Written Answers Nos. 1-37
5. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide for the establishment a stand-alone tourist promotion campaign for the mid-Cork area of County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37015/24]
View answerMy role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy. The question of how best to develop tourism in mid-Cork and whether a stand alone tourism promotion campaign could help in this regard are primarily operational matters for the agencies in the first instance.
I am aware however that Fáilte Ireland’s focus on promoting the regions has included significant investment into brand building through individual ‘Keep Discovering’ campaigns. In this regard, each of the four regional experience brands continue to be promoted across a mix of TV, press, radio, digital and social. Fáilte Ireland's focus on building the regional brands is designed to encourage domestic tourists to visit destinations across the country and through online sales and marketing supports, help local industry to convert this interest into increased sales for their business.
In relation to Cork specifically, various subgroups have been established as part of the implementation of the Destination and Experience Development Plans to consider and implement actions relating to the development of the destination with representation from the tourism industry in Cork and Fáilte Ireland. These subgroups will work with partners to develop the destination through various agencies and channels including Tourism Ireland, Discover Ireland, Pure Cork and other relevant entities where possible. I understand that Cork continues to feature prominently in ongoing marketing activity being undertaken by Fáilte Ireland and this will continue in the shoulder season. Furthermore, Tourism Ireland will continue to promote holidays to Ireland in the off-peak season in all of our significant overseas markets and all areas of Ireland including Cork will benefit from this marketing activity.
Finally, in relation to national policy, I am currently finalising a new Tourism Policy Framework which will mainstream sustainability across the entire sector in the period to 2030. While it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner consistent with our broader sustainability targets. The new Tourism Policy Framework will address policy objectives related to tourism careers, innovation, product development and how to ensure that all regions of Ireland benefit from sustainable tourism growth in the years ahead. I hope to have the Policy Framework finalised in the coming weeks.
13. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being taken by her Department to increase the sporting potential of County Meath. [36895/24]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment throughout the country.
I am pleased to confirm at least €250 million in allocations is to be made available under the current round of the Programme. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities across Ireland.
This record allocation is on foot of positive engagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe.
Over €26 million in equipment-only grants under the current round of the Programme were announced in May and these grants have been provisionally allocated to sporting organisations, representing over fifty different sports, across the country. In Meath, 38 sports clubs and organisations benefitted from equipment-only grants under the current round of the Programme, totalling over €915,000 in grants.
The assessment of funding applications for capital works under the Programme, together with capital works with an equipment component, include 107 applications from Meath. Assessment of those application is now at an advanced stage and I expect to announce those allocations soon.
The €250 million secured for the current round of the Programme represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022, under the 2020 round of the Programme. This should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current round.
I can also confirm that a number of applications have been received from Meath under the current round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. €120 million has been secured for the current round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and assessment of those applications is ongoing.
Our network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) across the country plays a crucial role in promoting and increasing participation in sport and physical activity at local level and in engaging groups that are underrepresented in sporting activity.
Through their expertise and local connections with the sports communities, LSPs are able to identify specific needs and deliver effective initiatives accordingly. In 2024, the Government through Sport Ireland, will invest a total of €11.4 million in our LSPs.
In 2002, Sport Ireland established Meath Local Sports Partnership, in conjunction with Meath County Council. The Government, through Sport Ireland, will invest over €530,000 in core funding in Meath Local Sports Partnership in 2024. This core funding represents an increase on the €439,878 invested in Meath Local Sports Partnership in 2023. For 2024 in total, Meath Local Sports Partnership will receive €1.2 million in funding from the Government through Sport Ireland, the local authority and other funding sources.
In addition, under the Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure fund, Meath Local Sports Partnership was allocated €23,000 in public funding, in respect of developments at Laytown beach. This funding is in addition to being awarded funding to employ an Outdoor Recreation Officer as part of a pilot initiative.
Meath Local Sports Partnership has also been allocated funding for a Sport4Empowerment officer, who will focus on providing opportunities for the most socially isolated individuals, to become active in sport.
14. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 957 of 23 July 2024, if the external evaluation and financial audit of the Legacy Programme has been completed; if the evaluation and audit have been published; her views on those reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36738/24]
View answerAs noted in response to the parliamentary question on this issue on 23 July 2024, the final drawdown of funds under the Galway European Capital of Culture Legacy Programme was paid by my Department to the Galway Culture Company on 17th July this year.
Under that Performance Delivery Agreement for the Legacy Programme, Galway Culture Company undertook to complete a number of monitoring and evaluation requirements, including “to provide an audited account to the Department on or before the 31st of March 2025”. The PDA also sets out the key performance indicators and grant drawdown requirements for the programme.
The Galway Culture Company is now engaged in an external evaluation and independent auditors review of the programme. As per the Performance Delivery Agreement, the reporting is required before the end of Q1 2025. The Culture Company recently updated my Department on progress during a recent bilateral monitoring meeting. They informed the Department that the process is ongoing at present and they currently project that the evaluation and the independent auditor's reports will be delivered by the deadline. I look forward to reading the final reports as soon as they are published.
