Written Answers Nos. 568-589
568. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department's plans to increase the provision of second-level special school classes in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6391/26]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of students progressing from primary school. Last year my department issued a circular to all schools setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. Included in this circular was a reminder of the need for post-primary schools to continue planning for this level of provision.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process which closed on 1 October to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will also consider vacant places in existing special classes and places that will become available through the regular transition of children from primary to post-primary schools.
My Department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. NCSE have begun sanctioning new special classes this month, which is several months ahead of last year. 263 have been sanctioned to date (173 are being established in primary schools and 90 in post-primary schools) and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
569. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans to restore the yard duty payment for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6404/26]
View answerYard duty falls under the remit of the Supervision & Substitution (S&S) scheme. Prior to 2013, participation in the S&S was voluntary on the part of teachers. In 2013, Circular 0014/2013 set out the rates of payment and hours liability of 37 hours per annum. The hours are spread over the whole school year. Those who opted to join the scheme received an additional allowance rate of €1,769 per annum for those on the payroll prior to 2011 (€1,592 for new entrants to the payroll from 2011).
Other duties under the S&S include supervision of students before and after school and at break and lunch times. In addition, teachers cover for colleagues who are absent on certain types of leave.
Subsequently, under the Haddington Road Agreement and with effect from the 2013/2014 school year, participation in the scheme became compulsory for primary teachers under Circular 0033/2013. The 37 hours liability per annum was increased to 43 hours. Under the HRA the usage of the supervision hours was expanded to include e.g. self-certified sick leave.
Under Circular 0033/2013 the allowance payable to teachers would be discontinued, however a gross additional payment would be included in the incremental scale for teachers in two moieties in the school years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Circular 0042/2014 provides information on rostering of S&S.
Circular 0006/2014 and Circular 0047/2017 provided for an opt-out of the S&S Scheme for certain teachers. For those who have opted out of S&S, a deduction is applied to their salary equivalent to €1,769/€1,592 (pre/post 2011 teachers) annually. The opt out was considered to be irrevocable, however in for the school year 2022/2023 and onwards a concession was made for teachers who had previously opted out and subsequently became promoted to principals/deputy principals since opting out could apply to opt back in. However, they were not permitted to opt back out again and are required to carry out the duties.
The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. Over the course of recent collective agreements, amendments have been agreed which have seen the value of certain allowances previously withdrawn being integrated into “new entrant” teacher pay. Examples are the equivalent of an honour’s primary degree allowance and the PME allowance.
Additional amendments to teacher Terms and Conditions, including pay and allowances, can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the Public Service unions. As this is one of the matters that may come under consideration under the local bargaining provision of the PSA 2024-2026 and as such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.
570. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department can provide funding or support for the improvement of schools outdoor space; if she will outline any schemes, grants, or local authority supports available to schools (details supplied) seeking to make their playgrounds more suitable for children's learning and development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6439/26]
View answerI should explain that applications relating to the provision of funding for issues relating to an existing school building can fall under a number of different delivery mechanisms including, most frequently, the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme and could include the upgrade or provision of play areas.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
The purpose of the SWS is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (which was previously named the Summer Works Scheme) places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Schools can now undertake additional measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, bike rack facilities to support active travel and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.
In the case of the school in question it should be noted that there are currently no outstanding EWS or SWS projects. The newly announced Climate Action Summer works opened for applications on the 1st May and the application window closed on the 30th of June 2025, full details of the scheme can be found under Summer Works Scheme. The EWS is open for applications year-round. It is open to the school to make an application under the most appropriate scheme.
571. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the change in SNA allocation for a school (details supplied), which will be reduced by 2 full-time SNA staff from September this year; the reason for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6467/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through the dedicated Oireachtas email address.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
572. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a proactive approach to educating teachers about epilepsy will be adopted following calls by an organisation (details supplied) for 'Seizure Safe Schools'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6470/26]
View answerThe Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all pupils. Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils, it may be possible for the management authorities, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers from an illness requiring, that appropriate treatment is available.
Teacher education provided by the Department through Oide covers the implementation of the curriculum and matters relating to teaching and learning but does not encompass training on medical matters.
Where specific training is required, the school can liaise with Enable Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Education Support Centres, at a local level to secure guidance and training to meet the care needs of the student. It is a matter for individual school authorities to make such arrangements locally.
573. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that three schools in the Dublin west constituency (details supplied) are awaiting a meeting between their design team her Department to advance the project to demolish and rebuild their schools on a single campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6531/26]
View answerA date for the Stage 2a Stakeholders Meeting will be advised upon completion of the Addendum Report review.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published by my department shortly. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
574. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 628 of 4 November 2025, if the new DEIS plan has been published; and if she will review the decision to exclude a school (details supplied) from the DEIS Band 1 programme; to provide clear details of the process that resulted in the school’s exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6537/26]
View answerTackling education disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for the Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools reaching approximately 260,000 students with an annual investment of €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027 to introduce the DEIS Plus scheme and support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy which will be published in quarter 1, 2026.
The DEIS programme is targeted at schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage. Schools that were included in the most recent expansion of the programme in 2022 were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme, and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools. A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie.
