Written Answers Nos. 1362-1381
1362. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department or any agency operating under its aegis has, in the past five years, used reserved contracts or included social clauses in public procurement tenders; if so, to detail the types of contracts or clauses used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that my Department has not used reserved contracts in the period since the establishment of the former Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in September 2020. It should be noted that my Department was re-configured as the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport at the beginning of June 2025.
I wish to advise to the Deputy that both my Department and those bodies under its aegis are subject to Public Procurement Procedures as set out by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. These are available on the Office of Government Procurement’s website.
Within that context my Department seeks to ensure that there is an appropriate awareness of all relevant guidelines both within the Department and across those agencies under its remit. Procurement within those bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for which the bodies themselves are responsible.
The procurement profile of my Department during this time has largely focused on the use of OGP frameworks to the greatest extent possible. Any goods and/ or services procured directly have typically been specialist services or technical supports to assist in the diverse work programme of my Department. My Department's Management Board requires social considerations be taken into account in every procurement process.
1363. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the poor availability of high-speed broadband an area (details supplied); the actions he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42858/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe areas referred to in the question are in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
According to the records available on ComReg's website - bbchecker.comreg.ie/ , the vast majority of premises in the locations have access to high-speed broadband. Residents may wish to contact the service providers to address any issues with this service.
As per information available at openeir.ie/fibre/broadband-checker the areas are also included in open eir Full Fibre deployment programme and some areas can currently order a full fibre gigabit connection. The Department does not have sight of information that provides an estimated timeline of when commercial operators will provide a full fibre connection to the remaining areas, other than what’s on the Open Eir messaging.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the webform which can be accessed by clicking on “contact us” in the Contact section on gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/ and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
1364. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a contact list of all State and semi-State bodies connected with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe relevant details of the State bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the table below.
These bodies differ significantly in terms of size, mandate, and operational focus, encompassing non-commercial, commercial, and regulatory entities. Each plays a vital role in shaping, supporting, and delivering the strategic priorities of my Department.
|
Name of State Body |
Accountable Person(Head of Office) |
Dedicated email address for Oireachtas members(Circular 25/2016) |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Caroline Campbell |
oireachtasqueries@ngi.ie |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Lynn Scarff |
oireachtasqueries@museum.ie |
|
National Concert Hall |
Robert Read |
oireachtas@nch.ie |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
Annie Fletcher |
oireachtasqueries@imma.ie |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
Mary McCarty |
oireachtas@crawfordartgallery.ie |
|
Chester Beatty |
Fionnuala Croke |
Oireachtasqueries@cbl.ie |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Dr Audrey Whitty |
oireachtas@nli.ie |
|
National Archives of Ireland |
Orlaith McBride |
naioireachtas@nationalarchives.ie |
|
Arts Council |
Deputy Director Martin O Sullivan (Interim Director to be appointed). |
oireachtasqueries@artscouncil.ie |
|
Screen Ireland |
Désirée Finnegan |
oireachtasqueries@screenireland.ie |
|
Coimisiún na Meán |
Jeremy Godfrey |
oireachtasqueries@cnam.ie |
|
Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) |
Kevin Bakhurst |
oireachtas@rte.ie; Oireachtasmembers@rte.ie |
|
Teilifís na Gaeilge (TG4) |
Deirdre Ní Choistín |
oireachtasqueries@tg4.ie |
|
An Post |
David McRedmond |
OireachtasEnquiries@anpost.ie |
|
Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) |
Garrett Blaney |
oireachtas@comreg.ie |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
Fiach Mac Conghail |
oireachtas@thedigitalhub.com |
|
Sport Ireland |
Una May |
oireachtas@sportireland.ie |
1365. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website gov.ie/en/publication/3f9fa-community-sport-facilities-funding/.
In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
The first allocations under LSSIF 2018 were announced with €86.4 million awarded to 33 different projects. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023, bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million.
