Written Answers Nos. 523-551
523. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education the measures that are being taken to address the shortage of special needs assistants, particularly for students with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3585/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for government. Thanks to considerable investment in special education in recent years the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
In 2025 over €2.9 billion will be spent supporting children with special educational needs. This figure builds on previous years and represents over a quarter of the education budget. It will provide for, amongst other things, 400 new special classes and 300 new special school places for over 2,700 students. It will also increase our special educational posts by 768 special education teacher and 1,600 special needs assistant (SNA) posts nationwide.
We have been steadily building on the number of SNAs in our education system, the number increasing by 32% since 2020. Meaning there will be approximately 23,500 SNAs in mainstream classes, special classes and in special school settings by the end of this year.
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They help ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
SNAs are allocated to schools as a school-based resource. Principals/board of managements deploy SNAs within schools to meet the care support requirements of the children enrolled whom SNA support has been allocated. This provides schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
If a schools feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students an application can be submitted to the NCSE requesting a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website.
Each case is individually assessed and is based on the student profile of each school. Following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make the local special educational needs officer (SENO) available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
524. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education if plans are in place to increase access to Gaelscoileanna in response to growing parental demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3586/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2011, new arrangements have been in place for the establishment of new schools involving the forecasting of demand for school places based on demographic exercises carried out by the department. New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
These new arrangements also give an opportunity to patrons to apply for the patronage of new schools. The criteria used in deciding on the patronage of new schools place a particular emphasis on parental patronage and language preferences and an analysis of existing provision in the areas where the schools are being established. This approach is underpinned by a 2011 Government decision.
The patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been in operation under the Department since 2018 and provides objective information to parents in the relevant school planning areas to assist them in making an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage and language of instruction for the new school.
When the department announces that a new school(s) entity is required, a prospective patron can choose the school(s) it wishes to apply for and complete an application form in that regard for each school, for submission to the Department. The Department provides details on the OPPS of the school(s) and the list of applicant patrons which have applied for patronage of the school(s). Parents can then access the OPPS website, which allows them to access the appropriate survey for their area, to input the details of the eligible child(ren) and to select their preferred patron and language of instruction (with the exception of the Irish-medium primary gaelscoileanna which have been designated as Irish-medium prior to the opening of the OPPS - in the case of these schools, parents can select their preferred patron). Parental preferences, as well as other considerations such as the extent of diversity of provision in an area (including Irish-medium provision), are key to the decision-making process and to whether at post-primary level a school would take the form of a gaelcholáiste or whether, if English-medium, the school would include an Irish-medium unit or "aonad".
The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). This group was set up in 2011 to advise the Minister on the patronage of new schools. Following their consideration of the department’s assessment reports, the NSEG submits a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are made available on the education section of the gov.ie website.
525. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education if additional resources will be allocated to school-based mental health services to support students experiencing anxiety and depression; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3587/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education’s approach to supporting wellbeing and mental health is set out in its Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice. This approach is founded on research and best international practice in relation to how schools can best support the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. The approach proposed is a whole school and preventative approach which has multiple components that include:
• Providing children and young people with opportunities to build core social and emotional skills and competencies
• Providing children and young people with opportunities to experience supportive relationships within the school setting and to learn through those relationships
• Providing children and young people with opportunities to be part of a school environment and culture that feels both physically and psychologically safe, an environment in which children and young people feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, in which they feel their voice is heard, and they feel supported.
• Schools are encouraged to use a reflective, school self-evaluation approach to identify and prioritise the needs of its own school community in relation to the promotion of wellbeing and mental health, and to respond to meeting those needs.
A dedicated wellbeing portal can be accessed via ‘Wellbeing in Education’ on Gov.ie, bringing together all the wellbeing and mental health supports and resources that have been developed by the Department and the Department’s support services.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
NEPS teams offer training and guidance for teachers in the provision of universal and targeted evidence-informed approaches and early intervention to promote children’s wellbeing, social, emotional and academic development. In NEPS, Support & Development can be delivered nationally by working groups, and regionally by teams or by an individual psychologist working with an allocated school. For example, Initiatives such as the Incredible Years Social Emotional learning Programmes and the FRIENDS Resilience Programmes which aim to address anxiety reduction have been welcomed by schools and their impact positively evaluated.
