Written Answers Nos. 177-196
177. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department intends to have any further engagement with stakeholders following the forum for Section 481 and Budget 2025; if so, the format these engagements would take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45383/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Section 481 stakeholder forum was held in February of this year and was attended by representatives from all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry. The majority of the participants considered the forum to be a useful engagement between government agencies and industry stakeholders. The Department will give consideration in due course to holding similar events.
The structure of the event in February incorporated a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements. The primary focus of the day was, however, input from the stakeholders themselves and on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions and discuss them with other industry stakeholders. A professional rapporteur conducted the event. A Report of all the views expressed at the Section 481 stakeholder forum has been finalised and it reflects the wide range of views expressed. The Report of the views expressed at the event has been circulated to all relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. The relevant Government bodies will examine the Report to consider if further changes can be made to the Section 481 Film Tax Relief Scheme.
178. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the work that is being carried out by her Department to ensure that County Louth is better represented in plans for marking St. Bridget’s Day 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45384/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince it was first observed in 2023, the public holiday to celebrate Imbolc/St Bridget’s Day, the Saint or goddess Bridget and the ancient spring festival has become the first Irish public holiday to be named after a woman.
The ancient traditional festival of Imbolc marks the half-way point between the winter solstice and the equinox, the beginning of spring and the Celtic New Year. Its inclusion as a public holiday means that all four of the traditional Celtic seasonal festival are now public holidays – along with Bealtaine in May, Lúnasa in August, and Samhain or Halloween in October.
St Bridget’s Day is traditionally the celebration of one of Ireland’s three patron saints and I welcome and encourage how it has been taken as an opportunity to celebrate all Irish women. St Bridget’s Day 2025, is of particular significance as many recognise it as the 1500th anniversary of her death.
The significance that we take from this public holiday can be personal to us all and can vary between communities and counties. My Department has been able to support numerous local authorities as they develop their own St Bridget’s Day initiatives specific to their locality. Local authorities have always been key stakeholders with an understanding of local context and the initiatives that will best serve and engage their communities.
I am including below details of specific funding avenues that my Department has supported through the Creative Ireland Programme and the Cultural Institutions and Commemorations Unit. These funding avenues will be available again next year. If the Deputy is aware of any specific local plans or proposals in this regard, it may be helpful to highlight the supports available through my Department.
Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027, this all-of Government Programme, led by my Department, seeks to enable each citizen to realise their full creative potential. Under its Creative Communities initiative, annual funding is provided to all local authorities to enable them to implement their individual Culture and Creativity Strategies for the period 2023-2027.
Since 2021, this funding has enabled specific St. Bridget projects to be brought forward by the Culture and Creativity teams in several counties, including Louth. My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to allocate funding to support local authority implementation of their individual Culture and Creativity Strategies during 2025, subject to budgetary considerations.
The Louth County Council Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027, has identified a strategic priority - Promoting a sense of place and identity. Within that priority Louth County Council Culture and Creativity team commissioned a year-long Artist in the Community Project that culminated with 5 artists working with a number of community groups and schools on various ‘Bridget’ themed projects in the 2024 festival.
This year I have also approved a grant funding allocation for every local authority to support community-led commemorative initiatives to mark locally significant historical events and themes. This Commemoration funding allocation is administered through my Department’s Culture Institutions and Commemorations Unit.
The Arts Council’s Festivals Investment scheme is also currently accepting proposals for multi-disciplinary festivals and single art form festivals taking place between 1 July and 31 December 2025, and is specifically designed to offer support to local/voluntary organisations to develop arts festivals.
In relation to the tourism aspect, Fáilte Ireland assisted Louth Co Council in getting the relevant new Discover Ireland listing up and running, with details of Saint Brigid’s Shrine and Well in Faughart. They also shared information of the events received from Louth County Council with their International publicity team and they were supported through their social media channels. Since 2018, Tourism Ireland has supported Irish Embassies and Consulates around the world in marking St. Brigid's Day by celebrating the creativity of women through a broad programme of events. This year, Tourism Ireland is encouraging regional spread and building on seasonal landmark moments, which includes the promotion of specific programmes including St Brigid’s Day.