In the meantime, my Department officials continue to engage with Galway Culture Company through regular bilateral monitoring meetings, as outlined in the Performance Delivery Agreement.
The legacy programme has provided an opportunity for the artistic and cultural sector to access funding through open calls, partnerships on funding applications to EU programmes, opportunities for presentation in other European countries and targeted capacity building supports. The funding allocated through the legacy framework has supported the three strategic objectives of the legacy programme: To facilitate international and EU relationships and funding,
• To support place based cultural programming, and
• To provide supports to the cultural and creative sector.
Galway Culture Company have informed my officials that they are available to meet with the Deputy to discuss the legacy programme in more detail.
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to extend the basic income for artists and art workers; if so, to provide a costing for such a measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37006/24]
View answerThe Basic Income for the Arts pilot was a key policy objective for me. Since becoming Minister, I have been determined to focus on supporting professional arts practice and demonstrating to artists that they are valued, that their work is appreciated and that the contribution they make to enhancing all of our lives is understood.
Accordingly, in line with that commitment to supporting artists, in the last four years since Budget 2020:
• funding for the Culture programme in my Department has grown by over 90%
• funding for the Arts Council has grown by 68%
• funding for Screen Ireland has grown by 88%
• funding for Culture Ireland has grown 65%
• funding of €105 million is in place for the Basic Income for the Arts Research Programme
• funding for National Cultural Institutions has increased by over 50%
• we are supporting the provision of new artist workspaces in Dublin City and elsewhere
As the pilot is still ongoing, it is too early for Government to make a decision on next steps. However, I ensured that the pilot is underpinned by a robust research programme which will provide a clear evidence base for decisions in relation to the pilot. I have stated previously that while there is no Government decision yet, I would be in favour of the pilot being expanded.
The data so far clearly shows the benefit for participants, not just to their arts practice but also to their mental health and wellbeing. I have had so much direct feedback from recipients on how transformational the basic income has been and I would be keen to continue it. The reason I was determined to have a robust gold standard research programme is because it is critical that we gather irrefutable data in order to inform decisions on future policy. I am very proud to have been the Minister to implement this ground-breaking policy.
The cost to expand this measure would depend on the number of recipients who would be included in the intervention. There are no current data providing exact measures for the number of people working in the arts. However, there were 8,209 eligible applications received for the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. To pay each eligible applicant a weekly amount of €325 would cost approximately €139 million per year. To extend this beyond those who met the eligibility criteria would increase the cost further.
16. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider building more 400-metre athletics track and field arenas in County Cork following the success of the athletics team at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37037/24]
View answerThe performance of Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer in Paris is to be strongly commended. All our athletes have made us proud and, with the support of their coaches, families and sporting bodies, they have brought joy and pride to the nation.
The Government is investing heavily in sport facilities to ensure that our athletes can prepare for these prestigious international sporting competitions in the best possible way. We will continue to do so in the coming years, not just in the high performance system, but also at grassroots level.
On 29 May 2024, Minister Martin and I confirmed that at least €250 million will be made available for capital projects under the 2023 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities nationwide.
This record allocation is on the foot of positive engagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe. I expect to announce the capital allocations under the Programme soon.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) supports larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment exceeds the maximum amount available under the SCEP.
Under the 2018 LSSIF round, a total of €14.3 million was awarded to Athletics Ireland and Munster Technological University community sport project on the Bishopstown campus of the university. The first two phases of the project, encompassing the sports arena and track upgrade, have been completed and the final phase will see a High Performance Athletic Centre delivered.
A number of applications have been received from County Cork under the current LSSIF round, including for athletics-related projects. Minister Martin and I intend to announce allocations of up to €120 million under the current LSSIF round in the coming period.
17. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027; the supports that will be provided under this strategy to increase access and participation across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36877/24]
View answer24. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital funding that is available for the development of swimming pools; if funding is available for the running costs of swimming pools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36486/24]
View answer34. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being undertaken by her Department to ensure that children across the country have an opportunity to learn to swim. [36753/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 24 and 34 together.
The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 contains a specific commitment to develop a National Swimming Strategy. Last month, I was proud to launch Ireland’s first-ever National Swimming Strategy, which sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim.
The public consultation process that informed the Strategy’s development received over 5,800 submissions, which is testament to the popularity of the sport, and the critical role it can play when it comes to our physical health and mental wellbeing.
The Strategy covers both indoor and outdoor swimming and takes account of all ages and abilities. It includes an Action Plan containing over 50 actions across five thematic strands.
The Action Plan focuses on providing improved facilities, better coaching supports, increased safety awareness and a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers. Implementation of the Strategy will also improve the culture of inclusion in swimming and increase access for people with disabilities.
In support of one of the Strategy’s actions, additional funding of up to €500,000 is being allocated by the Government, through Sport Ireland, to support Swim Ireland in hiring swimming activators to work within local authority areas and provide enhanced opportunities to swim.