In June 2023, additional resources were allocated by my Department when was launched the pilot of counselling and wellbeing supports in primary schools in selected counties.
The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot has two strands and works to support children’s wellbeing and mental health in schools. Strand 1 sees direct counselling supports being provided to primary schools for the first time. My Department has set up county panels of pre-approved private counsellors providing one-to-one counselling in primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. To date, 38 counsellors have been recruited across the 7 pilot counties.
In total, 1,883 blocks of counselling have been allocated to schools across the pilot counties, which provides an allocation to 1,883 children in these counties. In the 2023/2024 school year, 381 children availed of counselling under the pilot.
In October 2024, my Department announced the extension of Strand 1 of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun and Darndale. The schools that will now be included in the pilot have been identified by the Department of Education as supporting children from areas with some of the highest levels of disadvantage in the State.
Strand 2 of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot is continuing to support schools in cluster areas in Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7 and Dublin 16, through the introduction of Education Wellbeing Teams. There are currently 20 Education Wellbeing Practitioners working under the direction and supervision of lead NEPS psychologists. The Education Wellbeing Practitioners provide support for pupils, parents, and school staff in preventative evidence-based interventions to prevent mild and emerging social and emotional difficulties.
To further support Strand 2 of the pilot, my Department announced a new Strand 2 Wellbeing Grant Scheme. This is a once-off payment of €2,000, for this school year, to all primary schools in Strand 2 of the pilot to promote and support wellbeing focused initiatives. This funding is being provided directly to schools, to allow flexibility in using the Grant.
Further additional resources were allocated by my Department to post-primary schools. In partnership with Jigsaw, Neart, the new national programme of mental health and wellbeing resources and training for post-primary schools. The new programme will complement the supports already available in schools such as the provision of guidance counselling and the work of NEPS, as well as other existing wellbeing programmes and initiatives including Student Support Team training.
The NEART programme will provide supports to students, parents and school staff;
Support for students will:
• enhance the capacity of Student Support Teams to actively seek and respond to the voice of young people in relation to wellbeing and mental health in schools
• provide learning opportunities for students that promote mental health and wellbeing
Support for parents will:
• enhance parent/carer involvement in wellbeing school initiatives and engagement in promoting wellbeing and mental health in the school community
• enhance Student Support Teams to actively seek and respond to the voice of parent/ guardian in relation to wellbeing and mental health in schools
• provide psychoeducation on the promotion of wellbeing/mental health for parents via webinars and e-learning opportunities.
Supports for school staff will:
• build capacity of staff to promote whole school approaches to wellbeing and mental health awareness
• enhance training and support for Student Support Teams to raise awareness of positive mental health and wellbeing
• provide e-learning opportunities for staff on mental health and wellbeing promotion
• provide wellbeing and self-care webinars and e-learning courses for school staff.
Schools have been encouraged to register their interest in the relevant programme areas to receive up-to-date notifications about online training, webinars and masterclasses.
My Department continues to review our overall approach to fostering good mental health and wellbeing in our schools so that children can be optimally supported to reach their potential.
526. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 23 October 2024, to provide an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the school building programme; if a letter of acceptance has been issued; if a commencement date is available given the considerable delays already experienced by the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3609/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project at the school referred to by the deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award.
The second Tender Report for Reserved Specialists was reviewed by my Department and comments issued to the Design Team and DDLETB for action. When a satisfactory reply is received in relation to the queries raised, we will provide an update to the school authority.
This project remains a priority for delivery.
528. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of requests to his Department that were granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that have been refused; and the grounds on which they were been refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, the Department approved one application to extend an officer's special leave to work in translation services in the EU.
No applications from officers were refused in respect special leave, careers breaks to civil servants and/or their spouses to take up temporary posts in EU institutions during 2024.
My Department supports the Government initiative "A Career for EU”, Ireland’s strategy to increase Irish representation in the European Union's Institutions and Agencies. In doing so, my Department continues to promote and advertise opportunities to staff to Seconded National Expert positions and National Expert in Professional Training scheme opportunities.
