Thursday, 30 May 2024

Artists' Remuneration

Questions (1)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has conducted any analysis of the impact of the housing and accommodation crisis on the arts and artists since 2020; the dates and times of any correspondence or discussion between her and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the need for social and affordable housing for artists and arts workers; and the measures she has taken given her responsibility for tourism to reduce the cost of accommodation for touring artists. [24335/24]

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Oral answers (6 contributions)

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

The Minister and the Department will be aware of the disastrous impact of the housing and accommodation crisis on the ability of artists to survive, to create, to perform and to tour for work. The question is threefold. Has the Minister analysed the impact of the housing crisis on the arts? Has the Minister discussed the impact with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien? What measures have been taken to reduce hotel costs for touring artists?

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Deputy Catherine Martin)

I am well aware of the challenges facing artists, and many other people, in accessing affordable accommodation in Ireland. Improving housing supply and improving affordability is a priority of the Government as set out in the Government’s housing policy Housing for All as led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This multi-annual, multibillion-euro plan aims to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs.

Support for the arts and professional arts practice has been a key priority for me as Minister. Last Monday, 27 May, I hosted the status of the artist in Ireland conference for artists and arts sector organisations. At the conference, I was glad to be able to report that one year into the basic income for the arts, BIA, scheme pilot, research suggests that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact on almost all indicators. This research has now been published and is providing for the first time a firm evidence base for future interventions to support the sector. It demonstrates both the challenges facing artists and also the positive impact of the basic income support, including on making ends meet, on well-being and on arts practice.

Last Monday's conference also included panel discussion around issues facing artists and the sector generally. Artist workspaces and housing needs in particular were discussion topics. I am very conscious of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces and affordable places to live. In that context, I hope to announce very soon the opening of a new capital scheme by my Department where local authorities will be invited to apply for funding towards projects that provide artists’ workspaces in their towns and cities. Last June, I announced investment of €3 million towards a €9 million funding initiative with Dublin City Council that will see 60 artists provided with workspaces. On foot of ongoing engagement with the National Campaign for the Arts, NCFA, I anticipate that housing challenges facing those in the arts sector will feature prominently in the NCFA pre-budget submission this year. This will be considered in the context of the budget Estimates process for 2025 and in the context of the Government's broader Housing for All policy.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Housing is a major crisis and not just in the four years that the Minister has been the Minister as it has extended beyond that for many years. We also know that levels of homeownership amongst artists is a lot lower than among the general population and that artists depend more on private rental accommodation in our cities and in particular those who are working in the area of circus spectacle, street arts and the like.

The majority of artists under the age of 25 live with their parents, which is a much bigger figure than in the general public. The Minister's response referred to the status of the artist in Ireland conference where a discussion saw the potential options for artists such as co-operative housing. The Minister referred to artists' space but this is to carry out their creative work. They also need space for co-operative dwellings to allow artists to live near where they work or to live alone.

Deputy Catherine Martin

Some of the statistics quoted by Deputy Ó Snodaigh are on foot of the research for the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. This shows its value. As I have said, the research element of it was of equal importance as the actual payment itself because we are gathering information on the real lived experience of artists. As I said at the conference, it seems that the issues that affect society seem to hit our artists even harder. This information will help inform future policy initiatives to support our artists.

It is also important to recognise the increases in resources for the arts sector in recent years. There were record allocations for the Arts Council, for Culture Ireland, for Screen Ireland, for Creative Ireland, and indeed that once-in-a-generation basic income for the arts pilot scheme. Everything I have done since I became Minister is in consultation with the arts community to help inform what is needed and to respond to that. This is how I will continue.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

The accommodation crisis is so bad that travelling performers who were working at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre felt the need to put out a call to art lovers to offer spare rooms to put up artists for the weeks they were performing at the theatre. The daily room rate cost in Dublin hotels is around €210. This would mean two thirds of a week's wages under the basic scheme would go on accommodation just for one night. There is an urgent need for a bursary scheme to help those artists who are travelling and performing artists to cover their accommodation needs. There needs to be a lot more done on that basis, as well as on the point I raised, which is an acceleration of co-operative housing schemes and other schemes to ensure housing is available for artists. Otherwise, they will leave our shores.

