Written Answers Nos. 493-513
496. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a breakdown by heading (details supplied) of the additional Covid-19 funding provided in the budget 2021; the amount of that funding that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount that will not be spent by the end of 2021, in tabular form. [31060/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gross total allocation for my Department in 2021 €1,081,818,000. Details of all allocations are set out by programme area and by subhead in the Revised Estimates Volume 2021 (REV2021) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on its website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates.
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of Brexit – they also reflect the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future . However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
Details of all expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are made available by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total gross voted expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €273.68m. This figure is provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, I can advise that no significant savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
497. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a breakdown of headings (details supplied) of the additional Brexit funding provided in the budget 2021; the amount of that funding that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount that will not be spent by the end of 2021. [31061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gross total allocation for my Department in 2021 €1,081,818,000. Details of all allocations are set out by programme area and by subhead in the Revised Estimates Volume 2021 (REV2021) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on its website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of Brexit – they also reflect the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future . However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
Details of all expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are published by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total gross voted expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €273.68m. This figure is provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, I can advise that no significant savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
498. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a breakdown of headings (details supplied) of the additional core funding provided in Budget 2021; and the amount of funding that was allocated, spent and carried over. [31062/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gross total allocation for my Department in 2021 €1,081,818,000. Details of all allocations are set out by programme area and by subhead in the Revised Estimates Volume 2021 (REV2021) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on its website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT – they also reflect the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future . However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
Details of any unspent capital monies in 2020 carried over into 2021 are also outlined in REV2021, together with the specifics of the areas in which the savings arose in 2020 and are being applied in 202 1.
Details of all expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are published by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total gross expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €273.68m. This figure is provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, I can advise that no significant savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
499. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total allocation for her Department in 2021 broken down under the headings Core, Brexit and Covid-19 funding; the amount of that funding that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the funding that will be carried over to 2022, in tabular form. [31063/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gross total allocation for my Department in 2021 is €1,081,818,000. Details of all allocations are set out by programme area and by subhead in the Revised Estimates Volume 2021 (REV2021) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on its website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT – they also reflect the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future . However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
A number of schemes will be implemented in 2021 in direct response to the COVID-19 Pandemic - these include:
- €50m in respect of a Business Continuity Fund being administered by Fáilte Ireland;
- €50m in respect of a variety of supports for the Live Entertainment sector including a 2021 iteration of the very successful 2020 Pilot Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS) and the recently announced Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS);
- €15m in supports for sports and recreation services via Sport Ireland.
The Government's response to the impact of the pandemic on the sector and the economy generally is comprised of a broad range of supports delivered across a range of Departments. In addition to direct intervention measures introduced by my Department the Government has ensured the availability of horizontal supports that are critical to the survival of many in our sectors. These include the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC), all of which continue to be key to supporting all sectors thorough this crisis.
Details of all expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are published by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total gross voted expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €273.68m. This figure is provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, I can advise that no significant savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
500. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional allocation that has been made to her Department under the Economic Recovery Plan announced on 1 June 2021; and if she will provide an itemised breakdown detailing the additional funding allocated to each area or project under her Department’s remit under the plan.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s recently announced Economic Recovery Plan sets out a framework for recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and pays particular attention to sectors most impacted, such as tourism and hospitality, live events and the arts. The Economic Recovery Plan responds to the commitments made in the Programme for Government in charting a path to recovery from the challenge of COVID-19.
Under the Economic Recovery Plan , Government extended the period during which a range of horizontal and business supports will be available to enterprises and workers in all sectors of the economy, including Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sport, Media and those working in Gaeltacht communities.
- Extending the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). Revisions will see payments for businesses reopening of up to €30,000.
- Extending the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to 31 December.
- Extending the Pandemic Unemployment Payment beyond 30 June 2021.
- Extending the Commercial Rates Waiver to end-September 2021.
- Broadening of eligibility criteria for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19, which opens the scheme up to businesses in non-rated premises.
- The ERP sets out the intention to introduce a new, additional and more streamlined business support scheme in September 2021, called the Business Resumption Support Scheme.
In addition to horizontal supports, the Economic Recovery Plan includes a package of sectoral supports for the Tourism, Live Events and the Arts and Culture.
For the live events, arts and culture sectors, I opened applications for the new €14 million Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme last week, on 9 June. This payment is targeted at helping not only bands and musicians, but suppliers and music businesses. I also recently announced 237 grant allocations under the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme.
A separate €11.5m new fund for the entertainment industry, including festivals, conferencing and large events has been agreed between myself and the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. This Events Sector Covid Support Scheme will support SMEs that are not eligible for the CRSS.
I am also delighted that the National Economic Recovery Plan includes a commitment for Government to prioritise a Basic Income guarantee pilot scheme for artists. This was a key recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce, and I will bring forward a proposal following the report of the Arts and Culture Recovery Oversight Group in July.
