Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she continues to take to ensure that tourism is given every opportunity to develop and grow in the future notwithstanding the future challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24345/24]
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 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.
Other initiatives being driven by my Department include an all-island tourism brand collaboration project in the North West supported by a Shared Island funding allocation of €7.6 million out to 2025. The vision of the project is to connect the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in such a way that the visitor is motivated to stay longer and spend more thereby bringing greater economic benefit to the region.
Tourism Ireland’s publicity activity in 2024 will include the expansion of the ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign with enhanced Wild Atlantic Way content in support of that incredibly successful experience brand's 10th anniversary and a continued focus on regional and seasonal messaging to increase tourism revenue across the regions and throughout the seasons.
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.
42. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 16854/24, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an bplean a d’eascair as an obair athbhreithnithe a rinne Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán mhaoine atá aige agus faoi na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; an dtabharfaidh sí an t-eolas is déanaí ar aon teagmháil idir a Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le tithíocht a chur ar fáil ar thalamh agus ar réadmhaoin atá faoi úinéireacht an údaráis; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá athbhreithniú an Údaráis ar phunann maoine ina áis thábhachtach taighde ar na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann leis an bpunann sna seacht gcondae Gaeltachta. Ó chuir an Teachta síos a ceist deiridh, d'fhoilsigh an tÚdarás taighde ar sholáthar agus éileamh tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht. Léiríonn an taighde seo:
• Go bhfuil daonra do 106,000 duine sa Ghaeltacht ach go bhfuil an daonra sin ag fás ag leibhéal níos moille ná an tír ar fad;
• Go bhfuil sciar den dhaonra sa Ghaeltacht faoi aois 18 ag dul i laghad agus go bhfuil na grúpaí os cionn 55 ag dul i méid. Léiríonn sé seo go bhfuil daonra na Gaeltachta ag dul in aois;
• Ag baint úsáid as torthaí an daonáirimh, bhí 53,618 teach sa Ghaeltacht i 2011. D’ardaigh an méid sin go 56,282 faoi 2022. B’fhás de 5% é seo, atá i gcomhréir leis an ráta náisiúnta. Bhí an méadú is mó ann i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe (11%) agus i nGaeltacht na Mí (12%).
• go bhfuil an ráta áitíochta níos ísle sa Ghaeltacht (71%, ardaithe ó 69% i 2011) agus is é an ráta náisiúnta ná 87%. Ag féachaint ar an ráta áitíochta sna Gaeltachtaí, is i nGaeltacht na Mí (92%), na Gaillimhe (83%) agus Port Láirge (80%) atá sé ar an leibhéal is airde;
• go bhfuil an céatadán de thithe folamha sa Ghaeltacht (11%) níos airde ná an sciar náisiúnta (8%); agus,
• go bhfuil níos mó na 5 oiread de thithe saoire sa Ghaeltacht ná sa tír i gcoitinne, mar sciar den stoc tithíochta iomlán. Tá an sciar is airde de thithe saoire i nGaeltachtaí Chiarraí agus Dhún na nGall. Tá níos mó ná 40% de na tithe sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ciarraí Theas, Toraigh agus Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall ina dtithe saoire.
Tá €250,000 ceadaithe ag Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta le caitheamh ar obair chomhairleoireachta agus ar thaighde (an taighde thuasluaite san áireamh) i leith tithíocht a fhorbairt i gceantair Gaeltachta. Is cead i bprionsabal atá tugtha ag an mBord agus súil múnla tithíochta inacmhainne do cheantair Gaeltachta ar fud na Gaeltachta a fhorbairt mar thoradh ar an obair seo i gcomhpháirt le geallshealbhóirí leasmhara. Tá curtha in iúl dom ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil an obair leanúnach seo fós ar siúl ag an bhfoireann leis na geallshealbhóirí ábhartha, mo Roinn fhéin san áireamh. Tá an t-ábhar seo mar ábhar seasta ar chlár Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta agus, de réir Údarás na Gaeltachta, beidh tuilleadh eolais á roinnt leis an mBord ag na cruinnithe sna míonna amach romhainn.
