Written Answers Nos. 336-358
336. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has considered proposals to introduce a national bilingual packaging policy that would see all packaging contain both Irish and English text; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 contains a commitment to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold in Ireland, as a mechanism to develop the range of areas available in which people can choose Irish as a language of exchange.
In addition, paragraph 2.8.1.2 of the Governments 2018-2022 Irish Language Action Plan states that Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, will deliver a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including:
- a funding support scheme focused on Small and Medium Enterprises: This is a grant scheme with matching funding of up to €3,000 to support the professional development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;
- a Business Support Resource Pack: There are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge from the self-order system. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;
- a Guide to Best Practice: As part of a series of publications, two booklets have been published to give practical guidance to the business sector on the use of bilingualism: ‘Bilingual Signage' and 'Bilingual Packaging'. The next guidebook will focus on the use of bilingualism electronically and on websites; and,
- a Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.
Officials in my department will continue to engage with Foras na Gaeilge, ensuring implementation of actions under Paragraph 2.8.1.2.
In addition, my Department provides funding to organisations such as Gael-Taca in Cork; Gnó Mhaigh Eo in Mayo; Gaillimh le Gaeilge in Galway, and more recently, Cill Dara le Gaeilge in Kildare, to support and encourage businesses in the use of Irish.
I have also recently been contacted by the organiser of a campaign to promote the use of bilingual packaging and my officials are engaging with him with a view to considering his proposals.
337. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if wet pubs are eligible to apply for outdoor seating grants under Fáilte Ireland. [21224/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development and administration of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
338. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when businesses will be able to apply for and draw down funds under the music entertainment business assistance scheme which was launched on 9 March 2021. [21231/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra377. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports in place for the live events and entertainment sector; the status of the live performance support scheme 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the live performance sector; the details of applications under the €25 million fund to support events that will take place on or before 30 September 2021; the breakdown of applicants by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22040/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of the music entertainment business assistance scheme; and the timeline for the roll-out of same. [22315/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the mechanisms her Department has put in place to ensure an open competition for project tendering with regard to the recent grant funding allocated to local authorities to fund live performances in summer 2021. [22316/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 377, 389, 408 and 409 together.
Recently, I was pleased to announce a €50 million suite of measures to support those in the Live Entertainment Sector. As part of this suite, an allocation of €25 million is being made available under the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021. This scheme builds on the successful outcomes of the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS) in 2020, which provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of musicians, actors, crew and technicians and the valuable insights gained. This new scheme is aimed at commercial venues, producers and promoters in the culture sector and will support employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and continued high quality artistic output for the general public. Over 400 applications have been received seeking grants of €80m. Assessment of applications to the scheme are currently underway.
An allocation of €5 million will also be made available to local authorities for outdoor live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit. This will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers. Performances can be recorded or streamed if health restrictions prevent live events. Local authorities will be encouraged to engage events companies to develop and deliver a programme of performances and seek to engage as diverse a range of performers as possible. The administrative arrangements and requirements for this scheme are being finalised and further details will be announced in due course.
As a further support measure for those in the live entertainment industry, an allocation of €14m will be made available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. The main features of this new scheme will see support offered by way of two levels of flat payments:
- €2,500 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €20,000 - €100,000;
- €5,000 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000.
Under the scheme, businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers - whether sole traders, partnerships or incorporated entities - operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector will be eligible to apply. This scheme has been developed following wide consultation with the sector. Administrative arrangements for this scheme are being finalised and it is hoped that it will open for applications in the coming weeks when the necessary IT systems are in place.
In addition to these measures, €5 million is being made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector.
339. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a formal response has been delivered to an organisation (details supplied) in respect of a document that was furnished to her Department in October 2020. [21238/21]
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 sports are permitted to take place behind closed doors.
The plan 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.
A Working Group was established to investigate how a safe return of some spectators could be facilitated. It was comprised of 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.
The working group prepared draft guidelines which have been reviewed by the Expert Group on Return to Sport. Officials from my Department consulted with other relevant public sector bodies on the draft guidelines and ongoing assistance is being provided by colleagues across the public sector in this regard.
We had hoped to be in a position by now to have hosted test events but the epidemiological situation has not allowed those to go ahead. I would reiterate that the return of spectators to sport and other cultural events remain a priority for this Department. However, test events can be held only if we are at Levels 1 and 2.
Officials of my Department did update members of the group in writing on progress of the draft report in the months after its receipt and senior representatives of the organisations involved are in regular and ongoing contact with the Departments on this matter and related matters. A specific response has also issued to the correspondence referenced by the Deputy.
I would like to take this opportunity to again express our thanks to the members of the Working Group for their efforts to date and for keeping public health at the core of its considerations.
340. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she plans to permit the graduated return of antigen tested spectators to sport. [21239/21]
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 sports are permitted to take place behind closed doors.
