Thursday, 19 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 126-150

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Ceisteanna (126)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will advise domestic employers who mistakenly believed they could apply for the temporary wage subsidy scheme for their employee and were not informed by the Revenue Commissioners when they made email inquiries nor when they applied that the scheme did not cover domestic employees and now are being asked to repay the moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37483/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which is provided for in section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, operated from 26 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 and was replaced by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) from 1 September 2020.

The scheme was introduced as an emergency measure to provide financial support to businesses that were severely impacted by the pandemic and enabled employees whose employers could no longer afford to pay wages receive subsidy payments. The scheme was not intended as a support to domestic employers nor was it ever implied that it applied to them.   

The TWSS operated on a self-assessment basis with the onus on applicants to satisfy themselves that they fully met the eligibility criteria for the scheme and to self-declare to Revenue that they correctly qualified. To assist employers in determining their eligibility, Revenue published very extensive guidance, which clearly set out the qualifying conditions, including the requirement that a minimum 25% decline in business turnover had occurred due to COVID-19 related restrictions. Revenue also deployed very significant resources to a TWSS Helpline to ensure employers were supported to the greatest extent possible through telephone and written (including e-mail) engagement.  

The provision of domestic duties by an employee within a private household, where the employer is the owner or occupier is not a business activity. A relevant business in the context of the TWSS generally includes manufacturing, buying, selling or supplying goods or services with a view to making a profit, none of which can be associated with employing domestic staff. It is also not possible for a domestic employer to meet the ‘25% turnover’ eligibility test as there is no turnover associated with engaging a domestic employee.

In the event that domestic employers, or indeed any employers, received TWSS payments to which they were not entitled, it is important that they engage with Revenue and agree repayment arrangements. Where this does not happen, it may result in Revenue raising assessments and initiating recovery procedures.

Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme

Ceisteanna (127)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

127. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance the number of investments applied for and approved by the Revenue Commissioners since the beginning of 2015 in the EIS, SCS and SURE investment incentive schemes in tabular form; if he is satisfied with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37490/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

By way of background, a review of the Employment Investment Incentive (‘EII’) scheme and Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (‘SURE’) was carried out and changes to the administration of the scheme were implemented in Finance Act 2018.  SURE, was previously known as the Seed Capital Scheme (‘SCS’). From 1 January 2019 qualifying companies can submit applications for eligible EII/SURE investments on a self-assessment basis. This means that a company that wishes to claim EII/SURE no longer needs advance approval from Revenue. A company can satisfy itself that it qualifies for EII/SURE and, accordingly, obtain certification on a self-assessment basis via the Revenue Online Service (‘ROS’).

For all investments both prior to the changes in Finance Act 2018 and after, a company cannot apply or make a claim for relief until 30% of the amount raised has been spent on a qualifying purpose. A company has two years from the end of the year in which the share issue took place to spend this amount.

For investments made on or before 31 December 2018 Revenue certification is still required. As a company has two years from the end of the year in which the share issue took place to apply for certification, Revenue will continue to receive applications for 2018 share issues until 31 December 2020.

Relief for EII investments on or before 8 October 2019 is granted in two tranches. The first portion of the relief (30/40) is given at the time of investment, while the second portion (10/40) is given if, after 3 years, the company has increased employment or spent all of the money on qualifying research and development.  In addition, for investments made on or before 31 December 2018, Revenue certification is still required for the second portion when the relevant period has ended. As such Revenue may still receive applications for share issues taking place on or before 31 December 2018 until 31 December 2023.

A company can make an application each time it issues shares as a result of a qualifying investment. This may mean that a company could have multiple applications in a year. Revenue will record each application by reference to the share issue date. The numbers set out below relate to the number of applications, being each separate share issue, rather than each separate company. Each application, by reference to each share issue, is treated as a separate application and may or may not receive certification based on its own merits.

The following are details of applications approved in the years 2015 to 2018:

Year	EII	SCS/SURE
2015	268	33
2016	306	80
2017	177	51
2018	72	20

For claims for relief for share issues in 2019 and 2020, it is the responsibility of the company which has received the investment to submit a return under self-assessment. The information Revenue currently has for relief claimed for EII and SURE is as follows:

Year	Self-Assessment
2019	128
2020	29

In providing information in relation to EII and SURE, Revenue publishes guidance on how applications can be made. It is not Revenue practice to provide details of unsuccessful applications, which may be unsuccessful for a wide variety of case-specific reasons.

