Written Answers Nos. 187-206
187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans to extend the opening hours of the national cultural institutions under the remit of her Department during the summer months. [26146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI brought the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce to Government in September 2021 and published it thereafter. The Report contains 36 practical recommendations in the area of regulation, licensing, planning, transport, safety and increasing the diversity of activities as part of the night-time offering.
The Night-Time Economy Taskforce examined a broad range of issues associated with the Night-time Economy with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities for families and other age-groups into the evening and also to look at new ways of encouraging innovation and creativity in the Night-Time Economy. The National Cultural Institutions (NCIs) are key partners in this work.
While opening hours at NCIs are a matter for the Institutions themselves, I am pleased to note that Department officials have had positive engagement from the NCIs on the development of evening and later night activity in the context of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce recommendation. In this context, I understand that a number of the NCIs are planning a series of later openings this Summer and in some cases beyond the Summer. These plans are currently being developed and details will be announced shortly.
188. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the job titles of the staff members working in the National Concert Hall whose salary is fully covered by Exchequer funding in tabular form. [26160/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Concert Hall has traditionally been funded through a combination of Exchequer funding and income generated through its commercial activities. As such, the salaries of its staff members have traditionally been met from that mix of Exchequer and commercial revenues.
In January of this year the Government approved the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra and Choirs from RTÉ to the NCH with effect from 24 January 2022. Additional Exchequer funding was provided to the NCH to cover, inter alia, the full cost of the salaries of the members of the NSO and ancillary staff transferring from RTÉ, including 54 musicians and 9 ancillary staff.
189. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by her Department into instances in which departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there are no investigations, internal or external, commissioned by my Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information were leaked to the media since the formation of my Department in September 2020.
190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of a sports capital appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26403/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,100 applications were submitted. 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.
The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022. This represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Unsuccessful applicants were invited to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received, including one from the organisation referenced by the Deputy. Of the record €150 million made available for capital projects, €6 million has been kept in reserve for any successful appeals. The preliminary assessment of all appeals has now been complete and I plan to announce the consequent allocations shortly.
191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when submissions will be accepted for the next round of capital sports grants. [26505/22]
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 €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Programme closed for applications on 1 March 2021. By this date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200 million in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022.
Currently my Department is finalising the assessment of appeals from unsuccessful applicants. The deadline for submission of appeals was Monday 4th April, 2022. Of the record €150 million made available for capital projects, €6 million has been kept in reserve for any successful appeals.
When the appeal process is complete, a full review of the 2020 round of the SCEP will be undertaken and recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. The precise timing of this next round of the Programme will be announced once this review is complete.
192. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of the grants or other State supports that are available to sports clubs, including eligibility details for each grant. [26507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to my Department's responsibilities, three schemes provide capital grant assistance for the development and improvement of sports facilities.
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 €1.1 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas.
Full details of the Programme including a copy of the latest "Guide to Making an Application" (which sets out the terms and conditions of the scheme) are available at the following link: - www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#introduction.
Funding is also provided by my Department for sports facilities under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The 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 €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. Full details of the LSSIF including all allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects remain in the programme. Exchequer support for any new swimming pool projects is now being provided under the LSSIF.
In relation to current funding for sport, this is allocated by Sport Ireland across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport. In addition, there are funding opportunities available to sports clubs and community groups through the network of Local Sports Partnerships.
193. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 17 May 2022, the name of the granting authority for the previous permission of the existing light industrial unit to which she referred; the specific reference number of the previous permission of the existing light industrial unit to which she referred; the name of the previous occupant of the light industrial unit to which she referred; if she will clarify if the An Tulaigh Treatment Plant at the site of Údarás na Gaeltachta Eastát Tionscail na Tulaigh, An Tulaigh, Baile na hAbhann, Contae na Gaillimhe which receives the discharge on site from a laboratory (details supplied) is currently dysfunctional or fully functional in accordance with the specific previously permitted permit to which she referred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26516/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraÚdarás na Gaeltachta has informed the Department that Galway County Council are the granting authority to which Planning References PL. 05/3142, Pl. 45789 and Pl. 44019 refer. These permissions refer to the development of the Estate and the light industrial unit in question. HID Global were the previous occupants and vacated the unit in 2015.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has stated that the waste water treatment plant that serves the An Tulach Industrial Estate is currently not in full working order and appropriate arrangements are in place for a number of years to treat the waste off-site in an alternative Údarás na Gaeltachta-owned treatment plant locally.
The upgrade of the An Tulach Industrial Estate Waste Water Treatment plant is a longstanding priority for Údarás na Gaeltachta in respect of which planning permission was granted in 2016.
