Richard Bruton
Ceist:33. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the changes that are under consideration to the terms of Sports Capital Grants. [2835/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSports Funding
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 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. Following the conclusion of the appeals process, the final set of allocations were announced at the end of May last year. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly once Ministerial consideration of the Review is concluded. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, the "Guide to Making an Application", which is published prior to the opening of a round to aid applicants in making the best application possible, will also detail any consequent changes. My officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
Arts Policy
Ceisteanna (34)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline plans for the funding of the necessary and planned works for a theatre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3724/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most recent five-year strategy for the theatre referred to by the Deputy is for the period 2019-2023 and sets out its mission, vision and values. The vision is to “build a 21st-century theatre and company where creativity drives our every move, developing the artists and audiences of the future”.
The theatre is not in State ownership and the cost of maintenance falls to the theatre itself. To assist the theatre to meet the challenges that come from operating within an aged building, my Department provides an annual capital grant. This capital grant assists the theatre in maintaining the building and allows the upgrading of technical equipment. This funding is separate from and in addition to the annual current funding that this theatre receives from the Arts Council.
There have been improvements made to the building in the past 10-15 years that include the reshaping of auditoria and the introduction of a front portico, that have improved the audience experience. Given the material condition of the current theatre building however, and the ongoing operational limitations it imposes, proposals for its upgrading and modernisation are in development. Core existing deficiencies and weaknesses include restricted theatre space, technical facilities, and the fabric of the building.
In addition, the proposed building redevelopment is included in the National Development Plan. As with all capital projects of scale, the proposed redevelopment project is subject to the Public Spending Code and the Board and management of the theatre has now advanced to the Preliminary Business Case stage of the Code. This stage examines the strategic case for the building project and considers in more detail the range of possible redevelopment options. The Preliminary Business Case also assesses the costs, benefits, affordability, deliverability, risk and sensitivities associated with various proposal options of the redevelopment, and provides the information required to inform decisions on the viability of the proposal.
It is expected that the Preliminary Business stage will be completed shortly and the project will advance to the next stage.
Culture Policy
Ceisteanna (35)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:35. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the work of the night-time economy forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3543/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Night-Time Economy Forum which I attended last week in the National Gallery of Ireland was hosted and led by the Arts Council and supported by my Department as part of the overall effort to drive a more diverse and sustainable Night-Time Economy. The forum was in direct response to Action 3 in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report which I launched in September 2021.
Since we launched the Taskforce Report, we have seen some concrete results and progress across the 36 actions in that report but what is just as important for me is regular contact with artists, promoters and venue owners so we can talk about the issues impacting them frankly and openly and try and find solutions together and also to discuss the many opportunities out there in the Night-Time Economy.
Last week’s forum, brought together a range of international, national and local perspectives on emerging trends and initiatives in relation to the development of the arts and the Night-Time economy. The Forum aimed to encourage new initiatives and partnerships and new thinking to support the role of the arts in creating a vibrant night-time economy.
Some of the topics discussed at the forum included insights and learning from other international cities and towns and how culture and the Night-Time Economy connect in innovative ways and the benefits to artists, venues and cultural organisations of a more diverse and inclusive Night-Time Economy.
I would like to thank the Arts Council for providing this opportunity and bringing such a diverse range of people together and also to the attendees and speakers who provided important insights on their own experiences of the Night-Time Economy.
The Forum also heard from a number of artists with a disability and how they navigate the Night-Time Economy which provided a powerful insight into some of the challenges facing practitioners, audiences, venues and businesses operating in the Night-Time Economy.
I understand that the Arts Council will be engaging further on the issues raised at the forum and I intend to work with the Arts Council and others to support and assist where necessary to ensure that opportunities in the NTE are maximised. The Taskforce Report Implementation Group, which my Department chairs, will also ensure that all of the actions in the Report are progressed and that our Night-Time Economy can grow and thrive.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (36)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:36. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to promote the use of the Irish language outside of Gaeltacht areas; if there are funding streams available through her Department for an Irish language centre in Cork, similar to the centre established in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3696/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government includes a specific pledge to “Promote the development of Irish Language Centres in Dublin and across the country, for a community-based approach to Irish-language promotion.” In practical terms, my Department provides significant support for the development of Irish language centres outside of the Gaeltacht, through the Irish Language Support Schemes (Capital), with an allocation of €4.5 million available for 2023.
The purpose of the Language Supports Scheme programme is to promote the use of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht by providing funding to voluntary and community organisations working in the sector. Funding can be provided to assist with the costs associated with building or upgrading Irish language centres and for the purchase of buildings for such use. Capital support is also available for the purchase of equipment for such centres, while current funding is available to promote the use of the language in the digital, business and arts sectors, among others.
