Written Answers Nos. 56-80
56. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has considered creating a funding line for lighthouses in order to enhance their tourism and accommodation value; and if she has had engagement with the Commissioners of Irish Lights on the potential for her Department to provide funding in townlands where lighthouses exist. [62547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
With regard to specific expenditure by Fáilte Ireland from its Exchequer funding allocations, such decisions are an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, as the National Tourism Development Authority. Neither I, nor my Department, has any role in decisions by the Authority regarding its operational funding priorities and related expenditure.
Whilst Fáilte Ireland has not created a specific funding line for lighthouses in order to enhance their tourism and accommodation value, extensive work has been carried out with lighthouses in conjunction with the Commissioners of Irish Lights. A strong partnership has been developed with the Commissioners of Irish Lights and Fáilte Ireland has worked on numerous successful projects such as Fanad, Blacksod and Loop Head Lighthouses.
Fáilte Ireland has also worked with the Commissioners on the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative to assist in marketing product in the home and overseas markets. Alongside this support they have provided mentoring supports to assist communities and other agencies running lighthouses in areas of financial management, retail expertise, digital marketing and, training of tour guides and customer care.
57. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the preparatory work her Department and its agencies are engaged with in promoting the women’s Irish open golf tournament in Dromoland Castle later in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3610/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022 Women's Irish Open was the first time since 2012 that women’s professional golf was played in Ireland. The event was an overwhelming success and I am delighted to see it return to Dromoland Castle again in August.
Sport Ireland negotiated a one-year partnership contract with the Ladies European Tour (LET) ahead of the 2022 event. Sport Ireland provided funding of €585,000 for the event. The sponsorship was ring-fenced towards players’ prize money, helping to make it one of the highest purses across the Ladies European Tour schedule.
Sport Ireland is in the process of negotiation with the Ladies European Tour regarding this year’s Women's Irish Open and beyond. This includes activation plans for the promotion of women’s golf on the island of Ireland, which will be led by Golf Ireland. For the 2022 event, Sport Ireland arranged several golf clinics for young girls with the professional players and it is intended that these will feature again in 2023.
Fáilte Ireland is currently in discussions with the management team in Dromoland about how best they can support them in promoting the 2023 Women's Irish Open. Those discussions are progressing in a positive way and Fáilte Ireland will include the event in domestic sales and marketing activity during 2023, together with engaging in activities agreed with the Dromoland management team.
58. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon taighde déanta go fóill ar an tionchar sochtheangeolaíoch agus geilleagrach a bheidh ag teifigh ón Úcráin a lonnú i lóistín Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí cur síos sonrach ar na tacaíochtaí atá curtha ar fáil don phobal, do scoileanna Gaeltachta, agus do na teifigh féin chun a chinntiú gur féidir leo páirt iomlán a ghlacadh i saol an cheantair trí Ghaeilge, agus chun a chinntiú go mbeidh lóistín ar fáil freisin do thurasóirí do shéasúr shamhraidh 2023. [3668/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs cur chuige ilgabhálach tras-rannach atá idir lámha chun dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin a bhaineann le freastal a dhéanamh ar theifigh na hÚcráine - lena n-áirítear teifigh a thagann chun na Gaeltachta.
Níl a leithéid d’fhaisnéis maidir le tionchar teangeolaíoch ná geilleagrach lonnú teifeach i gceantair Ghaeltachta ar fáil. Fearacht an chuid eile den tír, is faoi scáth na Roinne Oideachais, atá freagrach as an gcóras oideachais trí chéile, a mbíonn scoileanna Gaeltachta na tíre ag feidhmiú.
Baintear leas as ciste mo Roinne i rith an ama ar ndóigh chun raon beartas a fheidhmiú chun tacú ar bhonn leanúnach le feidhmiú bisiúil an Próiseas Pleanála Teanga agus go hindíreach le feidhmiú an Polasaí Oideachas Gaeltachta atá faoi stiúir fhoriomlán an Roinn Oideachais. Tá fáil ar eolas maidir leis an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le seo uile sa tríú tuairisc don Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022 a bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh mo Roinne.