Defined Key Performance Indicators are outlined in the Strategy and will be used to monitor the implementation of the Action Plan. These include targets for increasing participation rates, the number of swimming teachers and coaches and the number of swimming related applications under future Sports Capital Funding Programmes.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan is shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders.
Swimming plays a critical role when it comes to the physical health and mental wellbeing of our children. It the third most popular sport for children, with over 500,000 children participating in swimming lessons every year.
One of National Swimming Strategy’s five thematic strands, is a focus on Education, Lessons and Coaching . Evidence confirms that early childhood is the optimal time to learn how to swim, which in turn can increase the levels of lifelong participation.
The Strategy aims to provide additional opportunities for young people to access lessons, to ensure optimal use of pool times for lessons and coaching, to address challenges in recruiting and retaining swimming instructors and to further embed the provision of aquatics and water safety as components of school curriculums.
A key focus of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 is to increase the number of children regularly playing sport, to ensure that all our children enjoy their sporting experiences and have the physical literacy to underpin their participation in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.
The Department is currently developing a new Sports Action Plan which will cover the remaining four years of the National Sports Policy. This plan, which I intend to publish in the coming weeks, will include a strong focus on a number of key areas such as early childhood participation supports as well as the further development of the contribution of the educational sector to maximising children’s physical activity and sports participation levels.
Capital funding for swimming pools was previously provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). 52 pools have been completed under this programme and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the LASPP. The Lucan swimming pool project is currently being completed.
Under the 2023 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, applications for funding in respect of improvements to swimming pools were accepted. In addition, the Sports Energy Support Scheme was extended in 2023 to support publicly accessible swimming pools with increased energy costs.
Capital support for new swimming pools is currently being provided through the Department’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The first LSSIF allocations were announced in January 2020 and thus far approximately €124 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals including 8 swimming pool related projects.
While the LSSIF 2018 allocations provided funding to a variety of sports, swimming was recognised as a sport that enjoys participation at all ages and levels of ability. In this regard, almost 25% of all approved projects have a swimming pool element representing one of the highest level of success for any sport.
In April this year, Minister Martin and I announced funding of up to €120 million under the new 2024 round of the LSSIF which was open for applications until 1 July 2024. Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30 million, will take into account population size, sustainability and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities. The initial assessment of LSSIF applications is now underway and a number of swimming pool projects have been submitted for consideration as part of this competitive process.
The National Swimming Strategy public consultation process suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient and an analysis of current provision is proposed to identify gaps. Funding programmes, such as LSSIF and SCEP, will play a key role in the development of swimming pool facilities across the country in the coming years.
The National Swimming Strategy reflects a truly collaborative strategic vision that will strengthen and support the sustainable growth and development of swimming in Ireland for years to come.
18. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has had any discussions with the Minister for Finance in advance of Budget 2025 in relation to ensuring that continued and increased financial support for the film and audio visual industries is more strictly conditioned on the provision of security of employment for film crew, the full vindication of employment rights and fair and proportionate remuneration for actors, performers workers and directors, with reference to the use of buy-out contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37007/24]
View answerMy Department has ongoing engagement with the Department of Finance on matters relating to Section 481 film tax relief.
The application process for a Section 481 Certificate requires the producer company and qualifying company, as defined by the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to sign an undertaking in respect of quality employment and must provide details of any Workplace Relations Commission decisions applying to the qualifying company, the producer company or other companies in the group. Where those decisions include a finding against such a company, confirmation is necessary that the funding has been implemented or a satisfactory explanation provided.
A producer that does not comply with the employment and skills development requirements may not be eligible for the tax credit. The monitoring of compliance with employment rights legislation is the responsibility of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court - the mechanisms of the State for regulating employment law. They are under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Along with the additional training requirements, there is an increased emphasis and scrutiny on the provision of quality employment across film projects. Each Producer Company and Qualifying Company is required to give an undertaking, not only to be in compliance with all obligations in the field of environmental, social and employment law, but crucially to have in place written policies and procedures in relation to Grievances, Discipline and Dignity at work (including harassment, bullying and equal opportunity).
Matters relating to intellectual property rights as well as copyright issues in general, fall under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Standard contracts between producers and creative rights holders vary widely with different approaches throughout Europe. In this context, creatives currently operate under a range of different work-related agreements. Section 481 does not obligate one set of terms over another.
Screen Ireland has retained an independent facilitator to meet with screen writers, directors, composers, actors, animation and live-action producers, to understand and discuss issues that have arisen since the transposition into Irish law of the EU Copyright Directive. This engagement has continued to progress over the past number of months and is still ongoing, with further meetings planned for Q4 this year.
I very much welcome the process being facilitated by Screen Ireland and the feedback that stakeholders are participating and finding it of value. While it is a matter for stakeholders to find consensus in the first instance, I do expect that everyone involved is working towards a common objective - a competitive industry where workers, including crew, actors and creative talent, are treated fairly.
I am due to meet shortly with the Minister for Finance to discuss the upcoming Budget 2025.
19. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the effect of the 'Hidden Heartlands' brand in terms of increasing tourism to the counties in this region. [36951/24]
View answerFáilte Ireland is continuing to work with the relevant local authorities, other agencies such as Tourism Ireland, and the tourism industry, to raise awareness of the Hidden Heartlands brand and to grow tourism in the region. The Hidden Heartlands brand aims to galvanise the industry in the region around a shared proposition and the region is seeing a welcome increase in the rate of private investment in tourism product and accommodation.
Since its inception in 2018, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has made a significant impact on tourism, delivering increased visitor numbers and spend, season extension and creating jobs. Last year saw the expansion of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands which now sits across eleven counties.
In relation to the specific tourism offering, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offers unparalleled opportunities to get active in nature with a latticework of vibrant waterways and walking trails. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland and partners are seeking to highlight hidden gems and experiences that the tourist can uncover at their own pace while exploring the communities, tastes and textures that the region has to offer.
The local authorities are key partners and Fáilte Ireland has also built partnerships with Waterways Ireland, Coillte, Bord na Mona and the Office of Public Works in order to optimise the tourism potential of their natural and heritage assets in a sustainable manner.
Last year, Fáilte Ireland published a Regional Tourism Strategy for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands 2023 - 2027. Within this five-year strategy, an exciting 10-year vision for the sustainable development of tourism in the region is set out. The strategy has a particular focus on regenerative tourism and sustainability, ensuring that tourism creates sustainable jobs in local communities and protects our environment.
In relation to national policy, I am currently finalising a new Tourism Policy Framework which will mainstream sustainability across the entire sector in the period to 2030.
While it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner consistent with our broader sustainability targets. Regional growth, including within Ireland's Hidden Heartland's area, and season extension, will be important objectives. The new Tourism Policy Framework will address policy objectives related to tourism careers, innovation, product development and how we maximise our tourism assets to ensure future tourism growth is sustainable. I hope to have the Policy Framework finalised in the coming weeks.
20. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how Ireland compares with other EU Member States with respect to the percentage of GDP expended on the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36995/24]
View answerArriving at meaningful comparisons for international expenditure is challenging for a number of reasons. As has been acknowledged by my colleague the Minister for Finance, and as is generally acknowledged, Ireland is one of the most globally-integrated economies in the world. With a large foreign owned footprint, interpreting conventional measures of economic activity such as Gross Domestic Product - or GDP - is especially challenging in an Irish context.
There are also limited robust methodologies for international comparisons of Government expenditure on arts and culture. Eurostat as the statistical office of the European Union collects data on general government expenditure by economic function using the internationally accepted Classification of the Functions of Government system. Public functions are divided into ten classes that are further broken down into subclasses, one of which is Cultural Services. Another subclass is Broadcasting and Publishing Services.
This classification system, measures and compares public funding of the state including that of local government as well as investments such as buildings, maintenance and repair.
Eurostat publishes new figures once a year in the Spring for the penultimate complete calendar year. The 2022 figures were published on 22 February 2024 and show that Ireland's expenditure on Cultural Services stood at €897 million in 2022. This was equivalent to 0.2% of GDP and compares to the EU average of 0.5% of GDP.
While the €897 million spent on Cultural Services accounts for 0.2% of Ireland's GDP in 2022, a more relevant metric provided by Eurostat and published at the same time is the percentage of public expenditure that goes to Cultural Services. In this case, the €897 million accounts for 0.8% of total General Government Expenditure and compares to the EU average of 0.9% in 2022.
The expenditure figure for Ireland on Broadcasting & Publishing Services was €720 million in 2022. This was equivalent to 0.1% of GDP which was the same as the EU average. Meanwhile the percentage of public expenditure that goes to Broadcasting & Publishing Services was 0.7% of total General Government Expenditure in 2022. The equivalent EU average was 0.4% in the same year.
Notwithstanding the widely acknowledged and commonly understood challenges in making meaningful international comparisons of public expenditure in respect of Ireland based on Gross Domestic Product, I am satisfied that there has been considerable progress in recent years in growth in public funding of arts and culture in Ireland. Relative to Budget 2020, Budget 2024 saw an increase of over 90% in funding for the Arts and Culture Division of my Department. This included record allocations for the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann, Culture Ireland and continued funding of the three year €105m Basic Income for the Arts research programme as well as significant increases in funding for our National Cultural Institutions (or NCIs). In terms of capital expenditure, my Department, in partnership with the Office of Public Works, is engaged in a programme of significant investment in our NCIs as well as supporting local authorities in addressing demand for artist workspaces. There was also a programme of investment in the Decade of Centenaries Programme, the renewal and continued implementation of the Creative Ireland programme and new initiatives in areas such as Night Time Economy. The benefit of this expenditure is evident in the survey data currently being gathered under the Basic Income scheme, and the international recognition of our artists and creative sectors in the form of a Booker Prize and record level of Oscar nominations for films made in Ireland secured in recent years.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am firmly committed to continued growth in support for this sector, in my role as Minister.
