Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a review to an entitlement to a primary medical certificate will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of Primary Medical Certificates or Board Medical Certificates. The HSE and the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) are independent in their clinical determinations.
At an appeal hearing the Board reviews the decision by a HSE Primary/Principal Medical Officer and determines if an appellant does, or does not meet, one of the six medical criteria as set out in the Finance Act 2020, which are:
• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
• be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
• be without both hands or without both arms;
• be without one or both legs;
• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
• have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
Only if an appellant meets one of the six eligibility criteria will the Board issue a Board Medical Certificate.
The Board has prioritised the waiting list using clinically-based criteria. The Board are working to address the backlog as quickly as possible.
162. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will sign and confirm the Statutory Instrument required to open the occupation of sea-fisher for eligibility for the general employment permit for non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet, mindful that this blockage is having a serious impact on Irish fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraReview and consideration of sectoral submissions on the topic, as well as further consultation with the relevant stakeholders, has been conducted by my Department to conclude the transition from the atypical working scheme and to establish the conditions governing the fishing sector's access to the employment permits system in a structured and well managed manner.
I am informed by officials that the relevant Statutory Instrument to amend the eligibility of the occupation of Sea-fisher for the General Employment Permit is in the final stages of drafting and will be available for signing by Minister Higgins, as Minister with responsibility for economic migration and employment permits, in the coming days.
163. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount expended on the Red Cross emergency flood relief scheme in each month from October to December 2023; the number of small businesses, sporting clubs and voluntary bodies that have received a payout to date; the number, if any, of applications that are still being processed per local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Emergency Humanitarian Flood Relief Scheme administered by the Red Cross on behalf of my Department is to provide urgent funding to small businesses (up to 20 employees), community and voluntary organisations affected by flooding who were unable, through no fault of their own, to secure flood insurance.
The Scheme provides a contribution towards the costs of returning such premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
On 24 October 2023, Government approved two Emergency Business Flooding Schemes for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and impacted by severe flooding in Counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and Louth and other areas affected by flooding in the period 17th October 2023 to 5th November 2023. Both schemes closed to applications on the 15th of December 2023.
The total amount expended from October to December 2023 was €3,272,428.18 with €1,367,282.34 expended in November and €1,905,145.84 expended in December.
261 small businesses, sporting clubs and voluntary bodies have received payments to date. There are 21 outstanding applications that are still being processed and these are listed per local authority area below:
|
Local Authority Area |
Applications in Progress |
|
Cork |
14 |
|
Galway/Louth/Waterford |
7 |
|
Total |
21 |
164. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that as a result of her Department’s decision to cut funding for primary schools by €16 per pupil, at least one school (details supplied) has recently had to tell parents that essential workbooks will not be available for their children when they return in September 2024; if she intends to reverse without delay the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24437/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024 over €47 million is allocated to continue implementation of the free schoolbooks scheme at primary level. On the 8th May I announced details of year 2 of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme which provides at a minimum, free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to all pupils enrolled in recognised primary and special schools. More than 555,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools will continue to benefit from this scheme.
Revised guidance for the 2024/25 school year was published on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes and has issued to schools.
As the scheme is now implemented in every recognised primary and special school it is expected that schools have used the funding provided in the 2023/24 school year to purchase stocks of schoolbooks and other classroom resources. Many of these items are now available to schools for reuse in the 2024/25 school year and in future school years. The funding allocated to the scheme in the 2024/25 school year takes account of this.
Under the scheme for the 2024/25 school year schools have received €80 per pupil. The grant is calculated based on validated September 2023 enrolment figures. Special schools that have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes have received funding at the Junior Cycle rate of €309 per student, as set out under the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme, in respect of these students.
As was the position prior to the free primary schoolbook scheme, schools continue to have the autonomy to choose books and resources that meet curricular requirements and the needs of their own school. Schools will vary in their requirements each year. The main aim of the scheme is to eliminate the costs of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for parents of children and young people attending recognised primary and special schools.