In 2024, the second round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding. On 4 November 2024, grants totalling €173 million were awarded to 35 projects. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website gov.ie/en/service/6f3f3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2024/#lssif-allocations. As a result of the significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
1366. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which community organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open or the date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43180/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details sought by the Deputy in respect of capital funding programmes or grants for which my Department has responsibility are outlined below. Regarding bodies and agencies under my Department’s remit, these are operational matters for the agencies themselves.
Cultural Capital Scheme
Under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, grants of up to €20,000 are available to not-for-profit dedicated arts and culture organisations at 85% grant funding rate. Local authority owned facilities are subject to a maximum 60% grant funding rate.
Larger grants of up to €50,000 are provided under Stream E at a maximum grant funding rate of 70%, or 60% for local authority owned facilities. Full details are available on the Department’s website at the following link: gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/creative-arts-grants-and-funding/
Community Sports Facilities fund
The Community Sports Facilities fund (CSFF) provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website gov.ie/en/publication/3f9fa-community-sport-facilities-funding/.
In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund
The Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established to provide support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund. Applications to the grant scheme must be made by either a National Governing Body (NGB) or local authority. This does not preclude the involvement of other organisations in the application process; however, all applications must be submitted by an NGB or local authority.
The total LSSIF investment currently stands at €297 million, with funding allocations provided to 68 large-scale projects. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website under the following links: gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2024/, gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/ . The current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of the determining the detailed spending allocations within the Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
1367. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on a report and if he has had discussions with a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43253/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 is engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to the funding. Additionally, my Department is working with Government colleagues to secure future funding in line with the Programme for Government.
An amount of €10 million/annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term (2023-2025) to An Post. An Post then disperses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefitting from the Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the Network. The funding is being paid monthly for each 12-month period. For the period 2023 to end June 2025, €25 million has been claimed by An Post for the network.
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. 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.
1368. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress made in implementing the National Swimming Strategy; the number and location of pools or swimming facilities approved for investment to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over 50 actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
The public consultation that informed the development of the National Swimming Strategy suggested that existing swimming pool stock is insufficient and, as a result, a key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities. There is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for swimming, is currently undertaking an analysis of the type and nature of swimming pool ownership in the country and will publish a report in this regard in the coming period.This report will be central to the future development of swimming pool facilities.
In support of the National Swimming Strategy, additional funding of €500,000 was provided to Swim Ireland in 2024 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will also be provided in 2025 and 2026 – totalling €1.5 million over three years.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan is shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders, including local authorities. Sport Ireland recently established an oversight group of key stakeholders to give leadership, policy direction, prioritisation and mobilisation of resources to support, monitor and measure the Strategy’s implementation.
Previously, Government support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). 52 pools have been completed under the LASPP, with a Lucan project currently under construction.
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is now provided by my Department through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The LSSIF was established to provide support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund. The LSSIF has allocated €28.9 million to 9 swimming pool projects. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website under the following links: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2024/, and www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/. Furthermore, funding of up to €2 million was provided towards the design costs of the leisure centre project in Buncrana and and for Mullingar Regional Sports Complex, both of which have swimming pools at their core. The current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024.
Under the 2023 round of the Community Sports Facilities Fund, a total of over €1.5 million was allocated to 40 swimming projects in 2024.
1369. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the means by which Sport Ireland’s planned disability lead and associated grants to inclusive clubs will be resourced; the participation targets for people with disabilities under current policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43392/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out an ambitious future for sport in Ireland where equality of access and opportunity is a key theme. Inclusion and diversity is an absolute priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport.
The Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 contains a commitment to increase participation in sport among those with a long-term illness or disability to 40% by 2027. Despite recent progress, there is an enduring participation gradient between persons with either a long-term illness or a disability and those without such illness or disability. Both this Government and Sport Ireland, the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, are extremely committed to making this participation gap in sport a thing of the past.
