Written Answers Nos. 261-280
261. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the non-governmental organisations in receipt of funding from his Department; the amount of funding allocated to same in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24379/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funded two non-governmental organisations in 2020, as set out in the table below.
|
Organisation |
Funding in 2020 |
|
Transparency International Ireland |
€220,000 |
|
Benefacts |
€950,000 |
My Department funded Transparency International Ireland in 2020 to support the Department’s role in the implementation of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2014. My Department provides this funding in order to help workers raise concerns regarding potential wrongdoing that has come to their attention in the workplace across the public sector.
In 2020, my Department also provided €950,000 in grant assistance to Benefacts. The funding allowed Benefacts to expand its free online database of annual regulatory and financial information on non-profits, and to help pilot the provision of data services with public bodies, in order to make grant administration and oversight more effective.
262. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed by his Department; and the collective total salary received by employees of his Department. [24456/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy for my Department and the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, is set out in the table below.
|
Current Number of Staff |
2021 Pay Bill (Revised Estimates) |
|
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
456 |
€33,088,000* |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
240 |
€15,106,000* |
* Salaries, Wages & Allowances
263. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or his Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department to deal with public relations; the names of any firms involved; and the amount spent on public relations by his Department. [24457/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, engages external firms or agencies for this purpose.
One of the responsibilities of my Department's Press Office is to communicate in a strategic and effective manner my Department’s messages and goals to all stakeholders. The Press Office organises all media engagements and press conferences undertaken by me as Minister and officials of my Department. It is the principal point of contact for the media and prepares and coordinates all press releases and statements for issue to the media.
264. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the allocation of funding to Wicklow County Council by the Office of Public Works to carry out maintenance work on the Dargle River flood protection scheme for each year between 2017 and 2021; the nature of the maintenance works; if they are agreed with the OPW; and if the scheme is inspected by officials from the OPW. [24486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development, planning and construction of the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme were undertaken under Local Authority powers, with funding provided by the Office of the Public Works. Wicklow County Council, as the contracting authority, is therefore responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Scheme.
Officials from Wicklow County Council have advised that, since the Scheme was brought to substantial completion in 2017, maintenance works undertaken have included invasive species control, some reinstatements and tree removal from the river. In 2020, maintenance works were limited to the cleaning out of silt traps. This year the Council will look at the removal of some build-up of material at the debris traps when the water level drops and the area is accessible. District staff at the Council will review the area again as the season for accessing the river opens.
To date my Office has not reimbursed the Council for maintenance costs on the Scheme, but is expected to do so in the near future, once these costs have been applied for and approved by the relevant Officials.
265. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if alternatives to aptitude tests been considered for recruitment through the Public Appointments Service; the steps he has taken to diversify the recruitment process for those who may have difficulties with aptitude tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24583/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that they use a variety of assessments across the range of roles for which it recruits. Each selection process is designed to assess the particular skills, competencies and experience required for the specific role, informed by a detailed Job Analysis. Some examples of the assessments used by PAS include pre-recorded Video Interviews, Role Plays, Assessment Questionnaires, Work Sample exercises, E-tray Exercises and Strategic Presentations. Research shows that Aptitude Tests are excellent predictors of job performance.
PAS have also informed me that when these are used as part of a selection process, there are significant accommodations available for candidates who may have difficulties and require adjustments. The main accommodations provided include extra time, modified versions of the tests, scribes, screen readers, and scheduled breaks. Adjustments are provided on a case by case basis, depending on the particular requirements of the candidate, and are designed to meet the individual candidate’s needs in terms of the specific tests being used. This allows PAS to ensure that all candidates can effectively demonstrate their aptitude as part of the selection process. This is an area that is kept under constant review.
266. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if touring caravans and motorhomes fall under the same Covid-19 restrictions as static mobile home parks, that is, once county border restrictions lift if camper van owners and so on can book pitches in campsites. [23669/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom May 10th, mobile home and caravan parks may open to facilitate owners (and the households of such owners) accessing their own stationary mobile homes or caravans located on site. However, no shared facilities (e.g. toilet or shower blocks) should be opened and no tourism activities (e.g. rental of mobile homes or pitches) are permitted. Notwithstanding the fact that inter-county travel is now permitted, rental of accommodation services or pitches remains prohibited until June 2nd, subject to the public health situation at that time.
267. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when one-on-one personal training will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOutdoor training activity, including 1 to 1 training, is currently permitted in groups of no more than 15 people.
In relation to indoor settings, subject to the prevailing public health situation, the Government has decided that individual indoor training activity may resume with effect from the 7th of June 2021.
All such training activity, whether indoors or outdoors, is subject to the application of public health measures and operational protocols and guidelines in this regard, including the activity mentioned by the Deputy, will be developed closer to the time. In that context, I would refer the Deputy to the websites of both Sport Ireland and Ireland Active for further details, which will be updated as required.
268. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a clear direction will be given on the use of self-contained touring caravans in caravan parks once intercounty travel resumes. [24490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if clarity will be offered in relation to the reopening on 10 May 2021 (details supplied). [23664/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 272 together.
From May 10th, with the resumption of inter-county travel, owners of stationary mobile homes or caravans located in mobile home and caravan parks (and the households of such owners) are permitted to travel to their own stationary mobile homes or caravans. Also from May 10th, mobile home and caravan parks may open to facilitate such owners (and the households of such owners) accessing their stationary mobile homes or caravans. However, no shared facilities (e.g. toilet or shower blocks) should be opened and no tourism activities (e.g. rental of mobile homes or pitches) are permitted. Rental of accommodation services remains prohibited until June 2nd, subject to the public health situation at that time.
This information has been published on the gov.ie website.
269. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if clarity will be provided in relation to a matter (details supplied) regarding the organisation of golf following the announcement of the new plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23646/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, the Government has recently announced changes to the current public health restrictions, including a gradual return to sports.
Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, has been engaging with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) in relation to the changes to the Level 5 restrictions and is providing guidance to NGBs as and when required.
The NGB for golf in Ireland, Golf Ireland, has, after engagement with Sport Ireland and the Expert Group on the Return to Sport, published a detailed guidance note on the practical issues arising for the return of golfing activity, which is available at the following website: https://static.clubhouse.golfireland.ie/clubs/1000/uploads/files/club_support/gi_livingwithcovidroi_may10_3.pdf
Golf Ireland can liaise further with Sport Ireland and the Expert Group on any additional queries to be addressed.
270. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has tracked the rate of closure over the years of live cultural venues nationwide; if initiatives are under consideration to address the matter; and if she foresees further closures after the lengthy disruption caused by Covid-19. [23649/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not have responsibility for the collection of data on company closures in any industry or sectors and my Department does not have statistics on the closure of business premises such as commercial cultural venues. The closure of incorporated entities and businesses is a matter for the Companies Registration Office and the collection of statistics is the responsibility of the Central Statistics Office.
In terms of supports, I was pleased to allocate €50 million this year for a suite of measures to assist the live performance sector. €25m was allocated to Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021) which closed for applications on 14 April 2021. This scheme is aimed at commercial venues, producers and promoters in the live entertainment sector. Over 400 applications had been received by the closing date and assessment of applications to the scheme is underway.
LPSS 2021 builds on the successful pilot Live Performance Support Scheme in 2020, which provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of musicians, actors, crew and technicians in tandem with a pipeline of high quality on-line much needed entertainment for Irish audiences. The 2021 scheme is aimed at supporting employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities and the Arts Council. These centres are also supported through capital schemes largely operated by my Department. Capital funding schemes such as Cultural Development Incentives Scheme (CDIS), and the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Schemes (ACCESS & ACCESS II) were developed by the Department in the past in order to construct and upgrade existing arts and culture facilities. The CDIS allocated almost €30m to 38 arts and culture organisations throughout the country from 1994 – 1999. Funding of over €88.4m was allocated to 121 arts and culture organisations throughout the country under these schemes (ACCESS - €45.7m; ACCESS II €42.7m).The first and second Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme – ACCESS and ACCESS 11 – were administered by the Department from 2000 and 2006 respectively. They were designed to assist the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure and enhanced access to the arts throughout the country. The schemes prioritised the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, and accordingly 70% of the funds available were directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities. Projects supported included the provision of new integrated art centres, theatres and studio space and the refurbishment of existing performance spaces. It has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural space throughout the regions.
