Written Answers Nos. 282-301
282. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if his attention been drawn to an article in the media (details supplied) reporting that planes had been purchased by the Russian state airline Aeroflot; if those planes were availing of section 110 status; if so, his views on whether this constitutes a violation of European Union sanctions, given his review of the section 110 regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU sanctions have direct effect in all Member States of the EU, and are legally binding on all natural and legal persons. A natural or legal person who contravenes a provision of an EU sanctions regulation would be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.
Ireland is fully supportive of all sanctions agreed at European Union level. All sanctions against Russia and Belarus in relation to the illegal invasion of Ukraine have been fully implemented. This includes all nine packages of sanctions agreed by the European Union to date. It is important to note that there is nothing specific in the Section 110 regime that is of particular relevance to Russian investors or originators, and such vehicles are in scope of the sanctions regime.
The sanctions against Russia and Belarus are extensive, affecting many sectors of the Russian and Belarusian economies and includes specific measures targeting the Russian aerospace industry. In relation to the purchase of aircraft by the company in question, Article 3c of Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014 prohibits the sale or transfer of goods listed in Annex XI of said Regulation, namely aircraft or spacecraft. However, certain derogations can be sought by an aircraft company if they are purchasing aircraft that the company had been leasing and the lease agreement concluded before 26 February 2022 as outlined in section 6 of Article 3c. Any such derogation must be authorised by a national competent authority in the jurisdiction where the lessor is based. The competent authority concerned with the sale of aircraft is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
I am informed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that the Department had no prior knowledge of the sale of the aircraft in question prior to the reports in the media. Also, the Department did not provide an authorisation for the purchase and is now working to verify the veracity of the reports. It is now working with other Government Departments in order to establish the full facts of the situation.
283. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to cases of car insurance quotes increasing significantly from previous years, despite no significant change in the circumstances of the applicant; the efforts he is making to engage with this sector to avoid this financial impact on customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4771/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, I am unable to comment on individual cases. Moreover, neither the Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
It understood that firms use a combination of actuarial-based rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer motor cover and what terms to apply. In addition, insurers price in accordance with their specific claims experience and do not use the same combination of rating factors. According to Insurance Ireland, premium levels may increase across the board due to the current market trends, however, a customer’s own premium might increase because their level of risk has increased. Equally, premium levels may also reduce based on the market or a lower risk profile.
In cases where an individual is unhappy with a quotation received from an insurer, it is suggested that the policyholder, in the first instance, contact their provider, and then alternative options. It is understood that this regularly results in a lower premium being quoted.
Regarding the cost of motor insurance generally, data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for December shows that prices continued to decline during 2022, reducing by 10.4 per cent year-on-year, despite an 8.2 per cent increase in consumer prices over the same period. This general downward trend is separately validated by data from the National Claims Information Database (NCID), with the latest motor report indicating that the average earned premium per policy peaked in Q4 2017, and subsequently declined by 17 per cent to €590 in Q4 2021.
This evident decline underscores the impact of a number of factors, including the positive effect of Government reforms on motor insurance. According to the third Action Plan for Insurance Reform Implementation Report, published in November 2022, around 90 per cent of initiatives in the current reform agenda are completed or ongoing. These include the Personal Injuries Guidelines, which have reduced average award levels by nearly 40 per cent, including for motor claims.
It is the Government’s expectation that all savings resulting from the Action Plan are passed onto customers, especially in light of current inflationary pressures. Finally, Minister of State Carroll MacNeill will be meeting with the main insurers in the Irish market next month in order to reiterate this message and for the need for lower claims costs to be reflected in reduced premiums.
284. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if, his Department will consider conducting a comprehensive spill over analysis of the possible effects of Ireland’s current tax system on developing countries. considering the issues raised in a submission by organisations (details supplied) to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and that the only spill over analysis of Ireland’s tax system on developing countries was conducted in 2015 and accounted for only 4% of available data on Irish overseas investment, [4797/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department previously carried commissioned an independent economic analysis into the possible effects of the Irish tax system on developing economies which was published in July 2015. The report considered Ireland’s tax system including out tax treaty network, and on foot of the report two tax treaties were renegotiated delivering more favourable terms for our treaty partners.
