Written Answers Nos. 152-175
152. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the proper legal basis that the digital wallet has for mandatory use by citizens to access online platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16806/26]
View answer169. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current status of the age verification pilot being undertaken to restrict access to social media; when the pilot will commence; the bodies and platforms participating in the pilot; the criteria being used to assess its effectiveness; the timeline for completion and evaluation; and when he expects to make decisions on national implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16938/26]
View answer178. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will continue to independently progress the proposed online age-verification tool, the Government digital wallet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/26]
View answer190. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of Departmental spending to date on the proposed online age-verification tool, the Government digital wallet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 169, 178 and 190 together.
Officials in my Department are working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his office on an age verification tool as part of the digital wallet being developed under the framework of the EU eIDAS regulation. This regulation requires every EU member state to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet. It is important to state that the wallet will be voluntary for people to use. The EU deadline for implementation of the regulation is end-2026.
The aim of developing this tool is to support the application of Ireland’s online safety code. Coimisiún na Meán determines when it is appropriate for a platform to use age verification. Under Part B of the Code, designated video-sharing platform services are obliged to implement robust age assurance measures to ensure children under 18 years of age do not normally see adult-only content, like pornography. It should also be noted that the use of the digital wallet for age verification purposes is envisaged in guidelines produced by the European Commission under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act which deals with the protection of minors online.
A voluntary pilot to be run over a period of months is envisaged, led by the Office of the Chief Government Information Officer. The specifics of the pilot are yet to be finalised. Officials in my Department continue to engage with platforms and while there is interest in supporting the initiative, at this stage no formal commitments have been made. It should be noted that it is not intended that the age verification tool in the digital wallet would be the only option for platforms to meet their age verification requirements. Rather, it will provide a privacy preserving and secure option that respects users' rights and helps to safeguard children.
The legislative requirements for the age verification tool as part of the wallet are also being examined at present. The experience and results emerging from the pilot will inform the final shape of the legislative provisions that are required but in any case, they will be in line with EU law and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that data protection and other rights of users will be protected.
The cost of delivering the wallet is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
153. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the outstanding An Post and Eir pension payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16818/26]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.
In accordance with the Act and section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies: Superannuation and Remuneration Annex, 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 also requires the parent Department to seek NewERA advice 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 in 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. In line with both the Code of Practice and transfer of powers from Min/Finance to MPER, which are contained in the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, Ministerial consent was granted and was conveyed to An Post on 25 February 2026.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last August received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of NewERA on this pension increase proposal, who submitted their report on 06 February. Having considered the report, I approved the pension increase on 12 February, after which my officials sought the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure. I am aware that the Minister for Public Expenditure gave his consent to the pension increase on 23 February. I can also advise the Deputy that I have been informed that the Minister for Finance has today Tuesday 3rd March given his concurrence to the proposed increase proposal.
154. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken to increase the provision of public swimming pools, particularly in areas currently without adequate facilities; and if he will outline any capital funding streams available for such projects. [16795/26]
View answerIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy, published in August 2024, sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim.
The public consultation that informed the development of the National Swimming Strategy suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient and, as a result, a key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities. There is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. Swim Ireland’s Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively
In support of the Strategy, additional funding of €500,000 was provided to Swim Ireland in 2024 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will also be provided in 2025 and 2026 – totalling €1.5 million over three years.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan will be shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders, including local authorities. Sport Ireland has established an oversight group of key stakeholders to give leadership, policy direction, prioritisation and mobilisation of resources to support, monitor and measure the Strategy’s implementation.
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, continues to be provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund which, to date, has allocated €41.4 million to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects.
155. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if specific funding can be provided to NGBs towards coaching costs (details supplied), to assist in providing sporting opportunities and pathways leading from local sport to national and international competition for their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16778/26]
View answerSport Ireland announced a record €33.36 million in core funding for National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sports bodies on 21 January 2026. This represents a 6.5% increase on 2025 levels and an 87.4% increase on the €17.8 million investment in 2018, when the first National Sports Policy was published.