During 2024, 11 interns were in positions under the Internship Scheme in European Union Institutions administered by the Department in co-operation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Publications Office. The scheme is focused on the provision of opportunities for graduates to acquire work placements in the special subject field of translation and proof-reading.
529. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the projects that received funding from the recent tranche of the large-scale sports infrastructure fund which were not the identified by the relevant local authority as the number one priority for their county. [2445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applications. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.
The Department's website (www.gov.ie/en/service/6f3f3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2024/) details the projects allocated funding as well as the prioritisation accorded to projects by local authorities and National Governing Bodies of sport and the scoring matrix applied by the Department.
In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department. Remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this list and, as additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.
530. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the levels of support, including financial, provided by his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department to amateur theatre and amateur musical theatre in Ireland in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra532. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on actions taken by his Department in response to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media Report on the Development of Local and Community Arts published on 11 July 2024. [2460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 532 together.
The recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report on 'The Development of Local and Community Arts' broadly align in many instances with policies and programmes in place in my Department in relation to areas such as local arts infrastructure, disability, and arts and health. These are also reflected in the newly agreed Programme for Government.
My Department support the arts at amateur and professional levels in a range of ways:
• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• This year, Culture Ireland has been allocated €8m to support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage.
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy supports development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages.
• Capital grants are available to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments for non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding supports the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as St Patrick’s Festival and Other Voices, that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme, with funding of up to €5,000 is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that are not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets oversea.
• Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sectors.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-years investment Strategy - Making Great Art Work.
Arts participation is a core value across all areas of the Arts Council's work and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland. The Council provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.
The Arts Council invests funding in a range of developmental projects including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night, and towards the Arts Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plans. Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website.
In Budget 2025 €140m has been allocated to the Arts Council.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided by local authorities and the Arts Council.
Arts centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement.
I will continue to review the recommendations set out in the Committee's report in the context of the implementation of the Programme for Government.
531. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a list of all projects funded under stream E of the cultural capital programme of his Department for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [2459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme opened for applications on 14 June 2023. Since then, 23 grantees were awarded funding of over €640k up to the end of 2024. A full list of all payments for 2023 under this Scheme can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1eab-creative-arts-grants-and-funding-previous-schemes/#cultural-development-expenditure. All capital expenditure for 2024, including payments under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, will be published on the Department’s website at the above link by the end of February.
533. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on actions taken by his Department in response to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media Report on “The State’s response to online disinformation and media/digital literacy, including social media and fake news” published in November 2024. [2461/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the report published by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media notes, disinformation is a complex issue and thus the recommendations cover a wide range of relevant matters such as online safety, regulation of platforms, media plurality and media literacy.
In terms of my Department's response to disinformation, the Future of Media Commission (FOMC, July 2022) recommended the development of a National Counter Disinformation Strategy to coordinate national efforts to counter this complex issue. That is why in February 2023, an independently chaired working group was established to develop a Strategy.
The draft Strategy is based on five principles: protecting freedom of expression; building resilience through education/media literacy; supporting quality journalism and the provision of reliable public interest information; regulatory enforcement; and research on what does and does not work in combatting this complex problem. The Strategy will set out a range of commitments and related actions which aim to make these principles a reality.
The report of the working group is almost complete and I expect it to be submitted to me shortly.
534. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on actions taken by his Department in response to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media Report on “Future business model plans and long-term vision for the media sector” published in July 2024. [2462/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany of the recommendations of the ‘Future business model plans and long-term vision for the media sector’ report, published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC) on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media of the 33rd Dáil Éireann, reflect actions being taken by my Department or measures which will be delivered as part of the Programme for Government 2025.
In terms of the JOC’s recommendations regarding funding for public service media and public service content providers, in July 2024 a multi-annual public funding arrangement, through a combination of TV licence receipts and Exchequer support, was agreed for RTÉ. A key aspect of this decision was the provision of certainty of funding which would enable the organisation to plan on a multi-annual basis for the delivery of its strategy, New Direction, and ongoing organisational reform. A total of €225m public funding is to be provided to RTÉ this year.
