Written Answers Nos. 1-39
5. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for promoting regional tourism in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47580/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for the development of the Ireland’'s Hidden Heartlands tourism brand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47122/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position on the Wild Atlantic Walkway and the Carlingford to Cobh Irish Sea Way, as included in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 36 and 40 together.
Regional development and the promotion of areas all over the country as great places to visit are at the heart of Fáilte Ireland’s remit. Fáilte Ireland created the four regional brands of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Dublin and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as a way to bring to life the richness and diversity of experiences available to visitors across the country.
To guide medium to longer term development, I understand that Fáilte Ireland aims to deliver four new Regional Tourism Strategies in 2022 which will set out a 10-year vision and 5-year action plan for each region.
At the more local level, these four Regional Tourism Strategies will be activated through a series of coordinated local Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), developed by Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
The domestic visitor is critical to tourism business, especially regional businesses, as domestic consumers will travel all year round and to a much wider breadth of destinations than the typical overseas visitor.
Fáilte Ireland’s focus on promoting the regions has included significant investment into brand building through individual ‘Keep Discovering’ campaigns for the each of the four regional experience brands, as well as media publicity, digital channels, and online sales platforms. All four regional brands are being promoted across a mix of TV, press, radio, digital and social and there is a new press campaign also showcasing the regions.
In addition, through its ‘Keep Discovering’ campaign, Fáilte Ireland promotes individual destinations from Donegal to Wexford and Cork to Louth. Many of these destinations have been featured on their new Weather broadcast sponsorship, as well as in the national press.
Looking forward to 2023, Fáilte Ireland will continue to focus on building the regional brand. It will encourage domestic travellers to visit destinations across the country and, through online booking and sales and marketing supports, work with local industry to help them convert this interest into increased sales for their business.
I understand that Fáilte Ireland's priorities for 2023 in terms of domestic marketing (and supporting the international marketing effort) include:
- RTÉ Weather Sponsorship
- Year-round marketing campaign ‘Keep Discovering’
- Media partnerships to showcase Ireland and drive domestic demand to take short breaks across Irish media
- Further investment in marketing websites including the launch of new VisitDublin.com and ongoing optimisation of DiscoverIreland.ie website to drive domestic bookings
- Strong domestic sales promotion campaigns across multiple distribution partners’ platforms, supporting regions and key festivals and events
- Hosting International Media to showcase all that Ireland has to offer.
With regard to the development of specific other tourism product offerings, such as the proposed Irish Sea Way or Wild Atlantic Walkway, these are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland in line with its tourism development functions. My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
However, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has commenced work on the Irish Sea Way and the Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path projects. After an initial review by Fáilte Ireland of trail development along the East Coast and in particular the geography from Carlingford to Cobh, the optimal proposition for the Irish Seaway initiative is to link current and planned Greenway and Cycle Trails to deliver a contiguous cycle route from Carlingford to Cobh. The progression of this work, which will be developed in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will be a key part of Fáilte Ireland’s operational plans for 2023.
The development of the Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path remains a priority for Fáilte Ireland. In 2018, Fáilte Ireland conducted research into a variety of visitor attraction concepts and found that the highest performing experience was the Wild Atlantic Way coastal path. The procurement process to tender for consultants for the Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path to develop a framework for delivery is due to commence in October 2022. The objective of this process is to have consultants on board by end of this year, with a 12 to 18 month timeframe for the delivery of such a framework.
In relation to the specific regional brand, Ireland's Hidden Heartland, since the launch of the brand in 2018 Fáilte Ireland has been working in association with the Local Authorities, other State agencies, such as Tourism Ireland, and the wider tourism industry to raise awareness of the new Hidden Heartlands brand and to grow the visitor economy therein. Tourism Ireland promotes the Hidden Heartlands directly to overseas visitors, and the region now features prominently on the Ireland.com website.
Fáilte Ireland has been building partnerships with the local authorities, Waterways Ireland, Coillte, Bord na Mona and the Office of Public Works, in order to optimise the tourism potential of their natural and heritage assets in a sustainable manner. Recent highlights include the launch of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, which has already seen €2.3 million invested by Fáilte Ireland in new projects last year alone, and €3.9 million invested in the revamped National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park.
At Fáilte Ireland’s flagship tradeshow, Meitheal, in 2022, the number of tourism businesses who signed up from Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s increased from 8 to almost 40 during the period from 2018 – 2022. This means that more and more tour operators are aware of the region and are including it on their tours.
Fáilte Ireland has established a Steering Group for the region comprising eleven relevant Local Authorities together with State Agencies and industry members, which advises on the future strategic direction for tourism in the region.
Fáilte Ireland also established three Destination Recovery Task Forces throughout the region in response to the crisis in tourism caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. These Task Forces ensured businesses in the region could be sustained and primed for continued growth as tourism recovers.
Later this year, Fáilte Ireland will publish a Regional Tourism Strategy for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands 2023-2027. While this will be a five-year strategy, it will set out an exciting 10-year vision for the sustainable development of tourism in the region. The strategy will focus on regenerative tourism and sustainability, ensuring that tourism works to create sustainable jobs in local communities and protects the environment.
Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with all its partners, is working to transform what is a non-traditional tourism region into a destination with a unique identity and distinctive reasons to visit.
14. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way the sports action plan is delivering on greater participation for disadvantaged communities and women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47523/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Action Plan is based on a "Sport for All" approach that is aimed at ensuring that all persons have the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of gender, social-economic status, age, disability, or membership of minorities.
Increased participation in sport is a key objective of my Department. In pursuit of that objective, at the end of November 2021, I launched the Sports Action Plan, which specifically 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, an emphasis that is reflected in the 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.
The total amount of funding allocated from Dormant Accounts for such disadvantage-related projects this year is €12 million, more than twice the amount available a number of years ago.
In relation to participation in sport by women and girls, in 2021 Sport Ireland launched the Girls Get Active Research Report. Following on from that report, Sport Ireland created a new funding strand to support Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in the creation of physical activity programmes targeting teenage girls.
At present, Sport Ireland is working to establish a brand identity for teenage girls’ programmes rolled out by LSPs and NGBs. Sport Ireland is also tendering for the roll out of a communication and activation campaign targeting inactive teenage girls in Ireland. This will be the first time a dedicated national physical activity campaign has ever been created for this target group and highlights our commitment to motivate teenage girls to be more active.
15. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the development of a major events strategy. [47531/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently demonstrated an ambition to attract major international sports events that can make a positive return to the country. This is most recently evidenced by the Government’s decision to support an expression of interest by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in bidding, with the UK, for the right to host the UEFA Euro 2028 championships as well as the upcoming hosting of the following events:
- US College Football matches every August from 2022 to 2026
- The UEFA Europa League final in 2024, and
- The Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it would prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a Strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities. Mechanisms and channels to support events will also need to be developed.
While progress on the development of the policy was delayed by the pandemic, focused consultations have taken place this year with key stakeholders and a public consultation process closed on 26 May 2022. Following analysis of the consultation responses, further detailed follow-up and in-depth discussions with stakeholders will be required. Research, including consideration of the policies and strategies in place in other countries, has been undertaken and is continuing.
My Department is now working towards the development of a high level policy green paper by December of this year; this will outline the likely key issues and courses of action for the new policy prior to the development of the finalised policy in the first half of 2023.
17. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to promote the uptake of the newly launched solar grant for public organisations, including sports clubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
My Department strives to support organisations in making various sustainable improvements and welcomes the launch of this new Government support of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels for businesses, public organisations and community groups. Under past rounds, including the latest 2020 round which saw a record-breaking allocation of €166.6 million to almost 2,900 organisations, many clubs were successful in receiving allocations towards projects featuring sustainable improvements.
My Department has undertaken 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. Following the completion of the review, the Department will announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year. In advance of the closing date for applications under the new round, my Department will publicise the relevant terms and conditions and emphasise the various energy-efficiency promoting grants available to sporting clubs and facilities. Further details of these supports can be found currently on the website of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.seai.ie.
18. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her Department's plans to offer additional supports to swimming pools, given the increased energy costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47584/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe very real cost of living challenges that are impacting on households and businesses are also of major concern to sports organisations and sports facilities, including those located within hotels and other private venues. Increased energy costs are a particular concern as we enter winter and there is increased demand for indoor facilities, heat, light etc. This is particularly true in the case of the swimming sector. Erratic price fluctuations by power suppliers also exacerbate an already difficult situation in terms of budget forecasting, setting rates etc.
Whilst my Department does not provide funding for the day to day operation of swimming pools or leisure centres, as this is a matter for the operators of the facilities themselves, significant assistance has been provided to sports bodies and to the tourism and hospitality sectors over the past two years to cope with the impacts of Covid. As part of Budget 2023, I am continuing to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in terms of supports to alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for swimming pools, as part of an overall package of measures to support sports clubs with energy intensive activities. The framework for this assistance programme, which will also encompass arts/culture and voluntary sectors, will be put in place in the coming weeks and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has announced that a fund of €60 million will be made available for this programme.
I recognise the very positive impact that swimming has on the nation’s physical health and mental wellbeing and continue to support my Department’s direct role in relation to providing capital support for the development of swimming facilities.
19. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas a thacóidh sí leis an ngealltanas in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 go mbeidh Gaeilge ag 20% d’fhostaithe nua na seirbhíse poiblí chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear seirbhísí ar fáil i nGaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAchtaíodh Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) fiche, fiche haon (2021) ag deireadh na bliana seo caite. Ba thoradh é seo ar phríomhghealltanas Chlár an Rialtais agus ba bheart tráthúil agus suntasach é i gcomhthéacs an stádas atá bainte amach ag an nGaeilge mar theanga iomlán oifigiúil agus oibre de chuid Institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh ó mhí Eanáir.
Mar a luaigh mé cheana, is cur chuige tras-Rialtais atá de dhíth chun an cuspóir de fiche faoin gcéad (20%) d'earcaigh chuig an earnáil phoiblí a bheith inniúil sa Ghaeilge a bhaint amach faoi fiche, tríocha (2030).
Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá roinnt céimeanna tábhachtacha tógtha cheana féin chun a chinntiú go mbaintear amach an sprioc uaillmhianach seo.
Rinne an tAire Martin agus mé féin an Coiste Comhairleach um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge a bhunú níos luaithe i mbliana, ar an 20 Meitheamh 2022, ag teacht leis an spriocdháta a leagadh síos ina leith san Acht. Tá réimse leathan páirtithe leasmhara clúdaithe leis na heagraíochtaí agus na comhaltaí atá roghnaithe le bheith ar an gcoiste, an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí ina measc. Is é Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge ó mo Roinnse cathaoirleach an choiste.
I dtaca le feidhmeanna an choiste agus an Plean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge atá le hullmhú acu faoin 19 Meitheamh 2024, rinne mé próiseas soláthair phoiblí iomaíoch a fhógairt ar 31 Lúnasa 2022 maidir leis an taighde a bheidh de dhíth ina leith. Tá cistiú de trí chéad fiche cúig míle cúig chéad euro (€325,500) curtha ar fáil agam don tionscadal seo agus is conradh bliana a bheidh i gceist chun a chinntiú go gcloínn an Coiste leis an spriocdháta uaillmhianach atá leagtha síos faoin Acht d’ullmhú an Phlean ina iomláine. Is í an Aoine bheag seo an spriocdháta atá le tairiscintí a bheith istigh. Déanfar toradh an phróisis soláthair a fhógairt trí phreasráiteas agus é críochnaithe amach.
Tá roinnt bearta eile ar na bacáin agus comhráití déthaobhacha tosaithe chomh maith leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí chun a chinntiú go mbainfear an sprioc de fiche fán gcéad amach. San áireamh anseo, tá: m.sh.
- Feasacht a chruthú faoi na deiseanna le Gaeilg san earnáil phoiblí;
- Tacú tuilleadh le foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge atá sa státchóras agus san earnáil phoiblí cheana féin;
- Tionscnamh féideartha agus nuálach á fhiosrú le Ranna Stáit eile chun sineirge a aithint.
Anuas air seo uilig, chun na tionscadail seo a bhaint amach agus a fhorbairt a thuilleadh d’fhonn an gealltanas atá luaite ag an Teachta a chomhlíonadh, tá acmhainní foirne breise faighte agam do mo Roinn chomh maith le milliún euro (€1m) de mhaoiniú reatha breise i mbuiséad fiche, fiche trí (2023). Idir é seo uilig, táim an-dóchasach gur féidir an sprioc seo a bhaint amach.
20. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made under the basic income for the arts pilot scheme; the uptake to date by county and sector, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47259/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJust over three weeks ago applicants were informed if they had been selected for the basic income for the arts scheme. This was a historic day marking a significant change to the way in which Ireland recognises and supports her artists. As Minister with responsibility for Arts and Culture, the basic income has been one of my key priorities.
Over 9,000 applications were made under the scheme with over 8,200 assessed as eligible according to the published guidelines for the scheme. Eligible applications were then included in a randomised anonymous selection process to choose the participants. This process was overseen by EY acting as an independent verifier. Over 8,200 eligible applicants were included in the anonymised randomised selection to select the 2,000 BIA recipients and the control group of 1,000 participants.
The 2,000 recipients includes representatives from all art forms, age groups, ethnicities and counties. This includes 707 visual artists, 584 musicians, composers and songwriters, 204 artists working in film including actors, screenwriters, directors and cinematographers, 184 writers and poets, 173 actors, writers and directors working in theatre, 32 dancers and choreographers, 13 circus artists and 10 architects. 3% or 54 of those selected work through the Irish language.
This is a research project and the main element of the research programme is a longitudinal study with the same survey being delivered every 6 months for 3 years. The data collected as part of the research will inform future Government policy in relation to how best to support artists.
The process of applicants accepting their places on the scheme will be finalised shortly and payments will begin soon. The table provided shows a breakdown of the geographical location of all applicants offered a place on the scheme. This may be subject to minor change in the event that any artists do not accept the offer of a place on the scheme.
|
County |
Number of participants |
|
Carlow |
16 |
|
Cavan |
21 |
|
Clare |
54 |
|
Cork |
212 |
|
Donegal |
56 |
|
Co. Dublin |
180 |
|
Galway |
148 |
|
Kerry |
54 |
|
Kildare |
84 |
|
Kilkenny |
30 |
|
Laois |
25 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
|
Limerick |
58 |
|
Longford |
9 |
|
Louth |
30 |
|
Mayo |
47 |
|
Meath |
60 |
|
Monaghan |
13 |
|
Offaly |
16 |
|
Roscommon |
16 |
|
Sligo |
29 |
|
Tipperary |
33 |
|
Waterford |
33 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
|
Wexford |
56 |
|
Wicklow |
89 |
|
Dublin 1 |
20 |
|
Dublin 10 |
4 |
|
Dublin 11 |
19 |
|
Dublin 12 |
52 |
|
Dublin 13 |
15 |
|
Dublin 14 |
21 |
|
Dublin 15 |
21 |
|
Dublin 16 |
15 |
|
Dublin 17 |
3 |
|
Dublin 18 |
39 |
|
Dublin 2 |
12 |
|
Dublin 20 |
6 |
|
Dublin 22 |
8 |
|
Dublin 24 |
20 |
|
Dublin 3 |
41 |
|
Dublin 4 |
22 |
|
Dublin 5 |
25 |
|
Dublin 6 |
50 |
|
Dublin 6W |
24 |
|
Dublin 7 |
54 |
|
Dublin 8 |
81 |
|
Dublin 9 |
32 |
|
Not Specified |
2 |
|
Total |
2000 |
21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to liaise with cultural and artistic groups in County Kildare and throughout the country at large with a view to encouraging interest in the arts, sports, Gaeltacht affairs and cultural activities, given the importance of these issues by way of recovery after Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47512/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's priorities are set out in its published Statement of Strategy 2021—2023. The overarching goal is to ensure the “sectors recover and grow in a manner that underpins social cohesion and supports strong, sustainable economic growth, with a focus on a number of cross cutting goals of equality, diversity, social inclusion, the Irish language and environmental sustainability”. The Strategy sets out the actions that my Department will take over the coming period, both nationally and regionally, to enrich the quality of life in Ireland through supporting the development of tourism, culture, arts, sports, media and Irish language. In addition to their immense inherent value, these are valued by all of our communities as important resources for social cohesion, individual and community wellbeing and for the presentation of Ireland as an attractive destination for tourism and sustainable inward investment.
In the context of culture, the goal is to “support and develop engagement with, and in arts, culture and creativity by individuals and communities thereby enriching lives through cultural activity; and to promote Ireland’s arts, culture and creativity globally while also coordinating the Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 commemorations programme.
Earlier this year, I announced the Government’s decision in principle to extend the Creative Ireland Programme until 2027. Local authorities across Ireland have been charged with the delivery of Pillar 2 component of the national Creative Ireland plan, 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community'. Within this, the vision for Kildare is to augment and nurture a valued network of partners that collaborate to achieve shared outcomes for culture and creativity in County Kildare.
I understand that Co Kildare has strong traditions in choral, orchestral and traditional music, amateur drama, youth theatre and musical societies, with a large cohort of professional artists, arts collectives and creatives residing in, working in and enriching the county. Local history and Irish language initiatives are set against the natural and archaeological heritage.
Programmes and events such as Cruinniú na nÓg, Culture Night, Kildare Readers Festival, the Library Service annual programme and Play Day punctuate the cultural calendar, alongside a vibrant year-round festival programme. Initiatives such as the ‘Kildare Short Grass Films’ commission support creatives and highlight the county’s offerings.
22. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional supports will be made available for sports clubs that support initiatives to open their facilities to persons with disabilities. [47528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully 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 minorities.
In relation to the development and improvement of sports facilities, capital funding is provided by my Department for this purpose. In considering applications for funding, projects that increase active sport participation by people with a disability are prioritised, and universal design principles must be adhered to.
At the end of November 2021, I launched a new Sports Action Plan covering the period up to the end of 2023.The plan's emphasis is heavily orientated towards increasing inclusion, diversity and equality in sport, an emphasis that embraces and encompasses people with a disability.
€35m is being made available as part of Budget 2023 to help alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for sports clubs and organisations. This special fund will help clubs with the cost of floodlights, heating gyms and sports halls, as well as other energy costs. The framework for this assistance programme will be put in place in the coming weeks.
