Written Answers Nos. 76-100
76. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to consider a capital fund for the arts sector, similar to that available to sporting organisations in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53613/23]
View answerMy Department has a range of capital schemes for the Arts sector that, allowing for differing requirements of arts and sports, are similar to grants available to sporting organisations.
Grants are available to not-for-profit arts and culture organisations and the conditions for payment of grants mirror those for sports capital grants.
At present, arts organisations can apply for funding under the Cultural Capital Scheme - Stream E. The focus of Stream E is to fund arts and culture organisations to help assist them to reduce their energy needs and their carbon footprint in line with the Government's action on climate change. The scheme also provides funding for organisational energy audits which is a first time initiative. Projects that provide additional capacity for artists and artistic production, as well as those that address access issues, will also be supported.
This scheme offers grants up to €50,000 to not-for-profit organisations as follows;
- Grants of up to €20k are available at 85% grant funding rate
- Grants of up to €50k are available to Local Authority owned facilities at 60%of eligible costs;
- Grants of up to €50k are provided at a maximum grant funding rate of 70%
- Eligible facilities will include facilities such as arts centres; integrated cultural centres; museums; heritage centres; archives; creative and performance spaces.
Other capital schemes for the arts and cultural sector operated by my Department include:-
- Every year, the Music Capital Scheme opens (by Music Network on behalf of the Department) to provide funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
- Mindful of the focus around the Decade of Commemorations and other commemorative events, my Department operates a Scheme of funding support for local, regional and specialised museums, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital exhibition costs.
- a new pilot capital scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy to develop vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages as well as provide additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
The Cultural Capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres was first opened for applications in 2019. Under this scheme, applications were invited under a number of separate streams over the recent years offering capital funding of different amounts towards smaller or larger enhancement/expansion/ refurbishment works to arts and culture facilities. Full details of cultural capital schemes and its various streams, including guidelines and criteria, as well as expenditure can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link;
www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1eab-creative-arts-grants-and-funding-previous-schemes/.
As part of Budget 24, I announced an allocation of an extra €1.9 million to provide additional capital support for our regional arts infrastructure. This funding will to meet building and equipment needs, including equipment for measures under the Night-time Economy, and adapt facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprint. I hope to bring forward proposals in the coming months for a pilot initiative for allocating of this funding.
77. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sí plé ar na rátaí pá a thuilleann mná tí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge. [53572/23]
View answer78. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an dtabharfaidh sí eolas ar íocaíochtaí do na mná tí. [53574/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
Tacaíonn mo Roinn le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge, éarnáil a bhíonn ag feidhmiú ar bhonn tráchtála go príomha, trí dheontais laethúla a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh cáilithe Gaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do scoláirí a bhíonn ag freastal ar na coláistí. Is ioncam é seo atá saor ó cháin ioncaim agus atá sa bhreis ar an ioncam a fhaigheann na teaghlaigh ó na coláistí féin. Go ginearálta, is é an cóimheas oibre don íocaíocht seo ná do gach euro a íocann mo Roinn le teaghlaigh atá aitheanta faoin scéim, íocann na coláistí timpeall €1.20. Is iad na coláistí féin a shocraíonn na rátaí seo agus níl aon ról ag mo Roinn ann. Tháinig méadú de 20% ó €10 go €12 ar an deontas laethúil atá iníoctha ag mo Roinn le teaghlaigh aitheanta na scéime a chuireann lóistín ar fáil ó thús na bliana 2022.Anuas air seo, ardaíodh an deontas tosaithe aonuaire do theaghlaigh nua atá ag lorg aitheantais faoin scéim faoi 300% in 2022 ó €2,000 go €6,000. Leathnaíodh scóip an deontais freisin chun costais tosaithe riachtanacha breise a chlúdach ann.Ní gá a lua go leanfar ag breathnú ar bhealaí breise le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil amach anseo.
79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Government is committed to ensuring there will be no diminution in the quality and offering of public service broadcasting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53637/23]
View answerThe public service obligations of RTÉ and TG4 are set out in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. As part of these obligations, both RTÉ and TG4 are required to develop periodic Statements of Strategy setting out how they will deliver on their remit.
