Written Answers Nos. 112-132
112. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the comprehensive review of the primary medical certificate scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6079/23]
View answerMy predecessor Minister Donohoe committed to a comprehensive review of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (DDS) as part of a broader review of mobility supports. In order to achieve this objective, Minister O’Gorman agreed in September 2021 that the DDS review should be incorporated into the work of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group (TWG).
The NDIS TWG was tasked, under Action 104 of the NDIS, with reviewing all Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability and for making proposals for transport and mobility solutions for those with a disability.
The Working Group, under the Chairpersonship of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, held a number of meetings across 2022. A draft final report was considered at its final meeting on 8th December. It is expected the final report will be published soon.
As part of its engagement in this process, the Department of Finance established an information-gathering Criteria Sub-group (CSG) at the start of 2022. Its membership comprised of former members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) and Principal Medical Officers (PMOs) in the HSE. Its purpose was to capture their experiences, expertise and perspectives in relation to the practical operational and administrative challenges of the DDS, as well as to explore what alternative vehicular arrangements were available for those with mobility issues based on international experience. The CSG work led to the production of five papers and a technical annex, submitted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in July 2022.
The main conclusion of the CSG is that the DDS needs to be replaced with a fit for purpose, needs-based vehicular adaptation scheme in line with best international practice.
This conclusion, together with design principles and parameters for the new scheme as based on international practice, were incorporated into a response to three questions posed in September 2022 to members of the NDIS Transport Working Group, in respect of proposals for enhanced, new and/or reconfigured supports to meet the transport and mobility needs for those with a disability.
I hope my Department's views with respect to introducing a new vehicular adaptation scheme, will be incorporated into the Working Group's final report.
113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the total amount in dividend payments made to the State in the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and year end 2022, by commercial semi-State companies and non-commercial semi-State companies, in tabular form; and if he will provide individual sums by company for those years. [6091/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the amounts below were received by the Exchequer from 2019-2022 from commercial semi-State companies.
|
Company |
Amount |
Year |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
121,686,585.38 |
2022* |
|
Bord na Mona |
21,696,000.00 |
2022* |
|
Coillte Teoranta |
25,000,000.00 |
2022* |
|
Port Of Cork Company |
250,000.00 |
2022* |
|
Ervia Dividend |
30,112,000.00 |
2022* |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Dividend |
400,000.00 |
2022* |
|
Port of Waterford Dividend |
266,134.80 |
2022* |
|
|
199,410,720.18 |
2022 Total |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
40,500.00 |
2021 |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
77,675,633.99 |
2021 |
|
Bord na Mona |
6,398,000.00 |
2021 |
|
Coillte Teoranta |
25,000,000.00 |
2021 |
|
Eirgrid Dividend |
4,000,000.00 |
2021 |
|
Ervia Dividend |
38,438,000.00 |
2021 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Dividend |
269,000.00 |
2021 |
|
|
151,821,133.99 |
2021 Total |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
7,784,100.00 |
2020 |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
47,633,603.64 |
2020 |
|
Coillte Teoranta |
2,300,000.00 |
2020 |
|
Eirgrid Dividend |
4,000,000.00 |
2020 |
|
Ervia Dividend |
70,958,000.00 |
2020 |
|
|
132,675,703.64 |
2020 Total |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
19,524,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Vodafone Group |
1.10 |
2019 |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
41,199,070.54 |
2019 |
|
Dublin Port Company |
4,100,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Coillte Teoranta |
13,000,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Dublin Airport Authority |
40,000,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Port Of Cork Company |
250,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Eirgrid Dividend |
4,000,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Ervia Dividend |
139,404,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Dividend |
350,000.00 |
2019 |
|
Port of Waterford Dividend |
330,897.00 |
2019 |
|
|
262,157,968.64 |
2019 Total |
*2022 figures are provisional and will be subject to audit by the C&AG as part of the Finance Accounts 2022 audit.
115. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on a compulsory purchase order (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5540/23]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works are leasing this property on a 99 year lease since 1st of August 1927. The property is used and will continue to be used as a Coastguard Station until it is no longer required for that purpose.
The Commissioners are in full compliance with the terms of the lease. As is provided in the lease, the Commissioners will, if needed, exercise their rights under the lease agreement to continue to lease the property on the same terms on a yearly basis after the 99 year term expires.