In relation to other tourism events and promotion planned for St Brigid’s day 2025, this is primarily an operational matter for the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
179. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which the priority for fast growing areas in the recent allocation of Sport Capital Grants has resulted in successful applications in these communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In relation to this scheme, the main population indicated used in assessment was the Pobal Deprivation index as the primary calculation factor. The issue of population growth was not as relevant as all valid applications received funding.
On Monday 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020. The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or of a local authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. The assessment and ranking of projects was also informed by factors such as population growth as well as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the measures that will be implemented by her Department and by the agencies under the remit of her Department to support the tourism sector in 2025, taking into account the increased costs that have incurred in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45442/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently published a new National Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030. The Framework mainstreams environmental, economic and societal sustainability across the entire tourism sector and aims to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for all. The new Framework has policy objectives in relation to careers in tourism, innovation, product development, regionality, seasonality and the impact of broader Government decisions on the sector. The Policy Framework will ensure that tourism can grow in a sustainable manner and has a particular focus on growing tourism in less developed tourist areas.
In Budget 2025, I secured funding of €226.3 million to continue the support for tourism development at home and amongst overseas visitors; whilst supporting continued recovery in the sector. The once-off allocation in 2024 of current funding is now mainstreamed and will allow the tourism agencies to continue their valuable work in supporting the sector. The 2025 allocation of €226.3 million for tourism will allow Tourism Ireland to continue its major marketing campaigns overseas and facilitate Fáilte Ireland in continuing its work in areas such as destination development, tourism careers and home holiday promotion. It will also support both agencies in enhancing the tourist experience and supporting tourism businesses in Ireland in areas such as festivals, digital transformation and sustainability.
Budget 2025 includes a specific allocation of €3.2 million to extend the tourism season and ensure all regions of the country benefit, thus supporting tourism businesses. This includes funding for the delivery of Ireland’s Business Events Strategy; additional funding under the Regional Cooperative Access Scheme to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions and mitigate the risks associated with the Dublin airport cap and funding to support both tourism agencies to continue to develop and promote Ireland as the Home of Halloween.
2025 also sees a continuation of Government capital support for the development and enhancement of the tourism product. €36.5m in capital funding is allocated to Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in this area.
181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the additional measures that will be implemented in 2025 to promote at home and abroad Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45443/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to both agencies for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
182. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the ways her Department is supporting amateur theatre groups across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-years investment Strategy - Making Great Art Work.
Arts participation is a core value across all areas of the Arts Council's work and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland. The Council provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.
The Council invests funding in a range of developmental projects including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night, and towards the Arts Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plans. For example, Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website.
In Budget 2024, I provided a record €134m funding for the Arts Council in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support the sector. I am delighted to have secured a new record of €140m in Budget 2025 for the Arts Council.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. Arts centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific grant schemes.
Within my Department, there are a number of measures in place to support the arts at amateur and professional levels and include:
• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• In 2024 €7.6m, which is 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. I have managed to secure the highest ever allocation of €8 million for Culture Ireland in Budget 2025.
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support 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.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding in 2023 is supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide.
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as Other Voices and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets oversea.
• Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sector.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to indicate 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. [45468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which her Department continues to monitor the tourism sector in order to identify trends with particular reference to targeted assistance to the most needed areas of the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 199 together.
My Department has now published a new National Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030. The Framework mainstreams environmental, economic and societal sustainability across the entire tourism sector and aims to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for all. The new Framework has policy objectives in relation to careers in tourism, innovation, product development, regionality, seasonality and the impact of broader Government decisions on the sector. The Policy Framework will ensure that tourism can grow in a sustainable manner and has a particular focus on growing tourism in less developed tourist areas.
