Written Answers Nos. 155-180
155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs for each of the past three years in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20104/24]
View answerThe latest employment survey results from Enterprise Ireland present a positive outlook for the Irish economy, particularly in the sectors under its remit. According to the Annual Employment Survey 2023, there has been a notable increase in employment levels across industrial and service companies. This growth is not just confined to the capital city but is spread across the country, with 68% of the new jobs being created outside of Dublin.
Furthermore, the survey provides a decade-long perspective on employment trends, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Ireland's industrial and services landscape. Over the ten-year period from 2014 to 2023, there has been a consistent upward trajectory in employment figures, reflecting the success of policies aimed at fostering enterprise and innovation. The strategic focus on diversifying Ireland's economic base and promoting exports has also contributed to this positive trend.
In conclusion, the Annual Employment Survey 2023 indicates that Ireland's economy is on a solid growth path, with Enterprise Ireland playing a pivotal role in supporting businesses and job creation.
The spread of employment across various regions and sectors is particularly encouraging, as it suggests a balanced and inclusive economic development. These results are a cause for optimism and underscore the importance of continued investment in enterprise development and innovation strategies.
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
Carlow |
3,500 |
3,815 |
3,916 |
|
Cavan |
6,506 |
6,534 |
6,942 |
|
Clare |
4,286 |
5,266 |
5,184 |
|
Cork |
24,962 |
25,585 |
25,769 |
|
Donegal |
4,209 |
4,308 |
3,479 |
|
Dublin |
66,704 |
70,785 |
74,681 |
|
Galway |
8,122 |
8,651 |
9,104 |
|
Kerry |
4,598 |
4,874 |
4,973 |
|
Kildare |
9,098 |
9,270 |
9,436 |
|
Kilkenny |
4,960 |
4,908 |
5,630 |
|
Laois |
1,886 |
1,924 |
1,867 |
|
Leitrim |
622 |
834 |
880 |
|
Limerick |
9,141 |
8,736 |
8,924 |
|
Longford |
2,262 |
2,223 |
2,392 |
|
Louth |
6,521 |
6,369 |
6,744 |
|
Mayo |
4,862 |
5,288 |
6,004 |
|
Meath |
7,510 |
7,943 |
7,898 |
|
Monaghan |
5,579 |
6,255 |
6,709 |
|
Offaly |
4,249 |
4,260 |
4,091 |
|
Roscommon |
1,684 |
1,619 |
1,671 |
|
Sligo |
1,966 |
2,116 |
2,308 |
|
Tipperary |
6,287 |
6,542 |
6,742 |
|
Waterford |
6,519 |
7,502 |
7,580 |
|
Westmeath |
3,019 |
3,099 |
3,178 |
|
Wexford |
5,024 |
5,580 |
5,710 |
|
Wicklow |
3,818 |
3,892 |
3,683 |
*Employment figures reported in the Enterprise Ireland Annual Reports for 2021, 2022 and as yet unpublished in 2023
156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when the auxiliary services grant, which is normally paid in March, will be paid to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19909/24]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
Correspondence issued to all schools on 26th April detailing the calculation of ancillary grant funding for 2024. The school referred to by the Deputy received their ancillary funding on 29th April 2024.
157. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update on the timeline of the permanent building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19919/24]
View answer158. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update on the timeline of the permanent building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19919/24]
View answerA potential property has been identified to provide permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy.
An architectural consultant has determined that it is feasible to develop this site and property to provide the accommodation required by the school.
Given the commercial sensitivities associated with acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
I wish to assure you that the provision of a permanent location for this school is a priority for the Department
159. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education whether the option to install a turbine to generate wind energy has been considered for schools that are receiving solar to offset their energy, since schools are mainly open during winter when wind is the most abundant source of energy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19941/24]
View answer160. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if the option to install a turbine to generate wind energy has been considered for schools that are receiving solar to offset their energy since schools are mainly open during winter when wind is the most abundant source of energy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19942/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
My Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.
My Department’s approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector is predicated on establishing a credible phased pathway to zero emissions, and meeting 2030 public sector targets through an evidence based approach, informed by the Department’s Energy Research Programme which has been in place from 1997 with over 54 different research strands.
Since 2009, schools designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have achieved A3 Building Energy Ratings. Current schools typically achieve up to 20% higher energy performance and 25% better carbon performance than required by Building Regulations.