TG4's most recent Statement of Strategy, for the period 2023 to 2027, details how it will continue to meet its public service remit, including actions to ensure TG4 will continue to serve Irish language audiences; increase engagement with younger audiences; and support the regional creative economy. This Strategy was recently laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
With regard to RTÉ, the Strategic Vision published last month demonstrates a renewed commitment to public service broadcasting, as well as addressing key areas such as governance reforms and cost efficiencies. This is vital as RTÉ seeks to rebuild the trust and confidence of the Irish public. The Strategic Vision has a particular focus on sport; increasing original Irish drama; enhanced news and current affairs; and commitments to increased levels of Irish language programming and for children and younger people. The Strategic Vision will inform the development of a more detailed Statement of Strategy.
Coimisiún na Meán plays an import role in ensuring that RTÉ and TG4 continue to meet their public service aims and obligations. This includes assessing the Statements of Strategy, considering the cost to implement these strategies, and then making funding recommendations. An Coimisiún also reviews the extent to which previous performance commitments have been met and ensure that broadcasting codes are complied with.
Finally, as well as this statutory and regulatory regime, the other key element in ensuring that Irish audiences are provided with quality public service content is the putting in place of appropriate supports and resources.
Acknowledging that changing media consumption patterns have impacted revenue generation within the wider media sector, this Government established the Future of Media Commission which, among other things, was tasked with making recommendations on sustainable public funding and other supports to ensure media in Ireland remains viable, independent and capable of delivering public service aims.
While options for a longer term funding model remain under consideration by Government, the interim funding recommended by the Future of Media Commission for RTÉ has been provided in 2022 and again this year. In addition, funding of up to €40m will be provided to RTÉ in 2023 arising from the fall in TV licence income. During my time in office funding for TG4 has increased by €19.8m or 53%, thereby not only meeting but exceeding the recommended funding level.
Over that same period, I have also secured an additional €22.4m in Exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme, which supports a broad range of public service content across all broadcasters.
This significantly increased level of investment is clear evidence of mine, and this Government’s, commitment to support public service broadcasting and public service content more generally.
80. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure that social media companies regulate and remove harmful content, including content inciting violence. [53401/23]
View answerThere is clearly an issue with extremist groups using online services as tools to organise. The tactics of these groups are pernicious and divisive, preying on the most vulnerable in our society, and often amount to incitement to violence and hatred.
Where an offence is alleged to have been committed it is the role of An Garda Síochána to investigate and, if necessary, to engage with online service providers to obtain information relevant to the investigation.
Under new legislation like the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, which I commenced in March of this year, and the EU's Digital Services Act, it is for online platforms to put in place the necessary systems and processes to reduce the availability of extremist content like hate speech, threats, incitement to violence or intimidation.
Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s new online safety and media regulator and will also be Ireland’s regulator for the EU’s Digital Services Act, acting jointly with the European Commission.
Coimisiún na Meán are developing their first binding online safety code, which will set out rules for how designated online services deal with defined categories of harmful online content, including extremist content like hate speech, threats and incitement to violence. It expects to adopt this code in 2024 following a public consultation on a draft which will begin in the coming days.
Failure to comply with an online safety code can lead to the imposition of significant financial sanctions of up to €20 million or 10% of turnover and continued non-compliance can lead to criminal penalties.
The Digital Services Act places legally binding obligations on Very Large Online Platform, including that they must allow users to easily flag potentially illegal content and that platforms must contact law enforcement when there is a suspicion that a criminal offence involving a threat to life or safety has taken place or is happening. These large platforms must also assess and mitigate a series of risks arising from the use of their services, including in relation to incitement to violence and hatred.
Alongside regulation, these new laws require platforms to deal with complaints and I would urge people to flag incitement to violence and hatred when they see it. This will allow regulators to identify patterns and decide where further investigation or action is most urgently required.
81. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 45986/23, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an bplean atá tagtha as an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán mhaoine atá aige agus ar na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53608/23]
View answerTuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil an t-athbhreithniú ar phunann maoine na heagraíochta críochnaithe anois. Mar a thuigim, tá taighde déanta ar na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann leis an bpunann sna seacht gcondae Gaeltachta agus tá cainteanna ar bun ar bhonn leanúnach leis na cliaintchomhlachtaí atá ina dtionóntaí cheana féin agus le cliaint nua atá ag iarraidh spáis tráchtála nó spás níos mó a thógáil ar cíos. Níos minicí ná a mhalairt bíonn obair le déanamh ar fhoirgintí mar chéad chéim do thionóntaí agus bíonn aon chaiteachas caipitil le glanadh ag Bord an Údaráis.
