Bernard Durkan
Ceist:349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he anticipates and supports the concept of a new pay agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27268/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Sector Pay
Ceisteanna (349)
Freagraí scríofa
The current public service pay agreement - the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 is due to expire on the 31st December. The Programme for Government, contains a commitment to seek to negotiate a new agreement with the public service unions.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have instructed my officials to engage in exploratory talks with public services committee of ICTU to see if there is a basis for a successor agreement to the Public Service Stability Agreement to ensure pay stability, industrial peace and the delivery of quality public services.
To date there has been constructive engagement between the public service management and the Public Services Committee of ICTU as part of exploratory discussions.
A new collective agreement could play an important role in underpinning economic recovery, avoiding industrial unrest and supporting the delivery of quality public services at a critical time. However, any such agreement would need to reflect the broader economic context and the current fiscal position where significant challenges are emerging.
The present system of collective agreements has been in place in the public service since the Croke Park Agreement was negotiated in 2010.
These collective agreements have helped to ensure that public pay is managed in a sustainable, affordable and orderly manner. These agreements have also enabled ongoing reform of public services and changes to work practices.
Public Sector Staff
Ceisteanna (350)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:350. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to encourage greater mobility within the wider public service; the progress made in 2018 and 2019 to achieve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27326/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Civil Service Mobility scheme which comes under the remit of my department offers an opportunity for staff members to apply for mobility through an open and transparent system. The scheme is being implemented on a phased basis with Phase 1 for the general Civil Service grades of Clerical Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (EO) launching in 2017/18 for mobility between and within 46 location zones. Staff can apply for mobility within their current zone/organisation as well as other zones/organisations.
Plans are on track to extend the scheme to include the middle and senior management grades later this year.
Following the full roll out of the Civil Service Mobility Scheme, it is the intention to review and extend mobility over time to provide additional development opportunities and enable greater mobility across the Public Service.
Public Expenditure Data
Ceisteanna (351)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:351. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of establishing an ombudsman for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has no plans at this point to establish an ombudsman for older persons. It would fall to the relevant Minister with responsibility for policy regarding older persons to consider and to bring forward such a proposal. The costs related to such an establishment would be estimated at that time. I would like to point out to the Deputy that older persons are entitled to use the services of all existing Ombudsman offices for any complaint regarding the manner in which public services are provided.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (352)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:352. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the policy responses and targeted supports for the hospitality sector in order that consumer spending can return to pre-Covid-19 levels in view of the up to 250,000 people employed in hospitality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26282/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The July Stimulus Package introduced significant measures to help support businesses to recover following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the key measures for tourism and hospitality include the “Stay and Spend” initiative, the €26m adaptation grant, the €10m grant for coach tourism and the revised Restart grant which now includes B&B’s. Tourism enterprises will also benefit from wider horizontal supports such as the new Employment Wage Support Scheme, liquidity and enterprise investment measures, warehousing of tax liabilities and the extension for a further three months of the waiver of commercial rates.
As part of its response to Covid-19, and to drive bookings for short breaks and holidays in Ireland in 2020, Fáilte Ireland has invested in a number of domestic holiday campaigns since June of this year.
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce is currently finalising its recommendations for the ongoing survival and stabilisation of the Tourism sector. The Taskforce is expected to publish its Final Recovery Plan in the coming weeks and I, together with my colleagues in Government, will consider its recommendations at that stage. In the context of the Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (353)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:353. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if only bed and breakfasts registered with Fáilte Ireland can apply for the restart grant; the reason this is the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26304/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 354 postponed for answer until Wednesday, 7 October 2020.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (355)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:355. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the sector-specific supports in place and-or the plans to introduce support services for the hospitality sector. [26312/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The July Stimulus Package introduced significant measures to help support businesses to recover following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the key measures for tourism and hospitality include the “Stay and Spend” initiative, the €26m adaptation grant, the €10m grant for coach tourism and the revised Restart grant which now includes B&B’s. Tourism and hospitality enterprises will also benefit from wider horizontal supports such as the new Employment Wage Support Scheme, liquidity and enterprise investment measures, warehousing of tax liabilities and the extension for a further three months of the waiver of commercial rates.
As part of its response to Covid-19, and to drive bookings for short breaks and holidays in Ireland in 2020, Fáilte Ireland has invested in a number of domestic holiday campaigns since June of this year.
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce is currently finalising its recommendations for the ongoing survival and stabilisation of the Tourism sector. The Taskforce is expected to publish its Final Recovery Plan in the coming weeks and I, together with my colleagues in Government, will consider its recommendations at that stage. In the context of the Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (356)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:356. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if bed and breakfasts registered with Fáilte Ireland are being prioritised in respect of restart grant payments ahead of non-registered bed and breakfasts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (357)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:357. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports or grant aid in place for the ongoing costs and expenses necessary for the maintenance and upkeep of a community arts centre, that is, insurance, energy costs and so on, in which no revenue is coming in due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26966/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003. The Arts Council, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work.
