Written Answers Nos. 1-29
12. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta maidir le ceist uimhir 310 ar an 28ú Iúil 2020, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar stádas Phlean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe; an bhfuil an plean faofa aici; cén dáta a fhoilseofar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá plean teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne ag Foras na Gaeilge le tamall agus á bhreithniú faoi láthair. Tuigim ó mo chuid oifigigh go raibh comhfhreagras idir iad agus Foras na Gaeilge, atá freagrach as maoirsiú a dhéanamh ar an scéal sa chás seo, ina thaobh le deireanaí. Táim ag súil le moladh ó mo chuid oifigigh maidir leis an bPlean go luath.
Ach an Plean a bheith faofa agam faoi réir fhorálacha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, rachfar i dteagmháil leis an bhForas chun na socruithe ábhartha a dhéanamh le haghaidh an Plean a chur i bhfeidhm.
Meabhráitear don Teachta go bhfuil fógartha ag mo Roinn cheana féin go bhfuil allúntas suas le €80,000 in aghaidh na bliana ar fáil ó mo Roinn do chur i bhfeidhm pleananna teanga i mBailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta ach i gcás cathracha Chorcaí agus na Gaillimhe, go bhféadfadh allúntas suas le €100,000 in aghaidh na bliana a bheith ar fáil do chur i bhfeidhm bearta a bpleananna.
14. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extra supports that have been made available for athletes whose participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympics was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26859/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport and its funding allocations.
Sport Ireland has provided an assurance that athletes on the 2020 International Carding Scheme will continue to receive funding as normal for both this year and into 2021. New entrants will be allowed into the Scheme. This funding certainty has been widely welcomed by our Olympic and Paralympic community.
Other important supports are also being provided, notably in relation to access to the world class facilities available at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown. Due to the work and support of Sport Ireland and the NGBs our high performance athletes have already been back training since the 8th of June. High performance sport is proceeding on a gradual and modified basis in accordance with detailed protocols.
International travel, which is an essential part of high performance programmes, is also being facilitated and supported. Athletes may be required to travel overseas to compete in Olympic/Paralympic qualification events and major championships. The Return to Sport Expert Group, chaired by my Department, has developed detailed guidance to assist high performance sport in its approach to international travel. This important support will assist athletes that need to travel, especially those who are still looking to qualify for the Olympics and Paralympics.
Sport has been a leader throughout this pandemic. Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes have acted as great role models, showing people how to adapt, keep physically active and demonstrating compliance with the guidelines in media appearances.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my best wishes to our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.
15. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the status of the actions taken to date to support the events industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27378/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the unprecedented nature of the challenge facing live performance promoters and producers, not least from a financial point of view. Earlier this month, I launched a number of new music and performance support schemes totalling €6 million to aid employment in the creative industries.
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 million has been 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 are being managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact and will be subject to peer panel assessment.
Under the “Live Performance Support pilot Scheme” a further allocation of €5 million is being made available which aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances and provide employment to workers in the creative industries. Applications were accepted by my Department for this scheme and allocations will be made on the basis of the number of people being employed.
The Deputy will also be aware that I have recently appointed the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which is beìng chaired by Clare Duignan. The membership of the taskforce includes representation from the Events Industry Alliance. Taking as its starting point the research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by my Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders, the Taskforce will prepare a report to me setting out recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The report will address culture, the arts, and the audiovisual and live entertainment industries.
16. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports that have been put in place to support and encourage Irish-speaking communities outside the Gaeltacht and increase engagement by young persons with the Irish language outside of their formal education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, under its Irish Language Support Schemes, provides funding for various Irish language organisations and projects, to support and encourage youth development through the medium of the Irish language. The grants are aimed primarily at organisations or groups operating outside the Gaeltacht.
My Department has provided current and capital funding to TechSpace (Camara Education) to support schools and youth organisations in purchasing Digital Media and STEM equipment. The TechSpace project is aimed at young people interested in developing their experience and skills in digital media and STEM. The network helps young people to create digital and technological material as they engage in activities such as digital film, web design, mobile app development and robotics, among others. Under the direction of trained instructors and mentors, young people can enhance their computer competency, while improving their self-confidence and social skills - all through the medium of Irish.