It is important for successful implementation that a sustainable solution is compatible with the end users circumstances and requirements including health and safety and maintenance and operation. The application of wind energy in schools has been explored by my Department and the results indicate that given the scale of application to match demand and capacity in a meaningful way, schools are better placed to connect to one of the main wind energy electrical suppliers to maximise the potential of green electricity. This is kept under review given improvements in technology and the market place.
161. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will help the family of a person (details supplied) in their quest to have them enrolled in a special school in Ennis for their second-level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19965/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for this school year. Two new special schools have been established in Cork and Dublin, and further capacity is being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Clare and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new places for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the NCSE have provided special class options to the parents for their consideration. The local special educational needs officer (SENO) remains available to offer advice and guidance to the family regarding special education placements options.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
162. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19989/24]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. The Council registers teachers under five routes of registration namely, Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the Regulations. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.
To register as a Further Education teacher under Route 3, the applicant must have both 1 and 2 below.
1. An Honours Bachelor’s Degree at Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits
or
An Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree at Level 7 on the NFQ which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits?and either
• An appropriate additional qualification, or
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a workplace or instructional setting which is relevant to the qualification(s)
2. A Teaching Council accredited Further Education teacher education qualification (TEQ).
If the applicant has the required degree qualification but have not completed an accredited TEQ, they can be registered with a condition(s) for three years.
In this time, they must complete their TEQ.
View a list of accredited programmes.
This process for applying for registration for Further Education is line with the following relevant legislation:
Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 [Revised]
There is no mechanism whereby what is being sought can be facilitated, as the transparent and equal application of published regulations and procedures in the State to all applicants for registration are important legal principles.
163. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19996/24]
View answerThe project for the school referred to by the Deputy when complete will provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school building and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the permanent site for the school. The decision to grant planning permission for the permanent school was received from An Bord Pleanála on 25th October 2023.
Projects are subject to relevant due diligence by the Department at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters. In late March, following a review of National Development Plan allocations, the Government approved medium term capital allocations for the Department of Education for the period to 2026. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is now reviewing its programme plans in the context of those recently confirmed allocations, which includes the project referred to by the Deputy.
In reference to the interim accommodation, my Department will endeavour to ensure that the specialist rooms are being prioritised for September 2024.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent school and to provide any updates in relation to progress on the school building project.
164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the progress made to date with an application for improved accommodation by a primary school (details supplied); when a decision will be made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20033/24]
View answerThe school referred by the Deputy has been approved to be included in the Department's school building pipeline for a project that involves providing 2 mainstream classrooms, 4 special education tuition rooms, and converting 2 special education classrooms under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme.
I can confirm that documentation submitted for the project in the fourth quarter of 2020 did not adhere to the approved plans. Consequently, my department has requested revised plans consistent with the approved plans. We have received a revised submission, which will undergo review by my department officials.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
165. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the current school transport system, specifically in relation to the situation faced by the parents of a school in Tipperary (details supplied); the measures being taken to address the concerns of these parents, who rely on the Bus Éireann school bus as an affordable transport option for their children, and who have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed changes to the school transport scheme set to be implemented by 2030; what can be done to ensure these students have an appropriate and affordable transport option to their local secondary school; what steps are being considered to address these issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20036/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post-primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has recently been completed and the School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published. It marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure it serves students and their families adequately.
The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will begin in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of transport networks with school transport routes.
The scale of the scheme is significant, and any changes will take time to plan and implement. Therefore, it is considered prudent to implement the proposed scheme changes on a phased basis.
It is intended, subject to resources, to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the date on which a Gaelscoil building project tender (details supplied) will be approved and published; the date on which it is expected that the buildings will be completed and ready for use; if she will outline the reason for the delay in progressing this project; if her attention is drawn to difficulties now present in the context of accommodating pupils in the 2024/2025 school year; and her plan to remedy same. [20049/24]
View answerSince 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. Projects at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I recently announced that close to 90 school building projects currently at tender stage will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education, including responding to the increased requirement for special education provision.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 8 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
This project currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects with planning permission, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of my Department’s Project Manager. The process of appointing the Design Team from my Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is now progressing through design development stages.