Tá m’oifigigh i dteagmháil le raon Ranna Rialtais, le hionchur ó chomhghleacaithe i bhFáilte Éireann, maidir leis an mbealach is fearr chun na tionchair fhéideartha ar an éiceachóras turasóireachta níos leithne a bhaineann le húsáid fhadtéarmach lóistín turasóireachta a mhaolú.
Tá anailís á déanamh ar na bailte nó na ceantair sin is mó a bhfuil tionchar acu ina leith seo, le fócas ar na scileanna earnála atá i mbaol agus na gnólachtaí is mó atá ag fulaingt de bharr easpa lóistín turasóireachta. Beidh mo Roinn ag dul i mbun tuilleadh plé ar an anailís seo sa tréimhse amach romhainn.
Tuigtear dom go mbíonn cumarsáid rialta ag an Aire Martin lena comhghleacaithe sa Rialtas ar an tsaincheist seo agus tá imní an tionscail curtha in iúl aici maidir leis an éifeacht fhadtéarmach a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ag an gceist seo ar ár n-earnáil Turasóireachta.
Ní gá dom a rá go leanfaidh an Roinn ag coinneáil an scéal uile faoi bhreithniú sa chaoi is go mbeifear in ann ár gcion a dhéanamh ar leas foriomlán theifigh na hÚcráine agus phobal na Gaeltachta araon, laistigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil.
59. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will provide an update on the joint Ireland and UK bid to host the UEFA EURO 2028 competition. [3558/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe football associations in the UK and Ireland announced in February 2022 their intent to bid to jointly-host the UEFA European Championships in 2028.
Ireland had been due to host part of the 2020 iteration of those championships and so I am well aware of the significance and scale of the tournament and what a positive experience it would be to jointly host it in 2028.
On 22 March 2022, the Government decided to support an Expression of Interest from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in jointly hosting the EURO 2028 tournament. To that end, my Department has been engaging closely with the FAI, Dublin City Council, other Government Departments and agencies and UK partners in order to better evaluate the case for bidding for Euro 2028.
Following an extensive examination of the costs and benefits to Ireland of hosting the tournament, Government decided on Tuesday 15 November 2022 to support the FAI’s submission of a joint preliminary bid with UK partners for EURO 2028. Preliminary bid dossiers for the bid were submitted to UEFA on 16 November 2022.
The Department is currently working with the FAI, Dublin City Council, other Government Departments and agencies together with our UK partners to prepare as strong as possible a bid and to host a fantastic tournament for all partners in 2028.
There is extensive work ongoing in the short time available and it is the intention to bring the outcome of the Department’s further examination of all aspects of the project to Government for a decision prior to UEFA’s April 2023 deadline for the submission of a Final Bid Dossier.
60. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a report on the pilot basic income for artists scheme; if she intends to implement it for all artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3723/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made to date in the pilot scheme to provide a basic income to artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2836/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 79 together.
The 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. Payment to recipients began at the end of October.
2,000 recipients are being paid €325 a week for three years. 1,996 recipients have received their payments to date. A small number of participants, who replaced those who decided not to accept their place on the scheme, will receive their first payment in the coming weeks.
The research will examine, over a three-year period, the impact of a basic income style payment on artists and creative arts workers. I have established the scheme very firmly as a research project so that an evidence base can be developed around the impact of the policy. I am very grateful to all the applicants who agreed to participate in the control group; being able to compare and track their careers against those who will receive the BIA will be essential in demonstrating the impact of the payment on artists and their creative practices.
Participants will be surveyed at least twice a year. Focus groups, interviews and seminars will also happen to collect more qualitative data on how the scheme is impacting participant’s lives. Baselining research information has been received from recipients who have accepted their place on the scheme.
The Government wants to give recognition to the value of the arts and the role of creative practice in Irish society. 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.
61. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures her Department has committed to in 2023 to increase film production in Ireland; if she will support future investment along the Wild Atlantic Way following the huge success of a film (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3628/23]
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.
The Audio-visual Action Plan was launched in June 2018. This is an industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, developed to support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation.
The tax incentive for the screen industries, Section 481, has been a cornerstone of the Irish screen industry in the creative and cultural value it has generated, both in terms of discovering and supporting new Irish voices, as well as showcasing Ireland’s power as an international partner, a cultural force across film, television and animation, not to mention a breath-taking location offering historic and natural beauty making it an attractive base for film locations.