The guidance clearly advises schools that parents/guardians will not be asked to purchase or to make a contribution to the school towards the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks. These items, will be provided by the school with the funding provided. If parents are asked to purchase schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks in preparation for the start of the 2024/25 school year they can contact my Department, via primaryschoolbooks@education.gov.ie where they will be in a position to follow up with the school as necessary.
As part of the on-going evaluation of the scheme, all schools will be asked to provide data on their expenditure in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.
165. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if it is her policy to have a choice of primary school places available in each school planning area by providing non-religious and multi-denominational schools, mixed and single-sex schools, and different patronage types; if she will examine a particular school planning area (details supplied) to establish if enough choice is available to parents for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24454/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place. The arrangements in this regard include criteria which place a particular emphasis on parental patronage and language preferences and an analysis of existing provision in the areas where new schools are being established.
As the Deputy will be aware, two multi-denominational primary schools serve the area to which he refers, namely North Bay Educate Together National School and Killester Raheny Clontarf Educate Together National School.
The Programme for Government reflects the Government’s objective of continuing to expand the plurality of schools to reflect the full breadth of society. It sets out that “students of all religions and none should have access to education, regardless of their belief system”.
The Programme for Government commitments in this area include:
• To achieve the target of at least 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030, to improve parental choice;
• To expand and prioritise the transfer of viable schools to Community National Schools; and
• To work with communities to ensure the provision of clear, non-partisan information on the preparation for, and the consequences of, the divestment process and to respond to queries raised.
In recent years progress has been made towards increasing the numbers of multi-denominational primary schools. From September 2024, there will be 172 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos.
For historical reasons, most primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as patron, although this pattern is changing. It is recognised, including by the Catholic patrons, that more diverse provision is required to cater for our changing society.
The Schools Recon?guration for diversity process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools.
When a school transfers from the patronage of one patron to another, the school remains open with the same roll number and operating from the same school property. All state-funded primary schools follow a common national curriculum and are subject to the same department rules and regulations.
During 2022/23 a structured engagement process took place with school communities in a number of towns and areas of cities that had no multi-denominational primary schools. This process aimed to identify potential schools and to engage with school authorities, school staff and the school communities with a view to agreeing on a transfer of patronage and change of ethos, where there was sufficient demand.
A number of schools within the school planning area to which the Deputy refers were engaged with as part of the 2022/23 engagement process. The facilitator, based on engagement with stakeholders, including school staff and parents concluded, in their final report, that the majority of the school community in this area wished the schools engaged with to remain under Catholic patronage.
The 2022/23 engagement process has resulted in four transfers of patronage and change of ethos to multi-denominational across the 8 pilot areas.
It is intended that a review of the 2022/23 engagement process in the pilot areas will be finalised and published shortly. It is envisaged that it will include a framework for delivering on the Government commitment for increasing multi-denominational provision.
A significant amount of work has been done by my Department on the scope, logistics and practical arrangements for a potential survey of primary school communities and further details will be made available in due course.
My goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
Regarding the Deputy’s reference to change in status to co-education, the decision making authority in this regard is the patron/trustees of the schools, subject to the approval of the Department.
Local consultation regarding potential change of status to co-education is encouraged by the Department and it is the responsibility of the patrons to undertake any consultation that they deem appropriate and to make the final decision as to whether to change status.
My Department in considering such applications must assess the implications, if any, of changing the status of a school(s) in the context of how this change may impact the viability of other schools in the area and any future implications for school place availability. My Department must also consider any associated capital implications that may be warranted as a result of such a change.
166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide specific updates in respect of each in the bundle Project Boyne; and the funding allocation made in respect of each project. [24473/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe projects to which the Deputy refers have been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.
There are six projects in Project Boyne. They are all currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. They have all received planning permission from their local authority, and the Design Team for the projects are currently working in conjunction with the Department to conclude the pre-tender stage after which, subject to Department approval, the procurement of a contractor and construction will follow.
As Project Boyne is at pre-tender stage, this financial information is commercially sensitive, and cannot be disclosed at this time.
167. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education in relation to an urban DEIS band 1 primary school in circumstances (details supplied), what recourse is available to the school; how the school might be allocated an additional teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. Improvements to teacher allocations in recent budgets has seen the average allocation to schools reduce to 23:1 while allocations to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The appeal submitted by the school referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Appeals Board, as the grounds of the appeal did not warrant an additional allocation. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). Due to the recent improvements in the staffing schedule at primary level, where a school has a large class, it also generally has one or more small classes.
168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a SNA will be reinstated for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24496/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They ensure that these students are able to access an education which enables them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will inform schools of their SNA allocation for the 2024/25 school year in the coming days. SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource and schools deploy SNAs in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
Schools can apply to the NCSE for a review of this allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the dire situation in a school (details supplied) in relation to a shortage of classrooms; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that within the building there is adequate space for the additional classrooms needed but the school has been denied access to these rooms by her Department; if she will acknowledge that her Department did not follow its own buildings manual for appropriately sized classrooms; if she take the necessary action to alleviate the extremely concerning issues in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school under reference in Fermoy was established in 2018 under the patronage divestment process.
Fermoy was one of a number of areas surveyed in 2012/13 under the patronage divesting process, where there was sufficient parental demand supporting changes in school patronage. The areas surveyed were areas where demographics were not growing and therefore it was unlikely that a new multi-denominational school would be established for demographic reasons.
The clear policy on patronage divesting was to use existing educational infrastructure to facilitate provision of diversity in areas where there was no demographic imperative to establish new schools.
The reason for this approach was the imperative – equally valid now as it was then - to focus the schools capital programme on the provision of additional mainstream and special education school places at both primary and post-primary levels to ensure that every pupil can access a school place.
As part of the process of identifying a suitable accommodation solution which would facilitate the establishment of the school, the Department liaised with Cork Education and Training Board. In order to facilitate the establishment of the new school, the ETB agreed to the co-location of the Educate Together school at the former Technical School in Fermoy, together with some of the ETB’s Further Education and Training services.
Prior to the establishment of the new school in 2018 under the patronage divesting process, the Department and Educate Together, as school patron, agreed that given the accommodation available at the property and the need for the ETB to accommodate some Further Education and Training services from the property, the school would be established as a four-classroom school and that the school would maintain this configuration in the accommodation in the former Technical School unless an existing school building was freed up for use in the area.
As part of this engagement, the Department outlined to the school patron the importance of enrolments being managed within the available accommodation in a sustainable way and that this would be communicated to the school Board of Management so that parents could be fully informed and in order to manage expectations. However, the school has taken the decision to accept a significant increase in enrolments from 52 in the 2022/2023 school year to 85 in the 2023/2024 school year.
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. My department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account, for example, classroom accommodation and fluctuating enrolments.
The role of my Department is to ensure that all schools in an area can, between them, cater to school place requirements in that area. The broader position in the Fermoy School Planning Area is that demographics at primary level are declining and will steadily decrease for the foreseeable future.
Officials in the Department of Education have been engaging with the school patron, Educate Together, in respect of the current and future needs of the school. A technical visit by the Department is planned and will be undertaken shortly.
170. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason funding under a scheme has been reduced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24556/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024 over €47 million is allocated to continue implementation of the free schoolbooks scheme at primary level. On the 8th May I announced details of year 2 of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme which provides at a minimum, free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to all pupils enrolled in recognised primary and special schools. More than 555,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools will continue to benefit from this scheme.
Revised guidance for the 2024/25 school year was published on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes and has issued to schools.
As the scheme is now implemented in every recognised primary and special school it is expected that schools have used the funding provided in the 2023/24 school year to purchase stocks of schoolbooks and other classroom resources. Many of these items are now available to schools for reuse in the 2024/25 school year and in future school years. The funding allocated to the scheme in the 2024/25 school year takes account of this. This is also in line with ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and avoiding significant waste of books where possible.
