Written Answers Nos. 35-55
35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to facilitate a national policy debate on the issue of the financial health of the Irish media further to the review of the strategic communications unit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36126/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to support a thriving independent Irish media further to the review of the strategic communications unit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36127/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 72 together.
Well-functioning media systems, and in particular public service broadcasting, deliver four important public services to Irish society;
- To inform, educate and entertain the Irish public with regard to matters of Irish culture, identity, sport, language and other matters inherent to Ireland and the Irish people;
- To ensure that the public has access to high quality, impartial, independent journalism, reporting on matters of local, regional, national, European and international importance in a balanced way and which contributes to democratic discourse;
- To bring the nation and diaspora together at moments of great national importance;
- To ensure that creative Irish talent gets the opportunity to have their work reach audiences in Ireland and, where possible, further afield
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future , in recognition of the importance of a sustainable Irish media sector, 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.
The goals of the Independent Commission are to:
- Identify what the Irish experience has been in delivering the above aims through public service broadcasters, other broadcasters, print and online media at a local, regional and national level and the challenges created for these media by new global platforms and changing audience preferences in relation to how content is delivered;
- Consider the extent to which the current models of delivery are the appropriate ones the next 10 years;
- Review best practice in other comparable jurisdictions, particularly across the European Economic Area in terms of providing future-proofed models for meeting the above four public services in light of changing audience expectations, in particular the preferences and behaviours of younger audiences
The Commission is tasked with:
- proposing how those public service aims should be delivered in Ireland over the next ten years;
- how this should contribute to supporting Ireland’s cultural and creative sectors;
- how this work can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money to the public;
- making recommendations on RTE’s role, financing and structure within this framework;
- How this is overseen and regulated, having regard to our EU obligations including the requirements of the revised Audio-visual Media Services Directive.
The Members of the Future of Media Commission are:
- Chair of the Commission, Professor Brian MacCraith, former President of Dublin City University
- Sinéad Burke, Director of Tilting the Lens, writer and academic active in social media, and member of the Council of State
- Alan Rusbridger, Chair of the Steering Committee of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, and former Editor-in-Chief of Guardian News and Media
- Lynette Fay, freelance broadcaster (broadcasting as Gaeilge and in English on BBC Radio Ulster) with an academic background in applied communications
- Nuala O’Connor, co-founder of South Wind Blows, writer and documentary filmmaker in the areas of music and the Arts
- Gillian Doyle, Professor of Media Economics (Theatre, Film and Television Studies), University of Glasgow
- Mark Little, CEO and co-Founder of Kinzen. Founder of social news agency, Storyful
- Stephen McNamara, Director of Communications, Irish Rugby Football Union
- Dr Finola Doyle-O’Neill, Broadcast Historian, University College Cork
- Siobhan Holliman. Deputy Editor of The Tuam Herald and Press Council member
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.
36. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will review the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland levy in view of the continued lower income levels of independent radio stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37287/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Broadcasting Authority of Ireland waived the levy for the independent radio sector in quarters 1 and 2 saving the sector €1m. I secured €839,000 in Budget 2021 to recoup the BAI for the waiver.
Additional supports were put in place from the Sound and Vision Scheme which is funded from the TV Licence fee. There was a special Covid round for the commercial radio of €2.5m with all 32 applicants getting assistance. €750,000 was also provided for the community radio sector. The BAI is currently considering applications for the most recent round for the audiovisual and independent production sector with decisions expected later this month. This round will provide an additional €4.5m to the sector which includes €2m in additional funding that I secured under the July stimulus package.
The sector has also benefitted from general Government Covid supports including €4.6m from the Wage Subsidy Scheme up to the end of September.
The BAI are reporting to me quarterly on the impacts on the sector and I will keep the position under review.
37. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there will there be increased funding for Scéim Pobal Gaeilge in view of the additional funding allocated to Foras na Gaeilge in budget 2021. [37344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudgets for all Cross Border Bodies, including An Foras Teanga, are approved by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). An indicative provision of €13.383m was provided within this Department’s Vote for An Foras Teanga in 2020.
Budget 2021 provided an indicative increase of €1.779m for cross-border co-operation in the languages sector. This includes funding of €450,000 for commitments made by the Government under 'New Decade. New Approach'. The 2021 allocation, which is subject to further discussion with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and to approval by the NSMC, would allow Foras na Gaeilge (one of the agencies of An Foras Teanga) expand their language and cultural programmes to new areas and increase funding, where appropriate, for existing language groups, to include Scéim Pobal Gaeilge.
