Written Answers Nos. 361-390
361. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Cumarsáide agus Spóirt cén dáta faoina bhfuil sé i gceist aige na forálacha in ailt 128A go 128E den Acht Craolacháin, 2009 arna leasú, a chur i bhfeidhm maidir le feiceálacht agus suntasacht seirbhísí poiblí agus clár seirbhíse poiblí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [52832/26]
View answerTá infheictheacht agus feiceálacht na Meán Seirbhíse Poiblí thar a bheith tábhachtach lena chinntiú go leanfaidh an pobal de rochtain a bheith acu ar fhaisnéis chruinn agus iontaofa, chomh maith le cláir luachmhara eile seirbhíse poiblí, ag tráth a bhfuil earnáil na meán ag éirí níos ilroinnte, nósanna féachana an phobail ag athrú agus bréagaisnéis agus mífhaisnéis ag dul i méid.
Leagtar síos in Airteagal 7a den Treoir Sheirbhísí na Meán Closamhairc (AVMSD) bunús dlí lena bhféadfaidh na “Ballstáit bearta a dhéanamh chun feiceálacht iomchuí seirbhísí meán closamhairc is díol spéise don phobal i gcoitinne a áirithiú”. Le hAlt 40 den Acht um Rialáil Sábháilteachta ar Líne agus na Meán, 2022, déantar Airteagal 7a an AVMSD a thrasuí agus, dá réir sin, déantar foráil maidir le hailt 128A go 128E a chur isteach san Acht Craolacháin, 2009, arna leasú.
Is é cuspóir Alt 128A go 128E a chur ar chumas Choimisiún na Meán rialacha a fhorbairt maidir le feiceálacht agus aimsitheacht ábhair seirbhíse poiblí arna sholáthar ag RTÉ, TG4 agus ag aon chonraitheoir seirbhíse cláir teilifíse faoi alt 70 den Acht Craolacháin, 2009, arna leasú. Thacódh na hoibleagáidí maidir le hábhar “is gá a iompar agus a chur ar fáil”, dá bhforáiltear in alt 128B, leis na rialacha maidir le feiceálacht trí cheangal a chur ar na hardáin ábhartha an t-ábhar seirbhíse poiblí sin a iompar agus ar sholáthraithe ábhartha an ábhair é a chur ar fáil lena tharchur agus/nó lena dháileadh.
Tar éis achtú na reachtaíochta, chuaigh an Roinn i gcomhairle le hOifig na nDréachtóirí Parlaiminte (ODP) maidir le teacht i bhfeidhm alt 128A go 128E. Le linn an phróisis sin, mheas an ODP go bhféadfadh sé gur ghá leasú a dhéanamh ar na forálacha maidir leis na hoibleagáidí a bhaineann le hábhar “is gá a iompar agus a chur ar fáil” chun ceanglais theicniúla an Aontais Eorpaigh a chomhlíonadh agus chun forálacha níos éifeachtaí a dhéanamh maidir le cothroime agus próiseas cuí. Tá an Roinn ag breithniú na saincheisteanna a d’ardaigh an ODP, agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh gá le leasuithe ar an reachtaíocht dá bharr.
Tá tuilleadh ceisteanna tagtha chun cinn i measc Ballstát eile den Aontas Eorpach chomh maith maidir le cur i bhfeidhm Airteagal 7a an AVMSD agus na bearta chun feiceálacht seirbhísí is díol spéise don phobal i gcoitinne a áirithiú. Tá ábhar imní léirithe ag na Ballstáit sin maidir lena gcumas ardáin áirithe, a chuireann a seirbhísí ar fáil do lucht féachana náisiúnta ach atá bunaithe i mBallstáit eile agus atá, dá réir sin, faoi rialáil sna Ballstáit sin de réir phrionsabal na tíre tionscnaimh de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh, a rialáil.
Tá an Coimisiún Eorpach ag ullmhú meastóireachta agus togra chun an AVMSD a athbhreithniú faoi láthair. Ina leith sin, leag an Coimisiún béim ar fheiceálacht seirbhísí is díol spéise don phobal i gcoitinne mar phríomhréimse don athbhreithniú agus don nuashonrú féideartha. De réir Chlár Oibre an Choimisiúin don bhliain 2026, foilseofar togra in R3 i mbliana chun na rialacha faoi AVMSD a nuashonrú, agus cuirfidh an Roinn aon leasuithe den sórt sin san áireamh agus athbhreithniú á dhéanamh aici ar an reachtaíocht náisiúnta.
362. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Cumarsáide agus Spóirt an bhfuil aon phlé déanta aige nó an bhfuil sé i gceist aige plé a dhéanamh lena chomhghleacaithe sa rialtas in Westminster maidir le feiceálacht agus suntasacht TG4 sna Sé Chontae i gcomhthéacs an tiomantais i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta maidir le staid a bhaint amach ina mbeidh fáil níos leithne ag daoine ar Theilifís na Gaeilge, an mbeadh sé sásta a mholadh go sonrach go gcuirfí TG4 ar fáil ar stáisiún 8, ar stáisiún é atá saor faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [52833/26]
View answerMar a thug an Teachta le fios, sholáthair Comhaontú Bhéal Feirste (Aoine an Chéasta) an deis chun iarracht a dhéanamh TG4 a bheith ar fáil níos forleathan ar fud an oileáin. Thug Rialtas na hÉireann agus Rialtas na Breataine meabhrán tuisceana chun críche in 2010 ag tabhairt éifeacht don ghealltanas sin.
Cé go ndéantar TG4 a chraoladh faoi láthair ar Saorview, le go mbeadh radharc níos mó air, bhí sé mar sprioc go mbeadh aird níos mó air, ar an eolaire leictreonach clár (EPG). Tuigtear dom go bhfuil spás ar fáil sa deich gcinn is airde ar EPG, ach sular féidir a n-ionad ar an EPG a athrú áfach, ní mór TG4 a chur le liosta na gcainéal seirbhíse poiblí faoi Acht Cumarsáide na RA, 2003, faoi ordú Aire.