Budget 2025 has maintained the substantial support that the Government has provided over the last number of years to the tourism sector. The once-off allocation in 2024 of current funding is now mainstreamed and will allow the tourism agencies to continue their valuable work in supporting the sector. The 2025 allocation of €226.3 million for tourism will allow Tourism Ireland to continue its major marketing campaigns overseas and facilitate Fáilte Ireland in continuing its work in areas such as destination development, tourism careers and home holiday promotion. It will also support both agencies in enhancing the tourist experience and supporting tourism businesses in Ireland in areas such as festivals, digital transformation and sustainability.
Budget 2025 includes a specific allocation of €3.2 million to extend the tourism season and ensure all regions of the country benefit, thus supporting tourism businesses. This includes funding for the delivery of Ireland’s Business Events Strategy; additional funding under the Regional Cooperative Access Scheme to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions; and funding to support both tourism agencies to continue to develop and promote Ireland as the Home of Halloween.
Other tourism initiatives being driven by my Department include the continued progression of an all-island tourism brand collaboration project in the North West region. This €7.6 million project from 2023 to 2025, which is supported by the Government's Shared Island Fund, is being developed and implemented by the three tourism agencies on the island, in consultation with my Department and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. The aim of the project is to bring synergies between these two magnificent touring routes in such a way that the visitor is motivated to explore further, stay longer and spend more thereby bringing greater economic benefit to the region.
Monitoring and understanding trends in the tourism sector is crucial for targeted policy actions and ensuring support reaches areas most in need. Accurate, robust, and representative data is essential to inform decision-making within the Department and to enable transparent performance reporting for the sector.
To provide a comprehensive view of the tourism sector's health, the Department relies on up-to-date statistics that capture employment levels, performance metrics, and visitor behaviour patterns. This information helps inform both government policy and industry actions, allowing for a responsive approach to emerging needs and trends. The Department monitors official statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and complements these with data and performance metrics from the tourism agencies.
These trends are also factored into the agencies’ business planning processes to ensure the best return on public funding. By continuously monitoring these indicators, the Department aims to promote sustainable tourism growth and ensure targeted assistance where it is most needed, in line with evolving sectoral trends.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to indicate the extent to which she continues to promote Ireland as an attractive holiday location through the arts, sport and culture given the particular market that exists in these areas; the extent to which it is expected for this to be of benefit to the hotel and catering sectors, on- and off-season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to the ongoing development of a vibrant and competitive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution across the country, is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and enables local communities to prosper. This approach is set out in the new Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030 which my Department published recently.
Tourism Ireland is the agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling top-quality and sustainable tourism destination. In Budget 2025, €61.4 million has been provided under the Tourism Marketing Fund to continue to support Tourism Ireland’s major marketing campaigns overseas that are core to the delivery of tourism policy on season extension and regional growth. A specific allocation of €3.2m funding is included to extend the tourism season and ensure all regions of the country benefit, thus supporting tourism businesses.
Tourism Ireland’s work overseas supports, and is supported by, other areas within the remit of my Department. For example, the portrayal of culture and sport in Tourism Ireland's marketing communications overseas can play an important role in helping potential visitors to envisage and appreciate some of the unique aspects of a holiday on the island of Ireland and recognise the island as a top location for sporting events.
Sport-related tourism has emerged as a very significant element of world tourism, with a multi-million-euro market and a huge potential for countries who position themselves correctly. High profile sporting events such as the UEFA Europa League Final in May 2024 at the Aviva Stadium, the return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2025, the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027 and the American college football series provide a unique opportunity to highlight the island of Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination, as well as a top location for sporting events.
As many of our visitors are also very interested in our culture and heritage, it’s great to bring travel and culture together and with a focus on showcasing culture throughout the year, Tourism Ireland partners with Culture Ireland to leverage Irish culture and arts programmes, such as this year’s Zeitgeist Irland 24, a year long programme of Irish arts taking place in Germany.
