Written Answers Nos. 374-392
374. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views regarding the ability of aquariums to remain in business and the potential negative impact closures could have on tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has introduced some very effective supports for tourism businesses and employees since the pandemic began last year, including the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the CRSS, the EWSS and the PUP. The Government has stated that there will be no cliff-edge ending to these supports.
Specific support for such businesses in question is a matter for my colleagues the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O'Brien TD, and Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD. I understand from them that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been involved in discussions with the zoo sector throughout the period of the pandemic in connection with difficulties faced by the sector as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and to consider how that Department might be of assistance.
In November 2020, Minister Noonan announced funding of €1.6 million for the zoo sector, to encompass all licensed zoos including aquaria. The funding was allocated in the form of a grant scheme, open to the 69 licensed establishments in Ireland. This was aimed primarily at preventing an animal welfare crisis as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Of the total amount of €1.6 million, a fund of €500,000 was available to assist small and medium sized zoos and aquaria. This financial support from my colleagues recognised the vital role played by our zoos and aquaria as networks for global conservation of biodiversity, as centres of learning and places where lifelong memories of families and children are made. This emergency funding will also safeguard employment and stimulate local economies in recovering by ensuring the continued operation of viable zoo establishments throughout the country.
As Minister with responsibility for Tourism, I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery and I continue to engage with bodies representing the visitor attractions sector. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Along with my colleagues in Government, I 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.
375. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta in strengthening the identity and branding of Gaeltacht areas and the development of a tourism strategy for the Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraÚdarás na Gaeltachta will shortly be launching its 2021 -2025 Strategic Plan which will set out a range of aims and objectives in overall support of the ongoing development of the Gaeltacht particularly in the realms of enterprise, community development and language planning. Against this backdrop the ‘Gaeltacht na hÉireann’ brand will continue to be deployed in support of the organisation's key objectives.
Work will also continue, in partnership with other key stakeholders including my Department, in further developing the Gaeltacht’s unique potential in the realm of cultural tourism. In that regard, a range of flagship tourism projects, marketing initiatives and capacity-building programmes, already in train, will be further advanced in a way that aligns with relevant Government policies and programmes including the National Development Plan and Our Rural Future. In that overall setting, Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to work in partnership with my Department, Fáilte Éireann, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
Usage of “Gaeltacht na hÉireann” branding continues to grow since its initial launch and is now in use by over 500 businesses, organisations, language planning groups and Gaeltacht organisations in a range of different contexts.
Top-class Gaeltacht products and companies were introduced to the world online as part of the 40th anniversary of Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2020. The Gaeltacht Craft EXPO and Gaeltacht Food & Drink Expo 2020 were held to celebrate Craft, Food and Drink products and companies. Both Expos were run under the auspices of the ‘Gaeltacht na hÉireann’ brand, linking the brand to the best of Gaeltacht products.
Furthermore, a Gaeltacht Directory has been developed on the organisation’s website providing online access to Gaeltacht companies and enabling product purchase under the overall branding initiative. A comprehensive digital campaign ‘From the Gaeltacht with Love’ was completed just before Christmas 2020, encouraging customers to support Gaeltacht companies and to purchase from them online.
The COVID-19 crisis has placed significant pressure on the tourism sector. It is, therefore, now more important than ever that Údarás na Gaeltachta continues to support the development of strategic Gaeltacht tourism facilities, including
- Fanad Lighthouse,
- Togra na hEaragaile,
- The Croithlí Distillery,
- Carna Emigrant Centre,
- Seanospidéal an Daingin,
- Leitir Mealláin Seaweed & Heritage Centre; and,
- Ionad Árann.
Údarás na Gaeltachta, through online workshops and seminars, is also working with existing and potential tourism businesses to develop tourism product that will provide unique Gaeltacht experience. Enabling the digitisation of tourism business through marketing and delivery of tourism services will be a key focus for the coming 2 – 3 years. In light of the challenges of COVID-19, Údarás na Gaeltachta is also working with community groups and employment schemes to upgrade and expand walking trails on Bealach na Gaeltachta.
