Written Answers Nos. 151-170
151. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the actions that are taken by the Revenue Commissioners Customs Officers to ensure that dogs which have been stolen are not being exported abroad. [57058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it works closely with other relevant authorities on the implementation of legislation relating to movements of live animals into and out of the State, focusing in particular on the movement of agricultural animals under customs control. However, if Customs Officers at ports or airports, as part of routine or intelligence led operations, detect dogs that have been stolen, or where there is a concern that the animals may be in the process of being transported in contravention of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013, Customs Officers liaise with An Garda Síochána or the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as appropriate.
I am advised that Revenue made 24 detections in 2021 and 7 detections to date in 2022 of puppy movements that were referred to the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) in its role as a designated body under the 2013 Act, on welfare grounds.
152. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to removing VAT from the supply and installation of solar panels to assist those who wish to be more eco-friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate (currently 23% in Ireland), unless they fall within the categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT.
Following amendments to Annex III of the VAT Directive, agreed in April 2022, it now includes a category for "the supply and installation of solar panels on and adjacent to private dwellings, housing and public and other buildings used for activities in the public interest." Outside of the above category in Annex III, the supply of solar equipment, is liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%.
I have decided not to make any change to this rate because of the fact that when solar panels are supplied as part of a “supply and install” contract, they may be subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 13.5%. A “supply and install” contract is where installation services are provided in conjunction with goods such as solar panels. As a result, if solar panels are supplied as part of a “supply and install” contract, then the contract may be subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 13.5%, provided that the value of the goods supplied does not exceed two thirds of the total value of the contract. I believe the reduced rate applied in these circumstances is sufficient.
153. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the tax liability there would be for an Irish Citizen receiving a gift from a Canadian citizen, who is their sister, resident in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to provide a definitive response to the Deputy’s question, in the absence of specific details. However, an overview of the possible CAT treatment of the gift he has referred to is set out hereunder.
The Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 (CATCA 2003) provides for a charge to capital acquisitions tax to be imposed on individuals who receive gifts and inheritances for less than full consideration where:
- the property gifted or inherited is situated in Ireland, or
- the property gifted or inherited is situated outside of Ireland and:
- the disponer or transferor is resident or ordinarily resident in the State at the date of the disposition, or
- the beneficiary or recipient is resident or ordinarily resident in the State at the date of the gift or inheritance.
While the information provided suggests that the disponer is not Irish resident, it is unclear whether the beneficiary, referred to as an Irish citizen, is resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland. It is also unclear whether the gift is comprised of Irish situated property. It is therefore not possible to confirm whether the gift referred to by the Deputy is within the charge to CAT.
Where a gift (or inheritance) is within the charge to Irish CAT, the tax liability will be computed in accordance with the relevant provisions of CATCA 2003.
For CAT purposes, the relationship between the disponer and the beneficiary determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise. Any prior gift or inheritance received by a beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same Group threshold is aggregated for the purposes of determining whether any tax is payable on a benefit. Where a person receives gifts or inheritances that are in excess of the relevant Group threshold, CAT at a rate of 33% applies on the excess benefit. There are three Group thresholds:
- the Group A threshold (currently €335,000) applies, inter alia, where the beneficiary is a child (including adopted child, stepchild and certain foster children) of the disponer;
- the Group B threshold (currently €32,500) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the disponer;
- the Group C threshold (currently €16,250) applies in all other cases.
The Group thresholds do not apply to gifts and inheritances between spouses / civil partners, which are exempt from CAT.
In addition, a person may receive gifts up to a total value of €3,000 from any other person in any calendar year without having to pay CAT (the “small gifts exemption”). Gifts within this limit are not taken into account in computing tax and are not included for aggregation purposes. The relationship between disponer and beneficiary is not relevant for the purpose of the small gifts exemption. Where a person receives gifts from a number of different disponers in any calendar year, he/she will be entitled to a small gift exemption of €3,000 in respect of each disponer.