The plan 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.
A Working Group was established to investigate how a safe return of some spectators could be facilitated. It was comprised of 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 lessons 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.
The Working Group prepared draft guidelines which have been reviewed by the Expert Group on Return to Sport. Officials from my Department are presently consulting with other relevant public sector bodies on the draft guidelines and are receiving ongoing support on that basis. I would like to reiterate our thanks to the members of the Working Group for their efforts to date.
The Report of the Covid-19 Rapid Testing Group was recently published by the Minister for Health. That report can be considered to broadly propose three phases of development. Use antigen alongside testing regimes already in place to verify their usefulness, move antigen testing into new areas and lastly to consider use of antigen tests to assist with the return of spectators to events. For example recommendation B1.9e reiterates the premise that rapid testing trials should begin with participants of sports and only later be used for spectators. The report will be among the materials that will help inform the eventual return of spectators to sports grounds when it is safe to do so.
My Department will monitor closely how our health authorities are progressing with early trials of rapid testing for Covid-19 at scale. In the meantime, we will continue to be guided by Health officials on how best to allow for safe attendance at sporting and cultural events. We are cautiously optimistic that test events can be undertaken over the course of the summer but that will depend of course on the evolution of the epidemiological situation.
341. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the UEFA European Football Championship games planned in June 2021 in Ireland will proceed with spectators' present. [21240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra342. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being taken to ensure that the UEFA European Football Championship games planned for June 2021 in Ireland will proceed; and if it is planned to implement a report (details supplied) rapid Covid-19 testing to facilitate the attendance of spectators. [21241/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
All partners of the EURO 2020 Local Organising Structure in Dublin - Government, the FAI, Aviva Stadium and Dublin City Council - recognised the challenges presented by spectator attendance at Aviva Stadium for the scheduled hosting of the four matches and that public health issues were the most important consideration in that regard.
The Football Association of Ireland, on advice and guidance from the Department, on 7 April notified UEFA that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic it was not in a position to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA EURO 2020 matches which were due to be held in Dublin in June.
Following a meeting of their Executive Committee on 23rd April UEFA confirmed that the four games which Dublin had been due to host have been moved to St. Petersburg and London.
While this decision is disappointing it is not unexpected given UEFA's stated desire to have fans present at the postponed EURO 2020 tournament. It is anticipated that the experience and expertise developed in planning for these games, as well as the improvements made to the Aviva Stadium, will place us in good stead to host future significant fixtures.
343. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department can assist in the recovery of the tourism, sport, culture and entertainment sectors in the context of Covid-19 with particular reference to the need to rejuvenate these sectors within the shortest timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11531/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra344. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her preferences for the promotion of tourism, arts and culture over the next year notwithstanding the continuing presence of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3392/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to examine ways and means to facilitate a recovery post-Covid-19 by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22328/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the means in which she expects recovery to take place in respect of the various specific sectors under her aegis with particular reference to the maximisation of interest in and opportunities for those directly impacted in respect of employment in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22335/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her priorities for the tourism, culture, arts, Gaeltacht, sport and media sectors throughout the remainder of 2021 and thereafter with particular reference to the need to respond to opportunities and challenges when Covid-19 is brought under control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22342/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 343, 344, 412, 419 and 424 together.
The COVID-19 pandemic has utterly changed the operating landscape for the sectors my Department supports. I recognise the ongoing impact the pandemic and associated public health measures continues to have on these sectors, on the people who work in them and on the communities that depend on them.
However, we should also recognise that these tough decisions have enabled all of us, through collective action, to protect the most vulnerable in our society, and with the ongoing rollout of the vaccination programme we find ourselves positioned at the beginning of a process where we can start to focus our efforts on economic and social recovery.
I have been actively working with and for the sectors within my remit to ensure that they are supported during the pandemic and have established a number of fora and taskforces to ensure that I have the most up to date information about the difficulties facing these sectors.
I have also worked with my colleagues across Government to ensure the availability of horizontal supports that are critical to the survival of many in our sectors. These include the income supports of PUP and the wage subsidy scheme which continue to be key to supporting to all sectors thorough this crisis. Additionally, Government is providing a range of enterprise supports such as the CRSS (COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme), the CBAS (COVID-19 Business Aid Scheme), commercial rates waivers etc., which many businesses in the sectors my Department supports can avail of.
In parallel with these developments, key commitments in the Programme for Government were advanced, including the establishment of the Night-time Economy Taskforce and the Future of Media Commission, both of which are looking at longer term polices in respect of night time culture and media respectively.
There has already been some key changes for the sports and tourism sectors in April. These include the reopening of outdoor visitor attractions, outdoor sports facilities and the return of underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15.
