacht isteach sa chóras.
Cuireadh ardú ar an deontas laethúil ó €10 go €12 ar fáil - sin ardú beagnach 20% ar an deontas sin. Anuas air sin, ceadaíodh ardú ó €2,000 go €6,000 ar an deontas tosaithe atá ar fáil do theaglaigh a chláraíonn faoin scéim don chéad uair agus do theaghlaigh atá imithe as an gcóras le tréimhse cúig bliana agus atá ag iarraidh athchlárú faoin scéim. Clúdaíonn an deontas seo costais a bhaineann le measúnú sábháilteacht dóiteáin a dhéanamh ar an teach, mar aon le costais a bhaineann le trealaimh faoi leith chun lóistín a chur ar fáil, leapacha buinc agus tochtanna san áireamh.
Níor mhiste a lua chomh maith gur fhógair mé le gairid go bhfuil cead anois ag teaghlaigh atá cáilithe faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge uaslíon de 16 scoláire a choinneáil ar íostas leo ach an spás sin a bheith ar fáil acu. Sin méadú ó 12 go 16 scoláire - rud a chiallaíonn go mbeidh deis ag teaghlaigh ioncam breise a shaothrú dá bharr agus a chuirfidh leapacha sa bhreis sa chóras chomh maith.
Ní bhíonn sonraí cuimsitheacha faoi earnáil na gcoláistí samhraidh ar fáil go dtí níos déanaí sa bhliain tar éis do na coláistí críochnú. Ach é sin ráite, go dtí seo i mbliana tá 37 teaghlach nua aitheanta/cláraithe faoin scéim cheana féin agus tuilleadh iarratais ag teacht isteach i rith an ama. Os rud é go mbíonn an Roinn ag glacadh le hiarratais ar bhonn leanúnach, tá seans ann go mbeidh tuilleadh iarratas fós le teacht isteach i mbliana. Is 34 teaghlach nua a chláraigh faoin scéim in 2019 agus 39 anuraidh – rud a thugann le fios go bhfuil méadú intomhaiste ag teacht ar líon na teaghlach atá ag nochtadh suime sa scéim agus ag iarraidh clárú.
Tríd is tríd, mar sin, táim den tuairim go bhfuil na beartais éagsúla a d’fhógair mo Roinn le borradh a chur faoin earnáil i mbliana ag oibriú go maith. Ach, mar is gnáth, leanfar ar aghaidh ag féachaint ar bhealaí eile chun tacú leis an earnáil seo le cinntiú go mbeidh fás agus forbairt ar an scéim amach anseo.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (106)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expenditure provision for arts and culture in the Revised Estimates volume this year; the increase this represents on the out-turn for 2019; the expenditure provision for the Gaeltacht in the Revised Estimate volume for this year; the increase this represents on the out-turn for 2019; the reason for the difference between the two; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34526/23]
View answerWritten answers
In 2019, Vote 33 was comprised of four programme areas - Culture; Heritage; Irish Language, Gaeltacht & the Islands; and North/South Cooperation. The overall gross outturn of that Vote in 2019 was €335,343,000 - of this, Culture accounted for €183,470,000 (gross) and Irish Language Gaeltacht & the Islands accounted for €55,361,000 (gross).
Vote 33 was reconfigured during 2020 - the Heritage function transferred to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; Tourism & Sports functions transferred in from the former Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Broadcasting function transferred in from the former Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; and the Islands element of the Irish Language Gaeltacht & the Islands programme transferred to the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The overall 2023 gross allocation for Vote 33 is €1,165,509,000. The 2023 gross allocation for Arts & Culture is €356,982,000, an increase of 95% on the 2019 outturn for that programme. The 2023 gross allocation for Gaeltacht is €95,893,000, an increase of 73% on the 2019 outturn for that programme. It should be noted that the 2019 outturn includes expenditure on the Islands which does not form part of the 2023 allocation for the Gaeltacht programme.
Further details of the allocations and outturns can be found in my Department’s Annual Appropriation Accounts, published online at www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/.
Further details of 2023 allocations can be found in the published Revised Estimates Volume for 2023, available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2023 (pgs 163 - 172 refer).
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Questions (107)
Paul Murphy
Question:107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if and when she will meet with representatives of rank-and-file RTÉ workers to discuss their concerns, including the ending of bogus self-employment and precarious contracts at RTÉ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34709/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Sports Facilities
Questions (108)
David Stanton
Question:108. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is satisfied that there are sufficient facilities across the country to support the development of athletics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34694/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP), approved by Government and launched in mid-2018, outlines the strategic approach to be taken over its 10-year duration for the provision of State support for sports facilities. Chapter 4 of the NSP identifies the priorities for Government insofar as sport facilities at local, regional and national level are concerned, confirming in particular the plan for State capital investment to embrace a broad range of facilities to promote participation across the sports spectrum, such as in clubs, schools and local community organisations.