For investments made on or before 31 December 2018, Revenue records applications in the year in which they are received. As previously noted, applications for relief can be made by a company over a number of years. Therefore, the number of applications received in a year is not reflective of share issues that actually took place in that year, e.g. a company has a February 2018 share issue but the required 30% is only spent by May 2020. It is only from May 2020 onwards that the company can submit the application for certification.

Revenue changed how cases were recorded in September 2018. The information Revenue can provide relates to applications on hand at September 2018 and received since that date.

The number of applications, as set out below, are for investments made on or before 31 December 2018.

Year	Applications Received
2018	360
2019	354
2020	301

By way of example, of the 354 applications received in 2019, this includes EII first tranche applications, second tranche applications and SURE applications.

As previously noted, companies have until the end of 2020 to apply for the first tranche of relief for investments made on or before 31 December 2018 and until the end of 2023 to apply for the second tranche of relief and, as such, this number is not final.

Finally, in my budget speech last month, I announced that my Department will this year initiate an assessment of how the EII scheme can be enhanced in the light of the current crisis.   Preparations are already underway in this regard and next month it is proposed to launch a consultation process where stakeholders will be invited to submit their views and suggestions to the Department in writing with a particular focus on the following:

- improved support for start-ups,

- the potential to attract capital from a broader range of investors, and

- the potential to include certain energy-related projects within the remit of the scheme.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 124.

Tax Collection

Ceisteanna (129)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will suspend the deduction of stamp duty on debit and credit cards for persons in receipt of State welfare benefits including unemployment or Covid-related payment, sick pay, lone parents benefits, carer's allowance and benefit given that a deduction of almost €30 amounts to 14% of a jobseekers’ or pandemic unemployment payment of €203; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Stamp duty is levied on financial cards, charge cards and credit card accounts. The financial institution issuing the card collects the duty from cardholders on behalf of Revenue, and charge the card holder’s bank, credit or charge card account with the stamp duty for which they are liable annually.

 The current regime was introduced in Budget 2016/Finance Act 2015 and is set out in Sections 123B (Cash, combined and debit cards) and 124 (Credit cards and charge cards) of SDCA 1999 (as amended).

The stamp duty rate for ATM cards (also known as cash cards) is €0.12 per ATM withdrawal to a maximum of €2.50 per card for each 12 month period.

The rate for combined cards (cards that are both ATM & debit cards) is €0.12 per ATM withdrawal to a maximum of €2.50 per card where only the ATM function is used during the year.

The rate where both functions are used in a year is a maximum of €5.00 per card, as the debit function incurs a flat rate €2.50 stamp duty if used even once in the year.

Stamp duties arising against these cards is collected in arrears, and stamp duty for the year in usually charged to the card holder’s account on 31 December of that year.  

If the combined card is not used for any ATM withdrawals or debit card transactions in a year then no stamp duty will apply.

The rate for credit cards is €30 per year per credit card account. The charge for credit cards is for the account and not the number of cards issued to that account.

The rate for charge cards is €30 per year for each charge card issued to an account.

Financial institutions will generally collect Stamp Duty on credit and charge cards on 1 April, in arrears, unless the account was closed during the preceding 12 months during the year. The tax year for credit cards normally runs from 2 April to the following 1 April.

The stamp duty on credit cards is not linked to usage in any way. Therefore, where a credit card has not been used over the course of the applicable tax year, the €30 stamp duty will be applied at the end of that period. This means that, a cardholder of a credit card account is liable to the €30 stamp duty, irrespective of usage of the card concerned.

As part of an ongoing and evolving package of measures which is being taken by the Government in order to mitigate the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on individuals and businesses, I announced the deferral of the collection date for the stamp duty on credit cards from 1 April 2020 to 1 July 2020 on 18 March this year.  It is anticipated that the collection dates will revert to normal (1 April) next year. The stamp duty collected on 1 July 2020 was in respect of the period 2 April 2019 to 1 April 2020.

The focus of Government in response to the pandemic has been around income supports and business supports to assist employees, households and businesses.

