Written Answers Nos. 413-431
413. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is expected to announce details of the Peace Plus Programme; the timeline for the commencement of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new PEACE PLUS programme will continue the vital work of the two North South cooperation programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA, into the 2021-27 period. As the successor to both programmes, PEACE PLUS will be a cohesive new programme for the Irish border counties and Northern Ireland. Financial commitments from the EU, the UK and Ireland mean that the PEACE PLUS programme will have a total value of over €1.1bn. The Special EU Programme Body has responsibility for leading the development of the new programme and managing its implementation.
The draft PEACE PLUS programme is structured around six thematic investment areas:
- Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities;
- Delivering Economic Regeneration and Transformation;
- Empowering and Investing in Young People;
- Healthy and Inclusive Communities;
- Supporting a Sustainable and Better Connected Future;
- Building and Embedding Partnership and Collaboration.
An overview of the draft programme is available at www.seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS. I encourage all interested stakeholders to visit to learn more.
During October 2021, the draft programme was approved by Government and also by the Northern Ireland Executive and by the North South Ministerial Council. The draft PEACE PLUS programme is now in the process of submission to the European Commission for its review and final approval. It is expected that this will allow for launch of PEACE PLUS and the first Calls for Applications during the first half of 2022. Calls for Applications for the various programme investment areas will continue into 2023-24. Project activity under PEACE PLUS will continue up to a closure date in 2029.
In order to facilitate early programme mobilisation, SEUPB has already commenced pre-development support. For example, a workshop for potential applicants under Theme 3.2 PEACE PLUS Youth Programme was held on 10 December 2021.
414. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén gníomh atá beartaithe aici chun a chinntiú go mbeidh dátheangachas i bhfeidhm i bpacáistiú táirgí de gach saghas anois go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag an gCúirt Achomhairc i gcás duine (sonraí tugtha) go bhfuil daoine i dteideal an Ghaeilge a bheith ar fáil dóibh mar chainteoirí Gaeilge agus mar thomhaltóirí, agus chun a chinntiú nach ndéanfar sárú ar aon treoirithe de chuid an Aontais Eorpach a thuilleadh. [2662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBa mhaith liom a mheabhrú don Teachta go bhfuil tiomantas tugtha sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, Réimsí Gnímh 6.8 – An Saol Eacnamaíochta, maidir le Lipeadú agus Pacáistiú dátheangach. Gealltar go féachfaidh an Rialtas an bhféadfaí cód deonach a thabhairt isteach do lipéadú agus do phacáistiú dátheangach i gcás gach earra a dhíoltar in Éirinn. D’fhéadfaí an gníomh sin a úsáid mar mheicníocht chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar raon na réimsí inar féidir le daoine Gaeilge a roghnú mar theanga tráchtála.
Chomh maith leis sin, sonraíonn Alt 2.8.1.2 de Phlean Gníomhaíochta Gaeilge an Rialtais 2018-2022 go soláthróidh Foras na Gaeilge, i gcomhar le páirtithe ábhartha, raon bearta le tacaíocht a sholáthar d'úsáid na Gaeilge in earnáil an ghnó agus sa saol eacnamaíochta. Chuige sin, tá Foras na Gaeilge i mbun:
- Scéim tacaíochta maoinithe dírithe ar Fhiontair Bheaga agus Mheánmhéide: Scéim deontais í seo ina bhfuil maoiniú meaitseála oiread agus €3,000 ar fáil chun tacú le comharthaíocht, stáiseanóireacht, ábhair margaíochta chlóite, suíomhanna idirlín agus ábhair brandála eile a fhorbairt go gairmiúil i nGaeilge nó go dátheangach
- Pacáiste Acmhainní Tacaíochta do Ghnólachtaí: Tá 31 saináis tacaíochta don earnáil ghnó ar fáil saor in aisce. Mar chuid den phacáiste tacaíochta, tá rogha comharthaí féinghreamaithe, suaitheantais, bileoga agus earraí tacaíochta eile chun cur le hinfheictheacht na Gaeilge i dtimpeallacht ghnó
- Treoirleabhráin ar Dhea-Chleachtais: Mar chuid de shraith foilseachán, foilsíodh dhá threoirleabhrán chun treoir phraiticiúil a thabhairt don earnáil gnó ar úsáid an dátheangachais: ‘Comharthaíocht Dhátheangach’ agus ‘Pacáistíocht Dhátheangach’. Beidh an chéad treoirleabhrán eile dírithe ar úsáid an dátheangachais go leictreonach agus ar shuíomhanna Idirlín.
