Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital funding available in 2022 to develop tourism infrastructure; the expected capital funding for such developments in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2022 the Government allocated €67.6 million in additional funding for tourism, thereby bringing the overall tourism services budget to €288.5 million. This funding will enable the tourism agencies to assist in the recovery of the sector as we reopen to international tourism and transition to a more sustainable future.
€36.5 million was allocated in capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for tourism product development for the year 2022. This sum has been allocated across circa 140 -150 projects across all areas in each of the key Fáilte brands - Ireland's Ancient East, Dublin, Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Hidden Heartlands - of which 30% has been fully expended to date with the remaining due between now and the end of the year.
Tourism Ireland has been allocated €7.04 million in Capital Expenditure in 2022 in respect of its all-island overseas marketing activity under the Tourism Marketing Fund.
Broadly speaking, Fáilte Ireland has four main funding channels for its capital investment in tourism product development to support the development and enhancement of tourism attractions and experiences as follows:
- Large Grant Schemes: Provided under the Platforms for Growth Schemes;
- Small grants schemes: Targeted schemes – usually aligned with the tourism experience brands;
- Strategic Partnerships and other collaborations; and
- Direct investment in experience brand infrastructure.
Through the first platform, significant investment totalling over €44 million was announced in June 2021 to develop four new world-class tourist attractions, namely Shannon Pot and Cavan Burren Park, Westport House Estate & Gardens, Fort Dunree and Head, Buncrana, and ‘This is Ireland’ in Dublin 1.
In April 2021, €19 million worth of investment was announced for the second platform (Platforms for Growth 2), launched in January 2020, which is to be used to develop world-class facility centres at 22 locations across the country where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction.
In addition, Fáilte Ireland is working with other project partners to develop a strong pipeline of exciting new or significantly improved visitor experiences. Some of these were completed in 2020 and 2021; more are due to open this year right across the country. One such example of major capital investment is the redeveloped Avondale House and Forest Park, which will provide a world class destination in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow. This is expected to open in July .
Funding for 2023 will be decided upon in the context of the 2023 budgetary process.
22. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans that are in place for culture night 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32247/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCulture Night is the annual all-island event which celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. The seventeenth edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday 23 September 2022. Culture Night is managed by the Arts Council in continued collaboration with the local authorities. It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through media partners. As in previous years, RTE the national broadcaster will be involved in coverage of Culture Night. Although all activities are made available to the public free of charge, artists and performers are paid.
A dedicated website will host a comprehensive list of events in every county as well as details of how to get involved. It also invites sign-up to a Culture Night newsletter and Deputy Carey would find it convenient to register to receive updates and details of Culture Night as well as the times of the RTÉ coverage. The website is culturenight.ie/.
This year the Arts Council has made an open call for submissions in order to provide funding to number of flagship Culture Night Late events. These will take place in urban towns and cities with a population size of over 15,000. The initiative, funded by the Council and managed by Milestone Inventive the national Culture Night Coordinators, has been developed in response to the changing needs of the arts sector and in line with the government’s commitments outlined in the Report of the Late Night Economy Taskforce. This initiative seeks to build upon the success of the 2021 Culture Night Pilot late night events and recognises the distinctive need to develop and diversify the artistic and cultural offerings of the Night-time economy.
Ahead of Culture Night 2022, the Arts Council hosted a series of nationwide meetings to share the findings from its research report and the post event analysis from 2021. These meetings offer a forum for engagement with Culture Night organisers to learn about emerging trends from organisers, audiences and artists.
I understand that the Arts Council is also hosting a series of webinars throughout June and July for event organisers aimed at preparing for Culture Night 2022.
Participation for local groups and communities is through the local authorities Arts Offices that oversee the organisation of the programme of events in every county.
23. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the failings highlighted in the most recent report from an Coimisinéir Teanga; the way that her Department will be addressing these failings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32451/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary aim of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 is to increase and improve, in a planned manner over a period of time, the quantity and quality of services provided for the public through the Irish language by public bodies.
