Written Answers Nos. 171-191
171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the reinstatement of flights between Kerry and Dublin and Donegal and Dublin in the near future; the position in relation to the next PSO process for 2022 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, prior to its voluntary liquidation, Stobart Air held the contract for operating PSO air services on two routes between Dublin and the airports of Kerry and Donegal. Stobart Air advised of its liquidation on 12 June and all services on the PSO routes were cancelled with immediate effect.
As the Deputy will know, regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government, and work to restore air services on these vital regional routes was commenced by my Department as a matter of priority following the Stobart announcement.
In order to facilitate urgent restoration of services on the two routes, a Request for Quote (RfQ) to operate the service was issued by my Department on 21 June, and the final deadline for receipt of submissions was 30 June. In accordance with EU law, any new replacement contract in these circumstances is subject to a maximum term of 7 months. Until successful bidders are announced, I am not in a position to comment on details pertaining to this procurement process.
However, I do expect this process to be concluded shortly with a view to services re-commencing on these routes this month.
To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will also launch, in the coming weeks, a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired in February 2022. This procurement process may provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, to ensure the continuation of services to Donegal and Kerry Airport as they recover from the impacts of Covid.
172. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with private PCR Covid-19 test operators regarding their involvement in the roll-out of the EU Digital Covid Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements for the production and issue of the EU Digital Covid Certificates are being progressed by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Questions on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Minister.
An information notice to prospective test providers on accessing the digital service required to generate a Digital COVID certificate has been published on the Department of Health's website. www.gov.ie/en/publication/01b46-information-notice-to-prospective-test-providers-on-accessing-the-digital-service-required-to-generate-a-digital-covid-certificate/#how-to-apply
173. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding progress on the new N22 Macroom bypass to Baile Bhuirne scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37141/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
174. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the ongoing development of the N86 improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37142/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the improvement, upgrading and development of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the N69 Listowel bypass project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
176. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to putting in place a streamlined speed limit review process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37144/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe setting and managing of speed limits in accordance with speed limit guidelines is a matter for each local authority.
The most recent speed limit guidelines were issued by my Department in March 2015 following a review by a speed limit review working group. Local authorities (in conjunction with TII in respect of national roads) are able to amend and set speed limits as appropriate and in accordance with the speed limit guidelines for different sections of the road network as required and adopt bye-laws under a reserved function.
This is an on-going process for local authorities and can require a review by local authorities when speed limit guidance is updated or when local authorities believe that safety can be improved by better matching certain speed limit zones to existing guidance/best practice.
Ireland’s road network is extensive and inconsistent, which means that a ‘one size fits all’ solution for speed limits for the 100,000 kilometres road network is not always possible and queries will arise. I have recently approved proposals in relation to the establishment of a speed limit appeals process whereby a member of the public can query or appeal a speed limit to the local authority.
My Department is currently preparing the necessary procedures and notifications in relation to implementing the process which will issue shortly.
177. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when his Department received the most recent submission from Kerry County Council in respect of the Listry Bridge project on the R563; if his Department has considered the submission; the outcome of that consideration; the next steps in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37145/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
As regards a revised submission in respect of Listry Bridge, the position remains as previously outlined to the Deputy in PQ No. 191 of 11th May 2021 and PQ No. 138 of of 25th May 2021 namely that a revised preliminary appraisal has been received from Kerry County Council concerning a number of options. Specific Grant allocations for 2021 have been notified to local authorities, including a €30,000 allocation for the proposed Listry Bridge scheme, and further progression of the scheme will fall to be considered as part of the 2022 Specific Grant allocation process. The submission received from Kerry County Council will be considered in that context taking into account project need, objectives, options and costs as well as funding availability allowing for existing project commitments.
178. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if grants or financial assistance is available to those living in apartment complexes or housing estates in circumstances where management does not allow electric vehicle owners to run cables from their home, along pathways to their car and as such communal charging stations are needed; the actions that can be taken to incentivise estate management companies to retrofit existing charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 936,000 EVs by 2030.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly means of charging, especially when using night rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future. The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600.
Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. However, there are a number of complex planning issues to address before we can expand the grant in an appropriate manner so as to include the required categories of shared parking. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the issues and a scheme for apartments will open later this year.
The Programme for Government published in June last year, commits to publishing an electric vehicles infrastructure strategy to facilitate the uptake of these EVs. Once completed, the strategy will provide a key framework for ensuring we continue to have sufficient infrastructure in place to keep ahead of demand, while also ensuring that appropriate planning and development guidelines are followed in providing the necessary capacity. It is envisaged that the strategy will be published later this year.
179. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the Covid-19 pandemic many pilots are in the position in which their ratings have expired and although they are on the pandemic unemployment payment they have to pay thousands of euro to now fund their own recurrent training and the additional expense of a renewal; if it is correct to add VAT to these training fees which is creating a significant additional financial burden on these individuals; if the VAT could be waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36893/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in the Directive in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate or exempt from VAT. In accordance with the Directive the provision of vocational training services is exempt from VAT. Vocational training and retraining covers training directly related to a trade or profession as well as training aimed at acquiring or updating knowledge for vocational purposes.
The VAT exemption may apply to pilot instruction, such as pilot lessons that are provided in the manner of recurrent vocational training as required to maintain a recognised pilot qualification.
For training or retraining to be exempt from VAT, each of the conditions set out below must be met:
- It must be vocational in nature; that is, it must be directed towards an occupation and its associated skills
- It must be provided to improve the vocational rather than the personal skills of the trainee
- The vocational skills that the trainee acquires can be transferable from one employment to another, or to self-employment
- The training will generally be provided by means of a structured programme, have concise aims, objectives and clear anticipated outcomes
- There should be a clear trainee/trainer relationship between the student and the teacher or instructor.
Where any of the above conditions are not met or the course is primarily directed towards personal development or undertaken for recreational purposes, the course will be subject to VAT at the appropriate rate.
Further information on the VAT treatment of education and vocational training is available on Revenue’s website at www.Revenue.ie
180. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the incentives his Department has in place or plans to put in place to support house owners who wish to relocate from properties that are too big for their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37016/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing policy is a matter in the first instance for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien.
My Department does not, currently, have any measure in place which seeks to address the issue raised by the Deputy.
As the Deputy will be aware, work is advancing on the development of a comprehensive Housing for All Strategy. This work is being led by Minister O'Brien. In view of this, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters that may or may not be contained in that strategy.
181. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reinstating the home renovation incentive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37022/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not currently have plans to reinstate the Home Renovation Incentive.
The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) provided tax relief by way of an income tax credit on repair, renovation or improvement works on principal private residences or rental properties carried out by tax compliant contractors. It was introduced in 2014 at a time when there was considerable loss of employment within the construction sector, with the aim of addressing this market failure by stimulating increased activity in the sector.
The incentive expired on 31 December 2018 following a review of the scheme. The review found that in the context of the current housing supply shortage, and the need at that time to deliver 25,000 additional housing units per annum over the period 2017-2021, there was a risk that the scheme could lead to increased competition for scarce resources within the construction sector, leading to upward pressure on construction costs and house prices. The review concluded that the continuation of the scheme could give rise to displacement of labour from work on new builds to work on home renovations and would create a high opportunity cost of labour which was not present at the inception of the scheme.
Also, in 2019, in the context of the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) deliberations, my department examined the concept of a tax incentive along the lines of the HRI for domestic retrofit projects. The relevant TSG paper was published with the Budget 2020 documentation. It indicated that there could be a duplication of supports with the direct Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant system already in place and that a scheme such as this could conflict with the need to increase overall housing supply.
