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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 21 Jan 2021

Written Answers Nos. 101-120

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (101)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

101. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 10 November 2020, the cost of non-voted spend (details supplied) in each of the years 2018 to 2020, and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3133/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised the OPW is collating the information and I will respond to the Deputy by January 28th.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (102, 104, 106)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

102. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the meeting between the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine concerning Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3259/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

104. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 14 January, if he can justify the spending of the minor works flood mitigation scheme funds in view of the fact that the last minor works to construct a flood embankment was a failure and lead to the relocation of a family; if he is of the view that a minor works flood mitigation scheme application is an appropriate scheme to deal with rising groundwater rather than fluvial flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3431/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding provided by the OPW for the construction of a bund around a family home at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3440/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 104 and 106 together.

I are very aware of the significant impact on communities and distress arising from flooding and the continuing risk of flooding. I have seen at first hand the impact of flooding on people and their homes and farms and I convey my deepest sympathy to all of those in the area who are being affected by flooding and the risk of flooding from Lough Funshinagh. Following severe flooding during the winter of 2015/2016, Roscommon County Council applied, in 2018, to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding to undertake a study at Lough Funshinagh and its environs under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Funding approval in the amount of €72,000 was given and Roscommon County Council subsequently appointed Malachy Walsh and Partners to carry out this commission. Funding for this type of exploratory work is important to identify possible engineering solutions that meet the environmental and economic requirements in advance of progressing with engineering solutions.

A range of flood mitigation options have been considered for Lough Funshinagh. It was determined that the options were not economically or environmentally sustainable. I am advised that the current high water levels, while rare, are within the naturally occurring range. There is no evidence to suggest that the flooding was due to an abnormal decrease in the outflow rate from the Lough other than that due to possible seasonal variation in the subsurface water level.

I am advised by my Office that the OPW did not provide funding for works at the property referred to by the Deputy, I understand these works may have been carried out by Roscommon County Council.

Where no engineering solution is planned or possible for a property that was worst affected by the flooding events in 2015/2016, the Government has approved to offer humanitarian assistance to assist families relocate their primary residence. Accordingly, those property-owners in the locality of the Lough who have applied for the Government’s Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme are being advanced through this Scheme.

I met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D. and officials yesterday. We are very aware of the significant impact on the communities that flooding and the risk of flooding on Lough Funshinagh is having. I and my colleague discussed the issues in relation to Lough Funshinagh and continue to monitor the situation.

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (103)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

103. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Blackpool flood relief scheme, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3378/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme commenced in 2013 when the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with Cork City Council, appointed consultants to develop proposals to deal with the flood risk that existed in Cork City. Following extensive engineering and environmental analysis, public consultation, and a formal Public Exhibition, the proposed scheme for Blackpool was submitted to the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform for Ministerial Confirmation.

The Scheme and the associated environmental assessments are currently being reviewed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Confirmation process under the Arterial Drainage Acts as required following the transposition into Irish law of EU Directive 2014/EU/52 by way of the European Union (Environmental Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. Further information was requested by the Minister as part of the environmental impact assessment he is required to carry out on the scheme. This information was provided to the Minister on the 2nd November 2020 and it is anticipated, pending a review of the further information supplied, that a grant of Ministerial Confirmation for the scheme will be received shortly. Once the scheme is Confirmed, a tender competition will be held to appoint a works contractor which should lead to construction works being commenced before the end of this year.

Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 102.

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (105)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

105. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the opening to the public of the recently refurbished tower by the OPW at Roscommon Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3439/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am delighted to confirm that refurbishment and access works to the south-facing tower of Roscommon Castle overlooking the town park have now been completed. This 13th Century Castle is an important National Monument and visitor attraction for the area. The timber overlay steps to protect the original ancient stone stairway and provide safe access were individually sized and crafted by the OPW skilled carpenters and apprentices at the National Monuments Athenry Workshops and the discrete safety handrail was supplied by a local engineering firm. This project was part of a coordinated development with Roscommon County Council who extended visitor parking and provided flood lighting for the Castle and I would like to acknowledge their assistance and support.

For health and safety reasons, visitors to the recently refurbished south west tower of Roscommon Castle must be accompanied. OPW expects to partner with the Roscommon Community Tourist Volunteer Group to assist with this and it is hoped, at this stage, that visitors can access the tower about Easter this year. This is dependent on a number of matters not least of which might be Covid 19 pandemic requirements at that time.

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 102.

Sport Ireland

Ceisteanna (107)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

107. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it is possible for a club (details supplied) in Limerick to apply for funding from Sport Ireland towards the provision of a games promotion officer similar to the situation that exists for Dublin clubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3327/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). There is no mechanism by which Sport Ireland can allocate funding to clubs outside of this process.

Sport Ireland allocates annual funding for the sport mentioned by the Deputy through its Field Sports Programme. The Field Sports Programme is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in field sports across Ireland. While Sport Ireland makes an overall Field Sport funding allocation to the NGB, decisions regarding the distribution of that funding across the various provinces and counties are a matter for the NGB in line with their priorities. This includes decisions on funding for the provision of games promotion officers.

