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Thursday, 11 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 137-156

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (137)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

137. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current and planned measures to support businesses and jobs in the hospitality sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55126/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the tourism industry. As we rebuild this vital sector, which supports livelihoods all across Ireland, we have an opportunity to ensure that the sector recovers and grows in a way which delivers social and economic gain to cities, towns and villages all across Ireland, more evenly spread throughout the year, and in a manner that protects our unique environment. The significant additional funding that I have secured for tourism services in Budget 2022 will help address immediate survival-related concerns of tourism businesses while also enabling further resilience and recovery across industry as we reopen to international tourism and transition to a more sustainable future.  

The  funding for Tourism in Budget 2022 amounting to €288.5m represents an increase of €67.6m over the 2021 allocation. This includes €50m funding for further Tourism Business Continuity Supports to assist strategic tourism businesses with their survival and recovery. 

The budget measures also include a €35m increase in the Tourism Marketing Fund in 2022 to enable Tourism Ireland to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland. Funding is also being provided for a range of initiatives including domestic marketing and festivals, supporting the digitalisation of tourism businesses as well as skills development and staff retention.  €36.5m is also being  provided in capital funding for tourism product development for the delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.  

The supports for Tourism also include a range of cross-Government measures which will assist the sector in its recovery and growth. Tourism businesses continue to benefit from measures such as the continuation of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to April 2022, tax warehousing and a commercial rates waiver while the 9% VAT rate for hospitality remains in place until September 2022.

In relation to jobs in the tourism sector, a work programme is currently underway by Fáilte Ireland to understand the views of employers and employees around the skills and labour force challenges facing the sector. Fáilte Ireland is also engaging with the recruitment sector and undertaking an international review to understand the experience of other sectors and other destinations. The work programme is informing the agency’s work plans on how to support businesses to drive change, retain talent and build the appeal of working in the industry.  

Fáilte Ireland carried out a number of activities in 2021 supporting the industry’s recruitment drive for reopening including chairing the Tourism and Hospitality Careers Oversight Group, delivering a multi-channel #BeThePulse Recruitment Awareness Campaign, promoting and enhancing tourismcareers.ie website and working with education providers and with the  with the Department of Social Protection to promote the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy.

Sports Funding

Ceisteanna (138)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

138. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if assistance will be provided to a sports club (details supplied) that wants to acquire land for use by the club; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55202/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In terms of capital assistance offered by my Department to sports clubs, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.  Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1 billion. 

It should be noted however, that the SCEP does not fund the purchase of land or buildings. Full details of the Programme and the type of projects funded can be found at:www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

A separate tax relief scheme for donations to sports clubs may be used by any sports club or organisations to assist in funding the acquisition of land, developing facilities, purchasing non-personal equipment for sports activities, or repaying a loan for any of these purposes. More information in this regard can be found at www.revenue.ie.

Olympic Games

Ceisteanna (139)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

139. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a post-games review into the Olympics and Paralympics has been concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55047/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sport Ireland, the statutory agency with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, including high performance sport, undertakes such reviews after each Olympic/Paralympic Games.

For the purposes of the Tokyo Games review, Sport Ireland has already appointed independent service providers to complete that review, which will consist of three distinct phases:

- Phase 1: Pre-Games Assessments

- Phase 2: Post-Games Surveys

- Phase 3: Independent Service Provider Reviews

It is envisaged that the review will be completed and published by the end of this year.  

Oideachas Gaeltachta

Ceisteanna (140)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

140. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán céard iad na pleananna atá aici do na Coláistí Gaeilge don bhliain seo chugainn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [54330/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Is ar an mbunús agus ar an tnúthán go mbeidh na coláistí Gaeilge athoscailte in 2022 atá an Roinn ag feidhmiú ach ar ndóigh is gá do gach earnáil feidhmiú faoi réir threoirlínte COVID-19.

Ní gá a rá go leanfaidh mé féin agus mo Roinn ag coinneáil rudaí faoi bhreithniú i rith an ama agus ag obair i gcomhar leis na páirtithe leasmhara, lena n-áirítear an Roinn Oideachais, na húdaráis sláinte agus scáthghrúpa na gcoláistí samhraidh, CONCOS, ach go háirithe, chun teacht ar chur chuige slán sábháilte agus tacaíocht chuí a bheidh ar leas foriomlán an phobail, idir phobal na Gaeltachta agus pobal na gColáistí.