A one year extension, to the value of €450,000, has been approved for 15 Gaeltacht tourism development officers under the tourism development scheme. These officers are working to develop visitor centres and marketing networks as well as specific recovery plans. Údarás na Gaeltachta organised online workshops during the summer of 2020 to enable businesses to take advantage of the domestic market and to develop and sell tourism experiences, products and services online.
The projects involved in the Gaeltacht Tourism Development Scheme are
- Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair
- Slí Chorca Dhuibhne
- Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas
- Ionad Deirbhile, An Eachléim
- Turasóireacht Chontae Dhún na nGall
- Carna Emigrant Centre, Carna
- Ionad Cois Locha Teo, Dún Lúiche
- Cósta Gaelach Chonamara & Árann
- Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca Dhuibhne
- Fanad Lighthouse
- Leitir Mealláin Seaweed & Heritage Centre
- Ionad Árann, Inis Mór
- Joyce Country Geopark
- Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal and,
- Áras Éanna, Inis Oírr
I trust this information regarding both existing and forthcoming actions on the part of An tÚdarás serves to provide an overview to the Deputy of the manner in which the commitment contained in the Programme for Government is being delivered.
376. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure the revival of tourism in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra381. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure the revival of tourism in Dublin city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21807/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure the revival of tourism in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21798/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 381 and 385 together.
The matters raised by the Deputies are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputies with further information on their work developing and promoting tourism in Ireland. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
378. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to engage with local authorities to increase the promotion of the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds organisations such as Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Gnó Mhaigh Eo and Gael Taca which are co-funded by the local authorities to promote the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht, to make it more visible and normalise it as part of everyday community life, with emphasis on encouraging the use of Irish in business.
The Department also engages with the Association of Irish Language Development Officers in the Public Service in order to provide the highest quality services through the medium of Irish in public bodies in which they operate, as set out in our Action Plan (2018-2022) for the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
Also, the Creative Ireland Programme is an all-of-government programme led by my Department which connects people, creativity and wellbeing.
Harnessing the creative potential of our people and communities is a cornerstone of the Creative Ireland Programme, and particularly through our Creative Communities initiative. In each of the 31 local authorities, the Creative Ireland Programme has established a Culture and Creativity Team which brings together local expertise in culture, arts, Irish language, heritage, libraries, enterprise and community engagement, to foster collaboration and spark new initiatives. A local Creative Ireland Coordinator has also been appointed for each local authority. With the help of creative, cultural and heritage organisations (including Irish language organisations), and community groups across the country, each local authority created a five-year Culture and Creativity Strategy 2018 – 2022, that has been published in English and Irish. These are locally-led and designed to enable people to work together to transform their communities, their lives and their environment through creativity. The corresponding projects which are programmed by the local authorities as part of the Creative Communities initiative encompass Irish language events.
In addition, and in close collaboration with the Gaeltacht Division of this department, the Creative Ireland Programme (through its Creative Youth Plan) supports Fighting Words to run creative writing workshops in Irish, when requested, throughout Ireland. An Irish language coordinator based in Conamara supports all such workshops in the Conamara Gaeltacht. The Creative Ireland Coordinators in local authorities have provided support to Fighting Words, when requested, to facilitate these workshops.
Also as part of the Creative Youth Plan, it is worth noting that the Creative Schools Programme and the Creative Clusters Programme are offered in the primary language of the schools involved, and the Creative Ireland Coordinators in relevant local authorities remain available to support identifying artists and creatives to work with the schools involved.
379. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a sustainable tourism policy document and in advance of this an interim action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21806/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with our Programme for Government commitments, the development of a new national tourism policy, with sustainability at its core, will commence later this year when the sector begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. This policy will build upon the work undertaken by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group set up under the outgoing policy which has developed Guiding Principles for Sustainable Tourism Development in Ireland. This group will shortly finalise an Interim Action Plan that will outline the steps which can be taken to promote sustainable tourism practices that can be implemented in 2021/22.
380. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her engagement with and the supports in place for local newspaper and radio outlets during the pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21796/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA strong and independent media sector is central to our parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech and to the provision of quality and impartial information, particularly in the context of Covid-19. I recognise the essential role that local media plays in bringing communities together and sharing reliable and relevant local news.
