Written Answers Nos. 40-58
40. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a broadband connection given that the infrastructure is in place and all that is required is a card or switch to be activated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40713/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 23 November 2020, over 136,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Surveys have been completed in County Clare in the areas of Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and NBI indicative dates for fibre connections for premises in these areas, which are close to the border of Limerick, is mid 2021. Further surveys have recently commenced in the areas of Kilkishen, but deployment information is not yet available from NBI for this location.. Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection.
Further details are available on specific areas in Clare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie.Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website in this regard, with a rolling update on network build plans. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 20 November, 149 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI, with 59 already connected to high speed broadband service. The remaining locations will be connected through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development in the coming months. In Clare, Cree Community Centre, Loop Head Lighthouse and Michael Cusack Visitor Centre BCPs have been connected. A further BCP at Loughraney has had infrastructure installed by NBI and will be connected in the coming weeks. Some 52 schools throughout Ireland have now had infrastructure installed by NBI, with 23 schools already connected to high speed broadband. In Clare, a number of schools including Shragh, Ennistymon and Stonehall National Schools are now connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
I understand that there can be instances where premises remain unconnected, although close to premises that are passed by eir’s fibre network. Eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators as to where they build infrastructure and provide services. Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind.
41. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is legal to sell coal without the EPA badge on the bag; the person or body responsible for monitoring coal sellers to ensure they are compliant with legislation and taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40749/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoal and low-smoke coal based products being offered for sale within the State must meet certain environmental specifications. The National Standards Authority of Ireland has prepared an annual traceability audit system, known as SWiFT 7, for showing compliance with these requirements. Bagging operators placing coal and low-smoke coal based products on the market must have a SWiFT7 certificate and register with the Environmental Protection Agency. For the purposes of establishing compliance, the scheme also requires that a non-detachable label be included on the packaging of all solid fuel placed on the market in the State as a mark of quality and traceability. Failure to do so is an offence under the Air Pollution Act, which provides for fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction.
Local Authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance with these requirements, and for issuing enforcement proceedings as appropriate. Responsibility for matters in relation to taxation remains the responsibility of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
42. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 3 November 2020, the reason the Air Corps were not awarded the SAR service contract (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40521/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be clear, there has been no decision to award the next SAR contract. The process has however commenced to consider options for the next Search and Rescue Aviation contract as the existing contract comes to an end over the coming years. Some initial appraisal work has commenced around options which the Deputy has referred to in the details supplied. A more detailed business case is currently being prepared as part of the Public Spending Code process. This will be brought to Government early in 2021, after which a formal tender procedure will commence. The Department of Defence and the Air Corps are members of the Steering Group, charied by the Director of the Coast Guard, charged with managing this process. The current status of the procurement process can be referenced on eTenders and a dedicated webpage on Gov.ie - hyperlink here: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ed653-irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-sar-aviation-project/.
43. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the requirement for bus operators to have an establishment and adequate parking spaces for their vehicles as set out in the Guide to Passenger Transport Operator Licencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40572/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU legislation sets out a number of requirements that must be satisfied in order to be eligible to hold a road transport operator licence in either road haulage or road passenger transport, one of which is establishment. Article 3 (a) of Regulation (EC) No. 1071 of 2009 requires undertakings engaged in the occupation of road transport to have an effective and stable establishment with premises at which it keeps its core business documents.
Article 3 (c) of the Regulation requires undertakings to conduct their operations concerning vehicles with the appropriate technical equipment and facilities at an operating centre situated in the Member State.
Accordingly, one of the conditions stated on a Road Passenger Transport Operator Licence is that the licence holder must ensure that adequate parking spaces and operating premises are provided within the State for all vehicles being operated. As part of the application process for a Road Passenger Transport Operator Licence, applicants make a declaration that they agree to abide by any terms and conditions on the licence.
44. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed resurrection of the Metro South project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40668/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including light rail/metro.
