Written Answers Nos. 14-30
15. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on whether funding for the sports capital grant will be increased due to record numbers of applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6373/24]
View answer18. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeline for the release of the Sports Capital Grants; the number of applications from County Cork; the amount sports clubs and organisations have applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7034/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 18 together.
Capital funding for sport is provided though the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The latest round of the SCEP closed for applications on Friday 8 September, 2023. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round. In response to Deputy O'Connor, I can confirm that 363 clubs and sporting organisations from County Cork have applied for funding totalling €40m.
The "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round has been finalised and published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and 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.
The National Sports Policy which was published in 2018 provided for a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports projects and facilities where the required Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP).
In January 2020 allocations of €86.4 million in LSSIF funding were awarded to 33 different proposals. In December Minister Martin and I announced additional funding amounting to a total of €37.6 million, with 27 existing LSSIF projects benefitting, bringing the total awarded to date to LSSIF-funded projects to €124 million. This additional funding for projects was provided, in response to delays experienced by grantees arising from the pandemic and construction inflation.
Minister Martin and I have also confirmed that a new round of the LSSIF will open for applications in the first half of 2024, with the dates, terms and conditions to be published on the Department’s website in due course.
Finally, Minister Martin and I are engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform with regard to the Department's capital allocations for the coming years. This process is ongoing and the outcome will inform the level of funding which will be available for allocation.
17. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 284 den 5 Nollaig 2023; cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an obair athbhreithniúcháin ar na chéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6815/24]
View answerAr 28 Meitheamh 2023, d'fhógair mé go raibh conradh bronnta ar an gcomhlacht, Barr Feabhais Teo., chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi réir Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Cinnteoidh an tionscnamh seo, a bhfuil buiséad suas le €92,500 á chur ar fáil ina leith, go ndéanfar athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar fheidhmiú na bpleananna teanga seo. Cuirfear aiseolas maidir le feidhmiú na bpleananna ar fáil agus, bunaithe ar an méid a aithnítear san athbhreithniú, beifear in ann céimeanna a ghlacadh chun cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis phleanála teanga a fheabhsú.
Is iad seo a leanas an 10 Limistéir Pleanála Teanga atá i gceist:
• Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach & Machaire Rabhartaigh;
• Ná Déise;
• Ciarraí Theas;
• Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir;
• Ciarraí Thiar;
• Conamara Láir;
• An Cheathrú Rua;
• Maigh Eo Thuaidh;
• Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib; agus,
• Árainn Mhór.
Tá curtha in iúl ag Barr Feabhais Teo. go bhfuil teagmháil ghníomhach déanta ag an gcomhlacht le páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla i leith an athbhreithnithe ó cuireadh tús leis. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil an comhairliúchán uile déanta mar a bhaineann sé leis an athbhreithniú agus go bhfuil tús curtha le dréachtú na tuarascála. Tá deimhnithe ag Barr Feabhais go bhfuil i gceist acu go mbeidh an cháipéis chríochnúil curtha faoi bhráid na Roinne ag deireadh mhí an Mhárta, an spriocdháta a bhí aontaithe leo.
Is léir go bhfuil dul chun cinn á dhéanamh ag Barr Feabhas san obair atá ar bun acu. Tá deimhnithe arís ag Barr Feabhas le hoifigigh mo Roinne go leanfaidh siad ar aghaidh go dícheallach lena gcuid oibre chun a chinntiú go gcuirfí tuarascáil chuimsitheach ar fáil de réir na dtéarmaí tagartha agus na spriocdhátaí a aontaíodh.
Nuair a bheidh deis ag mo Roinn leagan críochnúil den tuarascáil a bhreithniú, beifear in ann breathnú chun cinn ar an gcéad bhaisc eile de phleananna a mbeidh athbhreithniú le déanamh orthu.
19. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures that have been implemented to support Irish participation in the Olympic and Paralympic games Paris 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6954/24]
View answerSport Ireland is the agency responsible for the development of sport in Ireland and in that capacity oversees the delivery of a wide range of funding and other services to support Team Ireland's participation in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These supports are delivered in accordance with the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032 which is entering its fourth year of implementation and is widely recognised in the sector as being a game-changer for high performance sport in Ireland.