In relation to the supports available for the commercial and independent radio sector, the BAI waived the Broadcasting Levy in the first half of 2020 and requested the BAI to launch a COVID-19 funding round which provided €2.5m for commercial radio stations. The BAI also ran a Community Radio Fund which delivered an additional €750k to the sector to help cover the cost of running stations, training, mentoring and the development of programming. A further €2.5m special funding round for the commercial radio sector will be announced shortly by the BAI.
In terms of specific supports for the local newspaper sector, the Deputy will appreciate it is of particular importance in relation to media organisations to avoid any perception of Government interference or influence and the funding of newspapers is therefore a complex issue. I am however cognisant of the importance of this sector, and the financial issues which it currently faces.
The Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are also available to the broadcasting, print and online sectors. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service. Moreover, significant levels of government advertising have been directed towards the local print sector during the COVID-19 crisis to raise awareness and to help explain government policy and health guidelines, an amount estimated to be €4.4m between March 2020 to date.
The print sector has been undergoing fundamental changes in recent years due to new patterns in the consumption of media and a shift to online advertising. In recognition of these longer term challenges, the Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The Commission have undertaken an extensive public consultation and received over 800 written submissions and conducted six online Thematic Dialogues between January 28th and April 15th. These are available to view on the Commission’s website.
The print sector have participated in the Commission’s consultations and will be part of their recommendations. The Commission is expected to report to An Taoiseach and myself at the end of July and I look forward to reviewing their recommendations with a view to supporting the sustainability of the sector in the longer term.
Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have also engaged in meetings with key stakeholders including Newsbrands, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists. My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders and work is continuing to ensure that the sector receives an appropriate level of Government advertising, along with leveraging existing supports in terms of training and skills development.
382. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the 2020 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21808/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment manual for the 2020 round has now been finalised and is available at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Given the record number of applications and the detailed information contained in each application, the assessment process will take a number of months to complete. It is envisaged that allocations to applications for equipment- only will be made first during the Summer with allocations to other capital projects announced before the end of the year. Local and regional allocations will be announced at the same time. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
383. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the assessment of the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 on Údarás na Gaeltachta and its client companies which was carried out as part of the Spending Review 2020; the engagement she has had with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to reducing the disproportionate exposure of Gaeltacht companies to Brexit-related impacts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43940/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs with communities across the country, our Gaeltacht communities continue to struggle with the impacts of the pandemic. In light of Brexit, coupled with the economic impact of the pandemic, client companies of Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue to need support which is being provided on an ongoing basis by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Údarás na Gaeltachta continues to work in conjunction with my Department and other state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland to ensure that Gaeltacht enterprises also have access to the broad range of targeted national and sectoral measures in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, senior officials from my Department have been in regular contact over the past year with their counterparts in both the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the additional financial requirements of Údarás na Gaeltachta. This has resulted in an additional €8m being allocated to the organisation under the 2020 July Stimulus package and access for the organisation to up to €5m from the Sustaining Enterprise Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland. An tÚdarás was also provided with additional funding during the course of last year to allow the organisation expand the reach of its Trading Online Voucher Scheme in Gaeltacht areas.
Against this backdrop, the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved over €7.4m of COVID-19 supports to date for over 435 Gaeltacht companies to address financial and supply difficulties, ensure cash-flow and enhance their ability to access global online sales markets. In addition, many Gaeltacht companies operating in the tourism and hospitality sectors will have accessed the broad range of supports being provided on an ongoing basis for these sectors and for businesses in general which have been introduced by Government since the onset of the pandemic.
The Deputy refers to a spending review and assessment of the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on Údarás na Gaeltachta and its client companies, which my Department recently completed. The work was carried out by the Evaluation Unit of my Department, which is a stand-alone unit working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES).
My Department engaged with both Údarás na Gaeltachta and a selection of its client companies in order to complete the assessment. The findings and recommendations were considered as part of the 2021 Estimates process and resulted in significant additional exchequer funding of €8.1m being provided to Údarás na Gaeltachta in Budget 2021 - bringing its total allocation to €31.8m for the current year.
