Written Answers Nos. 642-661
642. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the delay in the implementation of a reported 2% increase in Eir pensions, which was agreed approximately 12 months ago; whether there are any updates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30055/26]
View answerFurther 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 on 17 November, 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. The Minister for Public Expenditure gave his consent to the pension increase on 23 February, with the Minister for Finance giving his concurrence to the proposed increase on 03 March. Sanction for the pension increase was conveyed to Eir on 04 March.
Administration of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme, including the payment of pension benefits and approved pension increases, is a matter for the Trustees of the Scheme.
643. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for clarification regarding a club’s Community Sport Facilities Fund application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29895/26]
View answerMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 under the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The club referred to by the Deputy was allocated €164,768 under the 2023 round towards floodlighting and a clubhouse.
My Department generally adopts a flexible approach to grantees wishing to change the purpose of a grant so long as the proposed new purpose accords with the terms and conditions of the CSFF. Accordingly, the club should contact my officials directly to progress its request.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised 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.
644. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to respond to concerns raised about the basic income for the arts (BIA) scheme 2026-2029 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29897/26]
View answer677. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to respond to concerns raised about the basic income for artists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30941/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 677 together.
I was delighted to open the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot last week. Guidelines for the new scheme were published on 1st April and application will be open for the scheme until Tuesday 12th May, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
The matter raised by your correspondent was also raised with my Department by the VAI (Visual Artists' Ireland). The matter surrounding VAI documents which will be accepted has been clarified. While the Department cannot pre-validate applications, if my officials have queries about a specific VAI proof when they are assessing applications, they will be able to approach VAI for verification. They may also request further information from applicants if that is necessary. This will apply to applications submitted before 20th April in particular.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. The 2026-2029 BIA scheme is focused on artists with an active professional practice.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
645. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to allow for a person (details supplied) to make a change to their application for the basic income for artists in light of the criteria being changed after the applicant had made their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30018/26]
View answerI was delighted to open the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot last week. Guidelines for the new scheme were published on 1st April and application will be open for the scheme until Tuesday 12th May, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
The matter raised by your correspondent was also raised with my Department by the VAI (Visual Artists' Ireland). The matter surrounding VAI documents which will be accepted has been clarified and your correspondent has been communicated with directly.
The Deputy will appreciate the very large volume of queries that my officials are currently managing; that the closing date for applications is 5pm on 12th May; and that officials are answering emails both in the order they come in and also through a triage system (prioritising those who need a response urgently and also ensuring that they have as complete information as possible when responding).
While the Department cannot pre-validate applications, if my officials have queries about a specific VAI proof when they are assessing applications, they will be able to approach VAI for verification. They may also request further information from applicants if that is necessary. This will apply to applications submitted before 20th April in particular. Your correspondent has similarly been notified of this.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. The 2026-2029 BIA scheme is focused on artists with an active professional practice.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
646. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the documentation that is required to apply for the basic income for the arts scheme to prove that people are artists; if proof of being an artist must be validated through the third party (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/26]
View answerI was delighted to open the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot last week. Guidelines for the new scheme were published on 1st April and application will be open for the scheme until Tuesday 12th May, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
Professional memberships of VAI (Visual Artists' Ireland) is one of the proofs that an applicant to the BIA is welcome to submit to prove their eligibility for the scheme. The proofs that are accepted are listed in the Guidelines for the BIA 2026 - 2029: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/basic-income-for-the-arts-scheme-2026-2029-guidelines-for-application/ and applicants are welcome to apply with other proofs listed. It is important to note that three proofs are needed for each applicant and membership of one of these organisations is only one of the ways in which an applicant can evidence their eligibility for the scheme. There are other ways listed to evidence active, professional practice eligible for the BIA.
