Written Answers Nos. 61-80
61. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she became aware of RTÉ’s secret payments to a person (details supplied); and what actions she took upon finding out about it. [32524/23]
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.
66. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has engaged with the hotel sector in Dublin in order to discourage high price increases during busy tourist periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34737/23]
View answerAs I said in my earlier response to Deputy Munster, my 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 Fáilte Ireland to commission 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.While I have not specifically met with the hotel sector, as represented by the Irish Hotels Federation, on this matter, I have raised the issue at a whole of sector level as recently as 28 June at the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which I co-chair with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 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. The issue has also been discussed in detail by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media at a number of hearings with the Irish Hotels Federation, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Fáilte Ireland and my own officials. In addition, a letter from the Fáilte Ireland CEO, Paul Kelly, was sent to to all registered hotels in December 2022 emphasising how decisions made on pricing policies by individual businesses have a reputational effect on the both the hotel sector and the wider tourism economy.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.
67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 681 of 18 April 2023, the details of the review under way by Údarás na Gaeltachta into its property portfolio; the status of the preparation of development and refurbishment plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34665/23]
View answerI have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that in order to fully assess capital expenditure requirements in the context of changing demands and the transition to a low carbon future, the organisation is assessing its property portfolio in terms of building fabric, sustainability credentials, building layouts, estate infrastructure and future planning, and master plan development where appropriate. This assessment is currently being undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta to help identify priority projects in the context of available resourcing and funding in the coming years.
With regard to the details of the review underway by the organisation into its property portfolio, it is my understanding that a wide range of due diligence exercises have been undertaken which include a number of condition reviews of estate infrastructure, energy audits, feasibility studies and a review of an tÚdarás’ land holdings as well as exercises to understand new and existing client needs.
This process is on-going and the information emanating from the process will provide an overall portfolio plan for the years ahead which will assist with the prioritisation of pipeline of projects as well as identification of resource and funding requirements.The assessment and review of the property portfolio has also sought to identify plots of land suitable for development of housing. Similar to other parts of the country this issue is a significant challenge for Gaeltacht areas and the forthcoming publication of Gaeltacht area planning guidelines for local authorities will help to inform this work to ensure any developments support the daily use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht.
It is my understanding that Údarás na Gaeltachta is in discussion with other agencies to examine other constraints such as existing or planned infrastructure, and the availability of local services that can be accessed using sustainable transport. Although the work is an exploratory stage, it has also looked at international examples of best practice to inform the way forward.
Before I finish, I should mention that core funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta has increased significantly by 60% since the term of this government began in 2020. This increased funding supports the overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure that Irish remains the primary community language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations. This increase in funding is also indicative of the commitment of this Government to continue to invest, develop, and future-proof the Gaeltacht. It also recognises the far-reaching suite of initiatives undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta in terms of enterprise development and job creation projects but also by supporting strategic language, cultural and community-based initiatives.
68. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether, in the aftermath of the RTÉ controversy, she intends to introduce salary caps to rein in the excessive remuneration of a minority of staff and contractors at the top of the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34685/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising the matter in the Dáil today. A Private Members Bill setting out similar proposals was considered at Second Stage in the Seanad last Wednesday, and I had the opportunity to respond to the issue there.
As I said in the Seanad, I fully understand the rationale for calls for a cap on remuneration. The public rightly want accountability from senior executives in RTÉ over this scandal and assurance that pay, at all levels in RTÉ, is appropriate and reflects that the services provided by RTÉ should have, as required by the Broadcasting Act, ‘the character of a public service’ .
The current statutory position is that RTÉ is free to determine the remuneration of its staff and contractors, with one exception. The appointment and varying of terms and conditions and remuneration of the Director General of RTÉ requires, under section 89 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the consent of the Government. This has been the position since the foundation of RTÉ under the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960.
In this context, the introduction of a cap on remuneration would be a departure from long-standing policy. This does not mean that it would be wrong, but it does mean that it would require very careful consideration.
As part of the independent examination of RTÉ, a Review of Contractor Fees, Human Resources (HR) and other matters will be undertaken. The terms of reference of the Review include an examination of 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. In this context, the Expert Advisory Group appointed to carry out the review may examine a cap on remuneration should they consider it appropriate.