Increased funding secured for sport in Budget 2025 enabled Sport Ireland to appoint a Disability in Sport Lead in February of this year. The creation of the post delivered on an action set out in both the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 and the Sport Ireland Statement and Commitment to Action in Disability Sport.
The role has the potential to be transformational and the Disability in Sport Lead will work with National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Local Sports Partnerships, and other sporting bodies to develop and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport.
Additionally, Sport Ireland allocates €1.2 million at local level to fund a national network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers (SIDOs) aligned to each of the 29 Local Sports Partnerships in the country. The SIDOs work in a coordinating capacity with all relevant stakeholders to increase and sustain participation opportunities for all people with disabilities.
Sport Ireland has also allocated an additional €2.4 million for supporting disability sport focused NGBs to continue their work in this area. This investment will help ensure that anyone with a disability, at any level, grassroots and above, can avail of their absolute right to enjoy and reap the benefits of sport and physical activity.
1370. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if, as part of the new National Development Plan, consideration is being given to introducing a mid-scale infrastructure sports capital infrastructure fund to support sports clubs across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43393/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. In 2024, the second round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding. On 4 November 2024, grants totalling €173 million were awarded to 35 projects. A review of the latest rounds of both CSFF and LSSIF programmes will be undertaken and that will inform the timing and approach of future rounds.
The National Development Plan is Ireland's long-term strategic investment plan, outlining how the government will invest in the country's infrastructure and development. This investment ensures sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels including people with disabilities and older people.
The Government recently published the National Development Plan, setting out total investment of €246.4 billion over the period 2026 - 2035 with sectoral capital allocations of €102.4 billion for 2026 to 2030 and a further €100 billion for 20230 to 2035. My Department is currently reviewing the allocations made to it and the quantum of funding available to sport will also inform future rounds of both capital funding programmes.
1371. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the plans to expand supports for local and independent media, including changes to the sound and vision scheme, local democracy reporting, and funding for local radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43395/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I understand the value of local and independent media, the role they play in the provision of essential public service content and the importance of protecting and supporting our local and regional independent media in order to sustain the continued provision of independent, high-quality journalism, which plays an indispensable role in providing objective, trustworthy and accurate news coverage to the public.
The Programme for Government recognises and acknowledges this and sets out our commitment to a strong, independent media sector that provides essential public service broadcasting, supports local journalism, and upholds press freedom.
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.
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. €5.7m was awarded in February 2025 to predominantly local and regional news media through the pilot Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes.
Coimisiún na Meán will conduct a review which will inform the design process of future iterations of the schemes and the views of stakeholders will be sought as a key aspect of this process, ensuring that the schemes are accessible and impactful as supports for the sector.
A further €10m was allocated in Budget 2025 to allow for the continuation of these journalism schemes and for the development of two further schemes, the Digital Transformation and News Reporting Schemes.
Following public consultation, the Digital Transformation Scheme will have regard to the varying needs of the sector, who will be invited to put forward costed proposals for projects they deem to be important for the viability and the development of their organisations. This will support investment in digital transformation measures, assisting media organisations in the continued provision of public service content which serves to inform the public, to maintain integrity of information and to preserve trust.?
The News Reporting Scheme will support the continued production of news by our local and regional media, who are among the most trusted sources of information in the national media landscape. Both schemes will be launched this year by Coimisiún na Meán.
In addition, €6m was allocated to support the provision of news and current affairs content on commercial radio and television. This is aligned with the Programme for Government commitment to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content.
These supports are in addition to the Sound and Vision Scheme which provided over €22.7m in funding last year and has so far in 2025 provided over €7.8m in funding to the production of audiovisual works in support of over 100 projects. Coimisiún na Meán also intend to introduce an updated Sound and Vision Scheme to align with the enactment of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill and will be engaging with stakeholders to inform the design of that scheme in due course.
Independent and local media, including local radio, 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.
