Written Answers Nos. 1-30
5. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media about the progress of sports capital grant applications; the total value of the fund estimated for this year’s round of applications; and when she intends to make an announcement on same. [17257/24]
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 latest round of the SCEP closed for applications on Friday 8 September 2023. Examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last round in 2020 and the total funding applied for is €359 million, representing an 80% increase over the amount applied for in the 2020 SCEP.
The Scoring System and Assessment Manual for the 2023 round has been published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and "equipment-only" applications are being assessed first. I hope to announce these "equipment only" grants next month. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with those allocations to be announced later.
The Government recently agreed revised capital allocations under the National Development Plan totalling €2.25 billion out to 2026. The additional allocations of capital funding to 2026 will support key projects and programmes under the NDP such as the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
I am confident that the revised NDP capital allocations for my Department will allow for significant funding of the 2023 round of the Sports Capital Programme. I expect that Minister Martin and myself will confirm the overall allocation for the next round of SCEP in the near future in the context of the ongoing assessment of the applications which is currently underway.
6. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her engagement with other Departments and State agencies to support hotels in rural communities. [10407/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen we look at the wider economy and the particular set of challenges facing the hotel industry, particularly those in rural communities, it is clear that a collective and concerted multi-stakeholder approach to tackling these challenges is required and that is the approach my Department and the Government will continue to pursue.
I am acutely aware of the importance of local hotels for local communities throughout Ireland. As a proud Monaghan woman, I understand the economic and societal roles played by local hotels in regional towns across the country. The impacts of tourism accommodation stock displacement due to the national response to the humanitarian crises in Ukraine and elsewhere are felt across the country and the Government has clearly stated its intention to reduce the reliance on tourism accommodation in this regard.
My Department engages regularly with other Government Departments on supports for tourism enterprises, including hotels. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I co-chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which provides a platform for structured engagement between the tourism and hospitality sectors. Key issues, including those impacting on hotels, are discussed with a view to identifying practical solutions. The Forum met most recently on 24 January and a further meeting is planned shortly. The Irish Hotels Federation is a member of the Forum.
My Department and Fáilte Ireland work with industry and across Government to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages. This includes engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that the current two-week processing time for work permits is maintained and to consider submissions made by industry for the review of the work permit occupations lists. A range of measures have been brought forward by that Department to assist businesses, including hotels, with the current range of increased costs. Of particular significance is the €257 million Increased Costs of Business Scheme and other measures.
My Department is currently developing a new national tourism policy framework and issues around tourism accommodation supply and sustainability will be reflected in that policy framework and subsequent Action Plans.
8. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the large-scale sport infrastructure fund will be launched; if she will outline the guidelines for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16788/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra20. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the new round of the large-scale sports infrastructure fund will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 20 together.
Minister Martin and I confirmed on 6 December 2023 that a new round of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) will open for applications in the first half of 2024, with the dates, terms and conditions to be published on the Department’s website in due course. While this programme is aimed primarily at the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities it was also open to other bodies, philanthropic funders, clubs and voluntary organisations to apply but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or a national governing body.
On 3 April Minister Martin and I published the ‘Review of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund’ and the new ‘Similar Access Requirement’. The review outlines the issues faced by LSSIF projects to date, and provides recommendations in relation to a new round of LSSIF. The five recommendations include population and sustainability criteria, reducing administrative overheads, the level of grant aid funding required to deliver projects, similar access for men and women and guiding principles in respect of Stadiums and Large-Scale Sports Facilities.
The new Similar Access Requirement necessitates that recipients of LSSIF funding must accommodate the needs of women and men, on a similar basis, with respect to accessing the facilities that have been allocated public funding. Any organisation that is in receipt of LSSIF funding must have a similar access policy in place.
It is hoped that the terms and conditions for a new round of the LSSIF 2024 will be published next month. While intending applicants can review the guidelines and conditions of the programme from LSSIF 2018, these are subject to change in LSSIF 2024. It should also be noted that the scheme does not allow for the purchase of land or buildings.
I would encourage all eligible projects to consider applying for this competitive application process when it opens.
12. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has a strategy to ensure tourism in Ireland is more regionally balanced in terms of the entry and exit points of passengers arriving into Ireland, that is, airports and ferry ports. [16690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been a long term tourism policy objective to ensure that all regions thrive from a tourism perspective and I am determined to continue this in the years ahead.