Where a liability to CAT arises on a gift or inheritance and a similar foreign tax is payable on the same property, relief from double taxation may be available. Ireland has two double taxation treaties for CAT purposes, one with the United Kingdom (UK) and one with the United States of America (USA). The convention between Ireland and the US covers inheritance tax in Ireland and federal estate taxes in the US. It does not apply to gift tax. For countries where there is no double taxation treaty in force, unilateral relief may be available in respect of gifts and inheritances of foreign property. Information on the circumstances in which such relief may be available, and how the relief is computed, is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/credits-you-can-claim-against-cat/index.aspx.
As it is not possible to provide a definitive view in this case, the individuals concerned may wish to seek guidance directly from Revenue. Contact details for the National Capital Acquisitions Tax Unit are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/customer-service-contact/national-capital-acquisitions-tax-cat-unit.aspx.
154. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the number of appeals that were heard in relation to the 'Seize and Release' VRT enforcement procedure for each of the years 2015 to 2021; the number of such appeals that were successful (details supplied); the corresponding data in respect to the 'Seize and Release' procedure for October 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57074/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the VRT enforcement targets for each of the years 2015 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57075/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
Officers of the Revenue Commissioners have a statutory power under section 141 Finance Act 2001 to seize a vehicle as liable to forfeiture where there has been a breach of VRT legislation. Where goods have been seized as liable to forfeiture, Part 2 of the Finance Act 2001 sets out the procedures that apply as a consequence of seizure, such as, service of a notice of seizure by the Revenue officer, lodging notice of claim by the owner and condemnation proceedings in the Court. Further, Revenue has discretion to restore goods that have been seized as liable to forfeiture. Revenue Officers can offer release terms to the owner in respect of vehicles that have been seized. This process is referred to in the Vehicle Registration Tax Manual Part 5 -Enforcement.
There have been no appeals heard for the years 2015 to 2021.
I am advised by Revenue that the number of warnings issued, detentions, vehicles seized for VRT related offences and the number of cases where a compromise sum was paid for the month of October 2022 is set out in tabular form below:
|
2022 |
Warnings |
Detentions (s.140 FA 2001) |
Seizures (s.141 FA 2001) |
Compromise Penalties |
Value of Compromise Penalties |
|
October |
18 |
7 |
77 |
75 |
€56,507 |
Revenue’s approach to VRT enforcement is predominantly focused on supporting compliance. During the period 2017 to 2019 Revenue explored the use of various metrics as indicators of performance. Revenue no longer uses this metrics approach. Revenue’s focus is to support maximum voluntary compliance and to provide an effective and appropriate response to non-compliance.
I am advised that Revenue’s approach to confronting non-compliance, including in relation to VRT, is informed by risk. Each year Revenue focuses its compliance resources on areas that pose risk to the tax and duty system as determined by Revenue’s data holdings, data analytics and risk assessment system, in confronting non-compliance including non-compliance with VRT obligations. Revenue takes action in response to the level of risk and taxpayer behaviour at any given time including the compliance behaviour displayed either generally or by specific taxpayers. VRT performance targets set by Revenue for the years 2017 to 2019 had regard to this overall and informed Revenue as to progress with the implementation of each of the core components of the overall compliance management regime for VRT. I am advised that since 2019, Revenue does not use this performance target approach as an indicator of progress of the overall compliance management regime for VRT.
VRT target data for 2017 to 2019 are set down in tabular form below:
|
Year |
Challenges |
Warnings |
Detentions |
Seizure |
Compromise Sum |
|
2015 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2016 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2017 |
2600 |
165 |
N/A |
1205 |
0 |
|
2018 |
3100 |
168 |
N/A |
1170 |
50 |
|
2019 |
2470 |
245 |
N/A |
1195 |
0 |
156. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if landlords who are exempt from registering with the RTB due to falling under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Acts of 1982 and 1983 will be able to avail of the tax incentive for retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, at Committee Stage of the Finance Bill 2022, I introduced a new section into the Bill to provide for a new tax incentive for small-scale landlords who undertake retrofitting works while the tenant remains in situ, which has the aim of attracting and retaining small-scale landlords in the private rental sector.
