Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 926-945

Rental Sector

Ceisteanna (928)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

928. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the timeline for the delivery of a residential rent deposit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12613/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for, among other things, the establishment of a tenancy deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

There have been significant changes in the rental market since the 2015 scheme was first envisaged and designed. For example, the draft scheme was originally intended to be financed by the interest payable on deposits lodged; this is no longer viable, given the current financial market conditions. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that disputes relating to deposits are no longer the most common dispute type referred to the RTB.

Financing the operation of the scheme is an important consideration, particularly in terms of ensuring that the likely outcomes of a new scheme are achieved efficiently and effectively and that the best value from public funds is secured. Careful consideration is therefore required to introduce any necessary reforms and enhancements to the 2015 scheme, with a view to considering whether and how to introduce a re-designed scheme that is fit for purpose and suitable for current and future rental and financial markets.

Any review of the scope and provisions of a Deposit Protection scheme will need to take account of changes in the residential sectors since the 2015 Deposit Protection Scheme legal provisions were enacted, with new/amended legislative provisions possibly required. Consideration will need to be given as to whether or not it is feasible to proceed to revise and implement a deposit protection scheme at this time, or to defer to a later point in time, when the RTB's Change Management Plan is complete and robust data and information is available for consideration.

Question No. 929 answered with Question No. 910.

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (930)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

930. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons waiting for social housing nationally by local authority; the length of time each application is waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12684/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area are set out in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). Since 2016, the Summary process has been carried out on an annual basis.

The most recent summary, conducted in June 2019, shows that 68,693 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 3,165 households or 4.4% on the last assessment in June 2018. Indeed, since the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan was launched in 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.

Below is the link to the summary report for 2019 which includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories. Details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists) can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the report.

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2019_dec_2019_web_1.pdf.

It should be noted that the SSHA is a point in time exercise and does not necessarily reflect the dynamic nature of entry to and exit from the list.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (931)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

931. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an industry assistance programme will be funded to cater for the mental health and well-being of event and arts workers during the Covid-19 crisis. [12099/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Arts Council is the main Irish Government agency for developing the arts. The Arts Council offers a wide range of financial supports across artforms and arts practices, including arts and health.

Arts and health embraces a range of arts practices occurring primarily in healthcare settings, which bring together the skills and priorities of both arts and health professionals. From an Arts Council perspective, good arts and health practice is characterised by a clear artistic vision, goals and outcomes. It aims to promote health and wellbeing by improving quality of life and cultural access in healthcare settings. Arts and health can involve all artforms, and incorporate a variety of approaches, including conventional arts production and presentation, arts participation and environmental enhancement. Further details of the Arts Council’s programmes can be accessed at this link.

http://www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Arts-participation/Arts-and-health/.

The national arts and health website www.artsandhealth includes resource documents, case studies, a directory of contacts, perspectives on a range of issues and current news. The website is funded by the Arts Council as an important element of its Arts and Health Policy.

Last week, the Taoiseach and I announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances. The funding will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations as they prepare for the re-opening of society. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.

The Arts Council established a short-term Advisory Group in early May to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. This group brought together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors and will report to the Arts Council on measures to sustain the arts sector through the current challenging period including the challenges posed by reopening. This Group has now reported to the Council with the publication of its report and its submission to government. The report includes an appendix by Professor in public health Dr Gabriel Scally on The Arts and Health.Details of this report can be accessed here. http://www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-welcomes-report-from-Covid-19-Expert-Advisory-Group/

Natura 2000

Ceisteanna (932, 933, 934)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

932. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the SAC land designated in each county in tabular form. [12292/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

933. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total of SPA land designated in each county in tabular form. [12293/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

934. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the land area in each county with a Natura 2000 land designation in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12294/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 932 to 934, inclusive, together.

Ireland has identified and protected 439 sites which have been designated or proposed for designation as special areas of conservation and 154 sites as special protection areas. These comprise the Natura 2000 network in Ireland.