The following revised reply was received on 22 Nollaig 2020.
Budgets for all Cross Border Bodies, including An Foras Teanga, are approved by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). An indicative provision of €13.383m was provided within this Department’s Vote for An Foras Teanga in 2020.
Budget 2021 provided an indicative increase of €1.779m for cross-border co-operation in the languages sector. This includes funding of €450,000 for commitments made by the Government under 'New Decade. New Approach'. The 2021 allocation, which is subject to further discussion with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and to approval by the NSMC, would allow Foras na Gaeilge (one of the agencies of An Foras Teanga) expand their language and cultural programmes to new areas and increase funding, where appropriate, for existing language groups, to include Scéim Pobal Gaeilge.
38. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le ceist 24442/20, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le ionad pobail ar Inis Meáin; an bhfuil tús curtha leis an obair tógála; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37349/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs tríd an Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga a chuireann mo Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil chun áiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a thógáil nó a uasghrádú sna ceantair Ghaeltachta ar leas foriomlán an phróisis pleanála teanga.
Cheadaigh mo Roinn allúntas ar fiú €424,462 chun ionad pobail a fhorbairt ar Inis Meáin i mí Dheireadh Fómhair seo caite. Tá an t-allúntas sin sa bhreis ar an €31,880 a cheadaíodh don obair chomhairleorachta i leith an togra - rud a fhágann go bhfuil cúnamh ar fiú €456,342 ceadaithe ag mo Roinn don togra. Is ag an sean-ionad tumadóireachta atá an t-ionad nua á thógail, áit ina mbeidh spás poiblí, oifigí do chomhlacht forbartha an oileáin agus cóiríocht do mhol digiteach san áireamh ann.
Níor mhiste a lua - de thoradh athbhreithniú a bheith déanta sa samhradh ar an uasleibhéal cúnaimh atá inghlachta faoin gclár i leith tograí pobail ar na hoileáin Ghaeltachta - gur deontas ionann le 90% den chostas iomlán inghlactha, seachas 80% mar a bhí i bhfeidhm roimhe seo, atá i gceist sa deontas thuas.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil tús curtha leis an obair thógála cheana féin ar an suíomh agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh an obair críochnaithe faoi mhí Aibreáin 2021 nó mar sin.
39. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the sports capital programme will be open for submissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37156/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the sports capital grant will open for new applications in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37393/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the opening of applications for the sports capital grant. [37401/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the sport capital programme for 2020 as recently referred to by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht; when the announcement will be made; the amount of funding the grant will contain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37385/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeline for the rollout of the sports capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37403/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 41, 45, 55 and 66 together.
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. Over 12,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to close to €1 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved.
With regard to the 2020 rounds of the programme, a full Review of the 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 programme before the end of this month. This will include the specific details of when applications will be accepted and 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. 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.
40. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which she plans to track, monitor and measure the impact of the support packages following the significant investment in the arts. [37372/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll grants issued by my Department to agencies or other bodies are subject to the provisions of Circular 13/2014 from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds, including provisions in relation to Service Level Agreements and on monitoring and reporting.
While absolutely necessary to protect us all, the impact of the public health guidelines has been extremely challenging for the sectors supported by my Department. The arts are integral to our society; supporting economic activity, employment and enhancing societal well-being. The public-facing and audience driven nature of the arts means that each time there is an escalation in the Level applicable under the Plan for Living with Covid-19 these sectors are often the hardest hit.
I am acutely aware of the need to support our sectors through these challenging times and have been in regular and sustained contact with a broad range of stakeholders over the past weeks and months. In addition to bilateral engagements with a wide range of stakeholders and agencies under the aegis of the Department, a number of taskforces and consultative fora have been established 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. These involve a broad range of stakeholders with experience and insight to develop sustainable roadmaps for the recovery of these sectors. This engagement led to the very favourable outcomes achieved for these sectors in the context of the July Stimulus and 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. The Deputy will be aware that I put in place substantial measures in Budget 2021 to support and strengthen the arts. This engagement with stakeholders has been key in providing a comprehensive response to ameliorate the impact of Covid-19.
I also established the National Cultural Institutions Consultative to ensure the necessary guidance and supports are in place to comply with the requirements of the Government’s Plan for Living with COVID-19 including the Expert Group on the Return to Sport.