Chun ainmniú den sórt sin a bhaint amach sa Ríocht Aontaithe, tá plé leanúnach ar siúl idir na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha, lena n-áirítear TG4, Ofcom agus Digital UK, chomh maith le plé idir oifigigh na Roinne agus a gcomhghleacaithe RA, sa Roinn Cultúir, Meán agus Spóirt (DCMS) le roinnt blianta anuas, agus tá mé tar éis an cheist a ardú chomh maith le mo chomhghleacaí, atá mar aire sa Ríocht Aontaithe. Is é mo thuiscint go bhfuil gach duine tacúil, go ginearálta, maidir leis an gceist, agus go bhfuil obair leanúnach ar bun ag údaráis na Ríochta Aontaithe chun an ainmniú riachtanach i dtaca le TG4 a chur i gcrích. Tá sé tábhachtach go fóill gur féidir linn dul chun cinn a dhéanamh maidir leis an gceist seo, chun gealltanas Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta a chomhlíonadh i gceart, sé sin go mbeadh méadú ar an teacht atá ar ábhar trí Ghaeilge ar Saorview i dTuaisceart Éireann, agus leanann m’oifigigh i mbun cumarsáide lena gcomhoifigigh sa Ríocht Aontaithe.
363. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will examine the case of a club (details supplied); if he will assist the club in accessing the grant awarded to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52836/26]
View answerUnder the 2017 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (now known as the Community Sport Facilities Fund), Fingal County Council made an application on behalf of the club referred to by the Deputy and the project was allocated €150,000. My officials have been in contact with the club confirming what is required in order to progress the grant process.
364. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there is a specific policy within his Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that he may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52850/26]
View answer365. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to commit to preparing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment to State boards; and to set out the reasons such persons would be excluded. [52868/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.
My Department manages appointments to its State Boards in accordance with DPER’s Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards (2014) and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016), as amended, in conjunction with the relevant governing legislation or other legal document that applies to my Department’s State Bodies.
While my Department does not have a specific policy to exclude elected local authority members from appointment to state boards, the relevant governing legislation or other legal document applying to these State bodies takes precedence over the Code of Practice and Guidelines in respect of Board membership and related governance matters. Accordingly, the specific provisions or articles governing Board membership vary from one body to another. I have no plans to introduce further legislative provisions in this regard at present.
366. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions his Department is taking to ensure that ComReg has adequate powers in relation to redress for consumers, particularly vulnerable citizens, in cases where their telecommunications providers fail to provide services as contracted or do not comply with statutory obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52960/26]
View answerThe provision of electronic communication services such as mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for telecoms operators who operate in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 (No 20/2002). ComReg is directly accountable for the performance of its functions to Committees of the Oireachtas in accordance with section 34 (2) of the Communications regulation Act 2002 (No 20/2002).
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 being negotiated in Brussels.
367. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the approval process for the agreed increase in pensions under the An Post pension scheme to be completed; the stage the process is currently at; if outstanding issues remain to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53006/26]
View answer368. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the role his Department has in approving the agreed increase in pensions under the An Post Pension scheme; whether his approval has yet been given; when pensioners can expect a final decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53007/26]
View answer371. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a timeline for the pension increases to come into effect for retired An Post workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53264/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368 and 371 together.
Under 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 Digitalisation, 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 11 May 2026, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of 2%, 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, however my Department is working closely with An Post and other relevant stakeholders to complete the process as quickly as possible.
369. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline all programmes available for sporting organisations to engage in North, South and east exchange on this island. [53214/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to fostering cross-border cooperation and strengthening ties across the island and with our neighbours in the United Kingdom through sport.
Engagement in North - South and East - West exchanges across a range of sectors is facilitated through a whole of Government approach coordinated by the Shared Island Unit in the Department of An Taoiseach, alongside specific initiatives within my own Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For sporting organisations looking to engage in cross-border and cross-community initiatives, there are several key programmes and funding streams available.
At a grassroots level, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, actively supports cross-border projects across a wide range of sectors, including sport. In addition, sports clubs have successfully applied to the Reconciliation Fund, operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for support in establishing cross-border exchange, relationship building and joint tournaments.
The Erasmus+ programme in Ireland is administered by Léargas under the administration of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS). My Department works closely with DFHERIS and Léargas regarding funding opportunities for sporting organisations under the Erasmus+ programme.
At present, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) based in the State and having staff or operations in Northern Ireland were unable to include those participants in Erasmus+ sport mobility projects. However, the UK’s anticipated return to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027 will resolve this barrier and open significant new avenues for sporting organisations in both Britain and Northern Ireland, allowing them to apply for increased funding when the 2027 calls for proposals opens.
My Department also engages with the Northern Ireland Department for Communities on opportunities for an all-island approach to the development of major sports infrastructure and the hosting of international events. Recent Government commitments from the Shared Island fund to support sport infrastructure include an allocation of up to €50 million, in February 2024, to contribute to the construction of a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast and, last month, an allocation of €3.5 million to support the redevelopment of cricket facilities on the Stormont Estate in Belfast. Redeveloped cricket facilities at this location could play a significant role in Ireland's co-hosting with the UK of the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in 2030.
My officials maintain an ongoing dialogue with their counterparts in the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland in order to explore potential collaborations to further develop sport and enhance community exchanges across the island.
370. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline all programmes available for artistic and cultural organisations to engage in North, South, East exchange or collaboration in joint activities or productions on this island. [53215/26]
View answerThe Department of Culture, Communications and Sport operates a Scheme of funding support for small self-contained projects which seek to enhance, celebrate or commemorate the arts, culture, music, film or heritage of the Island of Ireland on a North/South basis. Funding provided under the scheme is targeted at measures which meet a specific cultural need, have a clearly demonstrable North/South element and which support the Department in the delivery of its objective to nurture and develop Irish artistic and creative talent and enhance arts access, the national cultural institutions, regional arts infrastructure and cultural tourism countrywide, in cooperation with national and local authorities and other partners.
Projects are required to be creative and innovative, and examples of projects which could be considered for funding under the scheme include, but are not limited to, projects which promote:
• co-operation and joint initiatives between organisations and institutions on a North/South basis;
• sustainable cultural tourism on a North/South basis; and
• the provision of cultural outreach programmes on a North/South basis.
