Written Answers Nos. 342-364
342. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure a teacher (details supplied) who has returned to Ireland can get his Teacher Council number without further delay to allow him to be paid for substitute work he is doing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21786/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. The Council registers teachers under five routes of registration namely, Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the Regulations.
The Department does not have a role in the registration of individual teachers, however, the Teaching Council has informed me that the person that the Deputy is referring to in this query applied for registration some two weeks ago. The Teaching Council on its website advises that the application process for teacher qualified in Ireland may take up to 6-8 weeks from receipt of all application documentation, and up to 12 weeks from those qualified outside of Ireland (which is in line with EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the mutual recognition of qualifications (as amended)).
It is a requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 that individuals who work with children and vulnerable persons be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau, which the Teaching Council facilitates for teachers and schools as part of the registration process. The Teaching Council informs me that the Vetting Team has requested outstanding information from this applicant in order to fulfil the requirements of vetting. The Teaching Council awaits this documentation so it can proceed with the processing of the application, as vetting is a legal requirement to teach in recognised schools.
It is important to note that the processing time begins from the receipt of all application documentation, and the individual referred to is advised to engage with the Council to ensure the Council can progress the application.
343. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the total costs incurred by her Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21861/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's total spending on advertisement in print media for the period in question is outlined below.
|
(YTD) 2024 |
€113,525 |
|
2023 |
€349,703 |
|
2022 |
€17,007 |
|
2021 |
€48,306 |
|
2020 |
€154,938 |
|
2019 |
€2,031 |
A list of the print media publications where advertising was placed during this period is listed below. Due to commercial sensitivities of the publications involved, the Department is not in the position to give a detailed breakdown of amounts paid to each publication.
|
IRISH INDEPENDENT |
|
IRISH TIMES |
|
DAILY STAR |
|
DAILY MAIL |
|
IRISH EXAMINER |
|
IRISH MIRROR |
|
MAIL ON SUNDAY |
|
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT |
|
SUNDAY WORLD |
|
THE EVENING HERALD |
|
THE SUN |
|
Regional |
|
AN FOCAL |
|
ANGLO CELT |
|
ATHLONE TOPIC |
|
BRAY PEOPLE |
|
CARLOW NATIONALIST |
|
CARLOW PEOPLE |
|
CLARE CHAMPION |
|
CLONMEL NATIONALIST |
|
CONNACHT TRIBUNE |
|
DONEGAL DEMOCRAT |
|
DUNDALK DEMOCRAT |
|
DROGHEDA LEADER |
|
DUNDALK ARGUS |
|
ENNISCORTHY GUARDIAN |
|
EVENING ECHO |
|
KERRY'S EYE |
|
KERRYMAN |
|
KILDARE NATIONALIST |
|
KILKENNY PEOPLE |
|
LAOIS NATIONALIST |
|
LEINSTER EXPRESS |
|
LEINSTER LEADER |
|
LEITRIM OBSERVER |
|
LIMERICK POST |
|
LIMERICK LEADER |
|
LONGFORD LEADER |
|
MAYO NEWS |
|
MEATH CHRONICLE |
|
MUNSTER EXPRESS |
|
NENAGH GUARDIAN |
|
NORTHERN STANDARD |
|
OFFALY INDEPENDENT |
|
ROSCOMMON HERALD |
|
SIN NEWSPAPER |
|
SLIGO CHAMPION |
|
THE COLLEGE TRIBUNE |
|
THE CORKMAN |
|
TUAM HERALD |
|
TIPPERARY STAR |
|
UCC EXPRESS |
|
WATERFORD NEWS AND STAR |
|
WESTERN PEOPLE |
|
WESTMEATH EXAMINER |
|
WESTMEATH INDEPENDENT |
|
WEXFORD PEOPLE |
|
WICKLOW TIMES |
344. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if digitisation has commenced on the first census of the new Irish State, which will have its centenary in 2026 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21802/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 1926 Census was taken on the night of 18 April 1926 and is the next full set of census records available in Ireland following the 1911 and 1901 censuses.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) published 10 volumes of statistical information gathered in the 1926 census and it can be viewed at the following link www.cso.ie/en/census/censusvolumes1926to1991/historicalreports/ as indeed can information from all other censuses carried out in Ireland since the foundation of the State.