My Department and Coimisiún na Meán will continue to work closely together to ensure that necessary supports are available for our media sector, who play an invaluable role in community engagement, cohesion and the promotion of social inclusion across the country and who provide a crucial public service in the delivery of trusted information to our citizens.
1372. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress to date in delivering high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million premises by 2026; the measures being taken to address remaining blackspots; how 5G and connected hubs policy will integrate with cultural and community development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43396/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
I am advised by NBI that there are over 564,000 premises in the Intervention Area (IA) and design work has been completed for 100% of these. NBI has also passed over 381,000 premises in the intervention area and are connecting circa 4,400 premises to their fibre network per month. NBI expect to have passed over 420,000 premises by end of 2025.
NBI also advise that 411,235 premises, across all counties in mainly rural areas, can now order or pre-order broadband and over 136,730 premises are already connected.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
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.
My Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on engagements with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises in the commercial area that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. This matter is currently being examined to identify appropriate solutions.
The roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
The connected hubs policy is under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. My officials have been advised by that Department that a new National Hubs Strategy is to be published later this year which will present a coherent and whole-of-government approach to the future development of digital hubs. The strategy will include measures to underpin the sustainable development of the network of remote working, enterprise and community digital hubs. This will contribute to balanced regional economic development, supporting remote working and providing access to digital services in rural communities.
1373. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the status of plans to introduce a culture card for 16- and 17-year-olds; the intended eligibility, value and distribution model; whether pilot schemes will be run through schools or youth services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43397/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs committed to in the Programme for Government, I propose to examine the introduction of a youth Culture Card and its potential to enhance interest in the arts among young people. My Department will undertake the formal engagement in the primary assessment of modalities, scope, and reach for a Youth Card scheme. I am committed to ensuring that this work commences in the coming weeks.
It is important to ensure that any initiative provides access opportunities for all young people and represents an effective and efficient use of resources. Consideration will be supported with advice from my Department, other relevant Departments, the National Cultural Institutions, and stakeholders in the arts sector.
The participation of young people is crucial to fostering creativity and advancing the arts throughout Ireland. The introduction of a Culture Card could contribute significantly to this goal. Research regarding arts and cultural participation among children confirms the benefits to children when they engage in the arts in their early years, and also indicates that patterns of participation in the arts are set from a very young age. My Department already actively supports a range programmes and initiatives which create opportunities for all ranges of young people around the country to engage with the arts and culture with little or no further participation cost to the public which includes:-
Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 which aims to embed creativity into the heart of children and young people’s lives. Through a cross-government partnership between this Department, the Department of Education, the Department of Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Arts Council, a combined inter-departmental budget allocation of over €10 million in 2025, including an allocation through the Government’s Shared Island initiative, will provide creative opportunities for 0-24 year olds. With a particular focus on ensuring access for children and young people that are seldom heard and at risk of disadvantage, programmes include Local Creative Youth Partnerships (LCYPs). There are currently LCYPs based in 7 Education and Training Boards across the country. They aim to provide out-of-school creative and cultural activities for young people by bringing together the whole local infrastructure. The target audience for all LCYP programmes are children and young people in local communities (within the ETB’s geographical remit) in ‘out of school’ settings with a particular focus on previously less served cohorts. An eighth LCYP will be established in 2025 following a recent callout to the remaining ETBs.
Cruinniú na nÓg’s annual day of creativity for children and young people up to 18 years of age, took place on 7th June this year in collaboration with all 31 local authorities and 3 strategic partnerships, with all events free to attend. Over 1000 events took place across the island of Ireland.
The Creative Youth Nurture Fund awarded 9 projects over €700,000 in 2023, and this is running until 2025, to engage with specific cohorts of seldom heard children and young people in a creative experience in which their voice is central.
The Creative Youth on a Shared Island dimension of the Creative Ireland Programme, has allocate over €1 million for 2024-2025 supporting 6 projects to bring children and young people from across the island of Ireland, engaging in creative writing and storytelling, song-writing, parade, theatre and more.
