Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on her Department’s engagement with national governing bodies with regard to ‘free-to-air’ sporting events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23911/24]
View answerThe designation of major sporting and cultural events for free to air broadcasting is a statutory process provided for under the Broadcasting Act, with the criteria for deciding events coming from the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive. This allows Member States to designate certain events as being of major importance to society and provide that those events continue to be available on a free-to-air television. It is an opportunity to protect for free to air viewing, a range of significant national events, or events involving national teams. The legislative provision in this regard provides for regular review of the list of designated events.
On 16th January last, I launched a public consultation to invite feedback on a number of potential new events, across Gaelic games, rugby and soccer, to be considered for free to air designation. Stakeholders such as broadcasters and sports bodies have also been consulted.
An independent consultant has been procured to analyse the results of the public consultation and any submissions received. This analysis will include an assessment of each of the proposed events against the criteria for designation which are set out in EU and domestic law, as well as determining the potential impact for sporting bodies. A key consideration in this is the balancing of the costs of designating an event to sporting organisations, against the benefits to society. This assessment process will also include further engagement with the sports bodies. Following this independent analysis and assessment, I will bring forward a final list of events which must be submitted to the European Commission for consideration before laying a draft order before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
It is important to note that this statutory process is not intended to designate an entire competition or all of one particular sport’s events. Rather, it is intended to ensure free to air coverage of major national events or events involving national teams. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that designation does not guarantee coverage. It is designed to protect certain events and ensure that, should they be broadcast, they are broadcast free to air.
Finally, a significant number of the proposed events are women’s sports. As a Government we should take every opportunity to achieve further equivalence and media exposure for women’s sporting events. As such, this review is an opportunity to take another big step forward in giving women’s sport the prominence and equity with men’s sport it deserves in our society.
22. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on reform of governance and accountability at RTÉ, making particular reference to the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24414/24]
View answerOn the 7th of May, I brought to Government and then published the Reviews of the Expert Advisory Committees on Governance and Culture and Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters in RTÉ. I also published the final report from forensic accountant Mazars on the examination of the barter account in RTÉ.
The Reviews of the Expert Advisory Committees collectively set out 116 comprehensive and far-reaching recommendations, over 100 of which require implementation by RTÉ and 15 of which require implementation by my Department or the Government.
The recommendations of the Expert Advisory Committees have been accepted in principle by both the Government and RTÉ. RTÉ are currently preparing an implementation plan which will set out the actions and timelines required to implement the recommendations which are appropriate to them. RTÉ will be required to submit this plan to my Department by the 18th of June. To ensure the plan is implemented, I have established a Monitoring group, composed of my Department and NewERA, which will oversee and undertake quarterly reviews of RTÉ’s actions.
I intend to bring RTÉ’s implementation plan to Government, along with the detailed steps my Department will be taking to implement the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Committee appropriate to my Department or the Government, by the end of next month. These will include details of the proposals my Department are preparing to reform the legislative basis for the governance of RTÉ, including assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ.
This was a key recommendation of both the Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture and the Public Accounts Committee, and one that I have strongly welcomed. It will not only ensure that the Comptroller and Auditor General is reinstated as auditor of RTÉ, but also that the Director General is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts for RTÉ’s financial statements and the efficiency, economy and effectiveness of expenditure by RTÉ.
Its implementation will require amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the making of a Ministerial Order by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993. As with any proposal that is legislative in nature, there will be a requirement to take detailed legal advice.
My Department is currently consulting with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General to understand the most effective means to take this proposal forward. My objective is to bring forward the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to this, and the other legislative recommendations of the Review of Governance and Culture, in Autumn of this year.
23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on large scale sports infrastructure funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24301/24]
View answer24. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the details of the recently announced funding of up to €120 million under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24033/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
The National Sports Policy was published on 25 July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects.
These are projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). In some cases, these may be projects where the primary objective will be to increase active participation in sport. In other cases, these may be large scale venues/stadia where the focus is more related to social participation and high performance sport.
Since 1998, over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. From the Government’s perspective, if we are to achieve our ambitious targets and get as many people participating in sport as possible we need the necessary facilities which are currently being provided under SCEP and LSSIF. Similarly, if we are to develop our elite sportspeople we need to invest at grassroots level.