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. The agency supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. The Screen Ireland allocation for 2019 was €20m and their budget has increased significantly to €37.9m in 2023.
Screen Ireland's approach includes a focus on the development of a significant skills ecosystem in the regions within its own dedicated unit for skills development. Supports incorporate skills development training, work-based learning and career progression, underlining the commitment to development and upskilling for the screen industry. One of its priorities is training and upskilling to ensure there are trained crews available throughout the regions and Screen Ireland is committed to investing significantly in screen training.
The objective of the Regional Uplift 2019 to 2023 is to incentivise the development of new, local pools of talent in areas outside the current main production hubs, including along the west coast, by supporting productions that locate in areas without existing talent pools and that incur additional costs in training local talent and encourage the geographic spread of the audiovisual sector beyond the current traditional production hubs in Dublin and Wicklow. Productions operating in the regions can avail of an additional 2% in film tax relief in 2023.
I was delighted to note earlier this week, the record number of Irish Oscar nominees for the upcoming 95th Academy Award ceremony, and indeed Ireland's recent success at the Golden Globes and Berlin Film Festival. This is testament to the talent that exists in the Irish industry and I am pleased also that many of the productions in question have been supported through the measures I have outlined above.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to be in a position to continue to assist the sporting sector given the increased importance of sporting activity in terms of health and well-being; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3640/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of sport and physical activity for the health and well-being of our society and the need to ensure that opportunities are in place to allow all members of society to participate in sport. Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the promotion of sports participation.
A current funding allocation of €89.7 million was announced for Sport Ireland in Budget 2023. This allocation will enable Sport Ireland to continue to support the sport sector this year. Details of funding allocations to individual National Governing Bodies of Sport for 2023 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sport Ireland engages with sporting organisations on an ongoing basis and is continuing to support the sector in its recovery and development post-pandemic. Significant Government funding of over €162 million has been provided since 2020 to help sports organisations to recover and grow post-pandemic, support our grassroots networks of clubs and local sports partnerships, and ensure that people of all ages and abilities return to sport and physical activity.
The levels of active and social participation in sport have not yet returned to pre-Covid levels. In recognition of the ongoing challenges, funding of €15 million was again made available in December 2022 to support the sector.
As part of Budget 2023, €35 million was made available to help alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for sports clubs and organisations with a view to ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity over the winter months. The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) is being run by Sport Ireland and the funding is being distributed in the main through the National Governing Bodies of Sport in like manner to the suite of Covid supports provided to the sports sector throughout the past 2 years. The Scheme will support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport, for example around increased indoor activity and the provision of outdoor floodlighting, with a particular emphasis on sports clubs with dedicated facilities.
With regard to capital support, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas. The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. 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. Details of all allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/ .
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. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, 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.
In addition to the SCEP, the National Sports Policy was published on 25 July 2018 and provided for a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports projects where the required Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP. To date an amount of approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. While the priority remains to advance all of the successful projects, in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of Covid and construction inflation, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in terms of completing the Review which is considering, inter alia, a possible new call for proposals. In this regard, I will continue to make the case for further funding for the LSSIF which will allow the consideration of a new call as well as advancing the current design projects to construction stage.
64. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad sonraí agus stádas an fheachtais earcaíochta maidir le Coimisinéir Teanga nua a cheapadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3699/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeagtar amach an próiseas do cheapadh an Choimisinéara Teanga in Alt 20 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. De réir Alt 20(3) d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003: “Is é an tUachtarán ar chomhairle an Rialtais a dhéanfaidh duine a cheapadh chun bheith ina C(h)oimisinéir tar éis rún a ritheadh i nDáil Éireann agus i Seanad Éireann ag moladh cheapacháin an duine.”
Tá tús curtha ag an Roinn leis an bpróiseas chun ceapachán nua a dhéanamh agus, chuige sin, tá cead faighte ón Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe chun dul ar aghaidh leis an bpost seo a líonadh. Is é an chéad chéim eile ná leabhrán comórtais a ullmhú a fhógrófar ar shuíomh gréasáin na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí (chomh maith leis an bhfolúntas a chur chun cinn trí mheáin éagsúla eile).
