Written Answers Nos. 455-475
455. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his expenditure on advertising, detailing the objective, duration, media platforms, advertising agency or agencies, and cost of each advertising campaign, in each of the years 2015 to 2025. [37027/25]
View answerThis Department became Culture, Communications and Sports in June 2025, prior to this my department was known Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media. In its current configuration no monies have been spent on advertising.
In relation to this Department's most recent configuration, the information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will issue directly to the Deputy in accordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.
|
September 2020-December 31st 2020 |
€8,298.92 |
|
2021 |
€321,454.21 |
|
2022 |
€325,336.01 |
|
2023 |
€355,167.31 |
|
2024 |
€464,950.58 |
|
January 2025- June 1 st 2025 |
€833.78 |
456. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his Department's expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the firms contracted to provide training; and the position or grade of those availing of training, for example, Minister, Secretary General, principal officer and so on. [37044/25]
View answerThis Department became Culture, Communications and Sports in June 2025, prior to this my department was known Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media and my response includes this most recent configuration. Upon examining training records available for years 2020 until 2025 there were no members of departmental staff who undertook media training during this period.
457. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his Department's expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the consultancy firms involved; and the nature of each contract, in tabular form. [37062/25]
View answerThe details sought by the Deputy for the functions under the remit of my Department in the period since September 2020 (when the former Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media was established) are set out in the table below.
It should be noted that my Department was re-configured as the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport at the beginning of June 2025.
|
Year |
Consultancy Firm |
Nature of Contract |
Total Cost (Incl. VAT) |
|
2024 |
Thinkhouse |
Creation of digital assets for Night-Time Economy Safety Campaign ‘Safe and Sound’ |
€24,600.06 |
|
2024 |
Thinkhouse |
Creation of digital assets for ‘All Right All Night’ Bystander Intervention Programme. |
€8,697.33 |
|
2025 |
Thinkhouse |
Brief, planning and creative ideation for ‘All Right All Night’ Bystander Intervention Programme. |
€6,052.00 |
|
Total |
|
|
€39,349.39 |
458. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he recognises that investing €15 million per annum for five years in the Post Office Network is vital in maintaining critical public access points in communities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37136/25]
View answer459. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider committing to a sustained annual investment of €15 million in the Post Office Network to safeguard postal services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37137/25]
View answer460. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the potential cost to the State and communities has been assessed if the Post Office Network continues to decline, due to lack of structured, multi-annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37138/25]
View answer461. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will invest the proposed funding of €15 million to the Post Office Network, considering this will unlock more government services through the post office network, while also boosting local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37139/25]
View answer462. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will consider using the post office network as a delivery partner for more public services, such as form generation, tourist office, managing the register of electors, also that all postmasters become peace commissioners, allowing the proposed €15 million investment to the Post Office Network to deliver a greater community and economic impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37140/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 458 to 462, inclusive, together.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Programme for Government states that the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. My Department is working to deliver on this and is engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to the funding. Additionally, my Department is working with Government colleagues to secure future funding in line with the Programme for Government.
An amount of €10 million/annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term (2023-2025) to An Post. An Post then disperses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefitting from the Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the Network. The funding is being paid monthly for each 12-month period. For the period 2023 to end June 2025, €25 million has been claimed by An Post for the network.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function. The terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
463. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost to the Exchequer related to the basic income for the arts scheme, broken down by year since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37160/25]
View answer464. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total number of people currently in recent of payment under the basic income for arts scheme, broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37161/25]
View answer466. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any engagement he has had with representative groups in relation the extension of the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/25]
View answer467. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the review of the basic income for artists scheme; a timeline for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37166/25]
View answer468. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns from those in receipt of the basic income for artists payment regarding the lack of certainty beyond February 2026; if a multiannual fund can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37167/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 464 and 466 to 468, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists, which is why I recently announced that Cabinet has agreed to my proposal to an extension of six months to allow for further evaluation of the pilot data. The cost of the 6-month extension is €16.7m. The extension will provide sufficient time to engage in stakeholder consultation and to evaluate the data which will provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.
My Department has been undertaking a comprehensive research programme based on this data and is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme. I also recently published a paper which collects the experiences of BIA recipients, who were interviewed by a sociologist. A cost-benefit analysis paper is also being prepared. It will compare the benefits and costs arising from the BIA in order to determine its net value.
The primary objective of the scheme is to help artists deal with precarious incomes and to prevent talent from leaving the sector for economic reasons. While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.
Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.
I know that the BIA support is hugely valued by artists in receipt of it, it has also been the subject of much positive commentary at home and in an international context and makes an important statement about the value placed on the arts in Ireland. I met with the National Campaign for the Arts in mid-May and further stakeholder engagement is planned for the coming months.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention in the context of Budget 2026 discussions, based on the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement
The current pilot scheme costs approximately €35m per year. The net cost is likely to be less, given the high number of BIA recipients who were previously on social welfare supports prior to the BIA.
Including administration and other costs the outturn each year has been as follows (to nearest €,000):
2022 €11,373,000
2023 €34,508,000
2024 €34,344,000
2025 to-date €17,254,000
The total expenditure varies year-on-year due to natural attrition of participants and as administration and other costs fluctuate, for example external research costs.