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.
42. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to bid for major sporting events post the current health restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMajor Sports Events have the potential to drive participation in sport, contribute to trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic growth. Such events can also increase national pride and affect how we are viewed internationally.
In recent years Ireland has won the bid to host Ryder Cup 2027, EURO 2020 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and engaged in a bid for Rugby World Cup 2023.
Decisions to bid for any future major events will be made with regard to the potential costs and benefits and, in this regard, my Department is starting to develop a strategy for bidding and hosting major sporting events, as set out in the Programme for Government.
43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports her Department has made available for local radio since July 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2020, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) held two closed rounds for radio, targeted at the independent commercial and community radio sectors respectively. In June 2020, the BAI awarded €2.5m Sound and Vision funding to 32 independent commercial radio stations across the country supporting public awareness and understanding of COVID-19. This was in addition to a waiver on the broadcasting levy for the independent radio sector for Q1 and Q2 2020 which saved the sector €1m. I secured €0.839m for BAI for 2021 to recoup the cost of the waiver.
In addition, the BAI distributed €750,000 during the summer in a special round for the community radio sector.
The purpose of the Sound and Vision Scheme is to support eligible content across the broadcasting sector as a whole, ensuring a balanced and fair approach. In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, I secured an additional €2m in exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme under the July Stimulus Package. This greatly enhanced the funding available for the final round of the Scheme this year (round 37), bringing its total value to €4.5m.
This funding round is open to those elements of the radio sector that were not eligible for the rounds to commercial and community radio earlier in the year, namely independent audio producers and public service radio. In addition, the round is open to independent audiovisual producers, and commercial, community and public service television stations. The BAI are now evaluating the applications and will announce the awards to successful applicants in the coming weeks.
I am receiving quarterly reports from the BAI in relation to the financial impacts of COVID-19 on the sector. In addition, I met the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) which represents the independent commercial radio sector, earlier this week and have committed to engaging further with them and with the BAI to address the ongoing challenges in the sector.
44. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the results of the pilot project announced in the July stimulus will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37387/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier in the month I announced the recipients of a pilot Live Performance Support Scheme to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the coming months, with a total of 59 organisations benefitting from the scheme. The main objective of the scheme is to provide employment opportunities in the live performance sector while also complying with public health protection measures. Grants ranged from €10,000 to €400,000. The funds will support a variety of live events planned including concerts, pantomimes, theatre productions, festivals, outdoor performances and comedy events.
The scheme was heavily oversubscribed with over 100 applications seeking funding of over €16m for events which would be staged in the lead up to and during the 2020 festive period.
This was a pilot scheme and it was the first of its kind which was developed following consultation with the sector. The operation of this scheme will inform any future similar schemes. The Department is engaging with successful and unsuccessful applicants to assess the operation of the scheme in 2020 with a view to informing future schemes. It is expected that a scheme of this kind will be provided in 2021 as part of a suite of measures to be funded from the €50 million announced as part of Budget 2021.
The Press Release listing all the recipients including further details can be viewed on my Department's website.
46. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress made to date on the collection of the TV licence fee; and her strategy for improving collection. [36595/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a commitment will be given to not increase the TV licence fee and to instead ensure that there is a more efficient method of collection. [36596/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 51 together.
An Post acts as my issuing agent for TV Licence fee collection under Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
The vast majority of people pay their TV licence fee. The level of evasion has decreased from 15.3% at the end of 2013 to 12.57% at the end of 2019.
Among the measures taken by An Post to reduce evasion have been changing TV Licence Inspectors attendance to allow Inspectors to make visits later in the evening when people are more likely to be at home. Inspectors also work every second Saturday, again with a view to getting a response at the door.
Inspection areas have also been re-assigned as certain areas have grown rapidly over the years. Some of the administrative work has been centralised to allow more time for Inspections.
An Post and RTÉ have also worked on a marketing campaign that seeks to ensure both new and repeat sales.
The TV Licence fee has remained at €160 since 2008 and I have no plans to change the level of the fee.
The Future of Media Commission was established by Government in September 2020. An important part of its remit includes the longer term considerations in relation to the funding of Public Service Broadcasting.
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will request the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to provide additional sound and vision funding to the sector covering the period September 2020 to February 2021 similar to the scheme rolled out in April 2020. [37288/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support local radio stations in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37396/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the need to protect local media in view of the fall in advertising revenue associated with Covid-19. [37406/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 67 and 69 together.