The paper observed that:
- in terms of current direct expenditure measures in the energy efficiency sector, the Government continues to make grants available to householders who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their home through the SEAI’s Better Energy Homes (BEH) and Deep retrofit Grant programme;
- research undertaken by the ESRI into householder preferences regarding retrofit subsidy schemes found that households strongly prefer cash payment subsidies (i.e. up-front discounts or cash back post works) versus other indirect methods of financial support such as tax credits); and
- from an equity perspective, tax expenditure measures can be regressive by nature, given that only those who pay taxes qualify, and those with greatest income benefit the most. As such, a tax incentive measure as proposed may be of little benefit to certain groups who are most likely to suffer from energy poverty, for example the elderly or those on limited incomes.
More generally, proposals for tax expenditure measures are assessed in accordance with my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. These make clear that it is important that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances where there are demonstrable market failures. In particular, they provide that a tax-based incentive should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
182. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if his Department or the Revenue Commissioners that will draft the eligibility criteria for the business resumption support scheme; the section of his Department or the Revenue Commissioners that will be responsible for drafting the eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Business Resumption Support Scheme is a new scheme for vulnerable but viable businesses, particularly in sectors that were significantly impacted throughout the pandemic, even during periods when restrictions were eased. The BRSS and its eligibility criteria are provided for in section 5 of the Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 currently before the Oireachtas.
The main eligibility criterion is contained in subsection (3)(b)(i) which provides that claimants must demonstrate that, during the specified period, the turnover of the relevant business activity, of the claimant, was an amount that is 25 per cent (or less) of the reference turnover amount, as defined.
Subsection (4) provides for several additional conditions of the scheme:
(4)(a) A person must register on the ROS system for the scheme and provide all items of information as required by the Revenue Commissioners at the registration stage as specified in Subsection (10).
(4)(b) In making a claim, a person must submit an electronic claim on the ROS system. A person must provide all items of information as required by the Revenue Commissioners at the claim stage as specified in Subsection (10).
(4)(c) Claimants must make a declaration on ROS that they satisfy all required conditions of the scheme and that they are a qualifying person.
(4)(d) A person must be in compliance with all Value Added Tax obligations that may apply to it, including registration and furnishing of returns.
(4)(e) A person must be eligible for tax clearance, in accordance with section 1095 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, for the duration of the application period.
(4)(f) That a person, at the commencement of the application period, is in the course of carrying on the relevant business activity and intends to continue to do so. A relevant business activity is regarded as being carried on where supplies of goods or services are actually being made to customers.
(4)(g) That a person is not entitled to make a claim under Section 485 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for support under the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (“CRSS”) in respect of any week that includes 1 September 2021.
Eligibility for the scheme is not restricted by location, rate paying or physical premises. In addition, certain charities and approved bodies which were not eligible for CRSS will be eligible for the BRSS in accordance with subsection (2).
183. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the reason a small business providing mortgage advice that is already approved by the Central Bank and holds an approved PCF-1, must undergo a separate exam, a new application and an interview with senior Central Bank staff in order to provide advice on mortgage protection and home insurance; his views on whether this is a reasonable a requirement for a low-risk product such as mortgage protection and home insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me or for the Central Bank to comment on the Bank's engagement with individual firms.
By way of providing context, however, I would say that the authorisation or “gatekeeper” process is an important part of how the Central Bank regulates financial services providers and works to protect consumers and investors. Through this process, the Central Bank ensures that only firms who demonstrate that they meet the standards required by European and domestic legislation, and the Central Bank’s rules and regulations, can provide financial products and services to consumers and investors.
A firm proposing to provide advice on mortgage protection and home insurance must first be registered as an insurance intermediary under the European Union (Insurance Distribution) Regulations 2018 (IDR).
A firm seeking registration under the IDR is required to complete the relevant application form available on the retail intermediary authorisation process section of the Central Bank website (Link 1 below) i.e. either the A FORM or B FORM depending on the nature, scale and complexity of their proposed activities (small low risk firms would generally meet the prescribed criteria set out in the A FORM to complete that form).
