Paul McAuliffe
Question:320. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the new build for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31187/23]
View answerSite Acquisitions
Questions (320)
Written answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is not in receipt of a current application from the school in question, for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the NCSE, and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes.
It is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA)' which is available at www.education.ie.
My officials have been in touch with the patron of the school to advise them of the process to submit an application for the ASA scheme. This application will be assessed upon receipt and a decision will issue to the school authorities directly upon completion of the assessment process.
Site Acquisitions
Questions (321)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:321. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the level of engagement that her Department has had with (details supplied) in relation to a land swap for a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31188/23]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Dublin City Council on an ongoing basis in relation to the land swap for Gaelscoil Cholmcille.
The school patron will be kept appraised of any key developments in this respect.
Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time.
School Funding
Questions (322)
Michael Lowry
Question:322. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the status of an ICT grant for a school (details supplied); if this school will be given an allocation of ICT funding for 2022-2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31205/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.
It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.
As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.
Education Policy
Questions (323)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:323. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education if her Department engaged with schools to ensure that their Acceptable Use Policy for the use of smartphones is set up effectively and implemented. [31211/23]
View answerWritten answers
All schools are advised to have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place that sets out rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with the use of the internet for school purposes including the use of smart phones and personal devices. The policy is drawn up by school leaders, teachers and management and generally in consultation with parents.
Circular 0038/2018 - www.gov.ie/en/circular/c30b88eaa1024cc88cd9e3af2241be92/ - which issued to schools in 2018, requires all schools to consult with teachers, students and parents in developing policy for the use of smart phones and personal devices in school. Webwise (part of the Professional Development Service for Teachers) promotes the autonomous, effective and safe use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents and children themselves with consistent and relevant messages. It develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools (mostly through delivery of the SPHE curriculum). The webwise.ie resource includes practical information and advice on the safe, ethical and responsible use of the internet. Webwise also provides an AUP template that can be customised for all schools to use, together with examples of such policies from other schools
Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools, including on the use of smart phones and other such devices in schools, are taken at local level by the Board of Management of a school, who under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 have responsibility for the direct governance of a school. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community on such decisions.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (324)
Colm Brophy
Question:324. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an ASD class for a school (details supplied) in Dublin south west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31212/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
My department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, on the 12th of April, Minister Foley and I announced the establishment of 2 new special schools for the 2023/2024 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 380 new special classes – 250 at primary and 130 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Of these new classes, 6 are in Dublin 24 area, with 3 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Dublin 24 to 52.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the school has expressed interest in establishing an autism special class, and the NCSE has been working in cooperation with the school to provide the necessary support.
My Department is also engaging with the school in relation to any necessary building works that may be necessary to provide for the special class. My Department and the NCSE will continue to engage with the school to progress the issue.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year 2023/2024.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (325)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:325. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the fact that a school (details supplied) has an ASD unit in its junior school but not the senior school; the reasons for the delay in procuring an ASD unit in the senior school; if she will resolve the issues preventing the establishment of the unit considering students of this ASD unit finishing up in the junior school have nowhere to go for September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31214/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
My department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, on the 12th of April, Minister Foley and I announced the establishment of 2 new special schools for the 2023/2024 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 380 new special classes – 250 at primary and 130 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Of these new classes, 6 are in the Dublin 24 area, with 3 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Dublin 24 to 52.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the school has expressed interest in establishing an autism special class, and the NCSE has been working in cooperation with the school to provide the necessary support.
My Department is also engaging with the school in relation to any necessary building works that may be necessary to provide for the special class. My Department and the NCSE will continue to engage with the school to progress the issue.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year 2023/2024.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
School Funding
Questions (326)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:326. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will urgently review the failure of her Department to financially assist a school (details supplied) with the normal departmental grants paid per student based on enrolment at the school. [31271/23]
View answerWritten answers
As advised in my response to the Deputy’s question in relation to this school on 16th May last, my Department as well as the Financial Service Support Unit (FSSU) have been in contact with them regarding their financial circumstances.