There is great co-operation between Screen Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Screen storytelling provides new perspectives on Ireland and Irish values for audiences around the world – including potential tourists – and projects an image of the country as a rich and creative place with a unique identity. Seeing Ireland’s beautiful landscapes on screen helps Tourism Ireland to market the country and they often create a ‘behind-the-scenes’ film describing and praising the filming locations, such as they created for the series thriller Bodkin released in May 2024, that was filmed entirely on location in Ireland.
As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland is responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin. Fáilte Ireland supports festivals such as Púca Festival, New Year’s Festival Dublin, and Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. The Global Irish Festival Series is a Fáilte Ireland Funding Scheme delivered in partnership with the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In the wider context, my Department and the tourism agencies will continue to work to identify and exploit the opportunities for convergence between tourism and other sectors for the overall benefit of the entire tourism ecosystem.
185. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on large-scale sport infrastructure fund applications for Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45472/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on a large-scale sport infrastructure fund application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45473/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
On Monday 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020. The total amount of grants awarded under this round is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or of a Local Authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. It was informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
The announcement on Monday included an allocation of €1m in respect of the Cork NW Sports Hub for an all weather facility in Cork City as well as €2m in respect of the development of an athletics track in Mallow. Under the first LSSIF round, projects in Cork were allocated over €19.7m for four projects.
187. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the ways she is supporting the provision of new swimming pool facilities across the country following publication of the National Swimming Strategy; her Department’s policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45491/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.
The total amount of grants awarded under this round is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million.
A wide range of sporting disciplines will benefit under this LSSIF round, including swimming and water-based sports. In parallel, though outside of the LSSIF, funding towards design costs will be allocated to swimming pool projects in Buncrana and Mullingar, to assist the projects in their development. This has been done given the strategic importance of developing swimming pool infrastructure, in line with the recently-published National Swimming Strategy.
188. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is concerned by the growing use by State agencies and service providers of art generated by artificial intelligence rather than Irish artists; and her views on whether a strategy is required across Government to ensure human artists are commissioned for work relating to graphic design and artwork for marketing and communication in the provision of State services. [45507/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has responsibility for policy on artificial intelligence. His Department has developed Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service. These were published earlier this year and are available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/2127d-interim-guidelines-for-use-of-ai/.
189. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén fáth nach bhfuil an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta, 2024, nó na treoirlínte pleanála Gaeltachta a bhí le réiteach idir a Roinn agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtas Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, nó athbhunú Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge, nó plean ina leagtar amach gníomhartha le cur i bhfeidhm do sheirbhísí poiblí trí Ghaeilge agus chun an sprioc earcaíochta 20% a bhaint amach, nó cur i bhfeidhm iomlán na bhforálacha in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021, ar rudaí iad go léir a bhí geallta ag an Rialtas seo, tar éis tarlú faoin Rialtas seo [45508/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge mar chéad teanga an Stáit, mar theanga bheo, agus mar dhlúthchuid d’oidhreacht an oileáin seo aitheanta sa Chlár Rialtais reatha. Chuige sin, tá dúthracht an Rialtais faoi infheictheacht ár dteanga dúchais a mhéadú agus a húsáid laethúil sa phobal a mhéadú le tabhairt faoi deara sna gealltanais a cuireadh san áireamh sa Chlár. Ina measc siúd, tugadh gealltanais:
• Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a láidriú agus a achtú faoi dheireadh na bliana 2020 agus athbhreithnithe tréimhsiúla a chur san áireamh chun monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an sprioc fhoriomlán maidir lena chinntiú go mbeadh 20% d’fhostaithe nua na seirbhíse poiblí ina gcainteoirí Gaeilge.
• Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar struchtúir eagraíochtúla agus rialachais Údarás na Gaeltachta, lena n-áirítear an próiseas roghnúcháin/toghcháin chuig an mBord.
Agus an dá ghealltanas sin comhlíonta ag an Rialtas le linn a théarma oifige, táthar tar éis spriocanna níos uaillmhianaí a bhaint amach ó shin. San áireamh anseo tá:
• foilsiú an chéad Plean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Phoiblí Gaeilge riamh ó bunaíodh an Stát; agus,
• foilsiú an Bhille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) 2024 ar mhaithe le toghcháin Údarás na Gaeltachta a thabhairt ar ais agus é a thabhairt tríd an Dara Céim i nDáil Éireann.