Minister Martin and I were delighted to recently announce over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment and this funding will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
In addition to the above capital funding, Minister Martin and I were also pleased to recently announce funding of up to €120 million for a new round of the LSSIF which opened for applications on 26 April 2024. Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30 million, will take into account such factors as population size, sustainability, and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.
A new round of LSSIF funding also means we can build on the progress made to date under LSSIF and ensure projects across the country get an opportunity to deliver the facilities that their communities need and will enjoy for decades to come.
Tomorrow, Friday 31 May, I will be officially opening a LSSIF-funded project in Dunboyne which will see three juvenile sports playing fields being used by players from St Peter's GAA club and that will also be available to school children during the school term for school blitzes and other sporting activities. It's vital that
While the LSSIF scheme is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local authorities it is also open to other bodies (including third level institutions, Education and Training Boards), 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 an NGB.
The LSSIF programme is application-led and any applications received from NGBs and local authorities will be reviewed and considered against eligibility and scoring criteria. Successful applications will be decided following a rigorous assessment process with the highest-scoring applications receiving grant offers. A guide for applicants is also available on my Department's website and officials recently held an information webinar which was open to all NGBs and local authorities to attend.
Finally, distribution of funding will be in line with the objectives outlined in the National Planning Framework, dependent on the volume and quality of applications received from across the regions. There will also be an emphasis on the allocation of funding to a variety of sports.
Applications for the 2024 round of LSSIF must be submitted by 3pm on 1 July 2024. I encourage all eligible projects to consider applying for this competitive application process.
26. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndearna sí aon ghníomh nó iarracht, mar an tAire freagrach as cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, in aghaidh an maolú nua a chinn Parlaimint na hEorpa maidir le seirbhísí ateangaireachta i nGaeilge glactha i mí an Mhárta, an ndearna sí teagmháil leis an bParlaiminte Eorpach nó leis an Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha chun stádas na Gaeilge san institiúid agus na himpleachtaí don phobal teanga a phlé; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24338/24]
View answerTá mo Roinn ar an eolas faoin dúshlán a bhaineann le seirbhísí ateangaireachta a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge i bParlaimint na hEorpa agus go deimhin in institiúidí eile san Aontas Eorpach agus anseo in Éirinn. Tá mo Roinnse gníomhach agus obair leanúnach ar siúl againn chun an t-easnamh seo a chur ina cheart.
Ar an gcéad dul síos, cuireann mo Roinnse maoiniú ar fáil faoin Tionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge don MA san Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Is é seo an t-aon chlár ateangaireachta comhdhála in Éirinn agus an t-aon chúrsa ateangaireachta ar domhan ina gcuirtear oiliúint ateangaireachta sa Ghaeilge ar fáil. Maoiniú de €209,000 in aghaidh na bliana atá á chur ar fáil ag mo Roinnse don chúrsa seo.
Chomh maith leis sin, rinne mo Roinn cómhaoiniú caipitil le déanaí ar áiseanna úrnua oiliúna don ateangaireacht chomhdhála atá lonnaithe in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, rud a chuireann eispéireas foghlama iomlán tumthach ar fáil do mhic léinn an chláir máistreachta sin lena chinntiú go bhfuil siad ullmhaithe chomh maith agus is féidir leo a bheith chun glacadh le poist i réimse na hateangaireachta tar éis dóibh an cúrsa a chríochnú.
Ina theannta sin, maoiníonn mo Roinn scéim intéirneachta d’ateangairí agus, sa chéad bhabhta den scéim sin, chaith triúr céimí ateangaireachta le Gaeilge sé mhí ag obair le hArd-Stiúrthóireacht na hAteangaireachta sa Choimisiún Eorpach anuraidh, ag fáil taithí ar an ateangaireacht. D’éirigh go han-mhaith leis an scéim seo agus fuair beirt as an triúr fostaíocht leis an gCoimisiún tar éis na tréimhse intéirneachta.