As I already alluded to, it is important to reiterate that Gaeltacht enterprises continue to have access to the broad range of targeted national and sectoral measures put in place by Government since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for Brexit. Furthermore, Údarás na Gaeltachta also has access to the schemes and funds administered by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices to ensure delivery within the Gaeltacht areas.
Looking to the future, Údarás na Gaeltachta is currently finalising a new Strategic Plan for the period 2021–2025. The Strategy will set out the Údarás na Gaeltachta vision for advancing the sustainability of Gaeltacht communities, via a vibrant enterprise base.
The organisation has confirmed that it will continue to ensure that effective and practical supports are available to businesses to mitigate insofar as possible the impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit and will continue to work closely with my Department and other Government agencies to ensure that Gaeltacht businesses and communities are appropriately assisted through the current challenges.
384. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her engagement with the hospitality sector in relation to the reopening and easing of restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI meet with representatives of the tourism and hospitality sectors regularly and I am well aware of the challenges faced by the sectors. In addition, to provide a platform for structured engagement between the Hospitality and Tourism sectors, the tourism agencies and relevant Government Departments in order to assess the continuing impact of the pandemic, last October, the Tánaiste and I established the Hospitality and Tourism Forum. The forum helps to improve understanding and responses to the crisis and to discuss ideas for recovery measures, thus assisting the Government in formulating its on-going response to the crisis. The forum has met three times to date and is scheduled to meet for the fourth time next month where reopening and recovery will be the main agenda items.
386. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the activities of Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21801/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving just completed the implementation of its three year strategy for the 2018 -2020 period, Údarás na Gaeltachta will shortly be launching its 2021 -2025 strategic plan which sets out a range of aims and objectives in overall support of the ongoing development of the Gaeltacht particularly in the realms of enterprise, community development and language planning.
The successful implementation of the Language Planning Process in the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and numerous Gaeltacht Service Towns will form a key part of the Strategy.
The Deputy will also be aware that in order to further enable the organisation to discharge its functions in support of Gaeltacht regions, additional exchequer funding to the value of €8.132m was provided to the Údarás under Budget 2021.
An increase of €4.454m was provided for the organisation's capital budget, ensuring that it has a capital allocation of €14.45m in 2021.
The organisation’s current budget also saw a €2.978 million increase which will assist in further enabling the organisation to better support the implementation of its work programmer for 2021 and into the future. A practical outworking of this additional support was the recent announcement by Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the forthcoming appointment of an additional number of staff in key administrative roles.
An additional €700,000 was also provided under Budget 2021 for Gaeltacht community development which equates to an overall allocation of €4.75m in 2021.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has pioneered the concept of remote working in rural Gaeltacht areas and its gteic Digital Network consists of 20 Digital hubs with 10 more in development. It is also progressing a range of strategic capital projects across the Gaeltacht. These include Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Bhuirne, Sean Ospidéal an Daingin, Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh in Eachléim, Teach Solais Cheann Fhánada, Drioglann Chroithlí, and Páirc na Mara in Cill Ciaráin as well as a range of strategic projects based on the green economy and renewable energy sector.
The Deputy will be aware of the impact of COVID-19 on our society and economy over the past 12 months. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 427 new jobs were created in Gaeltacht companies during 2020. There were 7,363 full-time and 437 part-time jobs in companies supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta at the end of 2020. Employment remained stable in 68% of client companies while the medical device sector saw a 4% increase in employment during 2020, with over 700 people now employed in the sector in the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta continues to work in conjunction with my Department and other state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland to ensure that Gaeltacht enterprises also have access to the broad range of targeted national and sectoral measures put in place by Government since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved over €7.4m of COVID-19 supports to date for over 435 Gaeltacht companies to address financial and supply difficulties, ensure cash flow and enhance their ability to access global online sales markets. In addition, many Gaeltacht companies operating in the tourism and hospitality sectors will have accessed the range of supports for those sectors and for businesses in general which have been introduced by Government since the onset of the pandemic.