The Natura 2000 network comprises land designated or proposed for designation as both an SAC and an SPA and these areas can overlap. The network by county is set out in the following table:

COUNTY

Terrestrial SAC Area (ha)

Terrestrial SPA Area (ha)

Carlow

4,418.62

0.00

Cavan

11,825.05

3,149.68

Clare

38,308.04

30,526.55

Cork

23,875.53

26,383.69

Donegal

84,982.74

47,179.26

Dublin

3,862.00

2,262.34

Galway

129,527.72

75,872.08

Kerry

119,222.89

46,123.98

Kildare

1,722.45

30.41

Kilkenny

4,281.71

262.09

Laois

6,433.51

15,225.27

Leitrim

17,833.85

632.21

Limerick

6,001.94

23,286.96

Longford

5,986.10

5,369.42

Louth

3,873.49

755.30

Mayo

124,326.28

46,866.10

Meath

2,425.75

1,094.27

Monaghan

56.81

3,448.74

Offaly

6,452.77

9,622.80

Roscommon

13,599.66

9,817.81

Sligo

25,144.27

4,488.40

Tipperary

14,514.25

18,138.43

Waterford

10,314.74

2,492.39

Westmeath

9,483.43

9,281.51

Wexford

6,599.73

4,140.61

Wicklow

32,662.12

31,263.07

Departmental Policy Functions

Ceisteanna (935)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

935. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11821/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has adopted a Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Policy and associated Action Plan. The aim of this policy is to promote diversity, inclusion and equality, to create a unifying context to co-ordinate my Department’s actions in relation to existing obligations and commitments under equality and human rights legislation, and to ensure that my Department meets its public sector duty under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (936)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

936. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount spent to date on the Galway 2020 project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11925/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has committed €15 million to Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture, €9.553 million of which has been drawn to date. Other sources of funding from which expenditure is incurred are set out under the service level agreements with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, as well as the €1.5 million EU Melina Mercouri Prize and sponsorship.

The full details of the income and expenditure of Galway 2020 are set out in the annual report and accounts of the Company, which are available on its website and from the Companies Registration Office.

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (937)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

937. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will release to this Deputy documents (details supplied) of which her Department is in possession. [11926/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The documents referred to in the details supplied to this question contain commercial information and were provided to my Department in confidence and are therefore not subject to release. For the information of the Deputy, the organisation referred to in the details supplied is a company limited by guarantee and is subject to the oversight of a board of directors, as well as the regulatory completion and submission of an annual report and accounts to the Companies Registration Office, copies of which are available on the company website and from the CRO.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (938, 941, 946)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

938. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports being put in place to assist employees in the event and arts sector. [12027/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

941. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is considering financial support packages for those in the music industry, including artists and producers whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by Covid-19; if she will provide clarity as to when live music in venues can recommence in particular small gigs in local bars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12061/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Peter Burke

Ceist:

946. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has liaised with the Departments of Health and the Taoiseach on reviewing the possibility of reducing the 2 m social distancing to one metre in cultural and arts venues and for live music with the use of masks; if she is considering initiatives for artists and musicians to support them financially during this difficult period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12208/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 938, 941 and 946 together.

In accordance with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Phase 3 is scheduled for 29th June. On this date it is proposed that museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls and other cultural outlets may reopen subject to restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie. The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decisions around the phases as set out in the original Roadmap. Organisations should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.

All decisions by Government on the implementation of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for organisations in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. The Protocol sets out in very clear terms for employers, and employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Authority which is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. The HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

With regards to the arts and cultural sector, Theatre Forum has published guidelines for the reopening of arts centres and these have been adopted by the Arts Council. These guidelines should assist arts centres and other cultural facilities throughout the country to consider how they might prepare to re-open under totally changed circumstances. The guidelines recognise arts centres as places of work for artists, and as places for audiences to participate and engage with the arts. They are available at this link https://www.theatreforum.ie/assets/uploads/Re-opening-Arts-Centres_Doc-v.1.1.pdf

The Arts Council established a short-term Advisory Group in early May to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. This group brought together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors. This Group has now reported to the Council and the Council has published the report. The report makes key recommendations including creating an immediate Survival Fund. Details of this report can be accessed here. http://www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-welcomes-report-from-Covid-19-Expert-Advisory-Group/

Last week, the Taoiseach and I announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.

A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. This funding will allow the Council to ensure the survival of the sector and will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations as they prepare for the re-opening of society.

A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.

My Department continues to engage with relevant Departments, including the Department of Health and the Department of An Taoiseach in relation to the overall Government and individual sectoral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arts Funding

Ceisteanna (939)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

939. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on whether a plan by a group (details supplied) should be implemented; her further views on the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12051/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since the advent of the crisis, officials from my Department have engaged and had meetings with the group to which the Deputy refers as well as with many other stakeholders across the arts sector. These include the arts and cultural organisations under my aegis, as well a broad range of sectoral stakeholders including resource organisations, advocacy groups and individual artists and practitioners.