The school referred to by the Deputy is in interim accommodation on the Moyglare Campus Site, Maynooth. The school has sufficient accommodation for September 2024.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation requirements and provide any updates in relation to progress on the school building project.
167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional places will be available for the 2024/2025 school year (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20054/24]
View answer168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional places will be available for the 2024/2025 school year (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20054/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs. 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2023/24 school year.
Of these five are in Cavan, four at primary level and one at post-primary level. This brings to 52 the number of special classes in County Cavan, 40 at primary level and 12 at post-primary level. Four of these are Early Intervention classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6. The NCSE has advised my department that places remain available in all Early Intervention classes.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Planning for special classes and special school is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
169. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of Exchequer funding that was allocated to TG4 in each of the years 2023 and 2024. [19953/24]
View answerThe Exchequer funding allocation to TG4 for 2024, as provided for in the Revised Estimates for Public Services, is €57.033 million. This consists of €52.233m current and €4.8m capital funding.
The 2024 allocation will enable TG4 to continue to provide quality public service content to its audiences, both at home and abroad, including programming for the first dedicated, Irish language children's channel, Cúla4, which was launched last year.
TG4 was allocated €52.233 million for 2023, as provided for in the Revised Estimates for the Public Services, comprising €48.033 million current and €4.2 million capital funding. An additional €4 million capital funding was provided in December 2023 as part of a Supplementary Estimate.
TG4 has been provided with substantial additional resources under my term as Minister, with a total increase of €19.8 million in funding being provided over the lifetime of this Government. This is a 53% increase on the level of funding TG4 had in 2020.
170. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of Exchequer funding that was allocated to Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2023 and 2024. [19954/24]
View answerThe level of exchequer funding allocated to Fáilte Ireland by my Department in 2023 amounted to €143,214,000 and the amount allocated for 2024 is €140,452,000.
Details of the annual funding allocations provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and supplementary estimates published by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and are available on that Department's website. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are A3, A5 (shared with Tourism Ireland), A6 and A8. Further details are available in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for 2023 and 2024 under Vote 33.
171. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of Exchequer funding that was allocated to Tourism Ireland in each of the years 2023 and 2024. [19955/24]
View answerTourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. The level of exchequer funding allocated to Tourism Ireland in 2023 from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media amounted to €82,751,500. The amount allocated for 2024 is €74,826,000 .
Details of the annual exchequer funding allocations provided by my Department to Tourism Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and supplementary estimates published by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and are available on that Department's website.
The subheads of relevance to Tourism Ireland are A4, A5 and D8 for 2023 and 2024, and additionally A7 for 2023.
172. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the percentage of all Fáilte Ireland registered tourism bed stock that was contracted to the State for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and the most recent up-to-date percentage figure for 2024, per county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19966/24]
View answerThe 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.
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.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has been engaged across government concerning temporary accommodation for those in need of shelter and is responsible for all contracted accommodation used to house Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) and other International Protection (IP) applicants.
In order to provide an immediate humanitarian response from February 2022 onwards, DCEDIY rapidly expanded the contracting of accommodation to house BOTP and IP applicants. This included the contracting of accommodation that was tourism related.
From March 2022 up until May 2023, DCEDIY had provided an analysis of its overall humanitarian accommodation portfolio. This had focused on that portfolio as a percentage of the registered tourism stock quantum. However, as more and more non-registered and non-tourism stock had come into the portfolio, the percentage of registered tourism accommodation being used by DCEDIY had declined and it was clear that a detailed analysis of the data needed to take place.
In June 2023, Fáilte Ireland undertook a granular analysis of the data provided by DCEDIY, and adopted a focused approach to the different classes of accommodation types in their portfolio. This analysis showed that the percentage of registered tourism accommodation being used was significantly lower than had been initially estimated.
Fáilte Ireland analysis of the data provided by DCEDIY in June 2023 showed that 13% of all registered tourism accommodation stock nationally was under contract to the state. The analysis also showed that an additional quantum of tourism-type accommodation that is not registered with Fáilte Ireland was also contracted to the state. Additional information in this regard, including county specific data, can be found in a report at the following link:
www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/Publications/update-on-government-contracted-accommodation-stock.pdf?ext=.pdf
Follow up analysis by Fáilte Ireland of the data provided by DCEDIY showed that in November 2023 12% of all registered tourism accommodation stock was under contract to the state, down from 13% in June 2023. Again, additional information in this regard, including county specific data, can be found in a report at the following link: www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/3_Research_Insights/overview-of-government-contracted-beds-nov-2023.pdf?ext=.pdf
Fáilte Ireland is in the process of carrying out a further analysis of current data provided by DCEDIY of all registered tourism accommodation stock that is under contract to the state and it hopes to finalise this analysis soon.