Post-primary schools and Youthreach Centres engage in Creative Youth programmes such as Creative Schools, Creative Clusters, Creative Engagement and BLAST, bringing enhanced access to arts, culture and creativity in education.
In addition to the allocation above, the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 also supports, through funding from the Department of Education, Music Generation’s National Music Education Programme which has been allocated €6.9 million in 2025.
My Department also supports several programmes and initiatives through the National Cultural Institution. For example, the Department has provided funding to the National Cultural Institutions to digitise and archive a large amount of it content and collections, which is available online for all ages to view and study, and a lot of this material was developed and rolled out during the COVID-10 pandemic.
Furthermore, each of these organisations also have a range of programmes, events and resources for young people including both in-person and online events and resources.
My Department is investing ambitiously in the audio-visual sector, all with a view to growing these sectors and providing new opportunities for younger people to participate in arts, culture and media activities. This group is also considered a key demographic for our work to stimulate the night-time economy.
Access and exposure to the arts from an early age can establish a lifetime interest and a fulfilling appreciation. I will welcome all contributions to the considerations around the potential for a youth Culture Card.
1374. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when updated capital allocations for national cultural institutions will be published in the context of the ongoing review of the National Development Plan; if priority works, including conservation, accessibility and digitisation, have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government set out a review of the National Development Plan as a key priority to enhance the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next five years. The updated NDP which was published on 22 July, features annual sectoral capital allocations from 2026 to 2030, and overall capital expenditure ceilings to 2035. This leads to a total investment of €275.4 billion over 2026-2035. The total provision for this Department following the review for the period 2026-2030 is €2.22bn.
Over the coming months, Ministers will set out their priority programmes and projects within their capital allocations. A clear focus will be on providing greater certainty on the projects and programmes that will advance and get delivered in the next five years, with realistic timelines and budgets.
My Department is continuing to work with the National Cultural Institutions and the OPW to deliver an ambitious programme of flagship projects under the NDP that will redevelop and future proof the Institutions for generations to come. These projects often involve the redevelopment of city-centre heritage buildings, a challenging undertaking by its very nature. The development of such complex projects is based on a thorough business case process, a detailed design and the input of specialist expertise. Work is ongoing on all projects in the Department’s NDP portfolio, they are all at various stages of project life cycle of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
My Department will also continue to consider individual proposals from the National Cultural Institutions for other requests for capital funding to support acquisition of items of historical or artistic significance, or to support projects that enhance the capacity of the National Cultural Institutions with regard to conservation of items in their care, or to improve accessibility for in-person visitors or via digital means. Any proposals of this type are considered on their respective merits but also in the context of there being sufficient flexibility in the overall budget for capital funding.
1375. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current status of preparations for the public release of the 1926 Census records by the National Archives; the timeline for digitisation and publication; the staffing and funding allocated to support this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43399/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Archives is preparing the 1926 Census for public release in April 2026. €5 Million in funding has been allocated by my Department for the significant volume of work required to prepare the 1926 Census for online publication, involving cataloguing, conservation, digitisation and transcription of the data in the individual 1926 Census forms. Much of this work is being undertaken by staff of the National Archives. The published census data will be linked to the digital images of the individual returns in which the data was recorded. This work is on track for completion in time for public release next year, on 18 April 2026.
I know that the release of the 1926 census is eagerly anticipated and will be of great benefit to anyone carrying out research on their Irish ancestry and family history. These historic records which will be freely available and easily accessible will be a rich source of information to all members of the public and broader diaspora.
1376. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update following the stakeholders’ forum, and on plans for section 481 to ensure that quality employment is delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Section 481 stakeholder forum was held in February 2024 and was attended by representatives from all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry. The majority of the participants considered the forum to be a useful engagement between government agencies and industry stakeholders. The Department will give consideration in due course to holding similar events.