If an applicant has used a VAI membership as a proof of eligibility and my officials have queries about a specific VAI proof when they are assessing applications, they will be able to approach VAI for verification.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. The 2026-2029 BIA scheme is focused on artists with an active professional practice.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
647. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for clarification regarding the basic income for the arts (BIA) scheme 2026-2029, given that these revised requirements may invalidate applications submitted earlier by artists who applied in good faith (details supplied) before such changes were introduced; if he will provide a mechanism to allow affected applicants to amend or resubmit their applications prior to the closing date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30113/26]
View answerI was delighted to open the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot last week. Guidelines for the new scheme were published on 1st April and application will be open for the scheme until Tuesday 12th May, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
This matter was also raised with my Department by the VAI (Visual Artists' Ireland). The matter surrounding VAI documents which will be accepted has been clarified. While the Department cannot pre-validate applications, if my officials have queries about a specific VAI proof when they are assessing applications, they will be able to approach VAI for verification. They may also request further information from applicants if that is necessary. This will apply to applications submitted before 20th April in particular.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. The 2026-2029 BIA scheme is focused on artists with an active professional practice.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
648. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the precise legal basis upon which the proposed age-verification pilot for social media platforms will operate; whether it has any statutory underpinning in Irish law given that it has been operating as a pilot (basing itself on MyGovID) without legislative basis since its inception; whether the Data Protection Commission has been formally consulted on the scheme in advance of any Cabinet memo; whether he is aware that the DPC ruled in June 2025 that the SAFE2 mechanism underpinning the Public Services Card and MyGovID was unlawful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30137/26]
View answer649. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a data protection impact assessment has been completed prior to the development of the proposed “new digital wallet” social media age-verification scheme; whether the scheme, as designed, would require every person over the age of 16 wishing to post on social media to present a government-issued digital ID; whether this requirement would extend to adults as well as minors; the measures that will prevent the infrastructure created by this scheme from being repurposed for the tracking or surveillance of citizens’ online expression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30138/26]
View answer650. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he has sought and received legal advice on the compatibility of the proposed digital wallet social media verification scheme with Article 8 (right to privacy) and Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and with Article 40.6.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann; whether the scheme, by design, will eliminate online anonymity for all Irish social media users; and whether the Government considers the removal of online anonymity a proportionate response to the objective of child online safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30139/26]
View answer651. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the Government has considered alternative and less privacy-invasive measures for protecting children online, including the mandatory disabling of social media algorithms by default, the commencement of Section 30 of the Data Protection Act 2018 which has never been brought into force and would prohibit the targeting of children with advertising and algorithms, and the meaningful regulation of online advertising; the reason these measures have not been prioritised ahead of a mass digital identification scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/26]
View answer652. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a full account of the data architecture of the proposed “digital wallet” social media verification scheme; specifically, whether social media platforms will receive or retain any data from a user’s government identity; whether An Garda Síochána or any other State body will have the legal power to access identity data generated through the scheme; whether the State intends to log, record, or audit which social media platforms a citizen accesses using their “digital wallet” or rather “digital ID” under the auspices of simply protecting children from negative content and to facilitate the use of public services for Irish citizens; his views on the implications of the Government holding this data which the citizen has always considered private or at least anonymous on the internet without government supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30141/26]
View answer653. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he is aware of the joint statement issued in December 2025 by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30142/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 649, 650, 651, 652 and 653 together.
Officials in my Department are working with the Office of the Government’s Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) on the development of an age verification tool as part of the Government’s Digital Wallet.
The Wallet is being developed by DPER and the OGCIO under the framework of the EU eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1183). That Regulation requires each Member State to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet to support key life events by providing on request digitized versions of important documents such as driving licences, birth certificates, and age verification credentials. While provision of the wallet by Member States is mandatory, use of the wallet by individuals will be voluntary.
The Government is committed to protecting users’ rights, including privacy. Therefore, the Digital Wallet has been designed to meet high standards of security, safety and all EU data protection legislative requirements. With respect to age verification, the Wallet will function as a “zero-knowledge”, privacy secure, inter-operable age verification tool. This means that the tool will only confirm whether a person is, for example, over 18, without revealing any other personal information such as name or date of birth.
DPER has commenced Phase 1 of its public consultation and testing of the Digital Wallet and is responsible for preparing the Data Protection Impact Assessment for that phase. Participation in the public consultation and testing is voluntary and opportunities for meaningful feedback are built in to that process.