Following engagement on the part of Údarás with local stakeholders, the Department understands that a number of requests to amend the design of the proposed treatment plant have been received by An tÚdarás and that a new planning application to Galway County Council will be required which takes account of the amendments requested on foot of this engagement.
The Department has been informed that it is An tÚdarás' intention to submit this planning application to Galway County Council in the coming months.
194. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland independent productions fund in 2021 and 2022. [26528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation that was made to the Sound and Vision fund in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26533/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation that was made by the Exchequer to the Sound and Vision Fund in 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26540/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 199 and 206 together.
The Sound and Vision Scheme supports the production of audiovisual and audio content for Irish audiences. The Broadcasting Act 2009 makes provision for the disbursement of 7% of the net TV licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund operated by the BAI, which supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. The Broadcasting Act 2009, also provides that the Minister may allocate additional Exchequer funding to the Sound and Vision Scheme. 2020 was the first year that Exchequer funding was allocated to the Scheme, which I allocated in recognition of impact of COVID-19 on the sector.
It should be noted that due to the timing of individual rounds of Sound and Vision, and the staging of payments by BAI to successful applicants, it is to be expected that there will be differences in the funding allocated to the Broadcasting Fund and the amount that the BAI disperses to grantees in any given year.
The amount allocated to the Broadcasting Fund in 2020 was €14.9m and in 2021 was €14.8m. Figures for 2022 are not yet available as the allocation will depend on the number of TV Licences sold this year.
Spend from the Sound and Vision Scheme, funded by both the licence fee and the Exchequer, for 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 are set out in the tables below.
Sound and Vision Scheme 2020 Awards
|
Funding Round |
Date |
Broadcasting Fund/Licence Fee |
Target |
Additional Exchequer Funding |
Total |
|
34 |
April 20 |
€7m |
Open |
-- |
€7m |
|
35 |
June 20 |
€2.5m |
Independent Commercial Radio |
-- |
€2.5m |
|
36 |
Dec 20 |
€0.67m |
Community Radio |
-- |
€0.67m |
|
37 |
Dec 20 |
€2.58m |
Open |
€3 |
€5.58m |
|
TOTAL |
€12.75m |
€3m |
€15.75m |
Sound and Vision Scheme 2021 Awards
|
Funding Round |
Date |
Broadcasting Fund/Licence Fee |
Target |
Additional Exchequer Funding |
Total |
|
38 |
May 21 |
€5.9m |
Open and Live Music |
€1.4m |
€7.3m |
|
39 |
Apr 21 |
€0.08m |
Independent Commercial Radio |
€2.5m |
€2.58m |
|
40 |
Nov 21 |
€5.95m |
Open |
-- |
€5.95m |
|
41 |
Dec 21 |
€0.5m |
Community Radio |
-- |
€0.5m |
|
TOTAL |
€12.43m |
€3.9m |
€16.33m |
Sound and Vision Scheme 2022 Awards (to date)
|
Funding Round |
Date |
Broadcasting Fund |
Target |
Additional Exchequer Funding |
Total |
|
42 |
March 22 |
€4.9m |
Open Round |
€1.5m |
€6.4m |
I secured Exchequer funding for the Scheme of €2m in the 2020 July stimulus and an additional €4.9m in December 2020, with €3.9m of the latter funding carried over into 2021. Of this additional funding, the BAI distributed €2.5m for the independent radio sector and €1.4m to support the live music sector.
I recently announced €10.5m in additional Exchequer funding to the Scheme, which will support programming on both radio and television. This additional funding has been allocated as follows:
- €1.5m extra for general Sound and Vision scheme projects (Round 42)
- €5m for climate change and climate action content production (Round 44);
- €2m for live music broadcasting productions (Round 45); and
- €2m for Irish language programming (Round 46).
195. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the full allocation for the new media commission for 2022. [26529/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will, when enacted, formally dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services and the new regulatory framework for online safety. Coimisiún na Meán will also have functions relating to the promotion of an open, trusted and pluralistic media and online environment, including research, education, media literacy, the protection of children, and journalistic and creative supports.
Given the importance of An Coimisiún, Government has approved its establishment on an administrative basis prior to the enactment of the Bill. While An Coimisiún will, as set out in the Bill, ultimately be funded through levies on regulated services, €5.5 million has been allocated to support the establishment process in 2022.
196. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of Exchequer funding that was given to RTÉ in each of the years, 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26530/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal mechanism through which my Department provides funding to RTÉ is from TV licence fee receipts. Total TV licence receipts include revenues both from direct sales collected by An Post and an Exchequer contribution from the Department of Social Protection in respect of free licences provided to those on Household Benefits packages.