In setting out new requirements as regards the delivery of public services in Irish, ending the system of Irish language schemes and establishing a system of language standards in its place, the Act aims to address many of the issues highlighted in the recent report by An Choimisinéir Teanga. This may include standards specifying services to be provided through the medium of the Irish language and through the medium of both the Irish and English languages. It will also include standards specifying the level of competence in the Irish language required by staff of a public body so as to enable the provision of the services through Irish or through Irish and English.
With regard to the difficulty in using names and addresses in Irish, a process has been laid out under section 5 of the Act in relation to the use of names in the Irish language on official documentation while there is also a provision to ensure that communications with a public body on social media are answered in the same language.
Section 5 includes a provision to ensure that the IT systems and any other systems that public bodies use in their communications with the general public, allow a person’s name, address or title in the Irish language, to be correctly recorded and used by such systems, while also facilitating the use of the síneadh fada in Irish language text.
The provision of Irish language services will also be enhanced through the implementation of a new National Plan for the Provision of Irish Language Public Services which is scheduled to be drawn over the next two years.
I can assure the Deputy that work will continue on commencing other sections and provisions of the Act on a planned basis. In this context, my Department, in conjunction with Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, is currently organising a series of online information seminars for public bodies to advise them on their new responsibilities under the Act. These information seminars are scheduled to take place towards the end of July.
24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the basic income for the arts pilot scheme; the details of the operation of the scheme; the geographical spread of the pilot scheme in order that all counties will benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32484/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDemand for the basic income for the arts pilot research scheme has been very strong with just over 9,000 applications received by the closing date of May 12th.
I am very encouraged by the level of interest from artists and creative arts workers interested in participating in the pilot scheme. Assessment of the applications has begun and this process will take at least 6-8 weeks given the high volume of applications. Once assessed for eligibility, all eligible applicants will be entered into an anonymised random sampling process to choose the 2,000 scheme participants.
The pilot scheme is a three year research programme to evaluate the impact of a basic income style payment on the arts sector. The pilot will also have a control group of up to 1,000 applicants to provide for comparative analysis between the treatment and control group. A data baselining survey of all participants in both the Treatment and Control Groups will be conducted prior to payments starting to provide the starting point/baseline for the research.
Some specific data on the applications received includes:
- Gender : 48% of applicants were female and 48% were Male. This is 50:50 when other/prefer not to say options are excluded. The CSO’s 2020 Population Projections have a ratio of 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The applicant cohort is as-expected and aligned with the general population.
- Geographical Location: Applications have been received from every county. The largest number of applications was received from applicants living in Dublin; 37.1% of the applications overall. This is followed by Cork (11%), Galway (7.4%), Wicklow (4.3%) and Kildare (3.6%). 62% of all applicants identified as Urban dwellers and 38% as Rural. I intend to ensure that the distribution of the participants on the scheme will closely align with the geographical spread of applicants.
- Art Form: Applications were received from applicants practicing in all art forms listed under the Arts Act. Combined, Visual Arts and Music account for 63.9% of all applications. The largest number of applications were received under Visual Arts (37.1%), followed by Music (27.8%), then Film (10.3%). Literature and Theatre account for just under 8.5% of applications each.
I am very pleased with the huge level of enthusiasm for the basic income for the arts pilot scheme and am delighted that over 9,000 artists and creative arts workers were willing to participate in this innovative research project. This heralds a new approach to the way the State funds and recognises her artists and I look forward to seeing the data and findings of the research during the pilot.
The following Tables provide a breakdown by Gender, Geographical Location and Art Form.