Bíonn iarratais ar allúntais caipitil ag dul os comhair an Bhoird ar bhonn leanúnach agus, mar is eol don Teachta, fógraíodh, mar shampla, 100 post i monarchan theic-leighis Freudenberg ar an 2ú Dheireadh Fómhair sa Spidéal i gCo. Na Gaillimhe. Bíonn saolré fada i gceist lena leithéid d'fhógra, áit ar bunaíodh an comhlacht sin seacht mbliana déag ó shin agus gur deineadh infheistíocht de nach mór €2m ar mhaithe le foirgneamh ar an gcaighdeán cuí a fhorbairt a mheallfaidh rólanna ar ardchaighdeán chun na Gaeltachta i bhfianaise géar-iomaíocht d'infheistíocht dá leithéad.
Tuigim go bhfuil próiséis inmheánacha pleanála ag teacht chun críche san Údarás a bheidh mar bhunchloch d'fhorbairtí nua a bheidh ag dul os comhair Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta le hallúntas caiptil a cheadú do thograí a bheidh ar bun as seo go ceann roinnt blianta.
Ta sé curtha in iúl ag an Údarás go bhfuil teagmháil leanúnach ar bun le cliaint reatha agus cliaint nua, údaráis áitiúla, soláthreoirí seirbhísí agus dearthóirí. Beidh na tograí sin ar fad á bhforbairt go céimiúil le dul i dtreo an phróisis pleanála agus aon chomhairliúcháin poiblí a bhaineann leis an bpróséis sin.
Tá teagmháil leanúnach ar bun ag an Údarás le mo Roinn ar na ábhair seo agus beidh deis, i gcomhthéacs Bhuiséad 2024, baill foirne leis na scileanna cuí a earcú a bheidh ag teastáil leis an obair seo a bhrú chun cinn.
Tá achoimre ar phunann an Údaráis ceangailte leis seo mar áis don Teachta.
82. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the work her Department is undertaking in active tourism with a view to developing and promoting Ireland as a long-stay tourism destination to spread tourism more evenly across the regions, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52957/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the respective roles of both of the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, are to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland, and to market the island of Ireland to an international audience. It has been a long-standing policy objective to ensure that tourism benefits all regions and ensure that the benefits are not confined to the peak tourism season.
In terms of future policy, my Department is currently progressing with the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030 and issues around regionality and seasonality will again be key considerations. While I want to see the tourism sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices. Initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed earlier this year, and I will shortly launch a public consultation to give the public the chance to have their say. I hope to have the new policy framework itself finalised in the first quarter of next year.
Fáilte Ireland continues to work in partnership with Government, State agencies, Local Authorities, representative groups and industry, to develop tourism across Ireland by creating destination development plans and networks and investing in infrastructure, activities, visitor attractions and festivals.?Fáilte Ireland also provides consumer and buyer insights, mentoring, business supports and training programmes and buyer platforms to help tourism businesses innovate and grow. In terms of activity development, Fáilte Ireland has focused on three main areas for development, walking, cycling and water based activities. To leverage activity tourism development on state owned assets they also have a number of strategic partnerships with Coillte, the National Parks and Wildlife Division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Waterways Ireland and a co-ordinated approach to outdoor recreation priorities with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Fáilte Ireland launched four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies this year, which outline a vision for tourism and which contain a five-year strategic framework for the sustainable development of Fáilte Ireland’s regional brands. By focussing on the uniqueness of each brand, they set a clear path ahead for the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability into the industry, and provide a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more.
Tourism Ireland also works to promote sustainable tourism to target overseas markets for long stays including promotion of off-season activity around the world has been highlighting the many reasons to visit Ireland for long stays during the autumn and winter months – including festivals and events like Púca Festival, Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, Cork Jazz Festival and Wexford Festival Opera.
83. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the development of the Sports Ireland Campus; how her Department is supporting the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53641/23]
View answerIn November 2022, the Government approved a new Masterplan for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. The Masterplan provides a framework for the further development of the campus over the next 15 to 20 years and identifies the next key high-level projects for development.