A number of online events were held during 2020 to mark 40 years since the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta. A commemorative booklet has been published online at www.udaras.ie where you will also find further information on the activities of Údarás na Gaeltachta and copies of year-end statements and annual reports.
387. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address matters raised in correspondence in relation to non-elite sports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22031/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, it has been agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing.
As part of that gradual easing of measures, training for National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult inter-county National Gaelic Games Leagues (not including under 20 or minor competitions) has resumed with effect from Monday, the 19th of April. No decision has yet been made by Government on when competitive play may resume for the Gaelic Games.
The distinction drawn between elite and non-elite sports and athletes is to be understood in the specific context of the requirement to devise a gradual return to sport in a measured way that involves a limited numbers of participants, locations and travel movements, combined with a capacity and capability to oversee the effective implementation of safety protocols. In contrast, club-level, non-elite activity cannot realistically be expected to be in a position to replicate the same demanding operational environment.
As we move into the Summer it is my expectation that we will continue to see a gradual easing of the measures applying to sport, including the return of organised adult training and competition, when the public health situation allows.
388. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the new €2 million fund to be administered by Creative Climate Action – Creative Ireland; the aims and objectives of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based, all-of-government initiative led by my department, the core proposition of which is that participation in cultural activity by everyone drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. Working collaboratively, the Creative Ireland Programme has focused on supporting both direct engagement with creativity (e.g., in education, institutions, industry, and communities) as well as creativity as a way of engaging with broader societal issues (e.g., mental health, social marginalisation, rural isolation, poverty, isolation of the aged, individuals with disabilities or special needs, migrant integration, intercultural dialogue, climate action, biodiversity loss).
The evidence that climate change and the interrelated challenge of biodiversity loss are happening now is compelling. The urgent need for climate action must be addressed both individually and collectively. The Programme for Government commits to an ambitious reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The increased scale and depth of this ambition cannot be addressed through policy and technology alone. A concerted mobilisation of every element of Irish society through sustained engagement is required. To that end, the Programme for Government recognises the need to work in partnership with communities and to further develop the role and deploy the experience of the cultural and creative sectors with a commitment to “Support Creative Ireland in engaging the public on climate change through the creative and cultural sectors initiative.”
In 2019, the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment commissioned a report Engaging the Public on Climate Change through the Cultural and Creative Sectors. This report observed that few sectors are better placed than the culture and creative sectors to bridge the gaps between what we know and feel about climate change, and to critically examine and provoke a shift in cultural values and norms.
In November 2020, I hosted a workshop Creating Deeper Engagement on Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with participation from Minister Ryan as well as policy makers, academics and representatives across the climate change and creative and cultural sectors.
To address the Programme for Government’s commitment, my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications have provided funding for the Creative Ireland Programme to create partnerships that connect the public sector and the creative sector in order to enhance public engagement with climate change. On the 29th March, I launched the Creative Climate Action Fund in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the first fund of its kind in Ireland. This is a fund of up to €2 million and, depending on the number and scale of the applications received, may fund between 10 – 20 projects until the end of 2022 with budgets of between €30,000 — €200,000. There are two strands of funding available for prospective applicants:
1. An open call – to organisations, NGOs, charities, enterprises, institutions and collectives/networks working with creative and cultural practitioners;
2. A closed call – to local authorities, either individually, with other local authorities or external partners
The closing date for applications is Friday 21st of May. Applications can be submitted at https://creativeireland.submit.com which also hosts a detailed briefing note, FAQ’s and additional resources. Across both strands, the Creative Climate Action Fund is seeking:
- Responses of creative or interpretive expression (whether traditional or contemporary) from across the arts, cultural and creative sectors.
- Projects that can meaningfully connect people and communities with the profound changes that are happening as a result of climate change, and can transform that connection into climate action and behaviour change.
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative ways of working which bring together creative practitioners with different disciplines, e.g., science, urban planning, engineering, and technology with thought-leaders, activists, academics and others.
- Initiatives that demonstrate impact and have considered evaluation in order to move beyond raising awareness of climate change, and discuss, encourage, and facilitate system, lifestyle and behaviour changes.