The Arts Council provides funding to local authorities, supporting the programmes of Arts Offices in each local authority, as well funding a range of other initiatives, events and festivals which are carried out in partnership with local authorities and artists in every local authority area. A number of community arts centres may be eligible to apply for funding schemes through their local authorities.
In July, I announced a range of capital funding measures to assist in the re-opening of arts and culture venues. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning to venues to reopen in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening and Return to Work Safety Protocols. There is a high degree of flexibility that will allow organisations to undertake necessary capital adaptations to their facilities so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures.
Organisations that hold existing capital grants may immediately request the re-purposing of all or part of the grant towards necessary works and equipment to allow reopening. Organisations can apply to re-purpose up to €10,000 of their grant which can be used to fund eligible costs at a 90% funding rate or up to €5,000 which will not require match funding. Repurposed funding required for the original purpose of the grant will be restored when required at a later date.
Organisations that do not hold a capital grant, can apply for funding under Stream D Cultural Capital Scheme of up to €10,000. The scheme applies for the period of the coronavirus crisis and applications can be made by organisations at any point throughout the crisis. Details of this scheme are available on my Department’s website.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (358)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:358. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans to establish a commissioner for online safety in the coming months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27295/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill was approved by Government on 9 January 2020 and subsequently published on 10 January 2020. At that time the Government also approved the detailed drafting of the proposed Bill by the Office of the Attorney General and forwarded the General Scheme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for pre-legislative scrutiny. Due to the dissolution of the Dáil and Committees in January, pre-legislative scrutiny did not commence at that time. The enactment of the proposed Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The proposed Bill will establish a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner, dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish regulatory frameworks for online safety and the regulation of audiovisual media services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The regulatory framework for online safety will be overseen by the Online Safety Commissioner. The Commissioner will have the power to designate online services for regulation and to create and enforce binding online safety codes. These will seek to minimise the availability of harmful online content through oversight of the systems that online services use to deliver and moderate content. The regulator will have the power to sanction non-compliant online services, including financial sanctions.
Engagement with the Attorney General's Office is continuing on the detailed drafting of the Bill and I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly to advance this important Government priority.
DEIS Scheme
Ceisteanna (359)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:359. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if the scheme to allow more students from DEIS schools to gain a scholarship to attend the Gaeltacht will be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27335/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy may be aware that my Department, via Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, subvents the cost of attending summer college in Gaeltacht regions. Under the terms of the scheme, the Department provides a subsidy, currently worth €10 per day (equivalent to € 220 per student for a three week course) which benefits over 26,000 students a year while staying in any of the c.700 Gaeltacht households approved under the scheme. This represents a State investment of over €4m annually in the Irish summer colleges sector, which forms a critical part of the Gaeltacht economy and is estimated in overall terms to be worth €50m annually.
In addition to providing and administering this practical assistance, the Department also administers a number of further specific measure under the scheme, including DEIS Gaeltachta. Under this measure which was introduced in 2019, 50 scholarships are made available annually - worth c. €850 each - to qualifying students attending DEIS post-primary schools. The scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board.
Due to COVID-19, it was not possible to provide the scholarships this year following the cancellation, on 20th April 2020, of Irish summer college courses by my Department in the interests of protecting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject to public health advice in relation to the ongoing pandemic, it is envisaged that the provision of scholarships will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The number of scholarships made available will be kept under review in the context of the demand for same and the financial resources available to my Department.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (360)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:360. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if a summary will be provided of the evidence available which pointed to the need to suspend amateur football such as the Leinster Senior League while GAA county championship games can continue to be played in Dublin in view of the fact that Dublin is now subject to level 3 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26510/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At its meeting on Thursday 17 September, the Expert Group on Return to Sport, which is chaired by my Department, considered a range of questions from the sporting bodies on the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with Covid-19, including a request for clarification as to the interpretation of ‘Club Championship’.
The Expert Group advised the sporting bodies that in the Plan, Club Championship refers to ongoing senior national competition or equivalent. Senior in this context means adult competition. The Expert Group were clear that no exemption would apply in the case of underage competition at any level. Sport Ireland has communicated this clarification to the sporting bodies.
The Sports Bodies are applying this guidance as it relates to their own competitions, however, in recognition of the need for everyone to reduce their social contacts in the capital, the Expert Group has asked the sporting bodies to consider what fixtures and events scheduled in Dublin in the coming weeks can be postponed without unfairly impacting on athletes and teams competing in national championships. All of these measures are aimed at reversing the deeply concerning trend of the virus in Dublin, by encouraging the adherence to public health advice, in particular, to reduce congregation.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (361)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:361. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the financial support provided annually by her Department to an organisation (details supplied) since 2010. [26512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that my Department does not provide financial support on an annual basis to the organisation identified.
