Written Answers Nos. 31-50
32. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Future of Media Commission report; when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vibrant, diverse and independent media sector is vital for not only our democracy but our cultural development. However, it is a sector that is undergoing fundamental change and faces significant challenges.
Acknowledging both the importance of the sector and the rapidly changing landscape in which it operates, the Programme for Government committed to the establishment of the Future of Media Commission.
Chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, the Commission was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society for the foreseeable future. After extensive engagement with stakeholders and the wider public, the Commission completed its work and submitted its report to the Taoiseach and myself last autumn.
The Report’s recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years. As such, they have required careful and detailed consideration, particularly in light of a range of other complex and inter-related issues that will require decisions by Government in the wider media and digital space. These include the recently published national digital strategy Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act. Following further consideration by An Taoiseach, myself and other key Minister, it is intended that the report will be brought to Government shortly, after which it will be published.
33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider developing a register for artists, performers, crew and technicians and all those working in arts and culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department has no proposal at present to develop a register for people working in the arts and culture sectors, which would be a complex task having regard to the definition of the arts set out in the Art Act 2003, it does have regard to data available from the Central Statistics Office using the standard EU classification system of NACE Codes, which can be used to analyse and interpret sectoral economic trends across the sectors that fall within the remit of my Department, including the arts.
My Departments’ priorities are set out in its published Statement of Strategy 2021—2023. The overarching goal is to ensure the “sectors recover and grow in a manner that underpins social cohesion and supports strong, sustainable economic growth, with a focus on a number of cross cutting goals of equality, diversity, social inclusion, the Irish language and environmental sustainability”. The Statement of Strategy is available at this link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/9205f-statement-of-strategy-20212023/
In the context of culture, the goal is to “support and develop engagement with, and in arts, culture and creativity by individuals and communities thereby enriching lives through cultural activity; and to promote Ireland’s arts, culture and creativity globally while also coordinating the Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 commemorations programme.” One of the intended outcomes is “to cultivate Irish artistic and creative talent and enhance Ireland’s reputation as a hub of artistic excellence.”
As independent State bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Arts Council and Screen Ireland have strategies for capacity development contained in their strategic plans. Screen Ireland’s strategy was launched in 2021 and includes a strategic objective to invest in the talent and skills required for the future success of the industry through supporting capacity development, with diversity, equity and inclusion at its core. A key action listed is to “provide a digital platform to capture workforce data, supporting the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry".
The Arts Council’s 10 years strategic plan Making Great Art Work sets out five priority areas, each with a distinct goal - The Artist’ ‘Public Engagement', ‘Investment Strategy’, ‘Spatial and Demographic Planning’, and ‘Developing Capacity’. In the context of the Developing Capacity the goal is that the Arts Council and the arts sector have the knowledge, skills and inventiveness to realise this strategy. A key objective is to ensure “the arts sector is skilled, resourceful and committed to its own renewal”.
The report of the Oversight Committee on the implementation of the recommendations made in the Life Worth Living Report states that over 75% of the recommendations are implemented. Significant work has been done to realise this as a practical and substantial support for the arts and cultural sector.
34. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of progress on mandating Sport Ireland to develop a programme of interventions to boost participation levels among persons with disabilities, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10336/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreased participation in sport is a key objective of my Department. Central to the pursuit of that objective is the application of a Sport for All approach that is aimed at ensuring that all persons have the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of age, social-economic status, disability, or membership of, for example, the LGBTI+ community, the Traveller community or other ethnic minorities. Increasing participation amongst these groups is a core objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
At the end of November 2021, I launched a new Sports Action Plan covering the period up to the end of 2023 and this includes a series of actions and initiatives aimed at increasing participation levels across the board. The plan's emphasis is heavily orientated towards increasing inclusion, diversity and equality in sport.
That plan contains a specific commitment to establish an Inclusion, Diversity and Equality Fund to promote increased and sustainable participation in sport among children, adolescents and young adults, those from lower socio-economic groups, persons with a disability, the LGBTI+ community, the Traveller community and other ethnic minorities. It further commits that this fund will apply the Sport for All ethos. Work is underway to embed the Sport for All approach in funding drawn down from the Dormant Accounts funds that are specifically aimed at increasing participation levels amongst disadvantaged communities and people with a disability. Forthcoming rounds of funding will place further emphasis on the Sport for All approach. The total amount of funding being allocated from the Dormant Accounts funding for such projects this year is €12 million, more than twice the amount available a number of years ago and representing a 20% increase on last year's provision.