The NSP also recognises the benefits of having a comprehensive and up-to-date database of sports facilities as the basis for effective and optimal planning of long-term facility investment. To this end, the National Digital Database of Sport and Recreation Amenities, currently being developed by Sport Ireland, is on track to be substantially completed by the end of this year. It is a major, multi-annual project involving the integration of multiple datasets from a wide variety of stakeholders that will, inter alia, increase our understanding of gaps or shortfalls in Ireland's sporting infrastructure for any specific sports.
In relation to addressing any identified gaps, my Department provides grant assistance for sporting facilities through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).The 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. Over €3.5m was provided specifically for athletics projects.
Following completion of the appeals 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 including athletics projects.
With regard to larger projects, the NSP also provided for the establishment of the LSSIF. The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP. The first allocations were announced in January 2020 and approximately €86.4 million has been allocated to 33 projects. The projects that received provisional allocations included a number of athletics projects and the amounts provisionally awarded to them are published on the Department's website.
The first LSSIF allocations were 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 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. 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 to all 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 a further allocation, 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.
Sports Funding
Questions (109)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department’s review of the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, is nearly complete; if she can clarify how much of the money has been drawn down; how the review of the LSSIF is progressing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34384/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport. All applications were assessed in accordance with the published Evaluation Procedures and Guidelines and the first allocations were announced in January 2020. Thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been allocated to 33 different proposals and a total of €3,335,721 has been drawn down by grantees.
The first LSSIF allocations were 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. 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 to all 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 a further allocation, 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.
Sports Organisations
Questions (110)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:110. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the progress being made by the Football Association of Ireland, FAI, with regard to corporate governance reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34385/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to note that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has made good progress on its governance and financial reforms.
The Sport Ireland Governance Oversight Group has formally endorsed the status of the FAI’s implementation of 152 of the 164 items from within the Governance Review Group Report, KOSI audit, and commitments in the Memorandum of Understanding which was agreed with the FAI in January 2020. This represents implementation of 93% of the recommended reforms.
Notwithstanding progress made to date there remains work still to be completed by the FAI on its reform agenda, and on fully embedding the recommended good internal financial control practices across the Association. Sport Ireland is continuing to engage with the FAI with regard to ensuring the implementation of the various reforms.
I am also pleased to note that, at the end of June, the FAI appointed another female Director to their board. This brings female representation on the FAI board to 33% and signals progress towards the organisation meeting its commitment of having female membership of the FAI Board at 40% by the end of 2023, a target which I have set for all sports governing bodies.
Northern Ireland
Questions (111)
Brendan Smith
Question:111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the consultation to date with stakeholders in Northern Ireland in relation to the development of more tourism projects on a cross-Border and all-Ireland basis, with particular reference to funding under the peace plus programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34633/23]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to his Parliamentary Question No. 69 of May 18 last when the matter of the PEACE PLUS 2021-2027 programme was discussed.
The PEACE PLUS programme presents an excellent opportunity to deliver North-South co-operation projects in the border counties and tourism is one of the investment areas identified under the programme.
Since 2019, my officials have been engaging with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and with the three tourism agencies on the island – Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland - to identify possible tourism initiatives or pipeline projects that may qualify for PEACE PLUS funding.
Department officials, both North and South, continue to engage with the three tourism agencies and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) in advance of Calls for Applications for cross-border tourism related projects, after which a joint tourism proposal will be submitted to the SEUPB for consideration for programme funding.
One of the strategic goals of my Department, as outlined in the Department's Statement of Strategy, is to promote North-South co-operation, within the context of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, particularly in the context of the work of Tourism Ireland.
In Budget 2021, the Government announced the Shared Island Fund, with a planned €500 million to be made available out to 2025, providing multiannual capital funding for investment in collaborative North/South projects supporting the commitments and objectives of the Good Friday Agreement. This fund is made available under the Shared Island initiative which aims to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island.
My Department has had extensive engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach regarding shared island funding, with the result that €7.6 million was allocated for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative, connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the north west. This project will be developed and implemented over the next three years and will build on the international reputations of these two magnificent tourist routes. A Project Team was established in January this year and consists of representatives from my Department and the three tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
My Department will continue to support increased cooperation between the tourism agencies and continue to explore all available funding avenues in respect of tourism to better promote the entire island and give us a better overall tourism product.
Television Licence Fee
Questions (112)
Cathal Crowe
Question:112. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to review television licensing on foot of the recent RTÉ payments and perks controversy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34487/23]
View answerWritten answers
When considering the report of the Future of Media Commission, the Government decided not to accept the recommendation that the TV licence be abolished and replaced with Exchequer funding. Instead, the Government decided that the current system should be reformed and enhanced to provide a more equitable and sustainable funding model.