Looking to the medium-term, the General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill published last October will enhance the system of assessing the performance of, and funding for, RTÉ and TG4. It will give Coimisiún na Meán greater authority to identify targets, assess performance, and hold RTÉ and TG4 to account for their performance and to recommend appropriate multi-annual funding levels for both providers to Government. This is one of the key measures being undertaken to implement the Programme for Government commitment to ensure stable, sufficient funding for RTÉ and to continue to support the growth of TG4.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that the corporate governance model in RTÉ is open, transparent and appropriate to its public service mandate, the General Scheme contains measures to strengthen the authority, role and functions of the boards of RTÉ and TG4 and to assign the Comptroller and Auditor General to audit RTÉ’s accounts.
The JOC made a number of recommendations to support community and regional content and digital development and digital transformation. In this regard, the Programme for Government commits to a range of funding measures to support independent media, including strengthening the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes and ensuring accessible funding to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content.
In 2025, €10 million has been allocated to continue the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, and to develop two further schemes, the Digital Transformation and News Reporting Schemes. In addition, €6 million has been allocated to support news and current affairs reporting by commercial independent broadcasters;
As the independent media regulator Coimisiún na Meán will lead the design and administration of the existing and new schemes and measures.
To underpin all new and existing funding schemes for the media, the General Scheme contains provisions to convert the statutory Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral Media Fund, which will fund schemes prepared by Coimisiún na Meán to support the production, distribution and archiving of public service content by the wider media sector to be made available free of charge to the general public. In terms of the wider framework to support audiovisual production, the Programme for Government also commits to continuing the section 481 film tax credit to support film and unscripted productions.
The General Scheme will also allow for the implementation of a number of the JOC’s recommendations on access and inclusion by strengthening the independence and role of RTÉ and TG4’s Audience Councils, and by ensuring that the needs of under-served audiences, such as communities underserved by virtue of their geographic location or due to disability, are fully taken into account in Coimisiún na Meán’s reviews of public service content provision and of the performance of RTÉ and TG4.
As regards the JOC recommendations to promote the Irish language, the Programme for Government commits to support the expansion of broadcasting licences for mainstream Irish language radio stations which focus on young listeners, to continue to support the growth of TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta, and to support an increase in RTÉ’s Irish language content. One of the key measures in the General Scheme is the provision that a minimum of 25% of all content funded through the proposed Media Fund must be in the Irish language.
535. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will consider introducing legislation to establish the annual Rose of Tralee Festival on a legally enshrined status, to protect it for future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rose of Tralee is one of Ireland's most prominent community based festivals and it has significantly contributed to strengthened connections with Ireland’s diaspora communities around the world.
Growing from a modest initiative in 1959 to develop local tourism, the Festival has gained a strong international profile and an enthusiastic following. The management and direction of the Festival are responsibilities of a private company established for that purpose.
As with other festivals around the country, I am satisfied that this autonomy is appropriate and I have no plans for legislation to change the status of the Festival.
536. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a funding scheme for the provision of paddle courts in towns and villages across County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2559/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Cumulative investment from the LSSIF since 2020 now stands at €297 million, while over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities, from the CSFF in 2024. This funding represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
A range of Padel courts across the country were funded under the most recent 2023 round of CSFF and it is clear that this is a strongly-growing sport. In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the details of the next round of the CSFF.
537. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current status of an application by a club (details supplied); when a decision on the appeal will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The deadline for CSFF appeals was 29 October 2024 and I can confirm that the Department received an appeal from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. The process of reviewing the appeals is ongoing and all outstanding appeal decisions will be confirmed to the relevant organisations shortly.
538. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason an organisation (details supplied) is not eligible for Sports Ireland support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport 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 the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels funding through the relevant recognised National Governing Body of sport (NGB).
Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as National Governing Bodies of sport. The recognition criteria establish minimum requirements for all organisations wishing to apply for such recognition and, potentially, as additional criteria are met, financial investment from Sport Ireland.
Baseball Ireland is not a Sport Ireland-recognised NGB and therefore is not eligible for funding from Sport Ireland.
Further information on the Recognition Process and Criteria is available on the Sport Ireland website at the following link: National Governing Bodies | Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly by e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.
539. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to publish the material on my Department's website in the coming weeks.
540. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to review the case of an appeal on a sports grant for a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The deadline for CSFF appeals was 29 October 2024 and I can confirm that the Department received an appeal from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. The process of reviewing the appeals is ongoing and all outstanding appeal decisions will be confirmed to the relevant organisations shortly.
541. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when details of the 2025 National Famine Commemoration will be announced. [2819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Famine Commemoration is an opportunity for the Nation and the host community to reflect and remember the great suffering and loss of the Great Irish Famine. Since 2008, the event has taken place usually on a rotating basis in each of the provinces on the island of Ireland. The location of the annual National Famine Commemoration is typically announced in early spring each year.
The National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I Chair, is tasked with considering the location for the National Famine Commemoration.
In September 2024, my Department wrote to the Chief Executives of all local authorities in Munster requesting an Expression of Interest to host the 2025 National Famine Commemoration.
Two responses were received and these are currently being considered by the Committee. The location for the 2025 National Famine Commemoration will be announced at the earliest opportunity.
542. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media his views on the Gus Healy Swimming Pool Nursery Drive, Ballinlough, Cork city, on refurbishment of the pool and any future investment considered for the pool. [2854/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The Department has not received an application for funding in respect of the swimming pool referred to by the Deputy.
Cumulative investment from the LSSIF since 2020 now stands at €297 million, while over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities from the CSFF in 2024. This funding represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the CSFF a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the details of the next round of the CSFF.
543. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital funding schemes available for the renovation or rebuild of theatres or performance and rehearsal spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2903/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has two capital funding schemes open to not-for-profit organisations that have a dedicated arts and cultural remit.
Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme opened for applications on 14 June 2023. The scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. In line with the Government's action on climate change, this scheme also welcomes projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint as well as projects that provide additional capacity for artistic production. Projects that address accessibility issues are also eligible. Grants of up to €50,000 are available for eligible projects. This scheme will remain open until the fund is exhausted. Full details of this scheme, including Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/46f4f-creative-arts-grants-and-funding/#cultural-capital-scheme-stream-e
The €6 million pilot Artist Workspaces Scheme was launched on 12 June 2024. The scheme allocates funding to local authorities to enable them to provide additional capacity artist workspaces in their regions on a sustainable basis. Local Authorities are invited to propose projects which can accommodate and address the demand for artist workspaces in their regions and produce workspaces that are fit for purpose, design focused and accessible. Each local authority can apply for up to €150,000/€300,000 (applicable rate as outlined below) for Artist Workspaces under the scheme and would itself provide match funding of 40%.
Capital grants up to a maximum of €300,000 are available to the following densely populated Local Authority areas should they apply; Cork City Council, Dublin County Council, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Galway City Council, Limerick City and County Council, Louth County Council, South and Waterford City and County Council;
Capital grants up to a maximum of €150,000 will be made available to the remaining Local Authorities.
The scheme will remain open until the fund is exhausted. Full details of this scheme including Guidelines and Application Form are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/46f4f-creative-arts-grants-and-funding/#artist-workspaces-capital-scheme
It should be noted that the Programme for Government commits to continue grants for community-based cultural institutions and support large scale cultural centres, and to examine the feasibility of a minor capital works grant scheme for cultural facilities not funded by the Arts Council.
544. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media his views on funding for public service broadcasting; his further views on whether independent broadcasters should be permitted to apply for public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe distinct role of public service broadcasting is recognised in Protocol No. 29 of the Treaty on the Function of the European Union (‘the Amsterdam Protocol’), which sets out the unique role of publicly owned and funded broadcasters in meeting the democratic, social and cultural needs of society. It provides the ultimate legal basis for the funding of our public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4.
As the Deputy will be aware, last July a multi-annual public funding arrangement, through a combination of TV licence receipts and Exchequer support, was agreed in respect of RTÉ. A key aspect of this decision was the provision of certainty of funding which would enable the organisation to plan on a multi-annual basis for the delivery of its new Strategy and for ongoing organisational reform. A total of €225m in public funding is to be provided to RTÉ this year. TG4, who continue to supported with direct Exchequer allocations, will receive €60m.
Looking to the medium-term, the General Scheme of a Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill published last October will enhance the system of assessing the performance of and funding for RTÉ and TG4. It will do so by giving Coimisiún na Meán greater authority to identify targets, assess performance, and hold RTÉ and TG4 to account for their performance as public service broadcasters. This will underpin the implementation of the Programme for Government commitment to ensure stable, sufficient funding for RTÉ and to continue to support the growth of TG4.