Full details of the range of supports available to promote the language are available in the third progress report on the implementation of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022, which was recently published on my Department's website.
Coláistí Samhraidh
Ceisteanna (37)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:37. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na tacaíochtaí atá beartaithe aici a chur ar fáil do mhná tí na Gaeltachta chun a chinntiú go mbeidh dóthain acu ann le freastal ar éileamh na gcoláistí samhraidh i mbliana i bhfianaise na géarchéime a léiríodh ó thaobh mná tí a bheith ag éirí as, agus cén dáta faoina mbeidh na tacaíochtaí sin ar fáil. [3667/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ar mhaithe le deiseanna sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga lasmuigh den chóras oideachais iarbhunscoile a chothú sa Ghaeltacht d’aos óg na tíre, cuireann mo Roinn fóirdheontas ar fáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge atá iníoctha le teaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh siúd a ndéanann freastal ar chúrsa Gaeilge in aon cheann den c. 42 coláiste Gaeilge atá ag feidhmiú i 55 ionad ar leith atá aitheanta faoin gcóras.
De thoradh seo ar fad, déanann an Roinn infheistíocht shuntasach ar fiú os cionn €4m sa bhliain ar leas na hearnála a bhaineann breis agus 25,000 scoláire agus breis agus 500 teach lóistín Gaeltachta leas as, gan trácht ar na coláistí féin.
Chun cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil, d'fhógair an Roinn cúig bheartas faoi leith ó bhí mí Márta 2022.I measc na mbearta sin, ceadaíodh méadú beagnach 20% ar an iomlán ar an deontas laethúil atá iníoctha ag an Roinn le soláthraithe lóistín atá cláraithe cheana féin faoi Scéim Foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge na Roinn.
Ina theannta sin, ardaíodh an deontas tosaithe aon uaire atá iníoctha do theaglaigh a chláraíonn don chéad uair faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ó €2,000 go €6,000 - ionann le hardú 300% ar an gcúnamh a bhí á chur ar fáil ag an Roinn roimhe seo. Is é cuspóir na mbearta seo cabhrú leis na coláistí Gaeilge tuilleadh teaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a spreagadh chun lóistín a chur ar fáil dóibh agus go deimhin na teaghlaigh atá i mbun lóistín a chur ar fáil cheana a choinneáil sa chóras.
Táim sásta go bhfuil mo Roinn tar éis bearta tairbheacha a chur ar bun chun cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil agus ní call a rá go mbeifear ag faire amach oiread is féidir i rith an ama mar a bhí go dtí seo, ar bhealaí breise chun tacú tuilleadh leis an earnáil laistigh de na hacmhainní atá agus a bheidh ar fáil.
Coláistí Samhraidh
Ceisteanna (38)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:38. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Phairliminte 56944/22, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an athbhreithniú ar chás na gcoláistí samhraidh; an bhfuil grúpa oibre bunaithe ag a Roinn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3701/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá an cheist trí chéile maidir le hathbhreithniú ar earnáil na gcoláistí mar a bhí iarrtha ag Conradh na Gaeilge á breithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair. Ar mhaithe le tacú tuilleadh leis an earnáil, cheadaigh mo Roinn roinnt beartais anuraidh de luach c. €1.5m le tacú tuilleadh leis an earnáil, ina measc:
- Ardaíodh fá fiche fán gcéad (20%) an deontas a íoctar le lucht lóistín an chórais faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge de chuid na Roinne.
- Ardaíodh an deontas tosaithe do theaghlaigh nua ó €2,000 go dtí €6,000; agus,
- Cuireadh breis scoláireachtaí ar fáil chun go mbeidh deiseanna breise ag lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna DEIS na tíre freastal ar chúrsa Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Ní gá a rá go mbeifear ag faire amach mar is gnáth ar aon deis chun tuilleadh fós a dhéanamh ar leas na gcoláistí i mbliana.
Go deimhin, tá iarrtha ag mo Roinn roimh an Nollaig ar an scáthghrúpa CONCOS moltaí praiticiúla le buille faoi thuairim faoin gcostas ina leith a chur faoi bhráid mo Roinne maidir le rudaí sa bhreis, dar leo, a d’fhéadfaí a dhéanamh thar an méid atá déanta go nuige seo.
Question No. 39 answered orally.
Question No. 40 taken with No. 26.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (41)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:41. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to promote eco-tourism in Cork south-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3556/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to Question No. 140 of 20 January 2022, when the matter of eco-tourism was addressed.
It is a priority of my Department to address sustainable development and management more meaningfully within the tourism ecosystem. Central to developing a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector will be an increased focus on the promotion and development of sustainable tourism practices such as eco-tourism.
