Written Answers Nos. 395-409
395. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of TV licences renewed, in tabular form; the number of new TV licences issued for June 2022 and June 2023; if figures for the first two weeks of July 2022 and 2023 are available; if she can account for any variations in the numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35046/23]
View answerThe table below sets out the change in the number of television licences issued in June 2022 against the full month of licences issued in June 2023 and the first week in July. Figures are not yet available for the second full week of July.
|
|
End June 2022 |
End June 2023 |
|
New Licence Sales |
9,020 |
9,002 |
|
Renewals |
66,047 |
64,419 |
|
Total sales |
75,067 |
73,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wk 1 July 2022 |
Wk 1 July 2023 |
|
New Licence sales |
1,928 |
1,165 |
|
Renewals |
13,504 |
10,076 |
|
Total |
15,432 |
11,241 |
My officials will continue to monitor the number of licences issued and the impact on licence fee receipts.
396. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Government has submitted an Opinion on the forthcoming “Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on data collection and sharing relating to the short-term accommodation rental services and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724” on short-term letting across the European Union in relation to data sharing and establishing an effective model for short-term letting property registration; if the Government has not submitted such an opinion, if it will consider doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35171/23]
View answer403. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what actions the Government have taken, and plan to take, to engage with the European Commission concerning the “Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724” and the ‘Standstill Procedure’ therein which has been applied to the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35170/23]
View answerOn 7 November 2022, the EU Commission submitted its proposal for a Regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services to the European Parliament and to the Council. The proposal seeks to harmonise and streamline the framework for data generation and data sharing on short-term accommodation rental services across the EU.
The proposal has been examined by the Council Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth (Tourism), both under the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union towards the end of 2022 and in January and February 2023 during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, with the Department represented at all these working parties. This work of the Working Party was supplemented with a technical workshop in January 2023 which was attended by representatives of the both the Department and Fáilte Ireland.
A general approach of Council was adopted in March 2023. The European Parliament is currently examining its position on the Commission’s proposals and it is anticipated that trilogues between the EU Council, Parliament and Commission will take place in the Autumn.
Further engagement with the Commission on the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill as well as the Commission's proposal for a Regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services will inform the timeline for the proposed legislation.
397. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon iarracht déanta aici chun a chinntiú go mbeidh an éagothromaíocht pá idir oibrithe i Raidió na Gaeltachta agus iad siúd i gcodanna eile de RTÉ san áireamh san athbhreithniú atá beartaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [35251/23]
View answerArdaíodh ceist na neamhréireanna pá féideartha idir oibrithe Raidió na Gaeltachta agus a gcomhghleacaithe a oibríonn trí mheán an Bhéarla, agus athbhreithniú leanúnach RTÉ ar a struchtúr grádaithe, le linn phlé an Chomhchoiste Oireachtais um Thurasóireacht, Chultúr, Ealaíona, Spórt agus na Meáin le Cathaoirleach RTÉ ar an 19 Aibreán.
Tuigim go bhfuil Willis Tower Watson ag obair le RTÉ chun struchtúr bonn a fhorbairt le poist agus leibhéil atá sainmhínithe go soiléir, rud ar cheart go mbeadh leibhéal ní b’airde trédhearcachta agus cothroime mar thoradh air.
Ag cruinniú den Choiste Oireachtais, thug Cathaoirleach RTÉ le fios go gclúdóidh an t-athbhreithniú gach gné d’eagraíocht RTÉ, lena n-áirítear oibrithe Raidió na Gaeltachta agus go bpléifí le héagsúlacht pá idir oibrithe Gaeilge agus a gcomhghleacaithe Béarla laistigh den togra sin. Mar ár gcraoltóir seirbhíse poiblí is mó, a cheistíonn institiúidí eile, mar is ceart, ní mór do RTÉ a bheith chun tosaigh i dtéarmaí comhionannais agus cuimsitheachta, lena n-áirítear ó thaobh na Gaeilge de. Ina theachtaireacht don fhoireann agus ina ráiteas ar an 10 Iúil, tharraing an tArd-Stiúrthóir aird freisin ar a phleananna le haghaidh athbhreithnithe ar róil, gráid, pá agus comhionannas inscne.