This research has also fed into the formulation of Ireland's Treaty Policy Statement which was published in June 2022 following a public consultation process alongside bilateral engagements with a broad range of stakeholders including NGOs.
The treaty policy statement directly addresses policy for treaties with developing countries. The statement contains a commitment to not approach any least developing country, as defined by the UN, in relation to opening discussions on treaties and where Ireland is approached a commitment is made to carry out a spillover analysis to ensure that benefits are likely to accrue prior to agreeing to any such treaty. Where Ireland agrees to a treaty we will be cognisant of the source taxation rights of the developing countries.
While it is not currently intended to conduct further spill over analysis of this nature, Ireland does periodically carry out independent economic research relevant to this work and more recently research has been carried out and published into the outbound payments from Ireland both in 2021 and in 2022 which took stock of the impact of the recent rule changes on royalties, dividends, and interest. Consideration on the need for additional tax measures to apply to outbound payments is ongoing and a public consultation has already taken place to inform that process.
The above actions should also be seen in the context of the ongoing reform which will deliver a substantially revised set of international tax rules.
The OECD's two pillared solution to address the challenges brought about by the digitalisation of the economy, which Ireland fully supports, will ensure the MNEs will pay a minimum rate of 15% tax in every country they operate. Furthermore, it will also see a reallocation of taxing rights to market jurisdictions including in the developing world. Earlier this month the OECD published an economic assessment which found that low and middle income countries will benefit the most from the implementation of these new rules.
285. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the roll-out of the deposit return scheme; the number of retailers who have signed up to the scheme; if he will provide an overview of engagements with local authorities on potential planning permission requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3997/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, as Minister for Public and Expenditure and Reform have no function in relation to the operation of the deposit return scheme. However, I am advised by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, to whom this question is appropriate, as follows.
In keeping with our Programme for Government commitment, the Government is introducing a deposit return scheme in Ireland in respect of plastic bottles and aluminium cans.
The Scheme will help ensure that we meet our legal obligations under the Single Use Plastics Directive to collect 90% of plastic bottles for recycling by 2029 and incorporate recycled plastic to a minimum of 30% in all new plastic bottles by 2030. We also expect to see a dramatic reduction in the littering of these items following the scheme’s introduction, in line with the experience of other countries.
The scheme places responsibility for the successful collection and recycling of the items on the producers who have placed these goods on the market. Those producers have now come together to form a company DRS Ireland CLG, trading as Re-turn, which is designing and rolling out the scheme.
In July 2022, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications granted approval to DRS Ireland as the approved body to operate a Deposit Return Scheme here under our national regulations and in November 28th, he launched the registration phase of the Deposit Return Scheme for retailers and producers. He also announced the deposit levels to apply to the products within the scope of the scheme.
The national regulations set out how the scheme will operate and the protections available to retailers when accepting returned containers. Re-turn is responsible for determining the finer operational details of the scheme and is rolling out a major awareness and communications plan around deposit return. This will play a significant role in embedding the scheme with producers, retailers and consumers. Registration is being actively promoted amongst retailers and producers by Re-turn at this phase of the project.
DRS is a major project involving the development of complex IT, infrastructure, and communication systems, which will be delivered by Re-turn over the course of 2023 with a 'go-live' date of February 2024.