However, I think it is important at this point that we do not pre-judge or seek to influence the work of the independent review. I will consider any and all recommendations that they make.
69. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has plans to end the commercialisation of RTÉ and replace the licence fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34708/23]
View answerAs a public body established by statute, the role of RTÉ is set out in the relevant legislation, the Broadcasting Act 2009. Since its formal establishment through the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960, RTÉ has been dual-funded through the television licence fee and through commercial income, which has historically been pursued through the sale of advertising and sponsorship.
The report of the Future of Media Commission did consider the merit of the current dual-funding model when compared with a public-only funding model and a commercial-only funding model, such as that used for Channel 4.
It considered that moving to either would be unfeasible because neither model could deliver levels of income adequate to cover the costs of public service media provision on an annual basis. The Commission estimated, based on a 2019 reference year, that the licence fee would have to have been set at €260 per annum, rather than €160, to replace all displaced commercial revenues.
While recommending that the dual funding system be maintained, the Future of Media Commission also recommended that that the TV licence be abolished and replaced with Exchequer funding funded through general taxation. The Government decided not to accept that recommendation. Instead, Government decided that the current system should be reformed and enhanced to provide a more equitable and sustainable funding model.
The 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 paid particular attention to the need to provide secure and sustainable funding for public service media and content.
While the Group has submitted their report to me, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until the independent examination of RTÉ has been completed and its findings considered.
Public service broadcasting is of vital importance to our society and democracy. As difficult as it is given all that we have learned over recent weeks, I will be considering whether RTÉ needs short term Exchequer support in the coming period with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform, in the context of the 2024 Estimates.
70. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she can confirm if the 345,000 in additional payments were included in the aggregate pay bill reported in the financial statements as stipulated by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34770/23]
View answerUnder section 110 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to present their Annual Report in respect of the preceding year to the Minister by the 30th of June. Under section 109 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to present a copy of its audited accounts to the Board of RTÉ and the Minister no later than 6 months after the end of the financial year, which is the 30th of June.
On the 30th of June RTÉ presented its Annual Report and its Group Financial Statements 2022 to my Department. As required by section 109 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the 2022 Financial Statements have been audited by auditors appointed by the Board of RTÉ. At our meeting on 24 June, the Chair of the RTÉ Board clarified to me that previous annual audited Financial Statements submitted to Government were correct.
Officials from my Department and NewERA are currently examining the Report and Financial Statements, in advance of them being considered by Government and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The Grant Thornton Report into the understatement of remuneration in the period 2020 to 2022 was published by RTÉ on 27 June. I note that referred to two payments made through the RTÉ barter account.
The Board of RTÉ have commissioned a further report from Grant Thornton Report into the understatement of remuneration totalling €120,000 between the years 2017 and 2019, which should also assist in clarifying these matters.
To deal with the underlying corporate governance issues which gave rise to the understatement of remuneration, 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
I announced yesterday, the third members of each of the two Expert Advisory Committees that will oversee this work and I expect to meet the two Committees shortly.
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. The procurement process for this has now been finalised and I have appointed Mazars to undertake this work. I expect that Mazars will commence this work immediately.
71. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to initiate reviews of all the boards or executive boards of every State or semi-State company under her Department’s remit to ensure the mismanagement displayed at RTÉ is not replicated in other State or semi-State companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34583/23]
View answerEffective governance oversight and accountability of all the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department has been and will continue to be a priority for both me as Minister and my officials.
Within my Department, dedicated business units manage the day-to-day and operational relationship with each respective State Body. This includes agreement of annual Oversight Agreements and, where appropriate, Performance Delivery Agreements with each body, quarterly governance meetings, financial monitoring, and regulatory oversight as appropriate, consistent with advice from the Office of the Comptroller and Audit General who have an audit function in respect of the majority of bodies under the aegis of my Department. The accounts of all state bodies under the aegis of my Department are independently audited.
Performance Delivery Agreements in turn require grant aided bodies to confirm adherence to all public financial and procurement procedures including the DPENDPR Circular: 24/2021 on the Timely Production and Submission of Financial Statements/Accounts of State Bodies; DPENDPR Circular: 13/2014 on the Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds; and DPENDPR Circular 13/13: The Public Spending Code: Expenditure Planning, Appraisal & Evaluation in the Irish Public Service - Standard Rules & Procedures.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) is designed to ensure that both commercial and non-commercial State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance and provides a framework for the application of best practice. As Minister, I receive an annual report from the Chairperson of each State body outlining their compliance with the Code in accordance with the provisions of the Code.