My Department also provides an annual grant towards the running costs of An Cumann Scoildramaíochta. An Cumann Scoildrámaíochta encourages the use of the Irish language through drama. Young people are given the opportunity to use the language in a creative and artistic way, outside of a school setting. Teachers are also encouraged to produce and write new dramas themselves.
The ‘Aistritheoirí Óga' (Young Translators) translation competition also funded by my Department is organised jointly by the European Commission and the Irish Government. It is open to students across Ireland who are at least 15 years of age who have the ability to translate from English into Irish, or from a choice of five other European languages into Irish. The competition has three goals: to promote a high standard of Irish, to encourage multilingualism among secondary school students and to encourage their interest in careers with Irish.
The Family Language Scheme (Scéim Teanga Tí), which is administered by Glór na nGael and Gaeloideachas Teo, aims to develop networks of Irish-speaking families among children attending Irish-medium education. Under this programme, families whose children are in senior infants and who wish to raise their children through Irish are given support and encouragement to do so.
In addition, my Department and Foras na Gaeilge also provide funding to Raidió Rí-Rá and Raidió na Life respectively. Both Irish language radio stations provide an excellent Irish Language radio service to young people, both withinin and outside of Gaeltacht areas.
My Department has also provided funding to an Irish language village family area as part of the St. Patrick's Festival, provides annual funding to An Taibhdhearc theatre, whose activities include an annual Christmas show for children, and provides capital funding for Irish language centres around the country which support the development of Irish speaking communities outside of the Gaeltacht.
I should also point the Deputy to the range of Irish language community and family supports provided by Foras na Gaeilge and its six lead organisations on an all-Island basis. Details of these supports can be found on the organisation's webside at www.forasnagaeilge.ie.
17. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the details of her recent meetings with sporting organisations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 4th of September last, I convened a meeting with my colleagues Stephen Donnelly, T.D., Minister for Health, Jack Chambers, T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht and Sport, as well as the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn, the Chief Executive of Sport Ireland John Treacy and officials of my Department, with the chief executives of the sporting organisations referred to by the Deputy.
The meeting on the 4th of September was an opportunity to hear from these representatives of the sport sector the impact of the public health restrctions announced on 18 August. We also received an update from the sporting organisations on the continued impact of COVID-19 on their operations, as well as the financial impact of same. Recognising the important role sport plays for physical and mental health, Minister Donnelly and I expressed our appreciation for the work that sport has done throughout the pandemic. The acting CMO highlighted the particular success of summer sports camps which had a very positive impact on the wellbeing of children and teenagers.
The sporting representatives expressed their appreciation for the support of Government throughout the pandemic in terms of horizontal supports such as the TWSS and EWSS as well as targeted support approved by the previous Government last June. I understand that Sport Ireland are currently reviewing applications for the COVID-19 resilience funds and funding will be allocated and disbursed in late October. The sporting representatives advised that they foresee the financial challenges continuing into 2021 and asked that Government consider further support measures in the 2021 Budget. I have made representations to my colleague Minister McGrath in this respect and we will discuss the matter further in advance of Budget Day.
Mr Treacy and the other sporting representatives also highlighted a number of matters of concern for the sport sector as the winter approaches, recognising that the autumn sees the commencement of the competitive calendar across many sports, particularly indoor sports. The insights from the sporting representatives informed the preparation of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 published on the 15th of September last.
I also tabled for discussion the important issue of spectator attendance at sporting events. The sporting representatives outlined the work they have undertaken to date to facilitate a return of spectators while ensuring compliance with relevant public health guidance. We agreed that the Expert Group on Return to Sport would take this work forward in consultation with the relevant sporting bodies. Pursuant to this a working group has been established with representatives of my Department, Sport Ireland and the relevant sporting bodies to develop a proposal for spectator attendance at large national and international sporting events, for consideration by the Expert Group and by the public health authorities. This proposal will incorporate guidelines to be applied by all sporting bodies at large sports stadia. This work is already underway and it is expected that this proposal will be presented for consideration next month.
19. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta cé na céimeanna a ghlacfaidh sí chun a chinntiú go ndéanfaidh RTÉ agus craoltóirí áitiúla a gcuid dualgas reachtúil i leith na Gaeilge a chomhlíonadh, go háirithe i gceantair Ghaeltachta, agus é fógartha anois nach mbeidh seirbhís nuachta náisiúnta raidió ar fáil tar éis 7 i.n. do phobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. [27397/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeagtar amach in Alt 114 d'Acht 2009 príomhchuspóirí agus cumhachtaí gaolmhara RTÉ, agus sainítear gur
- cheart go dtabharfadh na cláir léargas ar ilchineálacht chultúir oileán uile na hÉireann agus aird ar leith a thabhairt ar na hairíonna a shainíonn an cultúr sin agus an Ghaeilge go háirithe;
- go ndéanfar le clársceidil réimse cuimsitheach clár Gaeilge agus Béarla a chur ar fáil a fhreagróidh d’éagsúlacht chultúir agus lena bhfreastalaítear ar ionchais an phobail i gcoitinne mar aon le hionchais daoine den phobal a bhfuil spéiseanna speisialta nó spéiseanna mionlaigh acu; agus,
- Ba chóir cláracha nuachta agus cláracha cúrsaí reatha i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla a bheith san áireamh i soláthar cláracha RTÉ.
Tá RTÉ cuntasach don Oireachtas agus faoi réir maoirseachta ag rialálaí neamhspleách, Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann (BAI). I gcomhréir le hAlt 102 den Acht, foilsíonn RTÉ Ráitis Bhliantúla faoi Gheallúintí Feidhmíochta le spriocanna a bhaineann le réimse seirbhísí, an Ghaeilge san áireamh. Déanann an BAI a fheidhmíocht a athbhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na spriocanna sin gach bliain agus tuairiscíonn domsa maidir le haon difríochtaí a thagann chun cinn ina bhfeidhmíocht i gcomórtas lena ngeallúintí agus i gcomórtas le tuarascáil an BAI agus cuirtear mo fhreagra faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais. Ba chóir dom a lua go bhfuil RTÉ, i gcomhréir le hAlt 98 den Acht Craolacháin, 2009 neamhspleách maidir lena chuid cuspóirí a bhaint amach agus nach bhfuil aon ról agamsa ina chuid oibríochtaí laethúla ná ina chuid cinntí cláracha. Dá bhrí sin, ní bheadh sé ceart agamsa tuairim a thabhairt ar ábhar sceideal na gcláracha. Tá súil agam athbhreithniú bliantúil an BAI a fháil ar gheallúintí feidhmíochta 2019 RTÉ sna seachtainí amach romhainn agus tabharfaidh mé aird ach go háirithe ar a chuid tuairimí maidir le geallúintí RTÉ i leith na Gaeilge.
Maidir le stáisiúin eile ábhar Gaeilge a chur ar fáil, faoin Acht Craolacháin 2009, is é an BAI an tÚdarás atá freagrach as stáisiúin raidió neamhspleácha, náisiúnta, áitiúla agus pobail a cheadúnú. Áirítear ceanglas in Alt 66 (2) d'Acht 2009 go dtabharfadh an BAI, nuair atá conradh maidir le craolachán fuaime nó conradh seirbhíse cláracha teilifíse á bhronnadh, aird do:
- líon, cáilíocht, réimse agus cineál na gclár Gaeilge agus méid na gclár a bhaineann le cultúr na hÉireann a bheartaítear a sholáthar agus
- a mhéid a dhéanfaidh an t-iarratasóir, laistigh den tseirbhís craolacháin bheartaithe, deiseanna nua a chruthú le haghaidh daoine a bhfuil buanna acu sa cheol, sa drámaíocht agus sa tsiamsaíocht agus go háirithe i leith chultúr na hÉireann.
Chomh maith leis sin, tá ceanglas in Alt 66 (3) d'Acht 2009 go dtabharfadh an BAI aird ar leith do leanúint den Ghaeilge agus an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar theanga labhartha, nuair atá conradh maidir le craolachán fuaime á bhronnadh i limistéir saincheadúnúcháin a áiríonn ceantar Gaeltachta.
20. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if supports will be made available to the tourism sector in view of the July stimulus package (details supplied); and if he will grant support to bars, restaurants and hotels to help them make their premises Covid-19-safe. [15750/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the enormous and unprecedented challenges which face the tourism sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Almost all tourism businesses were initially required to close in order to comply with the necessary public health measures introduced. Many have since reopened but, unfortunately, the majority of businesses are operating with significantly reduced levels of turnover compared to 2019 as a result of ongoing public health measures and the almost complete absence of overseas tourists coming into the country. This has meant that many jobs in the sector have been lost or are vulnerable.
Along with my colleagues in Government, I have taken a number of measures to help the sector survive this current crisis. 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. I have seen at first hand that these campaigns have been successful in getting Irish people to holiday at home.
All of these measures have helped the sector. I appreciate, however, that severe challenges remain and we need to continue to examine ways to ensure that businesses survive and recover. The Tourism Recovery Taskforce appointed in May has just submitted its report to me. It is making a number of recommendations to help the sector to survive the crisis and eventually recover. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider its recommendations as we prepare for the Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.
21. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the reason no additional funding has been announced for the live events sector since the July Stimulus; and the reason it took until September 2020 to provide an application mechanism for that funding. [27394/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra28. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for further supports for music and events workers, who continue to be among the hardest hit by ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. [26590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the way in which she plans to support the live gig industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27393/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if further urgent consideration will be given to the detailed requests of the events and entertainment industry for adequate financial support for the sector in view of the very severe and ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 28, 35 and 46 together.
I am acutely aware of the unprecedented nature of the challenge facing live performance promoters and producers, not least from a financial point of view. The Government July Stimulus was announced on 23 July. My Department has reached out to representative groups for a wide range of stakeholders in the entertainment sector, including representatives of professional musicians and independent venues, to ensure that the measures made available reached as wide a base as possible. On 9 September, I launched a number of new music and performance support schemes which made a total of €6 million available to assist in the provision of employment in the creative industries.
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 million has been 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 are being managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact and will be subject to peer panel assessment.
Under the “Live Performance Support pilot Scheme” a further allocation of €5 million is being made available which aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances and provide employment to workers in the creative industries. Applications were accepted by my Department for this scheme and allocations will be made on the basis of the number of people being employed.
In the meantime, I have appointed an Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which represents the putting in place of a commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that survival of recovery of this very important sector. The Taskforce will be chaired by Clare Duignan and membership is 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 Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht 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 has already met twice. Its proceedings will be conducted in a transparent manner and all correspondence will be published in due course.
22. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made on the ionad pobail on Inis Meáin, which was approved under the national development plan; the stage the project is at; and the date for construction and completion. [24442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides financial support to build or upgrade community, language and recreational facilities in Gaeltacht areas through its Community and Language Supports Programme.
Under this programme, I recently allocated €424,462 - equivalent to 90% of the total cost - to Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin to enable them to begin works on the development of a community centre on the island. This follows an initial allocation by my Department of €53,798 toward consultancy costs in relation to the project.
The 90% allocation made in respect of this project was the first such allocation made following the introduction of a revised policy whereby the maximum level of capital funding which can be provided for island-based projects by my Department under the programme has been increased from 80% go 90% of the total eligible costs. This policy change represents a practical response to the significant and ongoing challenges faced by island communities.
It is hoped that the appointed contractors will begin work soon on this important project.
23. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the status of the redevelopment of Dalymount Park; and the timeline and funds allocated. [27428/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January of this year, provisional allocations totalling €77.4m for 25 projects under Stream 2 (construction) of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) were announced. On 13th January additional provisional allocations of €5m for a further 7 projects under Stream 1 (design) of the LSSIF were announced. The Stream 1 allocations included an allocation of €918,750 to Dublin City Council towards the overall design cost (estimated at €2,450,000) for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park.
The evaluation procedures and guidelines for the LSSIF provide that once provisional allocations are announced, the projects being suggested for funding 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 and EU State Aid rules. This has now been completed for the Dalymount project.