On 25th February 2025, the Government approved sanction for a new €10m ‘Shared Island Cultural Collaboration Fund’ to be implemented by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The aim of this fund is to support new collaborative cross-border performance, production, and cultural exhibitions across the island of Ireland. My Department is currently planning the roll-out of this fund across all three strands in close collaboration with the Department of the Taosieach.
The Shared Island Cultural Cooperation Fund was developed following close consultation with the Northern Ireland Department for Communities and is designed to support projects in three areas:
1. collaborations between National Cultural Institutions and partners (Strand 1), €5m;
2. all-Island Touring, Production and Platforming (Strand 2), €3m; and
3. Shared Island screen and digitisation projects (Strand 3), €2m.
On 14th November 2026, the Government sanctioned Phase 2 of Creative Ireland-Shared Island programme, which will run from 2026-2028 with a total funding of €9.3 million. Phase 1 enabled the Creative Ireland programme extend elements of its programme across the Island creating new and positive relationships between communities and individuals. Phase two of the programme will continue and build on this approach, including a focus on encouraging local authority and community-led projects to explore Shared Home Place themes through the Creative Ireland model. This model includes the Creative Youth Nurture Fund, Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026-2029), the Creative Health and Wellbeing fund, the Creative Communities on a Shared Island fund and Cruinniú na nÓg.
Details of projects announced to date are available here: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/shared-island-projects/, and this will be updated with projects funded as soon as those details become available. As these projects develop, there will be available for artistic and cultural organisations to collaborate with these projects.
372. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to support the night-time economy; the progress made to date; the timeline for implementations of all such measures in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53370/26]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my Department. The group consists of representatives from key departments, agencies, and stakeholders and is chaired by my Department. The group continues to meet regularly to oversee the progression and implementation of the actions in the NTE Taskforce Report.
The Programme for Government sets out three key actions under the remit of my Department in support of the Night-Time Economy. In line with those three commitments, I have undertaken the following actions.
• I have allocated €3 million in 2026 to support the work of the Night-Time Economy Unit to deliver upon the recommendations of the Taskforce.
• I have delivered on the commitment to continue the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme. Earlier this year I launched the fourth iteration of this scheme, the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme. I recently announced that I awarded €1 million to support 60 venues under this Scheme.
• I have delivered the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme, to promote later openings in museums and galleries. I recently announced that I awarded €423k to support 47 museums and galleries to open later under this Scheme.
In addition, the €3 million allocation provides supports towards Culture Night Late and the continued funding support for 9 Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford Town, Sligo Town, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
Significant progress has been made across the original 36 actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, with some actions now completed. The work of the Implementation Group to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government. This year, the Implementation Group established five thematic subgroups covering the areas of:
• safety
• licensing, planning and regulation
• late night transport, tourism, experience economy, retail and events
• night-time culture
• economic and NTE data
While there remain challenges which are not unique to the NTE, the collaboration and support of all key stakeholders including members of the Implementation Group and the NTE stakeholders is vital. All partners are working towards progress but some of the actions remain complex and require further time to complete.
We will continue to add new actions where needed, amend and adapt what we have and build on progress to date to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.
373. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through his Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53412/26]
View answerAcross its broad remit of responsibilities, my Department directly administers a range of funding schemes, grant programmes and financial supports. The information sought by the Deputy in respect of those currently administered by my Department, as well as the expected launch and closing dates for applications for those schemes planned for 2026, are set out in the table below.
Details of all expenditure by my Department is contained in the Annual Appropriation Accounts which are published by the Comptroller and Auditors and are available at the following link: www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/
|
Grant Scheme |
Purpose of Scheme |
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process |
2026 Application Opening & Closing Dates |
|
Small Scale Local Festivals & Summer Schools Scheme |
Supports small local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government monies, and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger-scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, and similar bodies. |
Details on the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/small-scale-local-festivals-and-summer-schools-funding-scheme-2026 |
Applications were open from 5 March – 2 April 2026 |
|
Co-operation with Northern Ireland |
Supports small self-contained projects which seek to enhance, celebrate or commemorate the arts, culture, music, film or heritage of the Island of Ireland on a North/South basis. |
Details on the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/2026-co-operation-with-northern-ireland-scheme/ |
Applications were open from 5 March – 2 April 2026 |
|
Mobility of Collections |
Supports greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance, and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. |
Details on the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/2026-mobility-of-collections-scheme/ |
Applications were open from 5 March – 2 April 2026 |
|
Regional Museums Exhibition Scheme |
Supports local, regional and specialised museums, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital exhibition costs. |
Details on the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/regional-museum-exhibitions-scheme-2026/ |
Applications were open from 5 March – 2 April 2026 |
|
Culture Ireland Regular Grant Rounds |
Grant funding is available from Culture Ireland for Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters towards costs which relate directly to the international presentation of an event. |
Details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.cultureireland.ie/funding/regular-grant/ |
Ongoing throughout 2026 |
|
Culture Ireland Showcase Scheme |
Supports Irish artists to participate at industry showcase events, facilitating artists to present their work to international delegates, including programmers and presenters. Scheme also supports artists to attend international showcase events as delegates. |
Applications to form part of the Culture Ireland delegations may be made by open call and must be made online via the application portal. Further details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.cultureireland.ie/funding/showcase/ |
Ongoing throughout 2026 |
|
Culture Ireland See Here Scheme |
Supports direct engagement by international promoters and programmers with Irish artists’ work in Ireland with a view to securing future presentation opportunities abroad. |
Culture Ireland support under this scheme usually involves travel by international delegates to attend festivals where there is a programme of Irish artists being presented and meet artists in person in Ireland. Applications may be made by open call and must be made online via the application portal. Further details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.cultureireland.ie/funding/see-here/ |
Ongoing throughout 2026 |
|
Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme 2026 – Irish Language Stream |
Aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Irish creativity through the Irish language in a wide range of artistic disciplines in prominent venues, institutions, and festivals as part of the cultural programme marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It provides grant funding to professional artists and companies and international presenters to support costs directly related to the international presentation of events, including travel, transport, accommodation, and subsistence. |
This scheme is now closed, however details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.cultureireland.ie/irelands-eu-presidency-culture-programme-2026-irish-language-stream-call-for-expressions-of-interest/ |
Applications closed 17 April 2026 |
|
Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme 2026 – International Stream |
Aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Irish creativity through a wide range of artistic disciplines in prominent venues, institutions, and festivals as part of the cultural programme marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It provides grant funding to support costs directly related to the international presentation of events, including travel, transport, accommodation, and subsistence. |
Details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.cultureireland.ie/irelands-eu-presidency-culture-programme-2026-call-for-expressions-of-interest/ Applications accepted from the artist/arts organisation or international presenting partner.