In addition to this over-arching emphasis on the Sport for All approach, the Sports Action Plan also provides for an annual Winter Initiative, which is a rolling programme of activities and initiatives that aims to get people back to sport and increase participation in the aftermath of COVID-19. The programme has run successfully over the past few months, with a wide range of activities taking place throughout the sports sector and includes measures to boost participation levels among persons with disabilities. The Winter Initiative programme has provided National Governing Bodies of Sport with a perfect platform to launch their Autumn and Winter Programmes and will continue up to the end of March.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that at the last count there were over 700 events occurring under the Winter Initiative. 66 National Governing Bodies of Sport are participating, as are all 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Details on the events that are taking place can be found on the website of Sport Ireland, and through the respective organisations running the events. It is my intention that a similar programme will be run next Winter and to that end my Department and Sport Ireland will commence planning in that regard in the coming months.
I would also like to emphasise the important contribution that Sport Ireland makes in this area. 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.
In May 2021, Sport Ireland published its Participation Plan 2021-2024 – Increasing Participation in Changing Ireland. The Participation Plan outlines how Sport Ireland will continue to help people get active by removing barriers to participation in sport and physical activity in the coming years. The Sport Ireland Participation Plan actions will be delivered through Local Sports Partnerships, National Governing Bodies, strategic partners, clubs, communities and individuals.
The Sport Ireland Participation Plan is built on, and guided by, the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP) and the Sport Ireland Strategy 2018-2022. The Participation Plan takes into consideration Healthy Ireland – A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013–2025 and the National Physical Activity Plan as well as global and national developments.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Sport Ireland is in the process of developing a specific Diversity and Inclusion policy which is expected to be launched in the coming weeks.
35. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of meeting the target of 40% female representation on the boards of sporting organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10433/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing women’s participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
I want to acknowledge the significant efforts that sporting bodies are now making around gender diversity on their boards. It is evident, however, that more work needs to be done. In the new Action Plan for Sport 2021-2023 we are asking all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. It is a particular priority for me to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
The most recent Board Composition Snapshot which was published by Sport Ireland in December, shows that the overall percentage of women on boards of NGBs has increased from 24% in 2019 to 32% in 2021. The Snapshot also highlights that 39 NGBs have now achieved 30% or more women on their board, up from 19 NGBs in 2019.
Sport Ireland will continue to provide support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% and will monitor and report on progress.
36. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, including the development of High Performance Sport under the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
38. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil dáta nó téarmaí tagartha socruithe do bhunú an Choiste Chomhairligh de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021. [10451/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar atá leagtha amach san Acht, déanfaidh mé, le hordú, lá a cheapadh, tráth nach déanaí ná 6 mhí tar éis Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 a rith, chun bheith ina lá bunaithe an Choiste Chomhairligh chun críocha an Achta.
Tá comhaltas agus feidhmeanna an Choiste Chomhairligh leagtha amach san Acht.
Is í mo phríomhthosaíocht ag an tráth seo próiseas a reáchtáil ar mhaithe le beirt comhalta a earcú a bheidh ionadaíoch ar an gCoiste Comhairleach ar son phobal labhartha na Gaeilge taobh istigh agus taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht. Chuige sin, tá scríofa ag mo Roinn chuig an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí ag iarraidh orthu an próiseas sin a thosú. Tá sonraíocht poist á ullmhú ag mo chuid oifigigh le tabhairt don tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí ionas go mbeifear in ann tús a chur leis an gcomórtas gan mhoill.
Beifear ag lorg moltaí maidir leis na chomhaltaí eile a bheidh le hainmniú ag comhlachtaí poiblí don Choiste in am tráth.
39. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she plans to publish the Future of Media Commission Report. [10214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vibrant, diverse and independent media sector is vital for not only our democracy but our cultural development. However, it is a sector that is undergoing fundamental change and faces significant challenges.
Acknowledging both the importance of the sector and the rapidly changing landscape in which it operates, the Programme for Government committed to the establishment of the Future of Media Commission.
Chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, the Commission was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society for the foreseeable future. After extensive engagement, the Commission completed its work and submitted its report to the Taoiseach and myself in the Autumn.