There are currently 1968 participants on the scheme, broken down by county below.
|
CO CARLOW / Co. Cheatharlach |
16 |
|
CO CAVAN / Co. an Chabháin |
21 |
|
CO CLARE / Co. an Chláir |
54 |
|
CO CORK / Co. Chorcaí |
203 |
|
CO DONEGAL / Co. Dhún na nGall |
54 |
|
CO DUBLIN / Co. Bhaile Átha Cliath |
180 |
|
CO GALWAY / Co. na Gaillimhe |
145 |
|
CO KERRY / Co. Chiarraí |
51 |
|
CO KILDARE / Co. Chill Dara |
83 |
|
CO KILKENNY / Co. Chill Chainnigh |
28 |
|
CO LAOIS / Co. Laoise |
25 |
|
CO LEITRIM / Co. Liatroma |
23 |
|
CO LIMERICK / Co. Luimnigh |
58 |
|
CO LONGFORD / Co. Longfoirt |
9 |
|
CO LOUTH / Co. Lú |
32 |
|
CO MAYO / Co. Mhaigh Eo |
47 |
|
CO MEATH / Co. na Mí |
58 |
|
CO MONAGHAN / Co. Mhuineacháin |
14 |
|
CO OFFALY / Co. Uíbh Fhailí |
15 |
|
CO ROSCOMMON / Co. Ros Comáin |
17 |
|
CO SLIGO / Co. Shligigh |
29 |
|
CO TIPPERARY / Co. Thiobraid Árann |
31 |
|
CO WATERFORD / Co. Phort Láirge |
33 |
|
CO WESTMEATH / Co. na hIarmhí |
22 |
|
CO WEXFORD / Co. Loch Garman |
56 |
|
CO WICKLOW / Co. Chill Mhantáin |
87 |
|
DUBLIN 1 / Baile Átha Cliath 1 |
20 |
|
DUBLIN 2 / Baile Átha Cliath 2 |
11 |
|
DUBLIN 3 / Baile Átha Cliath 3 |
41 |
|
DUBLIN 4 / Baile Átha Cliath 4 |
21 |
|
DUBLIN 5 / Baile Átha Cliath 5 |
24 |
|
DUBLIN 6 / Baile Átha Cliath 6 |
48 |
|
DUBLIN 6W / Baile Átha Cliath 6W |
25 |
|
DUBLIN 7 / Baile Átha Cliath 7 |
53 |
|
DUBLIN 8 / Baile Átha Cliath 8 |
78 |
|
DUBLIN 9 / Baile Átha Cliath 9 |
32 |
|
DUBLIN 10 / Baile Átha Cliath 10 |
4 |
|
DUBLIN 11 / Baile Átha Cliath 11 |
17 |
|
DUBLIN 12 / Baile Átha Cliath 12 |
51 |
|
DUBLIN 13 / Baile Átha Cliath 13 |
16 |
|
DUBLIN 14 / Baile Átha Cliath 14 |
21 |
|
DUBLIN 15 / Baile Átha Cliath 15 |
21 |
|
DUBLIN 16 / Baile Átha Cliath 16 |
16 |
|
DUBLIN 17 / Baile Átha Cliath 17 |
3 |
|
DUBLIN 18 / Baile Átha Cliath 18 |
38 |
|
DUBLIN 20 / Baile Átha Cliath 20 |
6 |
|
DUBLIN 22 / Baile Átha Cliath 22 |
8 |
|
DUBLIN 24 / Baile Átha Cliath 24 |
20 |
|
Not Classified |
3 |
|
OVERALL TOTALS |
1968 |
465. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any research carried out by his Department into the potential cost of expanding the basic income for artists scheme to additional artists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37162/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot (BIA) research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why recently I announced that Cabinet had agreed to my proposal to an extension of six months to allow for further evaluation of the pilot data. This will give sufficient time to engage in stakeholder consultation and to evaluate the data which will provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.
The scheme is underpinned by a robust research programme collecting data about all aspects of the lives of the artists and creative arts workers who are participating in the scheme. The research pilot is the first large-scale randomised control trial undertaken by a Government Department in Ireland and represents one of the leading impact evaluations underway in the Public Sector. To date the research programme has included:
• two papers have been published based on quantitative baseline survey i.e. information about participants lives before they received the first BIA payment;
• two impact assessments have been published to date and my Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme, due to be published over the summer months; and
• a qualitative research paper, written by an independent researcher, was also published which collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who were interviewed by a sociologist.
It is clear from evidence collected to date, under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.
In terms of ongoing evaluation of the scheme, work has recently begun with an external independent economic consultancy to prepare a full cost-benefit analysis of the BIA. This research will measure the costs and benefits arising from the BIA to determine its effectiveness prior to any decision on a successor programme.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention in the context of Budget 2026 discussions, based on the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.
469. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than goods or services, for example, grants-in-aid or reimbursements, in line with reporting conventions. [37227/25]
View answerMy Department came into existence in its current configuration in June 2025. With regard to its forerunner, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the total number of published PO’s in 2023 (over €20,000) was 41, with a payment value of €1,877,925. This published information shows transactions over €20,000 (vat inclusive) for goods or services and does not include grants, grants-in-aid, reimbursements.
