Brendan Griffin
Ceist:201. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when resurfacing works will take place at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Projects
Ceisteanna (201)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (202)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:202. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding progress on the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom road; when the first section of roadway will be open to road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (203)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:203. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position in relation to the construction of the South Kerry Greenway between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (204)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:204. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made to date in updating the State’s port policy in view of the increasing importance of port capacity for the offshore and onshore wind energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework.
As I informed the Deputy towards the end of 2021, given Ireland’s increased ambition in the area of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy later this year, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), conducted an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to facilitate the sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction targets. Following the assessment, last December I announced an ORE Ports Policy Statement setting out the strategy for a multi-port approach to the provision of port facilities.
A number of ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at several locations around the country and at different times for the various phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments. This will maximise the economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and logistics, and other technologies.
A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
For the Deputy's information, a copy of the Policy Statement on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by Commercial Ports in Ireland can be accessed at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/8f40e-policy-statement-on-the-facilitation-of-offshore-renewable-energy-by-commercial-ports-in-ireland/.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (205)
James Lawless
Ceist:205. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the attention of his Department has been drawn to reliability issues with the escalators connecting the entrance to Connolly station with the Connolly Luas stop; if the National Transport Authority has reported to his Department the amount of time that the escalators have been out of service; if his Department has plans to provide capital funding to improve the reliability of the escalators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28700/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an accessible, integrated, and sustainable public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, in this instance, Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues to progressively make public transport more accessible.
As issues relating to lifts and escalators at train stations are a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Airport Security
Ceisteanna (206)
James Lawless
Ceist:206. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the plans that are in place to deal with chronic queues and delays at Dublin Airport; the Dublin Airport Authority will be liable for any missed flights in these circumstances; if a root cause of the delays has been identified; if the staffing levels are considered adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The passenger experience at Dublin Airport is currently falling far short of the service expected by Government at our largest State airport. The daa has the statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport including all the operations associated with security screening at the Airport.
I am acutely aware that the excessively long queues and wait times experienced by passengers over the weekend and on Sunday in particular, caused significant distress to passengers as well as reputational damage to the country from a business, travel, connectivity, and tourism point of view.
I have met with the Chair of daa and am meeting daily with the CEO and his management team and have conveyed the importance of this matter being resolved and the need for daa to reassure passengers that the daa is doing everything it can to ensure that passengers do not have to experience a weekend like last.
Last weekend, due to the impact of an acute reduction in anticipated staffing levels, daa were unable to open 6 security lanes, 3 in each terminal, which meant a loss of 30% operational efficiency during the first wave of passengers which quickly led to queues forming for security and ultimately to a large number of passengers missing their flights.
The daa has now put in place enhanced arrangements for this bank holiday weekend which seeks to deliver an acceptable passenger experience for all those departing from the airport. Operational changes for this weekend include additional staff being deployed; an increase in the number of security lanes at peak times; and stronger queue management.
In seeking to address the security staff shortage at the Airport, daa has stepped-up recruitment and to date has successfully recruited 300 of the 370 considered necessary. Daa has also advised that further staff will be recruited if required.
I have met with SIPTU this week and conveyed my appreciation to those passenger-facing staff at the airport – those managing queues, clearing people through security and boarding passengers - who are working in very difficult circumstances.
While daa is confident that it has a plan in place for the weekend and the necessary resources in place, the challenges being faced at the airport are expected to continue in the short term until all new recruits are in place and trained.
In relation to compensation for missed flights, daa has advised that passengers should contact daa directly by email to customerexperience@dublinairport.com and they will endeavor to process claims as quickly as possible.