The Report’s recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years. As such, they require careful and detailed consideration, particularly in light of a range of other complex and inter-related issues that will require decisions by Government in the wider media and digital space. These include the recently published national digital strategy Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act. It is intended that the report will be brought to Government for consideration shortly, after which it will be published.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department will investigate the proliferation of various media channels which specialise in the glorification of violence against women of all ages and younger persons of both sexes and wherein in relation to society in general the theme of the survival of the fittest continues to be promoted resulting in attacks on those who are physically weaker; the extent to which her Department can curtail online bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10445/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn regard to the portrayal of violence that may be broadcast in Ireland, under section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), as an independent regulator, is required to make codes governing the standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters. The Code of Programme Standards developed by the BAI pursuant to section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out that broadcasters should exercise due care in broadcasting depictions and/or descriptions of violence in programme material. The Code also sets out that broadcasters shall have due regard to the appropriateness of and/or justification for the inclusion of violent content in programme material.
In regard to the portrayal of violence through social media and audiovisual-on-demand media services, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will establish Coimisiún na Meán as a multi-person Media Commission to include an Online Safety Commissioner. It will dissolve the BAI, establish regulatory frameworks for online safety and the regulation of audiovisual media services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
The Bill will also amend and extend the duties, codes and rules currently applicable to broadcasters under the Broadcasting Act 2009 to audiovisual-on-demand media services. Accordingly, the Bill will empower Coimisiún na Meán to make codes governing the standards and practices to be observed by both broadcasters and audiovisual-on-demand media services. Under the Bill, An Coimisiún may, in particular, make codes to ensure that programme material relating to gratuitous violence or sexual conduct is presented with due sensitivity to the convictions or feelings of the audience and in such a way that children will not normally hear or see anything which may impair their physical, mental or moral development.
It will be the role of the Online Safety Commissioner to oversee the regulatory framework for online safety. As part of the framework, the Commissioner will devise binding online safety codes that will set out how designated online services, including social media services, are expected to deal with certain defined categories of harmful online content on their platforms. Among other categories of content, online safety codes will ensure that designated online services take appropriate measures to reduce the availability of offence-specific online content and cyber-bullying material on their services. The full list of offence-specific online content is set out in section 45 of the Bill and includes, for example, relevant offences under Coco’s Law, or the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. In the case of Coco's Law, it is intended that this will have the effect of reducing the availability, on designated online services, of intimate images which have been shared without consent and of threatening or grossly offensive communications about, or to, another person.
In addition to instances of cyber-bullying which would be considered as offence-specific harmful online content, the online safety codes will also address serious cyber-bullying material which is not related to a criminal offence. In contrast to the category relating to offence-specific online content, the non offence-specific categories of content will be subject to a risk of harm test. Accordingly, such content will only be considered harmful online content under the Bill where it gives rise to any risk to a person’s life, or a risk of significant harm to a person’s physical or mental health.
Under the Bill, in the event of a failure to comply with a relevant online safety code, and subject to Court approval, Coimisiún na Meán will have the power to sanction non-compliant online services, including through financial sanctions of up to €20 million or 10% of turnover. Finally, the Bill will also allow the An Coimisiún to create non-binding guidance materials for providers of relevant online services. Such guidance materials may seek to protect children in particular, but also the general public, from harmful online content and age-inappropriate online content. The Bill provides for a definition of age-inappropriate online content which includes, in particular, content which consists of realistic representations of gross or gratuitous violence or acts of cruelty.
42. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for international tourism for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so I was pleased to secure a record level of funding for tourism in Budget 2022 of €288.5 million in total, an increase of €67.5 million over the 2021 allocation. The allocation includes €50 million for business continuity supports and a €35 million increase to the Tourism Marketing Fund to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland.
As part of its marketing strategy, Tourism Ireland has established a recovery framework which will be underpinned by an extensive programme of promotional activity throughout 2022. The organisation has a flexible, three-phase plan to RESTART, REBUILD and ultimately REDESIGN demand. Over €80 million will be invested in the programme in 2022, which will allow Tourism Ireland to ramp up its campaigns in key international markets.
Tourism Ireland’s Green Button campaign will continue to drive demand throughout 2022, with its largest-ever TV campaign running in our top four markets, namely Great Britain, the United States, Germany and France. This campaign will also be expanded in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Nordic countries, Switzerland, Austria, Canada and the UAE.
St Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity for the island of Ireland around the world and once again this year, hundreds of iconic landmarks and buildings around the world will take part in Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative. This year’s programme will include a new campaign, The Green Button Festival. The campaign will align with Tourism Ireland’s Green Button advertising campaign and will run in 14 markets. It will include turning high impact outdoor advertising sites into stages highlighting Irish culture.
Tourism Ireland will continue to work with airlines and ferry companies through a programme of jointly funded marketing initiatives to support the restoration of air and sea access routes which are so vital for tourism’s return to growth.