Under the scheme for the 2024/25 school year schools have received €80 per pupil. The grant is calculated based on validated September 2023 enrolment figures. Special schools that have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes have received funding at the Junior Cycle rate of €309 per student, as set out under the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme, in respect of these students.
As part of the on-going evaluation of the scheme, all schools will be asked to provide data on their expenditure in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.
171. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24577/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that Newpark Academy of Music is a private school that does not fall under the remit of the Department of Education. It was using an old vacated building on a secondary school campus that is in State ownership. This building has not had investment in recent years and has significant issues with its condition. These condition issues were most recently assessed by the Department in a survey earlier this year.
As the Newpark Academy of Music is a private school and doesn't fall under the remit of my Department, it would not be appropriate for my Department to be involved in any decision regarding the Academy and this would include any closure decision.
172. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the rolling out of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme in terms of the timeframes, given that applications for sporting equipment have been announced first; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24350/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2023 round of the SCEP closed for applications on 8 September 2023. The Scoring System and Assessment Manual for the 2023 round has been published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and "equipment-only" applications were assessed first.
On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities.
Minister Martin and I were pleased to confirm yesterday that at least €250 million is to be made available for the 2023 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This is on foot of positive recent enagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., which has 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 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. I expect allocations to be announced by the Autumn.
173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to review a query for a club (details supplied); to advise the club on any grants which could help it obtain this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Storage units are eligible for funding under the SCEP. Portable storage containers/sheds of up to 25 square metres are classified as equipment and larger modular buildings that require planning permission and/or foundations are considered capital works and require proof of title.
On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities.
Minister Martin and I were pleased to confirm yesterday that at least €250 million is to be made available for the 2023 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This is on foot of positive recent enagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., which has 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 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. I expect allocations to be announced by Autumn.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department are engaged in the promotion of Irish culture at home and abroad, perhaps targeting the tourism and education sectors in particular, thereby creating a new awareness at home and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24534/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department has directly supported the Arts in the current year to date; her proposals for the future in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24539/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 177 together.
My Department’s Arts and Culture programme aims to promote and develop Ireland’s world class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad, maximising their societal and economic value for the country, and supporting Arts and the entertainment sector to develop and grow. The following have been introduced for 2024;
• Record funding of €134 million for the Arts Council in 2024 will build on recent successes in the sector
• The highest level of funding for Culture Ireland since its establishment will support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage
• A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will continue the development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints
• Increased funding of €1.5 million for Screen Ireland will support the audiovisual industry to build and expand capacity across the country, to deliver on strategic objectives, to take account of inflation on the value of supports, provide Sustainability Funding and Audience Development initiatives, as well as providing a targeted international marketing campaign to highlight the improvements to Section 481 announced by the Minister for Finance
• In conjunction with Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, changes to Section 481 tax relief will further enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for major international film and television projects, building on the remarkable success of “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “An Cailín Ciúin”. In particular the increase in the cap to €125 million will restore Ireland’s ability to attract high-value, internationally mobile audio-visual projects that will generate significant employment and skills development opportunities for Irish crew
• Basic Income for the Arts is funded for the second of three years of the pilot. Research just published shows very positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of participants to date.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme that supports all artists and creatives that will allow Minding Creative Minds to provide new dedicated HR, Mediation, Legal & Financial advice to the creative sector, creative therapies, dedicated mentoring & career services as well as an information campaign on its serious trauma counselling service
• Further support for Creative Ireland, to implement projects under the expanded Creative Climate Action Fund will underpin the department’s commitment to building for a better future through supporting participation in creative cultural activity
• Additional support for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
• Our National Cultural Institutions and other approved bodies will benefit from an increase in the tax relief on donations further incentivises donation to strengthen our national collections. The cap on the relief under the scheme will increase from €6 million to €8 million next year
• Other support for the National Cultural Institutions for programme, learning and outreach activities
• New arts strategy and funding package of €20 million for the Gaeltacht and for the Irish language in community.
• Significant progress on the NCI redevelopment programme.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to promote and develop the use of the Irish language in all Gaeltacht areas throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24535/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of my Department’s role in coordinating the implementation of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language (Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022), the fourth annual progress report on its ongoing implementation on behalf of Government was published in December 2023.