Deputy Catherine Martin

I thank the Deputy. I referred earlier to the increasing resources for the arts sector. These have really been in part a recognition of the increase in the costs, including the increase in the costs of accommodation. It is also worth noting in this regard that increases in support for these measures in my time as Minister has actually greatly outpaced inflation and represents a significant real increase in support across the arts sector. My Department also works with agencies and stakeholders in the tourism accommodation sector to support a sustainable industry that offers value for money options for holidaymakers and others, whether based here at home or visiting from abroad. Clearly, supply is a critical consideration. Of note, therefore, are the reports that many hotels currently housing Ukrainians could return to public use during the summer months. While not all of these hotels may return as operators, it is clear that the Government's determination to move away from the use of tourism accommodation for humanitarian purposes is beginning to yield results. I hope this will have a positive impact on the artists. I will continue engagement with the stakeholders and with the NCFA and will see what the pre-budget submissions are.

Television Licence Fee

Questions (2)

Imelda Munster

Question:

2. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will comment on her plans for reform of the licence fee. [24353/24]

View answer

Oral answers (12 contributions)

Deputy Imelda Munster

This is a straightforward question. Will the Minister comment on her plans for reform of the licence fee?

Deputy Catherine Martin

I thank Deputy Munster. Public service media are a key pillar of our society and, in particular, of our democracy. This has never been more apparent than over the past number of years from maintaining cultural, educational and social engagement during Covid restrictions to countering disinformation through trusted content. They must, however, be supported with adequate resources through a reliable and sustainable funding model. While successive Governments have failed to address the question of how to fund public service media, this Government is committed to doing so. We will make our decision on the future funding model known prior to the Dáil summer recess.

The need for funding reform was a key issue considered by the Future of Media Commission, but it has been brought into sharp focus by the decline of TV licence fee receipts since last summer. Indeed, the report of the expert advisory committee that reported on the governance and culture of RTÉ reiterated the need for a more sustainable funding model. A number of potential funding options have been discussed, including that of direct Exchequer support. As I have said on many occasions, what matters is that we deliver a funding model that is sustainable, protects media independence and is publicly acceptable.

It is important to remember that this is not just a question of how RTÉ is funded or supported. It is also about supporting public service content provided by a range of independent broadcasters and producers under the Sound and Vision scheme and by local newspapers and radio stations under the new media fund through schemes such as those for local democracy and courts reporting, which are to launch this year.

It is critical that media independence be protected under a new model. I have stated previously that, as recommended by the Future of Media Commission, there are protections that can be implemented to safeguard the independence of public service media from external influences. These recommendations include multi-annual funding levels, assessed and set by the independent regulator, Coimisiún na Meán; a stronger role for the regulator in setting and reviewing the performance targets of public service broadcasters; and reduced scope for the Government to disregard funding recommendations. These reforms will not take place overnight. There will need to be legislative change to replace the current system, which will of course take some time, as will the implementation of a new model. I have said before that if we, as public representatives, really cherish and value public service broadcasting, it is incumbent on all parties to work together closely and constructively in bringing any legislative changes that are required through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am committed to delivering on this issue so that sustainable support for public service media is put in place for the benefit of the Irish public.

Deputy Imelda Munster

As the Minister knows, the issue has been rumbling on for years. We have had plans and reports, including Government-commissioned reports, but it appears there has been no political will to make a decision. The Minister initially rejected the Future of Media Commission recommendation. She certainly was not decisive on it, but it seems the recent scandals in RTÉ changed her mind. We have waited and waited for the RTÉ reports to be published. The Minister has committed to making a decision prior to the summer recess. Have we a date? At this stage, given all the reports and scandals, what is holding it up?