I can confirm that my Department is engaging with the school in relation to the supports available following an assessment of the financial situation in the school by officials in my Department and the FSSU. These supports include provision of additional funding as well as assistance from the FSSU who will provide advice and support to the school with regard to their future finances and implementing any budgetary measures
Schools Building Projects
Questions (327)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:327. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education when her Department will provide the finances required to demolish and rebuild school buildings at a school (details supplied) and a boundary wall, given that the engineer's report has recommended same and as applied for to her Department. [31272/23]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in my Department are currently examining the most appropriate solution for the school to which the Deputy refers, from both a technical and administrative perspective and once this consideration has been completed an update will issue to the school. My Department is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
School Funding
Questions (328)
Róisín Shortall
Question:328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the funding support available to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31278/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting, water charges etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme benefited from a once-off cost of living measure to support increased school running costs. This additional capitation funding in 2022 represented an increase of circa 40% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates. The additional grant was paid in December at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level and €113 at Post-Primary level. Schools can use this to cover additional energy costs and other increased day to day operating costs.
Funding to cater for ancillary services is made available by my Department under two separate schemes. One is the 1978/79 scheme under which school secretaries and caretakers are paid directly through the payroll operated by my Department. This scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created.
The second is the capitation grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools. Within the grant programme, the level and extent of secretarial and caretaking services provided is a matter for the school authorities who, through the discretion afforded by the scheme, apply their own arrangements for secretarial and caretaking services as resources permit.
The amount paid to an individual school, including the school referred to by the Deputy is determined by the school’s enrolment.
I can confirm to the Deputy that investment and expenditure on General Purpose (GP) rooms and PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
Almost 60% of the primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they have a GP Room. In total 70% of primary schools either have a GP room or access to a nearby facility for GP use and a further 3% of primary schools have projects in train which will deliver a new GP room. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks and swimming pools.
It is also important to note that the primary Physical Education curriculum permits schools flexibility in its implementation in a broad and balanced way, taking account of the varying indoor and outdoor facilities available.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
Question No. 329 answered with Question No. 282.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (330)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31380/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
My department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, on the 12th of April, Minister Foley and I announced the establishment of 2 new special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 380 new special classes – 250 at primary and 130 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year, with a small number more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Of these new classes, 7 are in Co. Kerry, with 4 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Kerry to 88.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year 2023/24.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Sports Funding
Questions (331)
Chris Andrews
Question:331. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is planning to open a new round of the large-scale sport infrastructure fund; if so, if those previously awarded grant funding will be allowed to apply for additional funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30727/23]
View answerWritten answers
The National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport. All applications were assessed in accordance with the published Evaluation Procedures and Guidelines and the first allocations were announced in January 2020. Thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals.
The first LSSIF allocations were announced just prior to the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic obviously gave rise to significant financial challenges for all grantees with many of them having to reprioritise their own expenditure plans due to reductions in their income streams. In more recent times, the high level of construction inflation has also presented considerable challenges for grantees.
In view of these issues, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects that were allocated grants and meetings with all grantees have taken place. It is encouraging that, based on these discussions with grantees, over half of the 33 projects should be in a position to draw down funding this year. While this progress is very welcome, these discussions also confirm that some projects in receipt of LSSIF grants may not proceed in the short to medium term. In view of this, Minister Martin and I are currently considering, and engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in this context, whether additional resources could be provided to projects in need of further assistance and whether a new round of the LSSIF could be opened in due course.
I expect that my Department will be in further contact with existing grantees shortly and that the timing and terms and conditions of any new round of the LSSIF will be announced in due course.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (332)
Richard Bruton
Question:332. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will indicate the costs associated with the publication and distribution of 1923: Birth of a Nation; and the estimated number of persons reached through different means. [30838/23]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2012, the Irish Times has published a series of special supplements to mark the Decade of Centenaries as part of its 'Century' series. My Department supports the distribution of these supplements to primary and post-primary schools under the remit of the Department of Education in Ireland, with 75,000 copies distributed this year to approximately 3,800 schools. The amount of funding provided to the Irish Times for this purpose is €30,000. All decisions regarding editorial content, themes and contributors are a matter for the Irish Times.