The plan itself was first published in 2018 in order to accelerate and better co-ordinate implementation of the Government’s overarching 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 which represents Government policy in relation to the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht regions.
Key achievements in 2022, as reported in the fourth annual report included the following:
• A number of significant provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 were brought into force in 2022, namely the establishment of the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee and the important work it will undertake regarding the preparation of the first National Plan for Irish Language Public Services. Also commenced in 2022 was the provision (Section 10A) which places additional responsibilities on public bodies regarding advertising in the Irish language and on Irish language media and which has contributed greatly to the visibility of the language across every media platform used by state organisations.
• A fund of more than €4.3 million over three years was approved for the Irish Language Network Development Scheme, which commenced in January 2022. This is a major Foras na Gaeilge support scheme aimed at 36 Irish language community and voluntary committees through which a network of 28 Irish language development officers are employed in local areas.
• The Digital Plan for the Irish Language, 2023-2027, was published in December 2022. The publication of the Digital Plan is the result of years of academic research and development, and can be considered a roadmap which sets out the way in which Irish will be kept relevant into the future in the context of the role of technology in our day-to-day lives.
• Foras na Gaeilge began two new dictionary projects, an Irish-Irish dictionary and an Irish-English dictionary
• It was announced in September 2022 that dedicated funding was being provided to establish a television station specifically for children - Cúla4.
• 945 new jobs were created in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in 2022
• 6 new language plans were approved in 2022 and by the end of 2022 a total of 36 language plans had been approved and 34 Language Planning Officers and Assistant Language Planning Officers had been employed.
This fourth report provided an overview of the progress made in 2022 on the implementation of the 180 or so actions contained in the plan itself and its publication is in line with the commitment made to publish such reports on an annual basis in the interests of accountability and transparency. Additionally, in 2023 funding was made available to extend Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga to schools located in both Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta and Líonraí Gaeilge nationwide.
I am confident that the additional financial allocation for the Irish language announced in Budget 2024 will enable my Department and relevant stakeholders to take further significant strides in advancing implementation of the plan and continue to support and develop greater use of the Irish language both within Gaeltacht regions and nationally.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to monitor the use of the Irish language throughout the country, its potential in non-Gaeltacht areas and the encouragement of its use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24536/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to promoting and supporting the Irish language outside of Gaeltacht areas where the language has huge potential to flourish. A fund known as ‘Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge’ (‘Irish Language Support Schemes’) has been established and in place for many years with the aim of encouraging the use of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht.
The projects for which funding has been provided under this scheme include initiatives in the fields of education, business, culture and the arts. My Department works closely with Irish language organisations to identify opportunities for the promotion of the language outside of the Gaeltacht and indeed overseas. The following are examples of some of the initiatives supported by this fund:
Raidió Rí-Rá
Raidió Rí-Rá is a national Irish Language radio station aimed at young people. Raidió Rí-Rá is already broadcasting online and part of the year on FM. The station has been funded by the Department since it was established in 2008 and is gradually growing and developing. My Department recently approved an increased funding package for the station to enable it to provide a more complete service to its listeners and to increase its reach to young listeners all over Ireland. This funding is important in the context of the results of the research commissioned by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (as it was at the time) in the second half of 2022. This research examined the interest and the potential for a full-time hybrid (FM/online) Irish radio service that would target the audience between fifteen and thirty-four (15-34) years of age in Ireland. The research results demonstrated that young people nationally still listen to audio content, and that radio remains very popular, with almost 90% of respondents listening on a weekly basis. The research also showed that respondents whose first language is English were interested in a new national Irish language station, and are open to engaging with such a station.