|
Applications closed 10 February 2026. Additional proposals may be considered on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. |
|
Grassroots Venue Support Scheme 2026 |
The scheme is designed to support small independent live grassroots performance venues. The aim is to support small/medium grassroots music venues in acknowledgement of the risk they take in programming and nurturing emerging original Irish artists. |
Scheme was open to venues with a capacity of 500 or less, who are known in the community as a live music venue or comedy venue, with grassroots music or comedy forming a core part of its programming. Applications were submitted online through submit.com and further details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/the-night-time-economy-grassroots-venue-support-scheme-2026/ |
Applications were open from 6 March – 30 March 2026. |
|
After Hours at the Museum Scheme 2026 |
Aims to support and promote later openings in museums and galleries around the country. |
Applicants must be a member of the Irish Museum Association and/or a member of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland or a member of the Contemporary Art Gallery Association. Applications are submitted online through submit.com. Applications were assessed by eligibility requirements and quality of their proposal. Further details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/night-time-economy-after-hours-at-the-museum-scheme-2026/ |
Applications were open from 9 April - 7 May 2026. |
|
Cruinniú na nÓg |
Cruinniú na nÓg is delivered through the network of Local Authority Culture and Creativity Teams in each of the 31 Local Authorities. It is a national day of free creativity for children and young people up to the age of 18. |
An annual allocation is made available to each local authority to deliver an annual programme of events and initiatives during Cruinniú na nÓg representing an investment of €1.3 million. An additional €150,000 is provided to three Strategic Partners to complement local programming. Further details are available at www.cruinniu.gov.ie/ |
N/A (Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 took place on 6 June) |
|
Creative Communities |
Creative Communities supports the partnership between the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Authorities to deliver Culture and Creativity Strategies (2023-2027). |
In each of the 31 local authorities, the Creative Ireland Programme has established a Culture and Creativity Team which brings together local expertise in arts, heritage, libraries, enterprise and community engagement, to foster collaboration and spark new initiatives. A local Creative Ireland Programme Co-ordinator and a Creative Communities Engagement Officer has been appointed for each local authority. In 2026 an investment of €3.8 million continues to embed creativity in public policy. Further details are available at the following link: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/creative-communities/ |
N/A |
|
Community Sport Facilities Fund |
Provide grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. |
A new round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund will open for applications shortly. Guidelines will be published in advance of the opening which will include eligibility and likely assessment criteria for the next round. Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/ |
To be confirmed |
|
Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund |
Provide capital funding for larger capital sporting projects. |
While this programme is aimed primarily at the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities it was also open to other bodies, philanthropic funders, clubs and voluntary organisations to apply but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a Local Authority and/or a National Governing Bodies of Sport. Further details are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/ |
N/A |
374. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to enhance online safety since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53452/26]
View answerCoimisiún na Meán, established in March 2023 under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, is at the heart of Ireland's online safety framework. The framework equips An Coimisiún with legal and regulatory tools to address the availability of illegal content, inadequate protections for children on social media and the harmful impacts of recommender systems.
2025 saw the full application of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Code. This was the latest addition to the online safety framework, which comprises the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, the EU Digital Services Act, which came into force in 2024, and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. That Code obliges designated video-sharing platforms to take measures to limit the spread of harmful content.
In its enforcement role, Coimisiún na Meán supports the European Commission, which is the lead regulator under the Digital Services Act, and initiates its own investigations. Most recently, in May of this year, it commenced 2 investigations in relation to potential 'dark patterns', or manipulative and deceptive interface designs, which may prevent people from exercising their right to choose a recommender system feed that is not based on profiling.
Coimisiún na Meán has an educational role too. For example, last year it ran a public information campaign about children’s rights online in cinemas across Ireland and collaborated with Webwise (a member of Ireland’s Safer Internet Centre) of the development of ‘Switched On’ an educational programme about digital citizenship and online safety for children in primary schools. This programme was launched earlier this year. Coimisiún na Meán has also continued to expand its media literacy resources and programmes, with a view to equipping young people with the critical skills to recognise and resist harmful content and narratives they encounter online. It has developed a suite of resources for students, parents and educators about children’s rights online, including FAQs, videos and lessons plans.
In April last year I published the National Counter Disinformation Strategy, which highlights the importance of strengthening people’s resilience to disinformation, particularly online and includes 36 actions to address this complex issues. I also secured €1.1 million in Budget 2026 to advance some of those actions, in the areas of research, media literacy and fact-checking.
In February 2026, the Government published the National Digital and AI Strategy “Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future” which includes online safety, with a focus on children and young people, as a key theme and confirms that it is a whole of Government priority.
One of the commitments in that Strategy that is assigned to my Department is to support robust age verification across the EU and through the Government's Digital Wallet, to implement an age verification tool, protecting users’ rights including privacy, and enhancing online safety. The Online Safety Code obliges designated online video-sharing platforms take measures to ensure that minors, under the age of 18, do not have access to adult-only material such as pornography and gratuitous violence. The age verification tool is intended to support compliance with that obligation. My Department is working with the Office of the Government’s Chief Information Officer to deliver that tool.
Coimisiún na Meán is also making progress on other commitments in that Strategy in the area of Artificial Intelligence, preparing an information and awareness campaign and reviewing the existing taxonomies of online harms.