The first high-level project for delivery under the new masterplan is likely to be the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre which is specifically highlighted in the current National Development Plan. This project will address the need to provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023 and the project is now at pre-tender approval stage under the Public Spending Code.
Following commencement of the Velodrome project, it is planned that the development of additional office accommodation for National Governing Bodies of Sport and athlete accommodation will be the next key high-level projects progressed.
In addition, Minister Martin and I wrote to Sport Ireland earlier this year to confirm that we are agreeable to Sport Ireland commencing the procedures required under the Public Spending Code to allow the Department to consider a proposal for the development of a permanent home for Irish cricket, including the development of a Cricket Oval and any other related developments, at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. A preliminary business case has been recently received and is being reviewed by my officials.
My Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to funding to progress the key high level projects identified in the Campus Masterplan, with a specific near term focus on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre.
In May, I was pleased to open a new building on the Campus, comprising offices for the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) along with a separate dedicated athlete lounge which provides athletes with a space for rest and recuperation between training sessions. This building marks another milestone in Sport Ireland’s and the OFI’s preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
84. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an overview of Fáilte Ireland's marketing strategy for tourism, outside of Dublin, for the 2024 summer season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53375/23]
View answerFáilte Ireland’s role, as the National Tourism Development Authority, is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is also responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands, namely Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.
Domestic consumers will continue to be of critical importance to tourism success next year. I am advised that Fáilte Ireland's 2024 marketing strategy will focus on promoting areas to domestic consumers where and when there is capacity. For example, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Northern Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East will be prioritised for the months around the summer season, as they will have capacity available at this time, while more mature destinations like Dublin and South Wild Atlantic Way will be promoted during the shoulder season.
The funding that I have secured for domestic marketing in Budget 2024 will allow Fáilte Ireland to maintain an always-on national campaign called Keep Discovering. This campaign will keep short-breaks top-of-mind with domestic consumers and promotion will align with regional and seasonal objectives. I am advised that Fáilte Ireland’s consumer research indicates very positive feedback for this marketing campaign, which is being channelled through TV, digital, radio, press and other media partnerships to motivate domestic tourism to all parts of the country. It is designed to both inspire visitors to travel and then provide reasons to book by showcasing world-class tourism regions and destinations across Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland will also continue to use its sponsorship of RTÉ Weather to leverage its Keep Discovering campaign. It will allow Fáilte Ireland to promote reasons to travel and tourism destinations year-round. It serves as a platform to remind viewers of counties to visit in Ireland, as well as bank holidays, events and festivals.
A dedicated Daycations campaign will run in the lead-in to the summer period to promote activities and attractions providers around the country by encouraging consumers to experience the many things to see and do on their doorsteps.
85. 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 an association (details supplied) with regards to corporate governance reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53458/23]
View answerThe Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed between the Government and the Association to which the Deputy refers was signed in January 2020 and it enabled Sport Ireland to restore funding of €2.9 million per annum to the organisation and to provide additional annual funding of €2.9 million for football development up to and including 2023.
In recognition of the importance of the continued operation of the stadium that is co-owned by the Association and another sporting organisation, the MOU also provided for a repayable grant to the Association of €7.6338 million towards the stadium licence fee payable by the organisation for the years 2020 - 2022.
The MOU was agreed at a point when there was a very real risk of the Association becoming insolvent. The support provided ensured that this did not happen, and was conditional on the Association implementing urgent and necessary reforms.
Sport Ireland's Governance Oversight Group has formally endorsed the status of the Association’s implementation of 155 of the 163 items from within the Association and Sport Ireland's Governance Review Group Report, Sport Ireland's KOSI audit, and commitments in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This represents implementation of 95% of the recommended reforms.
I have asked Sport Ireland to prepare a full report on the Association’s overall implementation of actions set out under the MOU between 2020 - 2023, including in relation to the CEO’s salary, for publication in the coming period.
86. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level of funding provided to the basic income for the Arts Pilot Research Scheme in 2024 as part of the €1.17 billion in funding allocated to her Department in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53518/23]
View answerThe Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture. Covid highlighted both the precarious nature of working in the arts and the importance of the arts for us all. The BIA is a support to help artists develop self-sustaining self-employed creative practices.
The BIA pilot is a research project consisting of a longitudinal study with six monthly surveys. Survey data will be compared against a baseline survey which took place before payments began to the cohort of up to 2,000 eligible applicants who were chosen at random. The ambition of the pilot is to assess the impact of providing the security of a basic income, on artists and creative arts workers and on their ability to increase their earnings from their creative practice as a self-employed artist/creative.