Deputy Catherine Martin

We have the recommendations from the expert advisory committees, EACs, but we are waiting for the implementation plan. RTÉ committed on the day the recommendations were published to accept all of them in principle, but I do want to see the implementation plan. I gave six weeks for that. It is to be available towards the last week of June. I just need to see that. The discussions continue. I feel that, for too long now, Irish Governments have failed to address the question of how to fund public service broadcasting. The Deputy said there was no political will but there certainly is now. I have made my commitment as Minister for media, as have the three party leaders.

All options remain on the table but I am determined that the current Government will be the one that makes the decision. It will be made before the summer recess. We are committed to delivering the necessary reform to put in place a sustainable, long-term funding model. The high-level discussions are ongoing at Cabinet level. Now that the Government has received the EAC reports, it can move quickly to make a decision on the future funding model before the summer recess.

Deputy Imelda Munster

Did the Minister say she was awaiting the implementation plan and that it is due before the end of June? I am seeking clarification.

Deputy Catherine Martin

Yes. I allowed a period of six weeks.

Deputy Imelda Munster

If that will be at the end of June and the summer recess is to begin on 11 July, what will be the timeframe for the introduction? I am a tad confused in that, while the Minister has said publicly she is in favour of direct Exchequer funding for RTÉ, the thinking of her political opponents is certainly not in line with hers, as I noted at the committee meeting we had yesterday. My question concerns the timeframe between the end of June and 11 July, when the Dáil is to go into recess, and the opposition the Minister might face from parties in government. Will she allow them to dictate what method is used or what is implemented? Will she not opt for direct Exchequer funding, which she said publicly she would opt for, because of pressure from parties in government? I seek details on the implementation and introduction in the period between the last week of June and the summer recess, which is to begin on 11 July.

Deputy Catherine Martin

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party work collaboratively and have done so for the past four years, so there is-----

Deputy Imelda Munster

Not at the committee meeting on this issue yesterday.

Deputy Catherine Martin

There is no issue at Cabinet level. There is no dictatorship and we work collaboratively on this. We are absolutely united in taking this decision before the summer.

The Deputy asked about the implementation plan. We gave six weeks. We need those concerned to outline how the recommendations in the plan will be actioned. There are some recommendations for the Government itself, so I will be making the implementation plan for the recommendations relevant to the Government. These will refer to the Comptroller and Auditor General and various issues in the report that the Deputy will be aware of. All of these will be addressed by the end of June by the Cabinet. The last week of June is what I am aiming for.

Deputy Imelda Munster

What about the decision?

Deputy Catherine Martin

The decision will follow shortly thereafter. We are not waiting for the Cabinet meeting to keep the discussions going. As discussions are ongoing, I hope to move as quickly as possible, with a decision no later than the summer recess.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (3)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

3. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being taken by her Department to increase the tourism potential of County Louth and east Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24349/24]

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Oral answers (6 contributions)

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

What steps are being taken by the Minister's Department to increase the tourism potential of County Louth and east Meath? It has become evident that the tourism market is not only resilient but also evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic world. Could the Minister make a statement, please?

Deputy Catherine Martin

Meath and Louth are included in the Ireland's Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 launched by Fáilte Ireland in May 2023. This roadmap for the tourism industry and all stakeholders involved in tourism in the region will help to navigate through the current challenges and steer a course towards a sustainable recovery and continued success. The plan sets out a strategic approach to unlocking the commercial potential of Ireland's Ancient East. It provides a framework for tourism development that is sustainable and regenerative and within which the benefits accrue to local communities and to nature.

The implementation of the destination experience development plan, Ancient, continues to strengthen the tourism proposition in counties Louth and Meath. Aligned closely with the objectives of the regional brand strategy of Ireland's Ancient East, it continues to help in unlocking the economic growth potential of the destination.

Since the launch of the plan in May 2021, 26 of its 84 projects have been completed and a further 41 are in progress across its four strategic pillars. Key achievements in 2023 included the completion of a plan to reimagine the Boyne Valley Drive, the development of an outdoor destination orientation development plan for Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula and the continued growth of the world-class Púca Festival, all of which have contributed greatly to the status of Louth and Meath as an emerging tourism destination.