Tá rún ag mo Roinn an scéim seo a leathnú agus an deis a thabhairt d’institiúidí eile –Parlaimint na hEorpa ina measc – a bheith páirteach sa scéim seo le súil is go mbeidh rannpháirtíocht láidir sa scéim sna blianta amach anseo.
Tá cainteanna ar siúl ag mo Roinn freisin le Cúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh agus le Seirbhís Thithe an Oireachtais anseo in Éirinn chun tuilleadh deiseanna le haghaidh intéirneachtaí ateangaireachta leis na heagraíochtaí sin a fhiosrú.
Anuas air sin ar fad, beidh an seimineár bliantúil ar dheiseanna gairme san AE á reáchtáil ag mo Roinnse i gcomhar leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach ag Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Airne arís i mbliana. Dírítear sa seimineár sin, ag an bhféile Ghaeilge is mó sa tír, ar na deiseanna fostaíochta atá ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil ardchaighdeán Gaeilge acu in institiúidí an AE a chur ar a súile do na daoine sin. Tá sé beartaithe ceardlann ar an ateangaireacht a reáchtáil faoi scáth an tseimineáir seo i mbliana.
Leanfaidh mo Roinn leis na hiarrachtaí seo chun cur leis an teacht ar ateangairí cáilithe mar atá déanta go rathúil le haistritheoirí, le léitheoirí profaí agus le dlítheangeolaithe i scéimeanna roimhe seo. Ach na beartais seo a bheith curtha i bhfeidhm ar bhonn fhadthéarmach, is é tuairim mheáite mo Roinne go mbeidh dóthain ateangairí ar fáil le freastal ar riachtannais na Parlaiminte amach anseo.
27. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way her Department is promoting expansion and appreciation of the arts in all parts of the country; her policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24354/24]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have ensured sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years and in Budget 2024 a total of €367.406 million was provided for arts and culture elements of the Department's budget, an increase of €10.424 million from €356.982 million in 2023.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Council works under its 10 years Strategy to address its statutory remit through a policy-driven focus on investment, advice, advocacy and partnership. In Budget 2024, I provided a record €134m funding for the Arts Council in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support the arts sector.
The all-of-government Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027, led by my Department, seeks to enable each citizen to realise their full creative potential. In conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, over €37 million has been provided to local authorities from 2018 to 2023 to the 31 local authorities to empower and support community-led participation with €7.5 million allocated for 2024. In implementing their respective 5-year culture and creativity strategies, many local authorities have utilised their funding allocation to promote the expansion and appreciation of the arts in their local area.
The Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 provides access to children and young people, up to 24 years, to creative, cultural and artistic engagement across all aspects of their lives. With a priority that those that are seldom heard and may experience disadvantage can access the arts and culture, the Plan supports engagement in activities such as creative writing, youth theatre and creative technology.
I announced an additional €10m for 2023 to fully fund the annual cost of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide which will support each beneficiary in developing and sustaining a professional arts practice.
My Department is also rolling out capital supports through the Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme for businesses operating in the Night Time Economy in the context of the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. This is in addition to €2.5m in current spending for a range of initiatives and pilot projects to support a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy across Ireland including funding for the appointment of 9 NTE Advisors across the country who will develop plans to support a more diverse and cultural night-time economy in their areas.
28. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what strategy she has for Gaeltacht island communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20941/24]
View answerOur offshore islands and their communities are an integral part of the Irish countryside and hold particular importance in the country's culture. The Irish language is an essential part of the community's identity and heritage on the Gaeltacht islands.
Our Living Islands is the 10-year national policy for offshore islands. This all of Government policy, which is led by the Department of Communities and Rural Development, was published in June 2023, together with a three-year action plan containing 80 new time-bound actions that have been agreed and will be implemented by various stakeholders, under the leadership of designated Government Departments or State Institutions.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live - and thrive - on the offshore islands for many years to come. Related to that aim is our ambition that visitors to the islands can continue to experience and appreciate the unique culture, heritage and environmental richness that the islands have to offer.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media was represented on the Inter-Departmental Committee, which oversaw the development of the policy and Údarás na Gaeltachta also contributed to it.