The age verification tool is being developed to support the effective application of the Online Safety Code, which came into full force in July 2025. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, 2022 provides the basis for Coimisiún na Meán to develop the Online Safety Code. That Code obliges designated video sharing online platforms to prevent minors (i.e. under 18 years of age) from having access to adult only material such as pornography and gratuitous violence, with the implementation of robust measures. The use of an age verification tool to protect minors from adult content is also specifically envisaged in the European Commission’s guidelines under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, which were published in July 2025.
The testing of this age verification tool is intended to be included in Phase 2 of the public consultation and testing of the Digital Wallet, which will begin in due course in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Information Officer and DPER. This will take place in a test environment with members of the public who have volunteered to participate. Subject to consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Data Protection Commission, the lawful basis for the Phase 2 testing of the age verification tool will be the consent of the participants, in line with Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation. This is the same lawful basis for the testing of the Digital Wallet as a whole. Individuals will consent at each stage, so will voluntarily choose whether to participate in Phase 2, will decide whether to request an age verification credential, and will determine whether to use that age verification credential if requested to by an designated online video sharing platform. Moreover, the user will be able at any stage to delete the age verification credential from their Wallet.
An additional Data Protection Impact Assessment is being prepared in relation to this aspect of the research and testing, and it will set out the data processing in more detail. The Government is committed to ensuring that users of the age verification tool maintain both privacy and control of their personal data.
The outcome of, and feedback received during, Phase 1 and 2 of the public consultation and testing phase will identify any additional legal issues and inform the legislation that will provide the statutory underpinning for the wallet as a whole, including age verification.
On alternatives to age verification, the Online Safety Code does permit the use of age assurance measures by platforms as another method to prevent minors from accessing adult only content. As stated above, the use of the Government's Digital Wallet would provide a more privacy protecting option, based on user consent and zero knowledge i.e. no details than confirmation of whether a user is over a particular age would be passed on to a platform.
Regulation of social media algorithms, recommender systems, and online advertising is addressed in the Digital Services Act, which is a policy matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Implementation of GDPR provisions is a matter for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Separately, the National Digital and AI Strategy commits Ireland to working with other EU Member States to seek to agree an EU wide approach in relation to access for minors to social media. The European Commission has established a Special Panel to look at child protection online, including reviewing the experience of other jurisdictions such as Australia with respect to age restrictions or bans. That Panel is due to report in the Summer of this year.
It should be noted that age verification in respect of adult content is a separate policy question to the question of restricting social media access for minors.
654. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will ensure that the National Library exhibits the letters from Freemantle prison in Western Australia (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30231/26]
View answerI have consulted with the National Library of Ireland (the NLI) on this matter and I am advised that the NLI holdings include letters relating to the Catalpa Rescue. These manuscripts form part of the John Devoy Papers.
John Devoy, Fenian and journalist, was exiled in New York City during the time of the rescue. Digitised versions of a selection of the manuscripts are currently available on the National Library of Ireland website.
The National Library lends materials from its collections from time to time for temporary exhibitions in Ireland and overseas. Requests for a loan of material is contingent on the submission of an application and the NLI may apply conditions to a loan, such as those of environmental controls and security. The NLI has received a request to exhibit a selection of letters (digital and facsimile) to mark the anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue. This exhibition will involve working with Kildare County Council and will open on 4 July.
The National Library of Ireland will also display original letters in its headquarters on Kildare Street, Dublin 2 later this year for a finite period.
655. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of his Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30263/26]
View answerI am advised that there are no open EU infringement proceedings relating to the functions of my Department.
656. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware that some sports clubs are updating codes of conduct without consultation, circulation or alignment with recognised adult safeguarding guidelines; the steps that will be taken to ensure that club policies are victim centred and compliant with national safeguarding standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30280/26]
View answer657. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware that some sports clubs are updating codes of conduct without consultation or circulation to members; the steps that will be taken to ensure such documents are victim centred and aligned with national safeguarding guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30281/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 656 and 657 together.