I also recently confirmed the release of funding for local authorities with €5m to support live music in villages and towns across the country. Amounts of €285,000 are now available to the Dublin local authorities, and €143,000 to other local authorities to facilitate programming of outdoor live performances over the summer months, animating town centres for local communities as public health considerations permit. Local Authorities and hospitality businesses can also benefit from Fáilte Ireland's Outdoor Dining Enhancement Investment Scheme, which will facilitate?greater capacity in?outdoor dining?by supporting the upgrade and enhancement of streets and public spaces, and implementing weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round outdoor dining.
In addition to benefiting from revised and extended horizontal supports, the Economic Recovery Plan also provides the following additional interventions for the Tourism sector:
- An Extension of the 9% VAT rate to September 2022. This will continue to act as a stimulus for the sector as it moves towards recovery.
- The Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme, which will continue to support businesses not covered by the CRSS.
- An extension of the commercial rates waiver to September 2021.
This will provide tourism and hospitality businesses with much-need clarity that will enable them to plan longer-term with confidence and accept bookings. Government also recognises that as long as physical distancing remains a public health requirement, further supports may be needed for these sectors.
These supports will augment the work already being undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland, and Screen Ireland in supporting Gaeltacht companies, the Tourism and Hospitality sector, and the audiovisual industry to withstand the full impact of the pandemic and position them for growth in the coming years.
I will continue to work with colleagues across Government to ensure that the sectors covered by my Department are supported in their recovery as we reopen our society and our economy.
501. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an itemised breakdown of moneys allocated to her Department, including the amounts allocated, spent and carried over in each of the years 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [31065/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all allocations in respect of my Department for 2020 and 2021 are set out by programme area and by subhead in the Revised Estimates Volumes for the years in question published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on its website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates
Details of all expenditure for my Department during 2020, by programme area and by subhead, will be contained in the Annual Appropriation Account, due to be published by the Comptroller and Auditor General later this year. In the interim, details of total gross expenditure in respect of my Department and all Government Departments are published by the Department of Finance and available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/092b67-fiscal-monitor-december-2020/ .
Details of total gross voted expenditure in the period up to 31 May 2021 are available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b9bc4-fiscal-monitor-may-2021/
These figures are provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
503. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €3.5million announced for TG4 in Budget 2021 is a once-off spend as a result of Covid-19; and if it is independent of Covid-19 funding and should be taken as part of the core funding from her Department for TG4. [31067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra513. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation that was made to TG4 in Budget 2021; the amount of same spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount carried over to 2022. [31077/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 513 together.
The increase of €3.5m (€1m capital funding and €2.5m current) I secured in Budget 2021 brings TG4 funding to €40.733m in 2021, made up of €36.733m in current and €4m capital expenditure. This increase is separate to the €1.9m once off payment I secured in 2020 which was solely for the purpose of meeting the specific Covid-19 related costs incurred by TG4.
Total expenditure drawdown by TG4 to date in 2021 is €20.085m made up of €19.1567m current and €0.928m in capital funding. The total allocation of €40.733m is expected to be fully drawn down by year end.
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT, and commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future . However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
504. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of the current expenditure allocated to her Department in Budget 2021 that has been spent to date; the expected amount to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31068/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of current expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are made available by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total current expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €258.7m. This figure is provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year out-turn, I can advise that no significant current savings are envisaged at present - Public Financial Procedures do not provide for the carryover of current monies from one year to the next.
All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
505. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of the capital expenditure allocated to her Department in Budget 2021 that has been spent to date; the expected amount to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of capital expenditure by my Department and all Government departments are made available by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c1b65-fiscal-monitors-2021/
Total gross capital expenditure for my Department to 31 May 2021 amounts to €14.97m, excluding expenditure on capital carryover (€10.169m). These figures are provisional as all expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year out-turn, I can advise that no significant capital savings are envisaged at present.
All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
506. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €55 million announced in budget 2021 for the business support scheme is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31070/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra507. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €5 million announced in budget 2021 for tourism product development is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31071/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 507 together.
The Revised Estimates for 2021 recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT and they also reflect the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
As the Deputy is aware, I secured a total of just under €221m for tourism funding from Budget 2021, from which I was allocated €50m in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Combined with existing resources, this supported Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, which had a total fund €55m, and the €5 million allocated to focused training in the tourism sector and investment in digitalisation in the sector to start to prepare for the post-Covid economy.
To date, Fáilte Ireland has drawn down €37.447 million of its 2021 current expenditure allocation of €120.836 million and I anticipate that the full allocation will be spent by year end.