FInally, I will continue to engage with the daa and monitor the situation over the coming days and weeks to ensure that all that can be done is being done for passengers using Dublin Airport.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (207)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:207. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements will be made that public transport companies publish route performance data to provide greater transparency to customers covering matters such as passenger numbers, adherence to schedule, capacity and so on. [28738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the monitoring of those services. In addition, the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport also falls under the remit of the NTA.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the publication of route performance to provide greater transparency to customers in relation to passenger numbers, adherence to schedule, capacity and such matters, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (208, 212, 213)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:208. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider an income disregard similar to the rent a room-a-scheme in respect of income for persons renting out a sole stand-alone property to long-stay tenants in an effort to incentivise long-stay letting over short-stay letting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28675/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Griffin
Ceist:212. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the amount of taxation paid by owners arising from earnings from short-stay rental accommodation (details supplied) and other holiday lets in each of the years since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28676/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Griffin
Ceist:213. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the amount of taxation paid by owners arising from earnings from long-stay rental accommodation in each of the past five years; the amount paid by owners of rental property in cases in which the owner is the owner of just one rental property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 212 and 213 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the duration of tenancies is not declared on tax returns. Additionally, short stay accommodation provided through on-line platform operators, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, is generally treated as trading income rather than rental income. As such, it is aggregated with other trading income and, therefore, it is not possible to provide the information requested in relation to short-term rental accommodation.
In relation to longer term rental income, I am further advised by Revenue that, while it is possible to identify the rental income returned, the final tax liability of persons in receipt of such income takes account of a combination of all incomes, reliefs, credits, and deductions available to the taxpayer. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the exact tax liability associated with rental income.
The table below sets out the gross income, rental income and total tax paid on all income for those taxpayers who declared residential rental income on their returns for the years 2016 to 2019 (the latest year for which fully analysed data is currently available).
|
Year |
Gross Income €bn |
Residential Rental Income €bn |
Income Tax Paid €bn |
|
2019 |
15.4 |
3.2 |
3.5 |
|
2018 |
14.8 |
3.0 |
3.3 |
|
2017 |
14.1 |
2.8 |
3.2 |
|
2016 |
12.9 |
2.6 |
2.8 |
The table below provides the same information in respect of the subset of taxpayers with one residential rental property.
|
Year |
Gross Income €bn |
Residential Rental Income €bn |
Income Tax Paid €bn |
|
2019 |
6.7 |
1.1 |
1.5 |
|
2018 |
6.4 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
|
2017 |
5.9 |
0.9 |
1.3 |
|
2016 |
5.2 |
0.8 |
1.3 |
At present I have no plans to introduce a relief along the lines of that outlined by the Deputy.
As indicated to the Deputy in my reply to his question no. 82 dated 1 June 2022, proposals for any new tax reliefs must be assessed in accordance with my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. These make clear that it is important that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances. In particular, they provide that a tax-based incentive should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
Finally, on the question of the tax treatment of rental income generally, and as I also mentioned in my reply the Deputy's question no. 82 yesterday, under the Housing for All strategy, my Department is committed to review the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on the Tax and Fiscal Treatment of Rental Accommodation Providers (2017) by Q3 2022. This work is in hand and I look forward to the outcome of the review in due course.
Radon Gas Levels
Ceisteanna (209)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:209. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that the offices accommodating my Department are not included in a high-risk area, as identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although these buildings are located in the lowest EPA risk rated area, the safety and health of all staff is the priority within my Department.
Results from the last Department programme of Radon Gas testing showed no significant traces of Radon. Readings ranged from 10 to 36 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) and this very low level Radon Gas concentration is well within the 300 Bq/m3 limit provided for in the current legislation (SI 30 of 2019). Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Department – as an employer – has a general duty to identify hazards in the workplace and to take measures to minimise them. Officials from my Department will presently begin a new programme for testing for the presence and level of Radon Gas in the office workplace.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (210)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:210. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance his views on the principle of a windfall tax on the super-normal profits of energy companies operating in the Irish market; the progress that his Department is making on the design and implementation of a windfall tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27397/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission has confirmed that EU Member States can consider imposing temporary tax measures on windfall profits of energy providers.
With regard to tax generally, the trading profits of companies in Ireland are typically taxed at the standard Corporation Tax rate of 12.5%. Some of the main features of the current regime are its simplicity and that it applies to a broad base. Changing the tax rate (or imposing additional levies on certain sectors) could have unforeseen consequences. There is a risk of such taxes leading to higher consumer costs and negative impacts on investment in the energy sector, in particular in the area of renewables.