|
Table One - Applications by County |
% of Total Applications |
|
CO DUBLIN |
37.1% |
|
CO CORK |
11% |
|
CO GALWAY |
7.4% |
|
CO WICKLOW |
4.3% |
|
CO KILDARE |
3.6% |
|
CO CLARE |
2.9% |
|
CO DONEGAL |
3% |
|
CO LIMERICK |
2.8% |
|
CO WEXFORD |
2.7% |
|
CO MEATH |
2.7% |
|
CO KERRY |
2.7% |
|
CO MAYO |
2.2% |
|
CO SLIGO |
2.1% |
|
CO WATERFORD |
2.1% |
|
CO KILKENNY |
2.0% |
|
CO TIPPERARY |
1.7% |
|
CO LOUTH |
1.7% |
|
CO WESTMEATH |
1.4% |
|
CO LEITRIM |
1.2% |
|
CO LAOIS |
1.1% |
|
CO CARLOW |
1.0% |
|
CO CAVAN |
1.0% |
|
CO ROSCOMMON |
0.9% |
|
CO OFFALY |
0.9% |
|
CO MONAGHAN |
0.7% |
|
CO LONGFORD |
0.4% |
|
Not Classified |
0.1% |
|
Table Two - Applications by Art Form |
% of Total |
|
Visual Arts |
36.1% |
|
Music |
27.8% |
|
Film |
10.3% |
|
Literature |
8.4% |
|
Theatre |
8.3% |
|
Multidisciplinary |
3.3% |
|
Other |
2.3% |
|
Dance |
1.8% |
|
Circus |
0.8% |
|
Architecture |
0.5% |
|
Opera |
0.3% |
|
Not Classified |
0.1% |
25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 22180/22, an ndearbhóidh sí go bhfuil Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga ceaptha i mBearna agus ar Chnoc na Cathrach. [32232/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFaoi mar a chur mé in iúl roimhe seo i gCeist Pharlaiminte 22180/22, rinne mé plean teanga an Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta: Bearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach a fhaomhadh faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga i mí Bealtaine 2021.
Tuigtear don Roinn ó Údarás na Gaeltachta, atá freagrach as feidhmiú an phróisis ar an talamh sa Ghaeltacht, go mbeidh áisitheoir á lorg acu go poiblí go rí-ghairid chun tacú le bunú coiste go logánta. De thoradh sin tá an tÚdarás ag súil leis go mbeifear in ann na chéad chéimeanna eile ina dhiaidh sin a ghlacadh gan tuilleadh moille i dtreo Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a bheith ceaptha agus tús a bheith curtha le feidhmiú phlean teanga an cheantair.
Is féidir leis an Teachta a bheith cinnte de go bhfuil an scéal á choinneáil faoi bhreithniú ag mo Roinn i rith an ama.
Mar a bhaineann sé leis na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta go ginearálta, tá pleananna teanga i leith an 26 limistéar ina iomláine ceadaithe faoin bpróiseas anois.
26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is monitoring the price of hotel rooms in Ireland; if she is concerned in particular with the prices regularly being charged currently for Dublin hotel rooms and the international competitive reputational disadvantage that such prices may cause; if she proposes any intervention in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs we enter the peak summer months and the tourism industry recovers, there is inevitably additional pressure on hotel capacity and pricing.
The initial recovery phase has been unpredictable and the speed and pace of the return of tourism has brought issues for all tourism businesses, many of which are repeated in other markets around the world. Hotel supply in Dublin has been challenged and affected by a range of factors, some of them short-term. These include deferred business from the last two years and increased demand.
Businesses are facing significant cost pressures due to inflation and other economic factors but it is important that Ireland maintains its reputation as a value for money destination.
Value is not just about price, it is also about what the customer gets for that price and Irish businesses have proven before that there are numerous ways to ensure the customer experience matches the price, so that visitors are attracted back again and recommend Ireland to family and friends.
The return of a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector is important for all areas and regions and I stress that it is important that businesses see and maintain a long term perspective on competitiveness and value for money.
My Department officials have engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and the Irish Hotels Federation in order to further understand underlying issues surrounding the recovery of the tourism sector and to emphasise the importance of maintaining a strong value proposition at the core of Irish tourism. They are also working with the tourism agencies to ensure that promotional marketing campaigns are optimally aligned with supply across the sector during the year.
The Tánaiste and I co-chair the Tourism and Hospitality Forum; this grouping is due to meet next week and this will offer another opportunity to discuss and address these issues.
27. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with Cork City Council or stakeholder groups to examine the potential of an urban Gaeltacht on the northside of Cork city. [32194/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funds or programmes that are available to make areas in County Cork a designated Gaeltacht area or to promote the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32266/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 67 together.