Under Sections 33 and 35 of the Statistics Act 1993, information gathered by the census relating directly or indirectly to an identifiable person cannot be released until 100 years after the date the census was taken. This means that the CSO owns census data until it is 100 years old, at that point ownership transfers to the National Archives which is part of my Department. I have allocated funding for the significant volume of work required to prepare the 1926 Census for online publication, involving the conservation and the digitisation of the data in the individual 1926 Census forms.
The National Archives in collaboration with the CSO, is preparing the 1926 Census for publication. A provisional index has been formulated using a combination of guidance data from the 1901 & 1911 census in conjunction with information from the 1926 Census Report. Cataloguing of the 1.5 million census returns is underway and data obtained from this activity will be used to finalise the index. Cataloguing is due to be completed by early 2025.
The National Archives is developing a new website to enable platforming of the 1926 Census as well as associated bespoke software to enable analysis of data across the 1901, 1911 and 1926 census returns. It is hoped that work will be complete in time for public release at the end of the statute period on 18 April 2026.
345. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media [21203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media [21204/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra347. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether she agrees that the islands should not be excluded from the hosting of the annual national famine commemoration day? [21205/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra348. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the 2008 national famine commemoration day plaque will be installed at the famine sculpture on Custom House Quay. [21206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 345, 346, 347 and 348 together.
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. There is no such Government Decision in respect of the International event.
The National Famine Commemoration is an opportunity for the State and communities across the country to honour the memory of those who were lost to death and emigration due to the Great Famine. Given that no part of the country was unaffected, including the communities on our coastal islands, it is appropriate that it is held in a different location every year, allowing for local community involvement which is unique to this national State commemoration.
As Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am looking forward to attending the 2024 National Famine Commemoration in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford on Sunday 19 May 2024. The ceremony will be presided over by the Taoiseach and will mark the culmination of a week of community-focused remembrance activities and provide the people of Longford and surrounding counties the opportunity to honour the memory of all those who suffered during the Great Irish Famine.
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, local authorities 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.
There are currently no plans to align the dates of the National and International Famine Commemorations. Any such proposal would need to be carefully considered, so as not to unintentionally restrict options for an appropriate International Famine Commemoration event. It is important that the International Famine Commemoration date is flexible so that it can best suit particular opportunities to commemorate An Gorta Mór with meaningful and poignant international events that may not fully align with that third Sunday (or preceding Saturday) in May.
In relation to a proposed plaque at the famine memorial sculpture on Customs House Quay, this is a matter for Dublin City Council rather than my Department, as the sculpture is under the Council’s remit.
349. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon aitheantas ar leith tugtha i mbeartas an Rialtais maidir leis na hoileáin i gceantair Ghaeltachta a bhfuil pobail ina gcónaí iontu, chun ní hamháin an pobal a láidriú agus chun go bhfásfaidh sé, ach chun saol oileánda a éascú dóibh. [20925/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra350. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon aitheantas ar leith, aon tacaíocht ar leith aici, le haghaidh na n-oileán Gaeltachta agus an bhfuil aon obair déanta aici leis an Aire Caitríona Ní Mháirtín chun straitéis ar leith a mhúnlú le haghaidh na n-oileán agus na bpobal sin a labhraíonn Gaeilge sna hoileáin Ghaeltachta a thagann faoina stiúir mar an tAire a bhfuil cúram na n-oileán uirthi. [20926/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs polasaí uile-Rialtais é Ár nOileáin Bheo a foilsíodh anuraidh do na hoileáin amach ón gcósta - na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh. Bhí an Roinn Forbairt Tuaithe agus Pobail freagrach as an bpolasaí agus an plean gníomhaíochta a chur le chéile ach mo Roinn féin lán-pháirteach ann ó tharla gur oileáin Ghaeltachta iad roinnt mhaith acu.
Bhí ionadaíocht ag mo Roinn ar an gCoiste Idir-Rannach, a rinne maoirsiú ar fhorbairt an pholasaí agus a chuir ionchur luachmhar ar fáil. D’eascair plean gníomhaíochta as na cuspóirí agus éilimh a tháinig chun cinn le linn an phróisis sin ar fad.