In this regard, my Department has initiated the development of a new national sustainable tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. This policy commitment will seek to deliver on Ireland’s ambition to be amongst the world-leaders in sustainable tourism practises from not only an environmental viewpoint but also a social and economic perspective.
Our overall tourism product offering has led to Ireland being recognised internationally as a year-round, high-quality tourism destination in both urban and rural settings. With regards to specific areas of the country and the further development of plans relating to environmentally sustainable tourism or eco-tourism, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to the agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Arts Policy
Ceisteanna (42)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to respond to requests made by an organisation (details supplied) for greater Government support for musicians and others working in the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3725/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Throughout the past number of years, I have supported the sectors within my remit, including the live entertainment sector. Recognising the importance of engagement with the sector in informing the development of support initiatives, I established the Live Entertainment Stakeholder Forum which met throughout the pandemic and recovery, and which includes the MEAI, to support this work. My officials have continued to engage with the sector and met with the organisation to which the Deputy refers most recently in November last year to understand better the needs and challenges for the sector.
In terms of supports to the sector, in 2022, I allocated €50m to a suite of schemes for the commercial live entertainment sector to support businesses in reopening. These schemes have provided employment and wellbeing opportunities for professional artists, musicians, performers, crew, venues, producers and other staff members involved in live performance as the sector rebuilds post pandemic and have stimulated the activation of the sector towards recovery.As the sector fully reopened, my Department launched the Live Performance Restart Grant Scheme to provide a new grant for businesses engaged in staging live events in the arts and culture live performance sector. This scheme has supported the sector by providing business re-start grants to de-risk the planning of events and to assist with the costs of reopening.As with other COVID-related supports, these schemes have now concluded. The Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting households and businesses with a range of measures to address the rising cost of living, such as the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) which will provide qualifying businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills up to €10,000 per month. Funding of €1.25bn has been set aside to support the scheme and it is expected that it will help small businesses most, but also medium and larger businesses, including those in the live entertainment sector. It is administered by the Revenue Commissioners, backdated to September 2022. In addition to this landmark package of energy cost supports, I am providing additional funding this year for the night-time economy, in which many live entertainment businesses participate, as well as maintaining record levels of funding for the Arts Council which provides a wide range of supports to artists and arts organisations that directly contribute to the live entertainment sector.
Tourist Accommodation
Ceisteanna (43)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:43. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on her plans to regulate short-term letting providers; the reason for the delay for the implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58835/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.
I have since written to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media regarding the Bill in line with agreed protocols for pre-legislative scrutiny. Indeed, Departmental officials, along with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland, attended a meeting of the Committee in public session for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme yesterday, 25 January. My Department is also engaging with the European Commission on the draft legislation under the notification requirements of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive. I look forward to engaging with Oireachtas colleagues with a view to passing the legislation in the coming months.
With regard to resourcing of this initiative, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has appointed a dedicated team of ten staff to establish, maintain and implement the proposed short-term tourist letting register. This team is assisted by other teams across Fáilte Ireland including legal, ICT and finance functions.
Preparations are being made for the launch of the register, including the establishment of the necessary systems and procedures to maintain and implement the register, the development of a registration portal, and various stakeholder engagements.
Given the need to secure necessary resources, recruit relevant staff and the legal changes required I am satisfied there has been no undue delay in bringing forward this measure.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (44)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:44. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the ‘Speak Up: A Call for Change’ report which was commissioned by an organisation (details supplied); and what actions she intends to take to address its findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3705/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware I launched the Speak Up: A Call for Change Report on 21 October 2021. The Report is the result of a collaboration between my Department and the Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) with the survey commissioned by the ITI and paid for by my Department.
The Safe to Create Programme is the response to the recommendations of Speak Up: A Call for Change Report. I was pleased to be able to launch the Safe to Create Programme on 5 October 2022.
Safe to Create is a Dignity at Work programme aimed at bringing change on the culture and practices of the arts and creative sectors in Ireland. It is a framework of supports to assist organisations to provide safer working conditions for artists and arts workers.
The planned outcome of the Programme is to transform culture and practices through training, information, voluntary compliance and certification, and provide key support for victims/survivors in the areas of reporting, counselling, and legal advice. I also announced funding of €782,000 for the Programme in 2023.
The Safe to Create website provides a Dignity at Work Toolkit for organisations and individuals in the creative sector. It features practical information, guidance, toolkits and templates for artists, arts workers and organisations on ‘Dignity at Work’ rights and responsibilities.
There is a 24-hour wellbeing and support programme provided to everyone in the arts, culture and creative sectors by Minding Creative Minds. It includes specialist trauma and abuse counselling for victims of harmful behaviour via a free 24/7 dedicated phone line; confidential one-to-one counselling; and access to legal advice.