Each applicant seeking registration under the IDR must satisfy the Central Bank that it can meet the relevant authorisation standards (regardless of their size) and key persons proposed to hold Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF) roles within the applicant must satisfy the Central Bank that they meet the Fitness and Probity Standards. In fulfilling its statutory role in this regard, the Central Bank adopts a robust, structured and risk-based process that seeks to ensure that only those applicants that demonstrate compliance with the relevant authorisation and fitness and probity standards are registered. The Central Bank seeks to process each application as expeditiously as possible while meeting its obligation to operate a rigorous and effective gatekeeper function.
While an applicant seeking registration under the IDR may hold another authorisation from the Central Bank, its application for registration must be assessed having regard to the relevant authorisation standards applicable in the context of the IDR, and the Central Bank must be satisfied as to the fitness and probity of proposed PCF role holders at the time of the new application.
Under the Fitness and Probity regime introduced by the Central Bank under the Central Bank Reform Act 2010, all individuals must be pre-approved by the Central Bank prior to taking up a new PCF role. This includes any individuals who have previously been approved. Any authorised firms seeking to do business under a new sector must apply for authorisation under that sector and any individuals intending to take up a PCF role under that new authorisation are also required to seek approval from the Central Bank before commencing the role.
The Fitness & Probity regime is a key part of the Central Bank’s gatekeeping process and protects consumers and investors by requiring that persons in senior functions within regulated firms meet the Central Bank’s Fitness & Probity Standards. As part of its assessment, the Central Bank may hold one or more interviews with a PCF role holder applicant, where the Central Bank considers it necessary to assist in its assessment. In respect of low risk firms, while interviews are not generally carried out as standard practice, they are carried out where specific fitness and probity concerns arise and/or on a sample basis. The Fitness & Probity Interview Guide, which is available on the Central Bank’s website (Link 2 below) provides an overview of the fitness and probity interview process to assist PCF role holder applicants who are invited to attend for interview.
All PCF applications undergo a desk assessment and the Bank may seek National Vetting Bureau clearance, employer references, external regulator references. In addition applicants may be invited for an interview to support the assessment.
The Minimum Competency Code 2017 (MCC) and the Minimum Competency Regulations 2017 (MCR) set out minimum professional standards, competencies and obligations for persons providing certain financial services, in particular when dealing with consumers. The aim is to ensure that consumers obtain a minimum acceptable level of competence from individuals acting for or on behalf of regulated firms in the provision of advice and other associated activities in relation to retail financial products. Individuals falling within the scope of the MCC must meet the requirements (e.g. hold a recognised qualification) in respect of each type of retail financial product for which they will provide advice on or offer.
Link 1: (www.centralbank.ie/regulation/industry-market-sectors/brokers-retail-intermediaries/authorisation-process)
Link 2: (www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/how-we-regulate/fitness-probity/fitness-and-probity-interview-guide.pdf)
184. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to assisting community groups that are developing community facilities, for example, playgrounds and sports areas using public funding streams in obtaining insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that neither the Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland have any influence over the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter. This position is reinforced by the EU legislative framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
Having said that, the Government is acutely aware of the concerns felt by many sectors, including the one highlighted by the Deputy, regarding the cost and availability of insurance, and has therefore prioritised insurance reform. In this regard, the Action Plan for Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions which aim to bring down costs for consumers and business; introduce more competition into the market; prevent fraud and reduce the burden that insurance costs can impose on business, community and voluntary organisations. The Plan is ambitious, with 95% of actions due to be completed in 2021, and work is continuing across several Government departments to deliver these key reforms.
Among the most significant achievements to date has been the creation of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market within my Department. The role of the Office, which is chaired by my colleague Minister of State Fleming, is twofold: to assist in reducing insurance costs, and increasing the availability of cover, by promoting competition in the Irish insurance market. The Office is working closely with the IDA which is attempting to identify potential new entrants for the Irish insurance market. Areas which have been identified as ‘pinch-points’ include: construction-related professional indemnity; tourism/hospitality; and high-footfall amenities such as those highlighted by the Deputy.