The Gaeltacht islands and Údarás na Gaeltachta have representatives on the Monitoring Committee established to supervise the implementation of Our Living Islands.
The Gaeltacht Act 2012 gives statutory effect to the Language Planning Process under which language plans are prepared at community level. 4 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas cover the 6 Gaeltacht islands.
An annual allocation of €120,000-€180,000 is available to the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas to employ a Language Planning Officer and to implement the measures of the language plan for a period of 7 years.
The following is the annual allocation made available to the 6 Gaeltacht islands through the language planning process.
|
Language Planning Area |
Date of approval of the language plan |
Yearly funding |
|
Toraigh |
04/12/2020 |
€120,000 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
13/09/2018 |
€120,000 |
|
Árainn (Inis Mór) |
11/04/2022 |
€120,000 |
|
Árainn (Inis Oírr) |
11/04/2022 |
€120,000 |
|
Árainn (Inis Meáin) |
11/04/2022 |
€120,000 |
|
Cléire |
13/08/2021 |
€120,000 |
In addition, three separate organisations are funded through the Department's Language Planning section. These are Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta which focuses mainly on childcare services, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta which organizes social and cultural events for families and the Cuisle program of Ealaín na Gaeltachta which promotes the arts among young people. The communities on the islands can draw on the services of these organisations as well.
Údarás na Gaeltachta provides funding for seven community development organisations that operate on Gaeltacht Islands. These are:
• Comharchumann Chléire
• Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
• Comharchumann Thoraí
• Comharchumann na nOileán Beag
• Comharchumann Forbartha Árann
• Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin
• Comhar Chaomhán (Inis Oirr)
gTeics (Digital Hubs) supported by the Údarás are operational on five of the islands at present; and Údarás na Gaeltachta have informed me that they are working with other State Agencies such as Fáilte Éireann in the development of tourism projects and other capital projects.
29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether the National Development Plan has sufficiently taken into account and is adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for sports facilities, particularly with the very considerable and welcome growth of women’s sports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17859/24]
View answerThe 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 (SCEP) operated by my Department. The revised NDP capital allocations for my Department will allow for significant funding of the 2023 round of the SCEP.
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 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.
Separately, the National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP. In December 2023, Minister Martin and I announced additional funding amounting to €37.6 million to 27 existing LSSIF projects, bringing the total awarded to date to LSSIF-funded projects to €124 million.
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 a focus on 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 facilities that have been allocated public funding. Any organisation that is in receipt of LSSIF funding must have a similar access policy in place.
On 26 April 2024, Minister Martin and I announced funding of up to €120 million under the new round of the LSSIF which is open for applications until 3pm on Monday 1 July 2024.
While this new round of the programme is again aimed primarily at local authorities and National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), it is also open to other bodies, such as sports clubs, voluntary organisations, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and third level institutions to apply once such applications are be submitted and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB. In this regard, all local authorities and NGBs are asked to engage constructively with any such requests from outside bodies in order to ensure that all potential projects which best achieve the Fund’s objectives get due consideration.
The current round takes the recommendations from the published review into consideration. A guide and frequently asked questions (FAQ) section is available on my Department's website for potential applicants to review. The Department also recently organised a webinar for all interested NGBs and local authorities at which officials provided an overview of the scheme. The slides from this webinar are also available on my Department's website.
I encourage all eligible projects to consider applying for this competitive application process.
30. 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. [23859/24]
View answerWhen 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.
As I have stated before to the Deputy I am acutely aware of the importance of local hotels for local communities throughout Ireland. I understand the economic and societal roles played by local hotels in regional towns across the country. I recently met with the Irish Hotels Federation to discuss a range of matters in relation to to the sector.
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. The next meeting of the Forum is due to take place in person on 12 June. Key issues, including those impacting on hotels, are discussed with a view to identifying practical solutions and 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 the ongoing management of work permit processing times 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.
The Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, has also made changes to the tax debt warehouse scheme including a reduction in the interest rate on warehouse debt to 0% which, amongst other sectors, will assist businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Additionally, the government has recently announced a further substantial range of measures that will assist small and medium sized businesses and is progressing work to increase the employer PRSI threshold and to use the €1.5bn surplus in the National Training Fund to future proof workforce skills in SMEs.