I would note that the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 will provide for a full public consultation on all relevant issues including the potential for other metro routes in the Dublin region. The Deputy is likely aware that the review has commenced with the publication of an Issues Paper and further consultation is planned for 2021.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
45. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is no rail representative on the board of the National Transport Authority; if he will consider rectifying this lack of representation given that the development of a more sustainable form of public transport must be a priority for Government; that some regional lines across the country do not receive the level of attention they should and that this key sector of our public transport system cannot be properly promoted at decision making and financial spending level without a place on this board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 14(1) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended by Sections 29 and 30 of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, provides that the National Transport Authority (NTA) shall consist of a Chairperson and 11 ordinary members, who perform and carry out the functions of the NTA in accordance with the Acts, and that appointments to the Authority are made by the Minister for Transport.
The legisaltion specifies that (other than for the three ex officio appointments required by the legislation), appointments are made from persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have wide experience in relation to transport, industrial, commercial, financial, land use planning or environmental matters, the organisation of workers or administration.
The NTA has responsibility for the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and the provision of public transport infrastructure. As Minister, I will continue to have regard to the need for an appropriate mix of experience across relevant areas, including rail, when filling future vacancies on the Board of the NTA.
46. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Finance if the recent restart, restart plus and restart top-up grants will be liable for tax in future returns made to the Revenue Commissioners by businesses. [40568/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe restart, restart plus and restart top-up grants are a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. In the case of a sole trader who is within the charge to income tax, such a grant would be taken into account in computing amounts chargeable to income tax. I am advised by Revenue that the tax treatment of the grant will depend on how it is used.
Where the grant is used by the sole trader to defray expenditure which is revenue in nature, such as utility or insurance expenses costs, it will be taken into account when calculating the trader’s taxable trading profits. Where a grant is used to fund the acquisition of plant and machinery for use in the sole trader’s business, expenditure which is capital in nature, the trader will be entitled to claim capital allowances in respect of that expenditure net of the grant received.
A similar treatment applies for a company in receipt of the restart, restart plus and restart top-up grants.
47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if funding not drawn down or allocated from the stay and spend scheme could be ringfenced for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Stay and Spend tax credit is to provide targeted support to businesses within the hospitality sector whose operations are likely to be most affected by continued restrictions. It provides relief direct to the consumer rather than the business and, as such, it would not be practicable to redirect the relief to the industry. As a demand led scheme, it is difficult to forecast the cost to the Exchequer in 2021 and 2022 of the measure. When it was announced in late July, it was tentatively estimated that the scheme could involve an Exchequer cost of about €270 million. This was an outside estimate based on 2.15 million individual taxpayers fully availing of a tax credit of €125.
The scheme is due to operate until 30 April next year but I do have the flexibility to extend it beyond that date.
However, much will depend on how matters unfold in the weeks and months ahead both in terms of the impact on take up and on associated costs. I will be monitoring the scheme, to see how it’s working and if any changes need to be made. We need to keep policies that are working, and change ones that might not be working as planned, but at all times, ensuring they are affordable.
However, to the extent that spending on the scheme may be less than the original cost estimate, this of course means that we need to borrow less and accumulate less debt.
Furthermore, it is important to recall that the Stay and Spend tax credit should not be viewed in isolation from the other measures I have put in place to support businesses generally and the hospitality sector in particular. The VAT reductions; the extension of the wage support scheme until next year and its extension to new or seasonal staff; and other Government measures all play a part in helping the sector cope with the challenges it faces.
48. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if the tax year income from the pandemic unemployment payment paid since March 2020 to 31 December 2020 will be assessed for income tax purposes for persons who make self-employed tax returns based on an accounting year from 1 April to 31 March each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40704/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments made under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) are income supports and share the characteristics of income. The PUP follows the general taxation rule for social welfare type payments and, thus, is chargeable to income tax, but exempt from the USC and PRSI charges. This will be the case whether, prior to receipt of the PUP, the recipient was a PAYE worker or a self-employed individual.