- Innovative delivery using artistic and creative ways to encourage ideas that are transformative, moving, challenging and thought provoking and promote alternative ways of thinking and acting.
- Not only deepened participation, but a widening reach to connect with diverse audiences and communities spanning urban and rural, ages and cultures reflecting a scheme that is inclusive, ensuring nobody is left behind as a result of climate action.
- Initiatives that have the potential for scale and aim for longevity, making the best use of platforms and focusing on wider participation and engagement, longer term movements and campaigns.
Sustained climate action requires a combined commitment and cooperation across society, in recognition that the causes, and impacts of climate change are experienced on both a global scale and an individual scale.
390. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement her Department has had regarding a possible successor to the stay and spend incentive; if engagement has taken place with representative organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22041/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Stay and Spend scheme was set up late last summer to stimulate demand for accommodation and hospitality businesses during the off season. Established by my colleague Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, this scheme was launched as an innovative approach to incentivise spending. However, public health conditions beyond our control have clearly prevented that. The stop and start nature of the pandemic and the unpredictable consequences of it have resulted in the scheme being underutilised and it is now scheduled to expire at the end of April.
There have been other very effective supports in place, including CRSS and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for strategic tourism businesses and Government has confirmed there will be no cliff edge in supports. I am committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery. As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, Government will be outlining how it will help people return to work and further support sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Along with my colleagues in Government, I 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.
A review of the Stay and Spend scheme was one of the recent recommendations of the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group and I have urged cabinet colleagues to give serious consideration to this and other recommendations of that report to facilitate the reopening of the sector. Once the scheme ends it is anticipated that the Minster for Finance will take stock and look to what additional measures might be appropriate to put in place towards the end of the year. In this regard, while I am hopeful that the summer season will be buoyed by strong numbers in domestic tourism providing much needed business activity within the sector, I am cognisant of the seasonal nature of the industry and financial challenges the leaner shoulder and off season months could bring.
In regard to engagement with sectoral bodies, I, my officials and Fáilte Ireland have regular interactions with industry groups. In particular, the Tánaiste and I chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which has met three times to date and is due to meet again in May.
391. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of examining the applications under the sports capital and equipment programme; the breakdown of applications by county in tabular form; the number of applications deemed ineligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22042/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures for the 2020 round have now been finalised and can be downloaded at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. All applications are being assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received, this assessment process is likely to take a number of months to complete. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
As the assessment of applications has not been completed it is not possible to provide details of the number of illegible applications. Invalid applications will be given an opportunity to correct their application during the assessment process. A breakdown of applications per county is provided in the table below.
|
County |
Number of Applications |
|
Carlow |
53 |
|
Cavan |
60 |
|
Clare |
115 |
|
Cork |
325 |
|
Donegal |
136 |
|
Dublin |
458 |
|
Galway |
201 |
|
Kerry |
147 |
|
Kildare |
132 |
|
Kilkenny |
72 |
|
Laois |
89 |
|
Leitrim |
28 |
|
Limerick |
141 |
|
Longford |
35 |
|
Louth |
86 |
|
Mayo |
120 |
|
Meath |
135 |
|
Monaghan |
49 |
|
Offaly |
59 |
|
Roscommon |
55 |
|
Sligo |
59 |
|
Tipperary |
141 |
|
Waterford |
102 |
|
Westmeath |
81 |
|
Wexford |
123 |
|
Wicklow |
104 |
|
Grand Total |
3106 |
392. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has had discussions in terms of supporting a possible joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup; if so, the details of discussions that have taken place to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlong with our UK partners my Department has been involved in some preliminary work examining the possibility of bidding to jointly host the FIFA Men's World Cup in Ireland and the UK.
The partners involved include the English Football Association, Scottish Football Association, Football Association of Wales, Irish Football Association, Football Association of Ireland and UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland Executive, the Government of Ireland and UK Sport.
FIFA have indicated that the bid process for the 2030 FIFA Men's World Cup will open in 2022, with bids due to be submitted in 2024. Any decision to bid will be made collaboratively, with a formal announcement to follow in due course.