Sports Facilities
Questions (333)
Seán Sherlock
Question:333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement that has been had with Europe in regard to the suitability and longevity of 4G playing pitches, and the components of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30839/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's main role with regard to artificial pitches relates to providing grant assistance for the development of such facilities. In this regard, the 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. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
It is a requirement of the SCEP that all materials purchased and development works generally comply with all relevant national and EU regulations. In relation to these standards, the European Commission has been advancing a proposal for a microplastics restriction under the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) which, when adopted, will have implications for the material that can be used in artificial playing pitches in the future. The primary aim of the restriction is to eradicate over time, the leaking of intentionally added microplastics from various sources, including artificial sports pitches, into the environment and to replace these microplastics with more environmental and sustainable alternatives.
The negotiations on the proposals were led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The proposed measures do not specify which alternatives would be suitable or preferable, only which materials cannot be used in the future. I understand however, that the Commission is satisfied that suitable alternative materials are available. The proposed transition period for the ban on placing on the market of granular rubber infill is 8 years to ensure that a larger number of existing synthetic sports surfaces using this product can reach their natural end-of life before they need to be replaced.
It is not anticipated that the restriction will be adopted, published or enter into force prior to August 2023 at the earliest and the potential impacts of the forthcoming restriction will be highlighted to all new applicants for funding under the SCEP.
Sports Funding
Questions (334)
Seán Sherlock
Question:334. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the proposed date for the opening of the next round of sports capital grants; and if projects that were previously funded can reapply in certain sports. [30840/23]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. Over 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. The final allocations under the 2020 round were announced on 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP. Details of all allocations can be found on the Department's website.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. This Review has now been published and is available on the Department’s website. My officials are now drafting the "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round to reflect the recommendations in the Review and I hope to have this finalised shortly. Once completed, the Guide will be published on my Department's website. Following that, I will announce the exact date on which the 2023 round of the SCEP will open for applications. The "Guide to Making an Application" for the 2023 round will essentially set out all of the relevant terms and conditions. Generally though, while it is not possible to provide additional funding in respect of projects (or elements of projects) where work has already commenced, there is no prohibition on applying for funding for the same overall project. Any previous funding provided will however, be considered when allocation amounts are being finalised.
Sports Funding
Questions (335)
Paul Kehoe
Question:335. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of sports capital grant awards to golf clubs in the past two rounds of funding, including the amount awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30847/23]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to capital funding, the 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. Over 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
A list of all allocations under SCEP, including the last two rounds is published on my Department's website at: - www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/. In addition, following the most recent rounds of the Programme, a Review has been published. These Reviews include, inter alia, statistical information on the breakdown of allocations. The 2020 Review was published last month and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-sports-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/
and the 2018 Review can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/aecdd-sports-capital-programme-2018-review/
Departmental Schemes
Questions (336, 337)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:336. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department sought or obtained a copy of any contracts between recipients of the live performance supports scheme and musicians employed for performances under the scheme. [31246/23]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:337. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if recipients of the live performance support scheme are required to seek the positive consent of musicians who performed as part of events funded under the scheme or from her Department as funder of the scheme, in order to subsequently rebroadcast or sell recordings of performances under the scheme for commercial profit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31247/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.
As part of a suite of supports for the live entertainment sector delivered by my Department during the pandemic, the Live Performance Support Schemes provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of actors, musicians, crew and technicians in tandem with a pipeline of high quality and much needed entertainment for Irish audiences. The grants awarded helped to support employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres including theatre, pantomime, music and circus performance.
Details of contracts between LPSS grantees and musicians or other service providers contracted by them would be of confidential nature and as such would not be a matter for my Department. Agreement between the performers regarding broadcast rights would be a matter for the entity contracting the artists. Therefore, copies of these contracts were not a requirement of the drawdown process. However, my Department reserved the right to seek documentation should it be deemed necessary.
Grantees were required to provide data related to the number of days employment generated by the scheme along with management confirmation of payment and a schedule of invoices. Proof of payment was also required as part of the drawdown of the grants to ensure that artists and crews were remunerated.
Question No. 337 answered with Question No. 336.
Sports Funding
Questions (338)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:338. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding, if any, that was provided by her Department for the recently opened Rugby Museum in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31251/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not provided funding to the Rugby Museum in Limerick.