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.
32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration is being given to the development of new tourism amenities on a cross-Border basis in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24358/24]
View answerOne of my Department's strategic goals is to promote increased North-South co-operation in tourism, working with the Northern Ireland Executive and through the North South Ministerial Council and the work of Tourism Ireland.
In December 2022, the Government made an allocation of €7.6 million from the Shared Island Fund for a brand collaboration project to be delivered by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to better connect the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route in the north west and northern coast regions. This work is being progressed by the three agencies on a partnership basis.
Separately, I am aware that border region local authorities - including Cavan and Monaghan County Councils - operate long-standing and very positive cooperation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and are working with relevant tourism agencies to develop the sustainable tourism and heritage potential of cross-border sites.
Complementing this, in September 2022, the Government’s Shared Island Local Authority Development funding scheme, which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, supported a number of feasibility assessments by local authorities, on potential cross-border projects which include a tourism dimension. Fáilte Ireland is also supporting the development of the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and enhancement of the Cavan Burren Park, for example, as part of the cross-Border Marble Arch UNESCO Geopark.
I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Shared Island unit in the Department of the Taoiseach are engaging at present with the local authority partners on these feasibility reports to discuss how local authorities could take agreed projects forward to a further stage of development on a collaborative cross-border basis.
33. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider reallocating the €2 million allocated under the LSSIF to an organisation (details supplied) for a centre of excellence in Cork which has not been drawn down to the development of both football and community facilities at the site in Glanmire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24226/24]
View answerThe National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the LSSIF is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP).
The first allocations under LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and included an allocation of €2,025,699 for the Glanmire project. The grant for the Glanmire project was provisionally awarded to cover, inter alia, the development of grass pitches, floodlighting, an artificial pitch and dressing rooms. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) informed my Department in early May 2023 that its Board and Executive had made the decision not to proceed with the Glanmire project location as first proposed in 2015.
The FAI confirmed that, following a review of the project, the original proposal no longer represented the greatest return on investment for all parties involved. Furthermore, the FAI confirmed that it remained committed to supporting the development of a Munster Centre of Excellence facility in the Cork region.
In addition, the FAI requested that the LSSIF grant allocation of €2,025,699 would still be made available for a location in Cork. It also advised that it would continue to work with local stakeholders on identifying a new location for the Munster Centre of Excellence facility in the Cork region and would inform my department once a location is identified.
Any proposal by the FAI in relation to this project must be in accordance with the established LSSIF guidelines and in order to allow the project to move to the next stage, the FAI must complete the necessary due diligence procedures, as set out.
34. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for new legislation in the broadcasting arena drawing on the various studies into the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24423/24]
View answerOn 7th May last, the Government agreed in principle to the 116 recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Committees on Governance and Culture and on Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters in RTÉ. The Review of Governance and Culture includes six recommendations that require amendments to the legislative basis for the governance of RTÉ contained in Part 7 of the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 & 2022. To give effect to the recommendations, I intend to bring forward legislative proposals to give effect to the recommendations, including to:
• assign the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) as the auditor of RTÉ and to ensure that the Director General is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts for RTÉ’s financial statements and the efficiency, economy and effectiveness of expenditure by RTÉ;
• strengthen the legislative provisions regarding the operation of the Board of RTÉ, including clarifying the duties of the Board and the role of Board committees; and
• improve the accountability of the Director General, including to make the Director General expressly accountable to the Board of RTÉ.
The Government is committed to make a decision on the future funding model for public service media and public service content prior to the Dáil Summer Recess. Legislation to give effect to the funding model and the associated regulatory framework recommended by the Future of Media Commission will be required to implement any funding decision by Government. In line with the the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, this legislation would 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 Government to disregard funding recommendations.
My objective is to bring forward the General Scheme of a Bill in the Autumn of this year to give effect to the legislative recommendations of the Review of Governance and Culture and, following a Government decision this Summer, to the new funding funding model for public service media and public service content. I will be consulting with colleagues on the proposed legislation, and in particular with the the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the C&AG with regard to the proposal to assign the C&AG as auditor of RTÉ.
35. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 16895/24, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an obair athbhreithnithe ar na chéad deich bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012; cathain a chríochnófar an tuarascáil; cathain a fhoilseofar an tuarascáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24277/24]
View answerAr 28 Meitheamh 2023, d'fhógair mé go raibh conradh bronnta ar an gcomhlacht, Barr Feabhais Teo., chun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi réir Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Cinnteoidh an tionscnamh seo, a bhfuil buiséad suas le €92,500 á chur ar fáil ina leith, go ndéanfar athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar fheidhmiú na bpleananna teanga seo. Cuirfear aiseolas maidir le feidhmiú na bpleananna ar fáil agus, bunaithe ar an méid a aithnítear san athbhreithniú, beifear in ann céimeanna a ghlacadh d'fhonn cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis phleanála teanga a fheabhsú.
Is iad seo a leanas an 10 Limistéir Pleanála Teanga atá i gceist:
• Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach & Machaire Rabhartaigh;
• Ná Déise;
• Ciarraí Theas;
• Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir;
• Ciarraí Thiar;
• Conamara Láir;
• An Cheathrú Rua;
• Maigh Eo Thuaidh;
• Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib; agus,
• Árainn Mhór.
Tá dréacht garbh den tuairisc feicthe ag oifigigh mo Roinne agus bhí cruinniú ag mo Roinn ar an 23/05/2024. Phléigh an Roinn agus Barr Feabhais an athbhreithniú sa chruinniú agus dheimhnigh Barr Feabhas go mbeidh an tuarascáil chríochnúil curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne laistigh de seachtain nó dhó.
Nuair a bheidh deis ag mo Roinn leagan críochnúil den tuarascáil a bhreithniú, beifear in ann breathnú chun cinn ar an gcéad bhaisc eile de phleananna a mbeidh athbhreithniú le déanamh orthu.
36. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on female representation on the boards of funded national governing bodies of sport, local sports partnerships, and other sporting funded bodies. [24010/24]
View answerAddressing female participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy and a core priority for myself and Minister Catherine Martin. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Local Sports Partnership (LSP) and other funded sporting bodies.
The most recent Sports Action Plan set a target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on the boards by the end of 2023. It is a priority to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
The most recent gender representation snapshot was published by Sport Ireland in April and is available on Sport Ireland's website www.sportireland.ie . This snapshot shows that the overall percentage of women on boards across the sport sector in Ireland is now 45%. That is a 3% increase on the previous snapshot in December 2023, which had marked the first time there was female representation on every board.
For NGBs alone, the average percentage is 44%, up from 24% in 2019.
For the first time, the Football Association of Ireland, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Irish Rugby Football Union, the three largest field sport organisations, have now all surpassed 40% representation of females on their boards.
Of the 100 sporting organisations encompassed by the gender representation snapshot, 86 have now achieved or exceeded the 40% target, including 61 NGBs and 25 LSPs. It should be noted that 50% of state funding (excluding Women in Sport funding) will be withheld from National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships until such a time as 40% gender representation is achieved by them.
Sport Ireland will continue to provide support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% and will monitor and report on progress.
37. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current position regarding the Fáilte Ireland-funded outdoor water-based activity facility in Claycastle, Youghal, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24322/24]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
I am advised that the second Platform for Growth capital funding scheme managed by Fáilte Ireland focuses on developing water sports activity facilities across the country. These facilities will provide a hub in each locality from which multiple water sport operators can base themselves. These best-in-class facilities will include a range of facilities such as changing facilities, showers, toilets, secure storage and enclosed spaces for inductions to take place.
In December 2021 Cork County Council was formally awarded €850,000 for the development of a watersport facility at Claycastle, Youghal. In September 2023, Cork County Council’s grant award was increased to €1.2 million. This grant increase will further enhance the project by incorporating changing places, as well as wayfinding and orientation signage.
Cork County Council has been working since then on the development of the planning application for the project. This has involved a detailed design process, environmental screening reports and creating digital renders of the proposed facility. I understand that the publication of the planning application has been delayed as a result of two complications. The first relates to a change to the county flood risk maps in 2023 which affects the area that had been initially identified for development and the second relates to the requirement to make an application to MARA (the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority). I am advised that Cork County Council hopes that a planning application will be published for this site before the end of June 2024.