The structure of the event incorporated a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements. The primary focus of the day was, however, input from the stakeholders themselves and on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions and discuss them with other industry stakeholders. A professional rapporteur conducted the event. There is a Report that recorded all the views expressed at the Section 481 stakeholder forum and this was circulated to all relevant Government Departments and State Agencies to consider, as appropriate, its input to future changes around the Section 481 Film Tax Relief Scheme.
The application process for a Section 481 Certificate requires the producer company and qualifying company, as defined by the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, to sign an undertaking in respect of quality employment and provide details of any Workplace Relations Commission decisions applying to the qualifying company, the producer company or other companies in the group. Where those decisions include a nding against such a company, conrmation is necessary that the nding has been implemented or a satisfactory explanation provided.
A producer that does not comply with the employment and skills development requirements may not be eligible for Section 481 film tax credit. The monitoring of compliance with employment rights legislation is the responsibility of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court - the mechanisms of the State for regulating employment law. They are under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Along with additional training requirements for Section 481 film tax relief, there is an increased emphasis and scrutiny on the provision of quality employment across film projects. My department requires the Production Company to sign an Undertaking in respect of quality employment (Tab M). Each Producer Company and Qualifying Company is required to give an undertaking, not only to be in compliance with all obligations in employment law, but crucially to have in place written policies and procedures in relation to grievances, discipline and dignity at work (including harassment, bullying and equal opportunity).
1377. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on social media disinformation and combatting it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Counter Disinformation Strategy (NCDS) was published on 17 April 2025. It was developed on foot of recommendation 8.8 of the Future of Media Commission which called for coordinated and strategic action to combat the damaging impact of disinformation on Irish society. The Strategy sets out 9 commitments and 36 actions to help counter the problem.
The importance of public communications and trust in public institutions is acknowledged, as well as a commitment to promote trust in the media and support media pluralism and media freedom. The need to adopt a lifelong approach to empowering all citizens with media literacy is also set out, with training, awareness and public library and literacy strategies identified as key actions. The Strategy also highlights the importance of fact-checking and pre-bunking expertise in Irish media with actions to support its growth. The Strategy also acknowledges the need to build knowledge of effective counter disinformation strategies by supporting collaborative research.
The vital role of effective implementation of legislation and regulation is clearly acknowledged with actions relating to the Digital Services Act, the General Data Protection Regulation and the European Media Freedom Act. The development of a coordinated approach to effectively counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference – also known as FIMI - is identified as an action along with the need to support and engage with international initiatives to counter disinformation and promote information integrity.
In terms of oversight of implementation, my Department leads a steering committee which will be supported by a broader group of experts. The steering group is comprised of the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) Ireland, Media Literacy Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman. It met for the first time on 20 June. Draft terms of reference and a draft implementation plan are being considered and will be finalised and published in the coming period.
The Programme for Government commits to funding the implementation of the Strategy and my Department is currently developing proposals for consideration as part of Budget 2026.
1378. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update and timeline on LSSIF and sports capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43523/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), benefitting over forty sports, as well as multi-sport facilities, throughout the country. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
The Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF).
The allocations under the first LSSIF round (2018) were announced in January 2020 and totaled €86.4 million to 33 different projects. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023, bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million.
Grants totaling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, were allocated under the second (2024) round of LSSIF in November 2024. The cumulative total allocated from the LSSIF therefore now stands at €297 million.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
1379. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on his engagement with the FAI about long-term planning to ensure the sustainability of the League of Ireland, including the upgrading of stadiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43524/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sustainability of the League of Ireland is fundamentally a matter for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), which, like all National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), is an independent, autonomous body and as such, is responsible for the organisation and development of its own sport, including the organisation of its games and leagues and the development of its facilities.