As we come into the summer months more activity can take place outside. Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with the local authorities, aims to develop outdoor dining capacity nationwide with a budget of €17million. €5m will also be allocated by my Department to local authorities to facilitate programming of outdoor live performances in summer 2021 animating town centres for local communities, should public health considerations permit. It will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers.
Minister Chambers is engaging with the National Governing Bodies both bilaterally and through the COVID-19 Sports Monitoring Group with regard to the supports required in the period ahead.
The Government's - The Path Ahead - plan particularly recognises the need for bespoke sectoral supports to address the worst impacted sectors like Tourism and Culture in the forthcoming National Economic Recovery Plan.
I am resolved to continue to work with stakeholders across my sectors to monitor the evolving situation and to work with my Government colleagues to support these sectors not just during this pandemic, but into the all-important recovery phase which will follow it.
Over the coming months, as the restrictions ease and the vaccine programme is rolled-out, we will see the safe and successful reopening of our society, and with it our Tourism sector, our Arts and Culture venues and events, and the eventual welcoming back of fans to our sports grounds.
345. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to ensure social media companies take more responsibility for persons hosting malicious, harassing and abusive content on their platforms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill will establish a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner, dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish regulatory frameworks for online safety and the regulation of audiovisual media services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
It will be the role of the Online Safety Commissioner to oversee the regulatory framework for online safety. As part of the framework, the Commissioner will devise binding online safety codes that will set out how regulated online services, including social media services, are expected to deal with certain defined categories of harmful online content on their platforms. The defined categories of harmful online content include criminal material, serious cyberbullying material and material promoting self-harm, suicide and eating disorders.
Broadly speaking, the terms referenced in relation to online content: malicious, harassing and abusive, are covered under the OSMR Bill, both in terms of the category of harmful online content concerning criminal material and the category concerning serious cyberbullying material.
For example, harassment is specifically covered under the category of harmful online content involving criminal material as it is a criminal offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, as amended by the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020 or Coco’s Law.
In the event of continued failure to comply with a relevant online safety code, and subject to Court approval, the Media Commission will have the power to sanction non-compliant online services, including through financial sanctions of up to €20m or 10% of turnover.
The finalisation of the General Scheme of the OSMR Bill was approved on 8 December 2020. Detailed legal drafting of the Bill by the Office of the Attorney General is progressing well and the Government has placed the Bill on its priority list for publication in the summer 2021 legislative session.
In addition to this, the Joint Oireachtas Committee has commenced pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill, including oral hearings which began on 13 April 2021.
346. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider including traditional pubs in the cohort of businesses that can avail of the new outdoor grant for the hospitality sector. [21300/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to Fáilte Ireland’s Dining Enhancement Scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with local authorities across the country. As the development and administration of this scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
347. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to open funding for large-scale sports infrastructure funding as detailed under the Programme for Government; if so, when the funding will be made available; if both stream 1 and 2 applications will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21314/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra348. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is considering reviewing previously unsuccessful applications for the large-sale sports infrastructure fund; if so, when this review will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21315/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.
The National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund. The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount (€300,000) available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP).
Approximately €86.4m of this allocation has already been awarded to 33 proposals and the priority in the short term is on advancing these projects. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded including to previously unsuccessful applications. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals, whether Stream 1 or 2, will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.
349. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure access to fibre optic broadband and consistent phone signal for Gaeltacht communities and in particular the communities of Seanphobal and An Rinn, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21359/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department has no statutory role in the provision of communications networks, which the Deputy rightly acknowledges responsibility for delivery of the National Broadband Plan is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Delivery of high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland is a government priority and my Department has a particular interest in ensuring that our Gaeltacht regions are better connected and have access to high speed broadband.
Údarás na Gaeltachta, although not having a direct role or responsibility in the provision of broadband, has been to the forefront in recent years in highlighting the essential fibre broadband needs and requirements of rural Gaeltacht communities and in particular, Gaeltacht enterprises and business parks.
To this end, a significant number of Gaeltacht areas and Údarás na Gaeltachta business-parks are now supplied with fibre broadband or VDSL connections. This represents progress but the importance of the ongoing roll-out of improved connectivity across all Gaeltacht regions cannot be understated.
In relation to An Seanphobal and An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht, Údarás na Gaeltachta supported client-companies in their endeavours to have fibre broadband brought to the areas. To that end, client companies in both An Rinn and An Seanphobal have been able to avail of fibre for the last three years - resulting in a significantly improved service.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has pioneered the concept of remote working in rural Gaeltacht areas and its gteic Digital Network of 30 innovation & digital hubs to be developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta in locations throughout Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.