In relation to Cork City and Macroom respectively; in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, both of these urban centres been shortlisted, together with 13 other towns as towns which can be accorded Gaeltacht Service Town status, subject to language plans being developed for both respectively in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
This ultimately would result in an annual investment of €100,000 being provided to support the implementation of an agreed language plan for the city and €80,000 being provided annually to implement an agreed language plan for Macroom.
Insofar as Cork city is concerned; preparatory work is in hand on the part of my Department and local stakeholders with a view to appointing as soon as possible a suitably qualified organisation locally to undertake the task of preparing, and ultimately implementing a language plan for the city.
Foras na Gaeilge is advancing plans to source and appoint a similarly qualified organisation to prepare and implement a language plan for Macroom.
In relation to County Cork's two designated Gaeltacht regions, the Deputy will be aware that language plans in respect of both Muscraí and Cléire have been approved under the language planning process, ultimately resulting in both regions being able to benefit from the annual allocation of €100,000 being provided to each region respectively to implement their language plans.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department's Community and Language Supports Programme continues to be deployed in further support of both regions, while the ongoing activities of Údarás na Gaeltachta in both areas continue to further support the development of both regions.
More complete information regarding the broad range of schemes, supports and initiatives being deployed in support of both areas and indeed the broader language planning process as it applies inter alia to County Cork can be found on both my Department and Údarás' na Gaeltachta's websites.
28. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions that Sport Ireland have taken since 2017 to develop access to outdoor recreation facilities especially footpaths and trails for persons with disabilities; the funding that has been allocated to Sport Ireland to develop access to outdoor recreation facilities for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32155/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland works with a large number of sporting bodies and other organisations to develop and promote a variety of outdoor sports and to support the development of recreational trails throughout Ireland, which are all developed to encourage more people to be active in the great outdoors.
While Sport Ireland does not directly develop or provide funding for footpaths or trails, it supports the development of trails, including trails and other outdoor amenities suitable for people with a disability. In 2018, the Irish Wheelchair Association and Sport Ireland published the document Great Outdoors – A Guide for Accessibility. This guide outlines in detail the criteria for the development of accessible outdoor infrastructure and amenities including Trails, Greenways, Public Parks, Beaches and Waterways.
As this is a matter for Sport Ireland, 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 working days.
29. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will update on the progress with the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill will, when enacted, 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 a regulatory framework for online safety, update the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
On 25 January 2022, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill was initiated in Seanad Éireann. Seanad Committee Stage (Third Stage) commenced on 26 April 2022 and was completed, on 31 May 2022, following six further sessions in the Seanad and consideration of more than 230 proposed amendments to the Bill. It remains my intention to swiftly progress the Bill through the remaining stages of the legislative process and ensure enactment as soon as possible.
In this context, it is crucial that the transposition of the revised EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive is completed urgently in light of the decision of the European Commission, on 19 May 2022, to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union in respect of a failure to transpose the Directive and to request that the Court impose financial sanctions on Ireland.
30. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking on the issue of diversity and female representation on Boards and within executive positions across Sport in Ireland, agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32257/22]
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).
In the Action Plan for Sport 2021-2023 all NGBs are being asked to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. Failure to achieve this representation will result in financial consequences for NGBs. It is a particular priority for me and for Minister Catherine Martin to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
Sporting bodies are making significant efforts to improve diversity and gender representation on their boards. The most recent Board Composition Snapshot, which was published by Sport Ireland in December 2021, 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 continues to assist NGBs and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in achieving gender balance within their boards. It also provides gender diversity training to NGBs and LSPs, along with developing and investing in leadership and mentorship courses for women and girls.
In addition, Sport Ireland launched its first Diversity & Inclusion Policy in Sport in May 2022. This Policy will underpin our efforts to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in sport, whether that is in terms of active involvement, spectating, volunteering, administration or a whole host of other roles. The Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 places an important emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and the implementation of this policy will drive that process forward.
31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on her Department’s capital investment in sports projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32433/22]
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, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.
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 €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the 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 sports 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.
Funding is also provided by my Department for sports facilities under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), designed for projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the SCEP. The LSSIF was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100 million being made available over the period to 2027.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. The projects that received provisional allocations and the amounts provisionally awarded to them are published on the Department's website.
While the priority in the short term is to advance all of the projects that were allocated funding, as it is now over two years since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in drafting the review.