Strengthening online safety is a priority for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
In delivering on this priority, I want to listen to children and young people’s views on their experiences online and what they think can make a safer online world. Last month, my Department convened a Youth Forum on Online Safety, bringing together a diverse group of approximately 100 children and young people from across Ireland to discuss, with trained facilitators, key aspects of online safety and relevant topical issues.
The outcomes and findings from the Youth Forum will also feed directly into a wider programme for a high-level Presidency Conference on Online Safety, to be held in Dublin in September. This event will bring together public representatives, policymakers, academics, non-governmental organisations, and children and young people themselves.
Developments at EU level are also expected during our term as Presidency. The European Commission is preparing proposals to strengthen online safety for children and young people, including a revision of the Audiovisual and Media Services Directive, a new Digital Fairness Act and measures following the recently published report of the Special Panel on child safety online.
These are expected to be published after the summer. We will prioritise these negotiations during our Presidency.
375. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support arts and culture since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53453/26]
View answerThe provision for arts and culture in my Department's Vote in 2026 is just over €402m, a record level. Some of the key measures introduced in 2025 to help support the arts and culture included:
• funding secured for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot as part of Budget 2026 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/ministers-odonovan-and-mcconalogue-announce-details-of-budget-2026-for-the-department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/)
• €4.9 million announced for the promotion of Irish culture overseas (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-patrick-odonovan-announces-over-11-million-in-funding-for-culture-irelands-promotion-of-irish-arts-globally/)
• over 1000 free events took place as part of Creative Ireland’s Cruinniú nan Óg (www.cruinniu.gov.ie/news/cruinniu-na-nog-2025-launches/)
• €271,404 in capital grants to arts and culture organisations for upgrading and development of facilities announced (/www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-patrick-odonovan-announces-271404-in-capital-grants-to-arts-and-culture-organisations/)
• €3 million funding provided to the Irish Arts Centre in New York (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-announces-3m-in-funding-for-the-irish-arts-centre-new-york/)
• €192,193 announced for the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-approves-funding-of-over-190000-for-regional-museum-exhibition-scheme-2025/)
• launched the ‘Safe & Sound’ safety training Night-Time Economy initiative (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/government-launches-new-safety-training-for-irelands-night-time-economy-workers/)
• €293,252 in grants announced for Small-Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-approves-funding-of-293252-for-small-scale-local-festivals-and-summer-schools-scheme-2025/)
• National Famine Commemoration took place in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick and International Commemoration of Irish Famine took place in Gaelic Park, Chicago, Illinois, honouring the memory of those who died during An Gorta Mór (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/national-famine-commemoration-takes-place-in-kilmallock-co-limerick/)
• launched the Daniel O’Connell Commemorative Programme to mark 250th Anniversary of his birth (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/state-led-commemoration-at-derrynane-house-marks-250th-anniversary-of-birth-of-daniel-oconnell/)
• announced public programme marking 1926 Census release of records by National Archives www.nationalarchives.ie/news-and-events/census-1926/#:~:text=On%2018%20April%202026%2C%20this%20extraordinary%20collection%20of,portrait%20of%20Irish%20life%20one%20hundred%20years%20ago
• enhanced tax credit for low-to-medium budget film productions (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-and-minister-donohoe-launch-new-enhanced-tax-credit-for-mid-to-lower-budget-films/)
• Screen Ireland Irish language slate development fund announced (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-and-minister-donohoe-launch-new-enhanced-tax-credit-for-mid-to-lower-budget-films/)
• €500,000 in funding for music venues showcasing original grassroots performers increasing to €1 million in 2026 As highlighted in the Budget announcement (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/ministers-odonovan-and-mcconalogue-announce-details-of-budget-2026-for-the-department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/), priorities for 2026 include;
• Successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot launched Minister O’Donovan invites applications for the New Basic Income for the Arts scheme www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/press-releases/minister-odonovan-invites-applications-for-the-new-basic-income-for-the-arts-scheme/
• Completion of the repository project in the National Archives in 2026.
• Major redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery.
• Commence redeveloping the National Concert Hall with the Discover Centre project (a music learning and engagement centre) in the old Pathology block.
• A new €6 million capital works scheme will be developed to fund arts capital projects in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, providing support for communities across the country.
• Screen Ireland 2026 allocation increased by €2.1 million to develop new strategies to grow the gaming and special effects sectors in Ireland and for increased support to the indigenous and incoming screen industry.
• An additional allocation of €600,000 to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who celebrate their 75th Anniversary in 2026.
• €1 million in funding, double the 2025 allocation, for the 2026 round of the Grassroots Music Venue Support scheme to support independent music venues and artists across the country.
• Culture Ireland 2026 allocation increased by €800k, to help develop and sustain Irish artists’ international careers.
My Department continues to focus on the delivery of Programme for Government commitments for the arts and culture sectors which are a key priority for Government.
376. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support postal services since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53455/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Programme for Government states that the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities.
My Department is working to deliver on this and 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.
Prior to the 2026 enhanced arrangement, an amount of €10 million per annum was provided over a three-year fixed term (2023-2025) to An Post. An Post dispersed this funding across the post office network, with contractor post offices benefitting from the Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the Network. The funding was paid monthly for each 12-month period over the term of the arrangement.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function. Similarly, 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.
377. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support universal access to high-speed broadband since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53456/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people in the mostly rural Intervention Area (IA), including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that a significant investment of €53 million is being made in the Deputy’s own county of Kildare under the NBP. There are over 14,160 premises passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 14,694 premises available to order/pre-order, with over 6,570 premises now connected. A further circa 840 premises in County Kildare will be passed by National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) high speed fibre broadband by the end of the network deployment.
I am also advised by NBI that there are over 564,000 premises in the Intervention Area (IA) across the State and design work has been completed for 100% of these. These are premises located in the Amber area on the broadband map which is available on www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
The NBP remains on target having already passed over 498,320 premises in the intervention area which is 88% of the premises in the IA. NBI also advise that 524,332 premises, across all counties in mainly rural areas, can now order or pre-order broadband and over 181,190 premises are already connected.