The formal taxation arrangements for the PUP are being legislated for in Finance Bill 2020 and the legislation reflects the standard approach to taxation of social welfare benefits, including jobseekers benefit for the self-employed, which is to tax the benefits on an actual basis under Schedule E. In the absence of formal legislation providing for the taxation of the PUP, the payments would be taxable under Case IV of Schedule D, which would also be on an actual basis.
Being taxed on an actual basis means that for each tax year, recipients of the PUP are taxed on the payments that are actually received in the corresponding calendar year. This is the case regardless of the period for which a self-employed individual carrying on a trade or profession prepares his or her accounts for that trade or profession.
49. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if tax losses made in the tax year 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be able to be offset against profits for the tax year 2020 for persons whose tax returns are based on an accounting year from 1 April to 31 March each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40705/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to the accelerated loss relief provisions that I introduced earlier this year to assist companies and self-employed individuals that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.
Dealing with income tax first, section 10 of the Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Act 2020 introduced a new Chapter 2A ‘Income tax: Covid-19 loss relief’ in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (‘TCA 1997’). This provides for a number of temporary income tax measures to assist self-employed individuals. Section 395A TCA 1997 provides for income tax relief for losses incurred in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 by individuals carrying on a trade or profession, either as sole traders or in partnerships. The section provides that where, in a tax year, an individual carrying on a trade or profession:
- incurs a loss which would be available to carry forward to the following tax year, and
- all or part of the loss is incurred in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020,
then the individual may claim to have any part of the loss that is incurred in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 carried back and set off against the profits of the same trade or profession for the tax year 2019. Subject to meeting certain conditions, self-employed individuals may make an interim claim for relief in respect of an estimated amount of the relief that will be due to them under section 395A TCA 1997. Similar provisions apply in respect of unused capital allowances relating to the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. The maximum amount of relief that an individual may claim in respect of losses and capital allowances is capped at €25,000.
Where a self-employed individual incurs losses in the tax year 2020 and the tax year 2021, relief will be available where, in the tax year, part of those losses were incurred in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. Therefore, the loss relief will be available to a self-employed individual who prepares their annual accounts on the basis of the period 1 April to 31 March each year. Examples setting out the operation of this relief are contained in Revenue’s Tax and Duty Manual Part 12-01-03, which is published on Revenue’s website.
Turning now to corporation tax, section 11 of the Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Act 2020 introduced a new section 396D in the TCA 1997. The provision allows companies, subject to certain conditions, to make a claim to carry back up to 50% of their estimated trading losses incurred in an accounting period which contains some or all of the period 1 March to 31 December 2020, against their profits of the preceding accounting period.
Under normal rules, this carry back would not take place until up to nine months after the end of the loss-making accounting period, when the corporation tax return is filed. The accelerated corporation tax loss relief allows claims to be made (and revised if necessary) at any time from four months into the loss-making accounting period and up to five months after the end of that accounting period. This significantly accelerates the tax repayments to companies that can be generated from the offset of these losses against previously taxed profits. The balance of the loss will be available for carry back in due course under normal rules, when accounts have been prepared after the end of the company’s accounting period and a corporation tax return has been filed. Therefore, provided it satisfies the relevant conditions, a company with a 12-month accounting period ending in March 2021 will be allowed to project the trading loss that it expects to suffer in its 2021 tax year and to lodge an early claim for carry-back of some of that expected loss against taxable profits of the prior year, being the accounting period ended 31 March 2020.
Income tax example
A self-employed trader prepares his tax returns on the basis of the period ended 31 March each year.
For the tax year 2020, the basis period is: 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020. If the trader incurs a loss in the tax year 2020 (i.e. in the period 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020), the loss relief will be available for that part of the loss that was incurred in the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020.
For the tax year 2021, the basis period is: 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021. If the trader incurs a loss in the tax year 2021 (i.e. in the period 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021, the loss relief will be available for that part of the loss that was incurred in the period 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020.
However, regardless of whether the loss was incurred in the tax year 2020 or the tax year 2021, where relief is available the loss is to be carried back and set off against the profits of the same trade or profession for the tax year 2019. The rationale for this is that it was, and is, considered that it would be more beneficial to businesses to have the losses set back to a period during which the COVID-19 restrictions were not in place and normal trading conditions applied.
50. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if qualifying goods as referred to in section 64 of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020 includes all purchases for export being made by a qualified person while on vacation in the State or the purchases in one premises or shop for the purposes of the €75 minimum expenditure provided for in the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40708/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purposes of section 64 of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020 the calculation of the €75 minimum expenditure is based on invoice value. A person’s total purchases from a single supplier must be greater than €75 to qualify under the scheme. The aggregate value of several goods may be used only if all those goods are included on the same invoice issued by the same supplier supplying goods to the same customer.
51. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be generated by setting a minimum withholding tax of each of 15% and 25% on all royalty payments leaving the State for a non-EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be generated by setting a minimum withholding tax of 15% and 25% on all dividend payments leaving the State for a non-EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
In relation to question 40711, I am advised by Revenue that tax returns do not separately identify the amount of royalty payments leaving the State for non-EU countries. Furthermore, if Irish tax legislation was amended to provide for a minimum withholding tax on all royalty payments leaving the State for a non-EU country, this would also be subject to the rules for the taxation of such payments as agreed in double taxation treaties with the counties of receipt. For this reason, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the revenue to be generated by applying a withholding tax on such payments.
Regarding Question 40712/20, the primary purpose of Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) is to collect tax at source from dividend payments and other distributions made by Irish resident companies to resident individuals who are chargeable to income tax on such distributions. A credit is then allowed against the individual's income tax liability for the DWT deducted on the distributions. Non-resident persons, who are not chargeable to tax in respect of the dividend income concerned, are generally exempt from DWT. There are certain exceptions to this general treatment, such as REIT dividends in respect of which foreign shareholders may be subject to DWT.
Deducting DWT in cases where there is no ultimate liability to Irish tax on the dividend income would result in any DWT deducted being refunded, creating an additional administrative burden for the recipient of the dividend and for Revenue, with no net additional yield to the Exchequer. Also, as with royalty payments, if the Irish legislation was amended to provide for a minimum withholding tax on all dividend payments leaving the State for a non-EU country, any amounts withheld would be subject to the relevant tax treaty rules on such payments.
53. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of work undertaken by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in view of the European Commission official downgrade of the Northern and Western region from a More Developed Region to a Transition Region post-2020; and the way in which he is planning to administer the estimated €1 billion in European Structural Funds apportioned for the period 2021 to 2027. [40539/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will have access to the following EU funds, the administration of which are governed by the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR), for the 2021 to 2027 programming period:
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;
- European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) - under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science;
- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) - under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
- Just Transition Fund (JTF) – under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications;
- Asylum and Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF); Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI); and the Internal Security Fund (ISF) – under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth,
In relation to ERDF, Ireland is likely to receive €350m in funding for the period 2021 – 2027 co-financed by the exchequer, and for transition regions that involves 60% EU funding with 40% matched Exchequer funding. I have acknowledged that the northern and western region of Ireland has been designated as a 'Region in Transition' and in light of this, I have recently announced that the Northern Western Regional Assembly will act as Managing Authority for the Operational Programme under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for this region. Work on the drafting of the Operational Programme is now underway.
The Northern Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has already played an active role to date in the process of programming for the next round of ERDF, in conjunction and cooperation with officials from my Department.
The NWRA are represented on the Partnership Process Steering Group (PPSG), which guides and advises on the programming of all of the Common Provision Regulation Funds, through the development process of the Partnership Agreement for the period 2021 – 2027.
The Steering Group oversaw the development of a Needs Analysis by Indecon Economic Consultants, which specifically looked at regional development needs. This report includes a chapter focused on the needs of the Northern Western region. This chapter was included in the report in recognition of the change in the region's status under the European Commission's methodology to a region in transition, and in order to examine in more detail the specific challenges faced in the region.