Is féidir liom a dheimhniú chomh maith go mbeidh tús feidhme curtha le gach foráil de chuid Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2024 roimh 21 Nollaig 2024, an spriocdháta atá leagtha síos san Acht. Anuas air sin, ag teacht leis an amscála a gealladh nuair a foilsíodh an Plean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Phoiblí Gaeilge, tá i gceis ag mo Roinn Plean Gníomhaíochta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Phlean sin a sheoladh luath san athbhliain.
Ní mór dom chomh maith aird an Teachta a tharraingt ar roinnt chlochmhílte eile maidir leis an teanga atá bainte amach le linn téarma an Rialtais seo. San aireamh anseo, tá:
• deireadh curtha leis an maolú ar úsáid na Gaeilge in institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh ar 31 Nollaig 2021;
• foilsiú an Straitéis do na hEalaíona Teangabhunaithe agus maoiniú suntasach ceadaithe ar mhaithe len é a chur i bhfeidhm;
• foilsiú an chéad Plean Digiteach don Ghaeilge riamh;
• seoladh Ghréasán Gaeilge na Seirbhíse Phoiblí ar mhaithe le tacú le feidhmiú na reachtaíochta teanga nua; agus,
• an teanga a bheith níos feiceálaí na riamh sna meáin de bharr feidhm a bheith tugtha d'fhoráil fógraíochta an Acht Teanga nua.
Níl aon ghealltanas déanta sa Chlár Rialtais reatha go ndéanfaí Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge de chuid mo Roinne a athbhunú.
Maidir leis na treoirlínte pleanála Gaeltachta a bhfuil tagairt déanta ag an Teachta dóibh, tá obair fós ar bun ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtas Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, i gcomhairle le mo Roinn, ar mhaithe le n-iad a fhoilsiú in am trátha.
190. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an dtabharfaidh sí sonraí maidir le céard atá i ndán do na pleananna teanga sna limistéir pleanála teanga Gaeltachta tar éis dóibh críochnú, agus má leantar ar aghaidh leo, cén córas a bheidh curtha i bhfeidhm ag an Roinn maidir le haistriú ón gcéad phlean teanga go dtí an dara plean teanga. [45531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs léir go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag an bpróiseas pleanála teanga ónar cuireadh tús leis roinnt blianta ó shin agus gach ceann den 26 limistéar pleanála teanga chomh maith leis an 3 Líonra Gaeilge agus 9 mBaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta ceadaithe anois agus i mbun oibre. Mar thoradh air seo, tá Oifigigh Pleanála Teanga ag obair go díograiseach mórthimpeall na Gaeltachta, sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus sna Líonraí.
Anuas ar an maoiniú bliantúil a chuireann mo Roinn ar fáil ón gciste d’Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d’Fhoras na Gaeilge chun tacú le hullmhú agus feidhmiú pleananna teanga, cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil chomh maith chun tacú leis an bpróiseas ar bhonn lárnach i réimsí an teaghlaigh, na luathbhlianta agus sna healaíona dúchasacha.
Tá athbhreithniú ar bun faoi láthair ar an gcéad deich bplean teanga. Beag beann ar an obair sin, caithfear a aithint gurb éigean dúinn go leor de na seirbhísí lárnacha a thacaíonn leis an bpróiseas a bhunú ar bhonn chéimniúil agus pleanáilte ó 2012 i leith. Dá bharr seo, ní bhfuair roinnt mhaith de na ceanneagraíochtaí pleanála teanga tairbhe iomlán as na seirbhí sin. Sna chúinsí sin, d'fhógair mé le déanaí nach mbeidh aon athrú ar na Limistéir Pleanála don chéad timthriail eile, ar mhaithe le deis a thabhairt do phobal gach Limistéara, Bhaile Seirbhíse agus Líonra torthaí an phróisis a fhíorú. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil imní léirithe ag na hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga maidir leis an gcéad timthriail eile le tamall anuas agus léiríonn an fógra seo go bhfuil mé féin agus mo Roinn ag éisteacht agus go n-aithníonn muid an obair luachmhar atá ar bun faoin bpróiseas.