Since the launch of the plan, Fáilte Ireland has also provided industry supports to some 250 participants across numerous Fáilte Ireland training programmes and facilitated the creation of 60 leisure and food saleable experiences, with more to come across all sectors.

Currently, Fáilte Ireland is conducting a mid-term review of the destination experience development plan, Ancient, to ensure it is updated to reflect present-day challenges – for example, climate action targets, changing consumer trends and the digitisation of the industry.

Also being considered are the many opportunities that lie ahead, such as the recently established Boyne Valley national park, the Boyne Valley greenway and the recent shared island investments at Narrow Water Bridge on Carlingford Lough and Oldbridge House on the River Boyne.

Fáilte Ireland continues to roll out the destination plan, working together with the industry, key strategic partners Meath and Louth county councils, and the Office of Public Works under the guidance of the destination plan steering group.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

This year will be remembered as one in which businesses struggled with rising costs, labour challenges and increased VAT. While many businesses may be enjoying a good trading year, the performance of tourism has not been even across the country, which shifts in volumes, values and the profiles of businesses across the market.

In February, I was delighted to see the Battle of the Boyne visitor site at Oldbridge benefit from an investment of €10 million to reflect its unique historic significance to communities both North and South. This was to improve the business experience. However, there is no doubt that the closure of an operating hotel in Drogheda that was one of the only local places of accommodation for tourists and casual visitors, and the associated loss of jobs, has had a significant effect on south County Louth. Have there been additional measures to support downstream businesses whose revenue has dropped mainly because local tourism accommodation is being used to accommodate Ukraine's refugees and international protection applicants? While I acknowledge that Ireland is legally required under EU law to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection, the people of Drogheda have voiced their concerns to me and it would be remiss of me not to raise this issue on their behalf. Are there any further measures anticipated to assist the tourism sector in advance of the summer season?

Deputy Catherine Martin

The importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy and communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood. 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, the Government allocated a total of €216 million in funding for the sector, which will allow for continued support for tourism development in Ireland for local and overseas visitors. Within this overall allocation, up to €10 million is available for a specific programme of supports targeted at tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in the regions most impacted by tourism bed displacement. This programme of supports developed and administered by Fáilte Ireland includes a business support scheme, investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.

The Deputy mentioned €10 million for downstream tourism businesses. That scheme is closed to applications and is currently being assessed by Fáilte Ireland. We expect an announcement shortly.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

I welcome the announcement made by the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, that €250 million will be available for sports capital and that every valid application will receive an allocation. I welcome that.

I wish to ask about the large infrastructure sports grant, funding from which has not been released since 2018. I welcome that the Government has given €50 million towards a new stadium at Casement Park. A new stadium is being built in Louth at the moment. Would the Minister and the Minister of State consider coming down to look at the new stadium? Louth is the only county in the country that has no stadium. Its representatives are working closely with the immigrant investor programme, IIP, and with Croke Park. There is an opportunity for the Government to assist with the shortfall of money. I ask the Minister and the Minister of State to consider coming down. The new stadium will help all Thirty-two Counties. It will also help the connection between North and South and everything else. The project has been awaited for 65 years. I ask the Minister about the large infrastructure sports grant and if she would consider coming down to have a look at the new Louth stadium.

Deputy Catherine Martin

The sports capital announcement of €250 million is the largest ever investment in sporting facilities nationwide. It represents a 50% increase on the previous round. As the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and I stated yesterday, it means that all applications for valid projects will receive positive news. We expect that to happen in the early autumn. That is really a signal of the determination of the Government, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and I to transform the sporting landscape for every town, village and city in Ireland.