As the LSSIF is a new scheme with the first grants only announced this year, it has been necessary to agree an appropriate funding agreement which will protect the state investment, adhere to Public Spending Code requirements and provide clarity in relation to the respective responsibilities to ensure that projects are completed. This has involved extensive engagement with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. I understand that work in this regard is nearing completion and it is expected that the Department will be in a position to forward a funding agreement for signature to Dublin City Council in the near future.
24. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if the suggested €3.5 million will be allocated to clubs (details supplied) to keep them functioning into 2021 and potentially beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to his priority question on this matter today.
25. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports available to the tourist industry, including tour operators and guides, in view of the extent of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27431/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of how badly impacted tour operators and guides have been by COVID-19. These businesses provide a vital service to the tourism industry and are important ambassadors in the tourism experience and promoting our excellent tourism product. We will need them when our overseas visitors return.
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. In addition 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 appointed in May submitted its report to me this week. It is making a number of recommendations to help the sector to survive the crisis and eventually recover. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider its recommendations as we prepare for the Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.
26. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the additional supports in place for local sports clubs to avail of during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27392/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the particular difficulties and challenges facing sporting organisations. Measures introduced by the Government to date have benefitted the sport sector including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the series of enterprise supports.
There has been extensive engagement with the sport sector over the past number of months which has highlighted the significant, adverse impact of COVID-19 at all levels of the Irish sporting landscape. A COVID-19 Sports Monitoring Group, chaired at Ministerial level, has been established to engage directly with the sporting bodies. An Expert Group on Return to Sport, chaired by an official of my Department, has also been established to provide advice and guidance to sporting bodies.
Sport Ireland is also directly engaging with the sporting bodies on an ongoing basis.
A funding package of up to €70 million has been put in place to support the sector. The funding package, which will be administered by Sport Ireland,includes;
- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.
- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport,
- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and
- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.
The funding will be invested through new grant schemes with Sport Ireland’s recognised funding partners, including the National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sporting organisations.
The closing date for applications to Sport Ireland under the COVID 19 grant schemes was September 14. I understand that a large number of applications was received. 39 National Governing Bodies applied on their own behalf or on behalf of their member clubs. Sport Ireland is currently processing and validating the applications. There is significant interest in each of the 4 strands of funding. The process will be complete by the end of October, and an announcement on allocations will be made following that process.
In addition to this funding scheme, I announced a special fund of €2.5 million as part of the July Jobs Stimulus to support the reopening of publicly accessible swimming pools in recognition of the particular challenges pool operators face in reopening to the public. This funding will also be administered by Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland is currently finalising the grant scheme. Full details of the scheme and the application process will be announced shortly.
27. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the further financial measures that will be considered to support the tourism sector in County Donegal in view of recent public health measures introduced in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27370/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar T.D., announced on September 24th, that Donegal businesses affected by the decision to move to Phase 3 will receive additional government funding of €2m including a topped up Restart Grant Plus and increased agency support.
Donegal businesses impacted by 25% or more fall in turnover will now be entitled to a 30% top-up, bringing the new minimum for affected counties to €5,200 and the new maximum to €32,500. Those that applied and received a grant previously, can receive the top up of 30%.
Applications from Donegal will be prioritised for the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by Covid-19 through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.
In addition Fáilte Ireland has extended the deadline for applying for the COVID-19 Adaptation Fund from 8th October 2020 to 31st October 2020. This is to ensure that as many eligible businesses as possible are given the opportunity to open in line with Government guidelines.
The Tourism Recovery Taskforce appointed in May submitted its report to me this week. It is making a number of recommendations to help the sector to survive the crisis and eventually recover. Along with my colleagues in Government, I will consider its recommendations as we prepare for the Budget and the subsequent National Economic Plan.
29. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the progress of the arts and culture recovery task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27359/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. 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 entertainment industry, are represented on the Covid-19 arts and culture recovery task force. [27477/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 41 together.
I have appointed an Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which represents the putting in place of a commitment in the Programme for Government. The Taskforce is being chaired by Clare Duignan and its membership is drawn from a wide range of representation across arts, culture and events sector 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
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 report to me setting out 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. 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 has already met twice. Its proceedings will be conducted in a transparent manner and all correspondence will be published in due course.