Is tríd an gcúnamh leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a bheidh an Roinn ag teacht i gcabhair ar an earnáil go príomha, mar atá déanta go dtí seo.

Tá Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG) á riar ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le tacú le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga  a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna agus triú leibhéal na tíre. Tagann an scéim le cuspóirí foriomlána an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge mar atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030.

Tá trí chiste faoi leith bunaithe ag mo Roinn i mbliana ar mhaithe le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil a chobhsú de thoradh COVID-19.  Is ar lucht stiúrtha na gcóláistí atá an ciste is déanaí, ar fiú suas le €1.7m é, a d'fhógair mé coicís ó shin nó mar sin.  

Tagann an ciste faoi leith seo sna sála ar an dá chiste eile ar fiú beagnach €2.5m iad a fógraíodh i rith an tsamhraidh  - a bhí dirithe ar lucht lóistín an chórais agus ar hallaí pobail Gaeltachta lena mbaineann.  Is fiú a lua go bhfuil an ciste a cuireadh ar fáil i mbliana do na teaghlaigh 25% níos airde ná ciste 2020 agus nár cuireadh aon chiste ar fáil do na hallaí pobail in 2020. 

Níl aon amhras orm ach go gcabhróidh an ciste is déanaí tuilleadh leis an earnáil le go mbeidh teacht aniar agus athoscailt rathúil i ndán di in 2022.

Is féidir leis an Teachta a bheith cinnte de go leanfaidh mé orm mar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta ag tacú oiread is féidir leis an earnáil tríd an gcistíocht shuntasach a chuirtear ar fáil go bliantúil ar leas an chórais.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 128.

Tourism Promotion

Ceisteanna (142)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

142. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will detail the enhancement of international marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55214/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the inbound tourism market has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While our domestic tourism market has helped sustain the industry, it now needs international visitors to return in significant numbers in order to facilitate a meaningful recovery. Since the easing of restrictions on the 19th of July overseas visitors have started to return to our shores but at a much lower level than prior to the pandemic.

Last year, a Tourism Recovery Taskforce was put in place to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan with recommendations on how best the Irish Tourism sector can adapt and recover in a changed tourism environment as a result of the crisis.  One of its recommendations was an increase in the overseas Tourism Marketing Fund to help protect Ireland's existing brand position and kick-start the recovery in inbound tourism.

In the recently announced Budget 2022, I was happy to secure additional resources to support tourism next year, including a substantial €35 million increase in our overseas marketing fund and a provision of €50 million for further business continuity supports for tourism businesses. 

The competition globally to attract tourism will be more challenging than ever and I am more than confident that Tourism Ireland is equally equipped for and up for the challenge. To this end Tourism Ireland has started to ‘roll out the green carpet’ and welcome back our international visitors as they work to encourage as many overseas holidaymakers as possible to book Ireland for their next holiday destination. The concept revolves around creating a commitment to travel, by ‘pressing the Green Button’; green being the universal colour of ‘go’ and instinctively connected with the island of Ireland. I was happy to help Tourism Ireland launch this new campaign in both the UK and the United States recently when I travelled to both markets to engage with our industry partners to reassure them that Ireland was open and waiting to welcome back visitors.

Last week I attended World Travel Market in London and saw first-hand the excellent work undertaken by Tourism Ireland in highlighting Ireland’s world-class tourism experience to international tour operators. There is increasing recognition that tourism growth must be sustainable, as well as being consistent with our sectoral climate change targets and commitments. In that regard, I know that Tourism Ireland will be working towards the longer term goal of ensuring that we are successfully marketed as a sustainable tourism destination.

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (143)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

143. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagements she has had with various sporting bodies and others in relation to the return of indoor sports and cultural activities for children. [54945/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister Martin and I have ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sports sector, as do the officials in my Department. There are two main groups which engage with the sector, namely the Expert Group on Return to Sport and the Covid-19 Sport Monitoring Group. I have also held one to one meetings with some of the National Governing Bodies of sport.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government agreed last week to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people which enables under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead. On foot of this, updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned.  The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:

www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity

Indoor group activities include arts, culture and dance classes. All indoor group activities should ensure that there are appropriate infection prevention and control measures in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission. The Arts Council has prepared guidance on the reopening of arts, culture and dance activities for children and young people which is available on their website

www.artscouncil.ie/uploadedFiles/wwwartscouncilie/Content/Contact_us/COVID-19/YPCE_COVID-19_AdditionalGuidance.pdf.  These should be read in conjunction with the  Guidance for the Arts Sector.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 110.