Tá ionadaithe ag na hoileáin Ghaeltachta agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar an gCoiste Monatóireachta a bunaíodh chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm Ár nOileáin Bheo.
Aithnítear in Ár nOileáin Bheo gurb ionann an próiseas pleanála teanga agus polasaí an Stáit i leith na Gaeilge sna limistéir phleanála teanga Gaeltachta, na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh.
Tugann Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 feidhm reachtúil don phróiseas pleanála teanga faoina n-ullmhaítear pleananna teanga leibhéal an phobail i gceantair a bhféadfaí aitheantas a thabhairt dóibh faoin Acht mar Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta, mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta nó mar Líonraí Gaeilge. Tá 4 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta ann a chlúdaíonn na 6 oileán Gaeltachta.
Tugtar tréimhse ama don phobal chun plean teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú. Le linn de na pleananna teanga a bheith á n-ullmhú, tugtar mianta an phobail san áireamh agus leagtar amach bearta agus gníomhaíochtaí i réimsí mar an córas oideachais, an teaghlach, an óige agus seirbhísí sóisialta agus caitheamh aimsire. Táthar ag súil go gcuirfidh na bearta agus na gníomhaíochtaí atá leagtha amach sna pleananna le húsáid na Gaeilge agus le saol na bpobail éagsúla sin.
Cuirtear allúntas bliantúil d’idir €120,000 - €180,000 ar fáil do na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta chun Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú agus chun bearta an phlean teanga a chur i bhfeidhm ar feadh tréimhse 7 mbliana.
Is é seo a leanas hallúntais bliantúla a chuirtear ar fáil do na 6 oileán Gaeltachta tríd an bpróiseas pleanála teanga:
|
Limistéar Pleanála Teanga |
Dáta ar ceadaíodh an plean |
Allúntas Bliantúil |
|
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 |
Chomh maith leis sin, maoinítear trí eagraíocht ar leith trí allúntas pleanála teanga na Roinne. Is iad sin Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta a dhíríonn ar sheirbhísí cúraim leanaí go príomha, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta a reáchtálann imeachtaí sóisialta agus cultúrtha do theaghlaigh agus an clár Cuisle de chuid Ealaín na Gaeltachta a chuireann na healaíona chun cinn i measc an aosa óig. Is féidir le pobail na n-oileán tarraingt ar imeachtaí agus ar sheirbhísí na n-eagraíochtaí seo chomh maith.
Cuireann an Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga mo Roinne cúnamh caipitil agus reatha ar fáil chun tacú le pobail Ghaeltachta fás agus forbairt. Baintear leas as na cistí seo chun an teanga a neartú agus a chaomhnú agus chun cabhrú le háiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a uasghrádú nó a fhorbairt fud fad na Gaeltachta, na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh.
Tá maoiniú caipitil de €2.7m ar fáil faoin gclár in 2024 móide €500,000 a tugadh ar aghaidh ó 2023. Tá an maoiniú seo dírithe ar eagraíochtaí/coistí pobalbhunaithe ar mhaithe le bonneagar teanga agus pobail na Gaeltachta a threisiú. Cuirtear suas le 80% den chostas ar fáil de ghnáth do choistí Gaeltachta má éiríonn leo deontas a fháil ach ceadaítear suas le 90% a do thograí ar na hoileáin Ghaeltachta agus suas le 95% d’áiseanna luathbhlianta.
Tá maoiniú reatha €10.5m ar fáil faoin gclár in 2024. Tá trí mhórscéim faoi leith maoinithe faoin chlár seo agus bíonn siad seo ar fáil ar na hoileáin chomh maith agus is iad sin:
• Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
• Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga
• Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh
Tá mo Roinn tiomanta tacú leis na pobail oileánda Ghaeltachta trí chinntiú go bhfuil an rochtain chéanna acu ar chúrsaí maoinithe agus atá ag tograí ar an mórthír agus cuirimid ráta deontais níos airde ar fáil do thograí caipitil ar oileáin mar go dtuigimid go bhfuil costas níos airde ag baint leis na tograí seo.