However, I can confirm that in 2018 a grant of €24,656 was given to this organisation under the Decade of Centenaries programme, to support the development of new exhibition entitled ‘World War I, Ireland’s Humanitarian Effort’.
Cruthú Fostaíochta
Ceisteanna (362)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:362. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon phlean ag a Roinn maidir le maoiniú a chur ar fáil ar mhaithe le hoibrí don aos óg a fhostú i gclub (sonraí tugtha); cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar na hachainíocha ón ngrúpa maidir leis seo ó bhí 2014 ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26551/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Is é Óige na Gaeltachta, atá faoi chúram Mhuintearas Teo., an eagraíocht atá ag feidhmiú chun seirbhísí a fhorbairt agus a chur chun cinn, trí mheán na Gaeilge, do dhaoine óga sa Ghaeltacht. Ar ndóigh, is fochuideachta de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta é Muintearas Teo.
Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá Óige na Gaeltachta tiomanta do réimse leathan seirbhísí tacaíochta a chur ar fáil do chlubanna óige, do ghrúpaí pobail agus d’eagraíochtaí deonacha a sholáthraíonn seirbhísí tábhachtacha do dhaoine óga sa Ghaeltacht. Ceann de bhunaidhmeanna Óige na Gaeltachta ná seirbhísí óige pobalbhunaithe, dírithe ar pháistí idir 7 agus 18 mbliana, a fheabhsú, agus úsáid na Gaeilge san heagraíochtaí seo a chur chun cinn is a mhéadú.
Mar chás eisceachtúil, cheadaigh mo Roinn maoiniú aonuaire €11,000 nó 50% den chostas iomlán, ar bhonn píolótach d’Údarás na Gaeltacht le gairid chun a chumasú dóibh beirt oifigeach óige páirtaimseartha a fhostú i nGaoth Dobhair.
Is tríd a cuid scéimeanna caipitil a chuireann mo Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil do chlubanna óige m.sh., chun trealamh áirithe a cheannach. Cé nach bhfuil aon scéim ná ciste ag an Roinn faoina bhféadfaí cúnamh reatha a chur ar fail dá leithead, is féidir a bheith cinnte go leanfaidh mo Roinn ag cabhrú mar is cuí le cúnamh caipitil a chur ar fáil faoina Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga ar leas na Gaeltachta agus an óige ach go háirithe.
Film Industry
Ceisteanna (363)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:363. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if south-west County Cork will be included as a designated area for inclusion in the regional film development uplift; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides a 32% payable credit for eligible expenditure on film production in Ireland. It is available to Irish and international film production companies that are resident in the State or in an EEA State and carry on business in the State through a branch or subsidiary. Section 481 is State Aid and requires the agreement of the European Union.
The Finance Act 2018 provided for a short-term, tapered regional uplift, commencing at 5%, for productions being made in areas designated under the State aid regional guidelines.
The regional uplift is phased on a tiered basis with an additional 5% available in years 1 and 2 which are 2019 and 2020. This reduces to 3% in year 3 which is 2021 and reduces again to 2% in year 4, which is - 2022. It will be 0% from year 5 on. The purpose of the regional uplift is to support the development of new, local pools of talent in areas outside the current main production hubs and to support the geographic spread of the audio-visual sector.
In considering whether the regional film development uplift applies, the following factors are relevant -
- whether the production of the film is substantially undertaken in an assisted region;
- whether there is limited availability of individuals with suitable experience or training who habitually reside within a 45 kilometre radius of the place of production to provide services, and
- in respect of the areas of expertise where there is limited availability, the company provides training for individuals that habitually reside within that 45 kilometre radius.