The provision of quality public service content is not just the preserve of public service media bodies. Independent broadcasters, including local radio and newspapers, play a vital role in providing valuable public service content to the Irish public. This contributes to a plurality of voices in the media sector and is crucial to the continued provision of free, independent, high-quality journalism and trustworthy news and current affairs coverage to the public. The Programme for Government acknowledges that local and national independent media perform a vital public service and deserve to have this recognised.
The Future of Media Commission, in examining the challenges faced by the media sector, recommended the establishment of a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media sector at local, regional and national levels on a platform neutral basis. This was in order to address the long-term economic challenges faced by media in Ireland, which includes a decisive shift in advertising revenues away from traditional media towards the technology giants, compounded in the case of print media by declining circulation revenues.
In line with the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, the General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill contains measures to convert the statutory Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral Media Fund. This will fund all schemes prepared by Coimisiún na Meán to support the production, distribution and archiving of public service content by the wider media sector which will be made available free of charge to the general public.
In advance of the establishment of a statutory Media Fund, the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes were rolled out on an administrative basis in 2024. These Schemes aim to support under-served public-interest journalism, particularly in terms of reporting on local authority meetings and local and regional Courts. This is in addition to supports provided through the Sound and Vision Scheme operated by Coimisiún na Meán, which saw €22.7m allocated to support 210 projects in 2024.
In line with the relevant Programme for Government commitments, Coimisiún na Meán will continue to monitor the impact of the aforementioned schemes, and update them as appropriate, in order to ensure they are accessible to the sector and continue to deliver on intended objectives. €10m was secured in Budget 2025 to ensure to continuation of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes and to introduce two new Schemes in 2025, the Digital Transformation and the News Reporting schemes.
A further €6m was secured in Budget 2025 to support news and current affairs reporting by commercial independent broadcasters. This is aligned with the Programme for Government commitment to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content.
As independent regulator for broadcasters, Coimisiún na Meán will lead the design and administration of the supports for news and current affairs on independent broadcasting services. As part of this process, Coimisiún na Meán will conduct a stakeholder consultation to ensure that the views of the independent media sector are taken into account in the development of the new measures.
545. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a schedule of special advisers attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and or title held by that special adviser. [3007/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Under Section 11(1)(a) of the Public Service Management Act 1997 a Minister of the Government may appoint a maximum of two Special Advisers.
I intend to appoint two advisers shortly.
546. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and/or service officer/security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3206/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a Cleaning contract with Allpro. This contract is part of an Office of Government Procurement framework agreement for cleaning services.
|
Details |
Start date |
Length of contract |
Value |
|
Office cleaning in 4 of the Department's 5 offices (cleaning in the Kildare Street HQ is organised by the anchor tenant) |
June 2022 |
An initial period of two years with the option of two further extensions of 12 month duration each. The first extension was agreed to in June 2024. |
Circa €115,000 per year |
My Department has not outsourced any service/security officer roles to private companies.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, these are operational matters for the bodies themselves and not something for which I have direct, day-to-day responsibility.
547. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 15 service staff directly employed by this Department in a permanent capacity set out in tabular form below.
These staff provide facilities management and administrative duties and are paid on the salary scale for their grade in accordance with the standard arrangements put in place by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
|
Grade/Role |
Number of Staff |
|
Head Service Officer |
3 |
|
Service Officer |
11 |
|
Service Attendant |
1 |
There are no cleaners directly employed by this Department.
The employment of cleaners and Services Officers by bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for those bodies, subject to Departmental sanction where appropriate.
548. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024, respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3260/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would advise the Deputy that the following is a breakdown of the mileage claims for Minister of State Thomas Byrne for the years 2023 and 2024. (Minister of State O'Donovan's mileage claims would have been managed by OPW).
|
2023 |
Minister Thomas Byrne |
|
3,043.05 |
January |
|
2,426.23 |
February |
|
1,917.47 |
March |
|
1,211.51 |
April |
|
1,228.37 |
May |
|
1,902.17 |
June |
|
964.47 |
July |
|
670.81 |
August |
|
1,231.93 |
September |
|
1,115.77 |
October |
|
1,066.62 |
November |
|
1,157.68 |
December |
|
17,936.08 |
Total |
|
2024 |
Minister Thomas Byrne |
|
3,751.78 |
January |
|
2,132.06 |
February |
|
1,528.80 |
March |
|
1,809.22 |
April |
|
2,417.13 |
May |
|
1,482.18 |
June |
|
1,303.33 |
July |
|
776.36 |
August |
|
1,062.22 |
September |
|
1,758.13 |
October |
|
662.27 |
Nov/December |
|
|
|
|
20707.48 |
Total |
The annual cost of overnight allowances for civilian drivers assigned to Minister Byrne was €501 in 2023 and €3,705 in 2024.
549. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to their office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaffing numbers are managed in line with Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, this includes both civil servants and ministerial personal appointments.
Under the guidelines, the number of staff in a Minister’s Private Office may not exceed 10. Within these staffing limits, under Section 11(1)(a) of the Public Service Management Act 1997 a Minister of the Government may appoint two Special Advisers.
The table below sets out the composition of staff assigned to my Private Office:
|
Job Title |
Number of Staff |
Salary Scale |
Location |
|
|
Special Advisor |
2 |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
Dublin (Private Office) |
|
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer with Private Secretary allowance |
Dublin (Private Office) |
|
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
Executive Officer Standard Scale |
Dublin (Private Office) |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer Standard Scale |
Dublin (Private Office) |
|
The appointment of the Special Advisers listed are subject to Government approval over the coming weeks, following which relevant contracts, including salary scale, statements of qualifications and statements of relationship, will be laid before the Oireachtas.
Additionally, one officer receives a private secretary allowance for all extra duties and expenses attaching to the position. The allowance payable for the post of Private Secretary is €23,707 per annum (non-PPC) or €24,952 (PPC) per annum.
All staff are paid on the salary scale for their grade and in accordance with the standard arrangements put in place by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
550. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will carry out an urgent review of the decision by his Department late in 2024 not to provide funding to a centre (details supplied) under the large-scale sports infrastructure fund, examining all options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) received unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applications. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.
Allocations totalling over €173m were made in respect of 35 projects. In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by my Department. Remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this list and, as additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.
In relation to the facility referred to, the LSSIF application included a significant design cost element. However ,I understand that the project is already well advanced from a design perspective. While funding towards the design costs of the facility has been provisionally allocated my Department is engaging with Donegal County Council on how to assist the project.
A key part of the assessment of applications under the 2024 round of LSSIF was the prioritisation accorded to projects by local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport. It should be noted that the project referred to by the Deputy was the second ranked priority submitted by Donegal County Council and the third ranked priority by Swim Ireland.
Under the 2024 LSSIF round, an allocation of €8.7 million in construction funding was made to the Atlantic Technological University, Donegal, for a multi sport facility which places Donegal 6th highest in terms of funding by county in the 2024 LSSIF allocations.
551. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he intends to list the Six Nations tournament as a designated event that must be carried free to air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3473/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe designation of major sporting and cultural events for free to air broadcasting is a statutory process, provided for under the Broadcasting Act, with the criteria for deciding which events should be designated set out in the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
This allows Member States to designate certain events as being of major importance to society, including sports events involving national teams, and provide that those events continue to be available on free-to-air television. The legislative provision in this regard provides for periodic reviews of the list of designated events.
A review of the existing list of designated events, including the Six Nations current status of deferred coverage, is currently underway. The review process included a public consultation to invite feedback on a number of potential new events across rugby, Gaelic games and soccer, to be considered for free to air designation. Stakeholders such as broadcasters and sports bodies have also been consulted.
An independent consultant was procured to analyse the results of the public consultation and any submissions received. This analysis includes an assessment of each of the proposed events against the criteria for designation which are set out in EU and domestic legislation, as well as determining the potential impact of the designation. A key consideration in this is the balancing of the costs of designating an event to sporting organisations, against the benefits to society.
This process also requires engagement with the European Commission before the final list of proposed events for designation can be approved. Until that point, the existing list of designated events will remain in force, and it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the completion of the review and analysis of the various stakeholder contributions.