Bhí Údarás na Gaeltachta rannpháirteach in ullmhú stráitéis náisiúnta na noileán, Ár nOileáin Bheo, i gcomhthéacs na n-oileán Gaeltachta a thagann faoi chúram na heagraíochta.
Cuireann an tÚdarás maoiniú ar fáil do sheacht n-eagras forbartha pobail i dtaobh forbairtí a dhéanamh ar na oileáin Ghaeltachta. Is iad sin:
• Comharchumann Chléire
• Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
• Comharchumann Thoraí
• Comharchumann na nOileán Beag
• Comharchumann Forbartha Árann
• Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin
• Comhar Chaomhán (Inis Oirr)
Tá tacaíocht curtha ar fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta do na heagrais forbartha pobail seo i n-ullmhú pleananna gnímh cúig bliana dá limistéir, agus maoiniú breise curtha ar fáil chun cuidiú le tús feidhmiú na bpleananna sin. Cuireann an tÚdarás deontais reáchtála bliantúil ar fáil do na heagrais seo ar mhaithe lena gclár oibre bliantúil a bhaint amach.
Tá na hoileáin Ghaeltachta lárnach i bhfeidhmiú straitéis Údarás na Gaeltachta don Ghaeltacht trí chéile freisin, le maoiniú curthaar fáil do sé cinn de na heagrais forbartha pobail i dtaobh feidhmiú an Phróiseas Pleanála Teanga; gteiceanna ag feidhmiú ar cúig cinn de na hoileáin i láthair na huaire; agus an tÚdarás ag obair in éineacht le áisinteachtaí eile Stát eile ar nós Fáilte Éireann i bhforbairt tograí turasóireachta agus tograí caipitil eile dá leithid.
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the €8 million provided by her Department through the large-scale infrastructure funding programme to Galway City Council for the development of a facility at Cappagh Park has been returned to her Department; if so, the date on which this was; and the reason provided for why these funds were used. [21232/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 including €8,003,415 allocated to Galway City Council for the Galway Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre project.
I can confirm that the LSSIF grant is still available to Galway City Council. Department officials recently wrote to Galway City Council regarding outstanding due diligence documentation which is required. My Department will continue to engage with the Council in relation to the progression of this project.
352. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to visit the west coast of the US later in 2024 to meet senior officials from major film production companies to increase the number of major films being made in Ireland. [21396/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraScreen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. Screen Ireland has an Industry Building Programme Manager based in Los Angeles at present to promote Ireland and Irish companies and Irish talent to the LA based film and television industry. The major film production companies are based on the West Coast of the United States and this is therefore a major focus for Screen Ireland.
Screen Ireland continues to promote the extension of the Section 481 Film Tax Relief to 2028, particularly the increase of the cap from up to €125m. The Minister for Finance, his senior officials and Screen Ireland met with industry stakeholders in Los Angeles earlier this year and received positive feedback on the increase in the Section 481 cap.
Last year, I led a trade mission to Los Angeles and San Diego to promote the Irish screen industry, together with Screen Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the I.D.A., and the Department of Foreign Affairs. This trade mission was part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme with the aim to build on the success for the Irish screen industry and the recognition of Irish talent on the world’s stage. I also met with industry stakeholders on a previous trade mission to the United States in 2022.
The Irish screen sector is a growing one and Ireland’s offerings present significant opportunities to the major US and international studios, as well as domestic film and television companies, to locate their projects here.
The Audiovisual Action Plan sets out the Government's high-level, strategic priorities over to develop a vibrant media production and audiovisual sector bringing new economic opportunities across Ireland, through increased Government support. Building relationships with major US studios and producers is a critical component of that endeavour and trade missions provide an excellent opportunity for such direct communication. Nonetheless, I have no plans at present to visit the west coast of the US over the coming months.
353. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement that took place between her Department and an organisation (details supplied) on a matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2023, my Department received a formal proposal from Motorsport Ireland which sought significant public monies from the State to support the hosting of rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, commencing in 2025 and following in 2026 and 2027. This followed a meeting I, together with Departmental officials, had in June 2023 with Motorsport Ireland.
In light of the relative immediacy of the proposed start date for hosting the World Rally Championship, the Department was unable to commit significant public monies towards supporting an event starting in 2025, given the need for thorough further assessment.