Under the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rent) Acts 1967-2019, the Commissioners are asserting their entitlement to purchase the Fee Simple on this property. The Chief State Solicitors Office has initiated this process. The entitlement to buy out a ground rent is on the statute books since 1978. The objective in exercising this right, or entering into a yearly tenancy, is to secure the use of the property for the important work of the Coastguard service for as long as is required. This is the Commissioners' sole objective and it is doing so in accordance with the lease and with long established legislation.
The officials in the Office of Public Works, through the Chief State Solicitors Office, will engage with solicitors for the landowner with a view to reaching agreement on how both the Lessors' and Lessee’s needs and entitlements will be met.
116. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the percentage of social media videos posted on his Department's social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under the remit of his Department, that included closed captioning or subtitling and Irish sign language translations between 1 January and 31 December 2022, inclusive. [5575/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51(1)(b).
117. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Ukraine contingency fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5606/23]
View answer122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he anticipates a further allocation from the remaining €1.2 billion reserve, following the draw-down of €1.5 billion from the €2.77 billion held in reserve in budget 2023 for additional non-core supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5717/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.
Welcoming and providing humanitarian supports to refugees from Ukraine has been a key priority for Government. A range of supports have been put in place for those arriving in Ireland. Budget 2023 made provision for up to €2 billion in voted non-core expenditure to continue this response.
In Budget 2023 initial Ukraine related allocations of €0.1 billion were made to Departments. An additional €1.4 billion was allocated in the Revised Estimates in December 2022 for Ukraine related spending. Allocations were based on an assessment of arrivals, an assessment of costs incurred at that point and assumptions regarding demographics and service usage. The largest allocation of €0.8 billion was to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Youth and Integration. This funding largely provided for accommodation provision. In addition, almost half a billion was provided to the Department of Social Protection for social welfare supports, with smaller allocations to other Departments.
Together with the allocations at the time of Budget 2023 and a Further Revised Estimate in January, this brings the total amount of Ukraine related allocations to over €1½ billion. The Vote Groups which this funding has been allocated to are set out in the table below.
|
Departments |
2023 Ukraine Allocation |
|
€ million |
|
|
Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
13 |
|
Children, Equality, Disability, Youth and Integration |
800 |
|
Defence |
1 |
|
Education |
46 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
75 |
|
Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science |
27 |
|
Health |
50 |
|
Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
3 |
|
Justice |
27 |
|
Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery & Reform |
1 |
|
Social Protection |
480 |
|
Transport |
2 |
|
Rural and Community Development* |
30 |
|
Total |
1,555 |
*The Rural and Community Development allocation took place following a January Further Revised Estimate for the Community Solidarity and Recognition Fund.
This leaves a balance of €0.4 billion remaining unallocated for any additional Ukraine related costs arising over 2023. The extent to which additional costs will arise will depend on number of arrivals, demographics, use of services and length of stay. Ukraine related expenditure is subject to ongoing review and all Departments are required to report monthly on the level of spend on Ukraine supports to my Department.
In addition to this remaining Ukraine-related amount, other non-core funding of some €0.8 billion remains held centrally. This relates to other non-core expenditure, including for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and Covid-19. This funding will be allocated to Departments during 2023 as required.
118. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the OPW drew up plans for the repair of a bridge in treacherous condition in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5655/23]
View answer119. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the plans that the OPW has for a bridge in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5656/23]
View answer120. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will carry out much-needed urgent works on a bridge (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this bridge is in treacherous condition and is a health and safety risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5663/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 120, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out maintenance to approximately two thousand kilometres of channels, and on average two hundred structures throughout the country, as part of the annual Arterial Drainage maintenance programme. While the average cycle of maintenance is generally in the range of four to seven years, the OPW routinely inspects all channels and structures that it has maintenance responsibility for.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and changes in staffing, the OPW had to re-organise elements of the maintenance programme. The bridge is an existing foot bridge constructed during the Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme, and has been scheduled for the installation of parapet railings to the required standards to provide edge protection to users. The OPW has continued to monitor the bridge and would deem that the bridge has low current usage.
The works will be carried out as part of our 2023 bridge maintenance programme. Staff from the OPW will contact the landowner to arrange access to his property to install the parapet railings.
121. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5706/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
Since 6 April 1995, all newly-appointed public servants became fully insured under the Social Insurance System. They pay Class A PRSI, which would entitle them to Social Insurance Benefits such as, maternity benefit, illness benefit, State Pension Contributory (SPC) and other social insurance entitlements not available to public servants paying modified PRSI (Class B, C or D). A significant number of occupational pension schemes (both private and public sector) take account of a member’s entitlement to the SPC when calculating occupational pension benefits. This is known as ‘integration’, and is also sometimes referred to as 'coordination'. It is worth noting that if a public servant is paying modified PRSI and there is a least a one day gap in their service, they will then transition to Class A PRSI due to Social Welfare regulations. This rule does not fall under the remit of this Department.
A public servant paying Class A PRSI will receive both an occupational pension and, it is assumed, they will be also be entitled to the maximum rate of the SPC. As the SPC element is paid for by way of PRSI contributions, this part of the pension is bound by the rules and criteria as set by Department of Social Protection (DSP). However, in the case of public servants, an occupational supplementary pension may be payable in circumstances where the total pension package (i.e. the combined total of the public service occupational pension plus any social insurance benefits) is less than that of the pension payable to a public servant on an equivalent salary and whose pension is not integrated with the Social Insurance system and who do not have an entitlement to the SPC.
The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is subject to an individual meeting certain criteria, such as the retired public servant shall not be in paid employment and:
(i) fails to qualify for Social Insurance Benefit or
(ii) qualifies for Social Insurance Benefit at a reduced rate and
(iii) has reached minimum pension age or is in receipt of an ill-health pension
The following Social Insurance payments are considered when assessing an individual for an Occupational Supplementary Pension: The State Pension Contributory (SPC), the State Pension Transition (also known as a Retirement Pension and now abolished since January 2014), Illness Benefit, Invalidity Benefit, Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and Jobseeker’s Benefit. Other benefits/allowances not listed above are not taken into account when assessing an individual’s entitlement to an Occupational Supplementary Pension e.g. Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, Jobseeker’s Allowance and any other means-tested benefit/allowance.
Please be aware that the rules pertaining to the payment of a supplementary pension are the same across the wider public service and apply equally to all public servants with Class A PRSI, including nurses and all frontline staff.
Additionally, if an individual in receipt of a supplementary pension takes up employment, for example, for one day, the supplementary pension would cease for that one day and be payable for the other 4 working days in the week, similar to how an entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit is treated. However, please note that if any retired public service, irrespective of PRSI status, returns to public service employment they are subject to the rules of abatement as provided for in Section 52 (1) to (5) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note abatement is also applied on a periodic and pro-rata basis. Abatement applies to the occupational pension only and is not applied to any Social Insurance Benefits payable.
123. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason Ireland has not drawn down any money from its allocation under the EU Recovery Fund approved in September 2021. [5776/23]
View answerThe National Recovery and Resilience Plan is funded under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) with Ireland in line to receive €915 million in grants over the lifetime of the Facility.
The RRF is a performance-based instrument with payment contingent on the fulfilment of agreed milestones and targets. Ireland’s Plan sets out sixteen investment projects and nine reform measures that will be supported covering the following priority areas:
- Advancing the Green Transition;
- Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation;
- Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation.
Implementation of the overall plan is well underway. As part of regulatory reporting requirements, Ireland has reported to the EU Commission on biannual progress in October 2021, April 2022 and October 2022. The RRF grant will be paid to Ireland in five instalments. The first payment request (FPR) process began in December with annual payment claims to follow until 2026. The first step is an informal cooperation process between the Commission and Ireland. Upon completion of this informal process, Ireland will present a formal payment request to the Commission. The Commission will then carry out their formal assessment that consists of a thorough check of the satisfactory fulfilment of Ireland’s milestones and targets. Following this, the first payment request is considered by Council after which the Commission processes the payment.
124. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2021; and when this Bill will move to the next Stage. [5841/23]
View answerThe Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2021 is a Private Members Bill introduced by Deputy Mairéad Farrell and Deputy Sorcha Clarke on 28th September 2021. I understand that it was considered at Second Stage in the Dáil on 3rd February 2022 and that a motion was passed on 9th February 2022 resolving that the Bill be deemed to be read nine months from that day. In relation to when the Bill will progress to the next stage, the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Dáil Éireann sets out arrangements in relation to scrutiny of Private Members Bills.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that there has been significant progress in relation to the broader review of the Freedom of Information regime that is being progressed by my Department. This has been a wide-ranging and thorough exercise, involving multiple stages of consultation with stakeholders across all sectors.