The programme includes a Code of Behaviour developed for organisations that are encouraged to adopt and therefore enable arts and creative organisations to provide workplaces free from bullying, harassment and intimidation.
Safe to Create online courses in tackling bullying and harassment, addressing unconscious bias in the workplace and Bystander intervention were developed in partnership with Screen Ireland specifically for the arts and creative sectors.
The Safe to Create programme continues to be managed by the Irish Theatre Institute, on behalf of the Department and in partnership with the Arts Council, Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds.
Culture Policy
Ceisteanna (45)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:45. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her future plans for the expansion of the Imbloc/Bridget of Faughart festival in the coming years; if specific funding for the festival has been ringfenced; if specific funding for County Louth is available for the festival; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3295/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new public holiday to mark St Bridget’s Day, the goddess Brigid and the ancient festival of Imbolc will be inaugurated on 1st February this year. I welcome the addition of a holiday that would celebrate Irish women and ancient traditions and I think the timing is appropriate that this holiday is added to the annual calendar at the start of Spring. It is timely also that the new holiday will stimulate interest in St Bridget as we approach the 1500th anniversary of her birth in 2025. The new permanent public holiday will be the first Monday in every February, except where St. Brigid’s Day, the 1st day of February, happens to fall on a Friday, in which case that Friday 1 February will be a public holiday.
I believe that it is important that people will have full opportunity to shape and define the character of the new and multi-faceted holiday, and that the nature of expression and celebration should be allowed to emerge at local and community level with interested bodies contributing to the arrangements on the day as they think appropriate. While there has not been a specific and ring-fenced budget provision for events relating to St Bridget's Day in 2023, the National Cultural Institutions have made arrangements for specific events to mark the day. In addition, funding provided through my Department's Creative Ireland Programme since 2021 has enabled projects to be brought forward by the Culture and Creativity teams in Kildare, Roscommon, Tipperary, Louth and Westmeath.
For future years, I intend that applications will be accepted to the support scheme operated on an annual basis by my Department in respect of Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme with cultural or heritage themes. This scheme is reserved for appropriate not-for-profit festivals, summer schools and other such similar events. Projects funded under the scheme enhance access to the arts, culture and film sectors recognising the social and economic role of these sectors in Ireland. Funding available under this scheme is typically capped at €5,000. This 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. Events which are funded by the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland are not eligible. The projects make a very important contribution to the development and promotion of Ireland's cultural tourism offering, to the benefit of both the domestic and foreign tourist and represent an important component of the delivery of the cultural tourism commitments in the Programme for Government. My Department is currently reviewing arrangements for the 2023 Scheme. These details will be published shortly.
The Arts Council also provides financial support to a number of single art form festivals (e.g. theatre, dance, film) and such festivals are supported within the policy context of those art forms. The Arts Council also supports many multidisciplinary arts festivals, meaning those festivals that programme across different art forms, including literature, music, street arts, theatre, visual arts and different areas of arts practice. Their Festivals Investment Scheme, for example, is specifically designed to offer support to local/voluntary organisations to develop arts festivals.
Fáilte Ireland supports local authorities in the development of tourism in their area including funding for capital investment, festivals and events.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Ceisteanna (46)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén teagmháil a bhí aici le Údaras na Gaeltachta faoi Choláiste Íosagáin, Baile Mhuirne; an bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil Údaras na Gaeltachta ag gluaiseacht chomh tapaidh ar féidir leo leis an togra seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3402/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tuigtear dom ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil dul chun cinn maith á dhéanamh ag an eagraíocht maidir le forbairt Choláiste Íosagáin i mBaile Bhúirne. Is iad seo a leanas na príomh oibreacha atá bainte amach ar an togra go dtí seo:
- Tá bainisteoir togra fostaithe agus é i mbun a chúraimí ón 4ú Eanáir 2022.
- Toisc go raibh tionchar mór ag boilsciú tógála ar an tionscadal, rinneadh measúnú luach ar airgead ar an togra le linn 2022. Fostaíodh an comhlacht CEP chun an mheastóireacht seo a dhéanamh agus cuireadh tuarascáil dhearfach le chéile faoi Lúnasa 2022.
- Tá Grúpa Comhairleach Comhpháirtithe curtha le chéile, comhdhéanta d'institiúidí tríú leibhéal sa cheantar, Comhairle Chontae Chorcaí, Fiontraíocht Éireann, Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna Chorcaí agus lucht gnó áitiúla.
- Ceadaíodh €2.7m ó Fhiontraíocht Éireann i 2019 chun obair a dhéanamh ar an togra seo tríd an scéim CFER. Anuas air sin, tá cómhaoiniú de €851,478 curtha ar fáil ag Údarás Na Gaeltachta. Chomh maith leis sin, tá €50,000 geallta ag Comhairle Chontae Chorcaí agus €190,000 faighte tríd an gCiste Forbartha Eacnamaíochta Reigiúnach chun máistirphlean a chur le chéile don togra iomlán - tasc atá beagnach críochnaithe.