The Revenue Commissioners have also been proactive in working with taxpayers to resolve their tax payments difficulties in the current circumstances.   The positive actions taken include the suspension of interest and enforcement actions, as well as deferral of payment dates such as the extension of the date for deduction of Local Property Tax for customers who use annual debit payment options and the collection date for stamp duty on credit cards.  Where the payment or collection date for a tax is deferred, the assessment period remains the same and is provided for in the relevant tax legislation.   

I have no plans to suspend or defer the collection of the stamp duty on ATM or combined cards, or to further defer or suspend the €30 stamp duty on credit cards.

Export Controls

Ceisteanna (130)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

130. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to concerns raised (details supplied) regarding the retail export scheme. [37512/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The Retail Export Scheme enables visitors that are resident outside the EU benefit from VAT relief on goods purchased in Ireland and subsequently taken outside of the EU. Under existing rules, when the UK becomes a third country, visitors from Britain will be able to avail of the scheme.  No minimum threshold currently applies in respect of expenditure on which VAT relief may be claimed.   

If the scheme applies to visitors from Britain post-Brexit and if the UK were to operate a similar scheme for EU visitors, Irish consumers would be able to buy goods VAT free in Britain and visitors from Britain would be able to buy goods VAT free in Ireland.  This could give rise to a considerable displacement of consumer purchases in both directions, resulting in significant VAT revenue losses; purchases by UK visitors in Ireland would not produce any VAT revenues and collecting VAT on goods in excess of personal importation allowances brought into Ireland by consumers would be extremely difficult. The UK has announced its intention to exclude EU visitors from their Retail Export Scheme. It was always my intention to adopt reciprocal measures in Ireland to the greatest extent possible if the UK adopted such restrictions and that remains my position.  These restrictions, in Ireland and Britain, will help avoid tax driven displacement of consumer spending and protect tax revenues. Revenue has also advised that with the volume of travel normally between Britain and Ireland, and the volume of Retail Export Scheme claims that would be likely to arise, there would be significant scope for abuse, with purchases of goods for use in Ireland presented as being for export. 

The measures contained in the Brexit Bill do not eliminate the use of the VAT Retail Export Scheme for UK residents, post Brexit.  Instead, they provide a legal basis to control and minimise the scope for abuse of the scheme.  The Bill as published provides that the value of qualifying goods must exceed €175 in order to be eligible for a refund under the scheme. This change is fully compatible with EU law and is in line with the EU VAT Directive. The Bill also introduces a requirement of proof of importation of the goods into the UK and the associated proof of payment, where applicable, of relevant UK VAT and duties, for the goods purchased under the scheme in order to qualify for a refund.

In recognition of the difficulties facing retailers, especially businesses in the tourism sector, I am bringing forward an amendment at committee stage to reduce the threshold to €75. This reduction retains protections for the exchequer while also acknowledging the potential impact that not making this change would have on retailers across the country at this difficult time.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (131)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

131. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of his Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37561/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I wish to advise the Deputy that none of the bodies under the aegis of my Department have third-party contracts in place for the operation of community or voluntary organisations in 2019 and to date in 2020.

Banking Sector

Ceisteanna (132)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

132. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is fair and proper that a bank (details supplied) in which the State owns a significant share is informing customers that their credit history will be negatively affected with the application of a Covid-19 payment break; if payment breaks can only be applied once throughout the lifecycle of a mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware as Minister for Finance I have no role in the commercial decisions made by the banks, including the structure and level of pricing for their various product offerings. This applies equally to the banks in which the State has a shareholding.

Decisions in this regard are the sole responsibility of the board and management of the banks which must be run on an independent and commercial basis. The independence of banks in which the State has a shareholding is protected by Relationship Frameworks which are legally binding documents that cannot be changed unilaterally. These frameworks, which are publicly available, were insisted upon by the European Commission to protect competition in the Irish market.

AIB has provided me with the following statement:

"The Irish banking industry responded rapidly to the pandemic by implementing one of the most extensive payment break programmes in Europe, available to all customers impacted by Covid-19.

"These moratoria do not trigger a forbearance classification, in line with the European Banking Authority (EBA) guidelines on moratoria applied in the light of Covid-19, issued on April 2, 2020.

"On September 21st, 2020, the EBA issued further guidance on the phasing out of payment breaks. After the deadline of September 30th 2020, banks can continue to support customers with payment breaks but such cases are subject to the standard prudential framework and assessed for forbearance.