Dormant Accounts Funding is the principal mechanism used to fund targeted sports-related projects for disadvantaged communities and for people with disabilities. Funding for such projects now amounts to €12 million per annum, a record level that is more than twice the level that prevailed a number of years ago. Funding is available to support people with disabilities to become involved in sport and physical activity under a variety of programmes and initiatives that are aimed at reducing barriers to sports participation for people with a disability.
It is recognised and accepted that sports clubs are key agents in the delivery of the Government's Sport for All approach. A €2 million "Sport for All" Disability Supports Club Fund is accordingly included under this year's Dormant Accounts programme and enables affiliated sports clubs to apply for up to €5,000 to support the initiation or enhancement of disability specific initiatives within their clubs. Sport Ireland is currently assessing applications for this fund, with an announcement on successful applicants due before the end of the year.
23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which an awarding of further sports grants is anticipated in the coming year; the extent to which those who were beneficiaries in the past three years and found themselves unable to complete the works can be accommodated by time extensions or top-ups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted.
Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August, 2021.
The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022.
Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of capital appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received. On foot of that process, consequent allocations amounting to €6.14 million were announced on Tuesday 31 May.
The total allocation of €150 million for capital projects, and €166.6 million for the 2020 round in total, represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
While the priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage, my Department continues to support and guide grantees from past rounds as they manage their grants. This requires detailed engagement with all grantees and, where necessary, requests for extensions and changes of purpose of grants have been accommodated.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department has subsequently undertaken 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. Following the completion of the review, the Department will announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year.
24. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement that has occurred with Government colleagues regarding recruitment and retention challenges in the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment and retention of staff continues to be a significant challenge for the tourism sector. Prior to Covid, the sector had registered consistent increases in the numbers employed in Ireland’s regions and was an important driver of greater regional balance and dispersed economic activity. A sustained, and sustainable, rebuild is essential as tourism supports communities and drives regional development in a manner unlike other sectors.
However, the sector faces a range of challenges, in common with the wider economy, such as sizable increases in the costs of key inputs and, as the Deputy has raised, difficulty in recruiting and retaining key skills. These challenges are not unique to Ireland; indeed, they are shared by many countries around the world.
I have worked with colleagues across Government to secure funding supports to keep the tourism sector alive during Covid-19 and then to support this initial rebuild phase in 2022 and beyond.
The Hospitality and Tourism Forum, which was established during the pandemic and is co-chaired by the Tánaiste and myself, provides a valuable opportunity for the sectors to communicate their priorities. The Forum met as recently as 12 September to discuss key priorities in the context of Budget 2023.
My Department also participates on the Tourism and Hospitality Careers Oversight Group which brings together industry representatives, state agencies, Government Departments and the education sector. The Group has pivoted to focus on supporting the industry to address some of its immediate recruitment challenges this year. My Department and Fáilte Ireland are also working with industry and across Government Departments to ensure a co-ordinated approach to addressing the labour and skills shortages in the sector across all roles.
Earlier in the year delays in the processing of work permits for chefs was a particular challenge for the sector. My Department and Fáilte Ireland worked closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to seek to have those employment permit applications for chef positions that were already in the system processed as quickly as possible given the pressure that existed to recruit staff for the season. All flexible resources were redeployed by DETE to address processing times for General Employment permit applications in this context and this has resulted in 1,345 permit applications for chefs being processed since May with processing times reduced significantly to 5 weeks. My Department and Fáilte Ireland are currently working with DETE to increase work permit application success rates via training.
My Department also continues to engage with the Department of Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science regarding the Tourism Recovery Taskforce’s recommendations which were to:
(a) Strengthen Fáilte Ireland’s Careers Oversight Group and formalise a relationship with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure programme development and coordination of tourism education and training;
(b) Develop a National Tourism Education Gateway as a one-stop education access shop for all tourism employees; and,
(c) ensure consistency in terms of quality and content of education and training provided by education providers in the tourism sector in consultation with industry to meet adapting needs and trends.
With regard to working conditions in the sector, Fáilte Ireland’s research indicates that 70% of people within the sector see tourism as a long-term career option. While this is a good proportion, to improve on this, Fáilte Ireland has developed a range of programmes to build skills and capability for businesses and individual employees including a suite of online self-directed professional development courses.
Latest Fáilte Ireland research shows that while recruitment is still a significant challenge for businesses, the situation is improving and employers are making positive strides. Around 70% of businesses that are recruiting are increasing their pay and offering flexible work patterns, more stable work schedules and other perks. However, it is clear from an employee’s perspective that more still needs to be done to make working in the industry as appealing as possible.
As part of the drive to promote tourism as an attractive sector within which to work, Fáilte Ireland has launched a new “Employer Excellence” programme to help all participating businesses to improve their employer practices, and enhance their reputation as excellent employers. This will help employers to drive great employee engagement, build the appeal of their workplace and unlock greater levels of performance across their business. This new programme should lead to greater retention of staff and improve the view of the industry as career of choice.
A Transition Year Work Placement Programme to give TY students a high-quality work placement to motivate them to consider a course or career in the industry has also been launched, along with a major recruitment awareness campaign called “Works For Me” to encourage more people of all ages to consider a career in the industry.
When we look at the wider economy and the particular set of challenges facing the tourism industry it is clear that a collective and concerted multi-stakeholder approach to tackling these challenges is required and that is the approach that I and my Department will continue to pursue.
25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimhir 5 den 21 Meitheamh 2022, cad é stádas an ghrúpa idir-rannaigh atá ag obair chun cúrsaí pleanála i gceantair Ghaeltachta a chur chun cinn; cad é líon na n-uaireanta a bhuail an grúpa idir-rannach le chéile go dtí seo; an fhoilseofar na miontuairiscí; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47576/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a chuir mé in iúl i gCeist Dála 32569/22, is ar an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta atá an fhreagracht maidir leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 - faoina dtagann gnóthaí i ndáil le cúrsaí pleanála agus tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht.
Faoi réir alt 10(2)m den Acht Um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 is gá go ndéanfadh plean forbartha cúram do chosaint oidhreacht teanga agus cultúrtha na Gaeltachta lena n-áirítear an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar theanga an phobail, i gcás ina mbeidh limistéar Gaeltachta i limistéar an phlean forbartha.
