Written Answers Nos. 106-122
106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of negotiations to contribute to the redevelopment of Casement Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55745/23]
View answerUEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, announced on Tuesday 10 October 2023 that Ireland will jointly host the UEFA EURO 2028 Championship with the UK and this presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and our world-class tourism and sports offering to Europe and the wider world.
Each of the bid partners will see matches happening in their jurisdictions and, from a whole of island perspective, it will be great for football fans to see matches happening in both Belfast and Dublin. Casement Park, Belfast and Northern Ireland are integral to the successful UEFA EURO 2028 bid. Ireland's component of the bid is centred on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The inclusion of Casement Park as part of the winning bid has the firm support of the five football associations and all partners, including both Governments. While redevelopment of Casement Park is a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities and the British Government, the Taoiseach has confirmed that the Government will seek to work with the British Government and the GAA on the development of the stadium with a view to it hosting games at Euro 2028.
The bid partnership is focussed on developing and delivering an outstanding venue at Casement Park that will inspire and serve local communities for generations to come. Indeed, the positive collaboration between the Irish Football Association and the GAA in Northern Ireland demonstrates the power of sport to bring people together, an approach that has given us this historic opportunity that will deliver profound social, cultural and political legacies beyond football.
107. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total grant aid allocated to a club in County Kerry (details supplied) since the beginning of the sports capital programme; if she will provide a breakdown of each allocation (year, amount and purpose); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55746/23]
View answerDetails of all allocations granted under the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) and Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) since 2000 are available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/
Concerning future allocations, the latest round of the SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a large number of applications, including one from the club referenced by the Deputy, and it is evident that the total number will exceed the previous record of 3,106 applications submitted under the last (2020) round.
Work is now underway on finalising the "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round and I hope to have this published shortly. Simultaneously, I also plan to publish the full list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. Once these documents are published, the detailed assessment work can commence. In this regard, it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with the allocations likely to be announced later in 2024.
108. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is engaging with the Garda Commissioner to ensure large sporting events will not be vulnerable to unrest or rioting like what was seen in Dublin recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55747/23]
View answerThe Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Adare and the EURO 2028 football championships, which UEFA recently announced will be held in Ireland and the UK.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it should prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities.
Safety and security at major sporting events are matters in the first instance for the event organisers and An Garda Síochána. The specific policing and security requirements vary for each major sport event as the event requirements, spectator numbers and venues are unique to each event. During planning for such major events, my Department engages with all relevant stakeholders including the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to ensure that adequate provision is made for the safe and successful hosting of such events within Ireland.
109. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the future plans for the Irish Open (golf); if his Department will continue to support the event; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55748/23]
View answer111. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position regarding preparations for hosting Ryder Cup 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55750/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 111 together.
Major Sports Events have the potential to drive participation in sport, contribute to trade and tourism as well as boost national and community pride. Major Sports Events often require Government support and input to win bids and to support delivery. This can involve supports such as funding, commercial protections, transport, security provisions as well as political support.
In July 2019, the Government approved an offer to the European Tour of a financial support package to host the Ryder Cup in 2026, now 2027 due to the deferral caused by Covid-19, and to support golf in Ireland. The Government also agreed to provide additional financial support of €8.5 million for a number of professional golf events i.e. the Irish Open, the Challenge and Legends Tour Events scheduled to take place annually in Ireland up to, and including, 2027.
Outside of these additional supports from the Department, that are directly related to the staging of the Ryder Cup in 2027, any decision to support the Irish Open is an operational matter for Sport Ireland, as the National Sport Development Authority. Neither I, nor my Department, has any role in decisions by the Authority regarding its operational funding priorities and related expenditure.
The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and over the coming years, Tourism Ireland will roll out an extensive programme of promotions in key international golf markets, to leverage the tourism benefits of the event.
Considerable work to date has taken place to ensure the successful delivery of the Ryder Cup in 2027 and to produce a lasting legacy in the Limerick region and in Ireland as a whole. The establishment of a Government Steering Group, a key stakeholder group along with internal working groups within Limerick City and County Council will continue to provide governance and guidance until the event.
My officials and I attended the 2023 Ryder Cup event in Rome in preparation for Ireland's hosting of the event and met with a range of key stakeholders and previous hosts. A logistical observer programme, to provide first-hand experience and knowledge of delivery for this event, was attended by representatives from Limerick City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
My officials and I have recently met with key officials from the European PGA Tour, Limerick City and County Council and Adare Manor to review progress to date and the steps ahead. This meeting gave me the opportunity to re-iterate the importance of this event for the Government and to remind all present of the ambition that the 2027 Ryder Cup will meet all of its objectives in relation to the economy, tourism, wider participation and general wellbeing. I am confident that the event will deliver for all partners and for the wider benefit of the country and the game of golf.
110. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position regarding preparations for Team Ireland for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55749/23]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that preparations for Paris 2024 are progressing positively. Sport Ireland is collaborating closely with the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland who will lead Team Ireland to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, respectively.
For the Paris Cycle, 2021-2024, Sport Ireland will provide aggregate investment exceeding €90 million. This investment includes High Performance Programme Funding to National Governing Bodies; direct athlete investment; Impact Funding which targets new and innovative performance opportunities; High Performance Coaching supports; and world-class services delivered through the Sport Ireland Institute.
The Sport Ireland Campus will act as the pre-Games Training Camp venue for several sports including swimming, gymnastics, taekwondo, and badminton. The facilities at the Sport Ireland Campus are on a par with the best in the world and will provide our athletes with an opportunity to prepare for Paris 2024 in a home environment with close proximity to Paris.
Sport Ireland anticipates a team size of about 115 athletes at the Olympic Games and about 25 athletes at the Paralympic Games, which is in line with the numbers that participated in the Tokyo Games. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Ireland had two teams competing (Women’s Hockey and Men’s Rugby Sevens). Looking ahead to Paris 2024, both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams have already qualified, with the Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams seeking to secure qualification in January. In the first half of next year, qualification to the Games will be the priority for many athletes, particularly for those where qualification is obtained through ranking points.
Recognising that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle for many athletes, Sport Ireland has evolved its Athlete Career Transition Programme since 2020. This programme provides a continuation of services and financial support to athletes upon retirement. This has been well received by athletes and is an offering not seen in many other countries.
In conclusion, Paris 2024 will be an important milestone in the delivery of the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. This Strategy takes a long-term view of Ireland’s high performance system and seeks to achieve improved results on the global stage in a sustainable, value-based, and ambitious manner.
112. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what future major international sporting events her Department hopes to bid for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55751/23]
View answerThe Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick and the EURO 2028 football championships, which UEFA recently announced will be held in Ireland and the UK.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from them, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it should prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a strategy to support and attract major international sports events and for an assessment model based on the identified priorities.
As part of this policy development, focused consultations with key stakeholders have been held and a public consultation has been completed. My Department has undertaken research, including consideration of the policies and strategies in place in other countries.
A draft high level policy paper is currently the subject of consultation with other Government Departments and it is intended to submit a refined policy to Government in 2024. The policy and strategy will inform the approach to bidding for major sports events in the future,
The Deputy will appreciate that the bidding processes for major sports events can be very complex and that confidential commercial information and non-disclosure agreements are key features of such processes. Additionally, such bidding processes will typically feature a number of other potential interested parties. Accordingly, for the reasons outlined above, I am not able to specify which events my Department is currently engaged with or considering future engagement with. However, I can confirm any engagements by my Department in this regard are underpinned by an assessment of the economic, sporting and social impact of the events in question.
113. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of current vacancies on the board of RTÉ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55853/23]
View answer114. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeline for forthcoming vacancies on the board of RTÉ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55854/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
There are currently two vacancies on the Board of RTÉ. Appointments to the Board will be made in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, which were published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in November 2014 and with the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended).
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) process to identify candidates for nomination to Government was launched on Friday 8 December 2023. The closing date for submission of expressions of interest is 5 January 2024. Full details can be found at stateboards.ie/en.
In accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended), I expect following completion of the PAS process, to shortly thereafter nominate two individuals for appointment by Government to the Board of RTÉ. The process will also give rise to a panel from which additional future vacancies arising, due to the end of members' terms of office in November 2024 will be filled and these appointments will be subject to statutory gender balance requirements.
115. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of dates when she met with the chair of RTÉ in 2023; if she will provide the agenda for these meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55856/23]
View answerI met with the Chairperson of RTÉ on 8 occasions to date in 2023. The dates of the meetings and subject matters discussed are listed in the table below.
|
Meeting Date |
Subject Matter |
|
9 November 2023 |
- Briefing on RTÉ Strategic Vision document - Interim Funding |
|
5 October 2023 |
- Extension of Mazars' terms of reference - RTÉ interim funding |
|
12 September 2023 |
- Progress on reforms, cost-saving measures and new strategic vision - Restoration of pay of senior executives - Funding issues |
|
25 August 2023 |
- Mazars - Forensic Accountant Interim Report - Cooperation with ongoing reviews and examinations - Update on reforms in RTÉ - 2022 Annual Report and Accounts - Funding |
|
6 July 2023 |
- Co-operation with external examination, Oireachtas and NewEra - Updates from RTÉ re Grant Thornton report and reforms - Government commissioned external reviews of RTÉ |
|
24 June 2023 |
- Governance and Transparency issues arising from RTÉ statement of 22 June - External examination of RTÉ |
|
10 May 2023 |
- Courtesy call by Chairperson and Director General Designate. |
|
13 February 2023 |
- Presentation by RTÉ on Audience Trends and Prominence - Discussion around TV Licence Reform - Tour of RTÉ studios and facilities |
116. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date figures for television licence renewal and new licences to the most recent week; how these compare with last year; the revenue differences; the percentage differences; the year-to-date total differences in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55858/23]
View answerThe statutory basis for the current TV licence system is provided for under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The legislation also provides for An Post acting as the statutory issuing agent for licence fee collection.
The table below sets out sales data for TV licences from January to 10th December in 2022 and 2023. It also provides a breakdown of licence renewals and new licences, and it details the revenue obtained and the percentage changes.
|
- |
2023 (Jan-10 Dec) |
2022 (Jan-10 Dec) |
Percentage Change |
|
Total TV Licence Sales |
779,959 |
897,126 |
-13.06% |
|
Total Sales Revenue |
€124,793,440 |
€143,540,160 |
-13.06% |
|
Licence Renewals |
692,370 |
787,308 |
-12.06% |
|
New licences |
87,589 |
109,818 |
-20.24% |
The figures above exclude those 'free' licences issued to recipients of the Department of Social Protection Household Benefits Packages.
An Post, makes every effort to reduce evasion and in cases where a valid licence is not registered to an address, a number of reminders are issued followed by an inspector visit. Should a valid licence still not be produced, an application for court summons is progressed, although prosecution of licence evaders is a last resort.
As I have stated previously, public service content and public service broadcasting is a vital pillar of our society and indeed our democracy. As such it needs to be supported, and therefore I continue urge everyone who is required to have a TV licence to purchase or renew it so that the public service content which the TV licence supports, across all broadcasters, can continue to be provided for the benefit of us all.
117. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has met with a company (details supplied) regarding online misinformation; if she is aware that the company recently declined to attend an Oireachtas media committee meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55860/23]
View answerThe Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act and the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), amongst other legislation, provide the basis for a new online safety regulatory framework which requires that platforms, including that provided by the company referred to by the Deputy, put in place systems and processes to reduce the availability of harmful online content, including disinformation.
In March of this year, Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's new online safety and media regulator, was formally established under the OSMR Act. From February 2024, An Coimisiún will also be Ireland's Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) under the DSA. An Coimisiún is independent in the exercise of its functions. As that independent regulator, it is An Coimisiún that is and will be ensuring platforms take the necessary steps to protect users from harmful online content, including disinformation, in conjunction with the European Commission where appropriate. Accordingly, I have not met the platforms, including the company referred to by the Deputy, in relation to online disinformation. However, my officials have regular engagement with An Coimisiún and I met the relevant Commissioners most recently on 17th November and 27th November.
Finally, I would urge anyone who has been asked to appear before an Oireachtas Committee to do so where possible. It is important that there is good engagement between Oireachtas committees and stakeholders across society and the business community. This engagement is key to transparency, accountability and ultimately public trust.
118. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department provides funding to the artists support scheme pilot; if so, if she will provide the figures relating to participants and costs accrued to date and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55861/23]
View answerMy Department does not provide funding to the Artists Support Scheme Pilot. My Department does however operate the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme and the Deputy will find more information on this scheme at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/09cf6-basic-income-for-the-arts-pilot-scheme/
119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is essential to have a property registered with the Land Registry regarding the Croí Cónaithe towns fund; if not, if in the case of inherited properties, for example, registration in the Registry of Deeds on foot of a deed of assent will suffice for the purposes of application processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55492/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
In July 2022 I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
In order to be eligible, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant approval. As part of the scheme, properties considered for inclusion must be for residential occupation as a principal private residence or made available for rent.
Proof of ownership is required to support the grant application. A local authority may give approval in principle to the grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence of active negotiations to purchase a property.
