Written Answers Nos. 193-203
193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the period during which the impact of Brexit must be felt for use of the Brexit adjustment reserve, BAR, to mitigate impacts; the amount allocated from the fund to date; the purpose of each allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15749/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve has a total value of €5 billion in constant (2018) prices, or €5.47 billion in current prices. All Member States are to receive an allocation.
The purpose of the Reserve is to provide financial support to the most affected Member States, regions and sectors to deal with the adverse consequence of Brexit. Expenditure under the Reserve must demonstrate a direct link to the negative impact of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The eligibility period for expenditure runs from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023.
Ireland’s allocation is €1.065 billion in constant (2018) prices, equivalent to €1.165 billion in current prices, representing just over 20% of the total Reserve, or the largest allocation for any Member State.
The allocation of resources from the Reserve is being aligned with the annual Estimates process which has been the vehicle for allocating Brexit resources since the UK referendum on EU membership in 2016.
Budget 2022 announced that around €500 million of the overall BAR allocation will be made available as a first tranche of funding, with the remainder available in 2023. Indicative areas for BAR funding that were identified include: enterprise supports; measures to support fisheries and coastal communities; targeted supports for the agri-food sector; reskilling and retraining; and checks and controls at ports and airports.
To allow Departments to proceed with programmes to be funded under the BAR, some €54 million was allocated as initial funding in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2022. Initial allocations were made to: the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science (€14.5 million) for the Skillnet Digital Skills Programme and Erasmus after Brexit initiatives; the Office of Public Works (€1.8 million) to support their work developing the infrastructure for checks and controls at Rosslare Europort; the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (€33 million) as initial funding for fisheries and horticulture measures; and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment (€5 million) as initial funding for a variety of schemes, including customs readiness, to support business impacted by Brexit.
Further allocations will be made later in the year when, based on detailed proposals from Departments, there is more certainty on specific requirements and timelines for spending.
194. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding provided by her Department to the National Museum of Ireland from 1 January 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15525/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding provided by my Department to the National Museum of Ireland from 1 January 2020 to date is as follows:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Pay |
8,907,000 |
9,343,000 |
9,743,000 |
|
Non Pay |
4,744,000 |
4,527,000 |
5,727,000 |
|
Capital |
1,108,000 |
1,308,000 |
1,308,000 |
|
Additional Capital |
58,375 |
1,558,469 |
The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) manages Ireland’s national collection of heritage objects. The Mission of the NMI is “To collect, care for, manage and interpret the collections we hold in trust and make them accessible to everyone for inspiration, learning and enjoyment”.
The NMI also plays a key role in our cultural tourism offering, attracting millions visitors across its four sites since 2011 and is a very important resource for primary, second and third level students and educators, providing a broad range of services – including guided tours; demonstrations and workshops; an information and resource service; professional development courses and activities for teachers.
In 2020, in response to COVID, the NMI launched a new website (with Departmental support) and much of the Museum’s programming moved to an online format for 2020, and maintained a strong presence across all of its digital platforms, showcasing many of its items and collections to a global audience who could not travel due to COVID.
195. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 8 February 2022, if she has conducted up-to-date research and analysis of the current levels of employment and unemployment across the various occupational categories in the Irish film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15549/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Economic Analysis of the Audiovisual Sector in the Republic of Ireland by Olsberg SPI with Nordicity Report in 2017 showed that there were a total of 11,960 employed in the category of Film, TV and animation.
Screen Ireland compiles statistics on an ongoing basis on the numbers of cast, crew, trainees and extras employed on Screen Ireland funded projects. This data is available at: www.screenireland.ie/industry-insights/screenireland-data.
In addition, my Department is engaging with the Central Statistics Office to deepen the statistical information collected on employment and activity in the arts and culture sectors and this has the potential to add to research and statistical analysis about the levels of employment and unemployment in the audiovisual, sector and the various occupational categories within the industry.