This development will support east Cork as an outdoor activity destination which was identified as a strategic opportunity in the draft Cork City, Harbour and East Cork Destination Experience Development Plan 2024 – 2028.
38. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the location and date chosen to host the National and the International Famine Commemorations in 2025; if she will commit to making regular the public announcement of the next year’s commemoration location and date as part of the commemorative ceremony; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24341/24]
View answerThe National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I chair, is charged with considering arrangements for the National Famine Commemoration Day. Since its inception in 2008, this commemoration has taken place in each province on a rotating basis, and has included host communities from across the island of Ireland.
In 2018, the Government approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the National Famine Commemoration Day, with the arrangements for the holding of the State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday, to be decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community. In line with previous years, the location of the 2025 National Famine Commemoration will be subject to the same consultation and agreement.
There is no such Government Decision in respect of the International Famine Commemoration, which provides diaspora communities the opportunity to remember and reflect on the impact of the famine and the emigration that followed in its wake. The date and location of the 2025 international commemoration has yet to be confirmed.
There are currently no plans to align the dates of the National and International Commemorations. It is important that the International Famine Commemoration date is flexible so that it can best suit particular opportunities to commemorate the Famine with meaningful and poignant International Events that may not fully align with that third Sunday (or preceding Saturday) in May.
I am conscious of the importance of providing sufficient notice to ensure that both the national and international famine commemorations provide maximum opportunities for Irish people at home and abroad, communities, schools and ambassadors, time to plan so that this important day can be marked appropriately and offer an opportunity for meaningful reflection. I will continue to work with officials in this regard, to ensure that such notice is provided, while at the same time ensuring there is sufficient flexibility to deliver a meaningful programme at home and abroad.
39. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé fós i gceist aici Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a athbhunú, cén dáta faoina mbeidh sé ar ais má tá; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24342/24]
View answerTháinig deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge in 2011. Faoin scéim d’íoctaí deontas, arbh fhiú suas le €260 in aghaidh na bliana le teaghlaigh 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.
Mar a cuireadh in iúl go minic roimhe seo, ó cuireadh deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge 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.
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in developing new tourism amenities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24357/24]
View answerIn May 2021, under the Platforms for Growth Programme, Fáilte Ireland approved a grant of €4.8 million to Cavan County Council to support the development and delivery of the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park project. In April 2024, an additional €2.6 million was approved by Fáilte Ireland which brings the total amount of funding up to €7.4 million towards total project costs of €10 million.
The official turning of the sod on this project will take place in June 2024, with construction getting underway this summer.
The project proposes the delivery of a world-class visitor experience in the northern region of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. This will consist of a brand-new visitor experience, “The Shannon Pot Discovery Centre”, and enhancement of the existing Cavan Burren Park. Both sites are part of the cross-Border Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark and are linked via the Cavan Way and are located 5km apart. Together, the two sites, The Shannon Pot and Cavan Burren Park, promise to create a unique and exciting experience.
The river Shannon itself, along with its lakes and inland waterways, is an integral part of the tourism offering in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Fáilte Ireland provided funding to Waterways Ireland to lead on the preparation of a tourism masterplan for the Shannon, including the Shannon-Erne Waterway.?Projects in Cavan include the development of signature interpretation points along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, a project that has been commissioned by Waterways Ireland and the project is progressing well.
Cavan will form part of the area covered by Fáilte Ireland’s Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan which is due to be launched before the end of the year.
Another significant piece of work underway is the Beara Breifne Way. This is a unique grassroots community-led initiative and the largest community-based project undertaken in Ireland to date. Its development has been supported by stakeholders including the Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland and the local authorities along the trail. The Beara Breifne Way comprises 12 existing National Waymarked Ways, spanning 700km through counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan.
The section of the Beara Breifne way along the Cavan Way takes the walker past the Shannon Pot and on to the Cavan Burren and will link in with the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre currently being developed under the Fáilte Ireland Platforms for Growth programme.