I am pleased to report to the Deputy that preparations for Paris 2024 are progressing positively. Sport Ireland is collaborating closely with both the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland who will lead Team Ireland to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, respectively. The Government is committing a record level of investment funding to support our participation in these Games.
For the Paris cycle, which covers the four-year period from 2021 to 2024, the Government is investing some €89 million in High Performance Sport, which is more than 50% higher than that for Tokyo 2020. Earlier this week, I announced details of the 2024 high performance support programme which amounts to €25 million, the largest such programme ever. This investment encompasses a variety of funding streams, including High Performance Programme Funding to National Governing Bodies; direct athlete investment of €4.4 million; Impact Funding that targets new and innovative performance opportunities; High Performance Coaching supports; and also world-class services provided through the Sport Ireland Institute.
The Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown is also home to several athletes and teams preparing for Paris 2024. The facilities at the Sport Ireland Campus are on a par with the best in the world and provide our athletes with an opportunity to prepare for Paris 2024 in a home environment with close proximity to Paris.
20. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media following the recent film industry section 481 stakeholder forum, her views on the widespread and legitimate concern of actors, writers, directors and film crew in relation to sustainable and secure employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7003/24]
View answerLast Thursday, a stakeholder forum was held in Dublin and attended by representative bodies of all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry. While there was a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements, the entire focus of the day was on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions. Because of the large number of stakeholders who registered to attend, the format employed ten tables of eight stakeholders each with a moderator and notetaker. Over three breakout sessions, each table discussed every element of the Oversight Committee's recommendation and in turn, presented findings to the full forum. Following all presentations, each table returned to the topic to discuss the findings of the other nine tables. A professional rapporteur conducted the entire event.
The views expressed were diverse and there was a range of opinions on the future direction of the tax relief. I understand, however, that there was a spirit of collaboration at the event and participants showed respect for opposing viewpoints. All views are being collated at present and will be presented in due course. Stakeholders attending included trades unions, film crew and construction guilds, creative guilds, local authority film commissioners, casting directors, talent agencies, film studios, Animation Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, VFX Ireland, Arts & Disability Ireland, Women in Film & Television, Audiovisual Ireland and Women in Animation.
Many of the matters raised at the forum, including employment contracts and copyright, are the responsibility of Cabinet colleagues and these were represented by their officials as observers at the forum. As well officials from my Department, relevant officials attended from the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Revenue Commissioners. Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and Oireachtas members also attended as observers.
In organising the forum, regard was taken of the demand on busy industry professionals to give up a days work. The forum was held at this time of the year to allow for the greatest level of attendance. Despite this I am informed that some could not attend due to pressure of work. As Minister, I would like to thank all of the participants for their attendance and their contribution to the event.
21. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for future public service broadcasting in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7104/24]
View answerThe Future of Media Commission, established by Government in 2020, was tasked with developing recommendations on sustainable public funding and other supports to ensure media in Ireland remains viable, independent and capable of delivering public service aims.
The Commission’s report, which was published in July 2022, constitutes a strategic agenda for transforming Ireland’s media sector. Government accepted, in principle, 49 of the 50 recommendations within the report. While the recommendation of exchequer funding for public service media was rejected at the time, a Technical Working Group was established to investigate potential reform to the existing licence fee model.
An Implementation Group was set up and published an Action Plan, detailing how the Commission’s recommendations would be implemented.
A number of recommendations have already been implemented, including a 0% VAT rate for print and e-newspapers which was strongly welcomed by the media sector.
The European Commission has recently agreed that much anticipated Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes meet criteria that exempt them from formal State Aid notification. The Schemes will be open to all media on a platform neutral and contestable basis by Coimisiún na Meán and will enhance the sector’s ability to deliver this very important public interest content this year.
A comprehensive review of the Irish language across our media landscape by Coimisiún na Meán s also underway and expected to be completed this year and An Coimisiún are also in the process of developing a Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to progress diversity standards across the media sector. It is also important to note that another key recommendation was the designation of both TG4 and RTÉ as NewERA bodies under the NTMA Act. This designation was has now been made, which provides me as Minister with access to the expert financial and commercial advisory services that NewERA provide.