Finally, Screen Ireland is currently working on developing a Crew/Workforce and Facilities Database that will gather data on those working in the screen sector in Ireland. This will be a further resource for the sector in the future in terms of hiring, data on the workforce, monitoring changes in the workforce and in terms of monitoring skills gaps.
196. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of her Department’s efforts to tackle cyber harassment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15594/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill 2022 will establish a multi-person Media Commission (to be known as Coimisiún na Meán) including an Online Safety Commissioner, dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish regulatory frameworks for online safety and the regulation of audiovisual media services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
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 regulated online services, including social media services, are expected to deal with certain defined categories of harmful online content on their platforms.
The categories of harmful online content set out in the OSMR Bill include online content that falls under the rubric of cyber harassment. These include certain offence-specific categories of online content, which are linked to existing criminal offences contrary to section 10(1) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 (as amended), and the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. The Bill also provides for a further category of content, not related to an offence, by which a person bullies or humiliates another person (cyber bullying).
It is intended that including these categories of content within the meaning of harmful online content in the Bill will have the effect of systematically tackling the availability, on designated online services, of such content online. 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.
The Bill was initiated in the Seanad on 25 January of this year and completed Second Stage on 22 February. It is currently awaiting Committee stage in the Seanad. Given the importance of the Bill, I am keen to see it enacted by the Summer Recess. This would pave the way for the formal establishment of An Coimisiún by Ministerial commencement order, which would allow An Coimisiún begin the work of developing online safety codes to tackle harmful online content, including cyber harassment.
197. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason the National Aquatic Centre in Fingal does not provide any freely available drinking water for visitors and athletes competing or training at the centre; the reason only vended and costly bottled water is available; if she will raise this with the relevant authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15642/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport 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, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. Sport Ireland Facilities DAC is a subsidiary of Sport Ireland and is responsible for the management and operation of facilities on the Campus including the National Aquatic Centre.
I understand from Sport Ireland that water stations are available at the National Aquatic Centre. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply with further information on this matter. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
198. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is proposed to have in place a State-wide local authority agricultural inspection programme in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities currently inspect farms under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters regulations and for compliance with other environmental codes. The Environmental Protection Agency reports periodically on the work local authorities carry out in its Focus on Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Activity Report, most recently in 2021.
On the 11 March 2022, I signed the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022 implementing Ireland’s Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). The aim of the new programme is to prevent pollution of surface waters and groundwater from agricultural sources, and protect and improve water quality. The development of the measures in the new Programme was informed by a review of the Fourth NAP along with three public consultation periods. Both the review and responses received during the consultation periods highlighted the need for improved compliance with the regulations, and a strengthened enforcement programme.
To address this the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will increase the rate of inspection of farms with a derogation from 5% to 10% of farms per annum. In addition, my Department is working with local authorities and EPA to develop a strengthened risk-based local authority-led National Agricultural Inspection Programme. The new National Agricultural Inspection Programme will be detailed in the forthcoming third-cycle River Basin Management Plan, due to be finalised later in 2022.
I have also requested that my officials work with local authorities to put in place enhanced interim measures for the remainder of 2022. These discussions are ongoing, and I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in the coming weeks.
199. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if planning permission is disallowed on sites that are only accessible via a national secondary route; if his attention has been drawn to the implications of this for farming families with land along these routes in particular; if this is being examined as part of new national rural guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15523/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning applications for rural one-off housing are required to adhere to Spatial Planning and National Roads guidelines published by the then Department of Environment Community and Local Government in 2012. The purpose of these guidelines is to address planning issues on national primary and secondary roads outside of the 50-60km speed limit zones.
Section 2.5 of the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) outlines to planning authorities the policy approach to take regarding the creation of a new access onto national roads. The Guidelines require all development plans and any relevant local area plans to implement the policy approaches outlined below:
1. Lands adjoining National Roads to which speed limits greater than 60 kmh apply: The policy of the planning authority will be to avoid the creation of any additional access point from new development or the generation of increased traffic from existing accesses to national roads to which speed limits greater than 60 kmh apply. This provision applies to all categories of development, including individual houses in rural areas, regardless of the housing circumstances of the applicant.