Meastar go dtógfaidh sé suas le trí mhí ó dháta na fógraíochta chun iarrthóir a roghnú.
65. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist aici Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a thabhairt ar ais, nó Scéim nua um Labhairt na Gaeilge a chur ar bun sna ceantair Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3702/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTháinig deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge dhá bhliain déag ó shin in 2011 nó mar sin. Faoin scéim d’íoctaí deontas, arbh fhiú suas le €260 in aghaidh na bliana le theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a bhí in ann a léiriú don Roinn gurbh í an Ghaeilge príomhtheanga labhartha bhunadh an tí acu. Sa scoilbhliain deireadh dá riar (2010/2011) is €660,660 an caiteachas a bhain leis an scéim.
Ó cuireadh deireadh leis an scéim tá raon leathan de bhearta curtha i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn in áit Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge agus faoi scáth an phróisis pleanála teanga - a tháinig i bhfeidhm ó shin - chun cabhrú le teaghlaigh atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh.
I measc na bpríomhrudaí atá ar bun:
- Tá cistíocht shuntasach á cur ar fáil ag an Roinn don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta ar fiú breis agus €1.6m é thar tréimhse trí bliana. Baintear leas as an gciste sin chun clár leathan tacaíochtaí praiticiúla a chur ar fáil atá dírithe ar thacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh. Níor mhiste a lua go bhfuil an ciste sin deich n-oiread níos airde ná an ciste bliantúil arbh €50,000 dá fheabhas é a chuirtí ar fáil don eagraíocht chúig bliana ó shin.
- Comhthreomhar leis an gciste sin chuir an Roinn ciste faoi leith ar fáil don eagraíocht Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta chun tacú tuilleadh le soláthar seirbhísí sa réimse luathbhlianta sa Ghaeltacht ar fiú €495,380 é i leith an scoilbhliain 2021/22. Tá plé ar siúil leis an eagraíocht sin faoi láthair i leith allúntas 2022/23. Ní áirítear sa chiste seo an ciste faoi leith a chuireann Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil do Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta ar fiú €619,500 é i leith 2023.
- Mar a bhaineann sé le tacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta tríd an ngréasán bunscoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta, luafainn an chistíocht ardaithe thar tréimhse de bhlianta beaga anuas atá á cur ar fáil ag mo Roinn chun deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil do lucht freastail scoileanna Gaeltachta ó cheann ceann na bliana. Cuimsítear sa tacaíocht sin na cistí faoi leith a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga; Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha agus Clár na nEalaíon Teangabhunaithe.
Tugtar léargas níos iomláine faoina bhfuil ar bun sa tuairisc bhliantúil is deireanaí maidir le feidhmiú Phlean Gníomhaíochta an Rialtais don Ghaeilge a foilsíodh le gairid agus a bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh na Roinne.
I bhfianaise an tábhacht faoi leith, áfach, a bhaineann le tacú tuilleadh fós le cur chun cinn na teanga ar bhonn teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht agus go deimhin sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus Líonraí Gaeilge atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga, tá i gceist ag feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne bualadh go luath le páirtithe leasmhara chun breathnú ar bhearta breise thairis an méid atá ar bun cheana a d’fhéadfaí a chur sa tsiúil chun tacú tuilleadh le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ag leibhéal an teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht, agus sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus Líonraí Gaeilge araon.
66. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she or her Department have considered the Joint Oireachtas Committee report on Working Conditions and Skills Shortages in Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector. [62044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the recent publication by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media on Working Conditions and Skills shortages in Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The Report makes recommendations which pertain to the responsibilities and functions of a number of Government Departments and agencies and requires detailed consideration by officials in my Department in consultation with those Departments and agencies. In that regard, my Department has written to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to commence that engagement. I will respond in detail to the Joint Committee when the engagement has been completed.
68. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of new Gaeltachts since 2000; and the location of same. [3614/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo new areas have been assigned Gaeltacht status since the most recent amendment made to the official Gaeltacht boundaries in 1982.