- QMharc Gnó le Gaeilge: cód deonach agus córas cáilíochta nuafhorbartha don earnáil ghnó is ea ‘QMharc Gnó le Gaeilge’, atá dírithe ar aitheantas oifigiúil a thabhairt don sárchleachtas dátheangach bunaithe ar an gCaighdeán Idirnáisiúnta ISO 9001:2008. Is féidir le fiontair bheaga agus mheánmhéide ar fud oileán na hÉireann cur isteach ar an ngradam seo.
Leanfaidh oifigigh mo Roinne ag comhoibriú le Foras na Gaeilge, lena chinntiú go gcuirfear Alt 2.8.1.2 den Phlean i bhfeidhm.
Anuas ar seo, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do eagraíochtaí mar Gael-Taca i gCorcaigh; Gnó Mhaigh Eo; Gaillimh le Gaeilge agus, le déanaí, Cill Dara le Gaeilge, le tacaíocht a thabhairt d’úsáid na Gaeilge i réimse an ghnó.
Tá teagmháil déanta le mo Roinn freisin ag lucht eagair feachtais atá ar bun le lipéadú dátheangach ar phacáistí a chur chun cinn agus, tá obair idir lámha ag oifigigh mo Roinn agus an féidearthacht tabhairt faoi thaighde le sprioc 6.8 thuas a bhaint amach.
415. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding the National Library of Ireland provides to the Museum of Literature. [62974/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is a collaboration between University College Dublin (UCD) and the National Library of Ireland (NLI). It is a company limited by guarantee constituted to establish and operate a dedicated educational and visitor centre relating to the life and works of James Joyce and other notable Irish writers at Newman House, Dublin 2. The company may have up to seven directors with up to four appointed by UCD, two by the NLI and the seventh Director acting as independent Chairman and being appointed by UCD.
The NLI does not provide funding to MoLI. It contributes expertise in relation to exhibition interpretation and planning, Irish literature, project management and conservation. The NLI has artefacts valued at over €9 million on display at the Museum. The manuscripts and material on display at MoLI are digitised and are also available online to the public.
416. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the recent letter regarding concerns within women’s rugby in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63055/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 10 December Minister Martin and I received a letter from a group of current and former female international rugby players in which they highlighted a number of concerns regarding the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and its ongoing reviews into the Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification campaign and the Women in Rugby Action Plan.
While the key responsibility for the ongoing development and improvement of rugby in Ireland rests with the IRFU as the National Governing Body for the sport, Minister Martin and I are of the view that it is important that the issues raised are addressed to ensure there is a positive future for women’s rugby in Ireland.
Minister Martin and I met with a representative group of the players on Monday 20 December at which meeting the players outlined their concerns in detail. We also met separately with the IRFU on the same day and raised with it the players’ concerns.
With the agreement of the players, we asked Sport Ireland to engage with the players to provide assistance and guidance to progress the issues of concern. Sport Ireland met with a group of player representatives on 23rd December and met with them again earlier this week.
Sport Ireland is currently working with the players and the IRFU to address the issues and I understand that their is a genuine desire by all parties to address and resolve the issues. I am hopeful that this process will result in a positive outcome for women’s rugby.
I am also pleased to note the announcement made by the IRFU on 17 December confirming that it intends to fully publish the two independent reviews currently being undertaken.
417. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); her views on same; the work undertaken by her Department in relation to promoting Irish artists on domestic commercial radio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63056/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra431. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans she has in place to ensure equality of access for all domestic Irish artists who are artists of colour, female-identifying and gender non-conforming artists to Irish radio broadcasting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1577/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 431 together.
I am strongly supportive of the promotion of Irish music on our broadcasting services and I am committed to supporting progress on gender equality across society and all areas under my remit.
The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory framework for the regulation of sound broadcasting services. Under the Act, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent regulator for sound broadcasting content in the State. My officials have been engaging with the BAI regarding the actions they are taking to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the broadcasting sector in Ireland.
The BAI is currently undertaking a review of its Gender Action Plan which was launched in 2018. The 2018 Gender Action Plan set out its objectives under four key pillars: data collection and publication; research, encouraging gender initiatives, and accountability. Work on the review is on-going and BAI anticipate its completion in 2022. The findings of the BAI Gender Action Plan review, once complete, will contribute to the development of a BAI Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
In terms of funding for audio and audiovisual content for Irish audiences, the BAI now consider the number of women in key creative roles as a criterion in assessing applications for the Sound & Vision Scheme as a measure to support and encourage greater gender equality in the industry.
