Written Answers Nos. 465-500
465. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a general requirement across the public service that there must be a fallback paper-based option for access to public services for those who are not computer literate. [43653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe potential to transform public service delivery through innovation and digital capability was clearly demonstrated during the public service response to the COVID-19 crisis. Our society is becoming increasingly digitalised and people expect to access their personal information and the services they need at the touch of a button and at a time that is convenient to them. The Government has set out its plans to create world-leading digital government services in Connecting Government 2030: a Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service and in Civil Service Renewal 2030, the ten-year strategy for Civil Service reform.
It is, however, recognised that not all members of society can or wish to engage with services digitally. Therefore, while these plans are aimed at improving public services by making them easier and more convenient to use, we are also committed to improving the off-line experience for those who are unable or prefer to access services digitally. In this regard, my Department is currently hosting a public consultation process on digital public services and is engaging with representative organisations to ensure that people who may not be able to participate online are given an opportunity to give their views. Looking ahead, the next phase of Public Service transformation, which is currently being developed, will place a renewed focus on designing and implementing customer-centred services for the public.
All public service organisations have a responsibility to deliver quality services. The guidelines on implementing Customer Action Plans and Customer Charters under the Quality Customer Service (QCS) initiative developed by my Department clearly set out the standards of service that customers can expect. These guidelines assist organisations to adhere to the 12 principles of the QCS initiative. These guiding principles include equality, diversity, and (where feasible) customer choice in service delivery.
466. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reinstate extended Covid leave with pay for teachers who contracted long-Covid from working in a Covid-19 exposed environment, such as special education teachers working with unmasked children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraReflecting the obligations to self-isolate laid down in public health advice and to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of the virus in the workplace, special leave with pay for COVID-19 arrangements were introduced by my Department in March 2020. This was a temporary measure in response to the unprecedented circumstances presented by the COVID pandemic. Special Leave with Pay has been used in lieu of sick leave across the Public Service to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises.
From the outset of the pandemic my officials have been clear, via the “Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19” document, that Special Leave with Pay is a temporary measure which is kept under regular review. Changes have been made to the arrangements over the course of the last two years in line with changes to public health, Government guidance and the general return to the workplace.
It is important to note that Special Leave with Pay has not ended. From 1 July 2022, Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 is available for the stated self-isolation period, which is currently 7 days. This is in keeping with the rationale of assisting in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises.
I would also point out that the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations were introduced in 2014. It was a significant reform development that standardised and simplified paid sick leave arrangements across all sectors of the Public Service. The Public Service Sick Leave scheme provides for the payment of the following to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
- A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one year period
- Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one year period
- Subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period
There is the potential for access to additional sick leave in certain circumstances as guided by the Critical Illness Protocol.
467. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of access at a site (details supplied) in County Cork. [43815/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlanworth Castle is a National Monument under the National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2014, in the ownership of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage since 26 January 1979. The OPW is responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the Castle in line with our statutory functions with respect to National Monuments.
Nearby, Glanworth Mill is in private ownership and OPW does not have any role in the up-keep or maintenance of the mill.
The OPW understands that the property owner of Glanworth Mill is carrying out some repairs and alterations at present. As the property is in private ownership and on private lands, there is no public right of way for access to the Mill.
468. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will immediately make funds available to hire more school bus drivers once the relevant Minister agrees to lift the ban on school bus drivers over the age of 70 in order to make more school transport bus drivers available. [43938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEngagement between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education in the context of Estimates 2023 is ongoing. Funding requirements for any proposed policy changes forms part of these discussions. In this context it is therefore not possible to comment on this matter.
469. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the pay increases under the public sector pay deal will be extended to the pensions of retired public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43957/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the negotiations on the new public sector pay agreement concluded recently with union representatives on the 30th of August. Unions are advising their members on the conditions of the pay agreement over the coming weeks.
My officials are continuing to work on the proposed implementation of the agreement. The area of pension increase policy is currently been considered. Circulars will be issued on the position of pension increases for retired public servants once the agreement is ratified by both parties.
470. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief works for Glanmire, Cork city. [44001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire / Sallybrook, Cork is being progressed by Cork City Council. The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the flood relief scheme.