The scheme and research programme we are conducting will provide a significant evidence base to inform future Government policy in the arts and has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it.
2,000 recipients were selected in 2022 to receive payment of €325 per week, payment to recipients has been ongoing since October 2022 and will continue to August 2025. The scheme is funded at €35m per year (approximately €105m over the three years). Therefore the 2024 cost will be €35m.
87. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Sustainable Tourism Policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52956/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the development of a new Sustainable Tourism Policy document and in advance of this, an interim action plan.
A report from the Sustainable Tourism Working Group which identifies actions to promote sustainable tourism practices was published in October 2021 and can be found at the following link:- www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/202152/72ba3db8-f793-49ee-9abd-74781575c5e2.pdf . The Report reiterated the need to develop a new national tourism policy which mainstreams sustainability.
In this regard, my Department is progressing with the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. While I want to see the tourism sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices.
While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed earlier this year, I will shortly launch a public consultation to give the public the chance to have their say. I hope to have the new policy framework itself finalised in the first quarter of next year.
88. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán céard é an t-eolas is déanaí maidir le toghcháin phoiblí do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53381/23]
View answerTá an obair ar an mBille seo ag leanúint ar aghaidh faoi láthair d’fhonn é a fhoilsiú chomh luath in Éirinn agus is féidir, ag cur san áireamh go bhfuil na moltaí a rinne Coiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge i dtaobh an Bhille á mbreithniú ag oifigigh mo Roinne. Agus an obair sin curtha i gcrích, beifear ag súil go reáchtálfar toghcháin don Údarás i lár na bliana seo chugainn.
89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the film industry stakeholder forum will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53634/23]
View answer92. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how the film industry stakeholder forum will be instituted and who will be invited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53635/23]
View answer95. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to report on what recent engagements her Department has had with the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding the implementation of section 481 film tax relief recommendations, as outlined by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight. [53475/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 92 and 95 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 on Section 481 Film Tax Credit.
Officials in my Department are currently putting plans in place for a forum to discuss how to maximise the benefits of the Section 481 credit for all concerned stakeholders, and to facilitate best practice in employment rights, industrial relations, collective bargaining, address Copyright and Intellectual Property issues and any other relevant issues as recommended by the Budgetary Oversight Committee. It is planned that the forum will be held in early February 2024 in Dublin. All organisations that have a stakeholder interest in Section 481 will be welcome to attend. My officials will place a particular focus on inclusivity incorporating EDI to ensure that all voices are given the opportunity to express their views.
Independently, Screen Ireland, the State Body with responsibility for the development of the Irish audiovisual industry, has retained an independent facilitator to meet with key stakeholders to understand and discuss issues that have arisen as a result of and since the transposition into Irish law of the EU Copyright Directive. Stakeholder meetings have been held over recent months and the next phase of the process will involve further engagement with relevant stakeholders.
90. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will explain why a sports capital grant application made by Clare GAA, to develop their centre of excellence facilities at Caherlohan,Tulla, County Clare in approximately 2018/2019 was refused; if a determination was made on the appeal subsequently lodged by the Clare County Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53374/23]
View answerThe 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 with the first allocations announced in January 2020. Details of all grant allocations are available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
An application was received from Clare GAA for Stream 2 (construction) funding towards a new all-weather synthetic playing pitch at the Clare GAA Centre of Excellence. A total of €1,161,129.84 was sought in the application. Unfortunately, the total funding applied for by all applicants under the scheme significantly exceeded the funding available to allocate and the Clare GAA project did not score sufficiently highly to be awarded a grant.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt than an error was made in the assessment process and an appeal was received from Clare GAA. All appeals were assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process and no errors were found which warranted an automatic grant.
It is important to emphasise that the LSSIF is a relatively new scheme with only one call for proposals to date. 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 allocated grants and meetings with all grantees have taken place. The review is expected to be finalised soon and any issues identified will be addressed as part of the terms and conditions of the next call.
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.
91. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason restaurants, cafés and gastropubs in areas highly dependent on tourism are not part of the new €10 million support scheme to assist those affected by the use of local hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation to house refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53468/23]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism my statutory functions relate to the tourism sector and tourism-specific businesses operating therein, primarily providers of activities, attractions and accommodation.