The BAI provide funding for sectoral learning and development with the aim of challenging and supporting the Irish broadcasting sector to remain relevant and to deliver for the audience. Initiatives funded through sectoral learning and development include Women on Air, Women in Film and Television and Learning Waves. Women on Air’s Board members and speakers volunteer their time to ensure a greater diversity of voices on the airwaves. A Womenonair.ie database for media of women who are ready, willing, and able to contribute to broadcast media opportunities was launched in January 2021.
The BAI established and facilitate the Broadcasting Sustainability Network which aims to foster best practice and to provide support to the Irish broadcasting sector on sustainability based on the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals including Goal 5: Gender Equality.
In considering any proposals to require the allocation of a proportion of airtime to Irish artists, as set out in the details supplied, I am conscious of the legal and other factors which must be taken into account. The potential benefit to music production in Ireland must be balanced with the rights of broadcasters, subject to their contractual or regulatory obligations, to determine the type of content they wish to broadcast and to ensure commercial revenue particularly in the context of the current media climate.
The introduction of any airplay quotas would need to be consistent with EU law, in particular those provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) guaranteeing freedom of establishment and free movement of services and which prohibit discrimination based on nationality.
An example of airplay quotas in the EU can be seen in France. In 1994, France introduced a mandatory quota for 40% airplay of French language music on French radio stations. In 2016, this quota was reduced to 35%. Any quota for airplay would be considered to restrict free movement of services by placing music meeting certain criteria in a more advantaged position. However, a quota for airplay of music in a particular language, as is the case in France, can be justified under EU case law, as the preservation and promotion of an official language of a Member State constitutes a general interest objective.
Unlike music in a particular language, a quota system for music produced in a particular place, as suggested in the details supplied, does not appear to have grounds for exemption from the general requirements of EU law. Therefore, without a similar justification on the grounds of linguistic protection, a quota for music produced in a particular Member State would be considered to restrict free movement of services by placing music produced in other Member States at a disadvantage.
The Deputy can be assured however that I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to further explore appropriate approaches to support equality, diversity and inclusion on our broadcasting services.
418. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of public funding or public support received by a club (details supplied) in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63125/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of public funding or public support received by League of Ireland clubs in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63126/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not allocate funding directly to clubs but channels it through the relevant National Governing Bodies of sport, in this case the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to any funding or support provided to the FAI for League of Ireland clubs, including the club mentioned by the Deputy, in 2020, including any funding under the Covid-19 funding schemes. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
In relation to my Department’s role, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. League of Ireland clubs are entitled to apply directly for SCEP funding up to a value of €300,000 for assistance to upgrade and improve stadia.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) is designed for projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the SCEP. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and, thus far, approximately €86.4m has been awarded to 33 different proposals.
Details of all allocations, including those made to League of Ireland clubs, under the SCEP since 2000 are published at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/. Details of the allocations made under the LSSIF are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
420. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if proof of immunity will be required for persons that wish to access facilities that are shared between a swimming pool and a gym such as changing rooms given that a certificate is not needed to access a swimming pool in a gym or leisure centre or to go to a standalone swimming pool; the guidelines that are given to operators of such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63366/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided, on public health grounds, that gyms and indoor leisure facilities are now required to ask for proof of immunity for those accessing their facilities. This requirement applies to persons that are accessing shared swimming pool facilities. Under the regulations in place, such a facility is not obliged to ask for, or check, the immunity status of children under the age of 18 who are accompanied by a vaccinated parent/guardian. It should be understood however that there is no legal prohibition on the owner/operator of such premises from asking for, or checking, the immunity status of people entering their own premises, as they see fit to do so.
I should also like to provide additional clarification on the exceptional and special provisions applying to swimming pools. These provisions recognise the particular contribution that swimming pools make to water safety and to people’s wellbeing generally, the individual nature of swimming activity and the structural, spatial characteristics of swimming pools. The Government has accordingly decided that the requirement for proof of immunity does not apply for access to them. This is a highly specific accommodation that the Government was keen to extend to swimming pool activity for the reasons just stated. Other non-swimming activities are not covered, even if they are conducted on the same premises or involve the sharing of reception or changing facilities.