In addition, a dedicated State Body Governance unit has been established within the Department to provide governance oversight and assurance in relation to compliance with the provisions of this Code. The Unit operates robust governance monitoring processes and procedures in relation to the Code and supports business units to effectively carry out their governance obligations, including:
• Regular monitoring and oversight reporting to senior management on the implementation of governance practices and compliance with the Code, including inter alia the operation of Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreements and regular liaison meetings across all relevant state bodies;
• Reviewing the operation of the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies in bodies under the aegis of the Department to ensure adherence to the highest standards of governance;
• Providing advice and guidance to the business unit in relation to governance related matters
While the processes and structures in place across my Department provide evidence of compliance with the provisions of the Code, in terms of the financial and governance reviews recently approved by Government in respect of RTÉ, I am conscious that there may be learnings which will have relevance to other state bodies under the aegis of the Department and the outcome of these reviews will be considered in this wider context when available.
72. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether she will engage with Cork City Council to progress a museum or commemorative facility recognising the impact of the docks and dockers in Cork city. [34712/23]
View answerI am aware of the interest in the development of a maritime museum which would reflect the history of our island and the surrounding seas. This would possibly include the early voyages of exploration from Ireland, patterns of settlement, the development of our towns and cities, the growth of trade and the role of regional and trans-Atlantic shipping in our national story. Special themes such as the disaster of the Spanish Armada, the tragedies of the Titanic and the Lusitania, and the emigrant trail would be of popular interest. Such a museum could also include the social history of the communities that derived their living from or on the sea. It could also acknowledge the current activities of services such as the Naval Service, the Coastguard, the Irish Lights and the lifeboats. There would also be scope to educate and inform on relevant sustainability issues, our responsibility to protect and conserve our marine heritage and the potential for the application of science to derive energy and other benefits from the sea that would contribute towards our sustainable future living.
My Department is aware of currently unconnected projects in development by a number of museums around the country in relation to marine and maritime heritage from visitor and heritage centres to R&D and energy capture. These initiatives draw attention to the affinity of many people for the sea and our marine traditions. I strongly believe the role of museums is not only to preserve our heritage but also to stimulate interest and inspire people to consider anew the patterns of the past with a view to betterment.
My Department is currently engaged on an ambitious programme of refurbishment and development of the National Cultural Institutions which will continue to make full use of the resources available through the capital programme in the coming years. Nonetheless, the scale and significance of an appropriate national Maritime Museum would require careful consideration and detailed planning over an extended period. While the primary focus of my Department and the National Cultural Institutions in the medium term is on the delivery of the projects already included in the National Development Plan, officials in my Department would be available to engage with the City Council in Cork if it wished to explore options for a project of this nature.
73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an investigation into the Irish film industry is planned in view of the issues raised by representatives of actors, performers and crew during the recent hearings at the Committee on Budgetary Oversight in respect of the section 481 film credit and systemic breaches of employment rights, copyright legislation and suggestions of creative accounting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34686/23]
View answerIreland’s film and audio-visual industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years. From my regular and ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders, I know that the key elements underpinning our success are the film sector tax relief, allied to the availability of high quality film studio infrastructure and, critically, skilled crew. I am aware that the Committee on Budgetary Oversight published its Report on Section 481 – Film Tax Credit on 9th May 2023.
The Irish indigenous film industry is comprised of a range of stakeholders including many small and medium sized enterprises and skilled crew who are fundamental to the successes achieved by the industry in recent years. The audio-visual industry has received widespread recognition in the past few years, including a record number of Academy Award nominations in 2023 for films such as Banshees of Inisherin and An Cailín Ciúin. The success of An Cailín Ciúin, supported by three agencies under the remit of my Department – TG4, the BAI and Screen Ireland – and by Section 481, is particularly satisfying.
There is a competitive market for international investment in film making and notwithstanding our recent success, there is no room for complacency. Hence I welcome the Report and am pleased to see the interest of the Committee and its members in Section 481 and their commitment to further improving the tax relief. The Report has fourteen recommendations aimed at examining ways to improve Section 481.