- D’éirigh leis an Údarás maoiniú ón gCiste Spreagtha an Rialtais a mhealladh don togra chun oibreacha suíomh a dhéanamh. Caitheadh €978,852 ar na hoibreacha seo atá curtha i gcrích faoin tráth seo.
- Mar chuid de na riachtanais a bhain leis an gCiste Forbartha Eacnamaíochta Reigiúnach, bunaíodh comhlacht nua “Seirbhísí Forbartha Gnó DAC” chun an togra seo a bhainistiú agus tá bord nua curtha in áit ag an Údarás don chomhlacht seo.
- Tá seirbhísí comhairleach margaíochta fostaithe don togra chun roinnt oibre a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt bhranda Choláiste Íosagáin. Lena chois sin, cuirfear ábhar láithreoireachta agus suíomh gréasáin nua ar fáil.
Ag an bpointe seo, táthar ag fanacht ar chead pleanála iomlán chun leanúint ar aghaidh leis an bhforbairt ar fhoirgneamh Choláiste Íosagáin. Cé go raibh cead pleanála bainte amach cheana, bhí ar an Údarás iarratas breise a dhéanamh chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar chuid den fhoirgneamh atá míshocair ó thaobh struchtúir de. Rinneadh an t-iarratas seo ar an 27ú Meán Fómhair 2022. Tá sé beartaithe an píosa lochtach seo a bhaint den fhoirgneamh agus píosa nua a chur ina áit. Tháinig fógra le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais ón Údarás Áitiúil i mí na Nollag 2022 agus táthar ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an iarratas sin faoi láthair.
Tá tús curtha leis an próiseas tairisceana i leith na hoibre agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh sé seo curtha i gcrích faoi Mhárta na bliana seo. Fearacht tograí eile a bhféadadh caiteachas suntasach a bheith ag baint leo, beidh an togra seo á thabhairt chun cinn i gcomhréir leis an gCód Caiteachais Phoiblí.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (47)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:47. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to concerns being raised by Equity about the failure of producer companies to vindicate the rights of actors, performers, directors and writers in relation to intellectual property and EU directives and whether she intends to take action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3721/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Matters regarding rates are a matter for Irish Actors Equity which is a division of SIPTU. SIPTU negotiates and agrees arrangements and rates for stage and screen actors in Ireland. Matters relating to intellectual property rights as well as copyright issues in general, falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The EU (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021 were signed into Irish law by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12 November 2021 and came into effect on the same date. These Regulations transposed the 2019 EU Copyright Directive into Irish law.
The new law strengthens the position of performers when making an agreement to transfer the rights of their work by requiring the following principles to be followed in making such an agreement:
- a right to appropriate and proportionate remuneration
- a 'transparency obligation' to help them access more information about how their work is being used;
- a 'contract adjustment mechanism' to enable them to obtain a fair share when the remuneration originally agreed becomes disproportionately low compared to the success of their work or performance;
- a 'right of revocation' allowing them to take back their rights when their works are not being used.
Concerns raised by the organisation referred to by the Deputy can be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Under Section 481 procedures, applicants must provide details of any WRC decisions in relation to the qualifying company, the producer company or other companies in the film group, and where those decisions are a finding against such a company, confirmation that the finding has been followed or an explanation where the finding has not been followed must be provided.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Ceisteanna (48)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:48. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé acu de na forálacha nach bhfuil i bhfeidhm fós d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 a bhfuil sé i gceist aici tosach feidhme a chur leo i mbliana; an ndéanfaidh sí amchlár a leagan amach dó sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí an doiciméad oibre atá ag a Roinn ina leith a fhoilsiú. [3670/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá sé i gceist go mbeidh tús feidhme curtha le gach fhoráil de chuid Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021 roimh dheireadh 2023, seachas Alt 17, toisc nach féidir é a bheith curtha i bhfeidhm go dtí go mbeidh gach caighdeán teanga don tseirbhís phoiblí aontaithe. Leagtar amach thíos na dátaí faoina bhfuil i gceist tús feidhme a chur leis na forálacha éagsúla:
- 15/03/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 2a, 2b, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18 agus 1
- 30/04/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 3 agus 16
- 31/05/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 12, 13 agus 14
- 31/10/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 4 agus 5.