The clubs mentioned by the Deputy should engage with their NGB in relation to funding for the provision of games promotion officers.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (108)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 13 January 2021, the supports available for arts, entertainment and events companies, particularly for those dependent on weddings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An allocation of €50 million was made in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector. It is intended that the rollout of the funding would include measures that will build on grant schemes launched under the July stimulus, such as the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" and the "Music Industry Stimulus Package". Officials in my Department have gained valuable insights from these schemes and will apply these learnings when allocating funding this year. Other measures are also under consideration including those which have emerged from engagement with the sector and with stakeholders.

This engagement is ongoing and included a recent meeting between officials of my Department and the Wedding Bands Association. It is hoped that further details and decisions will be announced shortly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (109)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

109. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has met representatives of the commercial live events sector to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on operations; if the current supports from the Government need modification in order to sustain the underlying core of the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2974/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department and I have been engaged on an ongoing basis with the various representative groups from the commercial live events sector including numerous meetings and have listened to the varying views of the sector.

An allocation of €50 million was made in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector. It is intended that the rollout of the funding would include measures that will build on grant schemes launched under the July stimulus, such as the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" and the "Music Industry Stimulus Package". Officials in my Department have gained valuable insights from these schemes and will apply these learnings when allocating funding this year. Other measures are also under consideration including those which have emerged from engagement with the sector and with stakeholders. This engagement is ongoing and it is hoped that further details and decision will be announced shortly.

Cruinnithe an Aire

Ceisteanna (110)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

110. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an féidir cóip de dhialann an Aire Stáit, a bhaineann leis an tréimhse ó ceapadh é mar Phríomh-Aoire agus Aire Stáit an Spóirt agus na Gaeltachta i mí Iúil 2020 go dtí an lá inniú, a chur chugam; agus an gcuirfear dialann an Aire Stáit ar fáil go poiblí ar líne as seo amach. [3330/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ba mhaith liom a chur in iúl don Teachta gur oifig an phríomh-aoire i Roinn Taoisigh a dhéanann bainistíocht ar dhialann an Aire Stáit maidir le réimse an Spóirt agus na Gaeltachta faoi láthair.

Socróimid go seolfar cóip chuig an Teachta go luath.

Fáilte Ireland

Ceisteanna (111)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level funding to be provided in 2021 for Fáilte Ireland's platform for growth programme; when the next round of projects will be approved under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3486/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Tourism Industry

Ceisteanna (112, 113, 114, 116)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she proposes to take to further alleviate the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector in the course of 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3513/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has engaged in a sector-by-sector evaluation of the tourism industry with a view to putting in place measures most likely to be in a position to facilitate recovery from the impact of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3514/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department is prepared for a longer than expected Covid-19-related negative impact on the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3515/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for the regeneration of the tourism sector in the coming year notwithstanding Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3517/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 114, inclusive, and 116 together.

I am fully aware of the impact COVID-19 has on tourism nationwide and I also acknowledge that public health restrictions continue to be very challenging for the tourism sector. The recently commenced rollout of the national vaccination programme is a welcome development and provides hope that in 2021 we will see the beginning of the recovery for the sector but this will not happen overnight. For now, the focus remains on helping businesses and jobs in tourism to survive the pandemic.

Across the economy, a range of financial supports have been put in place to give businesses the best possible chance of surviving this difficult period. The most significant of these supports is the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). According to Revenue Commissioners, over €4.5 billion worth of such payments have been made to employers since the pandemic began through the EWSS and its predecessor the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). As of 14 January 2021, the Revenue Commissioners have received 18,000 registrations for the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS) covering 20,700 premises, with €200.6 million CRSS payments processed. Tourism businesses and employees have been significant beneficiaries of these measures. There are a number of other horizontal supports which have also benefitted tourism businesses, including: the Restart Grant; the €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme; the package of liquidity and enterprise investment measures to support small and micro companies; corporation tax refund and income tax relief for the self-employed; and the warehousing of tax liabilities.

Last year, a Tourism Recovery Taskforce was appointed to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan with recommendations on how best the Irish Tourism sector can adapt and recover in a changed tourism environment as a result of the crisis. The taskforce did a widespread consultation whereby all sectors within tourism had an opportunity to contribute to the taskforce’s deliberations. In addition, the taskforce met with stakeholders from all of the main sectors in tourism which helped inform the recommendations in the Tourism Recovery Plan. The taskforce presented its Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023 to me on 30th September last. The Plan makes a number of recommendations to help tourism businesses to survive, stabilise and recover from the COVID pandemic. It has been a very useful input for me and my colleagues in Government in considering measures to assist the sector and will remain so as we move from survival to recovery.