The review process has been an open and collaborative one, and received approximately 1,200 submissions to its consultation phases, as well as a further approximately 1,100 returns to a customer satisfaction survey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the stakeholders across all sectors who took the time to make their contributions to this important process.
An update setting out the current position in the review was brought to Government, and subsequently issued to stakeholders and published late last year. Given the breadth and complexity of the issues involved, it is envisaged that the review will be completed and the report brought to Government for approval later in the first quarter of this year.
My Department is continuing its engagement with key stakeholders in the public sector on draft preliminary recommendations. I expect shortly to be presented with final findings and recommendations in the form of a draft review report. In turn, I expect to present the review report to Government for approval and publication before the end of the first quarter of this year.
At that point, subject to Government approval, amending legislation will be tabled if required and an implementation process will commence.
125. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the date in 2018 when the business case for a national electronic health record proposal was rejected by his Department; if he plans to review the criteria used in deciding the business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5938/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR) sets overall capital expenditure ceilings for all spending Departments. Once these have been agreed by Government, it is a matter for individual Departments to prioritise projects within these ceilings. In this context, the Department of Health is responsible for the development and planning of proposals in relation to all health ICT projects within its multi annual capital expenditure allocations. Business cases for these proposals are required to consider a range of issues such costs, feasibility as well as risk management (identification and mitigation of relevant risks).
In this context, DPENDPDR received iterations of the Acute Electronic Health Record business case in 2018 and provided feedback and advice to the Department of Health at regular intervals as part of the normal form of inter-Departmental engagement on these matters. Amongst others, this included explaining the need to ensure appropriate Government approvals and funding were in place prior to the beginning of any procurement process.
In 2019, the Department of Health in 2019 sought and obtained Government approval to begin the procurement process for the tendering of the National Children’s Hospital component of this project. Details in relation to the planning, appraisal and timelines for the implementation of the overall eHealth strategy including the business case for a national electronic health record system are ultimately matters for the Department of Health. This Department has not received a revised business case on the proposed national electronic health record system.
126. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware of the case concerning a person (details supplied); if he will detail his involvement or former Ministers' involvement in this case; if he can provide an update on this case; and when a response will be issued to the person concerned. [6014/23]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I am not aware of the case concerning the former civil servant. This is not a matter for my Department.
127. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans to make changes to Ireland's Recovery and Resilience Fund National Plan in line with the EU's RePowerEU initiative; the timeline for any such changes; if he intends making use of additional options like transferring monies from the Brexit Adjustment Fund or structural funds into the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/23]
View answer128. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures and actions that will be included in Ireland's RePowerEU chapter of the RRF Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6151/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The geopolitical context has changed considerably since the adoption of the Regulation on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in 2021. Russia’s unprovoked military aggression on Ukraine has created huge challenges for the EU energy union, thereby aggravating the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. To address these challenges, the Commission proposed to reinforce the firepower of the RRF in the framework of the REPowerEU plan. The RRF Regulation, as amended by Regulation on REPowerEU chapters in the recovery and resilience plans, is set to enter into force shortly. The REPowerEU plan’s objectives are to contribute towards energy security, the diversification of the Union’s energy supply, an increase of the uptake of renewables and energy efficiency, an increase of energy storage capacities and the needed reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030. The REPowerEU objectives are to be addressed by the investments and reforms to be included in the existing national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs) as part of dedicated REPowerEU chapters.
The EU Commission issued guidance on 1 February in relation to REPowerEU. My Department is considering potential investment and reform proposals that could be funded under the REPowerEU mechanism with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications, Finance and Taoiseach’s. Similar to the development of Ireland's current National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the funding decisions are a matter for Government. The Commission has asked Member States to submit their modified NRRPs with REPowerEU Chapters by 30 April.
129. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the percentage of social media videos posted on her Department's social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under the remit of her Department, that included closed captioning or subtitling and Irish sign language translations between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022, inclusive. [5579/23]
View answerBetween 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022, my Department posted 76.4% of its videos with closed captioning/subtitling. The corresponding figures for the public bodies and agencies that operate under the remit of the Department are listed in the table below, alongside the Department’s data.