Agus an sceideal tosaithe seo curtha i bhfeidhm, beidh tús curtha le gach alt ábhartha den Acht roimh dheireadh 2023 - bliain iomlán roimh an spriocdháta atá sonraithe san Acht. Leis an obair go léir a dhéanfar maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Achta, féachfar chuige go mbeidh seirbhísí feabhsaithe curtha ar fáil do phobal na Gaeilge agus deiseanna suntasacha fostaíochta á gcruthú dóibh siúd a bhfuil inniúlacht sa teanga acu.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (49)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:49. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with the GAA regarding the cost to the viewer of streaming club matches. [3615/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the regulation of streaming services generally, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 provides for the regulation of streaming services, which will be overseen by Coimisiún na Meán upon its establishment.
The Act provides for the creation of a register of streaming services which are established in the State, and for the imposition of binding media codes and rules by Coimisiún na Meán governing the standards and practices of streaming services. The regulatory framework for streaming services does not and cannot provide for the imposition of price controls on streaming services, as this would be contrary to EU law, which provides for the regulation of prices only in specific and limited circumstances.
Broadcast rights for sporting events are purely commercial matters for the rights holder concerned, and as such it would not be appropriate for me to engage with the GAA, or any other rights holder, on the commercial agreements which they enter into.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Ceisteanna (50)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:50. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas atá sé i gceist aici tacú le gealltanas fostaíochta fiche faoin gcéad laistigh d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear seirbhísí ar fáil i nGaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3447/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Shínigh Uachtarán na hÉireann Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021 ina dhlí ar an 22 Nollaig 2021, agus ó shin i leith tá mo Roinn ag obair go tréan chun feidhm a thabhairt d’fhorálacha uile an Achta ar bhonn céimiúil.
Fógraíodh le déanaí go bhfuil conradh taighde bliana aontaithe le hOllscoil na Gaillimhe chun tabhairt faoi thaighde a bheidh mar bhunús d’ullmhú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge. Tá luach de €325,500 curtha leis an gconradh seo agus is píosa mór é a aontú sna holl-iarrachtaí a bheidh ar bun chun a chinntiú go mbainfear amach spriocanna uaillmhianacha an Achta – go mbeidh 20% d’earcaigh chuig an earnáil phoiblí inniúil i nGaeilge faoi 2030 ina measc. Mar thaca don obair seo, tá gealltanas Rialtais maidir leis an bPlean a chur i bhfeidhm san áireamh in Athnuachan na Státseirbhíse 2030 chomh maith.
I measc na mbuaicphointí eile faoin Acht le bliain anuas, ábhartha do cheist an Teachta, bhí:
- Bunú an Choiste Chomhairligh um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge ar an 20 Meitheamh 2022. Bhí an bunú seo ag teacht leis an spriocdháta a leagadh síos ina leith san Acht, go mbeadh sé déanta laistigh de 6 mhí ó achtú an Achta. Titeann an oll-fhreagracht ó thaobh ullmhú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge ar an gCoiste agus é le cur i gcrích acu roimh an 19 Meitheamh 2024. Chuige sin, 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. Tríd an bPlean agus a chuid oibre go ginearálta, beidh ról lárnach ag an gCoiste i gcur chuige comhordaithe a stiúradh chun a chinntiú go n-earcófar líon dóthanach pearsanra le Gaeilge chun seirbhísí a sholáthar.
- Forbairtí déanta ar chúrsaí oiliúna Gaeilge agus cúrsa píolótach reáchtáilte le Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) ag déanamh teistiú ar na cúrsaí a chuireann Gaelchultúr ar fáil do Státseirbhísigh thar ceann OneLearning, Aonad Foghlama agus Forbartha na Státseirbhíse anois. Is mar thoradh ar chomhoibriú leanúnach idir an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán agus an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe ar fheidhmiú an Achta a tháinig an beart seo chun cinn. Agus Comhchreat Tagartha na hEorpa um Theangacha luaite go sonrach san Acht, ar a bhfuil an córas TEG bunaithe, beidh buntáistí faoi leith ag baint le cáilíochtaí TEG, ní hamháin d’fhoghlaimeoirí ach d’fhostóirí chomh maith, agus daoine le scileanna teanga ar leith á lorg do réimse leathan róil éagsúla sa státseirbhís agus san earnáil phoiblí i gcomhthéacs na sprice uaillmhianaí earcaíochta atá leagtha amach san Acht sna blianta amach romhainn. Tá an dá Roinn ag féachaint freisin ar bhealaí éagsúla chun tuilleadh tacaíochta a thabhairt d’fhoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge laistigh den chóras chomh maith le níos mó feasachta a chruthú ar an teanga i gcoitinne. Beart breise amháin atá le déanamh ná gnéithe feasachta teanga a chur le roinnt eile de chúrsaí OneLearning, ag díriú ar dtús ar chúrsaí seirbhíse do chustaiméirí agus do bhainisteoirí sóisearacha – réimsí ina bhféadfaí tionchar mór a imirt ar iompar teanga san ionad oibre. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh sé seo déanta go luath i mbliana mar aon le Líonra Gaeilge a bhunú chun tacú leo siúd ar mian leo an Ghaeilge a úsáid agus/nó a chleachtadh lasmuigh den seomra ranga.