Tá mo Roinn, an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúla agus Oidhreachta agus Údarás na Gaeltachta ag glacadh páirt i ngrúpa oibre idir-rannach faoi láthair ar mhaithe le ceist na Gaeilge sa phróiseas pleanála a phlé agus chun cúrsaí pleanála i gceantair Ghaeltachta a chur chun cinn.
Is ceann de na príomhaidhmeanna atá ag an ngrúpa idir-rannach ná córais a chur i bhfeidhm, de réir mar is cuí, chun cur chuige éifeachtach agus comhsheasmhach a chothú do na hÚdaráis Áitiúla mar a bhaineann sé leis an gcóras pleanála sa Ghaeltacht a bhainistiú.
Tá an grúpa idir-rannach ag scrúdú conas a d’fhéadfaí cleachtais reatha maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na bhforálacha seo a neartú ar mhaithe le leas iomlán na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus ar mhaithe le forbairt inbhuanaithe agus polasaí pleanála cuí a bheith i bhfeidhm sa Ghaeltacht.
Tá sé i gceist go ndéanfar leis an bpolasaí seo soiléiriú agus treoir a chur ar fáil maidir le conas gur fearr comhsheasmhacht agus cothromaíocht an córas pleanála a fheabhsú, stádas na Gaeilge a chosaint sa Ghaeltacht agus cúnamh a sholáthar do na hÚdaráis Áitiúla ábhartha.
Tionóladh an cruinniú is déanaí den ghrúpa idir-rannach ar 25 Iúil 2022. San iomlán, tháinig na Ranna agus an tÚdarás le chéile 7 n-uaire ó mhí Feabhra 2021. Mar thaca don phróiseas chomh maith, bhí cruinniú déthaobhach idir an Roinn seo agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúla agus Oidhreachta ar líne cúpla lá ó shin ar an 26 Meán Fómhair 2022. Chun leanúint le dlús a chur leis an obair, tá beartaithe go dtiocfaidh an grúpa oibre idir-rannach le chéile arís ina iomláine sna seachtainí amach romhainn, i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2022.
Déantar miontuairiscí a ghlacadh ag na cruinnithe seo go hiondúil ach níl i gceist iad a fhoilsiú ag an bpointe seo.
26. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is investigating ways to offset rising ticket prices for arts events during the cost-of-living crisis; and, if not, if it will consider same. [47587/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may wish to note that under Budget 2023, I have maintained the Arts Council allocation €130m. This allocation will allow the Arts Council to continue to protect jobs and livelihoods of artists, and assist arts organisations through the cost of living crisis. With such assistance and the support of the public, the core infrastructure of the arts in Ireland has survived. This ongoing public funding in 2023 allows the Arts Council to continue its support for artists and arts organisations.
In relation to the current cost of living challenges, additional funding is also being provided in 2022 for the impact of increased energy bills on the not-for-profit and voluntary organisations, which includes €15m for the arts and culture sector.
In parallel with these direct supports, businesses which are impacted by rising energy costs will also be able to avail of the Government’s newly announced Temporary Business Energy Support scheme, with grants of up to €10,000 a month.
Budget 2023 and the cost of living package delivers a range of supports to the tourism, culture, arts Gaeltacht, sport and media sectors, right across Ireland. These measures announced under the Budget last Tuesday resulted from ongoing dialogue and engagement between the officials in my department and the sectors and communities which come under our remit.
Budget 2023 is unprecedented compared to recent years and one of increasing uncertainty in the face of rising energy costs, inflation and economic uncertainty. Supporting the householders and work organisations through fiscal measures in an effective way, while simultaneously ensuring the sustainability of public finances, is a key priority of the Government.
Together, we have provided supports to help these important sectors survive through the rapidly increasing energy and operating costs that they are facing. In the case of the Arts Council funding this Budget will no doubt assist the Council to address significant cost of living increases for artists, arts workers and arts organisations
For the arts, creative and culture sectors, the Department and its agencies are working on a broad range of initiatives ranging from income and grant supports, to individual artists, to energy efficiency and structural enhancements for our arts and culture infrastructure. Some examples of these initiatives include:
- The Basic Income for Artists Scheme – a scheme to support 2,000 artists by providing a guaranteed basic income to support their continued practice;
- The Green Arts Initiative – a project supported by the Arts Council to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the sustainability of arts centres and venues; and;
- Capital grant funding schemes for retrofitting and other enhancements to the arts and culture infrastructure.
I understand that the Council’s ambition for 2023 is to develop the arts sector in particular to support a Recovery from Covid and to help organisations re-build audiences and arrest their losses due to falling income from box office and increased production costs.
27. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist aici turas a thabhairt ar cheantair Charn Tóchair i gContae Dhoire mar fhreagairt ar chuireadh ón gcomharchumann áitiúil chun an obair atá déanta acu maidir le hathbhunú ceantar Gaeltachta i gceantair thuaithe a aithint. [47287/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs mian liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go raibh feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne i dteagmháil leis an gcomharchumann i gCarn Tóchair maidir leis an gcuireadh a thug siad dom agus bhí sé i gceist agam turas a thabhairt ar an gceantar le linn dom a bheith san iarthuaisceart ag tús na míosa seo. Faraor, ní raibh an dáta sin oiriúnach don ghrúpa agus b'éigean dom an chuid sin den turas a chur ar athló, dá bharr.
Cé nach bhfuil dáta nua deimhnithe go fóill, bhí oifigigh mo Roinne i dteagmháil leis an gcomharchumann arís an tseachtain seo caite le deimhniú dóibh go bhfuil sé go fóill ar intinn agam cuairt a thabhairt ar phobal Charn Tóchair chomh luath agus is féidir liom.
Tuigtear dom obair mhór a bheith déanta ag pobal Charn Tóchair le tríocha bliain anuas agus gur ceannródaithe iad ó thaobh na Gaeilge de ag gach leibhéal i measc an phobail. Léiríonn an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag pobal Charn Tóchair an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an bpleanáil teanga, mar go bhfuil sé i bhfeidhm acu ansin le fada an lá. Tá aitheantas bainte amach acu go náisiúnta thar na blianta le gradaim Ghlór na nGael agus tá an ceantar aitheanta chomh maith mar Líonra Gaeilge ag Foras na Gaeilge.