"Payment breaks provided short term relief for customers who suffered a temporary income reduction, but where a customer suffers an income impact over a prolonged period, a longer term sustainable solution may be required. This does not diminish the possibility of the bank granting payment break extensions where appropriate on a case by case basis.

"The bank’s focus is on engagement, assessment, and solutions for those most impacted financially by the Covid-19 pandemic and agreeing individually tailored plans that will help customers manage what is a challenging and stressful situation."

EU Policy Group

Ceisteanna (133)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

133. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his work as president of the Eurogroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37700/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I was elected as President of the Eurogroup on 9 July for a term of two and a half years. My main goal is to ensure a close coordination of economic policies across the euro area so as to promote growth.

I am very pleased with the progress made in my first few months as President of Eurogroup in what are exceptionally challenging times.  Indeed the strong European response to Covid-19 to date, perfectly illustrates the power and importance of coordinated action – our European economies will only grow if we support each other and no individual efforts can be as effective as joint action. This is illustrated in the three safety nets agreed by the Eurogroup in response to COVID-19, all of which are now in place: the SURE (the temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks), the EIB (European Investment Bank) guarantee fund and the ESM (European Stability Mechanism) Pandemic Crisis Support Instrument.

A central part of my candidacy for President of the Eurogroup was my vision for an inclusive and transparent Eurogroup. Reflecting this, I identified the priorities for my two and a half year term in close consultation with my Finance Minister colleagues. The publicly available work programme up to June 2021 reflects these. 

In brief these are:

- Fostering economic and fiscal policies to support recovery and long-term growth including discussions on draft budgetary plans and broader economic developments.

- Strengthening Banking Union: Completing the Banking Union in a holistic manner and on a consensual basis is a key priority.

- Digital Euro: The Eurogroup will carefully examine the ongoing impact a potential Digital Euro will have on euro area economies in order to safeguard financial stability and monetary sovereignty, while remaining at the forefront of innovation and supporting growth.

- International role of the euro: The euro is a global currency and the Eurogroup will continue to monitor carefully the potential opportunities and advantages but also the risks of an enhanced international role of the euro.

Further details of these priority areas, as well as the work programme (which was agreed last month), are publicly available on the Eurogroup website at: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/eurogroup/

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (134)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

134. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to repair a wall (details supplied) in the Garda station Ballyporeen, Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37421/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I can confirm that OPW is completing a programme of maintenance works at Ballyporeen Garda Station. The final element of the works is the repair of a section of the boundary to the rear, which while weather dependent, is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (135)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

135. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of his Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37567/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that no third-party contracts for the operation of community and voluntary organisations have been entered into by any of the bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (136)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

136. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on refurbishments to Stepaside Garda station, Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37707/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The amount expended to date on this Station by the Office of Public Works is €1,244,780.02 exc. Vat.

This includes €1,141,817.71 exc. Vat for construction costs , €76,099.85 exc. Vat for Consultants fees and €26,862.66 for other costs which include asbestos removal, planning fees, per cent for art allowance, etc. 

The construction final account has been assessed by the Quantity Surveyor and agreed with the Contractor and will be paid after the 12-month Defects Liability Period has elapsed.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (137)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

137. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level of Covid-19 restrictions Ireland must enter into to allow Irish dance classes to continue; and the current guidance for Irish dancing teaching organisations. [37722/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I refer the Deputy to Priority Question No 3 today

The guidance set out in the Government Plan for Living with COVID-19 specifies that no exercise or dance classes are allowed at Levels 3, 4 or 5.  This precludes any exercise class, including gymnastics classes, and any type of dance class – traditional, step, jazz, or ballet.  Similarly, the guidance precludes any indoor gathering takings place at Levels 3,4, and 5 and to date no exemptions have been made for stage schools or drama classes.

Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and considerable numbers of hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of COVID-19 and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities including cultural activities.

At present, Ireland is at Level 5 of The Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.  The public health risk at level 5 means that we are all asked to stay at home, with limited exceptions.  Information on the public health measures currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at the gov.ie website.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020 give effect to level 5 restrictions under the Plan.  The Regulations list essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions.  This list does not include private or commercial dance classes.  Under the Regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions.