Government established a Technical Working Group to examine potential reforms, including how the licence fee might be reformed to reflect changes in technology and viewing habits. The Group commenced its work last September and has submitted their report to me. However, given the ongoing issues in RTÉ, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until the independent examination of RTÉ that I announced on 4 July is complete and the findings considered.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Questions (113)
Catherine Connolly
Question:113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 18 April 2023, the details of the empty buildings listed that are ready to be brought back into use; the details of plans to bring all empty buildings owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta back into use; the projected timeline for same; the details of any analysis carried out into the resources required to bring these buildings back into use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34664/23]
View answerWritten answers
Údarás na Gaeltachta's property portfolio comprises a wide range of building types, in varying conditions and states of repair. The organisation has informed me that it is currently reviewing its entire property portfolio and preparing development and refurbishment plans which take into account the requirements of the Government's Climate Action Plan.
I am informed that the organisation is now examining the development potential of some of its empty buildings, with due regard to available resources, with a view to using them to their maximum potential. When making any decisions regarding its property portfolio, an tÚdarás has informed me that the organisation is always cognisant of its responsibility to make best use of any resources which come from the Exchequer.
In order to assess capital expenditure requirements over the coming years, an tÚdarás has stated that it has undertaken a number of feasibility studies to inform the condition of the portfolio in terms of building fabric, sustainability credentials, building layout, estate infrastructure and estate masterplans. An tÚdarás states that this due diligence is currently being undertaken in order to inform a pipeline of projects as well as to identify future occupational and capital expenditure requirements. It is estimated currently that most of the vacant buildings concerned would require at least 12 months lead-in time to be fit for occupation and comply with current statutory regulations.
Family Reunification
Questions (114)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who is fighting for the return of their two sons from Egypt following a case of parental alienation; if he is aware of the High Court order that issued in December 2022 on the case; if he can outline what supports have been offered by the State to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I can appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly. The citizen has stated that they intend to engage in a formal mediation process and the Embassy of Ireland is in communication with the relevant Ministry of Justice in this regard.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the jurisdiction in question. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide support, assistance and guidance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
Passport Services
Questions (115)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:115. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an informative document can be sent to all Garda stations in the State regarding the process and Garda responsibilities relating to the completion of passport applications, following a spate of applications that have been cancelled following the failure of gardaí to stamp and sign documents and record them in the Garda station log book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34858/23]
View answerWritten answers
There are certain passport applications for applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. The witnessing of these forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form.
In the case of children's applications, it ensures that the consent of guardians is verified. Garda stations maintain logs of these witnessed forms for verification purposes. For each application that requires a Garda witness, the Passport Service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the Garda witness recorded the witnessed form in the station logbook. Passport Service staff will call the relevant Garda station up to three times to verify the Garda's signature. Where the Passport Service cannot reach the Garda station, there is a system in place whereby the Passport Service contacts the relevant Superintendent’s Office to verify the details.
The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants, including the enhancement of digital services. My Department would welcome the digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána when witnessing applications.
In addition to this, the Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and regularly offers training and guidance to Gardaí on the correct completion of the required identity and consent forms. The Passport Service published an informational advertisement in the May issue of An Garda Síochána’s magazine, the Garda Review, to assist Gardaí with the process of witnessing passport identity and consent forms. This advertisement included the information that the Passport Service will ring the Garda station to verify all first time passport applicants’ consent and identity form details. Informational leaflets will also be shared with An Garda Síochána with detailed guidance on the matter in the coming weeks.
It is not the experience of the Passport Service that there are widespread issues in the system of witnessing passport applications by An Garda Síochána generally, or in particular, causing applications to be cancelled.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked 5th in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries.
Departmental Appointments
Questions (116)
Michael Ring
Question:116. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personnel in his Department at principal officer level or above who, on retiring from that position, were subsequently appointed to a State or semi-State board over the past ten years. [34923/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Regulation of Lobbying Act was enacted in 2015. Section 22 of the Act provides that specific categories of Designated Public Officials (“DPOs”) are subject to a one-year “cooling-off” period, during which they cannot engage in lobbying activities in specific circumstances, or be employed by, or provide services to, a person carrying on lobbying activities in specific circumstances.
The relevant DPOs for whom a “cooling-off” period applies are Ministers of the Government and Ministers of State, Special Advisers appointed under section 11 of the Public Services Management Act 1997 and public servants prescribed as a DPO by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform under section 6(2) of the Regulation of Lobbying Act, such as Secretary General, Second Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary or Director.