The provision is intended to provide for a deduction of certain retrofitting expenses incurred by landlords on rented residential properties in calculating their Case V rental profits. The expenses that qualify for deduction are those in respect of which the landlord has received a home energy grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It should be noted that the expenses incurred must be in respect of the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025. Furthermore, the maximum amount of tax deduction that can be claimed is the lesser of the qualifying expenditure incurred or €10,000 and a landlord is only entitled to claim the relief on a maximum of two of his/her rental properties.
The deduction operates in the same manner as any other permitted rental deductions. However, unlike normal rental expenses, it will not be deducted for the year in which it is incurred. Instead, the deduction will be claimed against the rental income of the year following that in which the expense was incurred. For example, expenses incurred on retrofitting works in 2023 should be included in calculating rental profits for 2024 and may be claimed by a landlord on their income tax return for that year. As such, relief under this measure will be claimed for the first time in 2025, in respect of the 2024 tax year.
As matters stand, in order to qualify for the relief the landlord must be tax compliant, compliant with the 2004 Residential Tenancies Act and registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). As the Deputy points out certain landlords are exempt from registering with the RTB as their properties fall under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Acts of 1982 and 1983. There may be a case to include such landlords within the scope of the relief and I have asked my officials to examine this issue further.
If appropriate, the necessary steps will be taken to address this matter in due course.
157. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if expenditure from the National Surplus (Exceptional Contingencies) Reserve Fund is classed as general Government expenditure and subject to EU fiscal rules; his views on whether this could potentially limit its use in terms of counter-cyclical expenditure in response to economic slowdown or shock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 imposes a duty on the Government to endeavour to comply with the EU fiscal rules, known as the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). Expenditure from the National Reserve Fund (NRF) would be classified as General Government expenditure and, therefore, fall within the scope of the Pact. However, it is important to note that the Fund was not intended to be drawn down to finance ordinary expenditure.
Under the 2019 Act establishing the NRF, a number of criteria for drawdown from the Fund were set out. These are: a) to remedy or mitigate the occurrence in the State of exceptional circumstances; b) prevent potential serious damage to the financial system in the State and ensure the continued stability of that system; or c) to support major structural reforms. These provisions reflect the allowances made for the existence of "exceptional circumstances" within the SGP. More specifically, the General Escape Clause (GEC) of the SGP allows for temporary deviations from a Member States’ budgetary requirements as set out under the Pact under ‘exceptional circumstances’. The GEC was activated in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to allow Member States to take all necessary actions but remains in place up to 2023.
At the same, time, a review of the EU’s economic governance framework was relaunched last October and discussions have been ongoing since then. On November 9th , the Commission adopted a Communication which sets out the Commission’s thinking regarding the potential design of a reformed framework. The proposals put forward the possibility of country-specific escape clauses as well as measures aimed at incentivising investments and structural reforms. This Communication represents the beginning of extensive discussions that will continue throughout the coming months. Details related to the functioning of reserve funds within the framework of the reformed rules have yet to be discussed. However, in Ireland’s view, it is important that Member States are encouraged through the fiscal framework to build up fiscal buffers, where possible, to mitigate against any future economic shocks. In this context, officials from my Department will be actively engaged with the discussions of reforms to the EU fiscal framework over the coming months.
158. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total rental income declared by non-tax residents as part of their form 11 tax return each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total number of residential properties let as declared by non-tax residents as part of their form 11 tax return each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total number of commercial properties let as declared by non-tax residents as part of their form 11 tax return each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total residential rental income declared by non-tax residents as part of their form 11 tax return each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total commercial rental income declared by non-tax residents as part of their form 11 tax return each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 159, 160, 161 and 162 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the amount of rental income on residential properties and commercial properties as declared on Form 11 tax returns by non tax-resident persons for the years 2016 to 2019 (the latest year for which data are currently available) is set out in the following table, as well as the number of properties declared.
|
Year |
Commercial Rental Income €m |
Number of Commercial properties* |
Residential Rental Income €m |
Number of Residential properties* |
|
2019 |
65.57 |
3,570 |
328.02 |
40,270 |
|
2018 |
66.87 |
3,700 |
303.94 |
46,030 |
|
2017 |
65.01 |
3,970 |
256.64 |
23,970 |
|
2016 |
75.62 |
5,070 |
214.30 |
44,620 |
I am advised by Revenue that prior to 2016 the Form 11 tax return captured both residential and commercial properties together, and therefore a similar breakdown for the prior years is not possible. The table below represents the available data for the period 2011 to 2015, for taxpayers who declared as non-resident on the Form 11 tax returns.
|
Year |
Rental Income €m |
Number of properties* |
|
2015 |
246.57 |
24,680 |
|
2014 |
220.88 |
39,780 |
|
2013 |
192.91 |
72,710 |
|
2012 |
199.09 |
40,800 |
|
2011 |
174.16 |
56,160 |
* Note that in circumstances where rental income from a property accrues to more than one person, each such person should declare the property on their respective tax returns. Therefore these data may indicate a larger number of properties than actually let.
163. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the proposed changes to section 6 of the Finance Act 2019 regarding benefit-in-kind, given that the changes will impact negatively on many low and middle-income workers. [57166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent Government policy has focused on strengthening the environmental rationale behind company car taxation. Until the changes I brought in as part of the Finance Act 2019, Ireland’s vehicle benefit-in-kind regime was unusual in that there was no overall CO2 rationale in the regime. This is despite a CO2 based vehicle BIK regime being legislated for as far back as 2008 (but never having been commenced).
In Finance Act 2019, I legislated for a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars from 1 January 2023. From that date the amount taxable as BIK remains determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands will determine whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable. The number of mileage bands is reduced from five to four.
EVs will benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. Fossil-fuel vehicles will be subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. In certain instances, the new regime from 2023 will provide for higher BIK rates, for example in relation to above average emissions and high mileage cars. It should be noted, however, that the rates remain largely the same in the lower to mid mileage ranges for the average lower emission car. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
The rationale behind the mileage bands in the new BIK structure is to acknowledge that the greater the business mileage, the more the car is a benefit to the company rather than its employee (on average); and the more the car depreciates in value, the less of a benefit it is to the employee (in years 2 and 3) as the asset from which the benefit is derived is depreciating faster. Mileage bands also ensure that cars more integral to the conduct of business receive preferential tax treatment.
Reforming the BIK system to include emissions bands provides for a more sustainable environmental rationale than the continuation of the current system with exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs). This will bring the taxation system around company cars into step with other CO2-based motor taxes as well as the long-established CO2-based vehicle BIK regimes in other member states.
In addition to the above and in light of government commitments on climate change, Budget 2022 extended the preferential BIK treatment for EVs to end 2025 with a tapering mechanism on the vehicle value threshold. This BIK exemption forms part of a broader series of very generous measures to support the uptake of EVs, including a reduced rate of 7% VRT, a VRT relief of up to €5,000, low motor tax of €120 per annum, SEAI grants, discounted tolls fees, and 0% BIK on electric charging.
Finally, it should be noted that this new BIK charging mechanism was legislated for in 2019 and was announced as part of Budget 2020. I am satisfied that this has provided a sufficient lead in time to adapt to this new system before its implementation in 2023.
164. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work in which the OPW is engaged to develop a flood relief plan for the Clontarf seafront; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin City Council is leading the development and design of a flood relief scheme for the Clontarf seafront, as part of the Clontarf Flood Relief Scheme.