While elements of the hospitality sector are important parts of the wider tourism ecosystem, I do not have responsibility for the general hospitality or food services sector, which are, ultimately, important segments of the wider enterprise economy.
However, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Minister Martin and I co-chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which brings together on a regular basis these two important and inter-related sectors.
The Forum provides a platform for structured engagement between the tourism and hospitality sectors and the relevant Government Departments where key issues can be discussed with a view to identifying practical solutions. The Forum is due to meet again on 13 December and key stakeholders within the hospitality industry are represented in this Forum.
The core responsibilities of Fáilte Ireland, as set out in the National Tourism Development Authority Act, relate to tourism businesses only. Key building blocks for the wider tourism sector are the core tourism activities and attractions around which a wider ecosystem develops which is, of course, of benefit to segments of the hospitality industry. Fáilte Ireland, in seeking to support the tourism industry and sustain Ireland's position as a high-quality and competitive tourism destination, provides a range of practical business supports to help tourism businesses better manage and market their products and services.
In June 2023, Fáilte Ireland carried out a detailed analysis of data provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth concerning the bed stock under contract to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection applicants (IPs). This established that 13% to 14% of all Fáilte Ireland registered tourism bed stock is currently under contract to the State. An additional quantum of non-registered tourism-type accommodation stock is also contracted.
As part of the Budget settlement that I have secured for tourism in 2024, up to €10 million has been identified for a comprehensive programme of supports targeted at downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular trading challenges linked to the reduction in footfall to activities and attractions in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement.
This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
I asked Fáilte Ireland to engage with impacted businesses to consider the scope for a specific business support scheme that could help the most affected tourism activities and attractions. My officials and Fáilte Ireland are engaging intensively on this and I hope to see the details of this scheme finalised and published soon.
The Government has strongly supported the tourism and hospitality sectors through a range of fiscal supports, particularly during the period of the Covid pandemic, and more recently in dealing with the challenges facing the sector. These supports have included the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, Pandemic Unemployment Payment, Covid Restriction Support Scheme, Business Resumption Support Scheme, Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the Outdoor Dining Scheme and the retention of the lower VAT rate since November 2021 until 1 September 2023.
In Budget 2024, the Increased Costs of Business Scheme (ICOB) was introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as part of Budget 2024. It provides for a once-off grant to benefit up to 130,000 small and medium businesses at a cost of €250m.
The aim of the Scheme is to provide financial support to those firms which have been most impacted by additional business costs, by providing a tiered grant equivalent to up to half business rates for this year. This will also go some way to helping businesses meet the increase in the Minimum Wage to €12.70, which is obviously an important step towards the Government’s commitment to introducing a Living Wage.
This is a welcome initiative, which embodies a whole of Government approach to assisting small and medium sized businesses particularly with the extraordinary challenges of recent years.
93. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider making it mandatory for any co-productions shooting in Ireland to engage local Irish performers on equal terms and conditions as any visiting performer whose fees are subsidised by the public purse. [53625/23]
View answerAs in other sectors in Ireland, the specific terms and conditions of employment of performers are a matter for consideration by the members of SIPTU/Equity and other trade unions, in negotiation with the organisations and companies that engage them under the terms laid down by legislation under the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Where individuals believe they are being deprived of employment rights, they may make a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where the matter will be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that may be enforceable through the District Court.
WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate breaches of employment legislation or complaints arising from alleged breaches. Complaints can be submitted online. Both the WRC and the Labour Court operate under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
94. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the marketing campaign in place for the Famine way. [53558/23]
View answerMy role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
With regard to the marketing campaigns of any location including the Famine Way, such decisions are an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, as the National Tourism Development Authority. Neither I, nor my Department, have any role in decisions by the Authority regarding its operational funding priorities and related expenditure.
Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
96. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what plans, if any are being established to mandate local councils to invest in the arts, considering they are primary stakeholders in local arts centres, yet are not explicitly required to allocate funding to the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53476/23]
View answerThe Creative Ireland Programme, first established by my Department in 2017, is an all-of-government, culture-based, wellbeing initiative, grounded in the principle that every person has creative capacities, the development of which contributes to the well-being of all in our society. Local authorities are central to the work of Creative Ireland, particularly under its Creative Communities Pillar. Over €5.7 million has been provided to local authorities by my Department in 2023, which has seen the delivery of over 1800 projects and events, with an additional €1.1 million provided to local authorities for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg. This brings the total funding for local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programme to €29.3 million since 2018. I have seen first-hand how this investment in creativity is directly supporting wellbeing, social cohesion and economic development to make a real difference in all our communities.