Tourism Ireland will also leverage the tourism opportunities presented by a number of key events and global opportunities. These include:
- Expo 2020 in Dubai, which runs until the end of March 2022
- The new Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mills Studio in Banbridge
- The Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which takes place in Dublin in August
- Ulysses 100 (2022 marks 100 years since the publication of James Joyce’s celebrated Ulysses )
2022 will also see an increasing focus on initiatives designed to encourage sustainable tourism, while still delivering on Tourism Ireland’s RESTART objectives.
43. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the need to increase the provision of public swimming pools, particularly in rural areas that have limited or no access to safe swimming facilities; if specific large-scale funding streams are being considered in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPreviously, Government support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). A total of 52 pools have been completed under the LASPP and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the programme with the Lucan project currently under construction.
My Department's capital support for any new swimming pools is now being provided through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m for the Fund over the period to 2027.
The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport. All applications were assessed in accordance with the published Evaluation Procedures and Guidelines and the first allocations were announced in January 2020. Thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. These initial allocations include funding for 8 swimming pool projects as follows:
1. Laois: Portarlington Leisure Centre Swimming Pool
2. Sligo: Waterpoint Aqua Park
3. Kilkenny: The Watershed Development,
4. Limerick: Askeaton Pool and Leisure
5. Wicklow: Wicklow Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre
6. Louth: Dundalk Leisure Centre
7. Galway: Galway Regional Aquatic & Fitness Centre
8. Dublin: Samuel Beckett Civic Campus Phase 2
The priority in the short term is to advance all LSSIF projects, including these swimming pools, to construction stage.
In relation to future swimming pool funding, my Department is currently undertaking a review of progress on all existing LSSIF grants. As part of this review, my Department is also considering the timing of any new call for proposals and the review work is at an advanced stage and expected to be finalised shortly.
In addition, the National Sports Policy commits to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. As part of this, there will be a review of swimming pool provision to identify where gaps exist and how these can be met. Furthermore, the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023, which was published in November 2021, contains an action to develop and implement a National Swimming Strategy to provide additional swimming opportunities indoors and outdoors. Initial preparatory planning work has been undertaken by my Department in this regard. It is intended to establish a working group in the near future to take forward the detailed work of preparing a national swimming strategy, with a view to its completion and publication later this year.
The outcome of these reviews and strategies will be fully considered when deciding on the future funding provision for swimming pools.
44. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications that have been received under the music and entertainment business assistance scheme 2022, by local authority area or county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10153/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) 2022 was launched as part of a suite of measures I put in place to support the live entertainment sector. MEBAS is a targeted support for self-employed performers and sole traders operating solely in the live entertainment sector who did not qualify for other business supports such as CRSS and who were significantly impacted by restrictions introduced to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, MEBAS supported over 1,000 such performers and live entertainment businesses. This includes self-employed individuals and sole traders, for example, musicians, singers, DJs, lighting and sound crew, and audio equipment suppliers.
Since it opened 672 applications have been received seeking funding of €2.6m, with every county represented. The numbers of the applications made per county, as requested by the Deputy, are as follows.
|
County |
Number of Applications |
|
CO CARLOW |
7 |
|
CO CAVAN |
8 |
|
CO CLARE |
23 |
|
CO CORK |
46 |
|
CO DONEGAL |
35 |
|
CO DUBLIN |
200 |
|
CO GALWAY |
55 |
|
CO KERRY |
18 |
|
CO KILDARE |
37 |
|
CO KILKENNY |
14 |
|
CO LAOIS |
10 |
|
CO LEITRIM |
4 |
|
CO LIMERICK |
9 |
|
CO LONGFORD |
10 |
|
CO LOUTH |
20 |
|
CO MAYO |
13 |
|
CO MEATH |
37 |
|
CO MONAGHAN |
4 |
|
CO OFFALY |
13 |
|
CO ROSCOMMON |
10 |
|
CO SLIGO |
19 |
|
CO TIPPERARY |
10 |
|
CO WATERFORD |
8 |
|
CO WESTMEATH |
24 |
|
CO WEXFORD |
12 |
|
CO WICKLOW |
26 |
|
TOTAL |
672 |
45. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has met with the Future of Media Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9463/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future of Media Commission was established by Government in September 2020 in an acknowledgement of both the importance of a sustainable independent media sector to our democracy and cultural development, and the significant challenges which it faces at present.
The Commission, chaired by Professor Brian McCraith, was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society.
I met with the Commission on 29th October 2020, shortly after its establishment. I had a further meeting with Professor MacCraith on 18th February 2021. After extensive engagement with stakeholders and the wider public, the Commission completed its work last Autumn. I met with Professor MacCraith on 16th September 2021, when he gave a presentation on the Commission's key recommendations, following presentation of the Commission’s Report to An Taoiseach and myself. I had a subsequent meeting with him on 6 October 2021.