Irish Language

Ceisteanna (145)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

145. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of the funding for Irish language groups by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54711/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is not possible, in the time available, to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy.

My officials are collating the information requested and a reply will issue to the Deputy in accordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.

Sports Funding

Ceisteanna (146)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

146. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way the additional €65 million in sports funding through the Covid-19 investment programme will be disbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54978/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 5th October 2021, Minister Martin and I were delighted to announce that additional current funding of up to €65 million will be available to support the sport sector this year. Allied to the additional current expenditure of €26.3 million already provided to Sport Ireland, a total of €91.3 million will have been allocated in additional current funding to support the sport sector in 2021.

This package is intended to support National Governing Bodies of Sport and sports clubs arising from the significant impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the sports sector, by providing specific funding support for the following sectors:

- Field Sport funding to support the main field sports, i.e. the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU;

-  A Resilience Fund to support the other National Governing Bodies of Sport;

- A Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs from all sports;

- A Swimming Pools/Facilities Fund;

- A Resumption of Sport & Physical Activity Fund.

The funding will be invested through new grant schemes developed by Sport Ireland and the funding will be disbursed through the National Governing Bodies of sport. 

Following the announcement, Sport Ireland invited applications for funding from National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships.  The applications are now being reviewed by Sport Ireland and funding allocations will be announced in December.

Online Safety

Ceisteanna (147)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

147. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the estimated timeline for the publication of the online safety and media regulation Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54844/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I also thank the Deputy and her colleagues in the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC) for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media for the publication, on Tuesday of last week, of a comprehensive pre-legislative scrutiny report in relation to the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. The 33 recommendations contained in the report raise a wide range of important issues and highlight the scale and complexity of the matters to be addressed in the Bill.

I commend the thorough and consultative approach taken by the JOC in conducting its pre-legislative scrutiny, which represents a continuity of the approach in developing the General Scheme, which involved public consultation and significant stakeholder engagement.

Last year, when I asked the Government to request that the JOC conduct pre-legislative scrutiny, I also asked the Government to approve the commencement of detailed drafting of the Bill by the Office of the Attorney General at the same time. The detailed drafting process is now nearing completion and will be finalised once I have carefully considered the JOC's report and recommendations.

A number of recommendations in the JOC report are straightforward and can be provided for with some additional legal drafting work from the Office of the Attorney General. A number of others are more complex, either directly dealing with technical legal drafting matters, or raising new policy proposals with significant practical and legal implications.

While I am closely considering all the recommendations, there are some which deal with issues that I have been examining for some time. This includes how the Bill can be further strengthened in order to better protect individuals online, including issues relating to the appropriate avenues of complaint or redress.

I intend to progress the Bill as a matter of urgency. It will be published as soon as is practicable following due consideration of the JOC's report and recommendations.

Finally, I note that €5.5 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to establish a new regulator, the Media Commission, under the Bill. While the Commission will ultimately be funded by an industry levy, this start-up funding will enable the Commission to hire an Online Safety Commissioner, to begin work on key issues and to hit the ground running following the enactment of the Bill in 2022.

Tourism Promotion

Ceisteanna (148)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

148. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will prioritise efforts to develop the Wild Atlantic Walkway as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54833/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and  implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies.  With specific regard to the Wild Atlantic Walkway,  I understand that challenges relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant that Fáilte Ireland had to defer initial work relating to this project until 2022. The development of a coastal walking route along the length of the Wild Atlantic Way remains a priority for Fáilte Ireland.  As this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred this question to the agency for direct response to the Deputy.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (149)

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

149. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to ensure Ireland will maintain strong representation in international events such as the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and World and European Championships; the steps being taken at all levels to support elite athletes and coaches who are currently competing, in addition to plans to build a pipeline of talent that will increase Ireland’s medal contention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54943/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Sport Policy 208-2027 included an action to develop a new high performance strategy. This strategy, entitled High Performance Strategy 2021-2032, was published in June 2021 and includes specific targets, and it will be a key component for the strategic and operational delivery objectives of the Sport Ireland Institute across its performance, leadership, coaching and specialist services.  