Critical to the ongoing success of Creative Communities Pillar has been the appointment by each local authority of a Creative Ireland Coordinator from among their senior staff. To build on the success of this approach, and to help drive the continued implementation of their Culture and Creativity Strategies 2023-2027, each local authority has now also appointed a Creative Communities Engagement Officer – posts that are co-funded by my Department. This will ensure even greater collaboration across the Culture and Creativity teams in each local authority to deliver projects and events that engage and inspire local communities. This delivery infrastructure represents a very significant, and long term, commitment to facilitating access to, and participation in, cultural and creative activity in every local authority.
‘A Framework for Collaboration’, published in 2016, is a 10-year agreement between the Arts Council and the County and City Management Association to further the development of the arts in every county in Ireland. It enabled a more streamlined and consistent approach to funding the arts based on key principles of arts development, public engagement and spatial planning. Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities. The Arts Council currently provides programming and revenue supports to almost fifty arts centres throughout the country.
My Department also focuses on providing capital grant funding for arts and cultural facilities. The primary focus of these schemes at present is towards securing and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities rather than the development of major new centres.
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any engagement she or her Department has had with Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to the provision of housing on lands and property owned by the Údarás, and in particular the provision of public housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53609/23]
View answerÚdarás na Gaeltachta's management team meet regularly with officials from my Department and continue to keep them updated on progress in relation the activities of the organisation as a whole.
Housing has been discussed a number of times with a view to contributing to the Government's housing plan, Housing for All, and an outline strategy for housing solutions using Údarás na Gaeltachta-owned lands has been developed.
I understand that an tÚdarás has prepared an approach which is to be presented to its board at its next meeting in December.
98. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an míneoidh sí cén uair a bheas na toghcháin chun bord Údarás na Gaeltachta ann. [53573/23]
View answerTá obair ar an mBille seo idir lámha faoi láthair d’fhonn é a fhoilsiú chomh luath in Éirinn agus is féidir, ag cur san áireamh go bhfuil na moltaí a rinne Coiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge i dtaobh an Bhille á mbreithniú ag oifigigh mo Roinne. Agus an obair sin a bheith curtha i gcrích, beifear ag súil go reáchtálfar toghcháin do Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta i lár na bliana seo chugainn.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she continues to take to ensure that tourism is given every opportunity to develop and grow in the future notwithstanding the future challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53555/23]
View answerIn Budget 2024, I secured funding of €216 million to continue the support for tourism development at home and amongst overseas visitors, whilst supporting continued recovery in the sector.
I maintained additional funding of €10 million for overseas marketing of Ireland as a leading holiday destination. Sustaining marketing campaigns at current levels will be crucial to ensuring that Ireland’s share of voice is maintained for longer-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
I also secured up to €10 million for a comprehensive programme of supports targeted at downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular trading challenges linked to the reduction in footfall to activities and attractions in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement.
My Department is progressing the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. In this regard, while I want to see the sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and that ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices.
While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed earlier this year, I will shortly launch a public consultation on the new framework. This will primarily be based on the guiding principles of the report of the Sustainable Tourism Working Group but will also provide an opportunity for the public to provide any other views on what should be included in the new policy framework.
The new tourism policy framework will seek to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for all. I hope to have the new policy framework finalised in the first quarter of next year.
100. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she can clarify if funding allocated to any Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) can be amended or whether monies can be transferred from one project to another by the applicant; if she can elaborate if there is any flexibility around changing parameters for existing or agreed funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53459/23]
View answerThe 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 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, €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different projects.
My Department provides a provisional allocation for all proposed projects under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Before a grant agreement issues in respect of any LSSIF project, the project proposal is required to go through a due-diligence process involving, inter alia, detailed economic appraisal and legal formalities. Full details of the scheme can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
My Department is always willing to engage with any LSSIF project promoter, regarding any queries they have, in order to progress the project in the best interests of participation and investment in sport.