Having said that, the Deputy may be aware that the language planning process as set out under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 provides for the the formal recognition of Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks as identified under the Act.
Gaeltacht Service Towns are towns in, or adjacent to, Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas which play a significant role in the delivery of public services and leisure, social and commercial amenities to the community of those areas. Under the Act, a town must have a population of at least 1,000, according to the most recent census, to be included as a Gaeltacht Service Town. Recognition under the Act will be given to Gaeltacht Service towns providing that language plans have been agreed with the communities of the various towns in accordance with prescribed language planning criteria.
Depending on whether the town is situated within a Gaeltacht Language Planning Area or outside of it, either Údarás na Gaeltachta or Foras na Gaeilge will be responsible under the Act for supporting organisations in the preparation and implementation of language plans in the Gaeltacht Service Towns.
On foot of a consultation process conducted in 2014, the following towns have been selected as potential Gaeltacht Service Towns:
|
Contae/County |
Baile/Town |
|
Dún na nGall |
Leitir Ceanainn/LetterkennyAn Clochán Liath Baile Dhún na nGall/Donegal |
|
Maigh Eo |
Béal an MhuirtheadBaile an Róba/BallinrobeCaisleán an Bharraigh/Castlebar |
|
Gaillimh |
Cathair na Gaillimhe/Galway CityAn Clochán/Clifden |
|
Ciarraí |
Daingean Uí ChúisTrá Lí/TraleeCathair Saidhbhín/Cahersiveen |
|
Corcaigh |
Cathair Chorcaí/Cork CityMaigh Chromtha/Macroom |
|
Port Láirge |
Dún Garbhán/Dungarvan |
|
An Mhí |
Baile Átha Buí/AthboyAn Uaimh/Navan |
To date, language plans have been approved and are being implemented in respect of the towns of Leitir Ceanainn, Daingean Uí Chúis, Cathair na Gaillimhe, An Clochán Liath, Trá Lí, Dún Garbhán and Caisleán an Bharraigh.
Preparatory work is underway in respect of Cathair Saidbhín, Cathair Chorcaí, Baile an Róba and An Clochán, while the case in respect of the remaining towns will be advanced by Foras na Gaeilge under the stewardship of the Department over the next 12 months.
Irish-Language Networks are areas which have achieved a basic critical mass of community and State support for the Irish language. Recognition under the Act will be given to Irish Language Networks providing that language plans have been agreed with the communities of the various networks in accordance with prescribed language planning criteria. Foras na Gaeilge is responsible under the Act for supporting organisations with regard to the preparation and implementation of the language plans in the Irish Language Networks.
Three Irish Language Networks have been approved under the process to date - Ennis, Loughrea and Clondalkin.
Further information regarding the language planning process is available on my Department's website.
69. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position in relation to The Gathering initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3665/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst the tourism sector continues to emerge from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also important that we plan for further recovery and building for the future. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to seek to emulate the success of the Gathering in 2013 which supported recovery in the tourism sector after the last major economic crisis.
In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €5 million allocation for the tourism agencies to continue the development of a new tourism initiative, The Invitation project, to support recovery in the sector by promoting and building on the warmth of our welcome, the beauty of our landscape and the richness of our culture.
The tourism agencies have recently completed a comprehensive research programme with trade, industry and consumers to assess the concept behind this initiative, its consumer appeal, and the ideal timing for delivery. The outcome of this research will also be a critical factor in determining how best to deliver on this initiative.
71. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the plans there are in 2023 for the employment of a fulltime tourist officer in Dundalk, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3294/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
72. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na bearta a dhéanfar chun rochtain níos fearr a chinntiú do phobail faoi mhíbhuntáiste agus do phobail faoi ghannionadaíocht ar an nGaeilge agus ar na ceantair Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3446/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCheadaigh mo Roinn ciste €400,000 in 2022 le leathnú suntasach a dhéanamh ar an gciste scoláireachta do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna DEIS na tíre chun freastal ar chúrsa Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht le linn an tsamhraidh. Faoin gciste breise atá ceadaithe faoin mbeartas dar teideal: DEIS Gaeltachta – ar cuireadh tús leis in 2019 - bhí breis agus 400 scoláire as iar-bhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlama sa Ghaeltacht i 2022. Ba ciste €50,000 a bhí ann roimhe seo. Is fiú suas le €850 na scoláireachtaí a chuirtear ar fáil faoin gciste atá á riar ag Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin don Stát uile thar ceann na Roinne.