A copy of the Strategy can be found at on the Sport Ireland website at the following link: www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-06/strategy_eng.pdf   

The High Performance Strategy sets out challenging but achievable targets and signals our belief that Irish athletes can compete with the best in the world and win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and other major international competitions, on a consistent basis.

World class facilities and equipment is one of the strategic pillars of the Strategy. The Sport Ireland Campus is a major statement of the commitment to high performance sport.  The Campus will be further developed and expanded in the coming years to really deliver the best possible facilities for existing and emerging athletes.

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport and its funding allocations. Sport Ireland provides High Performance Programme funding which supports Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. High Performance investment in 2020 was approximately €15.5 million and is estimated to be €18.5 million for 2021. Our ambition is to double the State's investment in sport, from €112 million in 2018 to €220 million by 2027.

In Budget 2022, we announced over €181 million for sport next year, an increase of almost €11 million compared to the 2021 Revised Estimate. Compared to 2018, we will have achieved an increase of almost €70m.  

Current expenditure funding for Sport Ireland for 2022 will be €96 million, an increase of over €4m from 2021 and up by €44 million compared to 2018. This funding will enable Sport Ireland to continue to support the sector as it recovers from the challenges of Covid. It will also allow continued support for high performance sport, participation programmes and other funding programmes.

We recognise the benefits of multi-annual funding and the National Sports Policy aims to deliver funding on a multi-annual basis for high performance and participation programmes (Action 44).  The Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032 also provides a commitment to multi-annual funding within High Performance Sport. Progress is being made in this regard with Sport Ireland intending to introduce multi-annual funding from 2022 to 2024 to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) who operate High Performance Programmes. Sport Ireland will have set criteria in order for NGBs to be considered for multi-annual funding, which will include the adoption and compliance with the Governance Code by December 31, 2021. Sport Ireland will work closely with NGBs to ensure they achieve and maintain the standards required for multi-annual funding.

Media Pluralism

Ceisteanna (150, 157)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

150. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 28 April 2021, the steps she is taking to facilitate a national policy debate on the issue of the financial health of the Irish media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53581/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

157. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps which she is taking to support a thriving, independent Irish media further to the Government review of the strategic communications unit in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54974/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 157 together.

A strong and independent media sector is central to our parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech. The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, in recognition of the importance of a sustainable Irish media sector. It was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion.

On 29 September 2020 the Government agreed the terms of reference and membership of the Future of Media Commission.  It was chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, and it included experts in public service media, independent journalism, social media, new technology platforms, media economics, culture, language, creative content, governance and international best practice.

The goals of the Independent Commission were to explore the Irish experience and the challenges created for media by new global platforms and changing audience preferences. The Commission also sought to consider to what extent the current models of delivery are the appropriate ones for the next 10 years. The Commission also reviewed best practice in other countries, especially across the European Economic Area.

The Commission was tasked with proposing how public service aims should be delivered in Ireland over the next ten years in a sustainable way. The Commission was also asked make recommendations on RTE’s role, financing and structure.

The Commission held its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2020. This was followed by a period of public consultation, which ran from December 12th 2020 - January 8th 2021, resulting in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups and the general public. In addition, six Thematic Dialogues were held between January 28th and April 15th which involved panels of speakers on a range of matters who responded to questions from online participants and Commission members. These dialogues are available on the Commission's website.  As such, the Commission facilitated a very extensive process of national dialogue and policy debate on the Irish media. 

The work of the Future of Media Commission has now been completed.  The report of the Commission has been submitted to An Taoiseach and myself and we are currently considering its contents in advance of bringing the matter to Government, after which the report will be published.

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (151)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

151. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to initiate a national soccer strategy for the betterment of the game in Ireland. [54705/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While the key responsibility for the ongoing development and improvement of each sport in Ireland rests with the National Governing Bodies, the  Government’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) does stipulate a number of commitments from the FAI in relation to the development of Irish soccer which will greatly benefit the game in the long term.

The Memorandum of Understanding requires the FAI to develop a new strategic plan for a period of between 3 - 5 years in compliance with good governance practice and aligned to the National Sports Policy 2018-2027. The FAI presented their directional Strategic Plan to their AGM last July and made a commitment to consult widely with Irish soccer stakeholders via a variety of consultation formats. I understand that this consultation is well underway and that the FAI aims to have its strategic plan completed by December. 