Tá athbhreithniú déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chomh maith ar thograí tógála a d’fhéadfaí a thosú sa ghearrthéarma (2024 go dtí 2026) agus, i gcomhthéacs na n-acmhainní airgeadais atá ar fáil don eagraíocht, tá clár infheistíochta caipitil don bhliain 2024 aontaithe ag leibhéal na bainistíochta san eagraíocht, coinníollach ar Cheadanna Pleanála agus ceadanna eile a bheith ar fáil i leith na dtograí éagsúla.
Tá plé ar bun ar bhonn leanúnach leis na cliaintchomhlachtaí atá ina dtionóntaí cheana féin agus le cliaint nua atá ag iarraidh spás tráchtála nó teacht ar spás breise agus iad ag fás. Níos minicí ná a mhalairt bíonn obair le déanamh ar fhoirgintí mar chéim tosaigh do thionóntaí agus bíonn aon chaiteachas caipitil le glanadh ag Bord an Údaráis.
43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans in place to market the national famine walkway internationally; if there any plans to introduce a grant scheme to support product creation along the route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24302/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to that agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
44. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding Departmental support that has been made available in relation to Irish participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the Paris Cycle, 2021-2024, the Government has provided record-level investment to Sport Ireland of approximately €89 million, towards high performance sport.
Preparations for Paris 2024 are progressing positively. Sport Ireland is collaborating closely with the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland who will lead Team Ireland to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, respectively.
Team Ireland is now entering the final period of qualification for several sports and Ireland is tracking towards a team size exceeding 120 athletes in the 2024 Olympic Games and 30 athletes in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
The qualification of three field sport teams (men’s rugby sevens, women’s rugby sevens, men’s hockey) for the Olympic Games is a significant development for Irish sport and reflects the impact of the Government's record level of investment in high performance sport.
This investment includes High Performance Programme Funding to National Governing Bodies, direct athlete investment, Impact Funding which targets new and innovative performance opportunities, High Performance Coaching supports, and world-class services through the Sport Ireland Institute.
A record €25 million will be invested in 2024, which demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment in high-performance sport under the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
Sport Ireland has invested €3,245,000 in the Olympic Federation of Ireland for the Paris Cycle, which includes an allocation of €900,000 to support the costs associated with the 2024 Olympic Games. €2,813,000 is being provided to Paralympics Ireland over the same period, including €800,000 specifically for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
This funding is essential to ensuring Irish athletes and teams can prepare for, and participate in, the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the best of their ability.
Access to world-class facilities is also a key part of the support being provided to Team Ireland. The Sport Ireland National Sports Campus is home to many sports that will compete in Paris 2024 including swimming, boxing, hockey, rugby sevens and gymnastics. The facilities at the Sport Ireland Campus are on par with the best in the world and have provided athletes with an opportunity to prepare for Paris 2024 in a home environment with proximity to Paris.
I would also emphasise that Paris 2024 will be an important milestone in the delivery of the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. This Strategy takes a long-term view of Ireland’s high-performance system and seeks to achieve improved results on the global stage in a sustainable, value-based, and ambitious manner.
With the benefit of all these considerable supports from the Government, I am confident that Team Ireland's participation in the Paris Games will be a successful one.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland has also developed a partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris, which will provide direct support for athlete experience and transition following competition.
The setting will also provide opportunities to incorporate a cultural and promotional strand to enhance the reputation of Ireland internationally through arts and culture and to recognise the significance of the Games as marking the centenary of Ireland’s first independent participation.
45. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici tuilleadh scoláireachtaí a bhronnadh ar scoláirí ón mórthír le freastal ar na meánscoileanna ar na hoileáin i bhfianaise chomh maith agus atá éirithe leis an scéim scoláireachtaí go dtí seo agus an gá atá ann na scoileanna a choinneáil inmharthanach. [24294/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá maoiniú a chur ar fáil ag an Roinn don Scéim ÁRAINN Gaeltachta i gcomhair costais lóistín a chuireann teaghlaigh atá aitheanta ag an Roinn ar fáil do scoláirí ón mórthír a dhéanann freastal ar na hiarbhunscoileanna ar na trí oileán Árainn don scoilbhliain iomlán.
Tá na trí scoil, Coláiste Naomh Éinne, Inis Mór, Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr, agus Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin aitheanta faoin scéim agus í á riar ag Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin (BOOGRC).