Details of projects under both these schemes can be viewed at the following link:
https://wayback.archive-it.org/org-1444/20201009132526/https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/projects-and-programmes/list-of-successful-access-projects/
Arts Centres in this context include a range of venues organisations funded by the Arts Council which can be found at this link http://www.artscouncil.ie/arts-in-ireland/arts-centres/links/. Support provided to these arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council is critical to ensuring that a stable and vibrant network can be maintained. Capital funding schemes operated by my Department continue to be focused on enhancing this existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. Recent capital schemes are being informed by the strategic Review of Arts Centres and Venues commissioned by the Arts Council and CCMA, as well as the Arts Council's published Arts Centre Policy and Strategy 2019, which sets out its funding criteria for arts centres from 2020 onwards. This review of arts centres and venues can be accessed at the following link-
http://www.artscouncil.ie/uploadedFiles/wwwartscouncilie/Content/Publications/Research_reports/Review%20of%20Arts%20Centres%20and%20Venues%20June%202019.pdf
271. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when funding will be made available to a sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23653/21]
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 the print media plays in this regard and the particular value of local and regional newspapers in bringing communities together and sharing reliable and relevant local news.
In terms of specific supports for the local print sector, it is of particular importance regarding media organisations to avoid any perception of undue 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.
This is a sector which has been in decline over the last number of years and is undergoing fundamental changes 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. While the Commission is not a representative body, the Taoiseach and I were pleased to be in a position to appoint a member of the Commission who has a strong background in local print and radio. In addition, at the Commission’s invitation, the representative group, Local Ireland, has participated in two panel discussions with Commission members and the public as part of the Commission’s series of thematic dialogues. The Commission has therefore been extensively briefed on issues facing the local print sector. The print sector has participated in the Commission’s consultations and will be part of the recommendations. The Commission is due to report to Government in the coming months and I look forward to its deliberations and recommendations on how we might work to shape a vibrant national and local media sector in Ireland.
As to the comparison with the radio sector, the Covid-19 related measures put in place for the radio sector were provided through specific funding rounds of the existing Sound and Vision scheme. This is a statutory scheme provided for under Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and is largely funded by the television licence. It is limited by statute to audiovisual and sound media and is independently administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. There is no equivalent statutory framework for the print sector. However, as stated above, the report of the Future of Media Commission will make recommendations in relation to the print media and it makes sense to wait for its report.
In the shorter term I recognise that the print sector has suffered losses from Covid-19 and is receiving Government supports such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme. The loss the sector has suffered from the impact of the restrictions has also been helped by the public health advertising placed by the Government. I understand that in the region of €4.4 million has been expended on regional and local print advertising from March 2020 to date.
My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues arising and build an understanding of the range of challenges facing the sector at present.
273. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration was given to award a grant or partial grant to pubs who do not serve food under the outdoor seating and accessories for tourism and hospitality services to assist them in reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23753/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe grants to which the Deputy refers come under Fáilte Ireland's overall Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with the local authorities and has the specific aim of developing outdoor dining capacity nationwide. Under one strand of this scheme, grants for outdoor seating and accessories are available to a range businesses selling food for consumption on their premises. Work is underway to examine how pubs that do not serve food can be similarly supported.
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. Government will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the process that will be followed by her Department in assessing the recommendation to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage by An Bord Pleanála of 24 March 2021 under the provisions of section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended in relation to consent under the Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest provision for planning for Galway harbour extension, Galway, and which has been referred under section 177AB of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on 27 April 2021; her views on the recommendation; the likely timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23757/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has sought my views as to whether the compensatory measures proposed in an application for permission for a strategic infrastructure development lodged with An Bord Pleanála for an extension to Galway Harbour are sufficient to ensure that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network is protected. I will furnish my opinion on this matter as soon as possible.
275. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad uair le cúig bliana anuas ar chuir Foras na Gaeilge comhairle ar aon Aire Rialtais, nó ar aon Roinn Stáit nó ar chomhlacht reachtúil mar is ceadmhach faoin Acht bunaidh thuaidh agus theas; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23763/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBíonn cruinnithe rialta ag oifigigh shinsearacha de chuid Fhoras na Gaeilge le hoifigigh shinsearacha Ranna Rialtais éagsúla agus cuirtear comhairle orthu sna cruinnithe sin. Go príomha, is leis na hAirí i ranna urraíochta an Fhorais a bhuaileann siad. Bíonn cruinnithe le hAirí sna ranna urraíochta dhá nó trí huaire sa bhliain, le tuairimí Fhoras na Gaeilge a chur i láthair. Taobh amuigh de na cruinnithe sin, tuigtear dom go raibh cruinniú idir Fhoras na Gaeilge agus an tAire Oideachais in 2019.
Maidir leis an ról níos leithne atá ag Foras na Gaeilge comhairle a thabhairt, bhuail Príomhfheidhmeannach Fhoras na Gaeilge le Príomhfheidhmeannaigh na gComhairlí Contae a mbeidh Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta ina limistéar le linn 2019, mar chuid de shraith cruinnithe le comhairle a chur orthu maidir leis an phróiseas pleanála teanga ina gceantar agus róil na gComhairlí sa phróiseas sin. Buaileann Foras na Gaeilge ar bhonn rialta le lucht ceannasaíochta roinnt eagraíochtaí eile a bhfuil ról tábhachtach acu i dtaobh na Gaeilge de, RTÉ agus an Chomhairle Ealaíon ina measc.
276. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad airgead a cuireadh ar fáil sna meastacháin do 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 agus 2020 d’Fhoras na Gaeilge (sonraí tugtha); agus cé mhéad airgead a chaith an Foras i ngach bliain acu sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23767/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíl ar chumas na Roinne an fhaisnéis atá iarrtha ag an Teachta a chur ar fáil dó taobh istigh den amscála atá leagtha síos. Cuirfear ar fáil don Teachta í in am trátha faoi réir fhorálacha Bhuanordaithe na Dála.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Tá Foras na Gaeilge ar cheann de áisíneachtaí an Fhoras Teanga Thuaidh Theas. Is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn na buiséid do na Forais Trasteorann uile, An Foras Teanga san áireamh.
Íocann mo Roinn 75% den ollbhuiséad d’Fhoras na Gaeilge atá ceadaithe ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas.
De thairbhe nárbh fhéidir cruinnithe CATT a eagrú idir 2016 agus 2020, agus dá bharr sin, nárbh fhéidir buiséid i leith 2017,2018,2019,2020 a cheadú go hoifigiúil, bhí aontaithe ag na Ranna Airgeadais sa dá dhlínse go bhfeidhmeodh na Forais Trasteorann uile de réir na buiséid a cheadaigh an CATT ina leith don bhliain 2016. Ar an mbonn sin, ba é buiséad aontaithe 2016, €11,087,184 (75% den ollbhuiséad ceadaithe ag CATT) an buiséad a cheadaigh mo Roinn d'Fhoras na Gaeilge do na blianta 2016 trí go 2020.
Déanann Foras na Gaeilge imfhálú ar €250,000 (75% nó €187,000 as sciar RTCEGSM agus 25% ón Roinn Pobal) i mbuiséad an Fhorais le cnapshuimeanna pinsin a íoc. Fágann seo, €10,899,683 mar chaiteachas reatha do na blianta 2016-2020, as €11,087,184, de sciar bhuiséad mo Roinne de CATT. Ag braith ar íocaíochtaí chnapshuimeanna pinsin, d’fhéadfadh an socrú seo fuílleach a fhágáil i mbuiséad an Fhorais ag deireadh na bliana.