Ag féachaint chun cinn ar an dara timthriall de phleananna teanga a cheadú faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga, tá beartaithe go n-ullmhófar pleananna teanga nua nuair a shroicheann siad deireadh a dtréimhse 7 mbliana. Mar chabhair don ullmhúchán seo, déanfaidh Údarás na Gaeltachta, le tacaíocht ó sholáthraí seirbhíse, an múnla d’ullmhú pleananna teanga nua a fhorbairt i gcomhar le páirtithe leasamhara an phróisis i gcoitinne.
191. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will make provision for a Cultúrlann in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA specific commitment has been made in the Programme for Government to "promote the development of Irish Language Centres in Dublin and across the country, for a community-based approach to Irish Language promotion".
This commitment builds on those previously given in the Government's Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022 (actions 4.12 and 4.13 specifically) and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 (Project Ireland 2040) in respect of Irish-Language Centres.
On a practical level, my Department supports the development of Irish-Language Centres through the Irish Language Support Schemes (Capital Programme) which has an allocation of €4m in 2024.
Community-based organisations, or organisations operating through Irish outside the Gaeltacht, may make an application under this scheme. Funding can be provided to assist with the building or refurbishing of Irish language centres, with the purchase of buildings for use as Irish language centres, and with the purchase of equipment for such centres.
The purpose of the capital assistance provided under this fund is to strengthen the Irish Language as a community and family language in accordance with the Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the 20 Year Strategy for Irish 2010-2030.
I understand from my officials that, while they have sent out application forms for the scheme to a community-based group in Co. Kildare, they have yet not received an application for the development of an Irish language centre in the county. Should an application be received, it will be processed in the normal way, in accordance with the conditions of the scheme.
Further information on this scheme is available on my Departments website.
192. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she last met the Chief Executive of Screen Ireland; and the issues discussed. [45654/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with the Chief Executive of Screen Ireland on 17 July 2024 along with Department officials in an online meeting.
There were a range of topics discussed including plans for the new Screen Ireland Strategy, Budget 2025, the Content Levy and Copyright issues.
193. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an appeal by a club (details supplied) was received; when this club can expect to receive a decision on their appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45661/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The deadline for appeals was 29 October and the Department received an appeal from this club within the deadline. The process of reviewing the appeals is currently ongoing. All clubs will be advised of the outcome of their appeals shortly.
194. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details as to the reason the application made for the new stadium for a club (details supplied) was not approved under the large-scale sports infrastructure fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday, 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020. The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, and a diversity of sports. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or of a local authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. The assessment and ultimate ranking of project was also informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
In respect of prioritisation, the project in question was ranked third in priority by Louth County Council and ranked fourth in priority by the FAI. It should be noted that prioritisation is strictly a matter for the local authority and/or NGB concerned.
In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department, on which all remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order such as this project. As additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list should then be able to be funded.
I can confirm that the application in question is valid. As I have publicly stated, this is a strong proposal, it is valid, and when further progress happens in relation to it - including an application for and grant of planning permission - and as funding becomes available, it should then be able to be funded. I met with the Chairperson of the club in question since the announcement of allocations under the second round of the LSSIF and informed him of this.
195. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason an applicant under the Sport Capital Programme was not successful (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45818/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The deadline for appeals was 29 October and the Department received an appeal from this organisation within the deadline. The process of reviewing the appeals is currently ongoing. All clubs will be advised of the outcome of their appeals shortly.
196. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reasons an applicant under the Sport Capital Programme was not successful (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45976/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The deadline for appeals was 29 October and the Department received an appeal from this organisation within the deadline. The process of reviewing the appeals is currently ongoing. All clubs and organisations will be advised of the outcome of their appeals shortly.