It is significant that the large scale sport infrastructure fund is open for applications. The closing date is 1 July. It is up to each sporting body. In the case referenced by the Deputy, the GAA must list its priorities to help with applications. That would help those applications.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Questions (4)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 38 ón 18 Aibreán, an dtabharfaidh sí sonraí faoin teagmháil a bhí ag a Roinn le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta maidir leis an tionscnamh tithíochta a cheadaigh an t-údarás i mí na Nollag 2023 chun samhail le haghaidh tithíocht inacmhainne a fhorbairt do chainteoirí Gaeilge ar thailte de chuid an údaráis i dtrí cheantar Gaeltachta; céard é stádas forbartha na samhla; cén uair a fhoilseofar an tsamhail; cén uair atáthar ag súil leis an tithíocht inacmhainne a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24256/24]

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Oral answers (6 contributions)

Deputy Catherine Connolly

Baineann an cheist seo leis an togra piolótach tithíochta atá faoi chaibidil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus, go háirithe, an teagmháil atá ag an Aire Stáit leis an Roinn agus leis an údarás faoin scéim seo, agus go háirithe fós, stádas forbartha an mhúnlaithe atá i gceist.

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Deputy Thomas Byrne)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Connolly. Ag eascairt as cinneadh an údaráis i mí na Nollag 2023, choimisiúnaigh an t-údarás taighde ón Dr. Séin Ó Muineacháin maidir le soláthar agus éileamh ar thithíocht sa Ghaeltacht. Foilsíodh torthaí an taighde sin le gairid. Léiríonn an taighde go bhfuil 106,000 duine sa Ghaeltacht ach go bhfuil an daonra sin ag fás ag leibhéal níos moille ná an tír ar fad, go bhfuil sciar den daonra sa Ghaeltacht faoi aois 18 ag dul i laghad, agus go bhfuil na grúpaí os cionn 55 ag dul i méid. Léiríonn sé seo bhfuil daonra na Gaeltachta ag dul in aois.

Ag baint úsáid as torthaí an daonáirimh, bhí 53,618 teach sa Ghaeltacht in 2011. D'ardaigh an méid sin go 56,282 faoi 2022. Fás de 5% a bhí anseo. Bhí an méadú is mó i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe ag 11% agus i nGaeltacht na Mí ag 12%. Tá an ráta áitíochta níos ísle sa Ghaeltacht ag 71%, ardaithe ó 69% in 2011, agus is é an ráta náisiúnta ná 87%. Tá an céatadán de thithe folmha sa Ghaeltacht ag 11% níos airde ná an sciar náisiúnta de 8%. Tá níos mó na cúig oiread de thithe saoire sa Ghaeltacht ná sa tír, mar sciar den stoc tithíochta iomlán.

Ta obair chomhairleoireachta ar siúl ar an trí shuíomh go fóill atá aitheanta sa chéim seo den togra: An Rinn i gContae Phort Láirge; An Cheathrú Rua i gContae na Gaillimhe; agus tithe Charraig an tSeascainn i nGaoth Dobhair i gContae Dhún na nGall. Beidh an taighde agus an obair chomhairleoireachta ar an trí shuíomh ag teacht chun críche i dtreo dheireadh an tsamhraidh agus beidh bord an údaráis in ann múnlaí agus an chéad chéim eile a mheas agus cinntí a dhéanamh bunaithe ar aiseolas na ngeallsealbhóirí ábhartha an tráth sin. Bíonn an Roinn ag plé na ceiste seo ar bhonn leanúnach leis an údarás.

Deputy Catherine Connolly

Tá cur síos ar an saghas comhairliúcháin agus taighde atá i gceist agus 250,000 i gceist. Is rud maith é go bhfuil taighde faoi chaibidil agus is rud maith é go bhfuil próiseas comhairliúcháin i gceist. Is é an rud a chuireann isteach orm ná go ndearnadh cinneadh sé mhí ó shin i bhfianaise na géarchéime atá ann sna Gaeltachtaí uilig ó thaobh cúrsaí tithíochta. Ag dul siar ar cheisteanna a chuir mé maidir leis An gCeathrú Rua, An Rinn agus Gaoth Dobhair, cuireadh in iúl dom go soiléir go raibh próiseas tosaithe ó thaobh léirithe spéise de maidir le heagraíochtaí ar an talamh. Cá bhfuil an próiseas sin faoi láthair? Cé mhéad aighneachtaí a tháinig isteach ó na heagraíochtaí éagsúla? Táimid ag tógáil céim chun tosaigh agus céim ar gcúl ag an am céanna agus is é sin an imní atá orm.