The planning system and its requirements are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
286. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the visitor numbers for each visitor attraction operated by the Office of Public Works for each month in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4116/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe auditing process on visitor numbers to our national heritage sites commences in January each year, once visitor numbers for all sites up to the end of the previous December have been received. While every effort is made to finalise visitor numbers in a timely manner, it is a voluminous exercise due to the number of sites involved. The process of auditing and verifying the number of visitors to OPW heritage sites in 2022 is not yet complete. The 2022 visitor numbers will be published and shared with the Deputy as soon as they become available. In the meantime the 2019-2021 visitor numbers, detailed below, may be of assistance.
|
Site Name |
Total 2021 |
Total 2020 |
Total 2019 |
|
Altamont |
108,962 |
76,749 |
73,821 |
|
Áras |
Closed |
879 |
5,440 |
|
Ardfert Cathedral |
8,594 |
2,046 |
11,815 |
|
Athenry Castle |
10,156 |
1,846 |
10,595 |
|
Askeaton Castle |
359 |
261 |
0 |
|
Aughnanure Castle |
13,961 |
1,678 |
31,519 |
|
Ballyhack Castle |
Closed |
0 |
2,155 |
|
Barryscourt Castle |
Closed |
0 |
0 |
|
Battle of the Boyne/Oldbridge Est |
509,876 |
407,378 |
427,148 |
|
Blasket Visitor Centre and Viewing point |
11,067 |
33,077 |
50,331 |
|
Boyle Abbey |
8,325 |
0 |
7,935 |
|
Brú na Boinne (incl. Newgrange & Knowth) |
30,119 |
20,644 |
229,338 |
|
Cahir Castle |
34,959 |
7,630 |
87,333 |
|
Carrowmore |
13,253 |
8,228 |
44,011 |
|
Casino Marino |
Closed |
Closed |
4,941 |
|
Castletown House & Parklands |
1,070,673 |
947,009 |
965,632 |
|
Céide Fields |
24,176 |
17,200 |
30,391 |
|
Charles Fort |
73,363 |
45,307 |
97,990 |
|
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre |
43,325 |
3,615 |
8,549 |
|
Clonmacnoise |
10,203 |
16,283 |
141,969 |
|
Custom House |
2,495 |
0 |
0 |
|
Derrynane House and Parklands |
355,622 |
299,937 |
226,664 |
|
Desmond Castle |
Closed |
0 |
0 |
|
Desmond Hall (Desmond Castle Newcastle West) |
19,426 |
6,129 |
12,356 |
|
Doe Castle |
28,097 |
22,740 |
31,439 |
|
Doneraile Park |
490,000 |
480,000 |
490,000 |
|
Donegal Castle |
15,645 |
1,283 |
55,310 |
|
Dublin Castle |
229,310 |
60,858 |
430,692 |
|
Dún Aonghasa |
83,892 |
38,378 |
131,273 |
|
Dungarvan Castle |
12,931 |
0 |
13,430 |
|
Dunmore Cave |
Closed |
2,768 |
36,199 |
|
Durrow Abbey |
322 |
641 |
4,776 |
|
Emo Court - Parklands and House |
379,161 |
330,000 |
390,481 |
|
Ennis Friary |
6,058 |
0 |
14,040 |
|
Famine Warhouse |
150 |
90 |
1,300 |
|
Farmleigh Estate |
359,174 |
261,191 |
428,925 |
|
Ferns Castle |
2,410 |
0 |
8,249 |
|
Gallarus Castle |
34,077 |
0 |
101,499 |
|
Garinish Island |
53,120 |
35,881 |
64,919 |
|
Glebe House and Gallery |
18,491 |
10,062 |
32,257 |
|
Glendalough Visitor Centre & Monument |
318,600 |
278,590 |
732,362 |
|
Grianan of Aileach |
7,646 |
47,518 |
96,154 |
|
Hill of Tara VC and grounds |
182,781 |
69,822 |
208,000 |
|
J F Kennedy Arboretum |
143,707 |
138,866 |
128,451 |
|
Jerpoint Abbey |
13,416 |
7,740 |
23,171 |
|
Kells Priory |
57,800 |
57,071 |
43,623 |
|
Kilkenny Castle & Parklands |
900,000 |
971,082 |
905,642 |
|
Kilmacurragh Gardens |
105,000 |
46,178 |
71,543 |
|
Kilmainham Gaol |
37,049 |
58,524 |
404,824 |