I have advised Motorsport Ireland that the Department is prepared to fund an independent economic analysis and business case assessment should its hosting of the World Rally Championship in later years be feasible. It should be noted that the independent economic analysis and business case assessment, is separate to the assessment which the Department has already undertaken.
Motorsport Ireland has welcomed this commitment and has advised that it will engage with the event promoter regarding the feasibility of alternative hosting years.
It is important to emphasise that in its assessment, my Department considered the experience in Ireland, and outside of Ireland, in terms of hosting this event in the past. The Department also engaged with key stakeholders, including Fáilte Ireland and Sport Ireland. In undertaking this assessment, the Department identified potential issues regarding Motorsport Ireland’s proposal, including the likely return on investment, the displacement impacts of holding an event in busy tourism months, and capacity concerns. This underlines the need for adequate time to consider any proposal for the hosting of major sporting events.
Following the completion of the Department's assessment, I was happy to meet with Motorsport Ireland on 1 May and reiterate the Department’s willingness to examining a future proposal, should a bid in a more suitable timeframe be possible. I look forward to any future engagement between the Department and Motorsport Ireland in this respect.
354. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of their Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if they will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers’ employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if they will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21702/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the information sought by the Deputy, regarding employment terms and conditions and referrals to the SCOPE Section of the Department of Social Protection, are operational matters for the HR Departments of those bodies and the information sought is not something for which I have day-to-day responsibility.
355. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total printing expenditure per annum over the past five years of all Government-sponsored reviews and reports which were translated into Irish and published, broken down by Department and year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020.
In the period since then, my Department has not had any printing expenditure on Government-sponsored reviews and reports which were translated into Irish and published.
While my Department published the Plean Dhigiteach Don Ghaeilge in December 2022, this plan was developed in Irish and subsequently translated into English.
I advise the Deputy that I am only in a position to answer for printing expenditure in respect of my Department and I do not have oversight of such matters relating to other Government Departments.
356. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of AI generated advertisements on a platform (details supplied) sharing bogus information; if she will take steps to communicate with the public on the misinformation that can be created and spread online using AI to ensure online safety, especially for vulnerable users who may be misled; if there is a role for the new Media Commission on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21734/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOnline safety is a key government priority. While it is important that technological innovation should be supported, new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can contribute to misinformation by making it easier for bad actors to create inauthentic or manipulative content.
Policy on AI is led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. At a European level, the recently agreed AI Act sets out a framework for responsible practices in the development and use of AI and the Government’s AI Strategy, currently being revised to reflect the agreed AI Act, aims to further the ways that Government, civil society and industry can work together to mitigate emerging risks and prevent abuse.
The issue of fraudulent ads or scams, content which promotes them, or services which host them, are covered by existing consumer protection law and by the Digital Services Act (DSA). Consumer protection law is monitored and enforced by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which is under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The DSA is jointly monitored and enforced by the European Commission (which is the lead enforcer for very large online platforms and search engines) and a network of Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) in each Member State. Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland's DSC but, as provided for by the DSA, Ireland has designated the CCPC as a competent authority under the DSA in respect of the regulation of online marketplaces given its role in monitoring and enforcing consumer protection law in Ireland.
The DSA requires platforms, such as YouTube and others, to put in place the systems and processes that reduce the availability of illegal and harmful content, whether generated by AI or otherwise, and to prevent their services being manipulated, including to spread disinformation. Coimisiún na Meán's online safety campaign, "Spot it. Flag it. Stop it", aims to help people report illegal content online and detailed information is available on their website.
357. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total costs incurred by her Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21874/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below details in tabular form of advertising expenditure each year since my Department was constituted in its current configuration in September 2020. I am advised that it is not possible to tabulate the expenditure between print media and other media formats, as my Departmental expenditure is on a per-campaign basis, and is allocated via media buying agencies. The figures provided below represent advertising in print and broadcast, local and national media, and online.
Various forms of communication, including advertising, media engagement, and social media postings, have become increasingly important in informing and updating the public of the work of my Department. At all times value for money is a critical consideration.
