Written Answers Nos. 157-176
158. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the funds necessary to build 500+ performance spaces in Dublin to address the dearth of such venues in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55230/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the absence of cultural spaces in Dublin specifically for performance and artistic exhibitions; and the actions she plans to take to address same. [55229/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 173 together.
I am not aware of research that identifies a shortage of performance spaces in Dublin of the scale to which the Deputy refers.
The Programme for Government contains a number of proposals under the heading Creative and Cultural Infrastructure which contain measures to increase the provision of affordable workspaces for artists and creative practitioners.
Progress is on-going in relation to provision of workspaces for artists and creative practitioners as well as delivery of the arts and culture capital infrastructure set out in Project Ireland 2040. Funding has been made available under the National Development Plan for a culture and creativity investment programme. This investment programme is closely aligned with the Creative Ireland Programme and includes a range of investments in regional arts and culture facilities which include a number of artists’ workspace projects among other initiatives. Based on this investment we can expect to see the delivery of significant redevelopments our National Cultural Institutions including the Abbey Theatre and the National Concert Hall as well as investments in regional arts and culture facilities.
Local authorities have important functions with respect to the provision of artists' work spaces. My Department has allocated up to €3 million to Dublin City Council for capital development of studio workspaces towards funding provided under the urban regeneration development fund on sites owned by the city council. This level of investment will be of significant benefit to artists in the area and address the deficit in artist workspaces in Dublin city.
Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities. These centres are also supported through capital schemes largely operated by my Department. Projects supported included the provision of new integrated art centres, theatres and studio space and the refurbishment of existing performance spaces. Support provided to these arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council is critical to ensuring that a stable and vibrant network can be maintained. Capital funding schemes operated by my Department continue to be focused on enhancing this existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. Recent capital schemes are being informed by the strategic Review of Arts Centres and Venues commissioned by the Arts Council and CCMA, as well as the Arts Council's published Arts Centre Policy and Strategy 2019, which sets out its funding criteria for arts centres from 2020 onwards.
The Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 is a €4.7m capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres which is being administered by my Department. The scheme will run until 2022 and focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. Projects that provide additional capacity for artists and artistic production particularly in arts centres are favoured. The Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 is constructed of a number of funding streams one of which is Stream C which is aimed at upgrading visual artists' workspaces and is run by Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) on behalf of my Department. Funding of approximately €79k was announced in October 2020 by VAI for Stream C to 10 applicants.
In response to Covid-19, capital funding towards the pilot Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021 by my Department is intended to fund local authorities to adapt, equip or otherwise improve public spaces for cultural and events activities, taking account of public health guidelines and of the needs of the local arts community. Outdoor public spaces that can provide year-round use can improve well-being and contribute positively to the public realm.
The Deputy may be aware that I established the Night-Time Economy Taskforce on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for the Department and on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government. The report, which I help launched last September, contains recommendations that aim at having a more diverse and inclusive Night-Time Economy sector. These include bringing more venues into late night use by linking promoters and artists with existing spaces as well as increased collaboration across Government to deliver a high impact and well-functioning public realm to encourage more outdoor activities in the Night-Time Economy. The report is published on my Department’s website and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c1ba7-report-of-the-night-time-economy-taskforce/. Aligned with the Night-Time Economy report, the Arts Council plan to launch its spatial policy later which I understand will prioritise funding for new artist’s workspaces in 2022.
It should be noted that the Arts Council operates a number of schemes and initiatives that have been established for the particular support of visual arts, including the Visual Artists Workspace Scheme. The purpose of the Visual Artists Workspace Scheme is to support artists’ workspaces throughout the country to provide the best possible working environment for visual artists and, where feasible, to enable a level of subsidy for the artists working in these spaces.
County and city development plans are being drawn by local authorities and I understand that the new draft City Development Plan 2022 – 2028 for Dublin City Council proposes addressing the deficit in Artists Workspaces. This can be accessed at the following link: www.dublincity.ie/ga/node/8052
159. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the support provided in 2020 and to date in 2021 by her Department via Fáilte Ireland to relevant businesses in County Cork to help with reopening and recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54979/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland has provided a wide range of supports to tourism businesses in 2020 and 2021. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information on supports provided to tourism businesses in County Cork. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
160. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the operational guidelines currently in place for hospitality and live entertainment venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUp-to-date operational guidelines for a range of tourism and hospitality businesses are available on the Fáilte Ireland website (covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/). Guidelines for the live entertainment and nightclub sector have recently been published by my Department and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/updated-guidelines-for-nightlife-and-live-entertainment-sector/. These guidelines are designed to assist businesses to reopen and operate safely through the ongoing pandemic, in line with relevant Government public health advice and related Regulations.