I acknowledge the valuable source of reliable and trustworthy news that local radio offers in a time of uncertainty and with much disinformation in circulation. Local radio also plays an important role in bringing communities together, strengthening their bonds of solidarity and mutual support. I recognise the challenges faced by the sector due to COVID-19 and am pleased the supports in 2020 provided a valuable source of funding at this challenging time.
During 2020, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) held two closed rounds for radio, targeted at the independent commercial and community radio sectors respectively.
In June 2020, the BAI awarded €2.5m Sound and Vision funding to 32 independent commercial radio stations across the country supporting public awareness and understanding of COVID-19. This was in addition to a waiver on the broadcasting levy for the independent radio sector for Q1 and Q2 2020 which saved the sector €1m. I secured €0.839m in Budget 2021 to recoup the BAI for this levy waiver.
In addition, the BAI distributed €750,000 this year in a special round for the community radio sector.
The purpose of the Sound and Vision Scheme is to support eligible content across the broadcasting sector as a whole, ensuring a balanced and fair approach. In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, I secured an additional €2m in exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme under the July Stimulus Package. This greatly enhanced the funding available for the final round of the Scheme this year (round 37), bringing its total value to €4.5m. This funding round is open to those elements of the radio sector that were not eligible for the rounds to commercial and community radio earlier in the year, namely independent audio producers and public service radio. In addition, the round is open to independent audio-visual producers, and commercial, community and public service television stations.
I was pleased to note the impact the Government horizontal supports are continuing to have on substantially reducing the cost base for the commercial radio sector during the restrictions. A total of €4.3m has been received across the industry from the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Support Scheme. Local radio has also been included in the Government’s current advertising campaign on resilience.
The BAI continue to report to me quarterly on the Impact of COVID-19 on Commercial Radio Sector. I recently received the quarter 3 report and I am pleased to note the small growth in advertising revenues in that quarter. However I recognise that the current lockdown has again had a severe impact on the sector, especially at local level. The BAI will continue to report to me on a quarterly basis and the Q4 report will help give a picture of the overall impact on the range of supports for the year.
The BAI is currently finalising the most recent round and no decisions regarding 2021 rounds have been made as yet. However the BAI will be meeting with representatives of the independent radio sector to discuss the approach to Sound and Vision in the New Year and I very much welcome that. I will continue to work closely with the BAI to see how we can best support the sector in the coming period.
48. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if specific financial supports are available for small voluntary sports clubs that are being charged business rates by utility companies; if her attention has been drawn to the financial impact of the issue for voluntary sports clubs which must fundraise to cover the higher costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37337/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 November, 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.
49. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support young persons returning to sports in a post-Covid-19 society given the substantial drop-off of participation in children’s attendance after the first lockdown. [37324/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI agree that it is vitally important that efforts continue to be made to promote and encourage increased sport and physical activity by young people for a whole variety of reasons, in particular and physical and mental well-being benefits.
While the restrictions on sport have been difficult, there are some encouraging signs concerning participation levels among young people during the pandemic. The latest Ipsos MRBI research on the ‘Impact of Covid-19 Restrictions on Sport and Recreational Walking’, carried out in July on behalf of Sport Ireland, indicated that at the peak of the pandemic restrictions, 89% of 15-24 year olds were taking part in recreational walking, compared to 51% prior to restrictions. Furthermore, 82% of 15-24 year olds indicated that they participated in Sport in the previous 7 days compared to 71% prior to restrictions.
In order to support sport through the pandemic, earlier this month, Minister Martin and I announced details of an unprecedented €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the various Covid-19 restrictions imposed since March 2020. This significant investment will reach all levels of the sport sector with National Governing Bodies (NGB), Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) and thousands of grassroots clubs across Ireland set to benefit.
In addition to this funding for NGBs, clubs and LSPs, Sport Ireland is pursuing a wide range of initiatives and programmes that are of particular interest and relevance to young people. Examples include youth leadership training and the development and dissemination of educational resource materials for parents to use to develop their skills in positively supporting children and young people’s participation in sport. There are also plans to promote more child centred clubs and also create a coaching module that is multi-sport, and is targeted at coaches of teenage girls teams/athletes that will address the dropout of teenage girls from sport/physical activity.
I will arrange for Sport Ireland to furnish a comprehensive report to the Deputy of its activities and plans in this area. Please contact my private office if you do not receive this within ten working days.
50. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of preparations being made for the return of spectator sporting events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37402/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Government’s living with Covid-19 plan spectators are permitted to attend sporting events in limited numbers when the relevant area of the country is at Level 1 or at Level 2 of the measures in place to keep us all safe. As the country is currently at Level 5 no spectators are permitted at sports matches or events. However, professional and high performance sport and inter-county Gaelic games matches are permitted to take place behind closed doors.
In the Government’s Plan for living with Covid-19, it states that for very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for events such as large national and international sporting events. This applies in respect of sporting events taking place during Level 1 and 2 of the Plan.
I would like to assure the Deputy that, notwithstanding the current Level 5 restrictions, the development of this guidance remains a high priority for both Minister Martin and me. A Working Group was established in September, shortly after the publication of the Government’s Plan, to investigate how a safe return of some spectators could be facilitated. It was comprised representatives of the FAI, GAA, and IRFU as well as stadium operations and event managers, officials from my Department and Sport Ireland. The Group reviewed international guidance, considered learning from spectator events hosted elsewhere in Europe, and consulted independent health and safety experts. The collaborative approach of the group saw contributions from all parties. I would like to thank the members of the Working Group for their efforts to date and for keeping public health at the core of its considerations.
The Expert Group on Return to Sport has reviewed the draft guidelines and officials from my Department are currently consulting with other relevant Departments on the draft guidelines. It is my hope that this consultation will be completed in the coming weeks and that the draft guidelines can be finalised and published before the end of the year.
The next step would be to schedule test events, which would most likely take place in the early part of next year. However, test events can be held only if we are at Levels 1 and 2. Any lessons that may be learned at test events would be fed into updated guidance and advice for further events. Thereafter, the operation of spectator events here and overseas would be subject to constant monitoring and the guidance updated as appropriate.
I would like to emphasise that at this stage the guidance is in draft form only and no decisions have yet been made on any test events. It is my hope that once completed the guidelines for sports stadiums will inform the development of tailored guidance applicable to other facilities like performance spaces and conference centres, and to facilitate a limited return for patrons at live music and other artistic performances.
52. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to target the over-65 age group to continue to enjoy and participate in sport in view of the fact that the Central Statistics Office projects that those aged 65 and over will account for approximately 17% of the population in 2026 compared to 13% in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37384/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Sports Policy 2018-2027 recognises that Ireland's older population is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades and the challenges and opportunities that such changes in demography present for participation in sport.
The National Sports Policy has set a target to increase adult participation in sport from 43% in 2017 to 50% by 2027. The Programme for Government is setting an even more ambitious target of 60%
in recognition of the importance of physical activity to the population’s physical and mental well-being. The National Sports Policy includes 57 actions to be implemented over the lifetime of the Policy, including a number of actions aimed at addressing the challenges around participation, including participation by older people.
A Sports Action Plan which will prioritise the actions to be implemented up to 2023 is currently being finalised and I expect that it will be published early in the new year.
In the meantime, Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the development of strategies for increasing participation in sport, is continuing its work to increase participation in sport by older people.
Sport Ireland provides funding to the National Governing Bodies of sport, the network of Local Sports Partnerships and other sporting organisations to deliver a wide variety of programmes and actions to encourage participation by people of all ages.
I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with a comprehensive outline of its strategies and activities aimed at increasing participation by those over 65 years of age.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the pilot project announced in the July stimulus to support the arts, live music and entertainment industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37386/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier in the month I announced the recipients of a pilot Live Performance Support Scheme to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the coming months, with a total of 59 organisations benefitting from the scheme. The main objective of the scheme is to provide employment opportunities in the live performance sector while also complying with public health protection measures. Grants ranged from €10,000 to €400,000. The funds will support a variety of live events planned including concerts, pantomimes, theatre productions, festivals, outdoor performances and comedy events.
The scheme was heavily oversubscribed with over 100 applications seeking funding of over €16m for events which would be staged in the lead up to and during the 2020 festive period.
This was a pilot scheme and it was the first of its kind which was developed following consultation with the sector. The operation of this scheme will inform any future similar schemes. The Department is engaging with successful and unsuccessful applicants to assess the operation of the scheme in 2020 with a view to informing future schemes. It is expected that a scheme of this kind will be provided in 2021 as part of a suite of measures to be funded from the €50 million announced as part of Budget 2021.
The Press Release listing all the recipients including further details can be viewed on my Department's website.