Proposals for a windfall tax must take into account wider energy policy, under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. A well-functioning EU electricity market is crucial for the integration of our Internal Energy Market and supporting investment in new renewables. The best long-term approach for Ireland to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Cutting our dependence on fossil fuels and generating power from our own renewable sources will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future in the long term.
The complexities of the energy market and the range of producers and contracts must also be taken into account. For example, the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) contains strong consumer protection measures, with wholesale market revenues above the auction price returned to electricity consumers through the Public Service Obligation Levy.
As noted in the previous discussion cited by the Deputy, these are all important matters for consideration by the Government when looking at the wider context for energy taxation proposals. In this regard, the Government approved and published the National Energy Security Framework on the 13th April. The Framework sets out that the Government will work with the European Commission and other Member States to consider the policy proposals outlined under REPowerEU, designed to aid consumers and businesses to deal with increasing energy costs. REPowerEU is a joint European action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy. The European Commission published the REPowerEU Plan on 18 May and analysis of these proposals is currently being undertaken.
In addition, the Government has taken a number of measures to reduce the burden on consumers in relation to the cost of energy. This includes providing €200 worth of energy credit to every household in the country; reductions in fuel excise duty; and a reduction in the VAT rate for electricity and gas.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (211)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if a person who works at sea in international waters for the majority of the year is liable to pay income tax to any state; if so, the state to which this tax will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by Revenue that it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to the question put by the Deputy in the absence of more specific information.
However, in general, the state where an international seafarer is liable to tax on income derived from the exercise of an employment on board a ship in international waters will depend on a number of different factors, including, but not restricted to the following:
- the domestic tax rules in the state of residence of the seafarer;
- the tax rules applying to the employment income of international seafarers in the state where:
- the employment is held and from where the employment income is paid
- the vessel is registered
- the vessel is managed.
In cases where the employment income of the international seafarer is subject to tax under the domestic tax rules of two jurisdictions, the terms of a double taxation agreement (DTA) concluded between these jurisdictions may apply to alleviate double taxation. In such instances, Article 15(3) of the OECD Model Tax Convention provides that two jurisdictions may agree that remuneration which is derived from an employment exercised aboard a ship operated in international traffic is taxable in the country in which the place of effective management of the operator of the ship is located.
For example, an international seafarer who is resident and domiciled for Irish tax purposes will be subject to Irish income tax on his/her worldwide income, including that derived from the exercise of an employment on board a ship in international waters. If the seafarer is subject to tax on this income in another jurisdiction with which the State has a DTA, then the income may be relieved from double taxation in accordance with the terms of the DTA.
Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 208.
Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 208.
Radon Gas Levels
Ceisteanna (214)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:214. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28580/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that the offices accommodating my Department are not included in a high-risk area for radon, as identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Further to this, the offices of my Department are located in the lowest EPA risk rated area. Results from the latest radon gas test carried out by my Department showed no significant traces of radon.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), which is also part of my Department, has a number of offices located nationwide. Four of the five offices accommodating the OGP are not included in a high-risk area for radon, as identified by the EPA. I have been advised that the OGP are currently examining mitigatory measures in respect of the fifth office with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (215)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:215. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will list all contracts that an architectural firm (details supplied) has been awarded by his Department; the values of these contracts; the dates that these were awarded; the project definitions and locations; and their current status in tabular form. [28623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement, has not awarded any contracts to the named company.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (216)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:216. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or the Minister for State with responsibility for the OPW will meet a local delegation in relation to the south Mayo flood relief project that is vital for the constituencies of Galway west and County Mayo; if so, the likely date and location of the meeting; if all relevant Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas from the area will be invited to the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie.
Mayo County Council carried out a Feasibility Report (funded by the Office of Public Works) in September of last year. This report estimated the cost of addressing the issues here at €6.4m with the majority of the benefits coming from the protection of road infrastructure, thus identifying a potential role for the Department of Transport. The capital cost is now well in excess of the €750,000 ceiling for Minor Flood Mitigation Works.