For the period 2020 to April 2022, total TV licence fee revenue provided to RTÉ amounted to €456.8m, which included €156.8m from the Exchequer contribution. An annual breakdown of this funding is provided in the table below:
TV Licence Fee Payments to RTÉ 2020-April 2022
|
Period |
Total |
Of which Exchequer |
|
2020 |
€197.6m |
€64.9m |
|
2021 |
€196.1m |
€64.9m |
|
Jan –April 2022 |
€63.1m |
€27.0m |
|
Total |
€456.8m |
€156.8m |
As well as core funding to enable RTÉ meet its public service broadcasting obligations, my Department has also provided funding to RTÉ in respect of activities related to Arts and Culture initiatives, such as the Creative Ireland Programme and the Decade of Centenaries programme. Over the period from 2020 to date in 2022 this has amounted to €2.025m in funding to RTÉ. Additionally, the Government agreed, alongside the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) Agreement, to provide €100,000 per annum to RTÉ for the three years of the Agreement (2021-2023), as part of a broader initiative to promote Irish language broadcasting in Northern Ireland.
Finally, in 2020 a final capital payment of €527,379 was provided to RTÉ to complete the migration of terrestrial broadcasting services (i.e. the Saorview DTT service) from the 700 MHz spectrum band, to allow for that spectrum to be used by wireless broadband services. This project was overseen by ComReg and was carried out on a cost-neutral basis.
Details of Exchequer payments made to RTÉ, excluding receipts from the sales of Television Licences, are set out in the table below:
Other Exchequer Payments to RTÉ 2020-April 2022
|
Period |
Category |
Amount |
Funding Type |
|
2020 |
Arts and Culture |
€1.212m |
Current |
|
2021 |
Arts and Culture |
€0.703m |
Current |
|
2022 |
Arts and Culture |
€0.110m |
Current |
|
Total Arts and Culture Funding |
€2.025m |
||
|
2021 |
Irish Language Broadcasting Funding in Northern Ireland |
€0.100m |
Current |
|
Total Irish Language Broadcasting Funding in NI. |
€0.100m |
||
|
2020 |
700MHz Migration Project |
€0.527m |
Capital |
|
Total 700MHz Migration Project Funding |
€0.527m |
197. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding that was allocated to the sports capital programme in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if she will confirm that this is approximately the level of funding that can be expected on an annual basis going forward. [26531/22]
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.
Due to the nature of the Programme it can take grantees a number of years to draw down grants. Details of all payments and allocations under the Programme are published on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#sports-capital-programme-applications-allocations-and-payments. The available annual funding for the Programme is contained within the relevant estimates volumes. This year, a total of €40.535m is available in the relevant subhead (including carryover). The total available in the subhead in 2021 was €35.565m (including carryover).
In relation to the funding available for future years, this will be agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform following the conclusion of the annual Estimates discussions.
198. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation that is made by her Department to media outlets other than an organisation (details supplied); and if she will list those outlets and the funding each one received in 2021 and 2022. [26532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal funding provided by my Department to the wider media sector is to support the public service broadcasting obligations of both RTÉ and TG4, as set out in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. Both broadcasters are dual-funded, with a mix of funding from my Department and commercial revenue. In the case of RTÉ my Department makes a grant out of Television Licence fee receipts, while TG4 is in receipt of Exchequer funding.
With regard to other media organisations, a principal source of support is through the Sound and Vision Scheme, funded by the Broadcasting Fund. This is administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The Scheme is funded mainly through an allocation of 7% of net receipts of Television Licence fees, but which can be augmented by Exchequer funds in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act. The BAI is independent in terms of statutory function in allocating funding under the Scheme and full details of the allocations made under the Sound and Vision Scheme are available on the BAI website.
The funding allocations made by my Department in 2021 and 2022 to media outlets other than RTÉ are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
TG4 |
The Irish Times |
|
2021 |
€40,833,000 |
€28,948 |
|
2022 |
€45,033,000 |
€28,612 |
|
Total |
€85,866,000 |
€57,560 |
The funding provided to TG4 is inclusive of €100,000 per annum to support broadcasting in the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
The funding provided to The Irish Times is to support the distribution to schools nationwide, of over 75,000 copies (in both 2021 and 2022) of The Irish Times Century Supplement as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme.
200. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation that was made to Tourism Ireland in 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26534/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. Funding drawn down from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media by Tourism Ireland in 2020 amounted to €53,701,000 and to €58,065,000 in 2021. The amount allocated for 2022 is €91,782,000.