Such approval in principle shall not be confirmed as approval in full until ownership has transferred to the applicant. No drawdown may take place until such ownership has been confirmed to the satisfaction of the local authority.
Examples of proof of ownership that may be submitted to support a grant application can include:
• Title deed or similar legal instrument proving ownership of the property;
• evidence of current paid buildings insurance policy / schedule;
• evidence of payment of Local Property Tax;
• mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months.
120. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide resources to ensure education projects can be completed within the 18-week statutory timeframe at An Bord Pleanála. [55500/23]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
There are now more people working at the Board than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in the Board, as detailed below.
• In October 2021, my Department approved an additional 24 posts across a range of technical and administrative grades including the setting up of a new Marine and Climate Unit.
• In December 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned, and the Board is in the process of filling these positions.
• In April 2023, the Board submitted sanction requests for a total of 59 new posts, all of which were approved by my Department.
An Bord Pleanála have advised my Department that as of the 30 November 2023 there was 254 individuals working in An Bord Pleanála including Board Members. The Board has received approval and sanction from my Department for a total of 313 posts for 2023.
Budget 2024 makes provision for significant strengthening of the institutional and human resource capacity of the planning system to underpin the ongoing legislative reform programme.
In particular, a further €5million is to be made available to the Board, to enable sanctioned staffing levels to increase to more than 300 people and 15 decision-making board members to be maintained. This will both facilitate the reduction in backlogs that is underway and new capacity to operate statutory timelines once the Planning and Development Bill is enacted, which will also lead to the restructuring of the organisation into An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2024. This will be the largest ever budgetary allocation to the Board, totalling almost €32m.
The Planning and Development Bill 2023 provides for the introduction of statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes, including appeals and consent applications made to An Bord Pleanála. Timelines for the Board will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with those for Strategic Infrastructure Developments (including energy and transport projects).
121. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing accommodation units in Kildare for Traveller families; and if there are any plans to increase that number. [55564/23]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
Traveller families live in standard social housing as well as Traveller-specific accommodation (i.e. halting sites and group housing schemes) provided at local authority level. Local authorities carry out an Annual Estimate of Traveller Families in Local Authority and Local Authority Assisted Accommodation and details are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/276539/9248d855-1f03-42c3-be31-def188fdf7a8.pdf#page=null
Further information on the provision of accommodation for Travellers is available from the local authority.
122. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce a ‘no-fault’ eviction ban in County Kildare over the winter months, given that the homeless and emergency accommodation services in the county are overwhelmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55567/23]
View answerThe Government agreed on 7 March 2023 that the ‘Winter Emergency Period’ under the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 would come to an end on 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June 2023 as planned and legislated for under that Act.
The Government at that time considered that extending the emergency period would be detrimental to medium and long-term supply of private rental accommodation. That position has not changed. My Department and local authorities are instead focusing on implementing the additional measures which I announced last March to increase the supply of social and affordable homes. These include:
• an increase in the number of social housing acquisitions to 1,500 in 2023 to reduce the number of households at risk of homelessness;
• an additional 1,000 homes through Targeted Leasing initiatives in 2023 and 2024;
• amending the Capital Advance Leasing Facility used by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to assist them in their efforts in delivering social homes; and
• developing a Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme for tenants at risk of homelessness but not on social housing supports to continue to rent their home.
I also informed Government of plans to give a number of new opportunities to tenants who wish to become homeowners, giving tenants the opportunity to buy their homes, by requiring a landlord selling a property to first offer it to the tenant. Priority legal drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill is underway with the aim of publication as soon as possible. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill is expected to conclude before the Christmas recess.
Ultimately increasing housing supply across all tenures is the key to preventing homelessness. Housing for All is successfully supporting a significantly increased supply of new homes, with almost 30,000 built in 2022, an increase of 45% on 2021 significantly above the Housing for All target of 24,600. Furthermore, more than 22,400 homes have been built in the first nine months of 2023, with the Housing for All targets of 29,000 and 33,450 for 2023 and 2024, respectively, expected to be met or exceeded. In 2022, over 10,000 new social homes were delivered, including 7,433 new build homes, the highest level of new build social homes delivered since 1975. I expect that this level of delivery will be surpassed in 2023.
Under Housing for All the Government is committed to increase supply and protect renters while trying to keep small landlords in the system. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Private Rental Sector which will inform Government on the measures which need to be taken to ensure a well-functioning private rental sector in Ireland.