I would like to add there have been some encouraging developments in the last few weeks in relation to specialist insurers entering the market in some of these segments. I remain positive that, though its work, the Competition Office can help encourage more suppliers to enter the market and provide more choice for consumers.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government. In this regard, it is my intention to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that implementation of the Action Plan can have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for individuals, businesses, community and voluntary groups across Ireland.
185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the roll-out of the EU Digital Covid Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) is proof (in digital or paper format) that a person has either:
- been vaccinated against COVID-19;
- received a negative test result; or
- recovered from COVID-19 (valid for 180 days).
The DCC is not a travel document or a passport, but it will help people to travel safely within the EU/EEA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland is being developed by a senior cross-departmental group chaired by Taoiseach's department, with my Department, through the OGCIO, being responsible for the technical component of the EU Digital Covid Certificate production.
Work is ongoing to ensure that certificates are issued for 19th July where vaccinations have already taken place and automatically produced within a few days of new vaccinations.
Recovery certificates can be requested from HSE and test certificates obtained via a suitable provider.
186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a business (details supplied) had an application refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that both the travel industry, and businesses connected with it like the one to which the deputy refers, have been very badly effected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
As you know, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of business supports is unprecedented.
Earlier this year, the Government introduced a Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), with the aim to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government's other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs.
The 2nd phase of this scheme was amended to take into account businesses who were not eligible to apply for Phase 1. An expanded SBASC is now open for applications through the local authority with a closing date of 21st July.
Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.
Businesses who are working from non rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.
The business referred to may be eligible for this scheme and further details including the application form are available on Local Authority websites.
187. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will bring forward a restart grant scheme to facilitate working musicians and entertainers to get back to work, recognising the fact that they are small businesses that have been closed down and have not been offered any restart assistance (details supplied); and the way in which she plans to facilitate this section of the entertainment sector. [36901/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. In certain settings, such as live performances, higher noise levels due to music, can force people into close proximity or require them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activities present a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19. Accordingly live music is not currently permitted. As the Deputy is aware however, Government will be reviewing COVID restrictions before the 19th of July and I secured the agreement of Government last month to review the restrictions on performances at licensed venues, such as restaurants, pubs and hotels.
In addition to reviewing the position pilot events are taking place across June and July, depending on the epidemiological situation at the time and subject to the roll out of the vaccination programme. These events will assist in safely charting a path back to greater levels of activity in line with developments in public health guidance over the coming weeks and months. Pilot events are necessary as a proof of concept for the safe management of events whilst COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and in order to evaluate and build confidence in the COVID-19 guidance and event management protocols developed by the culture and sports sectors.
I remain firmly committed to the full return of all live entertainment at the earliest possible date, having regard to public health developments, and the pilot performances, together with a wide range of horizontal and direct supports for the sector, are all part of a suite of measures designed to sustain and support the sector in its recovery.
My Department operates a range of sector specific supports in addition to a broad range of horizontal supports. These include the €25 million Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021). The allocations for this scheme have been recently announced and I was delighted to be in a position to fund 237 successful applications, the details of which are available on my Department’s website.
I have also made an allocation of €14m available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. Under the scheme, self employed businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector are eligible to apply. Applications may be made via the MEBAS application portal on my Department’s website. The closing date for this scheme as been extended to 21 July.
I have also made an allocation of €5 million available to local authorities for live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit. This will allow for the procurement by local authorities of performances by local performers. This funding will be allocated shortly.
€5 million will also be made available for a scheme of capital supports for the commercial live entertainment sector. The details of this scheme are currently being considered and will be announced in due course.