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.
In addition, legislative changes brought in on the 14 March 2024 mean that anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine who registers for temporary protection and is looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland will be accommodated for a maximum of 90 days in designated accommodation centres.
It is hoped that both these approaches will over time, help to reduce the reliance on tourism accommodation.
173. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she can provide the precise amount of funding, in tabular form, which has been provided to Waterford over the past six years by Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20023/24]
View answer174. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how Údarás na Gaeltachta decide where and how their funding is allocated and; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20024/24]
View answer175. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what the key performance indicators are for Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20025/24]
View answerThe annual reports and end of year statements related to Údarás na Gaeltachta are available on udaras.ie/faoin-udaras/foilseachan/tuarascalacha-bliantula-agus-raitis/ . These documents contain information regarding funding and development activities of the organisation and provide details regarding Údarás activities in the various sectors and geographical regions under its remit.
In its Strategic Plan (2021-2025), Údarás na Gaeltachta sets out two overall key performance objectives and the delivery of 7 strategic projects. The two main strategic objectives are:
• Language Plans being implemented in 26 language planning areas and 3 Gaeltacht Service Towns.
• Growing and sustaining the level of employment in Údarás na Gaeltachta's client-companies to 9,000 employees.
Údarás na Gaeltachta have also committed to advancing 7 key strategic projects, relating to:
• gteic na Gaeltachta (Digital Hub Network)
• Páirc na Mara
• Tourism
• Sustainability
• Gaeltacht Brand
• Tourism
• Fostering the Irish language and culture among the Youth
In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of Public Bodies the Department has agreed a Performance Delivery Agreement with Údarás na Gaeltachta and more detailed performance targets are agreed as part of the budgetary process. These targets are published annually in the Revised Estimates Volume.
176. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of the situation in an area (details supplied) where the village is about to lose its only post office which is integral to the vibrancy of the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20026/24]
View answerThe Deputy should note at the outset that issues relating to the post office network are an operational matter directly for An Post and, accordingly, I have no function with regard to same.
However, it may also be worth noting in this context that the President signed the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 into law on 22 December 2021. This new legislation is a strengthening of the Official Languages Act 2003, and it is widely recognised that it will make a significant contribution to the quality of Irish language services provided to the public by State bodies.
The primary objectives of the strengthened Act are that:
• 20% of recruits to the public sector will be competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030;
• all public services in the Gaeltacht and for the Gaeltacht will be provided through Irish;
• all public offices in the Gaeltacht will operate through the medium of Irish;
• a National Plan for Irish Language Public Services will be developed;
• a system of language standards will be introduced in place of the system of language schemes.
Central to these efforts will be the work of the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee. The Committee was established on 20 June 2022, and its initial work is primarily focused on the preparation of the first ever National Plan for Irish Language Public Services which is scheduled to be published later this year.
In accordance with the Committee’s functions under the Act, a research contract was agreed with the University of Galway in December 2022 to support this work, with this research still ongoing. This research and the Plan in general will look to:
• identify gaps in the current provision of public services through the medium of Irish and propose strategies to address them;
• identify the public services provided in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (LPAs) and specify strategies to ensure that Irish is the working language of offices located in LPAs and that services are being provided through the medium of Irish;
• identify the current level of Irish language competence in the public sector; and
• make recommendations regarding recruitment of personnel with Irish language competence.
A specific commitment has also been given in the Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy to implement this National Plan.
Under the Act, it is intended to improve and increase the provision of public services through the medium of Irish, as well as create significant employment opportunities for those with a competency in the language. Through this work, it is hoped to greatly increase the Irish language customer experience, empowering Irish speakers to use the language in all aspects of their daily life - particularly in their dealings with the State.
The Department is working to commence all substantive sections and provisions of the Act on an incremental basis, but in any case before the end of this year.