Total advertising budget allocated by the Department in each year since September 2020 to date:
|
- |
Advertising totals inc. VAT |
|
September 2020-December 31st 2020 |
€8,298.92 |
|
2021 |
€321,454.21 |
|
2022 |
€325,336.01 |
|
2023 |
€355,167.31 |
|
2024 (to date) |
€96,740.25 |
358. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has carried out preparatory work to ensure public moneys delivered to owners’ management companies under the Government’s various defects remediation schemes will be fully tracked and accounted for if the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 is not delivered on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently three defects remediation schemes operating; namely the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme and the Interim Remediation Scheme to fix emergency fire safety issues in apartments and duplexes that were built between 1991 and 2013.
Only the remediation of apartments and duplexes will operate with public monies delivered to owners’ management companies.
My Department is currently, as a matter of priority, preparing legislation to put in place a statutory remediation scheme for owners of certain apartments affected by fire safety, water ingress and structural defects. This legislation will establish supports for the remediation of these defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time is required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payers' money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in 2024 and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
Pending the introduction of the statutory scheme, the Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes has been in place since December 2023. The Scheme, which is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, is open to applications from apartment Owner Management Companies (OMCs) via the Housing Agency’s website. In the period since the Scheme’s launch, up to and including 30 April 2024, 238 applications for fire safety remediation work are being progressed across 27 local authority areas, representing a total of 14,018 residential units.
The Interim Remediation Scheme only covers defects caused by defective design, workmanship or materials that breached the Building Regulations that applied when the property was built. It will not cover defects that came about because of inadequate maintenance, insufficient sinking funds or later building work that was not managed correctly. Application for funding through the Scheme will need to pass several stages of oversight, including:
• Submission of a valid application with development particulars and authorised contact information;
• Provision of an application pack to valid applicants only;
• Selection and engagement of a Competent Professional for the discovery of fire safety defects and identification of necessary works;
• Completion of a Fire Safety Risk Assessment (FSRA) and the preparation of a proposed Interim Remediation Works Plan, subject to engagement with Local Authority Fire Services (LAFS);
• Procurement of a Competent Builder and determination of costs;
• Works eligibility assessment and provisional funding approval by the Housing Agency;
• Issuing of a Grant Agreement for the OMC's review, signature and return. By signing the Grant Agreement, the OMC will agree to the terms and conditions specified;
• Remedial works then proceed in accordance with the particulars submitted and as outlined in the Grant Agreement;
• The OMC provides the Housing Agency with the necessary certificates of completion/compliance and supporting documentation agreed.
To ensure value for money and good governance regarding Exchequer funding, appropriate terms and conditions in accordance with DPER Circular 13/2014, 'Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds', will apply to such funding. These details will be outlined in the Grant Agreement.
359. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a sewerage scheme will be considered for a village in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21179/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to invest in water and waste water infrastructure to support the development of those rural villages that are not currently served by Uisce Éireann.
Under the National Development Plan more than €243 million of capital funding, over the period 2021 to 2025, has been provided for non-Uisce Éireann investment in rural water infrastructure. This includes €175 million through the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) and, of this, €50m has been committed to a funding measure for the provision of waste water collection and treatment needs for villages and settlements without access to public waste water services.
I recently approved funding for a number of demonstration projects under this funding measure, including for Beaufort village in County Kerry. Future approaches to villages without public waste water collection and treatment facilities in County Kerry and elsewhere will be informed by the progress on these demonstration projects.
360. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the context of adjacent local authorities which allow people on their housing waiting list to select areas of choice outside of their own local authority, if he will advise on the reason tenants living outside the area of the local authority from which they receive HAP cannot have areas of choice in the adjacent local authority area, where other applicants on the housing waiting list can; if he would consider amending this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21196/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, set down a standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing support. Under this procedure, a household may apply for support to one housing authority only, which may be the authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which it has a local connection, or the authority that agrees, at its discretion, to assess the household for support. A household, meeting either the residence or local connection condition, may specify up to three areas of choice for receipt of support in the areas of all housing authorities in the county and city concerned and, if qualified, will be entered on the housing waiting list of each of those housing authorities.
Consistent with the provisions in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is considered to be a social housing support and consequently households in receipt of a payment under the HAP scheme are not eligible to remain on the main housing waiting list. However, acknowledging that some households on the waiting list, who avail of HAP, have expectations that they would receive a more traditional form of social housing support, Ministerial directions have issued to ensure that, should they so choose, HAP recipients can avail of a move to other forms of social housing support through a transfer list.