Dublin City Council has advised that the project is at the pre-feasibility stage and if a feasible scheme is identified it will be brought through preliminary design and planning to allow a viable scheme to be designed and constructed. This process involves extensive engagement and consultation with statutory agencies and local communities and residents.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) provides engineering advice requested by Dublin City Council. As a funding authority for flood relief schemes, the OPW is represented on Individual Project Steering Groups, and further progressing a viable flood relief scheme for Clontarf, funded by the OPW will be in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code; with Dublin City Council as the Sponsoring Agency and the OPW as the Approving Authority.
165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. [56836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture. Covid clearly highlighted both the precarious nature of working in the arts and the importance of the arts for us all. It is well established that artists suffer from precarious incomes. The scheme will research the impact on artists and creative arts workers creative practice of providing the security of a basic income.
The pilot was also the number one recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce which I established in 2020 to examine ways in which to help the arts recover post pandemic. I was very pleased to have been able to deliver on this recommendation with the first payments on the scheme being made to recipients two weeks ago.
2,000 recipients are being paid €325 a week for three years. 1,000 control group members will be paid €650 per year to engage in the data collection. The scheme will cost €35m per year (€105m in total).
The research scheme will examine, over a three-year period, the impact of a basic income style payment on artists and creative arts workers. The scheme will assess the impact of the pilot on the individuals and their practices, the sector and ecology of the arts in Ireland will form an important part of the pilot. Data on income and earnings, time use, work and job quality, wellbeing and mental health, will be collected using a longitudinal survey every six months, plus focus groups, interviews and art form specific research topics.
I believe that the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a once in a generation, transformational measure in the funding of the arts in Ireland. It makes a strong statement at home and abroad about the value that Ireland as a nation places on artistic practice both for its intrinsic value and in terms of our personal and collective wellbeing, and also in terms of its importance to our identity and cultural distinctiveness on the global stage.
166. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will support a matter (details supplied). [57194/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects, including many football developments, have now benefited from funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas. Priority is also given to capital works that promote access to sports facilities (including dressing rooms and toilets) to persons with disability.
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. The final allocations under this latest round were announced in May of this year and the total allocation of over €166 million represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP. The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage which requires detailed engagement with all grantees. My Department is now undertaking 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, I hope to announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year.
All organisations (including the club to which the Deputy refers) that are registered on the Sports Capital & Equipment applications portal will receive a notification when the new scheme is launched.
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she is in dialogue with the tourism sector; the extent to which particular areas of concern have been identified by the sector; her proposals for any remedial action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57209/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tánaiste and I co-chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which facilitates discussion of key issues with the tourism and hospitality sectors. Most recently the forum met ahead of Budget 2023 and subsequently officials from my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment met with the forum to hear the views of the sectors following the announcement of the Budget measures. Officials of my Department also participate in regular meetings, convened by the tourism agencies, with tourism sector representatives.
While 2022 has seen a strong recovery in tourism activity I am continuing to direct very significant resources to support the sustainable recovery of the sector. In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. The Budget also contains an additional €15 million for a range of industry initiatives including €3 million for a continuation of the investment in skills development and retention which is critical as there are significant employment challenges faced by tourism businesses in attracting talent, assisting skills development and retaining staff. Additionally, a €2 million increase in funding for domestic marketing will continue to promote Ireland’s tourism offering to Irish holidaymakers.
I have also secured additional long-term funding of €3 million for the hosting of the American College Football Classic every August out to 2026 and €3 million to allow Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in the area of sustainability. Other allocations include €36.5 million in capital funding for tourism product development for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
Finally, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners will provide support in this winter period to accommodation providers and hotels that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has received representations from the tourism, culture and arts sectors in connection with the need to ensure adequate support for the revival of the industry in the wake of various challenges including Covid, the Russian war in the Ukraine and other competition factors with a view to identifying the best way to support the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No 153 of 29th September last, which details the support measures that my Department has put in place for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Sectors under my Department's remit.