In relation to future regional tourism policy, I am currently progressing the development of a new Tourism Policy Framework to mainstream sustainability across the entire sector in the period to 2030. While it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner consistent with our broader sustainability targets. Regional growth and season extension will be important objectives. While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed in 2023, I recently launched an online survey seeking the views of the public to help finalise the Framework. The online consultation is open until 26 April and I hope to publish the Policy Framework itself shortly afterwards.
In terms of access, I am fully aware that significant benefits are derived from facilitating direct access to the regions. Connectivity to key regional hubs is essential to support tourism, foreign direct investment and indigenous business.
Tourism Ireland’s Regional Access Programme maximises opportunities presented by new and existing regional access points, both air and sea, to deliver visitors to Ireland’s regions. The programme inspires visitors, and sustainably supports local economies and communities through stimulating increased direct bookings to regional ports and airports.
In addition, the Tourism Ireland Regional Cooperative Market Access Scheme seeks to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions. €3 million has been specifically allocated in 2024 for the scheme with matched funding from airlines, sea carriers, airports, ports and regional tourism stakeholders including local authorities. This will facilitate partnerships to drive visitors to the regions.
Fáilte Ireland is also committed to regionally balanced tourism and in 2023 launched four Regional Tourism Development Strategies for the period to 2027. The strategies outline a vision for tourism with a five year strategic framework for the sustainable development of Fáilte’s regional brands.
Finally, my colleague the Minister of Transport also supports balanced regional tourism through the Regional Airports Programme. This programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports by targeting funding at safety and security projects as well as supporting projects with a sustainable focus, encouraging airports to build climate resilience. In the 10 years since 2014, funding totalling over €141 million has been provided to regional airports under the programme.
14. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional measures she has put in place to support downstream businesses whose revenue has dropped mainly due to the fact local tourism accommodation is being used to accommodate Ukrainians, refugees and international protection applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17060/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the mitigation measures being considered to cover losses in ancillary tourist services, due to tourist accommodation being utilised for other uses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16833/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra17. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will expedite a review and provide supports to address the lack of hotel beds for the tourism sector in Drogheda, the largest town in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15 and 17 together.
The importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy and communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood and it is recognised that the use of tourist accommodation to support the Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis has impacted the sector, including in locations such as Drogheda.
Fáilte Ireland's analysis, as of November 2023, showed that 12% of all registered tourism accommodation stock nationally was under contract to the State. An additional amount of tourism-type accommodation that is not registered with Fáilte Ireland is also contracted to the state.
In Budget 2024, I secured a total funding of €216 million for the sector which will allow for continued support for tourism development at home and amongst overseas visitors. Within this overall allocation, I made up to €10 million available for a specific programme of supports targeted at tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement. This programme of supports, developed and administered by Fáilte Ireland, includes a business support scheme, investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals, and recruitment and retention initiatives.
The scheme has been specifically developed to support activity and attraction businesses that were most impacted in 2023 by the displacement of tourism accommodation stock. It involves a one-off Business Support Grant payment and applications for this grant were accepted between the 4 March and 12 April 2024. Fáilte Ireland is currently assessing those applications.
On the wider question of the use of tourism bedstock for humanitarian accommodation purposes, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recently secured the Government's approval for a new comprehensive accommodation strategy for International Protection applicants that will see a move away from full reliance on private providers towards a core of state-owned accommodation, delivering 14,000 state-owned beds by 2028. This approach will over time, help to reduce the reliance on tourism accommodation.
Fáilte Ireland has carried out a number of accommodation audits to establish a baseline for existing tourism accommodation capacity for local authorities in each destination and region. This includes a quality and gap analysis for additional accommodation development on a county-by-county basis along with the projected accommodation requirements. Additional capacity supply growth projections have been identified for all counties based on best estimates of demand recovery to 2030, the current gaps in the market by location and type, and changing consumer preferences for accommodation categories. These projections recommend a phased pipeline of new supply in line with location-specific demand drivers based on identified gaps in the market.
This year, Fáilte Ireland intends to secure services for the development of a monitoring system to track the pipeline of tourist accommodation in Ireland focusing on planning, construction commencement and opening phases of development. This will allow Fáilte to pinpoint challenges that exist in terms of the development of tourism accommodation and to measure their impact.
Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland’s statutory register of all Short-Term Tourist Letting accommodation in the State will, when implemented, provide a full picture of the stock of tourist accommodation. This will enhance Fáilte Ireland’s ability to promote wider tourism investment. In addition, the combined insights of the accommodation audits and the Register will help shape and inform Ireland’s long-term accommodation development plans to meet changing consumer demands and trends.
With regard to the specific tourism accommodation stock challenge for the tourism sector in Drogheda, tourism is a recognised critical element for regional social and economic development in the town. Drogheda is a key part of the Ancient Destination Experience Development Plan which is the Fáilte Ireland roadmap for development of tourism in regions such as the Boyne Valley and environs.
I welcome the collaboration between Fáilte Ireland and Louth County Council on the potential development of an attraction of scale focused on the Boyne as the development of such attractions is a key element underpinning a strong regional distribution of tourism across the country.
The role of Drogheda as a key entry point to the tourism and heritage attractions of the Boyne Valley is recognised by the significant funding which Fáilte has allocated to the town under its Urban Animation scheme in order to bring landmark buildings and structures in Drogheda’s historic landscape to life. While the challenges experienced by Drogheda due to displacement of tourism accommodation are not unique they serve as an exemplar of similar challenges across the country which must be addressed on the basis of sustained and strategic inter-agency collaboration.
More broadly therefore, Fáilte Ireland will continue to work in partnership with Government, state agencies, local authorities, representative groups and industry to develop tourism across Ireland by creating destination development plans and networks, investing in infrastructure, activities, visitor attractions and festivals. Fáilte Ireland also provides consumer and buyer insights, mentoring, business supports and training programmes and buyer platforms to help tourism businesses innovate and grow.
In addition, Fáilte Ireland supports business tourism, managing the bidding for and securing of larger conferences, meetings and events to be hosted in Ireland. It is also responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands, namely the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and Dublin.
In 2024 Fáilte Ireland has a programme of cross sectoral supports as follows:
- Domestic marketing campaigns supporting revenue generation.
- Digitalisation delivering commercial benefits in both revenue generation and operational efficiencies.
- A Careers in Tourism programme to help deliver higher retention and attraction of staff in and to the sector.
Furthermore, my Department is progressing the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. While I want to see the tourism sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with Ireland’s broader sustainability targets and ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices.
While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed in 2023, I want to give everybody the opportunity to influence the future direction of Irish tourism. Accordingly, the Department recently launched an online survey seeking the views of the public to help finalise the framework. The online consultation is open until 26 April 2024. It is hoped to have the new policy framework finalised and published in the coming months. Issues around accommodation stock will be considered as part of the new policy framework and subsequent action plan.
When we look at the wider economy and the particular set of challenges facing the tourism industry, it is clear that a collective and concerted multi-stakeholder approach to tackling these challenges is required and that is the approach that this Department and the Government will continue to pursue.
18. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media cé na pleananna nua atá aici agus na beartais nua atá i gceist aici a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta don tréimhse atá fágtha i dtéarma an Rialtais seo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16942/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBa gné ríthábhachtach d’fhócas an Rialtais i gcónaí cur chun cinn agus caomhnú na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta.
Léiríonn na pleananna agus na bearta atá leagtha amach ag mo Roinn don tréimhse atá fágtha de théarma an Rialtais seo agus ina dhiaidh sin go bhfuil cur chuige réamhghníomhach nuálach ar bun. Sna míonna amach romhainn cuirfear i bhfeidhm agus tógfar ar na straitéisí cuimsitheacha atá forbartha ag mo Roinnse atá dírithe ar fhás agus ar bheocht phobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a chothú.
Ina measc sin tá:
• cur i bhfeidhm na bpleananna gníomhaíochta a bhaineann leis an Straitéis do na hEalaíona Teangabhunaithe, a foilsíodh i mí an Mhárta. Tá €9 milliún euro geallta ag mo Roinn chun na pleananna seo a chur i bhfeidhm sna míonna agus sna blianta amach romhainn.
• beidh grúpa stiúrtha le bunú sna míonna amach romham a mbeidh de chúram air feidhmiú an Phlean Dhigitigh don Ghaeilge as seo go ceann cúig bliana a leagan amach.
• príomhghné den obair a bheidh ar bun agam sa téarma seo is ea feidhmiú iomlán agus rathúil Achtanna na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chinntiú. Bunaíodh an Coiste Comhairleach um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge i Meitheamh 2022 agus beidh an chéad Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge á chur faoi mo bhráid roimh an spriocdháta de 19 Meitheamh 2024.