Is cúis áthais dom an fhorbairt ar fad atá déanta ag pobal Charn Tóchair chun Gaelphobal a bhunú agus a bhuanú. Tá maoiniú á chur ar fáil don Líonra trí Fhoras na Gaeilge agus maoiniú eile tríd an gcomhaontú New Decade, New Approach faoi láthair. Tuigim go bhfuil Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga fostaithe agus i mbun oibre ó mhí an Mheithimh le Plean Teanga an phobail a chur i bhfeidhm. Leanfaidh mo Roinn ag tabhairt tacaíochta d'fhorbairt na Gaeilge i measc pobail mar phobal Charn Tóchair agus ar fud an oileáin trí Fhoras na Gaeilge agus trí scéimeanna eile de cuid mo Roinne.
28. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimhir 25 den 21 Meitheamh 2022, an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú a thabhairt ar stádas an tríú gné den obair athbhreithniúcháin atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir leis na córais agus maidir leis an gcur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus ar na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh. [47573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, agus ceisteanna faoin ábhar seo á bhfreagairt roimhe seo, tá cinneadh déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil sé chun tabhairt faoi thaighde breise ar a chliantchomhlachtaí le heolas cuí a bhailiú maidir le riachtanais a gcuid fostaithe ó thaobh cothú na Gaeilge de.
Chuige sin, beidh ceistneoir á dháileadh ar cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis ag tús Dheireadh Fómhair agus beidh sonraí an taighde sin á n-áireamh ag an Údarás ina chur chuige i leith na tacaíochtaí a chuirtear ar fáil do na cliaint le tacú leo an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn.
Beidh anailís le déanamh ar an aiseolas ón suirbhé agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh an taighde críochnaithe faoi dheireadh an fhómhair. Ag éirí as an aiseolas agus na moltaí a thiocfaidh ón obair thaighde seo, beidh an tÚdarás ag déanamh measúnú ar na bealaí is fearr agus is éifeachtaí gur féidir leis tacú lena gcuid cliantchomhlachtaí agus na fostaithe atá ag na comhlachtaí sin ó thaobh cur chun cinn na Gaeilge de.
Mar atá ráite roimhe seo, bhí trí chéim aitheanta ag an Údarás san obair athbhreithnithe inmheánach seo ar cuireadh tús leis in Earrach na bliana 2021. Bhí an chéad chéim dírithe ar athbhreithniú ar riachtanais na heagraíochta mar a bhain sé le cothú na teanga in sna cliantchomhlachtaí. Clúdaíodh na córais riaracháin agus tuairiscithe inmheánacha atá i bhfeidhm le pleananna teanga a aontú agus le monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na bpleananna teanga sin mar chuid de chéim a haon chomh maith. Is iad an comhlacht comhairleoireachta Meas Media a bhí ina bhun seo.
Thug an comhlacht taighde Brioclage faoin dara gné den obair. Bhain an obair sin le taighde a dhéanamh ar na cliantchomhlachtaí féin agus a gcuid fostaithe le heolas agus tuairimí a bhailiú uatha a bheidh mar bhunús do chlár tacaíochta athleasaithe/nua a bheidh le forbairt dírithe ar na cliaint a mhealladh agus a spreagadh chun an Ghaeilge a úsáid agus/nó a chur chun cinn ina ngnólachtaí, go hinmheánach agus go seachtrach.
Aithníonn an tÚdarás go bhfuil forbairt eacnamaíochta, caomhnú an chultúir agus na teanga, agus cruthú fostaíocht fite fuaite ina chéile agus lárnach i bhforbairt eacnamaíochta na Gaeltachta. Tá caomhnú agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ag croílár ghníomhaíochtaí uile na heagraíochta.
29. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán i dtaobh bhaile seirbhíse Mhuscraí, cén dul chun cinn atá á dheanamh agus cad iad na céad céimeanna eile chun go mbainfidh Maigh Chromtha stádas amach mar bhaile seirbhíse Gaeltachta; agus an ndéafaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47534/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a cuireadh in iúl agus Ceist Dála 32196/22 á freagairt agam, tá Maigh Chromtha, Co. Chorcaí luaite mar bhaile a d'fhéadfadh a bheith aitheanta mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta in am trátha ach plean teanga a bheith ullmhaithe don bhaile faoi réir fhorálacha ábhartha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Is faoi scáth foriomlán Fhoras na Gaeilge a tharlóidh na socruithe éagsúla is gá a dhéanamh chun eagraíocht chuí a aimsiú go háitiúil le tabhairt faoi ullmhú agus feidhmiú plean teanga don bhaile.
Ar nós na mbailte eile lena mbaineann, cuirfear ciste ar fiú suas le €20,000 ar fáil don eagraíocht a roghnaítear chun cabhrú le hullmhú an phlean agus is ciste bliantúil ar fiú €80,000 a bheidh ar fáil ansin le cabhrú le feidhmiú an phlean ach é a bheith ceadaithe.
Tuigtear do mo Roinn go bhfuil obair ullmhúcháin ina leith seo ar fad idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge, go raibh cruinniú poiblí eagraithe sa bhaile inné agus go bhfuil siad ag obair i dtreo fógra a bheith déanta ag lorg eagraíochta don chúram gan rómhoill eile.
30. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a breakdown of the areas in which the basic income for the arts pilot scheme grants was awarded in Dublin. [47590/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below provides the breakdown of those artists based in Dublin who were offered a place on the Basic Income for the Arts. These figures are subject to minor change as the process of applicants accepting their place on the scheme is being completed. A total of 764 of the 2,000 places on the scheme have been offered to artists based in Dublin.
|
Co. Dublin |
180 |
|
Dublin 1 |
20 |
|
Dublin 10 |
4 |
|
Dublin 11 |
19 |
|
Dublin 12 |
52 |
|
Dublin 13 |
15 |
|
Dublin 14 |
21 |
|
Dublin 15 |
21 |
|
Dublin 16 |
15 |
|
Dublin 17 |
3 |
|
Dublin 18 |
39 |
|
Dublin 2 |
12 |
|
Dublin 20 |
6 |
|
Dublin 22 |
8 |
|
Dublin 24 |
20 |
|
Dublin 3 |
41 |
|
Dublin 4 |
22 |
|
Dublin 5 |
25 |
|
Dublin 6 |
50 |
|
Dublin 6W |
24 |
|
Dublin 7 |
54 |
|
Dublin 8 |
81 |
|
Dublin 9 |
32 |
|
Dublin total |
764 |
31. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on her meeting with an organisation (details supplied) and action taken thereafter. [47586/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to increase supports for disabled persons in the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47513/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 59 together.