Faoi láthair, is 30 scoláire atá ceadaithe do na trí oileán, 10 scoláire in aghaidh na scoile. Meastar go bhféadfadh níos mó scoláirí ón mórthír ag freastal ar na scoileanna Gaeltachta seo tionchar diúltach a imirt ar iompar teanga ghasúir na n-oileán. Ar an mbunús sin, níl beartaithe tuilleadh scoláireachtaí a cheadú faoin scéim.
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. [24220/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday, I hosted a conference to discuss the Status of the Artist in Ireland. It marked the launch of data from the first full year of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. It was an timely opportunity to bring artists and the broader arts sector together to discuss the challenges facing Irish artists today. I participated in a panel on artists' supports, including the Basic Income for the Arts, which was a valuable opportunity to discuss the pilot with the sector and hear their voices on what can be done to ensure that the policy context for artists is as supportive as it can be.
The newly-published research shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators; affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.
To give a few examples:
• each week, BIA recipients spend 8 hours more on their practice
• they spend less time working in other sectors compared to the control group
• recipients are more likely than the control group to be able to sustain themselves through arts work alone
• life satisfaction is higher for BIA recipients compared to the control group
• depression and anxiety are lower for BIA recipients compared to the control group
• recipients are less likely to have difficulty making ends meet compared to the control group
• recipients invest each month €550 more than the control group in their practice, namely on equipment and materials, advertising and marketing, workspaces, and work travel.
• recipients are more likely to have completed new works in the previous 6 months
Similar reports will be published throughout the 3-year pilot. The research programme is an important part of the pilot: it is a unique opportunity to gather data on the sector that we did not have before. In researching impacts on recipients and on the ecology of the arts, this pilot scheme has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it.
48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her future plans for funding of RTÉ and other broadcasters and radio film and television sector operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince taking office, this Government has ensured continued investment in the broadcasting and audiovisual sectors.
With regard to the broadcasting and public service media sectors, this Government remains committed to finally addressing the question of how to properly support public service media in a sustainable and reliable way.
As I have stated previously, we will make our decision on the future funding model known prior to the Dáil summer recess. What is paramount is that we decide on a model which is sustainable, can safeguard the independence of the media, and is publicly acceptable.
This funding model is not just for RTÉ, it is for TG4, as well as other broadcasters and media that also provide public service content. It is about the independent producers and programme makers that are indirectly supported through commissions from these broadcasters, and who are also supported through the Sound and Vision scheme which is funded through TV licence receipts.
Since taking office, an additional €28.4m in Exchequer funding has been provided to Sound and Vision to better support broadcasters and independent producers. This has included dedicated supports for the independent and local radio sector.
This Government also recognises the need to support the wider media sector, including print and online, to ensure that high quality public service content continues to be provided at national, regional and local levels.
Through the new Media Fund, these content providers will be supported by the new schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission. This year two new schemes – for Local Democracy and Courts Reporting – will be launched by Coimisiún na Meán later this year and for which I have provided €6m this year. These are the first two of several schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission, with other schemes, such as News Reporting, Digital Transformation, Media Access and Training and Community Media to follow.
In addition, this Government has continued to provide a wide range of other supports to the audiovisual industry. In conjunction with the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, changes to Section 481 tax relief further enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for major international film and television projects. 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. This credit has also been extended for a further four years from its previous end date of 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028.
Increased funding 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.
49. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici scéim a bhunú a thabharfadh tacaíocht do scoileanna beaga ar an mór thír agus ar na hoileáin atá faoi bhagairt mar gheall ar uimhreacha, trí thacú le teaghlaigh a bhfuil Gaeilge acu, nó atá báúil don Ghaeilge agus a bhfuil gasúir acu in aois bunscoile, teacht chun cónaithe i dtithe a chuireann an pobal áitiúil ar fáil, mar a rinne i Maínis, Carna agus áiteacha eile le blianta beaga anuas [24293/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs ar an Roinn Oideachais, go ginearálta, atá an fhreagracht de réir mar a bhaineann sé le scoileanna, scoileanna beaga tuaithe ina measc.