Tá sé mar sprioc ag mo Roinn leis an mbeart seo tuilleadh deiseanna a chruthú do dhaoine óga, nach bhfaigheadh an deis de ghnáth, dul chun na Gaeltachta ar chúrsa Gaeilge. Ní hamháin gur le leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta atá an beart praiticiúil seo ach is le leas na sochaí trí chéile mar a bhaineann sé le hionchuimsiú sóisialta é. Tá an chéim seo i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas faoi leith sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge, 2018-2022 maidir le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge.
Is fiú a lua ar bhonn ginearálta gur cheadaigh mo Roinn ardú 20% chomh maith anuraidh ar an deontas laethúil atá iníoctha le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do lucht freastail chóras na gColáistí Gaeilge faoi scéim mo Roinne.
74. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dáta faoina mbeidh an Straitéis Náisiúnta d'Ealaíona Teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge foilsithe agus curtha i bhfeidhm; cén dáta faoina mbeidh an tuarascáil a coimisiúnaíodh faoin ábhar sa bhliain 2018 foilsithe; agus cén dáta faoina mbeidh an chistíocht atá geallta di don bhliain 2023 curtha ar fáil; agus as cén clár buiséid a thiocfaidh sé. [3669/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAr mhaithe le tacú tuilleadh le cur chun cinn na n-ealaíon teangabhunaithe mar thaca breise d'fhorfheidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus an Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2023 lena mbaineann, rinne mo Roinn, i gcomhar le hÉire Ildánach, tuairisc a choimisiúnú faoin ábhar in 2018. Is é Ollscoil Luimnigh a ceapadh don chúram le maoiniú ón Roinn agus Éire Ildánach.
Tá obair ullmhúcháin idir lámha ag mo Roinn faoi láthair i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara ina leith i dtreo an tuairisc agus gníomhaíochtaí molta a fhoilsiú roimh dheireadh na chéad ráithe i mbliana. Chun tacú le dlús a chur le feidhmiú príomh-mholtaí na tuairisce, tá cistíocht faoi leith aitheanta agus curtha go leataobh ina leith i mbuiséad 2023.
Comhthreomhar leis seo uile, cuirtear maoiniú faoi leith ar fáil ar bhonn leanúnach chun tacú le cur chun cinn na n-ealaíon teangabhunaithe mar thaca don phróiseas pleanála teanga. I measc na n-eagraíochtaí a gcuirtear an maoiniú seo ar fáil dóibh chun tacú lena gcláir oibre a mbíonn baint dhíreach nó tánaisteach aige leis na healaíona, tá Ealaín na Gaeltachta, An Cumann Scoldrámaíochta, an tOireachtas, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta agus An Taibhdhearc.
Mar chuid den phleanáil chun tosaigh atá idir lámha ag mo Roinn maidir le gnóthaí i réimse na n-ealaíon sa Ghaeltacht, tá plé ar bun faoi láthair i dtreo a bheith in ann beart breise a fhógairt go luath.
76. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Phairliminte 56942/22, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis 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 maidir leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh; an bhfoilseofar torthaí an tsuirbhé; an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú a thabhairt faoi stádas an phlean gníomhaíochta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3700/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThug Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi shuirbhé ar a chliaint i mí na Samhna 2022. Tuigtear ón Údarás gur dáileadh ceistneoir chuig gach cliant agus rinneadh iarrachtaí fostóirí agus fostaithe a spreagadh le heolas agus tuairimí a roinnt maidir lena riachtanais teanga agus na tacaíochtaí a bheadh úsáideach dóibh, bíodh sé sa láthair oibre agus/nó sa phobal ina bhfuil siad lonnaithe.
Tá tugtha le fios ag an tÚdarás gur ghlac beagnach 800 duine, idir fhostaithe agus fhostóirí, páirt sa suirbhé seo. Tá anailís idir lámha ag an Údarás faoi láthair ar an eolas, ar na treochtaí agus na tuairimí atá ag teacht chun cinn ón suirbhé agus tá sé i gceist acu torthaí an taighde a fhoilsiú roimh dheireadh mhí an Mhárta.