I recently met with DADA (Disabled Artists Disabled Academics) and the NCFA (National Campaign for the Arts) to discuss their pre-budget submission. Their submission raises a number of complex challenges faced by disabled artists when they return to work, are awarded an Arts Council grant, or have been offered a place on my Department’s new Basic Income for the Arts scheme (BIA). Income precarity has always been a feature of the arts sector and this is compounded for artists with disabilities who cannot afford to risk the loss of important benefits like medical cards.
The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a new scheme initiated by my Department and the issue of disabled artists participating in this scheme it is a matter which I take seriously.
The BIA is a three-year research programme to examine the impact a basic income style payment could have on artists and creative arts workers and their creative practice. A key research question will be the impact such a payment could have on artists with disabilities.
I was determined since the outset of the BIA pilot scheme that artists with disabilities would be in a position to participate in the scheme to the greatest extent possible within the legislative framework to ensure the research captured the experience of disabled artists. To that end bilateral engagement has been ongoing between my Department and the Department of Social Protection, to get agreement that the payment will be treated as earnings from self-employment and can be taken into account in earnings disregards that applies to many social welfare payments including Disability Allowance. That means that the basic income for the arts will be treated like any other income a person on social welfare earns from employment. The actual impact of the Basic Income on a person's welfare entitlements will depend on each individual’s circumstances, applicants will need to engage with the Department of Social Protection on the matter.
These are complex cross-Government issues, and I have written to Minister of State Anne Rabbitte in this regard. The Deputy may be aware that Deputy Rabbitte, is leading on the whole-of-government response through the disability inclusion strategy steering group, which she chairs.
I have also written to the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys in relation to the issue. The Department of Social Protection has also undertaken to engage directly with disabled artists who are selected for the pilot to help them understand the impact accepting the payment would have in their individual circumstances. Eligibility for income support payments other than the BIA, such as social welfare supports including payment to people with disabilities, is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and I do not have any function in that regard.
32. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans, if any, to expand the mobility-of-collections scheme to support loans from the national collections for display in public buildings across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will request the institutions with responsibility for State exhibits that are currently held in storage to consider offering them on loan for display in public buildings across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 50 together.
The National Cultural Institutions (NCIs) play a valuable role as custodians of Ireland’s history and culture. This work encompasses not only the collection, preservation and display of heritage objects and artworks, but also educational activities that facilitate the public’s understanding of items in the collections and the broader context in which they were produced.
Conscious that it is not possible for the NCIs to display their full collection at any one time, I welcome and support initiatives that provide greater regional and local access to material held in the national collections. Of course, in facilitating wider access to cultural artefacts, I acknowledge the importance of safeguarding these precious objects by ensuring that they are displayed in sites that are sufficiently secure and have appropriate environmental controls.
Within these parameters, I am particularly keen to facilitate the display of cultural artefacts with specific local and regional interest in appropriate publicly-accessible settings, outside the main urban centres, where they can be more easily seen and enjoyed by the local community. Accordingly, my Department operates a Mobility of Collections Scheme, which is designed to fund transport, insurance and exhibition-related costs associated with moving pieces from the national collections for display in appropriate institutions around the country.
Separately, I know that the NCIs are equally committed to increasing broader access to the national collections through bilateral arrangements with local exhibitions and also through various innovative online programmes, which became particularly important during the recent COVID pandemic and related restrictions. In this regard, although the NCIs under the aegis of my Department are operationally independent, the lending and dissemination of items from the national collection under their care is actively encouraged.
I welcome the commitment of the NCIs to increase access to the national collections through enhanced online exhibitions and the lending of artefacts for regional and local exhibitions. For its part, my Department will continue to encourage and provide support for the mobility of national collections.
33. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project will commence construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47516/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the National Development Plan, published in October 2021, reiterated the Government’s commitment to the continued development of the Sport Ireland Campus and also committed to the construction of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The project is currently at the preliminary business case stage.
A planning application for the project was lodged with Fingal County Council by Sport Ireland in August.
Sport Ireland has completed a new Masterplan for the future development of the campus. The Masterplan will provide the framework for the development of facilities at the Campus over the next 10 to 15 years and will identify key high level projects for delivery. Minister Catherine Martin and I will shortly be bringing the Masterplan to Government for approval and my Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to funding to progress high level projects, with a specific near term focus on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre.
Capital funding of €9.6 million is being allocated in 2023 to continue the development of the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. This will allow Sport Ireland to progress preparatory work on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project.
Subject to securing planning permission and the availability of funding, it is expected that construction on the project could commence in Quarter 3 of 2023.
34. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way gender inequality on the boards of Ireland's major sporting bodies in receipt of Government funding will be addressed, both now and into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47585/22]
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 position such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs). I want to acknowledge the significant efforts that sporting bodies are now making around gender diversity on their boards. It is evident, however, that more work needs to be done.
The Sports Action Plan sets a target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. It is a particular priority for me to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation. 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 representation of 30% or more women on their board, up from 19 NGBs in 2019.
Sport Ireland will continue to provide support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% and will monitor and report on progress.
Sport Ireland recently outlined their funding priorities for NGBs for 2023 onwards. From next year, Sport Ireland’s grant funding to sporting organisations will be more closely aligned with the Government’s key policies for sport with four funding priorities being prioritised within Sport Ireland’s grant funding criteria. One of the priority funding areas for 2023 is the achievement of 40% gender balance on Boards of NGBs. This will ensure that the State’s investment in sport is delivering on this key policy objective. Failure by sporting organisations to achieve 40% gender balance on their boards will impact on future funding.
35. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the progress of the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47592/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill (OSMR) 2022 provides for the dissolution of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and the establishment of a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, to oversee the regulatory framework for audiovisual media services, sound broadcasting services and online safety provided for in the Bill and to support the development of the wider media sector.