On the much discussed subject of TV licence reform, as I have stated previously, a final decision will not be made until the reviews being carried out by the two expert advisory committees are complete and their reports have been submitted by me to Government and published. I understand that the reports are at an advanced stage and as both reports must adhere to the principle of natural justice and fair procedure, they will be reviewed by the Committee’s external legal advisors and relevant extracts shared with relevant parties prior to their submission to me.
While it would not be appropriate to reveal details of any discussions that have taken place prior to Government making a final decision on the matter, what I will say that all potential options must be considered. My aim is to deliver a funding model that is sustainable, that safeguards media independence, and that has public acceptance. Ultimately, a guarantee of certain and sustainable funding for public service media as a whole, will be a large part of what shapes the future of public service broadcasting in the State.
22. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le hathfhorbairt Choláiste Íosagáin, Baile Bhuirne; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6945/24]
View answerTuigtear dom go bhfuil i gceist ag Údarás na Gaeltachta Lárionad Forbartha Réigiúnach a thógáil mar chuid d'athfhorbairt Choláiste Íosagáin agus go bhfuil cead pleanála don fhorbairt bheartaithe bainte amach ó mhí Aibreáin 2023.
Faoin bpróiséas a bheidh á ghlacadh ag an Údarás, agus mar chuid den chéad chéim forbartha, déanfar spás fiontraíochta, nuálaíochta agus oiliúna d'achar thart ar 1,720 méadar cearnach a chuir ar fáil. Sa spás seo beidh réimse leathan d'áiseanna ar fáil ar nós G -Teic ina mbeidh spás oibre agus áiseanna oifige roinnte idir dheasca oibre agus oifigí príobháideacha.
Chomh maith leis seo, beidh réimse de sheirbhísí gnó, fiontraíochta agus oiliúna á soláthar ón lárionad. Clúdóidh na seirbhísí réimse leathan ar nós:
• Comhairle agus seirbhísí tacaíochta do ghnóthaí atá ag dul i mbun gnó don chéad uair;
• Seirbhísí forbartha scileanna agus forbairt cumais;
• Seirbhísí taighde agus nuálaíochta;
• Oiliúint do thograí, seirbhísí, agus próisis forbartha nua;
• Comhairle agus tacaíochtaí i leith foinsí maoinithe; agus,
• Forbairt ar ghréasán tacaíochta agus deiseanna foghlamtha.
Tá sé ráite ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil infheistíocht iomlán ar fiú níos mó ná €1.2m é déanta ar an láthair chun an suíomh a ghlanadh, chun na bunseirbhísí agus infreastruchtúir a chur in áit agus chun réamhoibreacha bunriachtanacha a thabhairt chun críche. Beidh an obair seo mar bhunchloch na forbartha amach anseo.
Tar éis próiseas tairisceana phoiblí a reáchtáil, roghnaigh Údarás na Gaeltachta conraitheoir tógála chun an chéad céim den fhorbairt seo a chur i gcrích faoi réir an phacáiste iomlán maoinithe a bhí ceadaithe.
Tá iarratas déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta le déanaí, faoin gCiste um Athghinúint Forbartha Tuaithe (RRDF), chun tabhairt faoin Chéim a dó den fhorbairt seo. Tuigtear dom ón Údarás gur iarratas ar mhaoiniú de thart ar €3.2m atá i gceist.
23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her proposals for the enhanced development of the necessary facilities to meet the ongoing demands of tourism, culture, arts, Gaeltacht, sport and media as identified on an ongoing basis thereby ensuring balanced and required development in each sector in the short, medium and long-term future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6885/24]
View answerThe mission of my Department, as set out in the Statement of Strategy 2023-2025, is to lead the sustainable development of Tourism, Media and the Gaeltacht and promote participation in the Culture, Arts, and Sports sectors and the Irish language, supporting social progress, and enhancing cultural and economic growth across Irish society.
I would like to highlight a number of initiatives being undertaken by my Department and its agencies to further these objectives.