As the Deputy will be aware, in order to meet the challenges arising from cost of living increases, as well as those challenges referenced by the Deputy, I announced, on 28th September last, details of a €1,142m gross funding allocation for my Department, under Budget 2023. This funding support brings a wide range of important new initiatives and a continuation of some existing measures to support further growth and development for these Sectors.
My Department continues to engage with Stakeholders across the entirety of its remit to ensure support is provided to these Sectors. Details of this engagement, through fora such as the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group, the Sustainable Tourism Working Group and the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, are available on my Department’s website.
I can also advise that, in the period leading up to Budget 2023, I received pre-Budget submissions from over 20 groups across the Arts and Tourism Sectors. I also attended pre-budget meetings with the Arts Council, the National Campaign for the Arts and the Irish Hotels Federation. Details of my diary are available on my Department’s website.
The Deputy can be assured that officials in my Department and I will continue to engage closely with stakeholders across the various sectors under my remit, with a view to ensuring we remain responsive to existing and emerging challenges.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to support the tourism sector through the medium of Irish culture at home and abroad, with particular reference to the needs of the industry in the present challenging times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur culture is a very important component of the holiday experience in Ireland for our overseas visitors and a key promotional theme for Tourism Ireland in all of our overseas markets.
Tourism Ireland’s key target audience is the ‘Culturally Curious’ traveller; these are people who have a strong desire and high propensity to travel internationally and who are interested in our rich heritage and culture. Tourism Ireland takes every opportunity to highlight our culture and arts to this audience through their programme of global promotions.
Irish culture features prominently in Fáilte Ireland's "Keep Discovering" domestic marketing campaign. Cultural attractions and experiences also feature prominently on itineraries for visiting international media.
Festivals and events play an important role in attracting both international and domestic visitors to destinations in Ireland, providing an opportunity to experience the very best of Irish culture.
Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will continue to promote cultural events and festivals through their various campaigns in 2023.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to promote the arts in its various forms in this country, both professional and amateur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I allocate funding to the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Council works under its 10 years Strategy to address its statutory remit through a policy-driven focus on investment, advice, advocacy and partnership. My Department continues to invest in the development of the arts and artists countrywide with the record €130m annual funding for the Arts Council now in place for the third year running.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based initiative within my Department designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Under its Creative Communities initiative, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has allocated over €28 million since 2018 to the 31 local authorities to empower and support community-led participation. Creative Communities delivers investment directly into local creative economies through their local authorities.
My role as Minister with responsibility for leading the co-ordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme (2012-2023) is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered. I allocated €5 million to support the 2022 commemorative programme to deliver rich and diverse national and local programmes marking the significant centenaries arising in 2022. Many of these investment programmes are delivered through the local authorities.
My Department also provides funding to support Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann which is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music both at community and national level. Annual funding is provided to CCÉ for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
My Department runs a Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme. The Scheme is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government monies, and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
I announced an additional €10m for 2023 to fully fund the annual cost of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide which will support each beneficiary in developing and sustaining a professional arts practice.
My Department is exploring options for up to €2m in capital supports for stakeholders in the Night Time Economy in the context of the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. This is in addition to €4m in current spending for a range of initiatives and pilot projects to support a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy across Ireland.
Much of the nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres used by the artistic communities were initiated and funded by local authorities. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific Grant Schemes. Under Budget 2023, I announced €7m in additional capital funding for artists’ spaces and climate adaptation. I hope to announce a new small capital scheme in the coming months.
Also supported annually under this subhead are smaller capital schemes. The Music Capital Scheme is supported by my Department and managed by Music Network. This provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
In response to Covid-19, capital funding towards the pilot Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021 funds local authorities to adapt, equip or otherwise improve public spaces for cultural and events activities, taking account of public health guidelines and of the needs of the local arts community. Outdoor public spaces can provide year-round use can improve well-being and contribute positively to the public realm. Up to 22 projects have been allocated funding under the scheme and a number of these have now been completed.