Dé Máirt seo caite, d’fhaomh an Rialtas tograí a thug mé ar aghaidh chun scrúdú cuimsitheach a thionscnamh ar RTÉ, ina bhfuil roinnt gnéithe lena n-áirítear athbhreithniú neamhspleách chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na meicníochtaí trína bhfostaítear conraitheoirí seachtracha, na táillí a íoctar, úsáid gníomhairí agus cúrsaí AD eile in RTÉ, a ndéanfaidh Sainchoiste Comhairleach ar Tháillí Conraitheoirí agus cúrsaí AD. Téarmaí agus coinníollacha fostaíochta a scrúdú le béim ar leith ar chomhionannas inscne, éagsúlacht agus cuimsiú; agus cibé an bhfuil tionchar ag aon cheann de na cleachtais earcaíochta agus AD atá ann cheana féin, go háirithe iad sin a leagtar amach thuas, ar chomhionannas agus deiseanna.
Tuigim nach mór an iomarca próiseas a sheachaint chun na ceisteanna céanna a scrúdú. Táim ag súil go gcomhlíonfaidh RTÉ na gealltanais atá tugtha acu maidir leis an athbhreithniú ar róil agus gráid, pá, agus comhionannas inscne.
398. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current funding commitments of the Creative Climate Action II: Agents of Change Programme, a joint initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34815/23]
View answerI am delighted that full details of funding commitments of the Creative Climate Action Fund II: Agents of Change will be made available within the next week.
My Department will shortly issue a press release detailing the recipients of the fund. All applicants will also be individually notified of the decision.
399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department continues to work with all relevant Departments and agencies to assist in the promotion of Ireland as an attractive location for tourism. [24621/23]
View answer400. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as referred to in her Department's Strategy Statement 2021-2023, if she continues to make efforts to work with all relevant Departments and agencies to assist in the promotion of Ireland as an attractive location for tourism. [24994/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 together.
The Government is committed to the ongoing development of a vibrant and competitive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution across the country, is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and enables local communities to prosper.
My officials, in conjunction with the tourism agencies, ensure the provision of tourism input into key strategic Government policies in order to advocate and champion the strategic importance of the tourism sector and ensure the recognition of tourism issues in broader Governmental plans.
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.
My Department has also recently 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. A Project Team was established in January this year and consists of representatives from my Department and the three tourism agencies. 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 key high level objective in my Department’s Statement of Strategy is investment in tourism marketing which maintains and develops awareness and interest in Ireland as an overseas tourism destination. Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling holiday destination. In Budget 2023 I secured additional funding of €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. The increased support for overseas marketing this year will allow Tourism Ireland to focus on delivering long-term sustainable demand through its new global campaign – Fill your heart with Ireland. This strategic promotional campaign will raise the awareness of our tourism offering overseas and create a desire to travel from our top markets.
Through its overseas sales missions and work with Team Ireland, Tourism Ireland plays an important role in the Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy and are also directly involved in the Global Ireland Strategy. A priority action under the Trade and Investment Strategy is the Team Ireland Trade Mission Week. Tourism Ireland will build on the plans for the Team Ireland Trade Mission Week this year and take every opportunity to showcase the joy and good natured spirit of the St Patrick’s Day Festival to a whole new audience internationally.
Tourism Ireland’s work overseas supports, and is supported by, other areas within the remit of my Department. For example, the portrayal of culture and sport in Tourism Ireland marketing communications overseas can play an important role in helping potential visitors to envisage and appreciate some of the unique aspects of a holiday on the island of Ireland and recognise the island as a top location for sporting events.
Sport-related tourism has emerged as a very significant element of world tourism, with a multi-million-euro market and a huge potential for countries who position themselves correctly. High profile sporting events such as the UEFA Europa League Final in May 2024 at the Aviva Stadium, the return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2025, the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027 and the American college football series provide a unique opportunity to highlight the island of Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination, as well as a top location for sporting events.
Tourism Ireland leverages media attendance at, and coverage of, national and international sporting events to target the ‘best prospect’ audiences in our key markets. These events provide priceless worldwide publicity opportunities.
There is great co-operation between Screen Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Screen storytelling provides new perspectives on Ireland and Irish values for audiences around the world – including potential tourists – and projects an image of the country as a rich and creative place with a unique identity. Seeing Ireland’s beautiful landscapes on screen helps Tourism Ireland to market the country and they often create a ‘behind-the-scenes’ film describing and praising the filming locations. Screen Tourism opportunities are leveraged by Tourism Ireland to shine a spotlight on Ireland as a great holiday destination.
My Department and the tourism agencies will continue to work to identify and exploit the opportunities for convergence between tourism and other sectors.
401. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of personnel in her 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. [34931/23]
View answerI am advised that my Department does not keep any such records in respect of staff who have retired.
402. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department will provide additional funding to ensure the IMMA satellite museum initiative in Ballina, County Mayo, goes ahead following the suspension of the IIP programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35014/23]
View answerIn 2022, IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, received a proposal for an IMMA satellite gallery in Ballina, County Mayo to support the enhancement of the cultural offering in the region. The proposal was discussed by the IMMA Board and briefing on the matter was provided to my Department. During this period, Government decided to suspend the IIP programme. Given this decision and on the advice of my Department, IMMA has referred the project back to the project proposers for a review of the financial considerations given the proposed project's dependence on this programme.
404. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to set out communication by the European Commission in relation to the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill 2022 as it stands, notably in regard to the proposed restrictions on the current practices of the short-term letting platforms operating in Ireland; if she will publish the correspondence with the European Commission in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35172/23]
View answer405. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what evidence was provided by the Government to the European Commission to justify the proposed restrictions on the short-term letting platforms currently operating in Ireland as set out in the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill 2022; to provide the European Commission’s communication in relation to such evidence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35173/23]
View answer406. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what evidence was provided to the European Commission to show that the proposed measures set out in the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill 2022 would make best use of the existing housing stock; what the European Commission’s assessment of this evidence was; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35174/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 404 to 406, inclusive, together.
On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.
On 21 December the proposed STTL Bill was submitted to the EU Commission pursuant to Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) EU Directive 2015/1535. Such a notification triggers a standstill period of 3 months during which the proposed Bill cannot be enacted. On 22 March 2023, the Department received a communication from the EU Commission which extends that standstill period until 22 December 2023.
The EU Commission has extended the standstill period as it considers that the STTL Bill concerns a matter covered in part by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of 7 November 2022 .
As part of the ongoing engagement with the Commission, officials from my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and from Fáilte Ireland held a constructive meeting with representatives of the Commission in Brussels on Friday 23 June. Further engagement with the Commission will follow in the months ahead.
In order to assist discussions with the Commission on 23 June my Department forwarded correspondence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with further detail on the Irish rental market and the pressures therein along with addition material on the current regulations which apply to short term letting in Ireland by way of the planning code. The material forwarded also included relevant correspondence from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to the Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights as well as a presentation on the proposed short term tourist letting register.
Further engagement with the Commission on the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill as well as the Commission's proposal for a Regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services will inform the timeline for the legislation and the establishment of the register.
407. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the estimated value of deferred tax assets yet to be utilised by NAMA-participating banks; the Government’s policy towards corporation tax loss relief with respect to NAMA-participating banks where the State reduces or entirely divests its shareholdings in respective banks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35261/23]
View answer408. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the pay, benefits and bonuses for the boards or executive boards of each State or semi-State company under her Department’s remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35261/23]
View answerThere are two relevant bodies under the remit of my Department: RTÉ and TG4. In relation to the Board of RTÉ the fee in respect of the Chair is €31,500 and the fee in respect of ordinary board members is €15,750. In relation to the Board of TG4 the fee in respect of the Chair is €21,600 and the fee in respect of ordinary board members is €12,600. This is in line with the framework of fees approved for all state bodies as approved by the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform.
The remuneration of the Director General of both bodies is in accordance with Government policy and is published by both bodies in their Annual Reports
In relation to the other staff of both bodies, in line with the provisions of Section 90 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the terms and conditions of employment of members of staff are determined by the body itself. Given the independence granted to both bodies under Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act, the Minister has no role as issues of this kind are an operational matter for these bodies.
409. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of current State or semi-State board members who are directors or shareholders in companies that have received finance, grants or other supports from State funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35262/23]
View answerI am advised that my Department does not keep such records and that this is a matter for the relevant State or Semi-State body to consider.
In this context it should be noted that Section 5.8 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies deals with requirements relating to the Disclosure of Interests by Board Members and requires each Board member to furnish to the Secretary of the Board or other nominated person a statement in writing of (a) the interests of the Board member and (b) the interests, of which the Board member has actual knowledge, of his or her spouse or civil partner, child, or child of his/her spouse or civil partner which could materially influence the Board member in, or in relation to, the performance of his/her official functions.
Furthermore, Section 93 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, in the case of broadcasting corporations, states that a member of the board of a Corporation who has (a) any interest in any body or concerns with which the corporation has made a contract or proposes to make a contract, or (b) any interest in any contract which the corporation has made or proposes to make shall disclose to the board of the corporation the fact of such interest and the nature of it and shall not be present at any deliberation or decision of the board of the corporation relating to the contract.