The total number of payments recorded by the Department in 2023 on its financial management system was 36,901 with a total value of over €1.09bn. This is a global figure which includes grant and other payments.
470. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the situation regarding an artificial playing surface development for a club (details supplied); when formal written approval will be given; if the costs regarding this development have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37266/25]
View answerThe Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) provides that, if the land owner is entitled to apply for CSFF funding in its own right, then the landlord must make the application on behalf of the sports user.
In relation to the application referred to by the Deputy, grant funding of €45,981 was provisionally allocated in 2024 to Fingal County Council, as the land owner, under the 2023 round of the CSFF. Formal approval issued from my Department on 3 July 2025 to commence works on the project. Any issue regarding changes to the costs of the development is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authority and the sports club.
471. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding that was allocated to the Camogie Association, LGFA and the GAA in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of players currently registered in all codes, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37281/25]
View answerIn relation to the first part of your question on funding, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards.
I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the figures sought by the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, registration of players and the keeping of statistics on the same are a matter for the National Governing Bodies of sport who are autonomous.
472. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether funding will be granted for those involved in sport not funded by national bodies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37329/25]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory agency with responsibility for planning, leading and coordinating the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or teams as it provides funding to the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for sport, in this case Basketball Ireland.
My Department has no discretionary funding available to assist in this regard.
473. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding funding for the independent film & television sector in Ireland; the measures he will be putting in place in light of the decision to not proceed with a levy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37332/25]
View answerAs Minister, I understand the importance of ensuring that we work to preserve, promote and support the production of film and television programming, particularly by small, independent and community-based producers.
The Sound and Vision Scheme supports audiovisual programming that aligns with certain themes and criteria aimed at promoting our culture, our history and our heritage. The Scheme, now in its fourth iteration, has provided essential funding support to the media sector as a whole.
Since 2020, over €73m has been awarded through the Scheme to television projects, offering significant support to primarily independent productions.Last year, the Sound and Vision Scheme supported 210 projects, providing over €22.7m in funding to the media sector, with the majority of funds going to independent productions.
So far in 2025, over €7.8m has been awarded through Sound and Vision in support of over 100 projects.
I would like to highlight the many ongoing supports provided to the film sector, in addition to the Sound and Vision Scheme, through grant funding from Screen Ireland as well as through the Section 481 film tax relief.
The tax relief is being enhanced this year through the Scéal uplift for smaller independent films. ‘Scéal’ provides for an additional 8% tax relief under the Section 481 (from 32% to 40%) for feature films and animated feature films.
I, along with the Minister for Finance and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, signed the regulations commencing this uplift in May of this year. This is a positive change to the Section 481 Film Tax Relief Scheme which will benefit the Irish Film Industry, Irish senior creative film workers and Irish cinemas.
In addition to the existing measures in place, the Revised General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, for which I received Government approval on 8th April this year, provides that RTÉ will be required to spend at least 25% of its public funding on content commissioned from the independent production sector. Furthermore, RTÉ and TG4 will also be excluded from receiving direct public funding from the Media Fund, in order to ensure that all funds go to independent producers and commercial media outlets. This is on the basis that RTÉ and TG4 are already in receipt of significant public funding to deliver on their statutory public service objects. While RTÉ and TG4 are excluded from directly applying, independent producers will still be able to use RTÉ and TG4 as broadcast partners.
I fundamentally believe in supporting the Irish independent production sector, as reflected by the supports currently available to the sector. I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the independent production sector continues to be appropriately supported in the longer term.
474. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount expended in respect of the activities and mission of the local democracy reporting scheme since its inception to date. [37396/25]
View answerOn foot of the recommendations made by the Future of Media Commission, €6m was allocated in Budget 2024 for the development of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes on an administrative basis in order to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media and journalism sector at local, regional and national levels.
In February 2025, Coimisiún na Meán awarded €5.7m in funding to news outlets across the country, with over 100 new or enhanced journalist roles being supported through the Schemes.
Of this, approximately €3.4m was awarded to successful applicants through the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, the majority of which were local print and online publications.
In Budget 2025, €10m was allocated to ensure the continuation of these Schemes and the implementation of a Digital Transformation Scheme and a News Reporting Scheme to support the sector.
I believe it is critical to preserve and protect our national, local and regional journalism, which play an essential role in our diverse and thriving media sector and to support their invaluable contribution to our public discourse and our democracy, ensuring that trustworthy sources of news are maintained and supported.
475. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total, in square metres, of film and television studio space in Ireland; the measures being taken to increase that space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/25]
View answerIreland is home to several world-class film studios working to the highest quality and standards. Overall, I understand that there is 29,908 square metres of studio space in the State at present, while noting the amount of studio space available changes frequently.
Studios are commercial operations and demand is high for studio space in the Dublin / Wicklow region at the moment. The new Unscripted Production Tax credit has the potential to create more demand for studio space in Ireland. It should be noted film studios, as commercial operations are precluded from receiving State Aid under EU law.