- Tá gach deis tapaithe chunfeasacht a chruthú faoin Acht - go háirithe sa chomhthéacs gur togra uile-Rialtais atá ann agus go mbeidh dualgais ar an státchóras trí chéile maidir lena fhorfheidhmiú. Mar thaca dó seo chomh maith, rinne mo Roinn, i gcomhar le hOifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, sraith seimineár faisnéise a eagrú ar líne ag deireadh mhí Iúil anuraidh ar mhaithe le comhairle a chur ar eagrais Stáit i dtaobh a gcuid dualgas nua faoin Acht. D’fhreastail os cionn 1,000 fostaithe den stát orthu seo.
- Anuas air seo uilig, tá beartaithe feachtas feasachta mór a reáchtáil sa chéad leath den bhliain i mbliana ag díriú ar na deiseanna fostaíochta atá ann dóibh siúd le Gaeilge sa státseirbhís agus san earnáil phoiblí. Tá i gceist go ndéanfar feachtas feasachta rialta, uair sa bhliain nó mar sin, a reáchtáil chun feasacht a chothú faoi ghnéithe ar leith den Acht de réir mar a thugtar feidhm dóibh.
Chomh maith leis an méid sin thuas, tá acmhainní foirne breise faighte don Roinn mar aon le €1m de mhaoiniú reatha i mBuiséad 2023 ar mhaithe leis na hiarrachtaí sa spás seo a threisiú. Leis an maoiniú seo, tá roinnt tionscnamh féideartha agus nuálacha á bhfiosrú faoi láthair, mar shampla:
- Scéim Printíseachta a bhunú, i gcomhar leis an Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta;
- Scéim Intéirneachta a bhunú, ag féachaint go háirithe ar na riachtanais ar leith a bheidh ag teacht faoin Acht, i réimse na cumarsáide mar shampla;
- Athbhreithniú agus leathnú amach a dhéanamh ar fheidhmeanna Thionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge de chuid na Roinne chun go ndíreofaí níos mó ar chúrsaí oiliúna agus earcaíochta in Éirinn.
In 2023, is cinnte go mbeifear ag leanúint chomh maith le feidhm a thabhairt d’ailt agus d’fhorálacha uile an Achta ar bhonn céimiúil - an fhoráil a bhaineann leis na caighdeáin teanga san áireamh. Chuige sin, d’fhógair mé an tseachtain seo caite go bhfuil beartaithe agam tús feidhme a thabhairt do na hAilt go léir, seachas d’Alt 17 (mar nach féidir é a chur i bhfeidhm go dtí go mbeidh gach caighdeán teanga aontaithe), i mbliana ar na dátaí a leanas:
- 15/03/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 2a, 2b, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18 agus 19
- 30/04/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 3 agus 16
- 31/05/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 12, 13 agus 14
- 31/10/2023- Na hAilt seo a leanas: 4 agus 5
Agus an sceideal tosaithe seo curtha i bhfeidhm, beidh tús curtha le gach alt ábharthach den Acht roimh dheireadh 2023 - bliain iomlán roimh an spriocdháta atá sonraithe san Acht. Cé go bhféadfadh cúinsí gan choinne dul i bhfeidhm ar na hamscálaí atá beartaithe, déanfar gach iarracht cloí leis na dátaí atá tugtha.
Leis an obair uile a dhéanfar maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Achta, féachfar chuige go mbeidh seirbhísí feabhsaithe curtha ar fáil do phobal na Gaeilge agus deiseanna suntasacha fostaíochta á gcruthú dóibh siúd a bhfuil inniúlacht sa teanga acu. Idir é seo uilig, táim an-dóchasach gur féidir an sprioc seo a bhaint amach.
Question No. 51 answered orally.
Tourism Schemes
Ceisteanna (52)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:52. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position in relation to the development of a Wild Atlantic Walkway, as included in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3666/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. The development of a Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path has been an ambition of Fáilte Ireland’s long-term development of the Wild Atlantic Way visitor proposition.
Due to resource and work challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fáilte Ireland had to defer initial work on this project in 2022. However the development of the Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path remains a priority in 2023.
Fáilte Ireland is hoping to commence work on the Wild Atlantic Way Coast Path early this year and will procure consultants to support this work.? The organisation aims to have developed a roadmap and methodology to inform its approach to developing an iconic walking trail along the Wild Atlantic Way, and to have initiated community consultation and engagement to inform the roadmap and methodology. Initial work will inform a methodology to develop a number of routes and will incorporate an order of magnitude costs for the infrastructural development of each of the trails.