Of this total, the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) received an allocation of €19.5 million. This represents an increase of 80% since 2018. As such, the majority of NGBs will receive a 5 to 6% increase in core funding in 2026 compared to last year.
Sport Ireland has prioritised capacity building in volunteer-led NGBs by allocating proportionally higher increases in core funding to enable them to transition towards more professional structures.
In addition to core funding, Sport Ireland will allocate €390,000 in a targeted strategic investment, as part of a pilot initiative in 2026, to support organisational development and workforce capacity in selected NGBs that are identified as having high growth potential.
Sport Ireland is responsible for the development of coaching within Irish sport, advising NGBs on the development of effective coaching systems to support coaches at all levels, assisting them in developing and implementing annual coaching plans, and training Coach Developers to work with coaches on the ground across formal and non-formal learning settings.
The advent of an accredited QQI-recognised Level 7 Special Purpose Award in Sports Coach Development, delivered by Sport Ireland in partnership with Munster Technological University, is illustrative of the considerable progress in this area.
156. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures his Department are taking to support local and community radio stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16789/26]
View answerLocal and community radio stations play a vital role in providing valuable public service content to the Irish public, contributing to a diversity and a plurality of voices in the media sector.
The Programme for Government acknowledges that independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised and supported. This is being achieved through a range of media funding schemes, for which local and community radio stations and broadcasters are eligible to apply.
Approximately €15m in funding was awarded by Coimisiún na Meán in January of this year to support high-quality journalism and news and current affairs output and to assist media organisations in the digital up-skilling of existing staff and the modernisation of technology and digital infrastructure. Local and community radio stations are amongst the beneficiaries of this funding.
As part of the Budget 2026 allocation, I secured €1m for the development of a new Community Media Scheme.
It is intended that the Community Media Scheme will be developed and launched later this year by Coimisiún na Meán, reflecting the invaluable role that community media plays in community engagement, cohesion, and in the promotion of social inclusion in communities across the State.
This is in addition to funding supports provided to the community media sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme through which over €1.1m was awarded to the sector in 2025.
Coimisiún na Meán are progressing a body of research into current community media supports. This research, when complete, will inform future policy decisions including in relation to the design and implementation of the Community Media Scheme. The research will also look at ways to ensure community media are well positioned to access schemes on a more even playing field with larger media counterparts.
As Minister, I understand the important role that local and community radio play in our society. The new dedicated Community Media Scheme will ensure the continued provision of essential support for community radio nationwide, while existing supports for the wider media sector will continue to provide vital support to ensure that our local and regional radio remain viable, strong and actively contribute to a thriving and diverse media landscape.
158. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the efforts undertaken since Storm Éowyn to increase the resilience of mobile infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/26]
View answerCommunications infrastructure across the country has seen significant investment of over €5bn over the last eight years.
However, as we are all aware, and notwithstanding those investments, Storm Éowyn had an unprecedented impact on telecommunications networks last winter. The impact of the sustained power loss during the storm, and delays to repair of overhead lines in some areas afterwards, had significant effects on citizens, particularly in rural areas of the North and West.
The extensive damage to the electricity network and the consequent loss of mains power had the most significant impact on the telecommunications networks during that storm. Our modern telecoms networks are heavily reliant on electricity for their operation and while services can be maintained for several hours on battery power, batteries are not designed to cater for power outages of many days. It should be noted that very little direct physical damage was caused to mobile base stations themselves.
I understand that the ESB Networks are undertaking their own resilience programme to mitigate the risk of mains power outages, which should see benefits for everyone, including mobile network operators.
Nonetheless, the extent of service outages experienced in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn last January has placed renewed focus on how resilient our sector is, and what additional measures it can take.
Since January 2025, when Storm Éowyn exposed the inability of the networks to withstand sustained power outages, operators have focused new and additional investments on improving power resilience at key sites. This has involved putting in larger batteries and making more sites ready for mobile power generators in the event of longer power outages.