In terms of employment issues, I understand that there is interest from all sides to move forward with discussions that will benefit the audio-visual industry. I understand also that Screen Producers Ireland and SIPTU (Irish Equity) had a constructive meeting on 7th June 2023 and have agreed to draft terms of reference for discussions on a new indigenous collective bargaining agreement for film and TV. The provision of quality employment has been and remains a constant focus of Government policy in the development of the film and audio-visual industry and in that context, I welcome this engagement. The Minister for Finance is responsible for the legislation and regulations for Section 481 and I will be engaging with Minister McGrath over the coming weeks on issues highlighted by the Report such as the cap and the regional uplift. I also look forward to engagement with Minister Coveney on the recommendations contained within the Report that pertain to his Department.
74. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify when the €500,000 earmarked for grassroots girls' programmes, adult women recreational football and women in football leadership programmes will be accessible; the application process to secure funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34693/23]
View answerOne of our primary aims under the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 is to increase the levels of participation in sport by women and girls. Football is a key sport in contributing to that aim and I am delighted to note the huge growth over recent years in the number of women and girls playing football.
The Government and Sport Ireland are continuing to support the FAI in growing the game amongst women and girls.
The National Women's Team's qualification for the World Cup is an important milestone for women's sport in Ireland and is an historic achievement, marking the first time that an Irish team is competing at the tournament.
Last week, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced additional programme funding of up to €500,000 to support women’s and girls’ football. This funding will be provided to the FAI through Sport Ireland and will be invested primarily in the areas of coaching, grassroots and female leadership.
This funding is additional to the funding already provided to the FAI for the development of women's and girls football under the Field Sports Programme and the Women in Sport Programme.
I have asked Sport Ireland to engage with the FAI on this additional investment and the full details will be finalised by them over the coming weeks.
This significant investment will help to ensure the further development of women’s and girls football in Ireland and is a fitting legacy of the Irish Women’s National Team’s qualification for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Irish team is inspiring females around the country to become involved in football and in sport generally and I wish them every success as they prepare for their opening match against Australia next week.
75. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to clarify when the independent root-and-branch examination into RTÉ will commence; how long the process will take; when it is envisaged the findings of the report will be made available to her Department in order that she can address the recommendations proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34489/23]
View answerOn 4 July, the Government approved 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
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 two elements of the Examination progress, findings may prompt a widening of the scope at my discretion, including those 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. Yesterday I announced two additional experts for each of the Expert Advisory Committees and I expect to meet with the two Expert Committees shortly.
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. The procurement process has been completed and I announced yesterday that I have appointed Mazars for this purpose. I expect that Mazars will commence work immediately.
76. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of individuals who have been prosecuted for failure to pay their TV licence fee; the average length of sentence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34589/23]
View answerPart 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system. Total licence fee receipts are comprised of a contribution from the Department of Social Protection in respect of free licences issued under the Household Benefits Scheme, and receipts from direct sales by An Post, who are the statutory issuing agent for licence fee collection. An Post makes every effort to reduce evasion, and prosecution through the courts is a last resort.
In 2022, An Post applied to the courts for 14,915 summonses for failure to pay for a TV Licence and the number of cases heard in court in 2022 was 9,610. Details of prosecutions and sentencing are a matter for the Courts Service.
77. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what efforts her Department is making to tackle to reduce costs in the tourism sector in an effort to keep Ireland competitive as a destination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33505/23]
View answerBusinesses 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.
In relation to energy costs, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme supports qualifying businesses with increases in electricity or natural gas costs. Amendments to help more businesses to qualify and to increase the level of support were brought forward in the Finance Act 2023 as part of the Government’s cost-of-living measures announced in February. My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, recently received Government approval for the development of a separate scheme to also assist businesses that use kerosene as an energy source.
Wage costs for businesses continue to increase as hourly rates of pay improve and compensation for working unsocial hours has become more common. My Department and Fáilte Ireland are working with industry and across Government to ensure a co-ordinated approach to addressing labour and skills challenges. My Department and Fáilte Ireland are continuing to work with industry and recruitment experts to share best practice guidance on retention and building capability. Fáilte Ireland also launched the “Employer Excellence” programme in September 2022 to help participating businesses to improve their employer practices, and enhance their reputation as excellent employers.