The formal establishment of Coimisiún na Meán can only commence following the enactment of the Bill. However, given the importance of An Coimisiún, the Government has approved its establishment on an administrative basis prior to the enactment and commencement of the Bill. An extensive programme of work is being undertaken by the BAI and the Department to ensure the continuity of existing regulatory functions, the recruitment of key staff for An Coimisiún and an effective transition of corporate functions from the BAI to Coimisiún na Meán.
An Coimisiún will be led initially by four Commissioners: an Executive Chairperson; a Broadcasting Commissioner; an Online Safety Commissioner; and a Media Development Commissioner. The posts of Executive Chairperson, Online Safety Commissioner and Media Development Commissioner were advertised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on 15 July, 22 July, and 29 July respectively. In addition to advertising the posts, and in light of the international reach of An Coimisiún's remit, an Executive Search procured by the Public Appointments Service was also undertaken to ensure that an experienced panel of candidates with the necessary expertise to fulfil these posts could be brought forward for interview.
Following the completion of the shortlisting and interview process for the posts, the most appropriate candidate for each role will be recommended for appointment. In accordance with section 11(7) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as substituted by the OSMR Bill 2022), the current chief executive officer of the BAI will be appointed as Broadcasting Commissioner for a period of up to one year following the formal establishment of An Coimisiún.
In Budget 2023, I secured €7.5 million to resource Coimisiún na Meán in its first year of operation. These funds will be used to recruit staff and for other administrative costs arising from the new duties and functions being assigned to An Coimisiún through the OSMR Bill in relation to online safety and video-on-demand. I expect that one of the priorities of An Coimisiún will be to prepare and impose a levy on those newly regulated services to ensure that it becomes a self-financing regulatory body as soon as is feasible.
37. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé na céimeanna atá glactha aici chun cloí le cás maoinithe amharclann agus chomplacht náisiúnta drámaíochta na Gaeilge, An Taibhdhearc, chun a ról a chaomhnú agus a fhorbairt; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEagraíocht chultúrtha thábhachtach is ea an Taibhdhearc, ní hamháin do phobal na Gaeilge agus do chreatlach chultúrtha Chathair na Gaillimhe, ach freisin don earnáil taibhealaíon ós rud é gur sa Taibhdhearc a fhaigheann mórán aisteoirí agus ball foirne léiriúcháin a dtaithí thosaigh sula mbogann siad ar aghaidh chun deiseanna eile a fháil san earnáil taibhealaíon. Tuigtear dom gur mian leis an Taibhdhearc glúin úr aisteoirí agus baill foirne léiriúcháin a mhealladh trí fhorbairt a dhéanamh ar rannpháirtíocht na hóige leis an drámaíocht.
Aithníonn mo Roinn an tábhacht atá le hinmharthanacht na Taibhdheirce agus le struchtúr sásúil maoinithe a bheith i bhfeidhm chun dea-reáchtáil na hamharclainne a chinntiú ar mhaithe le hearnáil bhisiúil amharclannaíochta inár dteanga náisiúnta.
Cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú bliantúil €320,000 ar fáil don Taibhdhearc agus rachaidh an comhaontú trí bliana reatha in éag in 2023. Tosaíocht don Rialtas sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge, 2018-2022 is ea an maoiniú ilbhliantúil sin.
Tá oifigigh mo Roinne i mbun plé le Bord na Taibhdheirce le roinnt míonna anuas maidir leis na féidearthachtaí i dtaobh maoiniú don amharclann sna blianta seo romhainn, lena n-áirítear ó fhoinsí eile maoinithe. Agus an plé seo críochnaithe, déanfar cinneadh maidir maoiniú na heagraíochta do na blianta amach romhainn.
38. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé na céimeanna atá glactha aici maidir leis an ngá atá ann maoiniú óna Roinn a chur ar fáil chun stáisiún raidió don aos óg a chur á craoladh ar bhonn buan, go luath agus go náisiúnta. [47288/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraÓ 2009 i leith, tá maoiniú á thabhairt ag mo Roinn do Raidió Rí-Rá, stáisiún raidió do dhaoine óga trí mheán na Gaeilge, a chraolann ar an idirlíon agus ar aipeanna fóin póca. Faoin gcomhaontú deontais reatha, tá €119,000 ceadaithe do Raidió Rí-Rá in 2022 agus €109,000 in 2023. Chomh maith leis sin, thug mo Roinn maoiniú caipitil €47,772 don stáisiún in 2020 chun uasghráduithe a dhéanamh ar spás stiúideo an stáisiúin.
Ar iarratas ó mo Roinn, tá Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann ag tabhairt faoi thionscadal taighde trí chéim faoi láthair a bhaineann le seirbhís raidió trí Ghaeilge do dhaoine óga a chur ar fáil. Baineann Céim 1 den taighde seo leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc lucht éisteachta óg in Éirinn i gcoitinne, agus scrúdófar chomh maith réimse ábhar maidir leis an éileamh ar sheirbhís hibrideach raidió, an cineál ábhair a bheadh feiliúnach don tseirbhís sin, agus an rochtain a bheadh uirthi. Baineann an taighde i gCéim 2 le tuairimí an sprioc-lucht éisteachta a bhfuiltear ag díriú air (daoine idir 15-34 bliain d’aois a úsáideann na meáin Ghaeilge ar bhonn rialta) maidir leis an réimse céanna ábhar. Baineann an taighde i gCéim 3 leis na gnéithe teicniúla a bheadh i gceist dá mbeadh seirbhís raidió do chainteoirí óga Gaeilge le craoladh ar an gcóras FM.
Táthar ag súil le tuairisc ar thorthaí an taighde seo faoi dheireadh na bliana. Beidh an tuairisc seo ina bonn eolais faoi aon chinneadh a bhaineann le seirbhís ar FM a bhunú.
39. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will repurpose the underspend in the allocation for the basic income for artists scheme in 2022 due to delays as a one-off grant or commission scheme for those artists who were not selected for the pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Basic Income for the Arts is a three year research programme to determine the impact the payment has on artists and their creative practice. The scheme is expected to cost approximately €105m over three years, with payments starting from the date of selection.
Any savings are a matter for my consideration subject to the approval where appropriate of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform. I expect that the full €105m will be expended over the three years and I do not anticipate an underspend on the scheme as payments will be for a full three years from date of selection.