The cooling-off period is a statutory requirement and applies for the full one-year term unless the relevant DPO applies to the Standards in Public Office Commission for consent to waive or reduce their cooling-off period. It is the responsibility of the relevant DPO to seek consent prior to taking up an offer of employment (or to provide services). Statistics on the number of applications for consent under section 22 of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 are included in the annual Regulation of Lobbying report published by the Standards in Public Office Commission.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour sets out further guidance on the acceptance of outside appointments and of consultancy engagement following resignation or retirement (Section 20). Civil Servants who hold positions which are “designated positions” for purposes of the Ethics Acts shall not, within twelve months of resigning or retiring from the service, accept an offer of appointment from an employer outside the Civil Service or accept an engagement in a particular consultancy project where the nature and terms of such appointment or engagement could lead to a conflict of interest, without first obtaining approval from the appropriate authority. Officers below Assistant Secretary level must apply to the Secretary General or Head of Office in which they are serving, or have last served before retirement or resignation. Officers at and above Assistant Secretary level must apply to the Outside Appointments Board.
Records are not maintained by this Department of retired officers who have applied for such approval.
Passport Services
Questions (117)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34997/23]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date. I encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
Foreign Birth Registration
Questions (118)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:118. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when an application for registration of a foreign birth will be considered (details supplied); the reason for the delay in the processing of said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35007/23]
View answerWritten answers
Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of between 6 and 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was registered by the Passport Service in November 2022. This application is within the current turnaround time.
Northern Ireland
Questions (119)
Brendan Smith
Question:119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Foreign Secretary concerning legacy issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35428/23]
View answerWritten answers
In Stormont House in 2014, the Irish and British Governments and most of Northern Ireland's parties agreed a way forward on legacy which would meet the needs of victims, uphold human rights and contribute to reconciliation. This approach endorsed was again in the Fresh Start and New Decade, New Approach agreements. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill published by the British Government in May 2022 is a unilateral move away from this approach.
This Bill as it stands currently is not fit for purpose. We believe that the granting of immunity from prosecution for crimes such as unlawful killing would be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. We are also concerned about the shutting down of all other avenues to truth and justice (inquests, police investigations, Police Ombudsman investigations and civil cases). It is my strong view that the amendments made so far fail to sufficiently alter the Bill to address our concerns about its compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights and its impact on the fundamental work of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
I most recently met with the Secretary of State at the June meetings of the British Irish Council and the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. On both occasions I outlined my specific and serious concerns about its provisions and urged him to pause the progress of the current Bill, and to return to a collective approach, which includes victims and survivors. These concerns were also expressed publicly in the press conference that followed the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference, where I also raised the Dublin-Monaghan (and Belturbet) Bombings and the UK’s planned statutory inquiry on the Omagh bombing, for which a Chair has now been announced.
International observers continue to express their opposition to the UK Legacy Bill as it has progressed through the British Parliament. Most recently, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic, the US Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement, and the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers have all reiterated their strong concerns around the Bill's compliance with international human rights legislation. This demonstrates the extent to which the British Government is acting alone. In contrast to the Stormont House agreement, this Bill does not have the support of parties in Northern Ireland, or victims and families.
I will continue to convey the Government’s strong opposition to the Legacy Bill to the Secretary of State and continue to encourage the British Government to pause this Bill and return to the partnership approach that has successfully produced a lasting peace for the people of these islands for 25 years.
Northern Ireland
Questions (120)
Brendan Smith
Question:120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise again with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the need to provide an exemption to the electronic travel authorisation scheme for tourists travelling to Northern Ireland via this State taking into account that the island of Ireland is marketed as one tourist destination and the need to avoid barriers to free travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35429/23]
View answerWritten answers
The UK government introduced secondary legislation in March to start to put in place its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme from Autumn 2023. Under the scheme non-Visa required nationals will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
The ETA requirement will not apply to Irish citizens due to the Common Travel Area arrangements. Following extensive engagement by the Government with the UK government, the UK secondary legislation introduced last March also established an exemption for legal residents of Ireland.
This exemption is welcome. However, the fact that no exemption has been provided for international tourists who wish to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland is a matter of significant concern for the Government and for the tourism industry, both North and South.
I once again raised the Government’s concerns regarding the UK’s ETA proposals with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the most recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in London on 19 June. I underlined that the successful promotion of tourism on an all-island basis is one of the standout examples of cooperation under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. I also emphasized that the ETA scheme presents particular risks to the tourism industry in Northern Ireland, given that a majority of international visitors travel to Northern Ireland via this jurisdiction.
Officials from my Department and the Department of Justice are in ongoing contact with UK Government counterparts on its planning for implementation of the ETA scheme. For example, concerns were raised about the scheme’s anticipated impact on tourism and travel on the island of Ireland at a Common Travel Area plenary meeting on 5 July.
The Government will continue to engage with the UK government on this matter.