In Ireland, the Arts Council is the primary organisation through which Government supports and delivers funding to the arts. In March and April this year, the Council had undertaken surveys of arts organisations and artists to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on audiences, employment and finances. Among the findings to emerge from the surveys was that 12,000 events were cancelled with projected audiences of 2.4 million and that 90% of artists and 85% of arts organisations are affected by cancelled or postponed events.

The Council established a short-term Advisory Group in early May to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. The Group brought together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors and reported to the Arts Council on measures to sustain the arts sector and to help address the challenges posed by reopening. This Group has now reported and the Council has sent the Report to me. The report makes key recommendations including creating an immediate Survival Fund. The published Report is available at http://www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-welcomes-report-from-Covid-19-Expert-Advisory-Group/.

Last week, the Taoiseach and I announced an additional €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council, bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. The funding will allow the Council to provide for the survival of the sector and will include bursaries and commissions to artists and resources for arts organisations as they prepare for re-opening. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.

The balance of €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.

Heritage Sites

Ceisteanna (940)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

940. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if assistance will be provided to a key global heritage site (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12052/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The site mentioned by the Deputy is included in Ireland's Tentative List of World Heritage sites which is currently under review by my Department. Once the updated Tentative List is finalised, the Department will work with relevant stakeholders to further progress sites towards World Heritage nomination. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed by summer 2021. The updated Tentative List will include those sites that have been able demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, the presence of appropriate management frameworks, and robust local stakeholder support. These are the key issues at play when considering the placement of a site on the World Heritage Tentative List, or when deciding to submit a formal nomination for World Heritage status to the UNESCO World Heritage committee.

With regard to the need for broadband connectivity on the site, this would be a matter for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. The Deputy will of course be aware of the commitments in the draft Programme for Government to seek to accelerate the National Broadband Plan and to work with local authorities to establish designated groups to help facilitate local roll-out of the infrastructure.

Question No. 941 answered with Question No. 938.

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta

Ceisteanna (942)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

942. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil tacaíocht á cur ar fáil ag a Roinn do na hIonaid Pobail sa Ghaeltacht, go háirithe na cinn sin ina mbíonn na coláistí Gaeilge lonnaithe agus atá ag cailleadh amach mar gheall ar na coláistí sin a bheith curtha ar ceal i mbliana. [12072/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Aithníonn an Roinn gur tréimhse dhúshlánach í seo do phobal na tíre trí chéile agus go bhfuil tionchar á imirt ag COVID-19 ar gach éinne.

Is tríd an Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga de chuid na Roinne a chuireann an Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil do phobail na Gaeltachta chun áiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a fhorbairt nó a athchóiriú mar aon le trealamh ina leith a cheannach. Níl aon scéim ag an Roinn le cabhrú le riaradh na n-áiseanna sin agus iad forbartha.

Commemorative Events

Ceisteanna (943)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

943. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the national Famine commemoration will proceed in Buncrana, County Donegal in 2021; and if so, the consultation that will take place with local stakeholders in the county and the north-west cross-Border region ahead of the event, reflecting the large number that emigrated from Derry port at that time and in the decades that followed. [12095/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would refer the Deputy to my response to Dáil Question No. 1272 of 3 June 2020 in which I confirmed that the National Famine Commemoration Day is due to be held in May 2021, in Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

As in previous years’, a Steering Committee will be set up by the local authority, to engage with the local community and other stakeholders to ensure that the history of the Great Famine in the area is reflected in the commemoration.

Commemorative Events

Ceisteanna (944)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

944. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to prepare for the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille; and if she will liaise with heritage officers in Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council in this regard. [12096/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Officials in my Department have had initial discussions with Foras na Gaeilge regarding their proposals for how the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille in December 2020 might be marked.

I note also that Donegal County Museum has applied for funding for an exhibition to commemorate the anniversary to both the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme and the co-operation with Northern Ireland Funding Scheme administered by my Department. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of assessments for both schemes in the coming weeks.

I am open to a discussion between my Department officials and the local authorities in respect of any proposals which aim to appropriately mark this anniversary.

Programme for Government

Ceisteanna (945)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

945. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12145/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand that the Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of any material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.

Barr
Roinn