2. Transitional Zones: Where the plan area incorporates sections of national roads on the approaches to or exit from urban centres that are subject to a speed limit of 60 kmh before a lower 50 kmh limit is encountered – otherwise known as transitional zones - the plan may provide for a limited level of direct access to facilitate orderly urban development. Any such proposal must, however, be subject to a road safety audit carried out in accordance with the NRA’s requirements and a proliferation of such entrances, which would lead to a diminution in the role of such zones, must be avoided.
3. Lands adjoining National Roads within 50 kmh speed limits: Access to national roads will be considered by planning authorities in accordance with normal road safety, traffic management and urban design criteria for built up areas.
Section 2.6 outlines ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ where planning authorities may identify stretches of national roads where a less restrictive approach may be applied, but only as part of the process of reviewing or varying the relevant development plan and having consulted and taken on board the advice of the NRA and having followed the approach outlined below:
1. Developments of National and Regional Strategic Importance - This would not apply to one-off housing
2. Lightly-trafficked Sections of National Secondary Routes - Such areas would be confined to lightly trafficked national secondary roads serving structurally weak and remote communities where a balance needs to be struck between the important transport functions of such roads and supporting the social and economic development of these areas. In such areas, policies in development plans permitting new accesses to national secondary roads may be considered acceptable where the following criteria apply:
(I). Traffic volumes are low and are forecast to remain below 3,000 AADT (as verified by the NRA) for the next 20 years;
(II). There is no suitable alternative non-national public road access available;
(III). The development otherwise accords with the development plan, and
(IV). Safety issues and considerations can be adequately addressed in accordance with the NRA’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
In relation to the granting of permissions by local authorities, in making a decision in respect of an application for planning permission, planning authorities (and An Bord Pleanála in relation to planning appeals) are required to consider such applications in the context of the relevant Development Plan, or Local Area Plan where one exists for the area, as well as any relevant Ministerial Guidelines including the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines. In addition, the guidelines state that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly National Roads Authority) must be a statutory consultee on all planning applications involving new access onto national roads.
200. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he has taken to bring forward regulations to protect the basking shark; the timeline for bringing such regulations; the efforts he has taken to develop a code of conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to make Regulations under Section 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to protect the basking shark. As the basking shark is a species of fish, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine must also sign the Regulations. I have consulted with Minister McConalogue, who supports the proposal. My Department is in the process of drafting the Regulations, which should be finalised by the end of May.
A code of conduct for sustainable marine eco-tourism will be developed. This code will encompass whales and dolphins as well as basking sharks. A review of international best practice is currently underway and key stakeholders, to assist in drafting the code of conduct, are being identified. The code of conduct should be ready for public consultation during the Summer.
201. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the Wildlife Act will take place; the elements that are being reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15542/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major elements of our wildlife laws are contained in the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Birds and Habitats Regulations. My officials are embarking on a project to review both of these with a view to proposing changes to clarify and strengthen them. This legislative review project is currently in the planning and design phase.
202. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons availing of emergency homeless accommodation in Dublin who are not on a local authority housing list and who do not qualify for social housing and housing support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The Reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and via the Government’s Open Data Portal data.gov.ie/. My Department does not collect data on social housing entitlements amongst individuals who access emergency accommodation.
It is open to anyone to apply for social housing support, applications for which are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
To qualify for social housing support a household must meet all of the eligibility criteria, which primarily relate to income, availability of alternative accommodation and previous rent arrears. Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
203. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to introduce a grant to assist persons restoring derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a current or proposed grant available for persons who purchase a derelict property with a view to refurbishing it as their primary dwelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The suite of measures under the pathway to addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock includes the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund which will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
The approach to the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is currently under consideration and it is expected that a call for proposals will issue to local authorities shortly.