21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of short-term lets in operation in Galway city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36734/24]
View answerThe proposed Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for short term lets in Ireland and for the implementation of the EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation which was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024. The register will facilitate the production of quality data on short term letting accommodation in each region in the country. However, in the current absence of such a register, it is not possible to provide accurate data on the quantum of such accommodation.
I intend to bring the revised Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme to Government shortly for approval and to then proceed with drafting of the Bill.
In the absence of accurate data, which will only become available on the introduction of the register, Fáilte Ireland has conducted a data-scraping exercise on information available online regarding short term letting accommodation in Ireland. This provides an estimate of the current number of short term letting properties in Ireland and it draws on data from the four largest online booking platforms operating in Ireland. This exercise suggests, as a current best estimate, that there are currently in the region of 3,600 short term letting properties in the county of Galway. The data-scraping exercise provides data on a county basis and does not differentiate between urban and rural properties. It is important to note that this data cannot be regarded as definitive and that the short term letting register to be established under the proposed STLT Bill will ultimately help to address this information deficit.
22. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a fund can be created to support local and community radio stations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37038/24]
View answerCommercial broadcasters, such as local radio, play an important role in providing valuable public service content to the Irish public. The Future of Media Commission in examining the challenges faced by the media sector made a number of recommendations to counter these challenges and to support the provision of public service content.
One recommendation was for a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media and journalism sector at local, regional and national levels, and that new schemes under this Fund should be put in place on a platform neutral basis.
In Budget 2024, I secured €6m for two pilot schemes under this Fund, the Local Democracy Scheme and the Courts Reporting Scheme, for which applications will close at the end of this month. As the schemes are being administered by Coimisiún na Meán on a platform neutral basis, commercial radio are fully eligible to apply for funding.
I am acutely aware of concerns raised by the IBI in relation to the need to support the provision of existing news and current affairs content. In line with another of the FOMC's recommendations, work is currently underway to amend the Broadcasting Act to allow news and current affairs to be eligible for funding under the Sound & Vision scheme. This will provide another important avenue for funding in respect of news and current affairs to the commercial radio sector.
Given the importance of the radio sector, at my request Coimisiún na Meán prepared a Report into the Economic Viability of the Commercial Radio Sector. The report indicates a consistently profitable commercial radio sector but recognises likely future challenges such as digitalisation.
I have secured a further €10m in funding for the Media Fund in 2025 to allow for the continuation of these Schemes and to bring forward additional Schemes such as supports regarding digitalisation. Stakeholder feedback, including the views of local and community radio stations, will be taken into account as part of the design process.
These new provisions are in addition to significant supports already provided to the independent media sector through the Sound and Vision scheme.
I will continue to engage with my officials on the most appropriate mechanism to support the radio sector in delivering vital public service content.
23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update following the recent holding of a stakeholders forum for section 481; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36973/24]
View answerA Section 481 stakeholder forum was held in February of this year and attended by representatives from all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry.
The structure of the event incorporated a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements. The majority of the focus of the day, however, was firmly input from the stakeholders themselves and on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions and discuss them with other industry stakeholders. A professional rapporteur conducted the event. A Report of all the views expressed at the Section 481 stakeholder forum has been finalised and it reflects the wide range of views expressed. The Report of the views expressed at the event has been circulated to all relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. The relevant Government bodies will examine the Report to consider if further changes can be made to the Section 481 Film Tax Relief Scheme.
Since the forum took place last February, the European Commission approved an increase in the Section 481 Cap to €125m and its extension to the end of 2028. This will provide certainty to our screen industry and open it up to projects of scale. Given the ongoing upward pressure on production budgets, the increased cap will lead to a thriving film industry, cementing its reputation worldwide for high quality work and a creative, talented workforce.
25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an mbeidh a Roinn ag cur aon tacaíocht ar fáil d’Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne atá le reachtáil i mBaile Átha Cliath in 2025; cad iad na bealaí inar féidir le comórtais mhóra dhomhanda damhsa cur isteach ar mhaoiniú óna Roinn; an bhfuil aon sruth maoinithe ann óna Roinn dírithe ar ealaín iomaíoch ina bhfuil comórtas lárnach sa gcomhthéacs nach dtugann an Chomhairle Ealaíon maoiniú dá leithéid agus nach dtagann eagrais rince faoi scáth Spórt Éireann; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37067/24]
View answerNí chuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do chomórtais rince.
De ghnáth, ní thugann Comhairle Ealaíon na hÉireann maoiniú i leith comórtas damhsa, toisc go bhfuil sí dírithe ar thacaíocht a thabhairt i leith saothar ealaíonta a fhorbairt agus a chruthú, in áit imeachtaí iomaíocha.Is é misean na Comhairle ná léiriú ealaíonta a chothú, nuálaíocht a spreagadh, agus deiseanna a chur ar fáil d’ealaíontóirí chun a saothar a chruthú agus a chur i láthair. Ina theannta sin, cuireann an Chomhairle Ealaíon béim ar ionchuimsiú, rochtain ar na healaíona, agus forbairt ghairmiúil ealaíontóirí, agus bíonn a tosaíochtaí maoinithe ag teacht le tionscadail a chuireann leis an tírdhreach chultúrtha i gcoitinne, cosúil le tionscnaimh oideachasúla, forbairt ghairmiúil, agus léiriúcháin nua.
26. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the changes she is proposing following the film industry stakeholder forum earlier this year, particularly in relation to secure and quality employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37008/24]
View answerA Section 481 stakeholder forum was held in February of this year and attended by representatives from all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry.
The structure of the event incorporated a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements. The majority of the focus of the day, however, was firmly input from the stakeholders themselves and on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions and discuss them with other industry stakeholders. A professional rapporteur conducted the event. A Report of all the views expressed at the Section 481 stakeholder forum has been finalised and it reflects the wide range of views expressed. The Report of the views expressed at the event has been circulated to all relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. The relevant Government bodies will examine the Report to consider if further changes can be made to the Section 481 Film Tax Relief Scheme.
Since the forum took place last February, the European Commission approved an increase in the Section 481 Cap to €125m and its extension to the end of 2028. This will provide certainty to our screen industry and open it up to projects of scale. Given the ongoing upward pressure on production budgets, the increased cap will lead to a thriving film industry, cementing its reputation worldwide for high quality work and a creative, talented workforce.
27. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the development projects announced for the national sports campus; when the national velodrome and badminton centre and the national cricket stadium will be built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36859/24]
View answerAn ambitious vision for the development of a national sports centre of excellence is set out under the National Sports Campus Masterplan and the Government will continue to support Sport Ireland in bringing this vision to fruition.
A National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and a National Cricket Stadium are important elements of the Campus Masterplan and I recently granted approval for Sport Ireland to progress both developments.
The National Velodrome and Badminton Centre will comprise of a 250 metre cycling track and up to 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, in addition to spectator seating and ancillary facilities. The Centre will provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition, as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023 and Sport Ireland is now proceeding to tender stage. It is expected that construction will begin in 2025, with a likely completion date of mid-2027.
The proposed National Cricket Stadium will deliver a permanent home for international cricket in Ireland that meets International Cricket Council requirements and standards. The facility is expected to include a high performance centre, an arena for holding major games with associated media and spectator facilities and headquarter offices for Cricket Ireland. The facilities will be focussed on elite teams and high performance but will also be accessible for use by teams and players at a range of levels, including youth and local teams.The facility will play an important role in Cricket Ireland's plans to deliver on its co-hosting responsibilities with England, Wales and Scotland for the 2030 T20 World Cup. This project is now at pre-tender planning and design phase. The project will be delivered on a phased basis, with Phase 1 scheduled to commence in 2025 and to be completed in 2028.
The National Sports Campus is already a world-leading athlete focused facility and this next phase of its development will further enhance Ireland’s sporting infrastructure.
28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects to continue to pursue the provision of sporting and recreational facilities in an even and balanced way throughout the country, having particular regard to the areas of rapidly expanding population; if she is inclined to invigorate such proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36953/24]
View answerCapital funding for sport facilities is provided by the Department though the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
I am conscious of the growing demand for such funding and of the specific impact of population increases. The 2020 round of the SCEP attracted a record 3,106 applications with a total of €166.6 million allocated to the programme.
After every recent round of the SCEP, a review is undertaken with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the programme for future calls. The review of the 2020 programme identified new areas for focus including prioritising applications from areas witnessing significant population growth. Accordingly, the "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 SCEP round includes criteria to address the issue of population growth
On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the SCEP. These grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities.
On 29 May 2024, Minister Martin and I were pleased to confirm that at least €250 million is to be made available for capital projects under the 2023 round of the SCEP. This was on foot of positive engagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., which facilitated this largest-ever investment in sports facilities across the country.
The funding now available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the SCEP and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. The assessment of funding applications for capital projects, is now at an advanced stage and I expect to announce allocations soon.
The National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027 provided for the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with the aim of providing support to sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 with €86.4 million awarded to 33 different projects across the country. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023, bringing the total awarded to date to LSSIF-funded projects to €124 million.
Since June 2023, a number of LSSIF-funded projects have opened to the public and these include the Linear Walkway and Playing Fields Project in Meath, phase 1 of the Walsh Park redevelopment in Waterford, the Regional Athletics Hub in Limerick, Dundalk Leisure Centre Facilities Refurbishment project, and the MTU Athletics Track in Cork. A number of other LSSIF projects are due to be completed or significantly progressed this year. Examples include the Connacht Rugby project and the redevelopment of St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge, Kildare.
Minister Martin and I announced funding of up to €120 million under the new round of the LSSIF (LSSIF 2024) which closed for applications on 1 July 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. The assessment of applications is underway and it is clear that this round of the LSSIF has generated significantly more applications and a much higher volume of demand than the first round.
Deliverability is a key factor in the LSSIF assessment process and I look forward to seeing the LSSIF helping to deliver a range of key sports facilities in the coming period across the country.
29. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the reforms planned for the future of the TV licence fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36971/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, as of this July, Government has agreed to a multi-annual public funding arrangement for RTÉ which, through a combination of an improved TV licence collection system and Exchequer support, will ensure that RTÉ is supported to deliver on its Statement of Strategy. A key aspect of the Government decision was the provision of multi annual funding which will provide certainty of funding for RTÉ and will enable the organisation to plan on a multi-annual basis for the delivery of its New Direction Statement of Strategy 2025-2029.
As part of this decision, the current TV licence system will be retained, but underpinned by improvements in collection and compliance to maximise revenue generation. The Government has reconvened the TV licence Technical Working Group and in addition, extensive bilateral meetings are being held to progress this work. Additionally, Government also agreed to provide An Post with an Exchequer allocation of €6m over a three-year period for necessary collection system and technological improvements.
The Technical Working Group is expected to report to me by the end of October. As it continues its work, it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the deliberations of the Group and the nature of the recommendations they may bring forward.
Government has committed to €225m total public funding to be provided to RTÉ in 2025, this will rise to €240m in 2026 and €260m in 2027. Funding will then be maintained at a level to continue the implementation of the Statement of Strategy 2025-2029.This funding will consist of revenue generated by the enhanced TV licence collection system as well as direct Exchequer funding as required. While the decline in TV licence receipts since summer 2023 is well documented, we have seen signs of recovery, particularly in the last number of months. For example, through July and August, there was an increase of 21.2% in TV licence sales compared to the equivalent period in 2023. Again, I would take the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of continuing to buy or renew their TV licence, which also supports the provision of high quality public service content right across national and local, independent, commercial broadcasters through the Sound and Vision scheme.
31. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are funding opportunities for an arts centre (details supplied) to carry out upgrades to its facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36950/24]
View answerAt present, my Department has a capital funding scheme open for applications. Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. In line with the Government's action plan on climate change, Stream E also welcomes projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint as well as projects that provide additional capacity for artistic production. Projects that address access and health and safety issues are also supported.
Examples of the type of projects that would be eligible to be funded are refurbishment and upgrading of facilities, energy audits, projects that reduce the organisation's carbon footprint including energy upgrade projects e.g. insulation, solar panels, LED lighting; projects that address access, including accessibility audits, Health and Safety upgrades. Seating, staging, and soundproofing are also eligible.
Stream E offers grants up to €50,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and culture remit. Grants of up to €20,000 are available at 85% grant funding rate except for Local Authority owned facilities where the maximum grant is 60% of eligible costs. Grants of up to €50,000 are provided at a maximum grant funding rate of 70% (60% for Local Authority owned facilities). Full details of this Scheme including Application Form, Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions are available on my Department’s page of the website at the following link gov - Creative Arts: Grants and Funding (www.gov.ie).
This Scheme builds on the success of the previous arts capital funding schemes such as Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022, (Streams A and B funded 45 organisations, Stream C funded 10 organisations and Stream D funded 110 organisations) and the earlier Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 (which funded 134 arts and culture organisations). There is a broad range of dedicated, purpose-built arts and culture facilities throughout the country and this funding is aimed at ensuring the preservation of these facilities .
Should the arts centre to which the Deputy refers meet the eligibility criteria for Stream E, it may complete the Application Form and forward the required documentation to my Department at the designated email address. This is a rolling scheme i.e. there is no closing date - it opened for applications in June 2023 and will remain open until the fund of €1.4m is exhausted.
32. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the work of Coimisiún na Meán to protect children against harmful online activity. [36752/24]
View answerCoimisiún na Meán is Ireland's media and online safety regulator. As provided for under its establishing legislation, the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act 2022, it is independent in the exercise of its functions.
An Coimisiún is at the heart of a new online safety framework comprising three elements: Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) in Ireland under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA); supervising platforms in respect of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation (TCOR); and implementing the provisions of the OSMR Act.
As provided for under the OSMR Act, An Coimisiún may develop and enforce binding online safety codes. These codes may provide for obligations on relevant online services (video sharing platform services), with the aim of reducing the exposure of users, and children in particular, from some of the most serious forms of harmful online content.
An Coimisiún published its first draft online safety code in December 2023 and then published a revised draft in May 2024 which it submitted for consultation to the European Commission. That consultation period concluded at end-August and An Coimisiún has signalled its intent to adopt the revised code in October.
Under the OSMR Act, a failure to comply with an online safety code can lead to significant financial sanctions and continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management.
As Ireland's DSC, An Coimisiún supports the European Commission in the enforcement of the DSA. Among other things, the DSA requires the largest online platforms and search engines to assess risks regarding the availability of illegal online content and the exposure of younger users to such content. These services must then address these risks, including by means of age-verification or age-assurance.
As provided for under the OSMR Act, An Coimisiún established its Youth Advisory Committee in December 2023. The Committee has been established to assist and advise An Coimisiún in relation to its online safety functions and other matters. It currently comprises representatives from nine national youth groups and nine individual young people under 25 years of age. providing a voice for children and young people in online safety policy implementation.