The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, as part of Project Ireland 2040. Provision for the total project budget for this scheme is included in the Office of Public Works multi annual capital allocation.
The Flood Relief Scheme will protect 103 properties from a significant risk of flooding.
Following the procurement process to appoint a contractor for the Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme, Cork City Council is now not in a position to award the construction contract, due to a change in circumstances in the market. However, Cork City Council in partnership with the OPW will proceed to issue new Tender Documents as soon as possible and is working with key project partners to minimise the overall delay in the completion of these works.
471. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount collected by way of dividend from commercial semi-State companies in each of the past five years to date, by amount and company, in tabular form; the policy in respect of dividend payments to the Exchequer from commercial semi-State bodies; the way in which dividends are redistributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the nature of its role, my Department has no commercial semi-State companies under its aegis and the bodies under its aegis do not pay dividends to it. The Deputy may wish to note that a number of the bodies in question are funded through their own Votes and the remainder are either grant funded or self-funded.
472. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of bringing Houses of the Oireachtas staff employed under the scheme for secretarial assistance under the terms of Building for Momentum, including the recent pay deal, by grade, in tabular form; if he will consider offering these staff a similar package while historical negotiations continue given the impact of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Services has provided the estimates below in respect of the information sought by the Deputy. It should be noted that the WRC proposal for the revised terms of Building Momentum is currently with the unions for consideration and has not yet been ratified.
|
Grade |
Estimated Annual Cost |
|
Administrative Assistant |
€157,772 |
|
Administrator |
€98,490 |
|
Chef de Cabinet |
€35,568 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
€1,034,401 |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
€1,297,235 |
|
Senior Administrator |
€44,409 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
€2,667,875 |
The Deputy will be aware that a pay claim lodged by SIPTU in respect of staff employed by Members and Political Parties under the Scheme for Secretarial Assistance is currently part of an ongoing process at the WRC. Accordingly it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further at this stage.
473. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the opening hours of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Glasnevin, can be extended given that they are very restrictive, especially in summer months; if he will engage with the Office of Public Works in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Botanic Gardens are a scientific collection. Their mission is to manage the large, globally significant plant collections, as well as to educate and inform visitors. The Gardens receives over 600,000 visitors per year and offers a wide range of research, tours, talks, exhibitions and activities for children during its opening hours.
The Gardens are open to the public from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm at weekends and bank holidays. Currently, there are no plans to extend the opening hours of the Gardens or the car park.
474. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to ensure the implementation of a pensions agreement by a semi-State body (details supplied). [44315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, and the rules of the An Post Pension Scheme, pension increases or alterations to the schemes are subject to the authorisation of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications given with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
An Post formally sought Ministerial approval on 4 May 2022 to increase pensions in payment and deferred pensions for members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 2% per annum with effect from 1 January 2022 and up to a further 2% per annum with effect from 1 January 2023.
In line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 16 of 2021 the authorisation of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications for the 2% per annum pension increase from 1 January 2022 has been communicated to my Department and a request for my concurrence was received from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on the 5th September 2022.
Officials in my Department are currently reviewing the business case provided by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and a determination will be made shortly.
The business case for the 2% per annum pension increase with effect from 1 January 2023 will be reviewed by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and by my Department in 2023 as pension increases cannot legally be approved in advance.
475. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of full-time qualified stonemasons employed by the OPW as of 1 January 2021 and 26 August 2022, in tabular form. [44341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures for full-time qualified stonemasons employed by the OPW as of 1 January 2021 is 60 and the figure as of 26 August 2022 is 60.
476. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a series of matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to sustained and sustainable funding of An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport for An Taibhdhearc is identified as a priority in the Government’s 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022. A 3-year grant agreement is currently in place which sees the production company, Fíbín, in residence in An Taibhdhearc managing operations and implementing an arts programme. Annual funding of €320,000 is provided under this agreement and is due to expire in 2023.
The Board of An Taibhdhearc recently submitted a case for additional funding of the theatre to my Department. The case seeks a substantial increase in funding for the next three years, aimed at increasing employment, upskilling, developing a pipeline of new talent and reviving the national theatre space in An Taibhdhearc’s historic building in Galway City centre. This application will be evaluated in the context of the funding available to my Department in 2023 and beyond and the competing demands on that funding.