In light of the epidemiological situation which has emerged over the last number of weeks, it is imperative that we carefully manage reopening. Government's aim is to allow as many businesses as possible reopen and continue operating in the safest possible way. This is why we need regulations and robust guidance to assist businesses to reopen safely and, importantly, to stay open. Central to all sectoral guidelines is a commitment to adhering to appropriate infection prevention control measures, which are necessary to protect individuals and society, as well as supporting our continued progress towards a full return to operation of various sectors. Compliance with these measures should not be considered best practice but, rather, the minimum standard required to protect our communities.
I acknowledge that the ongoing public health restrictions continue to be challenging for relevant businesses. However, with COVID-19 still circulating in our communities and particularly in light of the epidemiological situation that has emerged over recent weeks, it is imperative that we carefully manage reopening and continuing business operations. Accordingly it is important that we continue to adhere to COVID-19-related guidelines and public health advice in order to minimise opportunities for the transmission of the virus.
162. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Sport Ireland guidelines for underage indoor club sports in terms of Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54843/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:
- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).
- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.
- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.
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
163. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for inward international tourism in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54329/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The global competition to attract tourism will be more challenging than ever and I am more than confident that Tourism Ireland is equipped 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 it works to encourage as many overseas holidaymakers as possible to book Ireland as their next holiday destination. The new campaign 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 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 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. Within the context of the recently announced Budget 2022, I was happy to be able 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 Recovery Oversight Group continues to oversee the implementation of the Tourism Recovery Plan and to report to me on a regular basis with updates on implementation of the plan and the wider recovery of the sector.
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.
164. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to address the recommendation of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the online safety and media regulation Bill for a moratorium on advertising infant formula products online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55114/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for her question and commend her for overseeing the thorough pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill in her role as chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC) for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media.
Regarding the recommendation of the Committee in their pre-legislative scrutiny report for a moratorium on the advertising of infant formula products online, this is something I am currently examining.
The recommendation raises a new policy proposal that was not considered during the development of the General Scheme of the Bill or in detailed drafting by the Office of the Attorney General. As such, the practical and legal implications of this proposal will need to be teased out before it can be addressed, whether through legislation or other avenues, particularly in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I note that standards in relation to infant formula products, including advertising standards, are primarily set down at an EU level. Implementation of these in Ireland is overseen by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Further to this, standards regarding advertising of infant formula products are reflected in the advertising codes of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). As a matter of practice, the BAI seeks to reflect medical and health advertising policy developed by the relevant Departments and public bodies in its advertising codes. This will also be the case with the advertising related media codes and online safety codes to be developed by the Media Commission, which is to be established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill.
165. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sí athbhreithniú ar Scéim na mBóithre Áise a thabhairt ar ais do na Ceantair Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [54838/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá Scéim na mBóithre Áise, a bhfuil an Teachta ag tagairt di, curtha ar fionraí le roinnt blianta anois. Faoin scéim sin, chuirtí airgead ar fáil do na húdaráis áitiúla ar mhaithe le hobair dheisiúcháin a dhéanamh ar bhóithre cáilithe faoi leith sa Ghaeltacht.
Ar nós a leithéid de bhóithre lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht, is ar na húdaráis áitiúla atá an fhreagracht maidir lena leithéid de bhóithre a chothabháil agus a dheisiú anois.
166. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the strategies in place to deliver on the recommendations proposed by the night-time economy task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Night-time Economy is a hugely important sector, contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors and it is important that we protect, support and sustain it – particularly as we begin to emerge out of this pandemic and we start to think about how and where we socialise and how we plan our city and town centres.
The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce contained 36 practical recommendations in the area of regulation, licensing, planning, transport, safety and increasing the diversity of activities as part of the night-time offering. A robust implementation structure is currently being established to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in full and also, importantly, that the document remains current and that new ideas and new developments are included as the work progresses.
I am working with colleagues across Government and stakeholders to drive the implementation of the various actions in this Report and work is well underway to implement the actions in the Report. I was delighted to support a series of late night events across the country as part of this year’s Culture Night on foot of the Taskforce recommendation in this area. Progress is also being made by my own Department and other members of the Taskforce, working with stakeholders, in the development of responses to many of the other actions also.
I look forward to continued progress across all areas of this Report over the coming months.
167. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that film producer companies that are in receipt of public funding such as section 481 and Screen Ireland grants which are conditional on the provision of quality employment and training are regularly attending Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court hearings in cases taken by film employees and denying that they have a responsibility to those employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55226/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court are independent statutory bodies under the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and the Industrial Relations Act 1946 respectively. The WRC and the Labour Court are the mechanisms for regulating employment law in the State. They are under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Both organisations have statutory powers under which they conduct their business and I have no role in their operations.