|
Listowel |
Closed |
0 |
11,498 |
|
Loughcrew |
13,810 |
15,213 |
28,416 |
|
Main Guard |
2,598 |
174 |
9,468 |
|
Maynooth Castle |
Closed |
0 |
21,937 |
|
Mellifont Abbey |
14,715 |
23,618 |
31,951 |
|
National Botanic Gardens |
640,000 |
600,070 |
684,561 |
|
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills |
Closed |
0 |
3,534 |
|
Ormond Castle |
3,871 |
848 |
7,264 |
|
Parke's Castle |
15,902 |
5,108 |
17,162 |
|
Pearse Museum |
27,550 |
6,645 |
33,223 |
|
Pearse's Cottage |
11,075 |
4,823 |
25,134 |
|
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre |
1,805,660 |
1,641,875 |
209,024 |
|
Portumna Castle |
40,919 |
24,933 |
20,777 |
|
Rathfarnham Castle |
4,552 |
3,003 |
10,705 |
|
Reginald's Tower |
Closed |
0 |
29,305 |
|
Reginald's Tower - French Church |
Closed |
0 |
2,524 |
|
Rock of Cashel |
103,003 |
37,631 |
361,596 |
|
Roscrea Heritage and grounds |
1,380 |
0 |
16,900 |
|
Ross Castle |
5,267 |
2,495 |
101,212 |
|
Scattery Island |
6,104 |
4,877 |
6,530 |
|
Skellig Michael |
12,105 |
0 |
15,616 |
|
Sligo Abbey |
Closed |
0 |
20,965 |
|
St. Audoen's Church |
Closed |
0 |
36,816 |
|
St. Mary's Abbey |
Closed |
0 |
0 |
|
St. Mary's Church, Gowran |
Closed |
0 |
2,197 |
|
Swiss Cottage |
9,277 |
2,817 |
26,447 |
|
Tintern Abbey |
33,957 |
0 |
23,458 |
|
Trim Castle |
56,315 |
46,722 |
110,840 |
|
Knockroe Tomb |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hore Abbey |
47,069 |
38,442 |
75,380 |
|
Dowth |
15,459 |
11,095 |
17,093 |
|
Rock of Dunamase |
47,244 |
42,793 |
42,773 |
|
Fota Arboretum & Gardens |
155,111 |
101,413 |
113,695 |
|
Blasket Island |
8,137 |
2,581 |
8,854 |
|
Arbour Hill Cemetery |
72,928 |
- |
- |
|
Grangegorman Military Cemetery |
24,717 |
- |
0 |
|
Iveagh Gardens |
294,428 |
247,542 |
- |
|
St Stephen's Green |
2,786,698 |
2,317,149 |
- |
|
Irish National War Memorial Gardens |
694,478 |
691,242 |
- |
|
TOTAL |
12,782,080 |
10,688,288 |
9,445,347 |
287. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of advisers who have taken up employment in his Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4129/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State may be appointed by Government in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The details requested are shown in the following table.
|
Minister |
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser Salary |
|
Paschal Donohoe |
Deborah Sweeney |
€114,347 |
|
Paschal Donohoe |
Fiona O’Connor |
€114,347 |
288. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of full-time qualified tree surgeons employed by the OPW as of 24 January 2023. [4196/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW employs one full-time qualified tree surgeon as at 24 January 2023.
289. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide data associated with his Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4253/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2020, I as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform introduced mandatory new procedures for all Departments and agencies for offsetting the emissions associated with official air travel. In line with these procedures each Department and agency records the carbon emissions associated with all official air travel, values these emissions based on the prevailing rates of Ireland’s domestic Carbon Tax in the relevant year and pays an amount equivalent to the travel emissions impact into the Climate Action Fund.