Similarly, The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.7) Regulations, which applied when the country was under Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, did not allow any exercise or dance classes, regardless of the form e.g. Irish, ballet, jazz etc. 

I fully understand the benefits that activities such as dance bring to peoples overall health and well-being. The measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests in so far as possible.

Údaráis Áitiúla

Ceisteanna (138)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

138. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na bearta a dhéanfaidh sí chun a chinntiú go mbeidh coinníollacha cuí maidir leis an nGaeilge leagtha síos ag na húdaráis áitiúla i dtaca le ceadanna pleanála i gcomhair tithíochta sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, agus an ndéanfaidh sí trácht ar an ábhar. [37749/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Mar is eol don Teachta, is cúram don Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtas Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta agus na húdaráis áitiúla atá faoina stiúr é cúrsaí tithíochta trí chéile -  lena n-áirítear tithíocht agus pleanáil tí sa Ghaeltacht.

Faoi réir Alt 10.2 (m) den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000, folóidh plean forbartha oidhreacht teanga agus chultúrtha na Gaeltachta a chosaint, lena n-áirítear an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar theanga an phobail, i gcás ina mbeidh limistéar Gaeltachta i limistéar an phlean forbartha.

Faoi Alt 28 de na Rialacháin um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2001, is gá d'údaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram teagmháil a dhéanamh le mo Roinn agus le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta chun a dtuairimí a fháil maidir le forbairtí, dar leo, a d'fhéadfadh cur isteach ar oidhreacht chultúrtha agus teanga na Gaeltachta. 

Ar mhaithe le meabhrú a thabhairt do na húdaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram maidir leis na dualagais atá orthu i ndáil leis an nGaeilge i gcomthéacs na bhforálacha thuasluaite, níor miste a lua go bhfuil scríofa ag mo Roinn chuig na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha ar roinnt ócáidí chun a gcuid dualgas ina leith a mheabhrú dóibh. Rinneadh an deis sin a thapú chun a chur ar a súile gur ann anois d'fheidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga a bhfuil bunús reáchtúil aige faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012. 

Ina theannta sin, is fiú a nótáil gur chuir mo Roinn aighneacht chuig an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i mí Lúnasa na bliana seo maidir le hathbhreithniú a bhí á dhéanamh acu an tráth sin ar na treoirlínte d'údaráis phleanála. San aighneacht sin, leagadh béim ar na dúshláin a fheictear a bheith ag baint leis an ábhar seo go ginearálta.

Maidir le cásanna pleanála faoi leith a d'fhéadfadh tionchar a imirt ar an nGaeigle sa Ghaeltacht, ní gá a rá ach go dtapaíonn mo Roinn na deiseanna a dtugtar di le haighneachtaí a sheoladh chuig údaráis phleanála a bhfuil ceantair Ghaeltachta faoina gcúraim nuair a iarrtar a leithéid.

Ní gá a rá ach an oiread go dtuigeann mo Roinn an tábhacht a bhaineann le tionchar teanga a bheith tógtha san áireamh i dtaobh forbairtí suntasacha i gceantar Gaeltachta agus is féidir a bheith cinnte go leanfaidh mo Roinn fhéin agus Údarás na Gaeltachta ag tapú gach deis a thugtar  faoi réir fhórálacha ábhartha an Achta agus na Rialacháin réamhluaite, chun tuairimí a thabhairt, nuair a iarrtar iad, i leith cásanna ábhartha pleanála a d'fhéadfadh tionchar a imirt ar staid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.

Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil i gceist agam cruinniú a ghairm le mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta go gairid chun an cheist tábhachtach seo a phlé. 

Online Safety

Ceisteanna (139)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

139. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of plans to introduce an online safety commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35069/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill provides for a  multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner who will oversee the regulatory framework for online safety.   

The General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill which included provisions to establish an online Safety Commissioner was approved by Government on 9 January 2020 and subsequently published on 10 January 2020.   It also includes proposals to 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 Online Safety 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.

At that time the Government also approved the detailed drafting of the proposed Bill by the Office of the Attorney General (AGO) 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 Dail and Committees in January, pre-legislative scrutiny did not commence.  

Responsibility for the proposed Bill was transferred to my Department on 22 September 2020.  Detailed drafting of the Bill by the AGO is ongoing.