In relation to the application process for a Certification under Section 481, a producer company and a qualifying company as defined by the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) are required to sign an undertaking in respect of quality employment and must as a condition of certification, provide details of any Work Place Commission decisions in relation to the qualifying company, the producer company or other companies in the film group, and where those decision are a finding against such a company, confirmation that the finding has been followed or an explanation where the finding has not been followed.
If a producer does not comply with the employment and skills development requirements they may not be eligible for the corporation tax credit.
Should the WRC determine that a company in receipt of section 481 tax relief has not complied with the relevant employment rights legislation, any amounts claimed may be recoverable with interest.
168. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to sport clubs or organisations that are excluding children from certain activities or restricting their participation on the basis of their vaccination status or that of their parents. [54109/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society could reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:
- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).
- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.
- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.
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
169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will engage with Raidió Teilifís Éireann and TG4 to ensure there are more men’s League of Ireland and Women's National League football games broadcast on free-to-air television. [54232/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNegotiations for broadcasting rights for sporting events is in the first instance, a matter for the sporting bodies and the broadcasters concerned.
However, under the Audio-Visual Media Services Directive 2013/13/EU, Member States are allowed to designate certain sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and to provide that events so designated should continue to be available on a free to air television service. The aim of the provisions is to balance the rights of the sporting bodies to exploit the commercial opportunities afforded by broadcasting rights and the needs of society to engage collectively with culturally significant events which have a positive impact on society as a whole.
Section 162 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the provisions relating to the designation of major events in Ireland. Under the provisions of the Act the list is reviewed no later than three years after the preceding review. The purpose of the review is to consider the appropriateness of the current list of designated events and to examine the potential to add any additional events of major importance to society.
I gave approval on 7th December 2020 for the commencement of the current review with a public consultation process. The consultation was launched on Thursday 10th December 2020 with a closing date for receipt of observations of Thursday 14th January 2021, providing a five week consultation period. Advertisements were placed in both national and local newspapers and a radio advertisement campaign was undertaken across all local radio.
In addition to the online survey, my officials made direct contact with key stakeholders, broadcasters and sporting organisations and invited them to submit responses either through the survey, by return email or in hard copy. Over 1700 responses were received. I am currently considering a report on the findings.
Should new events be selected for consideration for a free to air designation, a second public consultation will be undertaken which will seek observations from the sporting bodies, the broadcasters, wider stakeholders and the public on the specific events identified for possible designation.
In tandem with the second consultation process a procurement process will be undertaken for the production of an independent report. This will evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial impacts of any additional designation and will feed into a final decision on whether any additional events of major importance to society should be designated for free to air coverage in the public interest.
As the current process is underway and remains under consideration, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on particular events at this time.
170. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the universal basic income pilot for artists; the qualifying criteria that will be applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54835/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
171. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na pleananna atá ann chun maoiniú Bhuiséad 2022 a leithdháileadh ar an bpróiseas pleanála Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [55082/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBaintear leas as fomhír C.10 de chuid mo Roinne le cúram a dhéanamh d'fheidhmiú an Phróisis Pleanála Teanga. Is buiséad de €5.8m atá fógartha do phróiseas i 2022.
Dáiltear sciar den chiste ar bhonn bliantúil ar Údarás na Gaeltachta agus ar Fhoras na Gaeilge faoi seach atá freagrach, faoi réir fhorálacha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, ar stiúir a dhéanamh ar fheidhmiú an phróisis mar a bhaineann sé leo.
Fógraíodh níos luaithe i mbliana go bhfuil maoiniú suas le €2,751,000 ceadaithe d’Údarás na Gaeltachta agus €653,500 d’Fhoras na Gaeilge ó chiste reatha 2021. Bainfidh na heagraíochtaí sin úsáid as an maoiniú sin chun tacú le hullmhú agus feidhmiú pleananna teanga anuas ar thacaíochtaí eile a chur ar fáil don phróiseas. Tacaíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta le pleananna teanga sa Ghaeltacht agus tacaíonn Foras na Gaeilge le pleananna teanga lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Níl cinneadh déanta go fóill faoin mbuiséad a bheidh ar fáil do na heagraíochtaí sin i 2022 ach aontófar buiséad cuí leo ón gciste atá ar fáil go luath san athbhliain.
Anuas air sin, chun tacú leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga, cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil ón gciste C.10 do na hearnálacha: na luatbhlianta, an teaghlach agus na healaíona traidisiúnta. Mar chuid den cur chuige seo, ceadaíodh allúntas trí bliana ar fiú €1,600,522 i mbliana don eagraíocht: Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta chun go leanfaidís ar cur seirbhísí ar fáil i réimse an teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht. Ón allúntas sin, is suas le €535,062 atá ceadaithe do 2022.