Based on current plans and achievements, the Department expect to deliver the deployment of the NBP by the end of 2026, as per the Programme for Government commitment.
Further details are available on specific counties and areas which can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Alongside the NBP intervention contract, commercial operators (Open Eir, Virgin Media and Siro) continue to upgrade their networks throughout the State to primarily urban areas and contribute materially to achieving the Digital Connectivity Strategy targets. Commercial operators have indicated that their networks will be upgraded to all urban areas by 2028.
The Department is continuing to monitor these upgrades to ensure any unnecessary barriers to this investment are addressed so that the risk of any potential blackspots is mitigated. These measures include making the processes to access existing infrastructure easier and ensuring new housing developments are designed to facilitate telecommunications connectivity from the outset.
378. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the key measures taken to support broadcasting and media since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53457/26]
View answerAs I set out in my previous response to the Deputy in December 2025, I have brought forward a number of legislative and funding measures to support public service media and the provision of public service content by the wider media sector since January 2025.
Two major pieces of media legislation have been introduced to the Oireachtas in 2026:
• the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026, which was initiated on 27 May 2026;
• the Media Regulation Bill 2026, which was initiated on 26 February 2026.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill gives effect to recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture in RTÉ and Article 5 of the EU European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). These reforms aim to enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers, RTÉ and TG4, and establish a new statutory framework to support the provision of public service content by the wider sector. The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will:
• improve the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) as auditor of RTÉ;
• reform the system under which Coimisiún na Meán assesses the performance of, and recommends funding for, RTÉ and TG4; and
• provide for the conversion of the existing Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral statutory Media Fund to be overseen by Coimisiún na Meán to provide funding for the production, archiving and distribution of public service content by the wider sector.
The Bill completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 10 June 2026 and Committee Stage is expected to take place when the Dáil returns after the Summer Recess. The enhancement of accountability and transparency in RTÉ, and in particular the assignment of the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor in sufficient time to audit RTÉ’s 2026 financial statements, is a priority. Accordingly, it is intended to enact the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill by the end of the year.
The Media Regulation Bill will implement the key provisions of EMFA in Ireland and strengthen our existing protections for media pluralism and independence. It has gone through the Dáil and completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 10 June 2026. It is expected to be signed into law later this year. The Bill will:
• modernise the existing media mergers regime under the Competition Act 2002 (as amended);
• introduce new rules to increase the transparency of state advertising; and
• designate a number of additional functions to Coimisiún na Meán, including the development of a media ownership database.
From a funding perspective, to support public service media:
• RTÉ were allocated €225m in public funding 2025 and €240m in 2026 in accordance with the agreed multi-annual public funding for RTÉ from 2025 to 2027; and
• TG4 were allocated €61.09m in 2025 (incorporating a €1.09m supplementary allocation) and €65.4m in 2026 (which is 75% greater than the amount allocated in the Revised Estimates 2020).
The Programme for Government acknowledges that local and national independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised. To that end, funding is provided to Coimisiún na Meán to operate a range of other media funding schemes aimed at supporting public service content provision, including public interest journalism, new audiovisual and audio programming and the digital transformation of content providers.
In 2025, the News Reporting Scheme, the Digital Transformation Scheme and the News and Current Affairs on Commercial Television Scheme were established to complement the existing Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes that had been established the previous year, thereby expanding the range of supports available to the independent and commercial media sector.
The Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes provided €5.7m in total funding in 2025 for the media sector, the vast majority of which was awarded to local print media. The establishment of these funding schemes marked the first time in the State's history that direct financial support was made available to the print sector, building on the indirect support previously provided to the sector through the 0% VAT rate introduced for newspapers, including digital publications, in 2023.
A second funding round saw a further €5.7m awarded through the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes in January 2026 as part of an overall package of funding support for the media sector in excess of €15m administered through the Media Fund.
Just under €3m was awarded as part of this funding package through the Digital Transformation Scheme, a targeted scheme aiming to incentivise investment in technology and services by public service content providers, accelerating the development of sustainable business models in the sector. The Scheme also aims to provide support for the appropriate training and up-skilling of existing staff within the sector.
In addition, €3m was awarded through the News and Current Affairs on Commercial Television Scheme in order to enhance media plurality and diversity and to the availability of high-quality, trusted public service content that informs and educates viewers.
The News Reporting Scheme provided further support for public interest journalism in 2026, focusing on news matters that are under-provided for or at risk of being under-reported. This Scheme included €1m in open and contestable funding and a ring-fenced contestable €3m for the commercial radio sector to support the production of news coverage that is independent, trustworthy and serves the public interest. A second round of funding under the News Reporting Scheme opened in April 2026 with funding decisions expected in due course.
Budget 2026 contained provision for a new €1 million Community Media Scheme to support the work of the Community Media sector. This scheme is currently in the final stages of drafting by Coimisiún na Meán following stakeholder consultation and is expected to open to applicants in July 2026.
In 2025, over €14.2m was awarded across three separate funding rounds through the Sound and Vision Scheme, with approximately 90% of funding awarded to independent producers. Sound and Vision operates a funding split of 85% for television and 15% for radio, taking into account the cost differential between television and radio production. Radio productions received funding of €2.14m in 2025 while television productions received €12.1m. To date in 2026, €6.4m has been awarded through the Scheme, with further funding rounds scheduled this year. A Social Benefit Round of the Sound and Vision Scheme, providing dedicated support to our community media sector, recently closed for applications with funding announcements expected in due course.
The suite of media schemes funded by my Department and operated by Coimisiún na Meán cater to all parts of the media sector, including through the provision of high-quality public interest journalism through the Local Democracy, Courts Reporting, News Reporting and News and Current Affairs on Commercial Television Schemes, supporting the ability of the sector to invest in digital skills and development through the Digital Transformation Scheme, and continuing to support new audiovisual and audio programming of a cultural value through the Sound and Vision Scheme.