• tá mé tiomanta do leanúint le cur i bhfeidhm na mbearta atá leagtha amach sa i dtaca leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a bheidh ag teacht chun críche in 2030. Cuireadh bliain bhreise le saolré an Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2023 go deireadh 2023 ionas go mbeadh deis chuí ag páirtithe leasmhara cúram a dhéanamh d’fheidhmiú na mbearta agus dul i ngleic le pé moill a d’eascair as an bpaindéim. Beidh tuairisc bhliantúil eile le hullmhú don bhliain 2023 dá bharr seo. Idir an dá linn, tá athbhreithniú le déanamh ar Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2023 agus beidh Plean Gníomhaíochta nua á ullmhú don tréimhse atá fágtha den Straitéis ag tógáil san áireamh toradh an athbhreithnithe sin.
• ar 28 Meitheamh 2023, fógraíodh go mbeidh athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ar an gcéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi réir Acht na Gaeltachta 2012. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil an comhairliúchán uile déanta de réir mar a bhaineann sé leis an athbhreithniú agus go bhfuil tús curtha le dréachtú na tuarascála a bheas curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne go ríghairid.
• beidh athbhreithniú le déanamh ag mo Roinn ar an Tionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge go luath, le cinntiú go mbeidh sé oiriúnach i bhfianaise achtú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021. Tá mé ag súil go gcuirfear an t-athbhreithniú sin i gcrích faoin bhfómhar i mbliana.
• tá mo Roinn ag obair faoi láthair ar scéim phíolótach a bhfuil sé mar aidhm léi cumas Gaeilge múinteoirí scoile agus oibrithe in earnáil an oideachais luathbhlianta a fheabhsú. Tá mionsonraí na scéime seo le haontú fós. Táim ag dréim leis go mbeidh an obair seo curtha i gcrích san fhómhar.
• tá cinneadh glactha anois ag an Rialtas an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) agus Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha 2024 a dhréachtú, mar thosaíocht. Is í príomhaidhm an Bhille ná an próiseas ainmniúcháin agus roghnúcháin reatha a rialaíonn ceapacháin ar bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta a athrú go próiseas nua toghcháin agus roghnúcháin. Beidh mé ag tabhairt ardthosaíocht d'achtú an Bhille seo sna míonna amach romhainn.
• Is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn na buiséid do na Forais Trasteorann uile, An Foras Teanga san áireamh, agus dá réir, buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge. Le Feidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt ar ais anois, tá teagmháil leanúnach ag oifigigh mo Roinne le hoifigigh Roinn Pobail Tuaisceart Éireann maidir le buiséad 2024. Tá suim de €700,000 curtha ar leataobh i mo Roinn don obair seo i mbliana.
• Táim tiomanta chomh maith d'fhorbairt shuíom Choláiste Lurgan i nGaeltacht Chonamara agus Cheanncheathrú Chonradh na Gaeilge mar lárionad Gaeilge do phobal na hardchathrach.
21. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán soiléiriú a thabhairt ar aon teagmháil idir a Roinn, an Roinn Tithíochta agus brúghrúpa (sonraí tugtha) maidir leis na ceithre bhunéileamh atá acu faoin easpa tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs féidir liom a dheimhniú gur chas oifigigh mo Roinne le déanaí le hionadaithe ón ngrúpa Bánú, a bunaíodh ag deireadh na bliana seo caite. Bhí plé tairbheach ag mo chuid oifigigh leis an ngrúpa seo agus táthar ag dul a teacht le chéile leo arís sna seachtainí amach romhainn chun na nithe atá ardaithe acu a chíoradh tuilleadh.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil ceithre gníomh ach go háirithe molta ag an ngrúpa le dul i ngleic leis an nganntanas soláthar tithíochta sa nGaeltacht. Is iad sin:
• go dtabharfaí, trí leasú cuí reachtaíochta, an chumhacht d'Údarás na Gaeltachta dul ag plé le soláthar tithíochta sa nGaeltacht;
• go dtabharfaí cead do mo Roinn fhéin usáid a bhaint as Achtanna dTithe (Gaeltachta) le tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do chainteoirí Gaeilge tithe a thógáil sa nGaeltacht;
• go dtabharfaí tús áite do chainteoirí Gaeilge teach a fháil ar cíos seachas tithe a bheith ligthe ar bhonn ghearrthréimhseach; agus,
• go ndéanfaí na dréacht threoirlínte Gaeltachta a fhoilsiú gan mhoill.