In relation to capital expenditure, €33.8 million has been allocated in 2021 for Tourism Product Development to Fáilte Ireland. To date €3m million has been drawn down by Fáilte Ireland. The amount that will be spent this year is subject to the progress of capital projects. While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, all expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
508. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €36 million announced in budget 2021 for Sport Ireland is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31072/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates for 2021 recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
A total of €104.5 million was allocated to Sport Ireland in the Revised Estimates for 2021 compared to €68.5 million in the 2020 REV. Of the additional €36 million allocated in 2021, €26.3 million relates to current expenditure and €9.7 million relates to capital expenditure.
The additional current expenditure allocation of €26.3 million was provided to support the sport sector in 2021, including measures such as:
- Increased funding for high performance sport to ensure our athletes are supported to achieve their potential at the postponed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games;
- Increased core grant funding for our sporting bodies to support them in meeting challenges from Covid-19;
- Increased funding for Sport Ireland participation programmes including the innovative online programmes which proved so successful in 2020; and
- Meeting commitments of €5.4 million to the Football Association of Ireland under the MOU agreed in January 2020, i.e. an additional €2.9m for football development and €2.5446m for payment of the Aviva Stadium licence fee.
To date, Sport Ireland has drawn down €42 million of its 2021 current expenditure allocation of €91.91m and I anticipate that the full allocation will be spent by year end.
In relation to capital expenditure, €12.6 million has been allocated for 2021 for the development of the Sport Ireland Campus. To date €0.475 million has been drawn down by Sport Ireland. The amount that will be spent this year is subject to the progress of capital projects at the Campus, which will become clearer in the coming months.
In relation to further Covid-19 funding for 2021, Minister Martin and I have committed to supporting the sport sector again this year in meeting the challenges arising from Covid-19. Sport Ireland is in ongoing communication with the NGBs and is assessing the financial needs of the sector. In addition, I am engaging with NGBs with regard to the supports required.
In regard to allocation in 2022 and any carryover, this will form part of the Budget 2022 discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
509. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €7 million announced in budget 2021 for large-scale sports infrastructure is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31073/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). 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. The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund.
The first allocations under the Fund were announced at the beginning of 2020 and approximately €86.4m has been awarded to 33 proposals to date. These projects are at various stages of a due diligence process and formal grant agreements have now issued to a number of the successful applicants.
In relation to this year's LSSIF funding, a total of €14.6m is available in the Department's subhead. None of this funding is Covid related. While no payments have been made to date, now that a number of formal grant agreements have issued, the first payments are expected to be made in the coming months.
My Department is currently 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 will provide an insight into the likely spend for the remainder of the year. The timing of any new call for proposals will also be considered.
In regard to allocation in 2022 and any carryover, this will form part of the Budget 2022 discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
510. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €2 million announced in budget 2021 for major sporting events is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31074/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget for Major Events increased from €4.4 million in 2020 to €5.995 million in 2021 on the basis of existing commitments and plans for 2021. The increase does not include any funding for Covid-19 measures. The allocation for the Major Events could potentially vary from year to year given the events on hand and the allocation for 2022 will be decided as part of the discussions in regard to Budget 2022. No funding has been spent to date as the majority of the expenditure under this programme is due to fall in the second half of 2021.
511. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the additional €2 million announced in Budget 2021 for the broadcasting fund is a once-off Covid-19 payment for 2021; if it can be understood to be a new component of her Department’s baseline core funding allocation; the amount of it that has been spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount expected to be carried over to 2022. [31075/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra512. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation that was made to the sound and vision fund in Budget 2021; the amount of same spent to date; the amount expected to be spent by the end of 2021; and the amount carried over to 2022. [31076/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.
REV2021 allocations recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT and commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
The additional €2m in budget 2021 is comprised of €1.2m for Irish Language Broadcasting which was agreed alongside New Decade New Approach Agreement and €0.839m for BAI to recoup the cost of the levy waiver for the independent radio sector in 2020. The €1.2m will be allocated as follows: €1m to the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund administered by Northern Ireland Screen for Irish language content production and €100,000 each to RTE and TG4 for promotion of Irish Language broadcasting in Northern Ireland.
Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the disbursement of 7% of the net television licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. As the Broadcasting Fund is primarily funded through TV licence receipts which in turn are determined by direct sales in the course of the year, it is not possible to determine until year end the precise allocation to the Broadcasting Fund.
The Broadcasting Fund supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. To date in 2021 (8 June 2021) the BAI’s Broadcasting Fund has received €5.869m from licence fee receipts. All TV licence receipts received in 2021 will be allocated in accordance with the provisions set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, I provided an additional €4.9m in exchequer funds for the Sound and Vision Scheme in late 2020. €1m of this was allocated by the BAI under Round 37 in December 2020. The balance of €3.9m was recently allocated by the BAI with €2.5m allocated to the commercial radio sector providing supports to all 32 stations (Round 39) and €1.4m allocated to 8 projects to support the live music sector (Round 38)