In Tourism, under the National Development Plan (NDP), the main programmes of activity for delivering facilities through Fáilte Ireland are the Large Grants Scheme Project such as the Atlantic Museum Galway, Queen Maeve’s Square & Garavogue River Trail in Sligo, and Granard Heritage Park in Co.Longford.
In the Arts and Culture sectors, the National Cultural Institution Capital Investment Programme is an important capital investment programme for cultural infrastructure. Projects are progressing through various stages of appraisal, for example, the National Archival Repository and the Crawford Art Gallery are expected to start construction in the next year.
A priority of my Department is to sustain Gaeltacht communities through investment in Údarás na Gaeltachta and the promotion of the Irish language. For example, capital funding supports many projects, including the proposed redevelopment of the Coláiste Lurgan site in the Connemara Gaeltacht, and a new programme of investment in Irish medium early years centres across the Gaeltacht.
The Sports Capital Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities throughout Ireland. A new round of the programme closed for applications in September 2023, with a record number of applications comprising a total ask of €360m. Allocations are expected to be made in 2024.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund provides support for larger sports projects. Three such projects are finalised and a further 25 projects across the country are at earlier stages of development. On 6 December 2023, additional allocations totalling €37.5m were announced for 27 projects and this should see all such projects advancing quickly in 2024.
In relation to the media sector, TG4 has been provided with an allocation of €57.033m in 2024. This represents a total increase in funding of €19.8m, or 53%, since 2020. The additional funding will support TG4 in the delivery of their 2023 - 2027 strategy, and also provides for the consolidation of the new Cúla4 service.
24. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 97 den 5 Nollaig 2023, an dtabharfaidh sí an t-eolas is déanaí ar aon teagmháil idir a Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le tithíocht a chur ar fáil ar thalamh agus réadmhaoin atá faoi úinéireacht an Údaráis; an dtabharfaidh sí na sonraí a bhaineann leis an gcur chuige a d'ullmhaigh an tÚdarás agus a bhí le cur i láthair Bhord an Údaráis ag cruinniú na Nollag 2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6813/24]
View answerBíonn teagmháil rialta idir mo Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le tograí atá faoi bhráid na heagraíochta - tograí tithíochta san áireamh.
Cheadaigh Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta €250,000 in airgead caipitil ag cruinniú mhí na Nollag 2023 a bhaineann le obair chomhairleoireachta agus taighde i leith thíthíocht a fhorbairt i gceantair Gaeltachta. Mar a thuigim ón Údarás, is cead i bprionsabal atá tugtha ag an mBord don togra seo agus tá siad ag súil múnla tithíochta inacmhainne do cheantair Gaeltachta ar fud na tíre a fhorbairt mar thoradh ar an obair, a chuirfear i gcríoch i gcomhpháirtíocht le geallshealbhóirí éagsúla eile.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil go leor oibre le déanamh go fóill ar mhaithe leis an múnla agus an cur chuige nua seo a fhorbairt. Tá curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil an eagraíocht ag lorg léirithe spéise ó údaráis áitiúla, eagraíochtaí tithíochta agus eagraíochtaí ábhartha eile chun tabhairt faoi fhorbairt an mhúnla eiseamláireach seo don trí shuíomh aitheanta. Is sa Rinn, i gContae Phort Láirge, ar an gCeathrú Rua i gContae na Gaillimhe, agus i gCarraig a'tSeiscin i nGaoth Dobhair atá na suíomhanna sin lonnaithe.
Chomh maith le teagmháil rialta idir mo Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta, tá sé tugtha le fios ag an Údarás go bhfuil comhráití ar bun ag an eagraíocht le Comhairlí Contae áitiúla agus leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil, agus Oidhreachta i dtaobh feidhmiú an bheartais. Tá sé deimhnithe ag an Údarás go mbeidh aon teach inacmhainne a bheidh á thógáil ag tarraingt ar fhoinsí maoinithe reatha de chuid an stáit agus ag teacht le critéir incháilithe na scéimeanna atá in áit faoi láthair, agus go mbeidh coinníollacha docht teanga luaite leo chomh maith.
Cabhróidh an beartas tithíochta seo le daoine as cheantair Gaeltachta lonnú sa Ghaeltacht agus dul i mbun oibre inti.