On 18 November 2025, the Government announced over €50 million in new Shared Island Fund investments, including €14 million over 3 years towards a Shared Island Media Fund through which Coimisiún na Meán will take forward a new programme from 2026-2029. This new fund seeks to stimulate the creation of new content, strengthen talent and enable cultural exchange across media on an all-island basis, including through annual dedicated Shared Island Shared Stories rounds of the Sound & Vision Scheme. The first round of funding under Shared Island Shared Stories recently closed for applications and Coimisiún na Meán is now carrying out a competitive assessment process. €4.3 million in funding will be disbursed this year.
In 2026, media funding schemes will continue to provide invaluable support to our local, regional and independent media organisations and the development of a dedicated Community Media Scheme will ensure the continued provision of essential support for local and community media and broadcasters nationwide.
379. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the funding for the Creative Ireland Programme is winding down; if so, if a new funding stream will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53561/26]
View answerThe Creative Ireland Programme is a whole of government culture and wellbeing programme led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Established in 2017 and currently in its second five-year phase.
The programme aims to enable every person in Ireland to realise their creative potential through participation in creative and cultural activity. The programme operates as a partnership across government, embedding creativity into policy and practice in areas including health, education, climate action, community development and the economy. The current iteration of Creative Ireland Programme will come to an end in December 2027.
As a whole of government initiative, Creative Ireland acts as a catalyst for system change by embedding culture and creativity within policy frameworks, aligning with key national strategies including the Healthy Ireland framework, Young Ireland, The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme, the National Well-being Framework, the Shared Island initiative, and the National Climate Action Plan, enabling innovative responses to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
The work that Creative Ireland does across its five pillars is hugely important. It delivered funding under the following grant schemes between 2026 and 2028: €2.1 million for Creative Health and Wellbeing, €1.6 million for Creative Communities on a Shared Island, and €2.2 million under the Creative Youth Nurture Fund. A new Creative Climate Action Fund III of €6.5 million was announced in February 2026 in partnership with the Shared Island Initiative and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This will support imaginative, large-scale creative, cultural and artistic initiatives that help communities engage with climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural change.
The Creative Ireland Programme’s 2025 Impact Report has been published and is available on the programme's official website: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/creative-ireland-impact-report-2025/, highlighting further achievements
I plan to begin consulting with my government colleagues and Creative Ireland’s diverse stakeholders on the future of Creative Ireland in the coming months with a view to clarity around the future of the programme early in 2027.
380. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he supports the designation of chess as a sport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53616/26]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by this Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body (NGB).
As there is no Sport Ireland-recognised NGB for chess, there is no mechanism by which chess organisations, clubs or players can secure funding from Sport Ireland. There is no discretionary funding available to my Department through which financial assistance can be provided to support chess.
However, Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as NGBs. The recognition criteria set out the minimum requirements for NGB recognition and the additional criteria that may need to be met to receive financial investment from Sport Ireland. There is no alternative mechanism for organisations to seek NGB recognition or support from Sport Ireland outside of this process.
I recognise the wide levels of interest in chess in Ireland, and I would encourage any organisation interested in engaging with Sport Ireland regarding possible recognition as a NGB for chess to engage directly with Sport Ireland which can then advise as to the detail of the application process and, ultimately, consider the application on its merits. The relevant organisation can request a formal meeting with Sport Ireland to discuss its proposed application and the wider process, prior to submitting a formal application for recognition as a NGB to Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly in this regard via e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.
381. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason a EU Presidency programme (details supplied) does not feature any Irish-based events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53618/26]
View answerAs Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, I was proud to launch Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland’s Culture, the culture programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
As the most citizen-facing element of Ireland’s Presidency, Cultúr 2026 offers a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture, both traditional and contemporary across both Ireland and the European Union. Events are taking place in every EU member state and will ensure that our European neighbours are left in no doubt about the remarkable wealth of artistic talent in Ireland today.
Cultúr 2026 includes events in every county in the country via the local authorities, encompassing family-friendly and community events, tours, screenings and workshops etc. This ensures that Irish citizens can participate in the Presidency and reflect on Ireland’s role in the EU.
In relation film the Programme includes:
• The General Assembly of the European Film Agency Directors (EFAD) 2026 takes place in November in Louth. EFAD brings together national film and audiovisual agencies from across Europe, including government or government associated public bodies, in charge of national funding, policy and regulation of the audiovisual sector. European Members states as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom will attend.
• Galway Film Fleadh celebrated their pairing with Estonia with Irish premieres of Estonian feature films and Estonian shorts, filmmaker Q+As, a dedicated Irish-Estonian co-production event within the Film Fair and networking between Irish and Estonian producers.
• Ardán, on behalf of Galway City and Councils, will host the UNESCO Cities of Film Subnetwork Meeting. This four-day international assembly will bring together representatives from UNESCO-designated Cities of Film around the world.
• Roscommon International Film Festival in October 2026 will present an Irish-Language Film Programme.
• An event in Cork in November exploring Irish and French co-produced films as expressions of European collaboration.
• There will be film screenings across the country as part of the local authority culture programmes.
I would encourage everyone to see what exciting cultural activities are available in their area – visit an exhibition, enjoy a screening, join a tour or experience live music. I want to thank every artist and cultural worker who has helped to realise this incredible programme.
382. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason Ireland has not signed the Council of Europe Convention for the Audiovisual Production of TV Series (details supplied); the plans to ratify the Convention during Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53619/26]
View answerThe system governing film co-productions under the Council of Europe is built around the Council of Europe Convention on Cinematographic co-production to which Ireland has been a party and been a beneficiary for several decades The Council of Europe Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series will cover television series. Ireland was involved in the negotiation of this treaty which is particularly important to Ireland. The Convention opened for signature on 26 March 2026.
As this is an international treaty, my Department officials are currently working with officials of my Cabinet colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, working through the various steps in the procedures necessary for the signature of any internationally-binding agreement. At present, it is expected that these will be concluded shortly.
383. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the structure of the new Invasive Species Bureau; whether it will be an agency or a unit within his Department; whether it will have its own dedicated staff; if not, if it will be comprised of existing members of the ##Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52658/26]
View answerInvasive alien species are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. In Ireland, invasive alien species are having a significant impact on biodiversity with major annual costs required to manage their impact in our National Parks and across Ireland. This threat is recognised in Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.