Government approval will be sought shortly for the finalisation of General Scheme of the proposed Bill through the addition to the provisions relating to the funding of the Media Commission, the regulation of audiovisual media services, the maximum amount for financial sanctions for non-compliance and other matters.  These additional provisions, when approved, will be forwarded to the AGO for drafting  and to the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.  It is for the Committee to determine whether and when to commence such scrutiny.   At this time, the finalised General Scheme will also be notified to the European Commission for a technical conformity assessment with relevant EU law regarding regulations on online services. 

The enactment of the proposed Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

Sports Funding

Ceisteanna (140)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

140. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total funding made available for sporting organisations in counties Cavan and Monaghan through dormant account funding in 2020. [37536/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Details of the 2020 dormant account funding allocations, including county breakdowns, are available on the Sport Ireland website, on the following pages:

https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/news/eu73m-boost-for-sport-and-physical-activity-measures

https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2020-09/dormant-accounts-funding-allocations-2020.pdf

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (141)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

141. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of her Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37571/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

While I understand that some departments and agencies have on occasion entered into third party contracts of the type referred to by the Deputy I am advised that this is not a regular practice in the case of my own Department and agencies.

However, I am  advised that Screen Ireland, under its remit to support Irish film, television and animation has engaged the following third-party organisations for the purpose of conducting community and voluntary activities.

Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM) the national film, animation and digital media organisation for young people across Ireland, whose mission is to make filmmaking and animation accessible to all young people.

Raising Films Ireland, the Irish chapter of an advocacy and support group for parents and carers in the screen industry.

 Film Network Ireland (FNI) established in 2010 as a support structure for the film industry in Ireland and to offer opportunities in the independent Film and Tv sector in Ireland

All three organisations employ less than five people and are funded  under the Screen Skills Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme. Details of the funding received by each of these organisations is set out in the table below.

Organisation	Year	Funding
Young Irish Filmmakers	2020	€25,000
Young Irish Filmmakers	2019	€45,000
Raising Films Ireland	2020	€15,000
Film Network Ireland	2020	€10,000

In relation to details of any third-party contracts entered into for the purpose of conducting community and voluntary activities in the tourism sector, this is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply, within ten working days as provided for under Standing Orders.

I trust that the above is of assistance to the Deputy.

Sports Capital Programme

Ceisteanna (142)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects to open applications for major capital sports grants including swimming pools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37655/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects including swimming pools with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027.  Provisional allocations totalling €77.4m for 25 projects under Stream 2 (construction) of the LSSIF were announced on 10 January 2020. On  13th January additional provisional allocations of €5m for a further 7 projects under Stream 1 (design) of the LSSIF were announced. Of these 32 grants, 8 swimming pool projects have been awarded funding.

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 LSSIF 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.

In relation to smaller capital projects, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. A full Review of the latest (2018) round of the SCP has now been completed and the terms and conditions of the next round of the programme will be based on the recommendations in the Review.  I  intend to publish the guide to making an application and to launch the new round of the programme before the end of this month. This will include the specific details of when applications will be accepted but I expect this to be from early December. To take account of travel and other restrictions arising from the Covid pandemic I intend to give applicants until early February to complete the application process.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (143, 146, 149, 151)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has engaged with major cultural stakeholders including the voluntary sector with a view to identifying the full extent of impact arising from Covid-19 and the means with which to counter same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37656/20]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has engaged with the events sector with a view to identifying the extent to which she can offer assistance in respect of the impact arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37659/20]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has managed to promote or support the arts sector with particular reference to dealing with the issues arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37664/20]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she hopes to generate interest in the arts in 2021 with a view to identifying the most effective means of so doing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37667/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 146, 149 and 151 together.

I am acutely aware of the need to support our arts, culture and events sectors through these challenging times.  I have been in regular and sustained contact with a broad range of stakeholders over the past weeks and months. I have had bilateral engagements with a wide range of stakeholders and agencies under the aegis of the Department.  I have set up a number of taskforces and consultative for a to ensure that I have the most up to date information about the difficulties facing these sectors. This includes the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce and the Night-time Economy Taskforce, involving a broad range of stakeholders with experience and insight to develop sustainable roadmaps for the recovery of these sectors. The quality and depth of these engagement led to favourable outcomes for the sectors in the July Stimulus and in Budget 2021. I will continue this positive engagement with the sectors and consider the recommendations of the taskforces and the views of consultative fora in regard to any further necessary measures or supports required as a consequence of Covid-19.  