An Ciste Spreagtha
Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ciste Spreagtha is a support fund linked to Seachtain na Gaeilge which gives local community groups the opportunity to apply for funding to hold an Irish language event in their local community. The aim of the fund is to encourage community groups inside and outside the Gaeltacht to organise community events that promote the Irish language during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March each year. The Department has funded An Ciste Spreagtha since 2022. In 2023 one hundred and eighty groups received funding to hold Irish language events in every corner of the country. The success of this initiative meant that a longer-term agreement was reached with Conradh na Gaeilge which will see the fund in place each year until 2026.
Céad Míle Fáilte
My Department has agreed a two-and-a-half-year grant agreement with Conradh na Gaeilge for their Céad Míle Fáilte campaign. The aim of the Céad Míle Fáilte initiative is to attract people from different national backgrounds who are now living in Ireland to gain a deeper appreciation of the Irish language and indeed to learn the language. The campaign focuses on the benefits that New Irish communities can derive from the Irish language – in relation to the importance of the language, the additional opportunities associated with it and in terms of integration into Irish society as a whole. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the New Irish communities in Ireland to learn and use the Irish language as a way to build a stronger Irish identity for themselves. This is done by providing a series of language classes and workshops of special interest to groups of New Irish people around the country and by providing them with language resources to help them learn and use the language. Gaeltacht scholarships are awarded to some of the participants so that they can attend a course in the Gaeltacht.
Gaelbhratach
Gaelbhratach is a support scheme run by Gael-Linn for schools of all types throughout Ireland. Gaelbhratach focuses on the promotion of the Irish language in a structured, planned and enjoyable way throughout the school community in both primary and secondary schools.
The goal of the Gaelbhratach scheme is to encourage the use of Irish, not only within the classroom, but also as the spoken language of the school community. Emphasis is placed on communicative Irish and the importance of language awareness as a means of learning for children in particular. A Gaelbhratach flag is duly awarded in recognition of the efforts of the schools. The scheme officially began in the 2012/13 school year at primary level and a year later at post-primary level. Since then, the scheme has been implemented in 133 primary schools and 126 secondary schools around the country. My Department has granted funding for Gael-Linn to ramp up this scheme over the next 3 years which will see 479 schools all over the country having taken part in the scheme by the 2026/27 school year.
Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha
Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a support scheme run by Glór na nGael and the GAA for GAA clubs that wish to promote the Irish language in their clubs. My Department has funded the scheme since 2019. The aim of this scheme is to develop the use of the Irish language in the participating clubs on a measured and planned basis with Glór na nGael providing support and advice to enable the clubs to achieve goals in relation to the Irish language. This support includes grants for Irish language events in clubs and an awards scheme to recognise the achievements of the clubs for their work to promote the Irish language. In 2022, a total of 55 clubs were recognised for their efforts – an indication of the immense work being done by many in the GAA community in relation to the language. The 2023 awards ceremony took place on December 1st 2023 in Croke Park. This scheme has grown significantly since the beginning of the first grant agreement, which covered the period 2019-2022. 140 clubs were involved in Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha initially in 2019, and over 200 clubs are now participants in the scheme.
An Straitéis do na hEalaíona Teangabhunaithe / Strategy for the Language-Based Arts
The research which formed the basis of this strategy, which my Department published earlier this year, identified the need to establish a structure under which comprehensive support will be given to the development of Language-Based Arts in areas outside the Gaeltacht. It is recognised that there is a need for more support for the language-based arts throughout the country and for Irish-language language drama in particular. To address this my Department announced a significant 3.5 year funding package for Oireachtas na Gaeilge to implement an action plan in this area that will benefit from the experience and expertise of Oireachtas na Gaeilge in this sector.
The implementation of the Strategy also encompasses a development plan for An Taibhdhearc in its role as the National Irish Language Theatre. An investment of €5.78m by the Department in the period 2024-2027 will result in a revived and blossoming national theatre space with major new productions, pantomime, international productions, youth theatre productions and drama festivals.
Cill Dara le Gaeilge, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge & Gnó Mhaigh Eo
These organisations also have received funding under Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge to promote the language in their cities and counties particularly amongst the business community, supporting them to have signage and other material available for their customers to use in Irish and encouraging the Irish language as a means to conducting business in these areas.