Ar ndóigh, is ag an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta atá an fhreagracht maidir le cúrsaí pleanála agus tithíochta.
Tá forálacha san Acht Pleanála agus Forbartha 2000 a aithníonn an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge a chosaint agus a chur chun cinn sa Ghaeltacht. Chuige sin chuir mo Roinn tús le próiseas chun treoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht a chur i dtoll a chéile dhá bhliain ó shin nuair a d'ardaigh an tAire Stáit ag an am an cheist leis an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta.
Cuireadh dhá ghrúpa oibre le chéile ag an am agus, cé nach bhfuil na treoirlínte curtha amach le comhairliúcháin phoiblí go fóill, tá an t-uafás oibre curtha isteach san obair dhréachtaithe ó shin. Tá rúinín beag oibre le déanamh ag an dá Roinn go fóill ach tá súil agam go mbeidh dréacht foilsithe ag an Roinn Títhíochta i mbeagán achair.
Ní mór dom a lua chomh maith go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta ag breathnú go gníomhach chomh maith ar cheist na tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht faoi láthair agus beidh toradh na hoibre sin le feiceáil le linn na bliana atá romhainn.
Tá iarratas faighte agam féin díreach an tseachtain seo ón ngrúpa Bánú ar chruinniú chun a gcuid moltaí a phlé agus tá súil agam a bheith in ann an cruinniú sin a eagrú sna seachtainí amach romhainn.
22. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps her Department is taking to encourage the participation of females in sport; if she can provide an update on the programme for Government commitment to increase the level of media coverage, nationally and locally, of women’s sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16789/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2024, Minister Martin and I announced a record investment of almost €30 million in core funding for sporting organisations for 2024. This funding will ensure that organisations can continue to provide valuable opportunities for everyone to participate in sport.
Under Budget 2024, the funding made available by the Department to the Women in Sport Programme, was doubled to €4 million. This is a very important funding programme for sporting bodies, supporting them in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports. I expect to announce the 2024 funding allocations by June.
Women in Sport funding has helped National Governing Bodies of Sport create their own visibility campaigns and projects. Examples include Cycling Ireland’s ‘Bike Like Me’, Basketball Ireland’s ‘Spotlight Her’, Triathlon Ireland ‘Advocates Roles Models’, and Gymnastics Ireland mini documentary series.
Sport Ireland is the authority tasked by the Government with the development of sport in Ireland. In 2023, Sport Ireland hosted a workshop for female sports commentators / analysts to discuss future training needs, as well as a networking event for commentators, current and retired athletes, and the sports media. Sport Ireland will provide further training support and networking events in 2024.
Over the past number of years, Sport Ireland has run successful visibility campaigns to promote female role models in sport, at both a local and national level. These campaigns include, 'Women in Sport Week', 'Her Outdoors Week', 'Her Moves', and 'It’s My Time'.
In 2023, Sport Ireland, through Women in Sport funding, supported the Olympic Federation of Ireland in the creation of a ‘Gender Equality in Media’ module, which is being offered as part of third-level media training courses.
To enhance the role of women in sports media, Sport Ireland has also supported two female sports internship positions in the RTÉ Internship Programme. Further plans are being developed to offer similar opportunities to other media organisations which may wish to adopt an internship model to help promote women in sport.
23. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an aontaíonn sí leis an rún glactha ag Ard Fheis Conradh na Gaeilge maidir leis an gcreatlach maoinithe ag Foras na Gaeilge a bheith lochtach, agus an bhfuil sé i gceist aici athbhreithniú a phlé lena comhghleacaí san Fheidhmeannas ó thuaidh. [17072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs áisíneacht de chuid an Fhoras Teanga Thuaidh Theas é Foras na Gaeilge, ceann de na 6 chomhlacht forfheidhmithe a bunaíodh nuair a tháinig An tAcht um Chomhaontú na Breataine-na hÉireann 1999 i bhfeidhm. Is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn na buiséid do na Forais Trasteorann uile, An Foras Teanga san áireamh, agus dá réir, buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge.
Tuigimid uile na dúshláin a bhain le buiséad na n-áisíneachtaí Thuaidh Theas le cúpla bliain, ceal an Fheidhmeannas a bheith ag suí agus, mar thoradh air sin, gan cruinnithe de chuid na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas a bheith ann le buiséid a cheadú.