É sin ráite, cuireann mo Roinn tacaíocht ar fáil do na hiar-bhunscoileanna ar Oileáin Árann faoi Scéim ÁRAINN Gaeltachta ar cuireadh tús léi in 2007 agus atá á riar ag Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin (BOOGRC)
Is tacaíocht iar-bhunscoileanna atá i gceist leis an scéim seo don trí scoil - Coláiste Naomh Éinne, Inis Mór, Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr, agus Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin chun a chinntiú go mbeidh daonra scoile dóthanach ag an trí scoil ar na hoileáin. Caitheann scoláirí scoilbhliain iomlán ar na hoileáin agus iad tumtha sa teanga agus sa chultúr oileánda. Tá na trí scoil faoi phátrúnacht Bhord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin. Is uasmhéid de 30 scoláire atá ag baint tairbhe as an scéim le 10 scoláire in aghaidh gach scoil.
Íocann mo Roinn deontas le teaghlaigh atá cláraithe faoin scéim agus a bhfuil scoláirí ar íostas leo fad is atá siad ag freastal ar an scoil i rith na scoilbhliana. Tá bandaí íocaíochta i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú go dtugtar cúiteamh dóthanach do theaghlaigh a sholáthraíonn cóiríocht:
|
MÉID OÍCHEANTA AR AN OILEÁN |
DEONTAS SCOILBHLIANA (X1 SCOLÁIRE) |
|
140 – 160 |
€5,500 |
|
160 – 180 |
€6,000 |
|
180 – 200 |
€6,500 |
Tá tuairim is costas de €165,000 in aghaidh na scoilbhliana ag baint leis an scéim. Níl sé i gceist ag mo Roinn an scéim seo a leathnú mar atá faoi láthair nó go mbeadh scéim dá leithéad ar fáil do dhaltaí bunscoile.
Anuas ar an scéim seo, tacaíonn mo Roinn le scoileanna beaga agus móra sna ceantair Ghaeltachta trí tacaíochtaí teanga a chur ar fáil lena chinntiú go bhfanann an teanga i gceartlár an oideachais sna ceantair sin. Cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil ó mo Roinn freisin do ghrúpaí mar Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta agus Comhar na Naíonraí Gaeltachta, chun tacú le clainne a bhíonn ag tógáil páistí le Gaeilge.
50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to be in a position to continue to assist the sporting sector given the increased importance of sporting activity in terms of health and well-being; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24346/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of sport and physical activity for the health and wellbeing of our society and the need to ensure that opportunities are in place to allow all members of society to participate in sport.
In the Budget for 2024, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced an overall allocation of €183.3 million for sport. This is an increase of 5% on the 2023 allocation.
The 2024 Budget allocation for Sport Ireland will deliver an increase of over €7 million in its budget, bringing it to €106.7 million. This level of Government funding will allow Sport Ireland to increase its support in a number of very important areas, including a €2 million increase in core funding for sporting organisations and a further €2 million increase in funding for the Women in Sport programme.
An additional €1 million in Government funding is being provided for high-performance sport. This will support Team Ireland as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as assisting with the continued development of coaching and pathways support.
The 2024 investment of €11.4 million for the network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) provides continued support for the excellent work that is being done at local level to ensure that opportunities exist for everyone to participate in sport.
Our LSPs across the country play a crucial role in promoting and increasing participation in sport and physical activity at local level and in engaging groups that are underrepresented in sporting activity.
Their strength lies in their ability to promote innovation and inclusiveness, while also working to remove barriers to access and participation, all of which is absolutely critical to our vision of sport in Ireland.
Sport Ireland is continuing its support of the 29 Sport Inclusion Disability Officers across the country. The 2024 investment of over €1 million will assist with the work being done to encourage and facilitate more people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity.
In addition, over €2.1 million is being invested in supporting disability sport focused National Governing Bodies of sport to continue their great work in this area. €140,000 has been provided specifically to Active Disability Ireland for disability awareness and disability inclusion programmes.
Funding of €620,000 is being provided to the Age and Opportunity “Go for Life” programme as part of its commitment to increase participation in recreational sport among older people.
These allocations underline an ongoing commitment to a “Sport for All” approach.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations. On Thursday 9 May 2024, a record amount of over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the SCEP was announced.
These allocations under the SCEP are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted. Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Further allocations under the SCEP, including those for capital works, and capital works with an equipment component, will be announced later.
51. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on her Department’s efforts to support tourism sites in north County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23910/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023-27 sets out the ambition to develop three distinct areas of Dublin (the city, the coast and the mountains) over the duration of the strategy.