The Memorandum also requires the FAI to engage with clubs and players from the League of Ireland and the Women’s National League to draft a 5-year strategy to develop the Leagues and to commit appropriate funding and other resources to implement this development strategy, recognising their importance to the development of Irish soccer. I understand that, once the FAI has completed its strategic plan, an overall strategy for the League of Ireland and Women’s National League will be developed.

Income Inequality

Ceisteanna (152)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

152. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding her plans to introduce a basic income pilot for artists given the delayed tender to facilitate stakeholder engagement; if that stakeholder engagement has taken place to date; if not, when it will take place; and if she will direct the Arts Council to introduce a hardship fund in the meantime given that the basic income pilot is still being developed to ensure artists struggling to pay bills and repay mortgages as a result of the impact of pandemic restrictions on their work are adequately supported until such time as the industry can fully recover. [55154/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I was delighted that as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, I secured a commitment from Government to prioritise the development of a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for the arts and cultural sector. As Minister with responsibility for Arts and Culture, I am conscious of the value that this sector brings to all Irish citizens.  The importance of Irish culture, Irish art and Irish productions as a whole cannot be understated - it contributes to individual and societal well-being, as well as contributing to Ireland's reputation as a country with a rich cultural history and output.  The intrinsic value of culture and the arts to society was particularly evident during the pandemic.

Against this backdrop, and my own experience of the arts, funding for the Basic Income Guarantee Pilot Scheme was a key priority of mine for Budget 2022 and I secured €25m to realise the pilot scheme next year. 

In relation to the timeline for the launch of the pilot the Deputy will appreciate that this is a major policy intervention requiring significant resources to develop a coherent policy and to operationalise.  This work is ongoing and my ambition is to open the scheme for applications early in Q1 2022. The Oversight Group continues to meet regularly and met yesterday with a representative from SIPTU.

The selection process for recipients of the basic Income will be finalised following the stakeholder engagement early next month, however, I can confirm the following: 

- Participation in the scheme will not be based on a means test.

- It will be a non-competitive process, therefore once a person satisfies the eligibility criteria they will be included in a randomised selection process.

- A number of unsuccessful applicants will be invited to participate in a control group to facilitate a comprehensive ex post appraisal of  the pilot in due course. 

- Proposals for the parameters of the scheme will be finalised in light of the stakeholder engagement.  

I believe the Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme will bring new life and support to the Arts and Cultural Sector and I hope it will provide an important legacy for our artists and creatives.

From the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Arts Council has been focused on protecting jobs and livelihoods of artists and arts workers, assisting arts organisations experiencing financial difficulties, working to encourage audiences to re-engage with in-person events in a safe environment, and supporting and developing the sector more broadly.

As part of Budget 2022, I have maintained the Arts Council allocation at the record-level of €130m. With this ongoing strong public funding in 2022, the Arts Council is empowered to play a strong role in supporting artists and arts organisations to flourish in the years ahead.

Straitéisí Ranna

Ceisteanna (153)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

153. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén straitéis a chuirfear i bhfeidhm chun cúrsaí Gaeilge a chur chun cinn i gcathair Chorcaí. [55081/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Mar is eol don Teachta, tá an próiseas pleanála teanga á chur chun feidhme i Limistéir Pleanála Teanga, Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus i Líonraí Gaeilge faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012.  Faoin bpróiseas, tugtar tréimhse dhá bhliain don cheanneagraíocht a roghnaítear chun plean teanga a chur faoi bhráid na Roinne le tacaíocht ó Údarás na Gaeltachta nó Foras na Gaeilge, mar is cuí. 

Maidir le Cathair Chorcaí, tar éis fógra poiblí faoinar lorgaíodh iarratais, roghnaigh Foras na Gaeilge an eagraíocht Gael Taca mar cheanneagraíocht chun plean teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú don chathair in 2018.  Ar an drochuair, níor cuireadh dréachtphlean teanga faoi bhráid mo Roinne laistigh den thréimhse dhá bhliain a bhí leagtha síos.  Tá roinnt cruinnithe tionólta idir mo Roinn, Foras na Gaeilge agus Gael Taca le tamall anuas ag a pléadh todhchaí an phlean teanga ach níor thángthas ar aon socrú ina leith go fóill.  Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil mé fhéin agus mo Roinn tiomanta do phlean teanga a aontú do Chathair Chorcaí.  