25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the proposals, if any, she has to extend the basic income artists’ scheme to more artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6908/24]
View answerThe Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture.
Recipients are being paid €325 a week for three years. In addition, control group members are being paid €650 per year to engage in the data collection. The scheme will cost €35m per year (€105m in total).
The scheme is a pilot research scheme and is operating within a limited budget, and therefore it is not my intention to increase the number of recipients within the pilot.
The research will examine, over a three-year period, the impact of a basic income style payment on artists and creative arts workers. The scheme recognises that there is a vast body of often unpaid or underpaid time that goes into the making of the creative work that we as a society enjoy. The ambition of the scheme is that, by providing the security of a basic income, artists and creative arts workers can focus on artistic work and be in a position to increase their earnings from their creative practice as a self-employed artist/creative.
In December, I released the first reports on the initial research findings of the Basic Income pilot. Although the initial findings on the impact of the payment are positive, the reports also highlight the reality for artists and creative arts workers in Ireland at the moment. They are evidence of the challenges our artists face on a daily basis and the sacrifices they make to progress their artistic work.
I believe that the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a once in a generation, transformational measure in the funding of the arts in Ireland. It makes a strong statement at home and abroad about the value that Ireland as a nation places on artistic practice both for its intrinsic value and in terms of our personal and collective well-being, and also in terms of its importance to our identity and cultural distinctiveness on the global stage.
The research involved will 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.
26. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any of her Department's funds will be allocated to opening new spaces for artists and creatives in Dublin; and if so, if she will outline these planned developments. [6876/24]
View answerI am aware of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces, especially in Dublin and the difficulties in the provision of artistic venues there. Last June, I announced, along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, details of a €9 million capital works programme called Space to Create. I was pleased to direct €3 million in funding to this initiative that will see 60 artists provided with turnkey workspaces as well as opportunities to use performance and gallery space and flexible office spaces.
This funding speaks to the Government’s commitment under the Programme for Government to increase the provision of affordable workspaces for artists and creative practitioners and ensure the timely delivery of arts and culture investment commitments, such as our national cultural institutions, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Budget 2023 provided an allocation of €7m for the provision of artists’ workspaces. It is now proposed that a new capital scheme will shortly be opened by my Department to progress this proposal. Under this scheme, local authorities will be invited to apply for funding towards projects that provide artists’ workspaces in their towns or cities on a sustainable basis.
In recent years other arts and culture capital schemes have been rolled out. While the primary focus of these schemes is towards the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities, funding is also being provided towards the provision of additional working spaces for artists in these buildings.
A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities particularly in Dublin city, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
There has been sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years; I was very pleased to secure this level funding for this important sector in 2024. The Arts Council currently provides programming and revenue supports to a range of initiatives such as arts centres and residencies, required to sustain artists nationwide. Record funding of €134m annual funding for the Arts Council will be in place for 2024.
27. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the recently announced Fáilte Ireland business support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6999/24]
View answerI have recently approved a Fáilte Ireland proposal for a Business Support Scheme for downstream tourism activity and attraction businesses that have experienced particular trading challenges related to significant tourism bed stock displacement. Fáilte Ireland is now working on the operational details of this scheme which I hope to see opening in March for applications and I expect that further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
28. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the plans to reform the licence fee and future funding of RTÉ. [7025/24]
View answerPublic service media is critical to a well-functioning democracy, but is also essential for cultural development, social cohesion and wellbeing. As such it requires a funding model that provides certainty, is sustainable and importantly protects the independence of media providers.
Such funding is not only vital for our public service broadcasters TG4 and RTÉ, but also for the independent producers and the wider national, local and community broadcasters who are supported through the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Any new funding model will also need to support print and online media outlets delivering public service content. This will be delivered through the new Media Fund, and Coimisiún na Meán is currently developing the first schemes in that regard in respect of local democracy and Courts reporting.
There are a range of options through which this funding can be delivered, and as I have stated previously direct Exchequer funding is one option that needs to be considered. A new model for funding public service content is of even greater importance now, given the impact that the RTÉ controversy has had on TV licence revenue since last July.