The breakdown of the total Exchequer provision for tourism services from my Department's vote is available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services, which is published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and available on that Department's website.
201. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation that was made to Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the annual funding allocation provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available on that Department's website. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are A3, A6 and A5 (shared with Tourism Ireland) for the years 2021 and 2022 and, for 2020, E3, E5 (shared with Tourism Ireland) and E6 were the subheads of relevance.
202. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation, if any, that was made to local authorities for tourism purposes in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26536/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's tourism budget is channelled through the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further detail of funding provided to Local Authorities in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
203. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocation that was made to TG4 in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. [26537/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Exchequer funding allocations to TG4 as provided for in the Revised Estimates Volume for the years 2020-2022 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
2020 |
€34,233,000 |
€3,000,000 |
€37,233,000 |
|
2021 |
€36,733,000 |
€4,000,000 |
€40,733,000 |
|
2022 |
€40,733,000 |
€4,200,000 |
€44,933,000 |
The increase of €4.2m in Exchequer support for TG4 which I secured as part of Budget 2022, represents the largest ever annual increase in TG4 funding, adding to the €3.5m increase which was provided in Budget 2021. During 2020, I also secured an amount of €1.9m for TG4 to help address specific COVID-19 related costs incurred.
Alongside the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) agreement, this Government has committed to providing additional funding as part of a broader initiative to promote Irish language broadcasting in Northern Ireland. Included in this package of measures is a commitment to provide additional funding of €100,000 to TG4 for each of the 3 years 2021 to 2023, over and above that provided for by way of the annual Estimates.
204. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the Future of Media Commission report will be published. [26538/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change. These changes are for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we ourselves consume media content.
This Government is committed to putting in place a framework which will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media sector, encompassing print, audiovisual, radio and online.
A key element in this was the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which was chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith. The Commission's task was a complex one, with a remit to address the many issues of concern for the entire media industry.
As a result, the Commission’s report and the wide ranging recommendations it contains has required careful and detailed thought. However, this cannot be carried out in isolation, but must have regard to a range of other complex and inter-related issues that Government is addressing in the wider media and digital space. These include the national digital strategy and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the Digital Services Act, which has been recently agreed at political level in Europe.
Another key element of this overall approach is the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, which is currently at Committee stage in the Seanad, and in particular the establishment of a new media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.
An Coimisiún will provide the regulatory and developmental framework to implement the report of the Future of Media Commission. It will comprise an Executive Chairperson and, initially, three additional Commissioners, including an Online Safety Commissioner, a Media Development Commissioner and an Online Safety Commissioner. The latter two Commissioners will have a role in ensuring the effective delivery of the report.
The detailed consideration of the Future of Media Commission’s report by the Taoiseach, myself and other key Ministers is nearing conclusion, and it will be brought to Government for consideration shortly.
205. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expected timeline for the creation of coimisiún na meán. [26539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will, when enacted, formally dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which will be responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services and the new regulatory framework for online safety, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Coimisiún na Meán will also have functions relating to the promotion of an open, trusted and pluralistic media and online environment, including research, education, media literacy, the protection of children, and journalistic and creative supports.
The formal establishment of An Coimisiún can only commence following the enactment of the Bill. It is my intention to progress the Bill through the legislative process and ensure its enactment as soon as is practicable, particularly in the context of the European Commission’s recent decision to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for the delay in the transposition of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The Bill was initiated in Seanad Éireann on 25 January 2022 and is currently being debated in Committee Stage in the Seanad.
Given the importance of An Coimisiún, Government has approved its establishment on an administrative basis prior to the enactment of the Bill. While An Coimisiún will, as set out in the Bill, ultimately be funded through levies on regulated services I secured €5.5 million in Budget 2022 to provide start-up funds to resource the establishment process.
A programme of work is now under way to secure the recruitment of key staff with the relevant skills and expertise to establish and lead An Coimisiún and to lay the groundwork for the commencement of its regulatory functions. This includes managing the transition of BAI staff and functions to An Coimisiún, while also ensuring the continuity of existing broadcasting regulation set out under the Broadcasting Act 2009.
In relation to the recruitment of senior staff to An Coimisiún, work is currently underway between my officials and officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Appointments Service to secure the recruitment of those staff, including the Executive Chairperson and Online Safety Commissioner, through open, transparent and effective public competitions. In light of the international reach of An Coimisiún's remit, the recruitment process will commence with an Executive Search by the Public Appointments Service to raise the profile and awareness of these critical posts. I expect the Executive Search process to commence in the coming weeks.
