Written Answers Nos. 721-739
721. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason the National Famine Commemoration Plaque, which should have been erected in the grounds of the Customs House (famine sculpture), has not been erected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34301/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra722. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider dropping the word "national" in relation to the National Famine Commemoration Day and instead call it the Irish Famine Commemoration Day, given that the commemoration takes place internationally and is an internationally inclusive day. [34302/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra723. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if, in the context of the marking annually of the Famine, one year's notice would be given to the town, city or townland area that will be hosting the national Famine commemoration. [34303/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra724. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider including the islands as a possible location for a future national Famine commemoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 721 to 724, inclusive, together.
The National Famine Commemoration Committee (NFCC), was established in July 2008, following a Government decision to commemorate the Great Famine with an annual memorial day.
The main objective of the National Famine Commemoration Committee is to consider the most appropriate arrangements for an annual national commemoration of the Great Famine. The committee’s key objective is to develop appropriate arrangements for this commemoration to ensure that the famine, its victims, and its legacy are not forgotten.
The ceremony itself comprises two elements. The first part typically involves cultural elements from the local community and an address from An tUachtarán or An Taoiseach. It then culminates in a formal State ceremonial event including the National flag, military honours and wreath laying ceremonies. The event is open to the public and usually takes place at a site with significant historical links to the Famine. The formal ceremony is generally preceded by a week long programme of locally organised events (for example plays, lectures, art, walks, musical and choral recitals, readings etc), all connected to An Gorta Mór or famine in the modern world. It is, therefore, essential that any proposal would have strong support within the local community. In this regard, it is intended that the Local Authority would consult widely with local and community organisations, schools, historical societies or local Famine commemoration committees, and other interested parties.
The annual ceremony is hosted by my Department and is presided over by An tUachtarán or An Taoiseach on alternating years. My Department will shortly write to local authorities in Munster (the next province in rotation), inviting applications from Local Authorities that may be interested in hosting the 2025 National Famine Commemoration. Were a decision or announcement of the venue to be made 12 months in advance, this would in my view place an unreasonable obligation on local authorities with regard to preparing proposals up to eighteen months before the planned date for the event.
The proposal of a particular venue is a matter for each local authority. If one were to propose a venue on one of our offshore islands, this would of course be given full consideration by the NFCC, with particular regard to the issue of accessibility for the wider local community.
It is appropriate to retain the name National Famine Commemoration as the event represents the official State commemoration of the Great Famine. There is a separate initiative, called the International Famine Commemoration, which has been held since 2009. This is usually hosted by an Irish community abroad in Canada, USA, Australia or the UK. The Department of Foreign Affairs takes the lead role in the identifying of a host location and organising the itinerary for these events.
With regard to the installation of a plaque, I am advised that this refers to a proposal by an individual to erect a plaque, not in the grounds of the Custom House but rather at the famine memorial monument on Custom House Quay. As this is in the public realm it is a matter for consideration by Dublin City Council and my Department will write to the person shortly with details on how to engage with the Council on the matter.
725. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the Sports Capital Programme awards will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34433/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting new and upgraded sports facilities and equipment across the country. The 2023 round of the programme attracted a record number of applications and in May 2024 I was delighted to announce grants of €26 million for equipment-only projects.
Assessment of applications for capital projects are now at an advanced stage and I expect to announce allocations in the coming weeks.
726. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if construction of a new national velodrome and badminton centre will commence before the end of 2024 and the estimated budget allocation for same. [34482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Velodrome and Badminton Centre will be delivered in accordance with the masterplan, approved by the Government, for the further development of the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown. The project will provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition, as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities.
Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023 and Minister Martin and I recently granted approval for the project to proceed to tender stage. It is important not to pre-empt the tendering process in respect of the estimated project cost at this stage. However, I expect to be in a position to confirm the overall budget allocation by mid-2025. I would also expect that construction will begin in 2025, with a likely overall construction project timeline of 20 to 22 months.
727. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding provided by Sport Ireland to GAA in 2023 and to-date in 2024; if arising from the funding provided, did Sport Ireland receive match tickets for either GAA All Ireland Hurling Final and or GAA All Ireland Football Final in either of those years; if so the number of tickets received and how Sport Ireland distributed those tickets, in tabular form. [34483/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to funding provided to the GAA and the question regarding tickets for All Ireland finals. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
728. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to provide funding to increase training facilities in participation in canoe slalom. [34508/24]
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. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Full details of the programme and the type of projects funded can be found at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
The 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 SCEP.
It is open to any organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under either of these programmes when they are again opened for applications.
A separate tax relief scheme for donations to sports clubs may be used by any sports club or organisations to assist in funding the acquisition of land or a building, developing facilities or purchasing fixed non-personal equipment for sports activities, or repaying a loan for any of these purposes. More information in this regard can be found at www.revenue.ie.
729. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to introduce a scheme to help sports clubs deal with the issue of ash dieback on their grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34557/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for assisting with the development and improvement of sports facilities and equipment throughout the country. The programme does not fund routine maintenance such as the clearing of trees affected by ash dieback.
730. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the delayed in appointing a replacement chairperson of Screen Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34666/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appointed Ray Harman as Chairperson of Screen Ireland on 22 August 2024. Details are available on the Screen Ireland website, www.screenireland.ie/about/board-members.
731. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures in place, if any, to support the establishment of a national diaspora centre in an area of cultural significance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34700/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn their great numbers and considerable diversity, the Irish abroad are an essential part of our heritage and consciousness. I believe the narrative of historic migration from Ireland is important both to strengthen relationships with those of Irish descent abroad and to inform our understanding of the modern world.
My Department has no proposals, however, to establish a national diaspora centre in the location referred to in the question. The establishment of a new centre would best be considered in the first instance by the relevant local authority in association with community groups.
I appreciate the importance of the network of local museums which, with their specialist interests or local significance, contribute to the conservation and promotion of our heritage. In that context my Department provides support to the Irish Museums Association which fosters mutual support and best practice in museum management and also operates a number of grant schemes where local museums are already in existence.
732. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of flights she has taken to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office. [34766/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I have not taken any flights to, or from, Shannon Airport, Cork Airport or Knock Airport since becoming Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
733. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on Casement Park redevelopment contribution; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the Stability Programme Update and Summer Economic Statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34825/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2024 the Government agreed a range of funding allocations of more than €800 million to affirm its commitment to work with the Northern Ireland Executive, and with the UK Government, to make cross-border investments that will make the island of Ireland a better place to live for all who call it home. This is evidence of our commitment to Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement-North/South Co-operation and is the largest ever package of Government funding for cross-border investments.
As part of this wider set of commitments, the Government announced a commitment of €50 million through the Shared Island Fund to contribute to construction of a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast. This allocation will contribute to the realisation of a long-planned sports infrastructure project in Belfast for gaelic games and, in the more immediate term, maximise the opportunity on foot of the joint hosting by Ireland and the United Kingdom of the EURO 2028 championship to see matches played in Northern Ireland, as well as in Ireland and Great Britain. This is both a North/South and an East/West project, and it is the Government’s wish that the ground will be made available to a wide range of sporting and cultural events.
Consistent with the Government’s policy on funding for large scale sports infrastructure, principles for funding of the project will be agreed such that it is accessible to and will benefit a range of sports, and is operated to facilitate equality, diversity and inclusion in sport, including supporting cross-community relationships in Northern Ireland and across the island.
I understand that Casement Park funding issues are currently under consideration by the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive at present. Casement Park is owned and managed by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and its redevelopment is a matter for the GAA and the Northern Ireland Executive.
734. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on shared island dimension to Creative Ireland and cultural heritage projects; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the stability programme update and summer economic statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34826/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Ireland Programme within my Department has been allocated €6 million over three years (2023-25) to invest in creative initiatives on a Shared Island basis.
This allocation is within the expenditure ceilings laid out in the Stability Programme Update 2024 and the Summer Economic Statement.