Anuas ar an obair a bhí ar bun ag Gael Taca maidir leis an bplean teanga, bhí mo Roinn ag cur maoinithe ar fáil don eagraíocht le blianta fada anuas chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i gcathair Chorcaí.  Tháinig deireadh leis an gcomhaontú is déanaí a bhí ag mo Roinn leis an eagraíocht i Nollaig 2020.  I láthair na huaire agus de bharr thábhacht Chathair Chorcaí mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta ach go háirithe, tá mo Roinn ag breathnú ar na féidearthachtaí eile réimse de shéirbhísí teanga a sholáthar sa chathair.

Sports Facilities

Ceisteanna (154)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

154. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions she will take to ensure the equal status of the Shelbourne women’s team who currently play their games at Tolka Park on the same terms as the men’s team in the Dalymount arrangement in the event of the proposed sale of Tolka Park going ahead. [55231/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Equality in sport is a key priority for both myself and Minister Catherine Martin.  Our overall vision for women in sport is one where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport. 

In relation to my Department's capital support schemes, amongst the key considerations in the assessment of any applications under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) is the likelihood of increasing participation including female participation and whether the proposed facility will be shared with other users or sports. 

In relation to Tolka Park, as the stadium is owned by Dublin City Council, any future plans for the ground are a matter for the Council in the first instance and I understand that no definitive decision has been taken in that regard. Dublin City Council's proposal for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park was awarded a grant of €918,750, under the LSSIF towards the cost of bringing the project to tender stage. The project is at the very early stages of design and the type of pitch which it is chosen to develop as part of that design process will be a major determinant in the extent to which it can be used.

Once the stadium is completed it will be a matter, in the first instance, for Dublin City Council and the two clubs (Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC)  to decide on the management of the stadium and its facilities. In that regard I understand that a management strategy for the entire complex including the usage of the pitch will need to be agreed.

Sports Funding

Ceisteanna (155)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

155. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current funding supports for LGBTQ+ persons in sporting programmes funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54713/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the allocation of funding to sporting organisations across a variety of funding schemes. 

Sport Ireland is in the process of developing a Diversity and Inclusion policy to further broaden the scope of its remit in this area. Sport Ireland recently concluded a wide ranging research and consultation process with the sport sector, representative organisations and the general public, specifically encouraging the LGBTI+ community, people with a disability and those from minority ethnic communities, including the Travelling community, to share their views.

The aim of the research and consultation process was to identify the barriers and challenges to participation in sport and physical activity faced by certain communities, and to identify opportunities to remove or reduce those barriers. The insights gained will inform the identification and development of supports and initiatives to promote participation in sport and physical activity across under represented communities, including the LGBTI+ community.

The Local Sports Partnership Network (LSP) which is comprised of 29 LSPs around the country, plays a vital role in increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity, especially among those sectors of society that are currently underrepresented in sport. Working with trusted professionals and valued volunteers, the Network engages communities to deliver opportunities for participation in sport and physically activities that are progressive, innovative and fully inclusive at a local level.

In 2020, 340,000 people from communities across Ireland including LGBTI+ persons took part in sport and physical activity opportunities organised by Local Sports Partnerships. In recent years, the LSP Network has utilised funding from the Dormant Account Fund to support inclusive initiatives and programmes that focus on groups with lower levels of participation which includes members of the LGBTI+ community.

In June 2021, the Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport supported the inaugural #LetsGetVisible campaign, which was developed by Sporting Pride in association with Sport Ireland. The aim of the campaign was to recognise and promote the importance of visibility and representation amongst the LGBTI+ community.

The Sport Ireland participation unit is currently working with Sporting Pride to explore opportunities to grow and develop this campaign in 2022 utilising the forthcoming Sport Ireland Diversity and Inclusion Policy which will contain specific actions on promoting participation and inclusion of people from the LGBTI+ community, as recommended in Action 43 of the Sport Ireland Participation plan. 

The Deputy might also be interested to note that I will soon be launching a Sports Action Plan covering the period to end 2023, which will include a series of actions and initiatives aimed at increasing participation levels across the board. The plan's emphasis will be geared towards increasing inclusion, diversity and equality in sport.

Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 118.
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