The Government continues to prioritise insurance reform and is undertaking reform through the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. While my Department has no role or remit in influencing the insurance market, the Department and Fáilte Ireland engage with the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment and with industry stakeholders on input into solutions for the tourism sector.
A collective and concerted multi-stakeholder approach to tackling the challenges of rising costs is required and that is the approach that my Department and the Government will continue to pursue. The Hospitality and Tourism Forum, which is co-chaired by Minister Coveney and myself, provides a platform for structured engagement between the tourism and hospitality sectors and the relevant Government Departments where key issues, including rising costs, can be discussed with a view of identifying practical solutions. The Forum met most recently on 28 June and that engagement will continue.
78. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a former member of the RTÉ board (details supplied) has been appointed as one of the persons to investigate the work culture at RTÉ, considering there is a perceived conflict of interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34689/23]
View answerOn Tuesday last, 4 July, Government approved a root and branch examination of RTÉ focused on two independent reviews of, first, the governance structures and organisational culture at RTÉ and, second, the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, and other HR matters. The second 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.
The purpose of the reviews is to help restore public trust in RTÉ. The reviews will be overseen by two independent Expert Advisory Committees with support from professional services, the procurement process for which is in progress.
The Expert Advisory Committee members have been selected due to their wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields. The person referenced by the Deputy in his question has that required experience and expertise. Her in-depth knowledge is a real asset amid efforts to rebuild the trust of staff in RTÉ. While she served on the then RTÉ Authority 15 years ago, she is a person of integrity with a strong track record whom I expect would be aware and bring to my attention any issue that arises over any potential conflict of interest.
79. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a breakdown of her engagement with a person (details supplied) with regard to the actions being considered by RTÉ's new director general in dealing with those who were complicit in or aware of the controversial payments and his intentions on regaining staff and public trust via accountability and transparency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34691/23]
View answerOn 6 July, I met with the Chairperson of the RTÉ Board, Ms. Siún Ní Raghallaigh, the Director General of RTÉ, Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, and the now Acting Deputy Director General of RTÉ, Mr. Adrian Lynch. As set out in the statement I issued following that meeting, I made clear that I was not satisfied with the way in which information was been provided to the RTÉ Board, to the public and to the Oireachtas.
I emphasised to the incoming Director General that it is critical that he works, from his first day in office, to change the tone and culture between the Executive and the RTÉ Board and staff, and stressed that he must make it a priority to engage with the Irish public on his first in office on the steps he would immediately take to address the gulf between RTÉ and its most important stakeholder, the public.
At the meeting on 6 July, Mr. Bakhurst reassured me of his plans to reconstitute the RTÉ Executive and establish an interim leadership team. He set out his intention to engage with staff and to introduce new processes to restore confidence in the management in RTÉ.
Subsequently, Mr. Bakhurst set out a range of measures on 10 July as the first step to rebuilding trust in RTÉ by the public, by staff, by independent producers and by the Oireachtas.
In addition to standing down the Executive Board and establishing an interim Leadership Team, Mr Bakhurst announced that these measures would include a Register of Interests, more rigorous governance processes and actions to improve HR processes including a staff consultation group, an employee survey and a review of roles and grades, pay, and gender equality.
80. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will convene a stakeholder forum as a matter of priority in line with recommendation No. 14 of the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight on the section 481 tax credit for film; the dates and times of meetings between her officials and the Department of Finance on the matter until now; and to make a statement on the recommendation. [34627/23]
View answer86. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if and when she intends to convene a stakeholder forum for the Irish film industry as recommended in the recent report on section 481 produced by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34688/23]
View answer94. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will agree to make her issuance of the cultural certificate for applicants for section 481 film tax relief conditional on the fulfilment of clear metrics for quality employment and training, and compliance with copyright legislation; and if she will convene a stakeholder forum as a matter of priority in line with recommendation No. 14 of the report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight on the section 481 tax credit for film. [34775/23]
View answer99. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will convene a stakeholder forum as a matter of urgency in respect of recommendation No. 14 of the report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight on the section 481 tax credit for film; and to make a statement on the recommendation. [34732/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 86, 94 and 99 together.
Officials from my Department have engaged with the other Departments that have responsibility for various aspects of the Report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight including the matter of a stakeholder forum as part of wider discussions in respect of the Section 481 Film Tax Credit. Consideration is being given to Recommendation 14 as part of overall considerations of the Committee’s Report.