As the report indicated that the majority of the benefits from the proposed scheme would be to roads and access, Mayo County Council were advised in February this year to develop a joint proposal for the scheme with the Department of Transport and to subsequently meet with OPW to review the joint proposal.
The OPW are currently reviewing the report and, once this is completed, the OPW will confirm a date to meet with Mayo County Council to discuss the findings.
Following the meeting between OPW and Mayo County Council, my office will arrange a meeting with local delegation and Oireachtas members for the area.
Radon Gas Levels
Ceisteanna (217)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:217. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of offices operated by her Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of office accommodation for my Department falls within the remit of the Office of Public Works.
I understand that two of my Department's offices, in Na Forbacha in Co. Galway and New Road, Killarney, are located in areas currently designated as high-risk for radon. Testing was carried out in 2010 and 2011 respectively and radon levels were found to be safe in both offices.
Given the recent report on radon levels by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department intends to engage with the OPW on the need for further testing in its offices.
Food Industry
Ceisteanna (218)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:218. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the meetings held by her Departmental officials from assistant principal level upwards with representatives of the food industry in relation to the issue of infant nutrition in Ireland from 2021 to date, including the issue of banning infant formula advertising in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022; the dates, attendees and matters that were discussed at each meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28614/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials from my Department have met with a wide range of stakeholders from NGOs, industry and other groups in relation to the development of the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill. In this context, officials met with members of Food Drink Ireland, a trade association under the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, and a representative of the Association of Advertisers in Ireland on 3 February 2022. The discussion at this meeting focused on recommendations 24, 25 and 27 of the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media in respect of the General Scheme of the OSMR Bill.
Recommendation 25 of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee calls for the introduction of a moratorium on the advertising of infant formula online. In relation to this matter, Departmental officials advised that policy direction regarding the advertising of infant formula is a matter for, and would be led by, the Department of Health.
The OSMR Bill finished Committee Stage in the Seanad this week. I noted during the Committee Stage debate that rules providing for information and advertising standards in relation to infant formulae are set out in EU regulations and that primary policy responsibility lies with the Department of Health. I have asked my officials to engage with the Department of Health in relation to this matter and I have committed to return to the matter at Report Stage in the Seanad to set out the next steps.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (219)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:219. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a capital grant that had been earmarked for a town (details supplied) in County Kerry by her Department in the past remains available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28681/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not provide funding to organisations to purchase land or buildings.
In April 2007, a grant of €1.5m under the ACCESS II scheme was awarded in principle for a construction project at the The Boatyard Site, Dingle. There were conditions attached to the grant including that funds be drawn down by the end of 2010. I understand that the grant was withdrawn as none of the conditions were met.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (220)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:220. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when he expects the next round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme to open for new applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 €1.11 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 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 €16.6 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.
Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of capital appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received. The assessment of all appeals is complete and the consequent allocations amounting to €6.1 million were announced on Tuesday 31 May. The total allocation of €150 million for capital projects represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the 2,895 successful applications under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage which requires detailed engagement with all grantees. Now that the appeal process is complete, my Department will also undertake a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP and any 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.
Sporting Rights
Ceisteanna (221)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:221. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps that she has taken to ensure that athletes and sportspersons from all over Ireland can choose to represent Ireland at all major international competitions; the discussions and meetings that she has had with her counterparts in Northern Ireland and in the United Kingdom in order to obtain agreement from the relevant jurisdictions to obtain a united approach to abolishing this rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Athletes and sportspersons from all parts of Ireland should have the choice to represent Ireland at all major international competitions. This position has been conveyed in Ministerial and official discussions with counterparts in Northern Ireland and is a shared position between both jurisdictions.
Responsibility for the rule in question, including the question of its potential abolition, rests with the international federation concerned, World Athletics, which is an independent autonomous organisation. Athletics Ireland, as the officially recognised National Governing Body for athletics in Ireland, is affiliated to World Athletics.
I understand that Athletics Ireland has corresponded with World Athletics on this matter and that the World Athletics position remains unchanged.
I believe that a derogation from the rule concerned would confer additional flexibility of representation on the athletes concerned and I will continue to offer support to Athletics Ireland and to counterparts in other jurisdictions in support of this position.