While the objective of the Act is to improve on the provision of public services in general through the medium of Irish, the issue of whether or not public offices, such as local post offices, should be located in Gaeltacht areas does not come under the scope of the Act.
177. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a potential gap in the criteria in relation to the vacant/derelict property grant (details supplied); if he will investigate a case involving the protection and incorporation of a deteriorating 160 year old protected structure into a new dwelling with a view to the overturning a refusal of a vacant property grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19991/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available to properties which have been vacant for 2 years.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use. While demolition and extension works can form part of an application for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, such works must be part of a refurbishment of an existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme.
The scheme is administered and managed by local authorities who assess all applications in line with the scheme qualifying criteria. The Vacant Homes Unit in my Department offers ongoing support and guidance to local authorities in the administration of the scheme.
I have no function in respect of individual cases. I note that applicants generally can avail of Government supported grant schemes in addition to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund which offers conservation grants for works to heritage structures and buildings. These grant programmes offered by my Department which are administered by local authorities fund conservation works in a wide range of historic buildings and also support conservation works to structures and buildings including protected structures.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a note on the outcome of his Department's consideration of a project (details supplied); and if he has communicated same to the local authority; if he will confirm whether the plan has passed with approval Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. [20029/24]
View answerIn 2021, as one of the successful applications under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund's (URDF) second call for proposals, I announced a preliminary allocation of €7,140,000 towards Wicklow County Council's proposal for the regeneration of the Bray Harbour Area. This allocation represents the maximum 75% URDF support available based on the estimated costs of €9,500,000 at the time of the initial approval. The successful proposal contains the following 6 projects:
• Feasibility study to review the potential for a harbour wall extension, the need for dredging of the waterbody and the possible options for a marina in the harbour
• Amenity and Public Realm works including street lighting, paving and cycle provision
• A boardwalk linking the Promenade with the Harbour
• A cycle bridge over the River Dargle
• Relocation of boat storage
• Potential development of a car park and coastal amenity
On the 27 November 2023, Wicklow County Council submitted a Preliminary Business Case for the Bray Harbour proposal to my Department for consideration and approval as part of Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code (now replaced by the newly published Infrastructure Guidelines).
Noting the substantial increase in estimated costs contained in the Preliminary Business Case for the overall proposal, which is at a very early stage in its advancement, it was agreed at the recent URDF Programme meeting with Wicklow County Council, that the Council would give further consideration to how best to proceed with the various elements of the proposal and revert with a further submission to my Department.
179. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total funding available to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund; when the next call for funding will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20055/24]
View answerA flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was one of four new funds established under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027. Launched in 2018 with committed Exchequer funding of €2 billion the review of the NDP in 2021 extended the URDF to 2030.
To date, there have been three rounds of funding provided under the URDF with more than €1.9 billion allocated so far. While Call 1 and 2 was for specific proposals, the latest round of funding (Call 3) is supporting a programme of acquisitions in each local authority to address long term vacancy and dereliction. Under Call 1 and Call 2 there were 132 proposals, comprising of almost 400 projects, approved for funding.
Subject to additional funding being made available, it is intended to launch a fourth round of funding support in 2024. A fourth round of funding would provide an opportunity for a number of ‘pipeline’ projects which have or will emerge from master planning exercises carried out under Call 1 or Call 2 to be considered for funding. It would also support a number of key settlements that have not yet received the level of funding required to support the growth proposed for them in the NPF and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
By targeting support in an integrated, dynamic and responsive way, the fund has proved to be a game changer, injecting momentum into the advancement of local authority plans for regeneration and development of our towns and cities, with URDF supported projects now active in every local authority area in the country.
180. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to accommodate those who will be undertaking remediation of their properties under the defective block scheme in Clare; if he is considering side-by-side building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/24]
View answerI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on the 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on the 29 June 2023.
Under the Scheme, temporary alternative accommodation for defective concrete block homeowners is addressed, whereby vouched accommodation costs are an allowable cost within the scheme, subject to a maximum of €15,000 per household in the event that the applicant has to move out when remediation works are ongoing. Removal of contents/house components and their temporary storage and reinstatement on completion are also an allowable cost, subject to a maximum of €5,000.
The scheme facilitates the remediation of existing houses that have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks, but not the construction of separate additional houses on adjoining sites. The construction of new separate additional houses will not be grant funded.