The regions availing of the uplift are limited to areas in Ireland sanctioned to receive regional aid under the EU regional aid guidelines. The EU Regional Aid Guidelines allow each Member State to provide enhanced rates of State aid in the least economically developed areas of each country. This enables the State to grant State aid, at enhanced rates, to businesses in order to support new investment and new employment in productive projects in Ireland's most disadvantaged regions. The least economically developed area of Ireland does not include County Cork and for this reason, the Regional Film Development Uplift cannot be extended to Cork.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Ceisteanna (364, 367)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:364. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that all sectors of the arts, including the live entertainments industry, are represented on the Covid-19 task force for the recovery of the arts and culture sector; and if she will recommend that all workers from the arts and live entertainments industries based upon such workers being certified by a reference from a relevant employer or an Irish cultural organisation be made eligible for full payment of the €350 pandemic unemployment payment for the duration of the shutdown of live entertainments and artistic events due to Covid-19. [26711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Lahart
Ceist:367. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 22 September 2020, her plans to grant funding to the live events sector as outlined; and if a person from the sector will be appointed to the task force (details supplied). [27016/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 367 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that I have appointed the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which is beìng chaired by Clare Duignan and membership as follows:-
- Arts Council
- Business to Arts
- Council of the National Cultural Institutions
- County and City Management Association (CCMA)
- Department of Health
- Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht
- Department of Social Protection
- Ealaín na Gaeltachta
- Events Industry Alliance
- Irish Congress of Trade Unions
- National Campaign for the Arts
- Irish Music Rights Organisation
- Irish Theatre Institute
- Screen Ireland
- Screen Producers Ireland
- Denise Chaila
- Martin Hayes
The Taskforce will prepare a report for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, including a set of recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry. Taking as its starting point, the research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders, the Taskforce will:
- adopt a solution-focused approach;
- seek sector-specific expert input and consult with stakeholders;
- invite additional individuals or expertise to attend meetings on an ad hoc basis, as it deems necessary;
- focus on providing intelligence and recommendations for an expected on-going and varying impact of COVID-19 restrictions;
- identify immediate and medium term goals for recovery and sustainability in the sector;
- identify possible policy initiatives or impediments to a robust sustainable recovery in the sector;
- recommend whole of Government policy initiatives and actions to support the sector;
- report to the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht by the 31 October 2020 in order to provide the Government with an action-plan for the sector.
The taskforce can be contacted at taskforce@chg.gov.ie and all correspondence will be published in due course.
Earlier this month, I launched a number of new music and performance support schemes to aid employment in the creative industries. An allocation of €5 million is being made available under the “Live Performance Support Scheme”, which aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances and provide employment to workers in the creative industries.
A further support package, the Music Stimulus Package, involves three funding schemes designed to help sustain the popular and commercial music sector across all music genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, indie, jazz, country and western and traditional and folk. Under this package, a fund of €1,000,000 is being put in place to stimulate areas of work which artists would usually fund with income from own sources including live event fees. These schemes are targeted at professional musicians and their teams and will support song writing camps, recording and album releases. The aim is to ensure that Irish musicians, engineers, PR, media, agents, labels and publishers can continue to develop and share their work in the context of COVID restrictions. The Music Stimulus Package schemes will be managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact and will be subject to peer panel assessment.
The conditions and arrangements for payment of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social Protection.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (365)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:365. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports available to circuses in terms of capital and other grants; if she will consider further supports for this cultural and entertainment industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In July, I announced a range of capital funding measures to assist in the re-opening of arts and culture venues, including circuses. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning to venues to reopen in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening and Return to Work Safety Protocols. There is a high degree of flexibility that will allow organisations to undertake necessary capital adaptations to their facilities so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures.
Organisations that hold existing capital grants may immediately request the re-purposing of all or part of the grant towards necessary works and equipment to allow reopening. Organisations can apply to re-purpose up to €10,000 of their grant which can be used to fund eligible costs at a 90% funding rate or up to €5,000 which will not require match funding. Repurposed funding required for the original purpose of the grant will be restored when required at a later date.
Organisations that do not hold a capital grant, can apply for funding under Stream D Cultural Capital Scheme of up to €10,000. The scheme applies for the period of the COVID-19 crisis and applications can be made by organisations at any point throughout the crisis. Details of this scheme are available on my Department’s website.
In addition to capital funding available from my Department, Circus, Street Arts and Spectacle is one of the art forms supported by the Arts Council. Funding schemes are being announced by the Council on an ongoing basis on its funding page http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (366)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:366. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht when the large-scale sport infrastructure fund will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27002/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan has provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund. The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount (€300,000) available under the Sports Capital Programme (SCP).
Provisional grants totalling €82.5m were announced in January of this year. The evaluation procedures and guidelines for the LSSIF provide that once provisional allocations are announced, the successful projects will undergo a further process of due diligence. This process includes a further review of projects including economic appraisals and feasibility studies as appropriate to comply with the Public Spending Code. This work is continuing and the priority in the short term is on advancing the projects allocated funding in January. While it is not proposed to open the fund for new applications at present, it is planned to review progress on existing grants in 2021 when the question of whether or not it would be appropriate to seek new applications will be considered.
Question No. 367 answered with Question No. 364.
Ministerial Advisers
Ceisteanna (368)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:368. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if a schedule of advisers and special advisers appointed and-or recruited by her since her appointment will be provided; the roles and responsibilities attributed to each; and the salary of each appointee in tabular form. [27058/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. As permitted, two Special Advisers are being appointed to my Department.
Mr Juno McEnroe commenced working as a Special Adviser in my Department on 1st September with responsibility for providing communications/media advice. Ms Tanya Warren commenced working as a Special Adviser in my Department on 21st September with responsibility for providing policy advice.
The salaries to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers will be published in due course on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.