Is iad mo Roinn fhéin agus an Roinn Pobail Tuaisceart Éireann an dá Roinn Urraíochta ar an bhForas Teanga Thuaidh Theas atá cómhaoinithe ag an dá Roinn. Le Feidhmeannas an Tuaiscirt ar ais anois, tá teagmháil leanúnach ag oifigigh mo Roinne le hoifigigh Roinn Pobail Tuaisceart Éireann maidir le buiséad 2024.
Maidir le Foras na Gaeilge, íocann mo Roinn 75% dá bhuiséad, le 25% de ag teacht ón Roinn Pobail. Ar an mbonn seo, ní mór aontú an dá Roinn a fháil i leith gach gné de bhuiséid áisíneachtaí an Fhorais Teanga, Foras na Gaeilge san áireamh. Caithfear ansin an buiséad sin a chur faoi bhráid chruinniú de chuid na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas le bheith faofa.
Tá ardú dár luach €700,000 i mbuiséad mo Roinne don Fhoras Teanga Thuaidh Theas arís i mbliana agus tá cumarsáid leanúnach ar bun idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus oifigigh na Roinne Pobail maidir leis an obair uile, cúrsaí buiséid san áireamh.
Tuigeann mo Roinn na dúshláin atá ann d'Fhoras naGaeilge agus dá chuid cliaint agus, le tamall de bhlianta anuas. Tá iarrachtaí déanta aici teacht ar bhealaí eile chun tacú tuilleadh le pobal na Gaeilge ar bhonn uile oileáin. Mar shampla, cheadaigh mo Roinn €300,000 breise do Chlár na Leabhar Gaeilge agus don obair fhoclóireachta atá ar bun ag an bhForas i 2023 agus tá súil agam breathnú ar an dá réimse seo arís sa bhliain reatha.
Arís, mar a luaigh mé ag an tús, is faoi scáth an Achta um Chomhaontú na Breataine-na hÉireann, 1999 a bunaíodh na Forais Thuaidh Theas uile. Leanfaidh mo Roinn ag comhoibriú leis an Roinn Pobail chun an leas is fearr a bhaint amach don Fhoras Teanga Thuaidh Theas, Foras na Gaeilge san áireamh, faoi scáth na reachtaíochta faoin bhfuil sé bunaithe.
25. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to detail what core funding has been allocated to support sporting organisations, national governing bodies of sport and local sports partnerships through Sport Ireland for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16937/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the allocation of current funding to sporting organisations across its various programmes, and to the Local Sports Partnerships.
On 21 March, Minister Martin and I were delighted to announce a record investment of almost €30 million in core funding support to sporting organisations, through Sport Ireland, for 2024. €17.3 million is being invested in the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) this year, an increase of €1.3 million on the 2023 figure.
Investment in the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) has increased by €1 million, with a total investment of €11.4 million being allocated across the 29 LSPs
This is the highest ever level of Core investment into NGBs and LSPs, increasing by almost €11.9 million over the lifecycle of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
Details of funding allocated to individual NGBs, LSPs and other sporting organisations is available here:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb256-funding-allocated-to-individual-ngbs-lsps-and-other-sporting-organisations/
27. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé fós mar sprioc aici Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a thabhairt ar ais, mar a gheall an iar-Aire Stáit Patrick O’Donovan, agus má tá, cathain. [17071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTháinig deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge in 2011. 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, ba €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 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 €5m 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.
• Comhthreomhar leis an gciste sin, tá ciste faoi leith ar fiú €3.7 é i leith an tréimhse 2023 go 2026 ar fáil don eagraíocht Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta chun tacú tuilleadh le soláthar seirbhísí sa réimse luathbhlianta sa Ghaeltacht . Ní áirítear sa chiste seo an ciste faoi leith a chuireann Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil do Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta arbh 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. 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 bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh mo 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.
28. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to report on the progress to date in the development of the national counter disinformation strategy; when she expects this strategy to be published; to report on the meetings of the national counter disinformation strategy working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16999/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is intended that the National Counter Disinformation Strategy will be published in Q2 2024.
The development of this national strategy was a recommendation of the Future of Media Commission, which called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to combat the damaging impact of disinformation on Irish society and democracy.
The Working Group tasked with developing the Strategy was established in February 2023. It is independently chaired and comprises representatives from Government Departments, public bodies, industry, academia and civil society, with coordination being provided by my Department.