All unsuccessful LSSIF applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt than an error was made in the assessment process. By the deadline six appeals were received, consisting of five under Stream 1 (Design) and one under Stream 2 (Construction). All appeals were assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process and a final decision on the LSSIF appeals will be made as part of the review which should be completed shortly.
Once the review is complete the scope for awarding any additional grants, adjusting the level of existing grants and the timing of any new call for proposals will be considered.
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. 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. 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.
32. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the ongoing controversy in the Irish Athletic Boxing Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32425/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has recently published online its finalised Governance Review and its upcoming EGM on 10 July will provide the opportunity for the organisation and its members to affect meaningful and positive change in boxing. I would encourage them to accept and implement the recommendations of the review in full.
It is important to note that the Review is the IABA’s own review and was underpinned by a comprehensive consultation process. The Review is very balanced and has recommendations that will benefit every part of the IABA. The IABA has the opportunity now to move forward and accept the review and its recommendations.
Delegates at the EGM will vote on a motion to create a new board which will be charged with implementing the recommendations of the Review.
The Government wants to support the boxing community, and we want to see the sport thrive. If the review is accepted, there will be an immediate pathway for the IABA to make progress. However, if the IABA is unwilling to accept the review and tackle the issues outlined in the review, then they will find that they are disallowing themselves from future funding streams, which would be to the detriment of boxing and will, unfortunately, hinder them from reaching their potential as an organisation. If the review is rejected at the EGM, it will create a lot of uncertainty for boxing.
Sport Ireland will continue to support the IABA as it goes through the various steps that are now required, beginning with the development of an implementation plan for the 64 recommendations in the review. Sport Ireland stands ready to support the IABA in this; they will assist with necessary resources and will ensure that progress is continuously monitored, overseen and reported on.
I hope that every effort will be made by the IABA to ensure acceptance of its own Review and I would encourage all of those involved in boxing, from the grassroots of the clubs to the county, provincial and national committee rooms, to encourage acceptance of the motion.
The results we have seen at World and European level in recent weeks are exceptional. It must be noted that they are being achieved without a Performance Director. It makes the success all the more remarkable and gives pause for reflection as to just how much more can be achieved in the medium term with full implementation of the Review.
33. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagements she has had to date with the car rental industry in relation to the extraordinarily high prices being charged for rentals and the negative impact it is having on Irish tourism; if she will disclose the details of those discussions. [32202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent anecdotal reports about very high quotes for car rental which could impact negatively on the wider tourism ecosystem in Ireland. While my Department and Fáilte Ireland are aware of these difficulties and have concerns about potential impact on the recovery of the tourism sector, neither the Department nor Fáilte Ireland have control over prices set by service providers within the tourism industry; specifically, my Department has no regulatory or other function in relation to the car rental industry. Each operator decides on their level of charges having regard to their costs and the requirement to make an adequate return on their investment.
The Car Rental Council of Ireland is the representative trade organisation for the car rental industry in Ireland and is best placed to address specific queries.
I understand that the difficulties being experienced by the Irish car rental sector are being encountered in other markets too and reflect a lack of car supply post-Covid. We are seeing a strong recovery in inbound international tourism in 2022, and tourism more generally, with an anticipated 2022 recovery level of 60-70% of the 2019 numbers and this mismatch between visitor numbers and rental car supply is driving prices up.
There are no short-term solutions to this issue. Given the potential impact on the recovery of the tourism sector, my officials have met the Car Rental Council of Ireland who would recommend that people always contact car hire companies directly to secure the best possible price. My Department is also examining possible taxation options which might assist car rental companies to re-fleet in order to meet tourism demands. However, taxation measures are ultimately a matter for the Minister for Finance and would have to be considered as part of budgetary considerations.
34. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects to receive the review of projects allocated funding under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund; when it is intended that Fund will re-open for applications; and the process Monaghan County Council will have to engage with following the review in order to secure funding to provide a public swimming pool in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of appeals on hand in his Department under the Large Scales Sports Capital Programme that were submitted on time and in accordance with the scheme; when he intends to bring about a conclusion to the long-standing appeals process under the Large Scale Sports Capital Programme, if he will give a commitment that successful appeals under the Large Scale Sports Capital Programme will be awarded grants in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32248/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 39 together.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100 million being made available over the period to 2027.