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has funded a wide range of activities in the arts and cultural sphere, many of which involve the online presentation of events that would normally have taken place live and in-person. These include a myriad of online performances, events such as Cruinniú na nÓg and a wide range of activities presented online by Ireland's National Cultural Institutions.

I would particularly note the important advocacy role played by the Arts Council that has worked diligently with my officials to raise awareness of the challenges facing our sectors and to identify ways to support them throughout this pandemic. I have increased funding to the Arts Council in 2020 by over €25m and increased it further, to €130m for 2021.  Since the onset of COVID-19, the Arts Council has extended its reach and in 2020 has provided grants to many individuals and organisations that have not previously receive Arts Council funding.  The increases reflects Government's acknowledgement of the important role that arts and culture play in our economy and society and recognises the devastating impact COVID-19 restrictions have had on the sector.

In Budget 2021, the Government announced the provision of support of €50m for the live entertainment sector.  This will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector and will support live entertainment across the country.  The 2021 supports for the live entertainment sector will be the subject of further consultation with stakeholders.   It will also be informed by a pilot Live Performance Support Scheme now rolled out, to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances to provide employment to workers in the creative industries. 

The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce set up in response to the Programme for Government has now reported.  Along with Chair Clare Duignan, the members of the Taskforce brought together a depth knowledge and experience.  The Taskforce makes 10 recommendations for survival until the sector opens up again and to retain the expertise of the creative, technical, production and support workforce so there are still arts, culture and entertainment events for audiences to enjoy in better times. The report can be accessed at the following link https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/97103/f957257b-e3f1-4268-b4a4-1d5917bb5c59.pdf#page=null

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (144)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which all aspects of tourism have been evaluated to determine the impact of Covid-19; if specific arrangements are being made to deal with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37657/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

A Tourism Recovery Taskforce (TRT) was appointed in May to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which includes a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the crisis. The Taskforce comprised an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. During the course of its work, the TRT carried out a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties could provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this sector vital to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, the Taskforce undertook a comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the sector and drew up a Recovery Plan containing over 30 recommendations across a number of areas designed to help the sector to survive and recover from the crisis out to 2023. Its short-term recommendations informed the sector-specific measures adopted in the Budget. These measures will help tourism enterprises to survive and subsequently contribute to the recovery. Key measures adopted in Budget 2021, further to the horizontal measures such as the EWSS and CRSS and measures previously introduced like the ‘stay and spend’ tax credit and adaptation grants, are:

- A Business Continuity Scheme of €55 million for strategic tourism businesses;

- A reduced VAT rate of 9%, and

- Funding of €5 million for focused upskilling training to support business survival and recovery in the sector, and for the improvement of the digital presence and ecommerce capability of tourism businesses. 

The plan was published at the start of October and to help inform the ongoing response to the pandemic, I will shortly appoint an Oversight Group which will monitor the implementation of the Recovery Plan as well as the recovery of the tourism sector in general.

Future of Media Commission

Ceisteanna (145)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has examined the impact of social media on conventional media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37658/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

In recognition of the importance of a sustainable Irish media sector, the Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which is tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion.

On 29 September 2020 the Government agreed the terms of reference and membership of the Future of Media Commission. The Commission is chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, former President of Dublin City University, and includes experts in public service media, independent journalism, social media, new technology platforms, media economics, culture, language, creative content, governance and international best practice.

One of the goals of the Commission is to identify what the experience has been for public service broadcasters, other broadcasters, print and online media at local, regional and national level in delivering public service aims, and the challenges created for these media by new global platforms and changing audience preferences in relation to how content is delivered.

The Commission held their first two meetings on 29th October and 12th November.  Their deliberations will be informed by strong engagement with stakeholders and the public. The Commission will report in 9 months.

Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 143.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (147)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to have contact with the various sporting organisations with a view to enabling them continue while adapting protection against Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37662/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Minister Martin and I have ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sports sector, as do the officials in my Department. The engagement has taken many forms from virtual one to one meetings with National Governing Bodies of sport to larger group meetings, also conducted virtually. There are two main groups which engage with the sector, they are the “Expert Group on Return to Sport” and the “Covid-19 Sport Monitoring Group".