The Tourism Recovery Plan was taken into consideration for Budget 2021, where substantial measures were put in place to support and strengthen the tourism sector. There was a record level of funding for Tourism overall, an increase of €59 million over 2020 allocation, to just under €221 million. The VAT rate for the Sector was reduced to 9% to help improve competitiveness and viability of businesses. In addition, a €55million business continuity scheme was introduced to help strategic tourism business survive the pandemic and drive recovery. Funding of €5 million has also been provided for upskilling training and to improve digital presence.

Other Tourism Specific and Horizontal Supports Available include:

- Fáilte Ireland’s €26 million COVID-19 Adaptation Fund;

- The Stay and Spend Initiative;

- A €10m Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme;

- An €8m Restart Grant Plus to include B&B accommodation; and

- A €10m fund to support Ireland based inbound agents who package, sell and distribute Ireland’s tourism product overseas.

As recommended in the Recovery Plan, an independently chaired Recovery Oversight Group has now been established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the Plan and monitor the sector’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. I expect that this Group will submit its first report to me in the coming weeks with an update as to how the sector is faring and where the focus should lie in respect of the Plan’s recommendations. I will take this Group's findings into account as I consider any further measures which may need to be adopted to support the sector in the short term. Subsequent measures to promote the sustainable recovery of the sector will be considered in the context of the National Economic Plan.

Arts Promotion

Ceisteanna (115, 117, 118, 123)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her ongoing plans to generate increased cultural activity, notwithstanding the ongoing presence of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3516/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she plans to promote the arts remotely or otherwise in 2021 given the persistence of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3518/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department can directly or indirectly engage with those in the promotion of the arts throughout 2021, notwithstanding the difficult health situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3519/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to encourage the promotion of the arts in schools and colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3524/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 117, 118 and 123 together.

The Government has already responded to the challenges facing the arts, and culture sector through a number of recent measures. Some €25 million was provided in June, including €20 million for the Arts Council, as well as additional supports for regional museums. A further €29 million was announced in the July stimulus, including funding for the Arts Council, Screen Ireland, our national cultural institutions, a music stimulus and supports for live performance. Significant additional funding was announced in Budget 2021, with €130 million allocated to the Arts Council for 2021 and €50 million for supports for life performance. Many of the supports in 2021 allowed included provision for extensive online content to be generated. Supports have also been provided to those impacted in the arts, culture, performance and events sector through the pandemic unemployment scheme and various wage subsidy schemes.

In 2021, my Department will continue to expand the delivery of our Creative Ireland programme, including through the innovative Arts and Ageing initiative with IMMA announced late last year, the wider Creativity in Older People programme and the Creativity in Schools initiatives in partnership with the Department of Education. A further 164 schools will participate in the Creative Schools initiative in 2021.

The report of the arts and culture recovery task force, entitled Life Worth Living, has made ten recommendations to aid the survival of this sector during Covid-19 and beyond under three themes: ensuring recovery; building resilience; and facing forward. The ten recommendations seek to protect livelihoods, mitigate income loss; ensure fair play for the makers of creative content; secure the viability of the live events industry; sustain local authority capacity to support arts and culture; ensure well-being; build sectoral capacity; make space for arts and live entertainment; provide more outdoor public spaces for cultural events; and address the environmental impact of arts, culture and event activities. The task force report is extremely beneficial to the Government as we examine ways to help the arts and culture sector to emerge from this unprecedented position.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 112.

Questions Nos. 117 and 118 answered with Question No. 115.

Sports Events

Ceisteanna (119, 121)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she continues to engage with the various sporting authorities with a view to maximising sporting activity while maintaining best practice to contain the Covid-19 virus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3520/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department can encourage various sporting activities to take place during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, with particular reference to the need of those involved in all sports throughout Ireland while at the same time minimising physical contact and adhering to hygiene rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3522/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 121 together.

The gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of permitting the range of sporting activity that ordinarily takes place and which provides considerable physical and mental health benefits. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations. Sporting activity is not considered essential in this context.

The Government to keen to facilitate the maximum possible level of sporting activity at the earliest possible date once the public health circumstances have improved to the extent required.

In preparation for the resumption of sporting activity, my Department and Sport Ireland continues to engage with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the broader COVID-19 measures for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government at the appropriate time. I can assure the Deputy that the Government wishes to ensure that sport can continue to play the maximum possible role in sustaining people’s physical and mental wellbeing and consequently their general morale.

In December 2020, I wrote to all National Governing Bodies of sport seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. Additional correspondence and templates to gather information was also provided by Sport Ireland. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 42 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently underway.

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (120)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to assist in the provision of sporting and recreational facilities throughout Ireland with maximum community benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3521/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.

Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.

The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. On 30th November, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced that a new 2020 round of the Programme was opening with applications accepted from 11th December. The closing date for applications is the 1st March. At least €40 million is available and 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.

It is a key objective of the programme to encourage the sharing of sports facilities and applications that demonstrate sharing receive extra marks at assessment stage.

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