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. The projects that received provisional allocations and the amounts provisionally awarded to them are published on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/. The rules of the scheme and the assessment process are also published on that page.
The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the amount available to allocate and it was not possible to allocate grants to many worthy projects. It was also not possible to provide all successful applicants the full amount sought.
While the priority in the short term is to advance the projects that were allocated funding, as it is now two years since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in drafting the review. I expect this work to be finalised shortly.
All unsuccessful LSSIF applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt that an error was made in the assessment process. Six appeals were received, consisting of five under Stream 1 (Design) and one under Stream 2 (Construction). All appeals were assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process and a final decision on the LSSIF appeals will be made as part of the LSSIF review .
Once that review is complete the scope for awarding any additional grants, adjusting the level of existing grants and the timing of any new call for proposals, including proposals for new swimming pools, will be considered.
35. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her Department’s strategy to increase diversity, inclusion and equality in sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreased participation in sport is a key objective of my Department. In pursuit of that objective, we are committed to a Sport for All approach 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, which 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.
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.
In May 2022, Sport Ireland published its Diversity and Inclusion policy. The policy has identified five strategic pillars, which are: Change, Communication, Access, Capacity and Leadership. To support delivery, twelve desired outcomes were devised within those five strategic pillars. Sport Ireland will lead on the implementation of this policy, and will work with the sport sector and key partners to target each of the policy areas in order to deliver on its commitments.
36. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to help rebuild Ireland’s tourism sector which had achieved record numbers of visitors prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. [32198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details on the Governments strategy to help rebuild Ireland’s tourism sector which had achieved record numbers of visitors prior to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 60 together.
A Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established in May 2020 and delivered a Tourism Recovery Plan with recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector could adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment. Later that year, I appointed a Recovery Oversight Group, to oversee the implementation of this plan. This group has reported regularly to me and has provided valuable inputs to the Government on the measures required to assist the sector. The Recovery Oversight Group is continuing its work and will continue to report with updates on implementation of the recovery plan and recovery in the sector more generally.
Looking to the longer term, my Department has initiated the development of a sustainable tourism policy. The development of this new policy will involve consultation with the tourism industry and communities to help set out a path for the coming years which will support sustainable recovery and growth in the sector.
In Budget 2022 €288.5 million was allocated for tourism services. I have referred the Deputies' questions to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for further details of their plans to help the tourism sector to recover in 2022 and beyond.
37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of her engagements with the hotel sector to ensure that price-gouging is stopped; the plans that are in place to address the soaring hotel costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32462/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs we enter the peak summer months and the tourism industry recovers, there is inevitably additional pressure on hotel capacity and pricing.
Hotel supply in Dublin has been challenged and affected by a range of factors, and businesses are facing significant cost pressures due to inflation and other economic factors. It is important, however, that Ireland maintains a strong focus on protecting its reputation as a value for money destination.
My officials have engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and the Irish Hotels Federation in order to further understand underlying issues surrounding the recovery of the tourism sector and to emphasise the importance of maintaining a strong value proposition at the core of tourism. They are also working with the tourism agencies to ensure that promotional activity is aligned optimally with supply within the system across the year.
The Tánaiste and I co-chair the Tourism and Hospitality Forum which is due to meet next week and this will offer a key opportunity to address and discuss these issues.
38. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the development of a National Tourism Policy, including the expected consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to the development of a Sustainable Tourism Policy document, and in advance of this an Interim Action Plan.
Late last year I brought an interim action plan, developed by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group, to Government, which identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices out to 2023.
My Department has also initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. Officials in the Department are currently preparing to undertake an informal consultation with key stakeholders. Following the completion of this initial informal consultation and a review of the previous policy, "People Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025", a formal public consultation will take place with a view to publishing a new Sustainable Tourism Policy in 2023.
40. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she intends to publish the Future of Media Commission report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change, 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, including 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 will shortly commence Report 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. It is intended that the report will be brought to Government shortly, and subsequently published.