It is accepted that these differentiated arrangements pose additional challenges in certain instances but the responsibility rests with the owner/operator of such premises to make the necessary operational and logistical arrangements to give practical effect to the differing legal obligations to the different settings. However, it must be recognised that COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is considerably greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, and poorly ventilated spaces.
Changing rooms for swimming pools may remain open for mixed immunity groups but subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures. Advice on the safe use of changing rooms, and the kinds of mitigation measures that can be employed is to be found in a guidance note that is available on the website of Sport Ireland at the link below:
www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity
I trust that the foregoing satisfactorily explains the position.
421. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the Future of Media Commission report; if the report has been completed and submitted to her Department and the Government; when it is planned to consider and publish this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63439/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future of Media Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, held its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2020. It was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion.
The Commission engaged comprehensively with stakeholders, including broadcasters, journalists, publishers, regional media and the wider public. The first phase of the Future of Media Commission public consultation, which ran from December 12th 2020 to January 8th 2021, resulted in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups and the general public on a wide range of themes.
At the end of January 2021, the Commission began a series of thematic dialogues through online webinars in which panels of experts explored key themes in more depth and answered follow-up questions from the virtual audience and the Commission members. These dialogues fed into the subsequent analysis and recommendations of the Commission.
The work of the Future of Media Commission has now been completed and their report has been submitted to An Taoiseach and myself for consideration. It will provide a basis for media and broadcasting policy in the coming years and An Taoiseach and I are carefully considering the contents of the wide-ranging report.
Following this, the report will be brought to Cabinet for further consideration and agreement on the next steps. The report will not be published prior to any consideration of its contents by Government.
422. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for the future development of the Marconi Centre, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63500/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
423. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a decision will be made on the sports capital programme application made by a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63601/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
On 30 November 2020, Minister Martin and I announced that a new round of the Programme was opening with at least €40 million available to allocate. The original closing date for applications was 12 February 2021 but, in view of difficulties some applicants were encountering as a result of Covid restrictions, this deadline was extended until 1 March 2021. By this closing date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were finalised and published prior to assessment work commencing and all applications were assessed in accordance with these procedures.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on 6 August 2021.
In relation to the remaining capital SCEP applications, including an application from the club referred to by the Deputy, the initial assessment of all applications was completed last week. In accordance with our objective of making the whole application process as user-friendly as possible, applicants who did not submit fully correct applications were given a two week period to submit corrected documentation. It should be noted that the number of applicants needing to avail of this “second chance” correcting facility was significant with a total of 706 applicants contacted in this regard. This represented 34% of the total capital applications. I am committed to having the final list of successful grants announced as soon as possible after the final date for receipt of corrected documentation.
424. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will commit to a specific date for the allocation of the 2021 sports capital grant. [1119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra425. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the awards for the sports capital scheme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 428 of 19 October 2021, when the remaining applications will be announced for the 2021 Sports Capital Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra437. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding now available in 2022 for allocation to applications currently in hand by her Department under the sports capital scheme; when she expects to allocate funds to these applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2002/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra439. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the final allocations for sports capital grants will be announced. [2285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 424, 425, 429, 437 and 439 together.
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.
On 30 November 2020, Minister Martin and I announced that a new round of the Programme was opening with at least €40 million available to allocate. The original closing date for applications was 12 February 2021 but, in view of difficulties some applicants were encountering as a result of Covid restrictions, this deadline was extended until 1 March 2021. By this closing date, 3,106 applications had been submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures were finalised and published prior to assessment work commencing and all applications were assessed in accordance with these procedures.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6m were announced on 6 August 2021.
In relation to the remaining capital SCEP applications, the initial assessment of all applications was completed last week. In accordance with our objective of making the whole application process as user-friendly as possible, applicants who did not submit fully correct applications were given a two week period to submit corrected documentation. It should be noted that the number of applicants needing to avail of this “second chance” correcting facility was significant with a total of 706 applicants contacted in this regard. This represented 34% of the total capital applications. I am committed to having the final list of successful grants announced as soon as possible after the final date for receipt of corrected documentation.
In relation to the funding available to allocate, I am pleased that following completion of the 2022 budget discussions, an amount of €34.535m has been provided for the SCEP in 2022. This represents an increase of €6.6m on the 2021 allocation. In addition, the Revised Estimates for 2022 (REV 2022) provide for an amount of €6m to be carried forward from 2021 meaning that at least €40.5m will be available this year. This will cover all existing allocations under older rounds of the Programme plus significant new allocations which will be announced in the coming weeks. Furthermore, I am in discussions with my colleague Michael McGrath T.D. the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to maximising the total funding envelope available for the Programme and I expect to conclude that process shortly. Every effort will be made to fund as many worthwhile projects as possible while providing a sufficient level of grant to ensure the projects are viable.