This new partnership between the NPWS and the NBDC is required to support Ireland’s ambitions to prevent the introduction of new high impact invasive alien species into the Irish environment, and to achieve an evidence-based response to those already here.
The new Invasive Alien Species Bureau will not be a new agency or unit within my Department. Instead, the Bureau will be a new partnership approach between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC).
One of the first actions for the Bureau will be to develop a strategic approach towards invasive alien species. This strategy will be developed throughout the rest of 2026 and into 2027. It is envisaged that the final strategy will set out key goals and objectives that help sustain a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to invasive alien species in Ireland. To accomplish this, the Bureau will build on existing initiatives of coordination with government departments and agencies.
An additional priority for the Bureau will be to support NPWS-led efforts in delivering effective rapid response for priority invasive alien species such as the Asian Hornet.
Staffing arrangements for the new Bureau are currently being finalised.
384. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the vacant homes grant to facilitate applications through small companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52662/26]
View answer390. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review correspondence (details supplied); the grants being introduced to support same; the timeframe for their delivery; when they will open to applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52698/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 390 together.
Tackling vacancy and dereliction is at the heart of the Government's housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country. To the end of Q1 2026 over 17,400 applications have been received, over 13,100 approved, with more than 5,300 grants paid out following completion of works, totalling almost €285 million.
The Grant provides up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
Applications for the grant can only be made by named individuals who own the property for which the grant is being applied for or who are actively engaged in purchasing the property. The grant is not available to registered companies, developers, undertakings etc.
Under the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a commitment was given to provide additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Government approved the introduction of a Vacant Above the Shop Grant with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for above these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000. The new Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant were launched on 1 April 2026, with applications and information on the Grants available from each local authority and at the following link: www.gov.ie/vacancy
The housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 has committed to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant to micro companies and this work is currently underway. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of the year.
There are a range of measures in place to address vacancy and support urban regeneration, which can be availed of by companies and undertakings, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Living City Initiative and planning exemptions for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use.
385. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has made an expression of interest in taking ownership of Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52663/26]
View answerI refer to my reply to Dáil Question No. 277 of 9 July which sets out the position in this matter.
386. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken any assessment of the heritage, biodiversity, environmental or public amenity value of Newbury Demesne, Carbury, County Kildare; if his Department has considered the potential of historically and environmentally significant landscapes such as Newbury Demesne for conservation, heritage or public amenity purposes; the mechanisms that exist to support the protection and preservation of such landscapes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52664/26]
View answerI can confirm that no such assessments regarding Newbury Demesne have been carried out by my Department outside of its statutory enforcement functions. However, I note that both Newbury Hall and Trinity Well, which are located within the Demesne, are included on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) maintained by Kildare County Council, and are therefore subject to the protections and obligations placed on owners under both the Planning and Development Acts as a result of such inclusion.
My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners with chief responsibility for protection of architectural heritage resting, in the first instance, with those owners and the relevant local authorities.
387. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of supported housing units delivered for persons with intellectual disabilities in each local authority area in Dublin in the past five years, including Dublin City Council, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52667/26]
View answer388. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of supported housing units for persons with intellectual disabilities currently planned or in development in each local authority area in Dublin, including expected delivery timelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52668/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
My Department does not hold data on the number of supported housing units in each local authority. Statistics in relation to local authority social housing stock are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in the annual Local Authority Performance Indicator Report. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including the number of social housing units in local authority ownership at a given time. The most recent report, relating to 2025, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: www.cdn.noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NOAC-Annual-Report-2025-Complete.pdf
The information requested may also be available from local authorities directly or from the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) as one of its functions is to collect and publish information as it considers necessary and appropriate, which includes statistical information on the number of Care and Support dwellings in AHB ownership. AHBRA conducted its first monitoring programme in September 2022, the most recent publication was for 2024 and is available on their website at the following link: www.www.ahbregulator.ie/ahbra-publishes-annual-sectoral-analysis-insights-from-the-2024-annual-monitoring-programme/
Under the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, each local authority will prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP) setting out their planned delivery of social and affordable housing to 2030 in line with targets set by my Department in order to ensure the 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports will be delivered by 2030. In preparing their HDAP, each local authority will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to need and priorities.
Existing HDAPs run to the end of 2026 and it is expected that new HDAPs, which will run to 2030, will be in place by the end of Q3 2026. Each local authority's current HDAP is published on their website.
Details on overall social housing delivery by each local authority can be found on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2025. Data for the Q1 2026 CSR is currently being compiled. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, location etc. at this link: www.data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2025.
389. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to request Met Éireann to urgently deal with a matter in south Kerry that has delayed the development of a walk on Valentia Island with funding secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52688/26]
View answerMet Éireann fully supports public access to and enjoyment of the natural environment and recognises the benefits that the proposed project could bring to the local community and visitors to the area. However, the Valentia monitoring station is a nationally significant atmospheric monitoring site which contributes to long-term environmental and climate monitoring programmes.
The site contains external air intake points used for the monitoring of greenhouse gases and atmospheric constituents, together with a range of sensitive outdoor instrumentation. These instruments are located in an open setting because the station operates as a clean-air monitoring site. The presence of barriers, fencing or other protective structures in the vicinity of the instrumentation could adversely affect airflow characteristics and introduce screening effects that may compromise the quality and integrity of the scientific observations being collected.
For this reason, no protective measures have historically been installed around the instruments or intake points. Walkers are currently able to traverse the site and unrestricted public access has been accommodated. While the instruments are designed to withstand the harsh maritime conditions prevalent at the location, they are not designed to withstand deliberate or accidental human interference.
Any damage to monitoring equipment could result not only in significant repair costs but, more importantly, in interruptions to critical long-term monitoring programmes. The scientific value of these observations derives from the continuity of the data record, and any loss of data may have consequences that cannot readily be quantified or replaced.
Met Éireann has actively engaged and remains committed to engaging constructively with all relevant stakeholders, to explore practical solutions that can facilitate the proposed development while safeguarding the integrity of this nationally important monitoring infrastructure and the vital environmental data it provides.