An Taibhdhearc will celebrate its centenary in 2028 and has long since been regarded as an important cultural institution, not only for Irish language communities and the city of Galway, but also nationally and internationally.
477. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the stakeholders consultative group to advise on the implementation of the Future of the Media Commission report will be set; if an organisation (details supplied) will be represented on the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government considered, and published, the report of the Future of Media Commission on 12 July last. Government has accepted in principle 49 of the Report's 50 recommendations, and agreed to the establishment of an implementation group to oversee their delivery.
One of the implementation group's initial tasks is to bring forward an implementation plan in respect of the recommendations accepted by Government. This will include detail on the structure and proposed membership of a consultative group. I recognise that the experience and insight of a range of stakeholders will be invaluable to the implementation process.
478. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to the letter submitted to the chief executive in June 2022, if Louth County Council has proposed Drogheda as a suitable location for the new night-time economy pilot programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe City and County and Management Association, with support from my Department, is leading on the process to select the pilot towns and cities for the Local Authority Night-Time Economy Pilot Programme in line with Action 19 of the NTE Taskforce Report (published September 2021).
The application process closed at the end of June and I understand applications will be reviewed in the coming weeks and an announcement will be made thereafter. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any particular application given the review process is ongoing.
479. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will engage with inbound tour operators in respect of the shortfall in tourist-designated accommodation for the year-end 2022 and 2023 season. [42353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the level of pent up demand for international travel and the level of advance bookings, as the tourism industry recovery has begun there has been inevitable additional pressure on hotel capacity and pricing. Next year will present its own challenges as the pent-up and deferred demand might be dissipated and the current cost of living issues impact on demand.
The distorting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the provision of accommodation for those fleeing war in Ukraine make it difficult to definitively assess the long-term supply and demand situation but there seems to be a clear need for additional tourism accommodation supply in specific areas, particularly in Dublin.
My Department officials have engaged with many stakeholders including the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (of which the Incoming Tour Operators Association - ITOA - is a member) 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. There is also ongoing engagement through meetings of the Hospitality and Tourism forum, which I co-chair with the Tánaiste. The ITOA is a member of this forum and the next meeting is scheduled to take place next week.
480. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the mechanism that will be used to roll out further pop-up swimming pools; and the way that communities and schools can apply for funding for same. [42482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2021, Swim Ireland was allocated a grant of €395,000 under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme via the Sport Ireland Targeted Equipment Scheme 2021 towards their
Portable Pool programme. This funding has been fully drawn down and I am pleased to note that Swim Ireland's pop-up pool programme has already received positive feedback in respect of the locations at which the pool has been deployed to date. It should be noted however, that all operational arrangements in relation to this pop-up pool are entirely a matter for Swim Ireland.
In terms of future public swimming pool provision and access, the National Sports Policy commits to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. As part of this, there will be a review of swimming pool provision to identify where gaps exist and how these can be met including the role that pop-up pool facilities may have. A working group has been established to assist in the development of this strategy and it met for the first time on 19 July 2022. It is expected that this Strategy will consider all potential ways to increase access to swimming facilities. The Strategy will be fully considered to ensure that as many people as possible have easy and convenient access to swimming facilities in the years ahead.
481. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will commit to multi-annual funding for An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department already provides multi-annual funding for An Taibhdhearc. The funding agreement in place provides current funding of €320,000 annually and the three-year agreement currently in place will expire in 2023.
An Taibhdhearc is an important cultural institution in many ways, not least for Irish language communities and for the cultural fabric of Galway City, but also for the performing arts sector as many actors and production staff gain their initial experience in An Taibhdhearc before securing further opportunities in the performing arts sector.
The multi-annual funding currently provided by my Department for An Taibhdhearc is identified as a priority in the Government’s 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022.
482. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason that capital spending under her Vote group is -41% to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42531/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Development Plan, over 1 billion euro in capital expenditure has been allocated to my Department between 2021 and 2025.
The high-level, strategic capital investment priorities for my Department are set out in sectoral investment plans, including Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage; Linking People and Places; the National Sports Policy; the Audiovisual Action Plan; and Fáilte Ireland's Platforms for Growth, as well as being informed by cross-Government policies and strategies including the Climate Action Plan, Our Rural Future and the National Planning Framework.