An Coimisiún holds further functions relating to child safety online, including through research and supporting education. As an example of its work, in March, An Coimisiún launched the ‘Spot it. Flag it. Stop it’ campaign to help people to recognise illegal content online and provide guidance about how to report it.
33. Deputy Darren O'Rourke 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 Meath. [36894/24]
View answer46. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to increase the rate of tourism in County Meath. [36754/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 46 together.
My role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to that agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
35. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on whether there is sufficient innovation in local tourism offerings in areas such as heritage culinary, historical and eco-tourism; if new approaches are desirable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36972/24]
View answerTourism remains of critical importance to the Irish economy but, like all sectors, it must continue to evolve and innovate in order to compete successfully with other destinations.
Last year, Fáilte Ireland launched four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies 2023-2027 for Ireland’s Ancient East, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin, which will provide a framework for sustainable tourism development across Ireland. By capitalising on the uniqueness of each brand, the strategies set a clear path ahead for the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability into the industry, and provide a clear pathway for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more. The strategies provide a 10-year vision and a five-year action plan for each region. This alignment provides the blueprint for the development of sustainable tourism as it is crucial that we continue to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering, for domestic and international visitors. They identify what needs to be done to unlock the commercial potential of each region, while protecting the environment, enhancing the lives of local communities and serving the needs and expectations of our visitors.
The Regional Tourism Development Strategies will be activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These local development plans are highly collaborative in nature, involving all local stakeholders and this is reflected in the agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties. Fáilte Ireland’s commitment is for every part of the country to have a detailed tourism development action plan created in partnership with local stakeholders.
Furthermore, in relation to national policy, I am currently finalising a new Tourism Policy Framework which will mainstream sustainability across the entire sector in the period to 2030. While it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner consistent with our broader sustainability targets. Regional growth and season extension will be important objectives. The new Tourism Policy Framework will address policy objectives related to tourism careers, innovation, product development and how we maximise our tourism assets to ensure future tourism growth is sustainable. I hope to have the Policy Framework finalised in the coming weeks.
36. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén maoiniú agus cén tacaíocht atá á gcur ar fáil trí Údarás na Gaeltachta chun an bhrandáil a dhéantar ar Ghaeltacht Mhúscraí a neartú agus chun níos mó aitheantais a thabhairt di, agus ar mhaithe le turasóireacht a chur chun cinn ann, os rud é go bhfuil seachbhóthar N22 oscailte anois; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37016/24]
View answerTuigtear dom ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil siad ag cur béim mhór ar fhorbairt agus ar chur chun cinn Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, go háirithe anois agus an seachbhóthar N22 oscailte. Tá roinnt tionscadal agus tionscnamh á maoiniú agus á dtacú acu chun brandáil agus aitheantas na Gaeltachta a neartú agus chun turasóireacht a chur chun cinn.
Tá na tacaíochtaí a leanas á gcur ar fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta do Ghaeltacht Mhúscraí:
Deontas Reáchtála: Tá deontas reáchtála á íoc le Comharchumann Mhúscraí go bliantúil. Freisin, tá an Comharchumann ag feidhmiú mar cheanneagraíocht Pleanála Teanga sa cheantar agus buiséad á chur ar fáil dóibh chuige sin. Tá Múscraí mar chuid den Phlean Forbartha Eispéareas de chuid Fáilte Éireann ag a bhfuil ionadaíocht ag an Údarás ar an ngrúpa feidhme.
Scéim Forbartha Turasóireachta: Tríd an scéim forbartha turasóireachta, tá €60,000 curtha ar fáil do Comharchumann Muscraí chun oifigeach a earcú ar mhaithe le plean turasóireachta a chur i bhfeidhm.
Tionscadail Brandála: Tá branda Gaeltacht na hÉireann de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta cruthaithe chun aitheantas na Gaeltachta a fheabhsú. Áirítear leis seo feachtais mhargaíochta a fhorbairt chun an ceantar a chur ar an léarscáil turasóireachta.
Forbairt Turasóireachta: Tá tacaíocht á cur ar fáil do thionscadail turasóireachta a chuireann béim ar chultúr agus ar theanga na Gaeltachta. Táthar ag díriú ar thionscadail a mheallann cuairteoirí agus a chuireann le heispéireas na gcuairteoirí. Tá an chéad cruinniú eile den ghrúpa feidhme seo i Múscraí an mhí seo chugainn agus beidh ról, riachtanais, agus éilimh earnáil na turasóireachta i nGaeltacht Mhúscraí á bplé.
Comhoibriú Leis an Phobal: Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta ag obair go dlúth le Comharchumann Muscraí chun tionscadail a fhorbairt a thacaíonn le fiontraíocht áitiúil agus a chruthaíonn deiseanna fostaíochta.
Tuigim ón Údarás go bhfuil siad tiomanta leanúint ar aghaidh ag tacú le forbairt na Gaeltachta agus ag cur chun cinn na turasóireachta sa cheantar. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh tionchar dearfach ag oscailt an seachbhóthair N22 ar an gceantar, ag feabhsú rochtana agus ag mealladh níos mó cuairteoirí.