Schools were identified for inclusion in the DEIS programme based on their standardised disadvantage score. Schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage scores are included in the DEIS programme, with those urban primary schools having the very highest levels of disadvantage being assigned Urban Band 1.
The Minister is committed to addressing the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introducing innovative solutions to address disadvantage. The new DEIS Strategy will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
Any future expansion of the DEIS programme and overall allocation of resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy which will be published in quarter 1, 2026.
575. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the situation of a child having a reduced timetable at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6566/26]
View answerThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
The Department has contacted the Tusla Educational Support Services and will contact the Deputy directly when an update has been received on this matter.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
576. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a review of school transport for a child (details supplied) with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6567/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
An application for special transport arrangements is made by parent(s) through the School Principal and the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for the school. The SENOs are employed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
An application for School Transport under the scheme for children with Special Educational Needs was received for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. As this pupil was not attending the nearest school resourced to meet his special educational needs it had to be reviewed comprehensively by officials in the School Transport Section of my Department in consultation with the NCSE.
This review has been completed and the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been deemed eligible for school transport. Bus Éireann has been advised and are currently processing the application. Bus Éireann will liaise directly with the family in the coming days when the service is ready to commence.
577. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth to define the ‘gap in employment’ for primary substitute teachers (details supplied) when they must cease employment where the school is closed for the summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6628/26]
View answerThe recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
In accordance with Department Circular 44/2019 and Circular 31/2011, which are available on the Department’s website under (www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-education/), schools are required to employ appropriately qualified teachers and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired. These measures were taken in an effort to increase employment opportunities for unemployed teachers.
Chapter 2 of Circular 44/2019 deals with the recruitment of teachers in Primary & Special School.
If the applicant is not a registered teacher you will need to contact the Teaching Council, www.teachingcouncil.ie telephone: 1890 224 224. The Teaching Council is the statutory body for the registration of teachers including the recognition of teaching qualifications.
The Department of Education act only as the paymaster and not the employer.
The Department of Education & Youth provides a payroll service to over 3,700 primary, voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools
There are a variety of teaching employment types within these schools such as permanent whole-time, fixed term contracts, contracts of indefinite duration and casual substitution work. This last category is where schools employ teachers on a casual basis to fill short-term vacancies resulting from absences of their whole-time time colleagues due to for example sick-leave or attendance at in-career development courses. A casual substitute teacher is employed on a day-to-day basis with no obligation on the school to re-hire the teacher on any subsequent day and no obligation on the teacher to work for the school on any subsequent day. No employment relationship exists between the school and the casual substitute teacher beyond the end of the day on which they are employed.
578. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current status of the An Post pension increase request, submitted in October 2025, within his Department; the timeframe in which he and his Department anticipate the pension approval process to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6318/26]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
579. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding schemes administered by his Department for which a club (details supplied) may apply to in order to fully equip their school gym; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5457/26]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to the gym of the club referred to in the details supplied.
The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) 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. The club referred to by the deputy received funding of €75,178 under the 2018 round.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be published shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
As a registered organisation on my Department's grant management system, the club in question will be automatically notified when the new round of CSFF is open for applications.
580. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount his Department has spent on legal fees for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [5532/26]
View answerMy Department has two internal Legal Advisors seconded from the Office of the Attorney General, with additional support from that office as required.
Details of any compensation and legal costs are published in the annual Appropriation Account for the Department which is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and published on their website here: [www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/]
From time to time it may be necessary to engage external legal support and this is done subject to public procurement procedures as set out by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. These are available on the website of the Office of Government Procurement.
It should be noted that my Department was re-configured as the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport at the beginning of June 2025. The previous configuration of my Department, as the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, was established in September 2020. The details sought by the Deputy in the period since September 2020 to 2025 for the current functions under the remit of my Department are set out below.
|
Year |
External Legal Service Provider |
Details of Service Provided |
Total Cost (incl. VAT) |
|
2020 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
€253,029 |
|
2021 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Eircode - Legal advice regarding licencing agreements |
€15,375 |
|
2021 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
€846,433 |
|
2022 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
€1,296,819 |
|
2022 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Provision of Operational Management Advisory Services for the National Postcode System |
€88,156 |
|
2022 |
Mr Jack Hazlett |
External drafting for the transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code |
€2,600 |
|
2023 |
Mr Jack Hazlett |
External drafting for the transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code |
€400 |
|
2023 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Eircode - Legal advice on contracts |
€65,347 |
|
2023 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
To (i) advise the Expert Advisory Committees (EACs) appointed by the Minister to carry out independent reviews of RTÉ of any legal risks arising to the members of the EACs in respect of the conduct of the reviews and (ii) to review draft reports prepared by the EACs prior to their submission and advise of any legal risks arising. |
€19,455 |
|
2023 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
€1,035,453 |
|
2024 |
ByrneWallace |
Employment law advices |
€2,078 |
|
2024 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Provision of legal advisory services for the award of an agreement to operate, manage and maintain the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) |
€265,200 |
|
2024 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
To (i) advise the Expert Advisory Committees (EACs) appointed by the Minister to carry out independent reviews of RTÉ of any legal risks arising to the members of the EACs in respect of the conduct of the reviews and (ii) to review draft reports prepared by the EACs prior to their submission and advise of any legal risks arising. |
€74,450 |
|
2024 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
€255,099 |
|
2024 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the Digital Connectivity Office |
€445,800 |
|
2025 |
William Fry |
Legal advisory services in support of the Digital Connectivity Office |
€618,911 |
|
2025 |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Provision of legal advisory services for the award of an agreement to operate, manage and maintain the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) |
€190,397 |
|
2025 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
Legal Advisors to the Expert Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister to carry out an independent review of the governance and organisational culture of the Arts Council |
€34,536 |
581. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a breakdown of expenditure by his Department and bodies, agencies or organisations under his remit on paid verification services on a platform (details supplied) or any other verified account products, for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of verified accounts held under each category; the annual cost per account; the total annual cost incurred; the procurement basis under which these services were purchased, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5641/26]
View answerMy Department has been configured as Culture, Communications and Sports (CCS) since June 2025, prior to this, the configuration was as the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media (TCAGSM).