High-level discussions on the options open to Government, including those contained in the report produced by the Technical Working Group on TV licence reform are taking place, but a final decision will not be made until after the reports of the two independent expert advisory committees are received.
It would not be appropriate for me to disclose either the options put forward by the Technical Working Group or the detail of the discussions that are continuing with relevant Cabinet colleagues in advance of Government making its final decision. However, this Government is committed to making a decision in relation to a new funding model no later than the summer.
29. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how the Exchequer funding model for public sector broadcasting could operate in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6685/24]
View answerThe media sector, and public service media in particular, plays a vital role in our society, supporting cultural development, societal well-being, and the functioning of our democracy. As such it is important that is supported by a sustainable funding model.
The Future of Media Commission had recommended Exchequer funding. Government decided instead to establish a Technical Working Group in order to assess potential options to reform the existing TV licence system. The Technical Group reported to me in March of last year and while high level discussions on the Group’s report had commenced, a final decision was necessarily paused pending the conclusion of the work of the two independent expert advisory committees into governance and culture, and HR and other matters at RTÉ which were established last July. This is because of the importance of re-establishing trust in RTÉ and assurance with regard to governance and other reforms alongside a new funding model.
Given the impact this controversy has had on TV licence revenues, I believe that the Exchequer option is worthy of further consideration. It is important to remember that the Exchequer already provides significant funding to public service media. Last year, more than half of spending on public service broadcasting was Exchequer.
It is also important to note that all models have a potential risk of political interference, including setting the rate of any licence fee or charge. In recommending Exchequer funding, the Future of Media Commission set out safeguards that can be put in place in order to maintain media independence and minimise risk of political interference, such as:
• Multi-annual funding levels established and recommended by the independent regulator, Coimisiún na Meán;
• Limited scope for Government rejection of funding levels; and
• A stronger role for An Coimisiún in setting performance targets for RTE and TG4 – these are currently set by the broadcasters themselves with review and analysis performed by An Coimisiún.
Direct Exchequer or tax based support for public service media does exist elsewhere and a system based solely on ownership of a TV is now in the minority across Europe. The continuing shift in media consumption trends, together with the fall in TV licence receipts since the summer, further underlines the fact that a licence model, linked to a TV, is now longer appropriate or viable.
What I want to ensure is that we implement a sustainable funding model, that protects media independence and is publicly acceptable. This Government is committed to delivering on this much needed reform, and as I have stated previously, a decision will be made following the receipt of the reports of the two independent expert advisory committees and no later than the Summer.
30. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on her Department’s engagement with Coimisiún na Meán; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6374/24]
View answerMy engagement with An Coimisiún is framed by the overall legislation, the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 and 2022 (BOMRA), which sets out that Coimisiún na Meán is independent in the exercise of its functions.
I commenced the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act (part of BOMRA) on 15 March 2023 and thereby formally established Coimisiún na Meán on the same date as a multi-person commission. The Executive Chairperson and Commissioners, including an Online Safety Commissioner, were formally appointed on that date.
My Department has an annual Oversight Agreement with An Coimisiún which focusses on ensuring that appropriate processes and procedures have been adopted and followed. Officials in the Department engage with An Coimisiún within the framework of this agreement, including formal quarterly governance meetings.
An Coimisiún has a published workplan, setting out a range of deliverables and milestones, including adopting online safety codes and implementing priority actions set out in the Future of Media Commission Action Plan. Officials in the Department regularly engage with An Coimisiún on these and other relevant policy matters, as appropriate.
Importantly, in July 2023, the Digital Services Commissioner was appointed, whose role is to lead the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) function under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA has applied to very large platforms and search engines since August 2023, enforced by the EU Commission, and from 17 February 2024, it will apply to all online services, to be enforced jointly by DSCs in each member state and the EU Commission.
An Coimisiún has also been designated as a competent authority under the Terrorism Content Online Regulation (TCOR). Policy on TCOR and DSA are led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment respectively.
Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, my Department is responsible for an annual exercise to check compliance with provisions of the Code. The first such exercise in respect of An Coimisiún will commence next month in respect of the period to end-2023.