Beyond investments, my Department continues to engage with industry through the Telecommunications Response and Resilience Group which was established last September:
• To improve the physical and power resilience of networks
• To coordinate and communicate more effectively during emergencies
• And to prioritise key infrastructure to provide minimum levels of connectivity during emergencies
This group, which comprises officials from my Department, representatives from other key departments, the regulator and both fixed and mobile network operators, has been tackling problems that require enhanced coordination and cooperation across industry and government.
One of first key outputs from this group has been the identification of a list of key mobile sites which are being prioritised for resilience and restoration measures. In the event of a future storm, once these sites are restored or kept on air, a basic level of connectivity is maintained across the country. This idea was first suggested at a meeting I convened with industry in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn last year. I am glad to see that it is progressing.
161. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he recognises the need for a public swimming pool in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and when the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, which can assist in the delivery of the project, will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/26]
View answerIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy was published in August 2024 and it sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over fifty actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
Swim Ireland’s Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, continues to be provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, LSSIF, which has to date allocated €41.4 million to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects.
No application has been received under LSSIF in relation to a swimming pool in Dungarvan. The programme is aimed primarily at local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). The 2024 round of the LSSIF was also open to other bodies, such as sports clubs, voluntary organisations, Education and Training Boards and third level institutions to apply with applications to be submitted and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB.
The LSSIF is currently closed to applications. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
162. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the solutions being considered to address anti-social behaviour and the use of flares at League of Ireland games following a match (details supplied); the length of time the funding pause for applications from League of Ireland clubs for astro pitches will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/26]
View answerI strongly condemn the behaviour of a small number of spectators at the match in question, which saw a young fan injured and significant damage done to a brand-new playing pitch which was funded by the taxpayer via the Community Sport Facilities Fund and by the local community.
Ultimately, it is each sport's responsibility to present their games in safe and welcoming environments, and the behaviour witnessed at the match is utterly unacceptable.
Minister O'Donovan and I met with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) last week to convey our serious concerns about anti-social behaviour and the use or throwing of pyrotechnics inside football grounds. I commend the FAI's independent disciplinary process for its swift response in imposing significant sanctions on the so-called fans that were identified as contributing to the damage to the pitch and also on their parent club. The FAI’s proposals for enhanced future security measures to guard against incidents like this are also very welcome, as is the prompt acknowledgement by the club in question that it will also pay the costs of pitch rehabilitation.
Minister O’Donovan had directed last Monday, on foot of the incidents at this game, that any Departmental funding to other League of Ireland astro-turf pitches be paused until the sport’s response was clear. This pausing has now been rescinded on foot of the clear and decisive action by the FAI and the clubs in question.
Anti-social behaviour at sports events must not be tolerated and it is imperative that all sports organisations provide a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for their patrons.
164. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding that his Department has made available for art centres in County Louth. [16780/26]
View answerAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement. My Department is taking a number of steps to improve, increase and widen access to the arts.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council. I am informed that in Co Louth in 2025, the Arts Council made grants under its Arts Centre funding scheme totaling €440,000 to Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda and An Táin in Dundalk.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities.
Arts capital funding that has been made available to art centres in County Louth in recent years includes:
• Carlingford Heritage Centre received €20,000 under the Arts & Culture Capital Scheme in 2017
• Oriel Cultural Centre CCE received €24,598 under both the Arts & Culture Capital Scheme in 2017 and the Cultural Capital Scheme in 2020.
• Droichead Arts Centre received €79,306 under the Cultural Capital Scheme Streams D and B in 2020 and 2021.
• An Táin Arts Centre received €9,067 under both the Arts & Culture Capital Scheme in 2017 and the Cultural Capital Scheme in 2020.
• Louth County Council also received €72,929 on behalf of An Táin Arts Centre in 2021 under the Cultural Capital Scheme Stream B.
In Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. This will see much needed capital supports for arts and culture organisations being made available for arts centres throughout the country, including Louth. My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
I have asked the Arts Council to contact the Deputy directly with more information and further details in relation to funding they have made available for art centres in County Louth. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
165. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to provide affordable spaces for artists to work and collaborate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16749/26]
View answerAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
In regard to artists workspaces, my Department runs the €6 million pilot Artist Workspaces Scheme which was launched in June 2024. Under this scheme, local authorities outside Dublin City Council are invited to propose projects which enable them to provide additional artist workspaces in their regions on a sustainable basis and produce fit for purpose workspaces. Funding of up to €300,000 is available for densely populated local authority areas and €150,000 for other local authorities. In December 2025, I announced just under €1m for five local authorities for the development of up to 22 artist workspaces, which brings the total awarded under this scheme to date at €1.2 million.
In Dublin city, the Department has allocated a specific €3m in funding to Space to Create, an initiative that aims to provide up to sixty artist workspaces in Dublin City, and these projects are currently being progressed in partnership with Dublin City Council.
More broadly, a network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country which facilitate a wide range of artists to exhibit and perform, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities through a number of funding programmes, most recently Stream E, which provided grants of up to €50,000 for capital works and equipment.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department was allocated €6m in Budget 2026 for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country. This will see much needed capital supports for arts and culture organisations. My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
168. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress made in implementing the National Counter Disinformation Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16773/26]
View answer572. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for a detailed update on the National Counter Disinformation Strategy and its operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17217/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 572 together.
The National Counter Disinformation Strategy was published in April 2025. In June 2025, in fulfilment of actions in the Strategy, my Department established a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee to oversee and drive implementation of the Strategy, supported by a broader Coordination Group. Terms of reference, membership and minutes of meetings for the Committee and the Group are available on the Strategy web page.
The Committee agreed to publish periodic updates on progress on implementation and the first such update, compiled based on inputs from action owners, was published on the Strategy web page in December 2025.
2025 highlights include the first Disinformation Forum held in June, the Media Literacy Ireland Annual Conference held in November and Ireland joining the Steering Group of the OECD Hub on Information Integrity.
Implementation of the Strategy will be accelerated in 2026 with the allocation of the €1.1 million in funding which I secured in Budget 2026, to be directed towards media literacy, fact-checking and research initiatives. My Department is engaging Coimisiún na Meán on media literacy and fact-checking initiatives and with stakeholders such as Research Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy on research initiatives. It is hoped to finalise arrangements for these initiatives in the coming months.
170. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the specific steps being taken to improve disability inclusion and accessibility across all sports, including participation pathways, accessible facilities and targeted funding supports; the way in which these measures are being delivered and monitored at local level, including in north Dublin; the way in which delivery is coordinated through Sport Ireland and the relevant National Governing Bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16765/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out an ambitious future for sport in Ireland where equality of access and opportunity is a key theme. Inclusion and diversity is an absolute priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport.
Despite recent progress, there is an enduring participation gap between persons with either a long-term illness or a disability and those without such illness or disability. The Irish Sports Monitor survey reports that this participation gap stands at 22% as of 2024. It is clear that more work needs to be done to make this participation gap a thing of the past.
Increased funding of €1million was allocated in Budget 2025 to establish a new and dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream. Sport Ireland appointed a Disability in Sport Lead in February 2025 who is now collaborating with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) and other funded organisations to develop programmes to promote accessibility and participation for individuals with disabilities.
To highlight this progress, the first-ever Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week 2025 took place in December 2025. The theme was “Celebrating Ability” / “Ag Ceiliúradh Cumas” and Sport Ireland worked with a wide range of stakeholders to promote progress made under the five pillars of its Disability Inclusion in Sport Policy, namely Leadership, Capacity, Communication, Change and Access.
Additionally, Sport Ireland allocates €1.14 million at local level to fund a national network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers aligned to the 29 LSPs in the country. Sport Ireland also allocates nearly €2.4 million in support of disability sport focused NGBs to continue their work in this area.
The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary means of providing Government funding funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. All projects in receipt of CSFF allocations must be accessible to people with disabilities and capital projects must conform to the seven principles of universal design and all gym equipment funded must be accessible to people with disabilities.
172. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is planning to call for the Irish football team to boycott matches with Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16776/26]
View answer194. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he supports a boycott of the upcoming Nations League matches between Ireland and Israel on the grounds that Israel is an apartheid state that has engaged in ethnic cleansing and genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16820/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 194 together.
It is important to make clear that National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), including the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures, whether in domestic or international competitions. The Government and Sport Ireland have no role in determining or supporting the organisation of such fixtures.
In addition, neither the Government nor Sport Ireland, has a role in determining who can participate in international competitions organised by international sporting federations.
International sporting federations are responsible for determining the composition of their membership in line with their own internal rules. The international federations, in this case, UEFA, have a leadership role for their global games, and it is at this level that strategic decisions should be taken rather than by individual countries’ NGBs.
The FAI has decided to play the fixtures against Israel in the UEFA Nations League this Autumn, in accordance with its obligations as a member of UEFA, and having consulted with An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders. The FAI has also briefed Minister O'Donovan and me on this matter and I understand that it will be engaging with the Norwegian Football Association to learn from its hosting of a match against Israel last year.
The FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil these UEFA fixtures and the I support its decision to do so in the context of its obligations as a member of UEFA and in enabling our athletes to compete at the highest level of International competition. The Government will not be calling for a boycott of the games.
On a wider note, I want to reiterate that Ireland supports ongoing efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. All parties must adhere to their commitments in full, desist from any actions inconsistent with what has been agreed, and continue to negotiate in good faith to ensure full implementation.
173. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is concerned about a proposal that network operators with equipment from high-risk vendors in their supply chain will have to adapt a rip and replace policy, while the EU Cybersecurity Act states it would mandate the replacement of components from entities established in or controlled by entities from third countries posing cybersecurity concerns (high risk suppliers); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16787/26]
View answerI am fully supportive of efforts to enhance and strengthen our national cyber security and resilience. Such measures ensure there is a strong foundation for our vibrant and innovative digital ecosystem.
After the formation of the Government last year, responsibility for cybersecurity policy transferred from the Communications Division to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Officials from my Department continue to support, and work closely with, officials from the Department of Justice to progress the implementation of cyber security measures.
Ireland has already implemented the 5G cyber security toolbox, which addresses concerns about certain vendors, via Part 3 of the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023. The proposals on ICT supply chain security in the EU Cybersecurity Act could be seen as a natural progression to strengthen these existing measures and support the implementation of the NIS2 Directive which is currently being transposed into national law by the Department of Justice through the National Cyber Security Bill.
Ireland, like all other EU Member States, takes the security of its essential critical infrastructure very seriously. However, as an open economy which welcomes foreign trade, we do not believe in protectionism and, before applying security restrictions on products in sensitive supply chains, we will need to take a balanced and proportionate risk-based assessment to implementing these types of measures.
My Department will continue to be led by expert advice on cyber security matters from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
174. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures in place to support the development of ladies’ Gaelic football; the actions being taken to improve access to high quality training and playing facilities for female athletes; the way in which his Department is working with Sport Ireland and the GAA and their affiliate organisations to ensure equal treatment and resourcing for women’s Gaelic games; the funding allocated for this purpose in 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16939/26]
View answerI am very supportive of the process of integration between the Gaelic Games organisations. This process reflects much of what is already happening at club level and will further ensure parity of treatment for all players within the Gaelic Games family, which is the subject of the question. I understand that good progress is being made on the integration process under the leadership of Mary McAleese and the Steering Group on Integration which was formed in 2022. The stated target for full integration is 2027 and I will continue to follow progress in this regard with great interest.
The Irish Sports Monitor report for 2023 noted that the gender gradient in sports participation more generally had narrowed to 2.9%, dropping below 3% for the first time. Increasing female participation in sport is a cornerstone of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association is the largest female focused sport organisation in Ireland with over 200,000 members and 1,000 clubs across Ireland and the United Kingdom.