The NWRA and the other two Regional Assemblies are also part of a working group, which launched a consultation process to inform the selection of priorities for the use of EU cohesion funding for the next period. As part of this consultation a webinar was held on the 28th of July, breakout sessions were organised on a regional basis, and this included a focus on the main priorities of the individual Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
The working group is currently finalising a report, the primary purpose of which is to present the findings and analysis from the public consultation submissions, including the qualitative messages from the national workshop event conducted on 28th July. This report, along with the Needs Analysis, adopted by the PPSG in July, will inform the ERDF programming for 2021 – 2027
54. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the public health guidelines under which she could allow the resumption of pod swimming classes [40547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only at Level 3. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes at this level. My Department has issued guidance to the sports and leisure sector confirming that group swimming lessons are not permitted in Level 3. Only one-to-one swimming instruction is permitted in Level 3.
While the Government fully understands the benefits that sport brings 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) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
While I am pleased to note that COVID-19 data indicates some improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider further easing of restrictions, including those currently applying to swimming pools and the resumption of swimming classes.
55. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the direct business financial aid available to companies and their owners that have no fixed office and-or premises that are closed due to Covid-19 restrictions and the lack of international and domestic tourists. [40588/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified that she is referring to tour operators, tour package organisers and bus tour companies.
I was pleased to make €10m available as part of the Government’s July Stimulus to assist the Coach Tourism sector. The Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is administered by Fáilte Ireland and the deadline date for receipt of applications was 5 November. Following engagement with the sector Fáilte Ireland has reopened the scheme to allow existing applicants to update their applications and the deadline for receipt of this information is 4 December. Fáilte Ireland has also developed an Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme. The closing date for receipt of applications is 8th December 2020 and this scheme is subject to adoption by the European Commission.
56. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an exception could be made to the numbers allowed into stadia for GAA matches for the remainder of the season to allow full panels into the stadium for a match (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40607/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided that full panels may attend the relevant matches that are permitted to take place in accordance with the prevailing public health regulations. Players must comply with social distancing and all other relevant public health advice, as is the case for all those permitted to be in attendance.
57. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will liaise with Fáilte Ireland for the purposes of re-opening the Covid-19 adaptation fund; if she will support changes to the eligibility criteria of the scheme to allow for restaurants and cafes without a wine licence to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40526/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund closed to new applications on 31st October 2020. The Fund has since been re-opened to new applications to accommodate those pubs that were not able to open due to public health measures. The closing date for applications for pubs is 18th December 2020.
Fáilte Ireland will be in a position to assess the demand on the fund when all applications have been received and assessed. The administration of the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for any further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
58. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding theatres in the Plan for Living with Covid-19; when she expects theatres to be reopened; the analysis her Department has carried out or commissioned into the risk of contracting Covid-19 in theatres given the unique characteristics of theatres as controlled environments in which audience members all face the same direction and which easily facilitate contact tracing and staggered entry and exit times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40558/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s medium-term Strategy Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19, in a range of areas, over a period of 6 – 9 months.
The Plan aims to allow society and businesses to operate as normally as possible, while protecting our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Plan consists of 5 levels each with a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe, but are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease.
The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios is based on experience and reviews of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.
Under Level 3 of the Framework, live performance in front of an audience is not permitted and theatres remain closed to the public. Under the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 9) Regulations 2020), the filming, or other recording of performances in a theatre, concert hall, museum or art gallery, without an audience present, is permitted for the purposes of broadcasting such performances on the internet, radio or television.
The Arts Council is working with theatres and arts centres and other representative bodies to ensure that there is comprehensive guidance available to ensure compliance with the public health guidelines. It intends to continue this work over the coming months. Earlier this year, Theatre Forum produced guidelines for the safe re-opening of theatres and under which, theatre operated safely and successfully during the summer months. (available at https://www.theatreforum.ie/forum-notice/reopening-arts-centres-guidelines/).
I am very conscious of the importance of theatre in Ireland. It is an important source of employment for artists and arts workers, and it is an art form which engages and connects society, in addition to providing a source of well-being support. My Department, in conjunction with the Arts Council and National Cultural Institutions are working with Theatre Forum to ensure the safe re-opening of theatres as soon as the relevant public health advice permits.