To facilitate the safe return of sporting activity, an Expert Group was established to provide advice and guidance to sporting bodies and to review protocols to ensure they are in compliance with public health advice. The Expert Group has had 24 meetings (up to and including Thursday 12 November) and has approved over 55 protocols from sporting bodies and other relevant organisations. In addition, the Expert Group has developed extensive guidance for the sport sector on assessing and mitigating the risk of infection at sports training and competitive events. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of the Group for their efforts which have facilitated a safe return to sport for children and adults.

The other main group which interacts with the sports sector is the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group. This group has met 8 times, most recently on Friday 6 November. I chair this group which comprises Department Officials, Sport Ireland and a broad range of stakeholders in sport such as National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships as well as other partners including the Federation of Irish Sport, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and Ireland Active. The group serves as a forum for the stakeholders to engage directly with the Minister on issues of concern for their members, such as the impacts of public health regulations, the challenges facing sports clubs and the economic impact of the pandemic on Ireland’s sport and leisure sector.

Recognising that the challenges of COVID-19 will continue into 2021, I can assure the Deputy that Minister Martin and I will continue our engagement with and support the sporting bodies.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (148)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent of her plans to reinvigorate the tourism sector in 2021 with particular reference to addressing the damage caused by Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37663/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Budget 2021 included a number of substantial measures to support and strengthen the tourism sector and are supplemented by the economy-wide business supports and social welfare measures.

As part of the Budget package of measures, €55 million has been provided for Business Continuity Schemes for strategic tourism businesses to help them survive through the pandemic and be there to help drive the recovery.  This funding will be administered by Fáilte Ireland and focused on those strategic businesses.  In addition, the Budget provided for an additional €5m investment in training and support to businesses to improve their web and digital presence.  Combined with the COVID Resilience Support Scheme (CRSS), the VAT cut and the rates waiver, the Government is helping to sustain businesses that have been most severely affected by the necessary public health restrictions.

The Tourism Recovery Taskforce, which reported to me in October, undertook a comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the sector and drew up a Recovery Plan containing over 30 recommendations across a number of areas designed to help the sector to survive and recover from the crisis out to 2023. Its short-term recommendations informed the sector-specific measures adopted in the Budget. To help inform the ongoing response to the pandemic, I will shortly appoint an Oversight Group which will monitor the implementation of the Recovery Plan as well as the recovery of the tourism sector in general.

Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 143.

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (150)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she can expect to assist, local community, recreation and sporting activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37666/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

On 2 November, Minister Martin and I announced details of an €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the various COVID-19 restrictions imposed since March 2020.

The funding, which is being allocated by Sport Ireland, will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, allowing sports organisations to offset significant losses incurred in recent months and add a semblance of certainty to planning for 2021. The significant investment will reach all levels of the sport sector with National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and thousands of grassroots clubs across Ireland set to benefit.

The funding package includes COVID-19 funding of €70 million, which will provide support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund.

The funding is being invested through grant schemes with Sport Ireland’s recognised funding partners, including the National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sporting organisations.  Sport Ireland will not provide funding directly to sports clubs, this funding will be accessed through programmes established by each of the National Governing Bodies in receipt of funding. It is expected that the National Governing Bodies will publish details of funding allocated to clubs under these programmes in due course.  

Under the Sports Restart and Renewal Fund, over €1.9 million was allocated to 1,637 clubs throughout the country as part of small grant schemes operated by Local Sports Partnerships.  These schemes provide an additional mechanism to support community groups and clubs who may not be affiliated to a national organisation or recognised National Governing Body but provide a vital local service.  

In recent contacts with the sport sector, it has been made clear that the financial and operational challenges associated with COVID-19 will continue into 2021. I am pleased to have secured an additional €26.25 million in the 2021 budget which will ensure that Sport Ireland can continue to support our valued sport sector next year. 

In regard to the Sports Capital Programme, a full Review of the 2018 round has now been completed and the terms and conditions of the 2020 round of the programme will be based on the recommendations in the Review.  I  intend to publish the guide to making an application and to launch the programme before the end of this month. This will include the specific details of when applications will be accepted but I expect this to be from early December. To take account of travel and other restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic I intend to give applicants until early February to complete the application process.  It is planned to make allocations later in  2021. 

Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.  Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.