Úsáidfear na sonraí ón taighde mar bhunús le moltaí a dhéanamh ar chur chuige athleasaithe a bheidh dírithe ar na bealaí is fearr gur féidir leis an Údarás tacú leis na cliant agus na fostaithe ó thaobh cur chun cinn na Gaeilge de agus déanfar scéim nua tacaíochta a thairiscint dá réir.
77. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures she is considering to promote domestic holidaying within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3544/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2023, I secured an increase in domestic marketing funding of €2 million which will allow Fáilte Ireland to implement a mass reach media marketing campaign to encourage domestic consumers to take home holidays and discover all of the hidden gems that Ireland has to offer. The campaign will remind people that a short break is a great option for friends and family, and bring to life the different destinations across the country. Particular focus will be put on promoting regional destinations and supporting the shoulder season.
Fáilte Ireland's role as the National Tourism Development Authority is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland and this includes responsibility for domestic holiday marketing across the four regional experience brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.
As the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the matter to Fáilte Ireland to supply further details on the activities they are carrying out this year to promote domestic holidaying within the State. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views with the condition of the Loughcrew cairns. [3537/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLaunched in May 2021, the Ancient Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) is a five-year destination development plan primarily focused on the area known as the Boyne Valley extending across counties Meath and south Louth. It is designed to be a roadmap for enhancing the existing Ancient visitor proposition to achieve the objectives of addressing seasonality, increasing visitor numbers, improving dwell time and visitor dispersion across the destination.
The plan will provide a destination wide tourism development focus, harnessing existing plans and examining new projects to create a world class destination ensuring Ancient is the core development theme. To do this, the DEDP aims to develop the portfolio of accessible heritage assets, including capitalising on the potential of existing sites like Loughcrew Cairns.
The OPW is the lead agency for Loughcrew Cairns and ultimately the condition of the cairns are a matter for that Agency.
The DEDP provides, in relation to Loughcrew Cairns, that the Office of Public Works (OPW) will:
- Undertake an examination of existing site review documents to establish areas of prioritisation in addressing visitor management requirements for the site and future inclusion in strategic projects between OPW and Fáilte Ireland.
- Provide experience development support for the identification of a range of management options for the site, accounting for the current archaeological management requirements of the site.
Fáilte Ireland is arranging a meeting with the newly appointed senior management in the OPW to agree priorities for the current year and building on the to date in developing a portfolio of accessible heritage assets.
80. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to develop high performance women’s sports in the near and long-term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3641/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032 targets the further development of Ireland’s high performance system in the near and long term, resulting in the achievement of major medals. A copy of the strategy is available on the Sport Ireland website.
There are seven key pillars in this strategy that will underpin the planned development of high performance sport. Resources will be targeted at priority and medal potential sports, and at improving the capability and capacity of the system to develop and support our athletes. The seven pillars are:
1. Focussed performance investment;
2. Athlete performance and holistic support;
3. World class coaching and support services;
4. Business structures and planning;
5. Partnerships;
6. World class facilities and equipment; and
7. Research and innovation.
Sport Ireland, as the lead authority for high performance sport in Ireland, places an equal importance across both genders in contributing to these medal targets, which is underpinned by a support system that caters for all athletes, male and female, Olympic and Paralympic.
At the most recent Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2 of Ireland’s 4 medals were won by female athletes (Boxing and Rowing). At the Paralympic Games, 5 of Ireland’s 7 medals were won by female athletes (Para Cycling and Para Swimming). Further to this, the major medals won by Irish athletes in 2022 had a 56% to 44% split between female and male athletes, respectively (excluding medals won in Open/Mixed category events). Sport Ireland’s investment in athletes under the International Carding Scheme is also reflective of its equal ambition for male and female athletes, with a balanced split across genders.
Complementing and encouraging Ireland’s success in women’s high performance sport is the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Policy, which has been in effect since 2019. This Policy provides a framework for strategic initiatives and investment in women’s sport, with a view to achieving objectives in the areas of participation, visibility, and governance.