There are up to 16 hubs in operation with additional hubs coming on line as the lockdown restrictions are eased. These hubs include hot desk and shared space facilities for remote workers, entrepreneurs, concept developers and eworkers in addition to fully equipped office spaces and incubation units with high speed internet access to facilitate innovation and concept development in Ireland's Gaeltacht areas. The gteic network will be central to providing opportunities for remote working, especially for the Gaeltacht Diaspora looking to return home after the pandemic, with up to 700 desk spaces available when further hubs open and social distancing restrictions are eased.
This initiative not only aligns with key objectives of supporting enterprise development and innovation in remote areas but also continues to exploit the emerging opportunities in these regions on foot of the ongoing roll-out of the Government's National Broadband Plan.
350. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason traditional or wet pubs are not included in the outdoor dining scheme; if this exclusion will be reconsidered; the grant supports that will be made available to allow pubs to carry out similar works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21381/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Government remains committed to supporting tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. In this regard, the Government will soon be publishing a National Economic Recovery Plan outlining how we will help people return to work and support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As part of that plan, the Government will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
351. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to bilingual packaging will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21384/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 contains a commitment to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold in Ireland, as a mechanism to develop the range of areas available in which people can choose Irish as a language of exchange.
In addition, paragraph 2.8.1.2 of the Governments 2018-2022 Irish Language Action Plan states that Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, will deliver a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including:
- a funding support scheme focused on Small and Medium Enterprises: This is a grant scheme with matching funding of up to €3,000 to support the professional development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;
- a Business Support Resource Pack: There are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge from the self-order system. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;
- a Guide to Best Practice: As part of a series of publications, two booklets have been published to give practical guidance to the business sector on the use of bilingualism: ‘Bilingual Signage' and 'Bilingual Packaging'. The next guidebook will focus on the use of bilingualism electronically and on websites; and,
- a Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.
Officials in my department will continue to engage with Foras na Gaeilge, ensuring implementation of actions under Paragraph 2.8.1.2.
In addition, my Department provides funding to organisations such as Gael-Taca in Cork; Gnó Mhaigh Eo in Mayo; Gaillimh le Gaeilge in Galway, and more recently, Cill Dara le Gaeilge in Kildare, to support and encourage businesses in the use of Irish.
I have also recently been contacted by the organiser of a campaign to promote the use of bilingual packaging and my officials are engaging with him with a view to considering his proposals.
352. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the need to expand the outdoor dining scheme to wet pubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21398/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development and administration of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Government remains committed to supporting tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. In this regard, the Government will soon be publishing a National Economic Recovery Plan outlining how we will help people return to work and support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As part of that plan, the Government will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
353. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the outdoor dining enhancement scheme will be available to businesses in rural parts of County Carlow that need to adjust their business to facilitate outdoor dining but are not located in urban centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21455/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development and administration of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to provide further information directly to the Deputy in response to her question. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
354. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of public swimming pools under the local authority swimming pool programme in each local authority; and the year in which each pool opened to the public in tabular form. [21525/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of outstanding applications under the local authority swimming pool programme; and if she plans to reopen applications to the programme. [21526/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of public swimming pools under the local authority swimming pool programme which are closed for reasons unrelated to the current Covid-19 restrictions; and the rationale for these closures in each local authority in tabular form. [21527/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra357. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of public swimming pools under the local authority swimming pool programme which are awaiting refurbishment; the estimated costs of refurbishment; and the estimated dates of completion. [21528/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the procedure of her Department for determining the need for swimming pools in each local authority; and the grounds on which they are allocated. [21529/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 to 358, inclusive, together.
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the programme. A table showing the 52 completed pools and the date of opening is attached.
In relation to the three remaining pools, work on the Lucan project has commenced. Both Buncrana and Edenderry are at Contract Documents stage. There are no outstanding applications under the LASPP.
Exchequer support for any new swimming pool projects is now being provided under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The LSSIF was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects including swimming pools with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Provisional grants to 8 swimming pool projects under the LSSIF were awarded in January 2020. Those projects are now at various stages of a due diligence process. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, my Department is undertaking a review of the LSSIF Programme which is expected to be complete in the coming months. This review will consider, inter alia, progress on all existing grants and whether any additional grants should be awarded. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan.
My Department does not have the requested information in relation to public swimming pools which are closed for reasons unrelated to the current Covid-19 restrictions and the rationale for these closures. The Department's direct role is to provide capital support for the construction of some of these pools and the Department has no role in the day-to-day running of these facilities. .
In relation to future needs, the National Sports Policy 2018 -2027 (NSP), launched on 25 July 2018, commits to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. This will involve close collaboration with relevant Government Departments, Local Authorities, sporting bodies and other stakeholders. As part of this, there will be a review of swimming pool provision to identify where gaps exist and how these can be met. Furthermore, a Sport Action Plan, covering the period to end 2023 is nearing completion and will be published shortly. It is envisaged that the development of a national swimming strategy will be significantly progressed as a priority action in the early stages of that Action Plan.