Further to a commitment in the Programme for Government, consideration is being given to how the development of football academies might be best supported. An important piece of work in this context is supported by an additional funding grant of €1 million to the FAI in 2024. This funding will enable the FAI to produce a detailed report on the development of football academies, including a deep baseline audit of existing academy structures and needs, which will inform the development of an academy development plan. The funding also enabled the FAI to recently appoint an Academies Administrator to support the development of new academy programmes and to track their impact. I look forward to further engagement with the FAI on this topic and to receiving the report which will be key to considering the next steps to be taken.
While the FAI has sought significant State funding to support its academies development plans, it is important to note the sizable financial support directed to the FAI and to football more generally over the past few years. Over €75 million in State funding has been allocated to the FAI between 2019 and 2024, including €30.2 million specifically to support football development and aimed at promoting participation in football by young people, with the balance in funding comprising Covid-specific and energy supports to the FAI and the wider football sector.
The 2020-2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and the FAI provided €5.8 million per annum to the FAI. A new MOU was signed on 17 December 2024, which has increased State funding to the FAI to €6 million per annum for the period 2024-2027. The bulk of this funding will go towards the FAI’s Youth Field Sports grants, which are aimed at developing the grassroots of the game, improving coaching and playing standards, growing participation numbers and embracing communities outside of the traditional base of the sport. Under the terms of both MOUs, the FAI has made significant progress regarding governance reform.
With regard to stadiums, €48.9 million has been allocated to football stadium projects at Finn Harps, Dalymount Park, Sligo Rovers and Wexford FC under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. Considering this significant state investment, it is important that we now see progress on the development of these four stadia. While future rounds of LSSIF will be open to further FAI/LOI applications, it is vital that the game itself also generates its own funding for the development of its facilities.
In addition, €76 million has been allocated to support the development of grassroots club football facilities nationwide under the 2020 and 2023 rounds of Community Sports Facilities Fund (formerly known as the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
The Government has also introduced changes to the tax code in the most recent Finance Act to incentivise more people and businesses to donate to sports clubs and NGBs, thus enabling them to generate increased external investment.
I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in all levels of Irish football and to see it maximise its potential in the coming years.
1380. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on his engagement with Louth GAA on the delivery of the new stadium in Dundalk, and the plans for LSSIF funding to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sports Facility Fund (CSFF).
The GAA submitted an application for funding support to a number of projects, including the Louth GAA stadium development, under LSSIF 2024, However, due to the unprecedented scale of funding demand, a wide range of valid applications did not receive an allocation under this second round of the LSSIF, including the Louth GAA application.
The allocations under the first LSSIF round (2018) were announced in January 2020 and totaled €86.4 million to 33 different projects. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023, bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million.
Grants totaling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, were allocated under the second (2024) round of LSSIF in November 2024. The cumulative total allocated from the LSSIF therefore now stands at €297 million.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
1381. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of full time equivalents directly employed by his Department, broken down by grade, in tabular form. [43655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 503 full time equivalent staff employed by my Department. The table below sets out the grade or grade eqivalent of each.
|
Row Labels |
Count of Name |
|
ACCOUNTANT |
3 |
|
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER |
39 |
|
ARCHIVIST |
23 |
|
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL |
101 |
|
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OFFICER |
2 |
|
ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
5 |
|
CIVILIAN DRIVER |
2 |
|
CLERICAL OFFICER |
46 |
|
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
108 |
|
HEAD SERVICES OFFICER |
3 |
|
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
102 |
|
KEEPER OF MANUSCRIPTS |
3 |
|
LEGAL ADVISOR |
1 |
|
PRINCIPAL OFFICER |
33 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL |
1 |
|
SENIOR ARCHIVIST |
9 |
|
SERVICES ATTENDANT |
1 |
|
SERVICES OFFICER |
10 |
|
SPECIAL ADVISOR |
3 |
|
STAFF OFFICER |
1 |
|
TEMPORARY CLERICAL OFFICER |
5 |
|
DIGITAL MARKETING APPRENTICE |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
503 |