The Working Group has met monthly since its establishment and has heard from a range of experts in different fields related to disinformation. The minutes of all meetings, including presentations from experts, have been published on the dedicated webpage for the development National Counter Disinformation Strategy at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/04f9e-national-counter-disinformation-strategy-working-group/
As part of the development work, three subgroups examined and reported on key issues relating to disinformation, namely: existing countermeasures; the current and emerging regulatory environment; and the support of free, independent, high-quality journalism and the protection of public interest information.
The Working Group held an online public consultation process that ran from 25 September to 20 October 2023. In addition, a stakeholder consultation event was held on 29 November 2023. Drafting of the Strategy is now ongoing with a view to its finalisation in Q.2 2024.
More information on the development of the Strategy is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/04f9e-national-counter-disinformation-strategy-working-group/
29. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position on the provision of funding to safeguard the future of RTÉ; if the issue of bogus self-employment and the potential cost to the organisation of this debacle is being considered; the steps she will take in respect of other public service news and broadcasting services; her views on whether these could be dealt with separately and sooner, while the RTÉ issue continues to be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17006/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic service media is vital to our society; it is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy and provides a valuable educational and entertainment service to the public.
The issue of RTÉ’s future funding cannot be addressed in isolation. As I have stated previously, any new funding model for public service media will need to provide long-term sustainable funding, not only for RTÉ but also for the provision of public service content by other media providers, including independent producers, local and community broadcasters, as well as print and online media outlets. It is also vital that media independence is protected.
High-level discussions on the options open to government are continuing but, as previously stated, a final decision will not be made until after the reports of the two independent expert advisory committees are received and considered. An examination of these recommendations prior to any decision being made is vital, as the future of RTÉ will have a significant impact on independent producers and the media sector as a whole.
A new model for funding public service content is greater importance now than it ever has been, given the impact that the RTÉ controversy has had on TV licence revenue since last July, and this Government is committed to enacting a new model.
As has always been the case, the question of how exactly funding provided to RTÉ is spent will be a matter for the Director General, given the broadcaster's statutory independence. This encompasses not only expenditure on content and services, but also on the cost of administration of the organisation, including making appropriate provision for costs which might arise following the DSP scope investigation into employment classification of individuals, which remains ongoing.
The funding of RTÉ is not the only issue when it comes to funding considerations, and this Government is committed to establishing the platform-neutral Media Fund recommended by the Future of Media Commission. Pending the introduction of the new long-term funding model, I provided an allocation of €6m this year to enable Coimisiún na Meán to bring forward two of the schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission - the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme and the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Significant work has already taken place on the design of these schemes by my Department, with both the European Commission from a State Aid perspective, and with stakeholders. The Schemes have now been handed over to Coimisiún na Meán which recently opened a public consultation seeking views on the proposed approach to both. These schemes will provide greater support to local media in reporting matters of public interest when launched later this year. This will be in addition to the existing funding, available through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which provides vital support to independent producers and all broadcasters in developing high quality public service content for television and radio.
30. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans for the universal basic income pilot scheme for artists after it is due to end in 2025. [17059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of the Basic Income for the Arts has been a key priority for me. I believe that this is a once in a generation policy intervention which has the potential to transform the lives of artists.
The Basic Income for the Arts is accompanied by a 3-year research programme. The research programme is an important part of the pilot: it is a unique opportunity to gather data on the sector that we did not have before. In researching impacts on recipients and on the ecology of the arts, this pilot scheme has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it. It will help us to make further progress towards a more evidence-based approach to funding for the arts and to tell a story about the sector based, to a greater extent, on data.
Pilot participants are required to complete a survey every 6 months. Survey data is continuously being analysed as the pilot progresses.
The primary objective of the data collection is to capture a wide range of information related to the artists' demographics, income sources, spending habits, financial well-being, work and job quality, perceptions of the arts sector, time use, health and well-being, and experiences of discrimination.
The first Impact Assessment of the Basic Income Pilot Scheme was published in December 2023. It outlines changes that the BIA recipients have experienced within the first 6 months of receiving the payment. Initial findings show that recipients are experiencing less anxiety and depression and have higher life satisfaction. They are investing more time and money on their practice, and spending less time working in other sectors. They are also making ends meet more easily. Similar reports will be published throughout the 3-year pilot.
Findings from the research programme will provide an evidence base for future Government policy in relation to the arts.