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 including athlete welfare.
Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.
Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.
I have referred the Deputy's questions to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
658. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) and its affiliated clubs have adequate adult safeguarding structures, clear investigative processes and defined timelines for responding to safeguarding concerns; the actions that will be taken to address reports of prolonged delays, confidentiality breaches and the use of legal style correspondence by clubs when adults raise safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30282/26]
View answerSport 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 including athlete welfare.
Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.
Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.
I have referred the Deputy's questions to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the structures, processes and timelines for responding to concerns, and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
659. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures in place to protect women in sports clubs who report harassment, intimidation or unwanted contact from other members; whether he will introduce mandatory, trauma informed protocols to ensure that women are not further isolated, exposed to retaliation or placed in unsafe situations at training sessions or competitive events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/26]
View answerThe participation of women in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027; it is a core priority for me and my Department and there is simply no place for abuse of any kind in sport.
There should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger welfare, whether for players, coaches or those who work for and support sports across the country, male or female.
Sport Ireland, as the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland, works with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate safeguarding and athlete welfare policies are put in place, as well as mechanisms to handle complaints or issues when they arise.
Sport Ireland launched a national Code of Conduct template for sporting organisations in 2023, setting out guidelines and principles promoting the behaviours and conduct expected from athletes, coaches, parents and guardians, supporters, referees and officials, and all club members.
All NGBs are expected to use this template Code of Conduct as an opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport.
Sport Ireland’s statutory function with regard to safeguarding is to develop and disseminate guidelines and codes of practice promoting best practice for the protection of children in sport consistent with child protection legislation. As a result, its traditional focus has been on the safeguarding of children as outlined in the Sport Ireland Act 2015.
Sport Ireland recently commissioned Safe Sport International to conduct a needs analysis in the area of safe sport for adults and my Department continues to engage with Sport Ireland in that regard while awaiting the results of this report.
It is anticipated that this analysis and recommendations arising will be considered in the context of Sport Ireland's overall sports governance and administration guidance for the sports sector and also in the context of the development of the next 10-year National Sports Policy, a process that I have recently initiated.
As Minister, I fully support the implementation of effective safeguarding policies and procedures for all across the sports sector, while acknowledging that NGBs are independent, autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.
660. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on whether ComReg has sufficient powers to regulate the phone and broadband providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30415/26]
View answer661. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if any review is ongoing into increasing the level of power that ComReg has to regulate phone and broadband providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30416/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 661 together.
I propose to take Question numbers 30415/26 and 30416/26 together.
Given the importance of the electronic communications sector to both the economy and society, robust regulation of networks and services in a manner that enables investment, ensures operational resilience and trust, and appropriate consumer protection, requires a coherent regulatory approach.
There is regular engagement with ComReg to discuss a range of policy and regulatory issues, including resourcing and funding of the regulator to enable it deliver on its current and evolving statutory remit. This includes legislating to ensure there is clarity around existing and additional functions, and that relevant enforcement powers and consumer protections are in place.
Transposition of the existing European Electronic Communications Code in 2023 saw ComReg designated as the competent authority for the purpose of enforcing the Code. It provided new powers for ComReg including a new civil enforcement regime and an updated criminal enforcement procedure, the power to set minimum quality of service standards for consumers, and allows ComReg to take interim measures where necessary and sets a higher penalty for the commission of indictable offences.
In January 2026 the European Commission published its proposed Digital Networks Act which contains a number of new policy proposals for regulating the electronic communications market. My officials are engaging with ComReg to assess whether any new powers may be required as this file is negotiated via the Telecommunications and Information Working Party in Brussels.
More broadly, there is regular engagement with colleagues across Government and the Digital Regulators Group under the auspices of the National Digital and AI Strategy to ensure a strategic approach to designating relevant competent authorities for a range of new functions emerging under numerous horizontal EU files. Many of these files and associated functions are often not directly electronic communications related, but include data, cyber security such as the NIS2 Directive and network resilience in the context of critical infrastructure under the Critical Entities Resilience Directive.