The Report’s recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years. The contents of the Report are currently being considered by An Taoiseach, myself and other relevant Ministers, after which it will be brought to Cabinet for further consideration and agreement on the next steps.
46. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an update will be provided on the tourism strategy of the Government in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10335/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary focus over the course of the last two years in relation to tourism has been on the survival of the sector. As our economy and society opens up, we have an opportunity to reconfigure our tourism sector and to more meaningfully address sustainable development and management within the tourism ecosystem.
In this regard my Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. The development of this new policy will involve extensive consultation with the tourism industry and our communities to help set out a path for the coming years which will support a sustainable recovery and subsequent growth in the sector.
I reconvened the Sustainable Tourism Working Group early last year to complete the development of a suite of actions that promote sustainable tourism practices which can be implemented prior to a new policy being developed. I brought the Group’s report to Government in October and it was subsequently published online at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c0cd3-sustainable-tourism-working-group-report/.
The successful implementation of the actions identified in this interim action plan will establish new research methods, which will increase the level of evidence available, and form a clear narrative for communicating about the sustainability agenda to build a better understanding and awareness among tourism stakeholders and the general public. It will also ensure that sustainability is taken into account in policy development, business planning by the tourism agencies and industry as well as in destination management and promotional activity.
The development of our new national tourism policy will build upon the work undertaken by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group and also be consistent with our sectoral climate change targets and commitments. This policy commitment will seek to deliver on Ireland’s ambition to be among the world-leaders in sustainable tourism practices from not only an environmental but also a social and economic perspective.
48. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the dormant accounts funding for sport will be announced for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10444/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the practice of previous years, it is envisaged that there will be two separate announcements throughout the year relating to different components of the Dormant Accounts programme for sport. It is expected that the first announcement can be made around the middle of the year, following assessment and evaluation of project applications by Sport Ireland. A further announcement is likely to occur during the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Dormant Accounts Fund supports a wide range of important initiatives for people from disadvantaged communities and people with disabilities and I am delighted that my Department has an increased allocation of €12 million to be disbursed under the Dormant Account Fund 2022 Action Plan prepared by my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
50. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an update will be provided on her work to promote women in sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEquality 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.
A fundamental aim of the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018-2027 is to increase the levels of participation in sport and physical activity across the population, with a specific focus on less represented groups including women and girls. A lot of good progress is being made, not just in terms of increasing participation by women and girls but also in the important areas of leadership and management roles in sport.
The Women in Sport funding programme is an important support for sporting bodies in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports and to progress their strategic objectives for women in sport. Last year, Sport Ireland announced an investment of €4m in the Women in Sport Programme for the two years 2021 and 2022. 45 NGBs will receive funding under this investment. A further €265,000 was invested last year in the Local Sports Partnerships under the Programme.
One of my priorities in 2021 was to eliminate the funding gap that existed in grant funding for male and female Gaelic players and I am very pleased to have achieved that aim and ensured that we have now parity in terms of that grant funding. Additional funding has been provided for enhanced support of female inter-county Gaelic games players on an equivalent basis to that being provided for their male counterparts. This additional provision brings the total amount available for female players in this context to €2.4m. This is a very important development for women’s sport and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to equality in sport.
The aim in the National Sport Policy 2018-2027 is to eliminate the gender participation gap in sport entirely by 2027. The 2019 Irish Sports Monitor Report showed that the gender gap in sports participation was 3.4%, narrower than at any point over the past ten years.
While the Irish Sports Monitor report for the first quarter of 2021 showed that the gender gap was eliminated during the Covid-19 restrictions, the latest Irish Sports Monitor figures for Quarter 3 show that a gender gap is beginning to re-emerge as COVID 19 restrictions are lifted. The emerging gradient is cause for focus and ongoing monitoring. To this end, many National Governing Bodies are delivering Women in Sport and Dormant Accounts Funded Programmes this winter which will actively target populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic including females, economically and socially disadvantaged communities, people with a disability and ethnic minorities.
Addressing women’s participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies. The National Sports Policy had originally set a target of 30% of either gender on the Boards of funded bodies by 2027. In the new Action Plan for Sport 2021-2023, which was published in November 2021, we have set a revised target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. It is a particular priority for me to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
While there has been good progress for women in sport, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. My officials and I continue to work closely with Sport Ireland and the sport sector with a view to achieving a much improved landscape for women and girls in sport.