Foras na Gaeilge
In addition to projects funded under Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge, my Department also provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge, one of the agencies of the North South Language Body, to fund and deliver various programmes on an all-island basis. Foras na Gaeilge work in a wide range of areas to include Language Planning, Education, Publishing (An Gúm), Lexicography, Terminology, the Arts, Community, Business and Media. Foras administers over 23 different support schemes each year in these areas, developing and promoting the language. In addition to these support schemes Foras na Gaeilge also provides funding to its 6 Lead Organisations (Conradh na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, Gaeloideachas, Glór na nGael, Cumann na bhFiann and An tOireachtas) to deliver comprehensive work plans.
As demonstrated by these examples, my Department remains actively committed to supporting communities in non-Gaeltacht areas in accessing the language in a variety of ways and is continually engaging with organisations working in this sector to identify opportunities to promote the language and to make it accessible to all.
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department proposes to put special emphasis on local sporting and community organisations when considering the allocation of grants in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24540/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Since 1998, over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas and groups that are currently underrepresented in terms of participation.
For the 2020 round of the programme alone, almost 2,900 different projects received a grant offer, with over €166.6 million allocated. While the main field sports such as GAA, soccer and rugby again fared very well, I think that any fair analysis will acknowledge the diversity and spread of grants awarded. Over 50 different sports benefited under the 2020 round of the Programme – including boxing, taekwondo, rowing, and wheelchair sport, to name just a few.
Examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the 2023 Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the previous 2020 round and the total funding applied for is €359 million representing an 80% increase over the amount applied for in the 2020 SCEP.
The Scoring System and Assessment Manual for the 2023 round has been published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and "equipment-only" applications were assessed first.
On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country and to over fifty sports and activities. Further allocations, including those for capital works and capital works with an equipment component, will be announced later.
As for the likely scale of the budget available for the current round, Minister Martin and I were pleased to confirm yesterday that at least €250 million is to be made available for the 2023 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This is on foot of positive recent enagement on revised allocations for the National Development Plan with Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, which has 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 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme. I would expect allocations to be announced in the Autumn.
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department propose to take specific initiatives to encourage boost of the tourism industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24541/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am currently progressing the development of a new national tourism policy framework to 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. While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed in 2023, earlier this year I launched an online survey seeking the views of the public to help finalise the Framework. The online consultation closed on Friday 26 April and 161 responses were received. My department recently completed an analysis of all these submissions and the matters raised will be fully considered when finalising the Policy Framework. In this regard, I hope to publish the Policy Framework itself shortly.
There will be a continued capital investment programme including progressing EU Just Transition Funding to deliver a transformative Regenerative Tourism Scheme for the Midlands. This will be delivered by Fáilte Ireland and marks the beginning of the regenerative tourism development journey in Ireland, as we work towards a low carbon economy.
At the heart of Fáilte Ireland’s work to develop the spatial spread of tourism are four regional experience brands, namely the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin. Fáilte Ireland has developed a Regional Tourism Development Strategy for each brand in partnership with local authorities, state agencies, communities and industry partners. Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) will contribute to the successful implementation of the Regional Tourism Development Strategy. The purpose of the DEDPs is to co-ordinate all tourism development activity in a destination around a single five-year vision which is prepared and owned by both public and private sector stakeholders
Fáilte Ireland's “Digital that Delivers” support programme ensures that Irish tourism businesses maximise sales from online channels, increase reach and bookings through connected distribution. The programme provides participating businesses with training, expert advice, and financial supports to launch key digital projects, develop digital skills and drive more sales and online distribution.
I will continue to advocate for and provide support to the tourism sector as has been the case since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for this vitally important sector.
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she continues to engage with the various sporting authorities, with a view to maximisation of sporting activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24542/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, I have had significant engagement with the sport sector and I will continue to engage with and support sporting organisations on relevant matters, including support for increased opportunities for people to participate in sport.
I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to his question (no. 48) of today's date which sets out the ways in which I am continuing to assist sporting organisations given the increased importance of participation in sport and physical activity.