At present, each of the Gaelic Games’ bodies are recognised as separate entities by Sport Ireland and have all traditionally been funded individually. In line with the National Sports Policy Action Plan, a common funding framework has been developed to guide the allocation of State funding for Gaelic Games across all codes. As such, Women in Sport investment, Dormant Accounts Fund investment and Inter-County Gaelic Games investment supports the wider Gaelic Games Family that encompasses the Camogie Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Gaelic Athletic Association and GAA Handball Ireland. For administrative purposes, these allocations are paid to the GAA directly by Sport Ireland, with the investment used to support all Gaelic Games bodies.
Core funding, which is allocated to National Governing Bodies to support staff and workforce development, organisational governance, compliance and administration and to support the implementation of strategic and operational plans, is currently allocated to the LGFA, Camogie Association, GAA and GAA Handball, individually.
Since 2005, significant "Women in Sport" investment has been allocated by Sport Ireland to National Governing Bodies to support a wide range of actions designed to increase female involvement in sport at every level. Following a comprehensive review, the Sport Ireland Policy on Women in Sport, was updated and published in November 2023.The updated policy includes a set of priority areas designed to accelerate gender equality across Irish sport.
The policy expresses Sport Ireland’s commitment to women in sport. It builds on the significant work which has already been undertaken to date and, in recognising the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of women through their involvement in sport, it provides a blueprint for Sport Ireland’s future work. Aligned with the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027, it forms a key element of Sport Ireland’s statement of strategy.
Sport Ireland investment into the LGFA between 2021-2025 is set out below in tabular form and it should be noted that the bulk of 2026 allocations are yet to be made.
|
Ladies Gaelic Football Association |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Core Investment |
€485,000 |
€500,000 |
€525,000 |
€570,000 |
€595,000 |
|
Core Additional Allocation |
€- |
€- |
€40,000 |
€- |
€- |
|
Covid 19 Grant |
*€6,000,000 |
€146,000 |
€- |
€- |
€- |
|
Women in Sport |
€49,000 |
€49,000 |
*€200,000 |
€100,000 |
€100,000 |
|
Dormant Accounts Fund |
€78,160 |
*€700,000 |
*€625,000 |
*€414,500 |
*€308,500 |
|
Research |
€15,000 |
€- |
€15,000 |
€18,000 |
€18,000 |
|
Evaluation |
€- |
€- |
€15,000 |
€- |
€16,000 |
|
Healthy Ireland |
€8,958 |
€7,128 |
€- |
€- |
€- |
|
Digital Catalyst Fund |
€- |
€- |
€- |
€- |
€15,000 |
|
Special Projects and Programmes |
€10,000 |
€- |
€- |
€- |
€- |
*In line with the National Sports Policy Action Plan goal to “Develop a common funding framework to guide the allocation of State funding for Gaelic Games across all codes”, the majority of investment supports the wider Gaelic Games Family of The Camogie Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Gaelic Athletic Association and GAA Handball Ireland as opposed to being directed to the individual NGBs. For administrative purposes, these Gaelic Games allocations are paid to the GAA directly, with the investment used to support all Gaelic Games bodies.
175. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps his Department is taking to support the Post Office network across rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16721/26]
View answer183. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures his Department is taking to support the rural post network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16792/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 183 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.
In that regard, on 13 January 2026, Government approved renewed funding for the Post Office Network over the next 5 years (2026-2030), at an enhanced amount of €15m per annum from my Department.
In line with the Programme for Government, the funding will support the stability and sustainability of the nationwide network of post offices, protecting and nurturing a commercially focused Post Office Network. It will also support access for citizens to the key social benefits of the Post Office Network and help citizens access services effectively and equitably.
The Government also agreed the principles on which the funding model will operate, which include:
• maintaining access to the network across urban and rural Ireland, ensuring no community is left behind.
• aligning individual funding with criteria including the degree of isolation and the sustainability of each post office.
• ensuring a minimum revenue threshold for post offices.
• recognising offices of cultural or geographic significance—such as those on inhabited islands or in Gaeltacht areas.
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 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.