My Department’s capital investment is centred on three high level objectives for the Department’s sectors:
- to promote Economic Recovery and Resilience
- to support Wellbeing and Social Cohesion
- to enhance Sustainability in its sectors and Guardianship of our unique cultural, linguistic and sporting heritage
My Department’s capital plan is also comprised of three strands of activity:
- Major capital projects;
- Capital investment and infrastructure programmes; and,
- Capital grant schemes.
Major capital projects under my Department’s aegis are appraised, planned, implemented and evaluated in line with the Public Spending Code and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Office of Government Procurement. The majority of these capital projects are moving through appraisal stages, and a number of projects are at implementation stage or are nearing implementation stage. My Department is determined to ensure that significant and appropriate appraisal takes place in order to ensure that the delivery of these major capital projects will provide value for money.
My Department is also progressing a range of other initiatives under the other two strands of investment activity (grant schemes and investment programmes) which are delivering improved tourism, cultural, sporting and linguistic infrastructure and investment to communities across Ireland. Key programmes include the Cultural Capital Scheme, the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, and the Gaeltacht and Language Support Schemes.
Additionally, my Department is working with bodies under its aegis like Screen Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland and local authorities on a broad range of projects, programmes and schemes to enhance our tourism, culture, art, Gaeltacht, sport and media infrastructure.
The nature of the capital investment activities in my Department means that expenditure typically requires that funding is drawn-down by external organisations and is subject to the project timelines of such organisations. This can mean that expenditure patterns and budget profiles are difficult to precisely predict.
483. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a leasú le go mbeidh deontas ar fáil do na coláistí sean-bhunaithe a bhíodh ag fáil deontas ón Roinn Oideachais, ag cur san áireamh an titim atá i líon na leapacha atá ar fáil sna coláistí sa nGaeltacht ; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [42562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBa faoin Roinn Oideachais a bheadh sé breithmheas a dhéanamh faoin deontas caipitíochta atá mar ábhar na ceiste.
Mar a bhaineann sé le mo Roinnse, tá roinnt coláistí cónaithe sean-bhunaithe aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge de chuid na mo Roinne. Níl sé i gceist ag mo Roinn ag an bpointe seo aitheantas a thabhairt d'aon choláiste nua chun críche na scéime sin.
Tugadh tacaíocht bhreise don éarnáil seo níos túisce i mbliana tríd, go príomha, an deontas laethúil a íoctar faoi Scéim na Roinne a ardú - socrú a bhí chun sochair na gcoláistí cónaithe thuasluaite dár ndóigh - agus tríd an gciste scoláireachta faoin tionscnamh DEIS Gaeltachta a ardú go suntasach chomh maith.
Déanfar an scéal uile maidir le staid reatha agus todhchaí na gcoláistí Gaeilge a bhreithniú sna míonna amach romhainn.
484. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she or officials in her Department have engaged with a union (details supplied) regarding its recent decision to support reserving access to female-only teams and games to persons who are biologically female; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it is the policy of her Department to support the preservation of female sports as activities reserved to those who are biological females; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 485 together.
All National Governing Bodies of Sport are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own operational arrangements, procedures and competition rules for their sports. All sports are governed by the Rules of Sports which are developed and implemented by their International Federation of Sport and it is a matter for individual sports and their international federations to develop policies and rules for their own sports on participation by those who identify as male or female.
As Minister with responsibility for sport, I will continue to emphasise and promote the importance of inclusiveness and fairness in all aspects of sport. We are always striving to ensure that sport is welcoming and inclusive and that opportunities exist for everyone to participate in sport, while recognising that issues such as participation by transgender and non-binary persons are complex and sensitive.
Many sporting organisations are seeking guidance and support in developing their policies in this area and Sport Ireland is working with the sport sector to see how they can best support organisations. That work is ongoing and Sport Ireland will continue to offer assistance and guidance to sporting organisations but ultimately it is the sporting organisations themselves that establish the rules and policies for their own sports.
With regard to the specific governing body referred to by the Deputy, my Department was advised by the governing body of the imminent publication of its amended policy on the day of publication. I welcome that the governing body is committed to a continued review of the matter and to working directly with players affected by this policy and with the wider LGBT+ community.
486. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a schedule of online influencers, journalists and online media personalities used by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland from 1 January 2022 to date in August 2022; the costs of each engagement; the project and or context which each personality was used in; and if she will provide a schedule of the planned use of same for the remainder of 2022. [42705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the tourism agencies. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for response and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
487. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans that the Government has in place to improve swimming pools in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42735/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's capital support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was previously provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme [LASPP]. A total of 52 pools has been completed while three swimming pool projects remain in the programme. A number of pools in Kerry benefited from LASPP funding including new facilities in Ballybunion and Killarney.
The Department's capital support for any new swimming pools is now being provided through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m for the Fund over the period to 2027.
The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 and the first allocations were announced in January 2020. Thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. These initial allocations include funding for 8 swimming pool projects. It should be noted that no LSSIF application was submitted in respect of any swimming pool project in Kerry.
In terms of future public swimming pool provision and access, the National Sports Policy commits to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. As part of this, there will be a review of swimming pool provision to identify where gaps exist and how these can be met. A working group has been established to assist in the development of this strategy and it met for the first time on 19 July 2022. It is expected that this Strategy will consider all potential ways to increase access to swimming facilities. It is hoped to have a strategy drafted later this year and any recommendations contained therein will be fully considered to ensure that as many people as possible have easy and convenient access to swimming facilities in the years ahead.
488. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the totality of grant aid and-or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply given to Parliamentary Question No 282 of 27 January 2021.
My Department provides supports to Local Authorities under a range of schemes across its remit. Details of overall allocations under these schemes and funding provided to Local Authorities in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022 are set out in the table directly below.
Details of allocations are made available on my Department's website from time to time. For the Deputy's convenience details of allocations in respect of individual schemes are set out in the respective tables at the following link.
489. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of staff who work in the RTÉ archive department. [42859/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is fully independent in the pursuit of its public service objects, including its day-to-day operations.
The issue of staffing numbers in the Archiving Department is an operational matter for RTÉ. As such, as Minister I have no role in RTÉ’s day-to-day activities, including those related to staffing and assignments, and my Department does not hold the information sought by the Deputy.
490. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the policy measures that she is adopting to maintain tourism investment to support the marketing of Ireland through sustainability, digitisation, careers and skills and business support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so I was therefore pleased to secure a record level of funding for tourism in Budget 2022. This total sum of €288.5 million represents an increase of €67.5 million over the 2021 allocation. The allocation includes €50 million for business continuity supports which have assisted strategic vulnerable tourism businesses to survive and has helped to drive the sustainable recovery of the sector. The additional 2022 funding also includes a €35 million increase to the Tourism Marketing Fund, to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland. This increase also includes €5 million to begin preparations on the Programme for Government commitment to deliver a themed year project, The Invitation, aimed at stimulating additional demand.
As part of its marketing strategy, Tourism Ireland has established a recovery framework which is underpinned by an extensive programme of promotional activity throughout 2022. The organisation has a flexible, three-phase plan to RESTART, REBUILD and ultimately REDESIGN demand. Over €80 million will be invested in the programme in 2022, which will allow Tourism Ireland to ramp up its campaigns in key international markets.
In respect of domestic marketing, Fáilte Ireland’s "Keep Discovering" campaign continues to encourage domestic holidaymakers to take vacations in Ireland, particularly during quieter shoulder seasons. The campaign is designed to both inspire visitors to travel and then offer world-class tourism regions and destinations in Ireland to visit and experience.
Recruitment continues to be a significant challenge for the tourism sector, with up to two-thirds of businesses reporting reduced capacity due to staff shortages. My Department, along with Fáilte Ireland, continues to collaborate with industry and other Government Departments to ensure that there is a coordinated approach to addressing the labour and skills shortages.
In that regard, Fáilte Ireland has established a number of new initiatives to support the industry’s recruitment and retention efforts following the re-opening of the sector after the pandemic. In 2023, our focus will be on continuing to build on this important work through a range of innovative initiatives to support industry in the recruitment, retention and upskilling of staff across the sector to help drive ongoing recovery.
Through its 'Digital that Delivers' investment programme, Fáilte Ireland will also be in a position to support the digitalisation of tourism businesses to grow their business in a sustainable manner, consistent with modern consumer preferences.