In addition, I have announced an additional €11.5m for a new Events Sector Covid Support Scheme which I hope to launch soon. This scheme will target SMEs in the events sector which aren’t eligible for the CRSS and for whom MEBAS and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 will not make a significant contribution to fixed costs relative to the level of support that that would be available under CRSS, had such SMEs been eligible for that support.
188. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuair sí aighneacht ó TG4 roimh Bhuiseád 2020; an bhfuil suntas tugtha aici don iarratas ar mheadú de €9m go €10m sa bhliain go ceann ceithre bliana ar chiste TG4, agus do na cúiseanna maithe atá leis; an bhfuil sé i gceist aici cruinniú a bheith aici le Bord agus Feidhmeannacht TG4 go luath leis an iarratas a phlé ; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37027/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuair mé aighneacht réamh-bhuiséid TG4 do 2022. Tá an togra á scrúdú ag mo chuid oifigeach agus tá socruithe cruinnithe le TG4 ag leibhéal oifigiúil á ndéanamh faoi láthair. Táim ag súil le bualadh le TG4 tar éis an réamhphlé sin.
Fuair mé maoiniú leanúnach breise €3.5m do TG4 in 2021 a thugann TG4 chun tosaigh ar na leibhéil mhaoinithe a mholtar in Athbhreithniú Cúig Bliana Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann ar Mhaoiniú na gCraoltóirí Seirbhíse Poiblí. Bhí an-áthas orm maoiniú forlíontach €1.9m a fháil do TG4 in 2020 a bhaineann lena gcostais chláir bhreise a d’eascair as Covid 19, go háirithe Cúla4 ar Scoil.
Tá baint ag obair Choimisiún Thodhchaí na Meán chomh maith, faoi chathaoirleacht an Ollaimh Bhriain Mhic Craith, le cúinsí maoinithe sa todhchaí. Tá sé de chúram ar an gCoimisiún smaoineamh ar an gcaoi ar féidir meáin seirbhíse poiblí a mhaoiniú ar bhealach atá inbhuanaithe, a thugann níos mó slándála maoinithe, a chinntíonn maoirseacht neamhspleách eagarthóireachta agus a thugann luach a gcuid airgid don phobal. Táim ag tnúth le héisteacht le moltaí an Choimisiúin a dhéanfaidh eolas do bheartas maoinithe sa todhchaí.
189. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the section of her Department that was responsible for drafting the eligibility criteria for the live performance support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment allocated €50 million in 2021 to a suite of measures to assist the arts and culture sector. As part of that funding, the allocations for the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021) have been announced. Details in relation to the 237 successful applications under this scheme are available on my Department’s website.
The Arts and Culture Division of my Department designed and processed this scheme and an independent Evaluation Committee reviewed and scored the applications.
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.
This scheme has been developed and administered through the Arts Division of my Department. The 237 grants awarded through this scheme will help to support employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
190. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it was her Department or Fáilte Ireland that drafted the eligibility criteria for the tourism business continuity scheme; the section of her Department or Fáilte Ireland that was responsible for drafting eligibility criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy development. Implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The eligibility criteria for the Tourism Business Continuity Schemes is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.
I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
191. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the section of her Department that was responsible for drafting the eligibility criteria for the €88.5 million of pandemic support for sporting organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total Covid-19 funding package of €88.5 million was provided last year to support the sport sector. This significant investment benefited all levels of the sport sector, including thousands of grassroots clubs across the country, and provided some certainty for sporting organisations in their planning for 2021.
The funding package included support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund.
The funding was invested through new grant schemes developed by Sport Ireland in consultation with my Department's Sports Policy Division. The criteria and terms and conditions of funding were drafted by Sport Ireland in accordance with Section 11 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, which provides that Sport Ireland shall establish the criteria and terms and conditions of its grant funding schemes.
The schemes were administered by Sport Ireland. Funding allocations to NGBs and clubs under the new schemes were determined following a robust grant application and assessment process conducted by Sport Ireland.