Local authorities are also directed that HAP recipients who apply to go on the transfer list should get full credit for the time they spent on the waiting list and be placed on the transfer list with no less favourable terms than if they had remained on the waiting list.
Guidelines on inter-authority movement were issued to local authorities to facilitate the movement of HAP households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant wishes to access rented accommodation, with HAP support, in another local authority area. Inter authority movement is, however, subject to certain conditions, such as the relevant Social Housing Income Eligibility Bands and confirmation that the applicant's income is below the threshold in the new local authority. Inter-authority movement for HAP will be facilitated without reference to Social Housing Eligibility Income Bands in areas that offer shared areas of choice in their allocation schemes.
HAP tenants that avail of inter-authority movement continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits applicable are those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The originating local authority will engage with the relevant new local authority to facilitate eligible requests for inter-authority movement.
HAP tenants who avail of inter-authority movement, can only be offered access to the transfer list of the originating local authority. The practical operation of transfer lists is a matter for each local authority to manage, on the basis of their own scheme of letting priorities. The making of such schemes is a reserved function of the local authority and as such is a matter for the elected members.
361. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the instances where an AHB can purchase housing units for use as social housing; where this policy can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Social Housing is delivered through a range of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes across the build acquisition and lease delivery streams.
Under Housing for All, there is provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions in 2023. This has continued into 2024 and my Department will fund local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to acquire up to 1,500 social homes this year. The additional acquisitions are primarily focused on properties where a tenant is in receipt of social housing supports and has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property.
Arrangements on social housing acquisitions are issued to local authorities by circular letter. It is a matter for local authorities and AHBs to work in partnership on the correct implementation of circulars.
A copy of all Department circular letters are provided to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
362. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that in the case of a housing adaptation grant application for a person who has suffered catastrophic injuries, their sibling’s income should be taken in to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21238/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra363. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to increase the funds to local authorities this year or to provide additional funding this year for housing grants such as housing adaptation grants, housing grants for older people and mobility aid grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21249/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will take steps to widen the medical criteria for determining eligibility for the disabled persons' grant; if same grants can be increased to reflect or mirror current construction costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 362, 363 and 380 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The Exchequer funding provision of €74.5 million for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme has been increased by €8 million for 2024, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
The focus of the grant scheme is on how a disability, whether physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual, impacts on the suitability of their home. The scheme is focused on how the grants can assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of that person. A system of medical prioritisation is also in place to ensure applications are prioritised on the basis of the medical needs of the applicant. The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various grants, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility.
The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is not available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, exceeds €60,000 per annum. The means test is underpinned by legislation and includes the income of all members of the household living in the home aged 18 years or over (except for those in full-time education that are aged under 23 years), along with the owner(s) (and spouse if applicable). The owner(s) income (and spouse if applicable) is not assessed in cases where the house is owner by an Approved Housing Body or private landlord. Further details on these schemes is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
The household income approach is intended to spread the benefits of the grant scheme as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in operation of the scheme towards those with the greatest needs. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds that apply and the grant limits. On foot of my consideration of the Review report, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible with a view to also publishing the final report.
364. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make contact with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a vacant centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21259/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) are the lead Department with responsibility for the provision of accommodation for both BoTP’s from Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. My Department is fully committed to supporting the whole of Government humanitarian response to the invasion of Ukraine and is specifically supporting the delivery of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
I can confirm that this building was assessed for its viability for potential use under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme in late 2022. A site visit was conducted by my Department, during which PPE was required due to the general condition of the property and health concerns arising. The property was further assessed on foot of this visit across numerous criteria, including the cost of refurbishment work, duration of the works required to bring it to standard, location and access to services and local amenities. The property was deemed unviable across a number of factors in late 2023 and is no longer under consideration for inclusion in the refurbishment programme.
Should the owner wish to explore the possibility of making the property available for the potential provision of accommodation for IP applicants, it can be put forward for the consideration of IPAS colleagues in the DCEDIY at IPPS@equality.gov.ie.