With regard to activity relating specifically to north county Dublin in particular, the Dublin Coastal Trail covers locations (including north Dublin) along the coast which have featured prominently in Fáilte Ireland’s work in recent years. In its 2018 orientation strategy, Failte Ireland identified the Dublin Coastal Trail as an opportunity to spread the economic benefit of tourism into the wider Dublin region by creating and marketing a coastal offering, supported by signage at key points. The Coastal Trail launched in 2022.
Newbridge House was awarded a grant of €107,000 as part of the Surprising Stories funding scheme and the town of Skerries was awarded funding under Fáilte Ireland’s destination town capital scheme. Fáilte Ireland works closely with north Dublin tourism organisations, both at the level of the individual business and that of the wider destination perspective, and also with established groups (or clusters) along the coast. There are also 15 north Dublin businesses included across the 3 intakes in Fáilte's Digital that Delivers Scheme.
Work across the wider Dublin region but relevant to the coast includes an update to the orientation plans. Fingal, the coast and Dublin airport are included in this plan. Fáilte Ireland is also currently working on a food plan for Dublin and Fingal is an important part of this. A number of events take place throughout the year that businesses from across the whole region participate in, including Meitheal, the flagship tourism trade event held two months ago in Killarney, Breakfast Bytes and Destination Dublin, which are networking events, and Dublin Champions, which caters for front of house teams.
Fáilte Ireland intends to commence work on a Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Dublin coast which will build on the work outlined above and set out the shared tourism ambition for the coast into the future. The DEDP is a vehicle for Fáilte Ireland to consolidate all the work already happening across the three local authority areas and to capture proposed tourism development projects into a single plan. To develop this plan, Fáilte Ireland will establish a working group to collaborate with local authorities, public bodies and tourism partners to develop a shared vision for the future, to maximise the sustainable tourism potential for the destination.
The coastal DEDP will set out a number of objectives which will be informed by the Regional Tourism Development Strategy and will involve consultation with key partners, the community and other stakeholders, as well as the identification of international best practice case studies.
Fáilte Ireland intends to tender for work on the Dublin Coastal DEDP in Q3 this year, with a view to launching it in Q2 2025. However, it is important to note that there is already a lot of work happening on the ground in north Dublin and Fáilte Ireland will build on this in the coming years.
52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to report on the progress to date in the development of the national counter disinformation strategy; when she expects this strategy to be published; if she will report on the meetings of the national counter disinformation strategy working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24425/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is intended that the National Counter Disinformation Strategy will be published shortly.
The development of this national strategy was a recommendation of the Future of Media Commission, which called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to combat the damaging impact of disinformation on Irish society and democracy.
The Working Group tasked with developing the Strategy was established in February 2023. It is independently chaired and comprises representatives from Government Departments, public bodies, industry, academia and civil society, with coordination being provided by my Department.
The Working Group has met monthly since its establishment and has heard from a range of experts in different fields related to disinformation. Three subgroups examined and reported on key issues relating to disinformation, namely: existing countermeasures, the current and emerging regulatory environment and the support of free independent high-quality journalism and the protection of public interest information.
The Working Group held an online public consultation process that ran from 25 September to 20 October 2023. In addition, a stakeholder consultation event was held on 29 November 2023. Drafting of the Strategy is now at an advanced stage with a view to its finalisation in Q2 2024.
Minutes of all meetings along with published reports from subgroups and consultations are available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/04f9e-national-counter-disinformation-strategy-working-group/.
54. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an dtabharfaidh sí sonraí maidir le hanailís ar bith atá déanta ag a Roinn nó ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar an tionchar ar chliantchuideachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta atá ag an méadú atá tagtha ar an gcostas a ghabhann le gnó a dhéanamh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24278/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCé nach bhfuil aon anailís fhoirmeálta déanta go dtí seo ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ná ag mo Roinn ar an ábhar seo, tuigtear dom ón Údarás go bhfuil sé i gceist acu anailís den tsaghas seo a dhéanamh roimh dheireadh Ráithe 3 na bliana seo.
Tuigim uathu freisin go bhfuil an méadú atá tagtha ar an gcostas a ghabhann le gnó a dhéanamh pléite acu go rialta i rith cruinnithe lena chliaint éagsúla.