The circular in question is available at this link: assets.gov.ie/46369/b0b6683188a747d08eb7b65736df3f61.pdf
The tables below provide the data associated with air travel for my Department and the bodies under its aegis. Data for flights taken in 2022 is currently being collated and payment will be due at end February 2023.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Year |
Air Travel KM (Total) |
Tonnes of Carbon Emissions |
Payment value € |
|
2021 (Cost per Tonne €33.5) |
48,943 |
5.4224 |
181.80 |
|
2020 (Cost per Tonne €26) |
122,005 |
12.4161 |
322.80 |
Bodies under the aegis
|
Body/Agency |
Year |
Air Travel KM (Total) |
Tonnes of Carbon Emissions |
Payment value € |
|
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
2021 |
19,943 |
3.16 |
82.05 |
|
2020 |
24,894 |
2.092 |
70.09 |
|
|
National Shared Services Office (NSSO) |
2021 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2020 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
2021 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2020 |
24,904 |
2.785 |
78.00 |
|
|
State Laboratory |
2021 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2020 |
32,050 |
3.1665 |
82.33 |
|
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
2021 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2020 |
30,094 |
2.2419 |
58.29 |
|
|
National Lottery Regulator |
2021 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2020 |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
290. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in respect of the bandstand in Stephen's Green, Dublin 2; the estimated reopening of same; and a schedule of costs attached to the works. [4266/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bandstand in St. Stephen's Green Park was closed in 2021 due to the identification of structural issues which made it unsafe for visitors. Conservation Architects from the Office of Public Works have been working to determine the most appropriate manner to restore and make safe this historical bandstand. The OPW has commissioned historical reports and condition surveys and it has been determined that it is necessary to carry out structural repairs to the columns, plinths and decking.
The procurement process for these works is ongoing. Costings cannot be disclosed at this time due to commercial sensitivity within the procurement process.
While it is anticipated that works on restoring the bandstand will begin in quarter two of this year, a program for works can only be agreed with the contractor upon appointment, due to the specialist nature of the works. It is therefore not possible to confirm a reopening date at this time.
291. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of all procurement competitions in which companies owned by a person (details supplied) won contracts since 2016. [4340/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the difference between the tendered price and the actual price of delivery for each contract won by companies owned by a person (details supplied); and the final cost of each contract. [4656/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 293 together.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department requested clarification from him in respect of the details sought in these two Parliamentary Questions. I understand that the relevant information was provided by the Deputy on 30 January, 2023. In this context, I wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of these Parliamentary Questions as they relate to my Department and the bodies under its aegis, in line with Standing Order 51(1)(b).
292. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he or his Department became aware of the forestry deal between Coillte and (details supplied). [4626/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the first instance, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine and the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity hold responsibility for Government forestry policy. Coillte is a commercial state company under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
The first reference to a forestry deal between Coillte and the named private sector company received by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was in a Parliamentary Question submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure on Friday 13 January. The Parliamentary Question was sent for Transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who hold responsibility for Government forestry policy.
294. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the goods and services procured by the Office of Public Works in each of the years 2014 to 2022, inclusive, from companies (details supplied); and if such procurement was compliant or non-compliant or has been deemed to be compliant or non-compliant with procurement guidelines. [4690/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works manages in excess of 2,500 properties across the country. To ensure the continuing operation of these properties, for both the occupiers and visitors, the OPW retains the services of many hundreds of contractors annually. The information requested by the Deputy is considerable and ranges across nine years and would not be readily available.
The OPW will commence an exercise to collate the information requested and will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
295. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the names of advisers who have taken up employment in her Department since the Government rotation in December 2022; the annual salary they are paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of Special Advisers requires the approval of Government in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
Following the rotation of the Taoiseach, the process has commenced to reappoint the following advisers in my Department:
|
Office |
Adviser |
Salary |
|
Minister Catherine Martin |
Juno McEnroe |
€103,358 - Principal Officer PPC Scale |
|
Minister Catherine Martin |
Tanya Warren |
€103,358 - Principal Officer PPC Scale |
|
Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
Daniel Griffin |
€73,236 - Assistant Principal Officer PPC Scale |
296. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she is next scheduled to meet the CEO of the National Concert Hall. [4191/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing ongoing support to the National Cultural Institutions, maintaining regular contact with all NCI senior management to ensure that any matters that arise are dealt with expeditiously. Although I have no meetings scheduled with the CEO of the National Concert Hall in the immediate future, officials from my Department keep in regular contact with him and his senior management team. Just last week, senior officials from my Department met with the CEO and Chair of the Board on a range of matters relating to the Concert Hall. I understand that further engagements with the CEO and his team are planned for February, including the formal quarterly liaison meeting required under my Department’s corporate governance procedures and the steering committee meeting for the ambitious redevelopment of the Concert Hall under the NDP.