2023 marked the first year of Creative Ireland’s participation in the Government’s Shared Island initiative which aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
The Shared Island dimension to the Creative Ireland Programme seeks to deploy creativity on a shared island basis to:
Increase opportunities for cross- community cultural and creative initiatives between children and young people;
Support local authorities to enhance networks of creativity in support of vibrant and inclusive people-to-people and community-to-community partnerships;
Position Ireland as a global leader in demonstrating the value of creativity and mental health including in post- conflict societies;
Deepen collaborations for a more environmentally and socially sustainable island.
The Creative Ireland Programme within my Department developed a series of Open Calls and to date I have announced the following allocations:
|
Project Title |
Start Date |
Completion Date |
Allocation to date |
Total allocation |
|
Creative Communities on a Shared Island |
2023 |
2025 |
€555,949 |
€850,000 |
|
Creative Youth on a Shared Island |
2024 |
2025 |
€516,704 |
€1,070,112 |
|
Creative Health and Wellbeing on a Shared Island |
2024 |
2025 |
€319,133 |
€612,758 |
|
Creative Climate Action on a Shared Island |
2023 |
2025 |
€463,250 |
€783,465 |
|
Cruinniú na nÓg on a Shared Island |
2023 |
2025 |
€487,162 |
€1,000,000 |
Cultural Heritage is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, however there are certain projects under the Shared Island dimension to the Creative Ireland Programme that contain elements of cultural heritage, including Laces of Ireland. This project supports collaboration and exchanges between lace maker groups and heritage institutions on the island of Ireland, and is led by Limerick City and County Council. The partners in the project are two voluntary groups: Friends of Lace Limerick, limericklace.ie/friends-of-lace, and the South Armagh Lace Collective, southarmaghlacecollective.com/; and three county museums - the Limerick Museum, www.limerick.ie/limerick-museum, the Armagh County Museum, visitarmagh.com/places-to-explore/armagh-county-museum/, and the Cork Public Museum, www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-public-museum/. The long term goal is to create and promote a lace trail through the majority of historical lacemaking centres on the island of Ireland.
735. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on the tourism brand collaboration project; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the stability programme update and summer economic statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34827/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Shared Island Fund, an allocation of €7.6 million was granted to my Department for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative in the North West region. 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.
This allocation is within the expenditure ceilings laid out in the Stability Programme Update 2024 and the Summer Economic Statement. As the Deputy is aware, the revised National Development Plan states that Government will allocate ring-fenced, multi-annual resourcing for all-island investment out to 2030, including through the Shared Island Fund.
A project team, including representatives from my Department, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, was established in 2023 to develop and oversee the implementation of this project out to 2025. Expenditure on the project in 2023 was €102,500 with the remainder of the budget allocated between this year and next year.
The project consists of the following elements:
• Cross-border Regional Destination Development (includes brand collaboration and overseas promotion, and development of the visitor experience);
• Discovery Point Development to include improved signage and orientation;
• Development of cross-promotional content; and
• Creation of common industry supports.
The first initiative to be launched under the project is the coast-to-coast capital investment scheme, www.failteireland.ie/shared-island-initiative?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=coast-to-coast, which aims to encourage visitors to explore both tourist routes by improving the storytelling and immersive experience capabilities on offer in existing visitor attractions and experiences. The total budget for the Scheme is €3 million and it is open for applications from Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the local authority areas of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council along the Causeway Coastal Route.
I look forward to the delivery of this project and the opportunity to explore other North South tourism initiatives that can further enhance North South cooperation and our all-island tourism offering.
736. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on all-island arts capital investment projects; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the stability programme update and summer economic statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34828/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are five all-island Arts capital investment projects, that are being funded with a total allocation of €7.4 million from the Government’s Shared Island Fund and are presented in tabular form below.
|
Project/Grantee |
Total allocation € |
Expenditure to date € |
Amount to from other funding € |
Date project started |
Projected date of completion |
|
Irish Architectural Archive |
100,000 |
99,794 |
0 |
2023 |
Completed 2023 |
|
Irish Film Institute |
200,000 |
200,000 |
0 |
2023 |
Completed 2023 |
|
Irish Traditional Music Archive |
1m |
250,000 |
0 |
2023 |
2026 |
|
Tyrone Guthrie Centre |
1.5m |
0 |
0 |
2024 |
2026 |
|
Bellaghy Bawn writers residence |
4.6m |
0 |
0 |
2023 |
2027 |
737. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is providing any supports to Palestinian artists or cultural institutions in light of the severe restrictions on cultural expression and the destruction of Palestinian historical sites and cultural institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34877/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnnual schemes operated by my Department support a diverse range of creative and cultural activities organised at community level by individuals and groups. These have occasionally included festivals reflecting an ethnic or national identity by communities in Ireland.