All unsuccessful applicants will be given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision and information in this regard will be issued when the grants are announced.
426. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the proposed artist basic income guarantee scheme; the persons or bodies that are eligible for this scheme; if applications are currently being accepted; if all eligible applicants will be approved, the level of financial support on offer to approved applicants; the means test that will apply for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted that as part of the Economic Recovery Plan, I secured a commitment from Government to prioritise the development of a Basic Income pilot scheme for the arts and cultural sector. Funding for the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme was a key priority of mine for Budget 2022 and I secured €25m to realise the pilot scheme next year.
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.
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 in Q1 2022.
An online consultation portal is currently open and will remain open until 27th January 2022.
Stakeholder engagement has been central to my Department's response to the pandemic and this consultation will ensure that the arts sector, those working in it and the resource bodies and representative organisations are given the opportunity to feed into the policy development for the scheme.
The online consultation is based on a Discussion Paper considered at the Stakeholder Forum held on 15th December 2021. It is open to all and gives those who were not in attendance, other members of the arts community and the public a chance to contribute their thoughts to the ongoing development of the pilot scheme for a Basic Income for the Arts.
The purpose of the online consultation is to ensure that the general public, artists and those working in the arts and culture sector have the opportunity to contribute to the policy development for the pilot scheme and to offer suggestions from their experiences as artists, arts workers and members of resource organisations on key issues such as the schemes objectives, eligibility criteria, supporting emerging artists and participant responsibilities.
The selection process, application details and rate of payment for recipients of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme will be finalised following the stakeholder engagement and online consultation, 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.
Proposals for the parameters of the scheme will be finalised in light of the stakeholder engagement.
I believe the Basic Income for the Arts 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. In addition to this measure, I also secured continued investment of €130m for the Arts Council in 2022. Combined, these measures will significantly contribute to the development of the arts in Ireland.
427. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will work with Fáilte Ireland to ensure that the coach tourism operators continuity scheme for 2022 is implemented similarly to the 2021 scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1259/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the pandemic, I have secured €125 million in Business Continuity Supports for the tourism sector taking account of the long shutdown and period of restrictions across many sectors. This included €10 million under the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme. €50m of this Business Continuity Support for the tourism sector will be paid in 2022.
My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
The Tourism Business Continuity Schemes for 2022 will be managed once more by Fáilte Ireland. That agency has developed its 2022 schemes in order to support businesses across the tourism sectors that need it most urgently, taking account of the Government funding that has already been received and the wider context of the horizontal supports provided by Government.
The allocation of the funding by Fáilte Ireland takes into account the needs of the Tourism Sector as a whole. The first Scheme, the Strategic Tourism Transport Business Continuity Scheme 2022 was launched on 11 January and aims to support the tourism transport sector. This Scheme is open to Coach Tourism Operators and other strategic tourism transport operators (such as Tourism Chauffeur, Limousine Services, Escorted Private Tours and Hop-on Hop-Off Tourism Operators, Tourism Vehicle Rental Sector, Tourism Aviation & Rail Tour Operators) provided they meet the eligibility criteria which are similar to the 2021 Scheme. Amounts to individual businesses will be informed by the Scheme criteria and may vary accordingly.
428. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén plé a bhí idir a Roinn agus Foras na Gaeilge maidir le teidlíochtaí pinsin a thabhairt d’iarfhostaithe Bhord na Leabhar Gaeilge; ar aistríodh a fheidhmeanna chuig Foras na Gaeilge in 2008, don tréimhse a bhí siad le Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge; cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh faoin gceist seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [1379/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá athbhreithniú déanta ag mo Roinn ar an gcás maidir le iarfhostaithe Bhord na Leabhar Gaeilge agus a n-iarratas go n-aithneofaí a dtréimhse seirbhíse le Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge mar sheirbhís chun críche pinsin de chuid na seirbhíse phoiblí. Tá mo Roinn i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe faoi láthair maidir leis an gcás áirithe seo féachaint an féidir teacht ar réiteach ina leith.
430. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of those live studies, reviews and research projects currently underway or commissioned by my Department is set out in the table below:-
|
Title, Research Body and Date commenced |
Details of Study/Review/Research |
Completion Date |
|
Barriers to Access to Creative Activities in Support of Individual Health & Wellbeing; Commenced November 2021 |
Identifying barriers to Access to Creative Activities in Support of Individual Health & Wellbeing. |
February 2022 |
|
Third party review of the delivery of the Tourism Marketing Fund by the tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. Commenced December 2021 |
Review of the delivery of overseas tourism marketing activity, in order to set out agreed roles, responsibilities and work practices, which will govern the future working relationship between the tourism agencies. |
March 2022 |
|
Inclusion and engagement of Children of Muslim background in creative activities in Ireland; Commenced March 2021 |
A project with UCD exploring relevance, describing hurdles and barriers, identifying national and international best practices and experience in mitigating them. |
March 2022 |
|
Rising*; Commenced October 2021 |
An objective evaluation undertaken by TCD of the impact of an interdisciplinary arts project based in the Dublin Docklands community on the theme of rising water levels and ocean temperatures. |
March 2022 |
|
EPIC-MUSS; Commenced October 2018 |
The purpose of this study by DCU is to explore the processes of creative and inclusive music making within a wide geographical spread of primary and post primary schools that have created showcase performances of their musical endeavours. |
June 2022 |
|
Creative Capacity in Ireland: Working towards Wellbeing; Commenced March 2021 |
Mary Immaculate College examining international research to better understand what impact creative activity can have on wellbeing. It will seek out and celebrate best practice in this domain in Ireland and showcase what makes good projects work and what impedes best practice in order to recommend structural and policy changes. |
July 2022 |
|
Creative Youth analysis of the delivery of creative opportunities for children and young people; Commenced November 2021 |
A systematic analysis by TCD of research studies, evaluations and reviews of Creative Youth funded initiatives, programmes and projects, which feature measurable outcomes in the delivery of best practice. |
October 2022 |
|
Workers' Villages*; Commenced October 2021 |
Research by the Irish Architecture Foundation, the School of Architecture in UL, the SAUL Intelligence Unit and Global Action Plan; into the role and legacy of the Bord na Móna workers villages, and the broader sustainable visions of their architect, Frank Gibney. In addition, the development of monitoring and evaluation tools and model on behaviour change in the context of a creatively co-designed place-making project connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. |
November 2022 |
|
KinShip*; Commenced October 2021 |
Research project with Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in UCC and Clean Technology Centre, MTU in partnership with Cork City Council which aims to synergise social arts practice, with environmental and scientific research, to develop a kinship with Tramore Valley Park, Cork, whilst modelling ‘care’ as a civic responsibility for the future of urban land use. |
November 2022 |
|
Creative Climate Action; Commenced October 2021 |
Research by MaREI (the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, UCC) to analyse the impact of the Creative Climate Action initiative on climate change awareness, engagement and action in Ireland and optimise the design and effectiveness of the Creative Climate Action projects. |
December 2022 |
|
Repair Acts Ireland*; Commenced October 2021 |
A combination of interdisciplinary artistic and applied research methodologies undertaken by UCD to address the often overlooked place of repair within waste cycles and hierarchies within Ireland. |
December 2022 |
|
Ripple*; Commenced October 2021 |
UCD exploring an approach and set of scalable tools that engages intergenerational communities to create a water resilient shared public space or garden and evaluating the transformation of behaviour from opposer to bystander and from bystander to champion. |
December 2022 |
|
Corca Dhuibhne Inbhuanaithe – A Creative Imagining*; Commenced October 2021 |
Collaboration with MaREI in UCC to creatively address solutions that can support the transition to environmentally and economically sustainable farming on the Dingle Peninsula and beyond. |
December 2022 |
|
Línte na Farraige*; Commenced October 2021 |
Complementing creative practitioners’ delivery of art installations, collaboration between Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University to articulate the connection between sea level rise and societal change. |
December 2022 |
|
Participation in social and creative activities in Ireland among adults aged 50 and over and the effects of this on health and wellbeing; Commenced September 2020 |
COVID-19 has magnified the health and wellbeing of older people in society and highlighted potential for research on the impacts on wellbeing. This Fellowship aims to determine participation in social and creative activities among adults aged 50 and over and the effects on health and wellbeing, as part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing TILDA) at TCD. |
March 2023 |
*Work forms part of the Creative Climate Action projects, led by this Department, with co-financing from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