297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she last spoke formally to the president and-or director general of the GAA. [4192/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the All Ireland Senior Club Championship finals in Croke Park on Sunday 22 January 2023 and met the Director General of the GAA at that event. I had an introductory meeting with the President of the GAA on Wednesday 25 January 2023.
298. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will open bilateral discussions with her British counterpart regarding Irish artefacts held in British institutions and their repatriation, including the Mount Keeffe Chalice and other artefacts. [4238/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Museum in its establishing legislation, the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, is charged with maintaining, managing, controlling, protecting, preserving, recording, conducting research and enlarging the collection of museum heritage objectives for the benefit of the public. Its functions also provide for entering into agreements with comparable institutions in support of this primary purpose.
Just as our National Collection contains artworks and objects from around the world, so too are Irish artefacts to be found in various international museums. Prior to the enactment of the relevant legislation (the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997), and as is the case in many countries, objects from Ireland were often legitimately acquired by antiquarian collectors and ultimately entered the collections of other museums through onward sale or donation. This type of activity dates from a time which predates the current legislation and its provisions relating to the discovery, possession and sale of archaeological objects. This underscores the importance of provenance research relating to these objects.
Additionally, I would note that many Irish objects from collections in overseas museums have been loaned to Irish institutions for specific exhibitions. The National Museum of Ireland maintains close relationships with international museums that hold Irish artefacts and has often borrowed such material for exhibitions. The institutions also collaborate and share research in this area. I am aware from media reports that the British institution in which it is held has stated that the Mount Keeffe chalice is available for loan to Irish museums and my department officials will follow up with the National Museum on this matter specifically.
299. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide data associated with her Department’s air travel and air travel associated with agencies under the aegis of her Department (details supplied) from 1 January 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4257/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with DPER Circular 01/2020 Procedures for Offsetting the Emissions associated with air travel, my Department has made the following payments to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications under the Climate Action Fund scheme to offset emissions in respect of the years 2020 and 2021. The 2022 figures are yet to be finalised by our Travel Provider but will be paid over to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications by the due date of 28 February 2023.
Year Payment Made
2020 €715.78
2021 €787.59
With regard to travel policy and travel arrangements generally for officials of State Agencies under the remit of my Department, I can advise that this is an operational matter for the respective Agencies to implement.
300. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available for an organisation (details supplied) to travel to a competition. [4271/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough Culture Ireland my Department continues to work towards the Global Ireland 2025 aim, to double Ireland’s global cultural footprint by supporting our artists to present work to audiences worldwide.
Culture Ireland has responsibility for promoting Irish arts worldwide and does this by providing grants to create and support opportunities for Irish artists to present their work at prestigious venues, festivals and events internationally. Culture Ireland also develops platforms to present outstanding Irish work to international audiences, through showcases at key global arts events, including the Edinburgh Festivals and the Venice Biennale.
Finally, Culture Ireland does not provide funding to amateur groups, the organisations remit is to support the presentation of work to live public audiences and does not fund costs associated with participating in international competitions. Unfortunately, there are no funding streams available from my Department to support such an organisation.
301. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on grants for 2023 (details supplied). [4358/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted.
The final set of allocations were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Details of all allocations can be found on the Department's website.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage. This requires detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees.
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 have received a draft version. I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised 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. The timeframe to complete the allocation process will be dependent on the volume of applications received.