Deputy Thomas Byrne

Tá an obair seo á déanamh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi láthair agus tá sé ráite ag an údarás liom go bhfuil pleananna curtha i bhfeidhm maidir le haiseolas na ngeallsealbhóirí a bhailiú agus tá obair theicniúil ar siúl. Tá sé i gceist nuashonrú ar an gcur chuige molta a thabhairt don Roinn agus domsa i mí an Mheithimh seo chugainn. Is ceist an-tábhachtach é seo don Ghaeltacht agus bhí mise i dteagmháil le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta ag an gcruinniú a bhí agam leis freisin maidir leis an mBille faoin údarás atá ag teacht anseo roimh an samhradh.

Táim ag plé ceist na tithíochta sa Bhille sin agus ag plé leis an Roinn agus leis na dlíodóirí agus ag fiafraí díobh an bhfuil gá le sprioc a bheith ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le tithíocht nó an bhfuil an sprioc sin i ndáiríre aige cheana féin sa dlí. Tá an comhrá sin ar siúl faoi láthair ach níl aon dabht agus is é an tuairim atá agamsa ná go bhfuil ról lárnach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tithíocht a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht do chainteoirí Gaeilge.

Deputy Catherine Connolly

Is maith an rud é a chloisteáil go gcreideann an tAire Stáit go bhfuil ról lárnach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus creidim féin, Teachtaí Dála eile agus daoine ar an talamh é sin. Bhí siad i mbun agóide inné leis an ngrúpa BÁNÚ, Conradh na Gaeilge agus eagraíochtaí eile. Tá sé deacair a rá leo go leanúnach go bhfuilimid fós ag fanacht ar na treoirlínte pleanála ó thaobh na nGaeltachtaí de agus ar rud atá chomh bunúsach sin.

Ag dul ar ais sé mhí ó shin, nuair a rinneadh cinneadh agus fógraíodh go mbeadh múnla nua tithíochta i gceist ar thalamh Údarás na Gaeltachta, cheap mé go raibh dul chun cinn á dhéanamh againn. Ní raibh mé ró-shásta nach raibh i gceist ach tithe inacmhainne, áfach. Ba chóir go mbeadh tithe inacmhainne agus tithe sóisialta freisin ann. Beag beann ar mo thuairim, bhí beagáinín dóchais agam ach tá mé idir dhá chomhairle anois ag éisteacht leis seo mar níl aon chinneadh déanta fós agus níl i gceist anseo ach togra píolótach. Ba chóir go mbeadh dáta againn ar an uair a bheidh an múnla seo le feiceáil agus a bheidh tithe le feiceáil ar an talamh sna trí cheantar atá luaite ag an Aire Stáit.

Deputy Thomas Byrne

Táim ag súil le tuairisc agus níos mó eolais ó Údarás na Gaeltachta an mhí seo chugainn. Táim ag rá go poiblí agus go príobháideach leo go gceapaim féin go bhfuil ról lárnach aige toisc go bhfuil cúrsaí tithíochta lárnach do chúrsaí teanga. Is é sin an díriú atá aige uaim, mar Aire Stáit, agus beidh mise ag dul ag obair leis an údarás nuair a bheidh an obair seo déanta aige.

Caithfidh mé rá, ó bheith ag caint le hoifigigh an údaráis, go bhfuil pleananna eile curtha faoina mbráid. Bhí mé ag caint leo maidir leis na pleananna seo agus tá súil agam go mbeidh níos mó eolais agam maidir leo. Tá tuairimí tugtha don údarás maidir le soláthar tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht agus beidh mé ag tacú leis más féidir iad a dhéanamh. Tá obair á déanamh. Tá sé ráite ag gach duine go bhfuil an obair seo tábhachtach. Is dócha go bhfanfaidh mise go dtí an mhí seo chugainn chun plé leis an údarás maidir leis an obair atá déanta aige go dtí seo.