In October 2021 a report was submitted to Government, developed by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group under the aegis of my Department, which identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices which can be implemented in the short term. The actions identified in this interim action plan aim to establish new research methods which will increase the level of evidence available and form a clear narrative for communicating about the sustainability agenda to build a better understanding and awareness among tourism stakeholders and the general public. The successful implementation of these actions will also ensure that sustainability is taken into account in policy development, business planning by the agencies and industry as well as in destination management and promotional activity.
With regard to longer term tourism policy measures, my Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy. The development of this new policy will involve consultation with the tourism industry and with communities to help set out a path for the coming years which will support sustainable recovery and growth in the sector. From a policy perspective there is a need to look even further, beyond the challenges that have been brought upon by the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, to ensure the long term shift towards greener and more sustainable tourism development. The development of this new national tourism policy will build upon the work undertaken by the Sustainable Tourism Working Group and also be consistent with our sectoral climate change targets and commitments. This policy commitment will seek to deliver on Ireland’s ambition to be among the world-leaders in sustainable tourism practices from not only an environmental but also a social and economic perspective.
491. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the policy measures that her Department is taking to address labour shortfalls in the tourism sector specifically measures relating to enhancing career awareness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment continues to be a significant challenge for the tourism sector along with many other sectors of the economy. My Department and Fáilte Ireland are continuing to collaborate with industry and other Government Departments to ensure that there is a coordinated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages.
One of Fáilte Ireland’s key strategic priorities is to help build employment in the tourism industry. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to provide further details of their extensive work on this issue. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
492. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in her Department in each of the years 2020,2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43162/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below sets out expenses paid to date to my Special Advisors for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.
|
Year |
Expenses Paid |
|
2020 |
nil |
|
2021 |
€559 |
|
2022 |
€1,963.54 |
493. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications who appealed a refusal for the sports capital grant; and the number who were refused by county, in tabular form. [43249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, 150 appeals were lodged. Of those appeals lodged, 108 appeals were upheld.
The full list of appeals lodged and upheld can be viewed on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
494. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any assistance may be available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Culture Ireland, operates a regular grant scheme for Irish artists across all artforms to present their completed works internationally. Full details of the scheme are available on the website, www.cultureireland.ie. However, the grants are not available for works in progress and as such an application could not be considered for the production of work.
Enquires can also be made to the Arts Council as to any supports that may be available from that source.
I wish the young person in question every success in the development of their artistic career.
495. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on a new short-term lettings regulation through a Fáilte Ireland registration system under Housing for All. [43315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 20.4 of Housing for All commits to the development of "new regulatory controls requiring short-term and holiday lets to register with Fáilte Ireland with a view to ensuring that houses are used to best effect in areas of housing need”.
Officials in my Department are working in consultation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and Fáilte Ireland on scoping out the legislative provisions that will be required to underpin such a system with a view to bringing forward the necessary legislation in the coming months.
Funding was allocated in Budget 2022 to Fáilte Ireland which has been tasked with the design and implementation of a short term lettings registration system. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide further details to the Deputy regarding their work on this matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Deputy will also be aware that new arrangements in relation to short-term letting, aimed at strengthening the pre-existing regulatory controls in this area, were proposed by section 3 of the Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2022. When commenced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the new arrangements will provide that, for a period of six months, non-principal private residences in Rent Pressure Zones shall not be advertised or accept bookings on online platforms or other media for short term letting purposes without the necessary planning permission being in place in respect of the property concerned or the property concerned being otherwise exempted. Pending the establishment and commencement of operations of the new short-term letting registration system to be operated by Fáilte Ireland, the six month period referred to may be extended for further 6 month periods subject to positive resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
This legislation has been notified to the EU Commission under the requirements of the EU TRIS (Technical Regulation Information Society) Directive having regard to potential implications for internal market and information society services. This is a standard notification requirement for relevant legislative proposals by national Governments so that any proposals in this area can be examined by the EU Commission.
In the meantime, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continues to engage with relevant stakeholder groups on the detailed operational arrangements to be applied in relation to the proposed measure which will be provided for in supplementary regulations.
496. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount her Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform, in tabular form. [43383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount spent on the Department’s social media platforms, and the campaigns per platform, between 1 January 2021 and 31 August 2022 are set out in the table below.
|
- |
2021 € |
2022 (to 31/08) € |
|
Amount Dept spent advertising on social media |
7,379.40 |
12,945.70 |
|
Platforms / Campaigns |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o Major Sports Events Consultation |
|
600 |
|
o Creative Ireland Programme |
|
188 |
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
|
200 |
|
o Seoda online festival |
|
179.44 |
|
- Twitter Total |
|
1,167.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
o Major Sports Events Consultation |
|
79.84 |
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
2,971 |
2,473 |
|
- Facebook total |
2,971 |
2,552.84 |
|
- TikTok |
|
|
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
1,322 |
1,673 |
|
- TikTok Total |
1,322 |
1,673 |
|
- YouTube |
|
|
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
2,417 |
2,011 |
|
o Creative Ireland Programme |
|
208 |
|
o Seoda online festival |
|
322.42 |
|
- YouTube total |
2,417 |
2,541.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
|
50 |
|
- Instagram total |
|
50 |
|
- Snapchat |
|
|
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
|
1,231 |
|
- Snapchat total |
|
1,231 |
|
- Spotify |
|
|
|
o Cruinniú na nÓg |
|
3,525 |
|
- Spotify total |
|
3,525 |
|
Plus – aggregated platform campaigns |
|
|
|
- Twitter/Facebook/Instagram |
|
|
|
o Creative Youth |
458 |
|
|
Facebook/Instagram |
|
|
|
o Seoda online festival |
211.40 |
205 |
497. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the repatriation of the remains of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43460/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in the repatriation of the remains of the person cited in the Deputy's question. Given the complexity of issues related to the exhumation and repatriation of remains generally, all of which fall outside the remit of my Department, I am not in a position to facilitate such repatriation.
498. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details on the total amounts of moneys awarded to Louth County Council by her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; if she will seek details on the total moneys drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same years, in tabular form, and, if not spent, the total moneys that were returned to her Department over the same years, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43529/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of monies awarded to Louth County Council by my Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022 are set out in the table below.
Louth Co. Council Funding 2016- 2022(to date)
|
Year |
Funding Awarded |
Amount drawn down |
Amount returned to Dept |
|
2016 |
€33,900 |
€33,900 |
0 |
|
2017 |
€165,516 |
€40,758 |
0 |
|
2018 |
€122,838 |
€90,580 |
0 |
|
2019 |
€168,270 |
€92,047 |
0 |
|
2020 |
€485,582 |
€153,325 |
0 |
|
2021 |
€385,185 |
€360,996 |
0 |
|
2022 |
€744,073 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
€2,105,364 |
€771,606 |
€0 |
499. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the effect of antisocial behaviour on tourism in central Dublin; and if she has corresponded with the Minister for Justice on the matter. [43558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, matters of law and order are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice.
In comparative international terms, Ireland and Dublin are perceived as safe destinations and the warmth of the welcome remains a key strength in the Dublin visitor experience. Dublin remains a popular tourist destination and was recently named in the Top 10 cities to travel to in 2022 by The Lonely Planet.
Fáilte Ireland research shows that, of those consumers who would not consider taking a domestic city break (including Dublin), only a minority claim that concerns over safety and security are the main barrier for them. The research concludes that the distinct majority of visitors are positive about how cities, including Dublin, are presented and in the feeling of security they project. While I have not corresponded the Minister for Justice on these issues at this time, Fáilte Ireland sits on the Dublin City Forum which comprises of An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, business and sectoral representative groups and which provides an opportunity to discuss issues of concern as they arise.
500. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if funding will be provided to a business (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43676/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Night Time Economy Support Scheme aims to provide off-peak entertainment to support increased footfall in our towns and cities, as well as providing artists with paying gigs and customers with more a more alternative, diverse and inclusive night-time offering.
I launched the scheme on the 21st June, with an allocation of €2.6 million and due to the significant interest in the scheme, I made the decision to extend the closing date on the 27th July with an additional allocation of €1.4 million. The scheme closed on Thursday 4th August as the fund had been exhausted, so unfortunately, my Department is not in a position to accept any new applications at this time.
My officials have informed me that they had liaised with the business in question but that no application was received.