Applications for support in this regard could be made under my Department's annual Scheme for Small Events and Festivals. The Scheme has closed for 2024 but will be open again for applications early in 2025.
In relation to direct supports to Palestine, Ireland's response to the conflict is led in the first instance by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. As such, it would not be feasible for my Department to initiate a scheme to support Palestinian artists in a theatre of conflict, displacement and destruction nor indeed that any sectoral needs should distract from the priority of emergency humanitarian response for those left without homes, sustenance and essential care.
As a member of the Irish Government, I do take every opportunity to address the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. During a trade mission as part of the Government’s 2024 St Patrick's Day Programme, I spoke at a panel discussion on the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, which included members of the arts and music sectors. One of panellists was a Palestinian American, Shafeka Hashash, the Associate Director of Guaranteed Income, who also spoke and used the platform to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I also called on US leaders to join the Irish Government in this pursuit of peace. I used my platform to call for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza.
738. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the actions she will take to implement the recommendations of the report titled 'The Development of Local and Community Arts' published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34894/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the Joint Oireachtas Committees report on 'The Development of Local and Community Arts' which was recently published.
My Department officials are currently reviewing the 16 recommendations raised in the report, with various elements being discussed as part of the ongoing budget estimates process.
I sincerely thank the committee members for the time and effort they put into compiling this report and also thank the broad range of stakeholders who contributed through submissions and public engagement.
739. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of political staff employed in her Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within his Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34923/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in September 2020 there has been four Special Advisers and five Civilian Drivers employed by the Department set out in tabular form below:
|
Job Title |
Position |
Period |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 – 20 Oct 2023 |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 – to date |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to Minister Catherine Martin |
1 Nov 2023 – to date |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
2022 - to date |
Assistant Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 – 2023* |
CO - Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 – 2023* |
CO - Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver (up to March 2023) |
Civilian Driver to Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
2022 – (up to March 2023) |
CO - Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
2022 – to date |
CO - Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
2023 - to date |
CO - Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
*As a Senior Government Minister, I have two Garda Drivers assigned to provide these services. These are employed by An Garda Síochána under the auspices of the Department of Justice.
All staff are paid in accordance with the standard arrangements put in place by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as follows:
All special advisers appointed to me are paid at the relevant Principal Officer (Standard) PPC scale.
The special adviser appointed to Minister of State Thomas Byrne is paid at the relevant Assistant Principal Officer (Standard) PPC scale.
All Civilian Drivers are paid at the relevant Civilian Driver (Standard) PPC scale.
I can inform the Deputy that both myself and Minister of State Thomas Byrne have employed Parliamentary Assistants and Administrative Assistants (formerly Secretarial Assistants) as permitted under the Scheme for Secretarial Assistant. All are paid by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and on the relevant pay scale for the role.
In respect to the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within my Department or constituency offices, five staff have been seconded in years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, set out in tabular form below:
|
Job Title |
Position |
Period |
Salary |
|
Administrative Officer |
Private Secretary to Minister of State Thomas Byrne |
2022 - to date |
Administrative Officer Standard Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
Constituency Office Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 - 2023 |
Clerical Officer Standard Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
Constituency Office Minister Catherine Martin |
2020 - May 2024 |
Clerical Officer Standard Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
Constituency Office Minister Catherine Martin |
May 2024 - to date |
Clerical Officer Standard Scale |
|
Executive Officer |
Constituency Office Minister Catherine Martin |
2024 to date |
Executive Officer Standard Scale |
All staff are paid on the salary scale for their grade and in accordance with the standard arrangements put in place by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. In addition, one staff member receives a private secretary allowance.