Please note that Irish Sign Language is an option used primarily in live and/or livestreamed events, such as three exhibition events held by the National Gallery of Ireland, as well as its guided tours and awards ceremonies. The Department’s commitment to accessibility is demonstrated in its strong use of closed captioning and subtitling.
I intend to write to write to the bodies under the aegis of my Department to encourage them to incorporate captioning / subtitling as standard practice in their social media video production, to improve accessibility of the information they are sharing with the public.
|
Name of Body or Programme |
Closed captioning / subtitling |
Irish Sign Language |
|
% total social media videos in 2022 |
% total social media videos in 2022 |
|
|
Department |
76.4% |
0.3% |
|
Arts Council |
31% |
3.44% |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
60% |
0% |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
81% |
0% |
|
IMMA |
95% |
0% |
|
National Concert Hall |
0% |
0% |
|
National Museum of Ireland Learning programme talks and short filmsOther content created around exhibitions |
70% Auto generated21% embedded subtitles8% auto generated 1% embedded subtitles |
2% 0% |
|
National Archives of Ireland |
100% |
0% |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
100% |
0% |
|
National Library of Ireland |
75.50% |
11% |
|
Screen Ireland |
40.10% |
0% |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
42% |
0% |
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
44% |
0% |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
45.4% |
0% |
|
Sport Ireland |
98% |
0% |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
4% |
0% |
|
Tourism Ireland |
0% |
0% |
In relation to the following public bodies (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, RTÉ and TG4), Section 24 and Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the independence in the performance of their functions.
130. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when it is expected that her Department will open applications for the 2023 sports capital grants scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5610/23]
View answerThe 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.
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 set of allocations were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage. This requires detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees.
Following completion of the appeals process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has been complete and I have received a draft version. I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised Review will be reflected in the next round.
Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
131. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a company (details supplied) has retained for its own use any element of its former or current budget allocation for its former orchestra, either on a once-off or ongoing basis; the costs and expenses that have arisen, or are anticipated to arise, in the transfer of the orchestra to the National Concert Hall; if she will confirm which entity is discharging these costs and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5627/23]
View answerFollowing lengthy engagement between my Department, RTÉ, and the National Concert Hall to ensure a seamless transfer, the Government agreed to the transfer of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and Choirs from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall with effect from 24 January 2022. To support this transfer, additional funding of €8 million was provided under Budget 2022 to the National Concert Hall to meet the running costs of the NSO. This funding was used to meet various costs including pay, training, travel costs etc. as well as supporting programmatic expenditure such as marketing and production costs.
With regard to RTÉ, it is important to note that subsequent to the publication of the Boaden Report, RTÉ published a Revised Strategy 2020-2024 in 2019, which presented a roadmap to return the organisation to financial stability and which provided for the transfer of the NSO to the NCH. Since 2021 RTÉ’s annual budgeting has been informed by Government’s decision to proceed with the transfer, and as such costs associated with the NSO have been excluded from RTÉ’s budgets. RTÉ is funded from a mix of TV licence revenues and commercial income, and no specific allocation was previously made to RTÉ in respect of the NSO. Given the independence granted to RTÉ under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as Minister I have no role in day to day operational and management affairs, including annual budgeting.
132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of the funding and supports being provided by her Department to the St. Patrick’s Festival (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5708/23]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers an important opportunity to provide an uplifting celebration of Irish culture, creativity and heritage on both a domestic and international stage.
My Department has provided €600,000 to St Patrick's Festival for many of the activities to be hosted by the festival this year, which includes the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, which will be home to a magical urban festival for all from March 16th to 18th.
Collins Barracks, one of Ireland’s most spectacular and historic heritage sites in the heart of Dublin, will feature Spiegeltent Mór and Spiegeltent Beag, a 3,000 capacity outdoor Main Stage, Story Yurt, performance spaces, relaxation areas, a mini-funfair including Ferris Wheel and the Irish Food and Craft Village.
Fáilte Ireland has also provided €1 million to St Patrick's Festival. Fáilte Ireland funding will be invested in the national parade, Suntas (a series of supersize building activations and cultural interventions taking place at iconic locations throughout the Festival, culminating in a spectacular aerial performance as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade) and the overall marketing of the Festival. The national parade is attended by approximately 450,000 people and there are significant costs for an event of this size to ensure that it is both entertaining and a safe experience for all.