De thoradh sábháil sa soláthar meastachán i mbuiséad an Fhorais Teanga in 2016, cheadaigh mo Roinn maoiniú breise aon uaire de €260,681, €109,916 le farasbarr cnapshuim a íoc agus caiteachas údaraithe aon uaire eile.
In 2020 bhí tearc chaiteachas de €122,152, i mbuiséad reatha an Fhorais, de thairbhe tionchar na Paindéime COVID-19.
Léiríonn an tábla thíos an meastachán a cuireadh ar fáil do mo Roinn, an buiséad a ceadaíodh d’ Fhoras na Gaeilge agus caiteachas Fhoras na Gaeilge do na blianta 2016-2020.
|
Bliain |
Meastachán Foras Teanga RTCEGSM € |
Buiséad CATT d’ Fhoras na Gaeilge (Sciar RTCEGSM) € |
Iomlán caiteachas Fhoras na Gaeilge [reatha +cnapshuim] € |
|
2016 |
13,201,000 |
11,345,929* |
11,345,929 |
|
2017 |
13,989,000 |
11,087,184 |
11,038,438 |
|
2018 |
14,028,000 |
11,087,184 |
10,911,534 |
|
2019 |
13,323,000 |
11,087,184 |
10,983,239 |
|
2020 |
13,383,000 |
11,087,184 |
10,804,258 |
*€11,087,184 + €260,681 – Sciar aon uaire breise in 2016
277. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the role she foresees in the roll-out of antigen testing to support the sustained reopening of cultural and sporting events in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23780/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the research that has been conducted by her Department into the holding of large indoor and outdoor cultural and sporting pilot events as she proposed on 29 April 2021; and if the conclusions of any such research will be published. [23860/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra286. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the specific projects for large indoor and outdoor cultural and sporting pilot events to which she was referring when she proposed that such events could take place on 29 April 2021; and the work that has been carried out to prepare for these events. [23862/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects the large indoor and outdoor cultural and sporting pilot events she referred to on 29 April 2021 to commence. [23863/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the consultation that took place with the Department of Health before she announced on 29 April 2021 that large indoor and outdoor cultural and sporting pilot events could be organised. [23865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra289. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the input her Department had into the preparations for the large indoor and outdoor cultural and sporting pilot events under continued health restrictions proposed by her on 29 April 2021; and the role her Department will have in any such pilots and the reopening of the cultural and events sector. [23866/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra310. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the preparations that have been made for the reopening of small organised indoor events; when they can be expected to restart; if pilot small indoor live events will be organised alongside the proposed pilot large events; when they will take place; and the consultation she has undertaken with performers, venues and organisers of small indoor events to plan a reopening since the Living with Covid Plan was published in September 2020. [24534/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 284, 286, 287, 288, 289 and 310 together.
As announced last week, my Department will work with the Department of Health and Department of the Taoiseach to prepare proposals on the holding of a limited number of pilot live events for sport and live entertainment, both indoor and outdoor. This is to inform the safe reopening of these activities and events when the public health situation allows.
My Department has been in ongoing discussions with the Department of Health on the safe hosting of events and will be guided by the Department of Health and NPHET in relation to the public health considerations of the proposed pilot events.
It is hoped to begin hosting these events in June and July, depending on the epidemiological situation at the time and subject to the rollout of the vaccination programme. All options for the safe roll out of these events are currently being considered.
My Department is undertaking a review of live test events which have taken place internationally in order to prepare for the running of our own pilot live events. This research will be essential in safe execution and planning of these pilots.
In the meantime, my Department will work with cultural and sporting bodies and make practical preparations for these test events. Guidelines and plans for the pilot music and sport events are in development. Further details will be announced in due course.
278. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cur síos a dhéanamh ar an maoiniú bliantúil iomlán tugtha d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga ag an stát gach bliain ó bunaíodh é, chomh maith leis an líon fóirne ag an Oifig gach bliain. [23800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an t-eolas atá iartha ag an Teachta ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga (https://coimisineir.ie/index?lang=GA) faoin gceannteideal 'Tuarascálacha Airgeadais'.
279. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán briseadh síos a dhéanamh ar na deontais nó deiseanna maonaithe atá ar fáil, más ann dóibh, chun daoine le Gaeilge a mhealladh chun cónaí ar oileáin mara agus an caiteachas iomlán caite ar sin gach bliain le cúig bliain anuas. [23812/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíl aon scéim ar leith ag mo Roinn le tacú le daoine athlonnú ar na hoileáin Gaeltachta.
Ní gá a lua go bhfuil réimse leathan de thacaíochtaí ann a chuireann mo Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil le tacú le pobail Gaeltachta ar an mórthír agus ar na hoileáin araon. Tá sonraí an réimse scéimeanna agus tacaíochtaí sin ar fáil ar shuíomh an Údaráis ag www.udaras.ie agus ar shuíomh mo Roinne ar www.gov.ie.
280. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding that is currently allocated to arts and cultural pursuits on offshore islands; and the funding that has been provided for same in each of the past five years. [23831/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to supporting and developing engagement with, and in, the arts, culture and creativity by individuals and communities including our offshore islands thereby enriching lives through cultural activity. As set out in the Programme for Government, and in line with the implementation of Culture 2025 policy and the Creative Ireland Programme, I am keen to enhance the role of, and work in partnership with, local authorities in delivering arts and cultural services to all local communities.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Its core proposition is that participation in arts, cultural and heritage-based activities drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement.
Under the Creative Communities initiative in the Creative Ireland Programme, my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provide funding to each of the 31 local authorities to enable them to implement their individual Culture and Creativity Strategies 2018-2022. These Strategies were developed in 2017 following extensive local public consultation and are unique to each local authority, reflecting the breadth of cultural and creative work being undertaken in each area as well as the strategic priorities identified by the local community. The cross-functional Culture and Creativity Teams (including Arts Officers, Heritage & Biodiversity Officers, Librarians, Archivists, Conservation Officers, Irish Language Officers, Local Enterprise Offices) is a unique model, providing local authorities with an agile and adaptable resource to address locally relevant priorities.
Funding provided through Creative Communities to the relevant local authorities is set out in the table below for the period 2018-2020 since the Programme became fully operational, supporting an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
||||
|
Funding |
Events |
Funding |
Events |
Funding |
Events |
|
|
Cork County |
€104,153 |
52 |
€120,552 |
50 |
€176,445 |
32 |
|
Donegal |
€109,145 |
51 |
€129,009 |
60 |
€261,766 |
46 |
|
Galway County |
€124,134 |
29 |
€111,774 |
30 |
€172,526 |
47 |
|
Kerry |
€145,885 |
40 |
€138,774 |
52 |
€182,201 |
34 |
|
Mayo |
€141,774 |
40 |
€107,470 |
43 |
€178,745 |
33 |
This has resulted in a number of initiatives in offshore islands, such as Island Ferry Tales in Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear) and Bere Island, Cork; Museum of Song, a traditional music collecting project on the West Cork Islands of Sherkin, Bere, Whiddy, Oileán Chléire, Long, Dursey and Heir; One Author; Five Islands, a series of online workshops delivered to five primary schools in Inisbofin, Inis Mór, Inis Oirr, Inis Meáin and Mynish Island, Galway; and A Food History of the Mayo Islands.
It is worth noting that in 2021, €145,160 has been allocated each to Cork County, Donegal, Galway County, Kerry and Mayo local authorities under Creative Communities to support their programming and delivery of creative initiatives as part of their implementation of their Culture and Creativity Strategy.
While there are no specific allocations made in respect of offshore islands, the Gaeltacht regions including Gaeltacht islands also benefit from funding support to the traditional arts, including for example via Údarás na Gaeltachta and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. Indeed, the Department’s capital allocation is also deployed in support inter alia of the maintenance and further development of arts/cultural physical infrastructure on Ireland’s Gaeltacht islands. While the specific islands function is now situated in the Department of Rural and Community Development, I note that they have been providing funding for the BA in Visual Arts on Sherkin Island for the last number of years.