Tá allúntas de €425,000 in aghaidh na bliana ceadaithe faoi láthair d'Ealaín na Gaeltachta ón gciste chomh maith chun cuidiú leo tacaíochtaí a chur ar fáil do na healaíona traidisiúnta a dírítear go príomha ar aos óg na Gaeltachta.
Maidir le gnóthaí luatbhlianta, tá plé ar bun faoi láthair i gcomhar leis an Údarás agus Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta faoi chomhaontú maoinithe úr a shocrú.
Ina theannta sin, baintear leas as an gciste chun maoiniú ar fiú €75,000 thar tréimhse trí bliana a chur ar fail don togra Fighting Words ar mhaithe le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe Gaeilge a chur ar fáil d'aos óg na Gaeltachta tríd an tionscnamh faoi leith seo.
Is fiú a lua go bhfuil fás de réir a chéile ag teacht ar an bpróiseas pleanála teanga agus faoi láthair, tá 31 plean ceadaithe idir na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga, na Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agua na Líonraí Gaeilge. Tiocfaidh fás ar an bhfigiúr sin le linn 2022 agus beidh ciste meadaithe C.10 ann chun freastal ar an méadú sin.
172. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports in place for the live entertainment sector as it emerges from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55129/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting of 19th of October Government agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector could reopen from October 22nd with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass. This represents an important next step towards the full reopening of our economy and our society, and is a crucial opportunity to return to work for those who work in the live entertainment and events sector.
I was very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts/culture and live entertainment industry in 2021 and I allocated over €60m to support the sector and drive employment opportunities for artists and crews, through the introduction of the following schemes:
- €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS)
- €16.5m Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS)
- €10m Local Live Performance Support Scheme (LLPSS)
- €4m Music and Entertainment Support Scheme (MEBAS)
- €5m Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme (CECGS)
- €1m St. Patrick's Festival
The Government allocated €25m for the live entertainment sector as part of Budget 2022 and I am examining the supports in place for the sector to ensure that available resources are best deployed to meet the needs of the sector to ensure a full recovery is possible.
As part of Budget 2022, I have maintained the Arts Council allocation at the record-level of €130m. This allocation will allow the Arts Council to continue to protect jobs and livelihoods of artists, and assist arts organisations through financial difficulties. 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.
Other priorities for Budget 2022 was to secure €25m in funding for a pilot Basic Income Guarantee Scheme for artists and arts workers. I plan to launch this pilot scheme early in 2022.
174. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to address the widespread income and employment insecurity faced by art, culture, film, music and entertainment workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55227/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting of 19th of October Government agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector could reopen from October 22nd with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass. This represents an important next step towards the full reopening of our economy and our society, and is a crucial opportunity to return to work for those who work in the live entertainment and events sector.
I was very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts/culture and live entertainment industry in 2021 and I allocated over €60m to support the sector and drive employment opportunities for artists and crews, through the introduction of the following schemes:
- €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS)
- €16.5m Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS)
- €10m Local Live Performance Support Scheme (LLPSS)
- €4m Music and Entertainment Support Scheme (MEBAS)
- €5m Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme (CECGS)
- €1m St. Patrick's Festival
The Government allocated €25m for the live entertainment sector as part of Budget 2022 and am examining the supports in place for the sector to ensure that available resources are best deployed to meet the needs of the sector to ensure a full recovery is possible.
As part of Budget 2022, I have maintained the Arts Council allocation at the record-level of €130m. This allocation will allow the Arts Council to continue to protect jobs and livelihoods of artists, and assist arts organisations through financial difficulties. 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.
Other priorities for Budget 2022 was to secure €25m in funding for a pilot Basic Income Guarantee Scheme for artists and arts workers. I plan to launch this pilot scheme early in 2022.
175. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the progress on the report her Department is compiling on the feasibility of establishing a digital legal deposit scheme to serve as a web archive for .ie domain contents as required under section 108 of the Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Law Provisions Act 2019; when the report is expected to be completed and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54842/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working with the National Library of Ireland (NLI) on exploring the feasibility of expanding the NLI’s capacity to establish a digital legal deposit scheme to serve as a web archive for the .ie domain and work is ongoing. There are differing viewpoints on the introduction of digital legal deposit and it is important that consultations incorporate all viewpoints. It is hoped to bring forward a report in the coming months.
176. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagements she has had with basketball representatives including Basketball Ireland over return to play protocols. [54944/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:
- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).
- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.
- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.
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, they are 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.
The Expert Group on the Return to Sport, which is chaired by an official from my Department, and which includes medical personnel from a range of sporting organisations as well as representatives of Sport Ireland, considered the matter of children under 18 participating in indoor sport in detail, and made a number of recommendations on the issue.
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