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 Q1 2023 with the objective of having consultants on board by Q2, with a 12-to-18-month timeframe for delivery of the framework.
Sport and Recreational Development
Ceisteanna (53)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:53. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details on the way the Government is encouraging national sporting bodies/organisations to actively promote integration, unity and activity for asylum seekers and refugees nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3506/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Promoting and encouraging integration and unity in the context of sports participation is an inherent part of the Sport for All approach that is central to the ongoing implementation of our National Sports Policy. In this context, the overriding aim is to ensure that all persons have the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of age, social-economic status, disability, or membership of, for example, the LGBTI+ community, the Traveller community or other ethnic minorities. I can assure the Deputy that the particular interests and needs of asylum seekers and refugees are fully kept in mind in delivering the various programmes and funding allocations made to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) by Sport Ireland, the agency responsible for the development of sport in Ireland.
The Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 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. It contains a specific commitment to establish an Inclusion, Diversity and Equality Fund to promote increased and sustainable participation in sport among a wide range of population cohorts, including ethnic minorities. It further commits that this fund will apply the Sport for All ethos. Work is underway to embed the Sport for All approach in funding drawn down from the Dormant Accounts funds that are specifically aimed at increasing participation levels amongst disadvantaged communities and people with a disability. The total amount of funding being allocated from the Dormant Accounts funding for such projects this year is €12 million, more than twice the amount available a number of years ago.
Sport Ireland plays a central role in this area. In the discharge of its legislative mandate, it maintains an ongoing and close liaison with all of the sporting bodies to ensure that an inclusive and integrated approach is followed in the delivery of Sport Ireland's Participation Plan 2021-2024 – Increasing Participation in Changing Ireland . That Participation Plan outlines how Sport Ireland is working to help people get active by removing barriers to participation in sport and physical activity in the coming years. Its actions are being delivered through the Local Sports Partnerships, the NGBs, strategic partners, clubs, communities and individuals.
It is also appropriate to emphasise the particular relevance of Sport Ireland's Diversity and Inclusion policy, published in May 2022. This targeted policy has identified five strategic pillars, which are: Change, Communication, Access, Capacity and Leadership. To support delivery, twelve desired outcomes were devised within those five strategic pillars. Sport Ireland is leading on the implementation of this policy, and is working closely with the sport sector and key partners to target each of the policy areas in order to deliver on its commitments.
In relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sporting bodies have been asked to help assist with supporting the accommodation and integration of arrivals from Ukraine, both by including individuals in sport and by accommodating persons within appropriate sporting facilities where necessary. The sports sector has responded positively in this regard.
Question No. 54 answered orally.
Sport and Recreational Development
Ceisteanna (55)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:55. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to promote the participation of girls and young women in sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3561/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Increasing participation levels in sport for all age cohorts as well as addressing women’s participation is an important element of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and a core priority for me and Minister Catherine Martin.
Along with Sport Ireland, the statutory agency for the promotion of sport in Ireland, we will continue to promote and encourage greater participation in sport by women and girls.
For 2023, the Government has provided a current budget allocation of €89.7 million for Sport Ireland which will enable the agency to continue to support the sport sector this year, including support for increased participation by women and girls.
The Women in Sport funding programme is an important support for sporting bodies in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports and to progress their strategic objectives for women in sport. Sport Ireland allocated €4 million in the Women in Sport Programme for the 2021-2022 period. 45 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) received funding under this investment. A further €265,000 was invested in the Local Sports Partnerships under the Programme.
Sport Ireland will open a new cycle of Women in Sport funding for NGBs in the second quarter of this year. The funding guidelines will continue to encourage NGBs to develop women in sport programmes and initiatives focused on the key areas outlined in Sport Ireland's Policy on Women in Sport.
One of those key areas is leadership and governance. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Sports Policy recognises the importance of women's participation in leadership positions such as board members of NGBs. The Sports Action Plan sets a target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of this year. It is a priority to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
Sport Ireland continues to promote women and girls participation in sport, including through various campaigns, for example, the "It's My Time" campaign and HER Outdoors week.
"It's my Time" was launched last November, in partnership with Healthy Ireland, and aims to encourage women over 40 to increase activity levels through exercise and sport. Repeated studies, including Sport Ireland’s Irish Sport Monitor, have shown that women over 40, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, are amongst the least likely to be physically active or play sport.
The HER Outdoors Week aims to celebrate and encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity. The campaign targets all females including females with a disability, females from diverse ethnic groups, older females, teenage girls, and females from disadvantaged areas, etc.