My Department does not pay, and has never paid, for verification or premium access to the platform mentioned.
A range of communication forms – including advertising, social media postings and media engagement – are increasingly important in informing the public of the Department’s work.
At all times value for money is a critical consideration when engaging in paid advertising or marketing.
Regarding bodies and agencies under my Department’s remit, these matters are operational matters for the agencies themselves.
582. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of WTE digital marketing specialists employed within his Department as of 16 January 2026. [5751/26]
View answerIn respect of digital marketing specialists, the Department has 2 WTE apprentices employed under the Civil Service Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Programme as of 16 January 2026. This is a full-time 2 year programme that combines work-based learning with a formal training programme.
Apprentices who successfully achieve all programme elements will attain a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing (QQI Advanced Certificate Award placed at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
583. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he last met the Chief Executive Officer of the National Concert Hall; the issues discussed; and when he is next scheduled to meet the CEO. [5752/26]
View answerI have attended a number of events at National Cultural Institutions, including recently at the National Concert Hall on the 13th of January where I met the Chair and Director of the NCH, although no formal meeting took place.
Senior officials in my Department meet regularly with the Chief Executive Officer and senior management team of the National Concert Hall to discuss the governance, finance and operations of the institution. Their most recent meeting was on Friday 5th December 2025.
584. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the members of the An Post group of unions (details supplied) and An Post members can expect to receive their pension increase of 7% as agreed in September 2025. [5873/26]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
585. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 9 December 2025, if he can provide an update on the response issued to the question. [5910/26]
View answerThere is no update or change to the response I provided to Question No. 476 of 09 December 2025, which is as follows:
I am advised that services and schemes operated by my Department for individuals or households are not means-tested and therefore the Department does not assess reckonable income.
586. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a data protection impact assessment has been completed in respect of the proposed use of a State-issued digital wallet or MyGovID for online age-verification purposes; if not, when such an assessment will be completed; and whether it will be published prior to any legislative proposal being brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [6061/26]
View answer587. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has conducted a formal proportionality assessment under Article 52 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in respect of requiring age verification for access to lawful online content by adults; and if not, whether such an assessment will be completed before any pilot or legislative measure proceeds. [6062/26]
View answer588. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he will confirm that the proposed age-verification system would apply to adult users accessing lawful online content; and whether his Department has assessed the impact of such a requirement on adults’ rights to freedom of expression, privacy, and anonymous or pseudonymous communication. [6063/26]
View answer589. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he intends to place explicit statutory limits on the authority of Coimisiún na Meán to require age-verification measures, including limiting such requirements to specific categories of content; and whether such limits will be set out in primary legislation. [6064/26]
View answer590. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he will confirm that no individual will be denied access to lawful online content solely on the basis of declining to verify their age using a State-issued digital identity system; and whether this principle will be explicitly provided for in legislation. [6065/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 587, 588, 589 and 590 together.
As I set out for the Deputy on 13 January, we are not yet at the stage where all of the issues being raised by the Deputy can be answered. However, I can confirm that the introduction of age verification through the Government's digital wallet will be in line with EU law and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that data protection and other rights of users will be protected, including a data protection impact assessment, as required.
I will reiterate for the Deputy that the aim of developing this tool is to support the application of Ireland’s online safety code, which is an integral part of Ireland's Online Safety Framework being implemented by Coimisiún na Meán. The Code is aimed at protecting children from inappropriate, harmful or illegal content.
As provided for under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, it is An Coimisiún that determines when it is appropriate for a platform to use age verification and under the Code, designated video-sharing platform services are obliged to take measures to protect children online, including, under Part B, the obligation to implement robust age assurance measures to ensure children do not normally see adult-only content, like pornography.
Finally, the digital wallet itself is being developed by the OGCIO under the framework of the EU eIDAS regulation (EU 2024/1183). This requires every EU member state to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet but the wallet will be voluntary for citizens to use. It should also be noted that it is not intended that the Government's digital wallet will be the only option for platforms to meet their age verification obligations. Rather, it will provide a privacy preserving and secure option that respects users' rights and helps to safeguard children.
