Written Answers Nos. 992-1007
992. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will support increasing the number of Irish language courses at third level to 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52050/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur higher education system plays an important role in supporting and promoting the use of the Irish language.
The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 highlights the importance of the Irish language by placing a responsibility on the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) promote and use the language. My Department, through the HEA, also provides ring-fenced funding to this end. However, it should be noted that HEIs are autonomous in their Irish language strategies, including the provision and expansion of university courses offered through the Irish language.
Funding of €900,000 is provided annually by my Department to support greater use of the Irish language by students and staff in our HEIs. This funding is allocated through the HEA as block grants, allowing institutions fund their own Irish-language initiatives.
The HEA also distributes funding for the development of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge at the University of Galway. My Department contributes €1.8 million annually to this, with additional funding coming from the Department of the Gaeltacht.
Additionally, the HEA sponsors the Gníomhaí Gaeilge initiative and has provided €150,000 in funding over the last three years to develop Irish language skills among students in Irish language clubs and societies through mentorship and training, in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland and Conradh na Gaeilge. Given the success of this project, the HEA has approved further funding over the next three academic years totalling more than €220,000.
The continued support and promotion of the Irish language within higher education is vital to its growth and presence in both academic and public sector contexts. Through the Higher Education Authority and various funding initiatives, my Department is committed to ensuring that higher education institutions have the resources and autonomy to integrate the Irish language into their offerings and campus life. By fostering an environment where Irish is actively used and developed, we can strengthen its role in the public sphere and contribute to its long-term sustainability.
993. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the membership of the Trading for Impact Stakeholder Engagement Group; the terms of reference of the group; the details of the meetings of the group to date, and the dates of same; the date of the next meeting of the group; when the minutes of meetings will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51196/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTrading for Impact, the National Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027, represents an ambitious step forward in the Government’s ongoing commitment to social enterprise. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, it puts forward a vision designed to help cultivate and sustain strong, impactful social enterprises in Ireland.
Minister Buttimer was in attendance for the inaugural meeting of the Trading for Impact Stakeholder Engagement Group (TFISEG) took place on June 11, 2025. The second meeting of the Group took place on September 25, 2025, where the minutes of the first meeting were approved. The minutes of this meeting are now available on Gov.ie and all subsequent minutes of the TFISEG will be published there, when approved.
The roles and responsibilities of the group, its membership and terms of reference are as follows:
Role and Responsibilities of the Trading for Impact Stakeholder Engagement Group
The Engagement Group (the Group) will be chaired by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht which has responsibility for social enterprise policy in Ireland.
The role of the Group is to advise, monitor and co-ordinate the overall implementation of the Trading for Impact National Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027 and, in particular, progress on the delivery of the individual measures (i.e. commitments) set out in the policy.
The Group will provide feedback, guidance and advice to the Department in relation to the implementation of the policy, as well as early warning regarding potential obstacles in delivery of the policy.
The Group will also provide insights into developments, opportunities and emerging trends in the social enterprise ecosystem in Ireland and internationally (if appropriate).
The Group may be invited by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to lead on, or participate in, the delivery of some measures in the policy. In such cases, the Department will retain ultimate responsibility for the output.
The Group may establish sub-groups to support its work in specific areas. Members of the Group may participate in any sub-group relevant to their area of interest or expertise. Sub-groups may also include members external to the group but must include at least one member of the group who will be responsible for reporting back to the group. Terms of Reference for sub-groups will be established by the Group.
Members of the Group are nominated for the term of the policy.
The Group will be reviewed after two years, i.e. 2027.
Membership of the Group is voluntary and unremunerated. However, reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in the attendance at meetings by members whose expenses are not ordinarily refundable from any other source may have such reasonable expenses refunded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in accordance with public sector guidelines.
The role of members of the Group is to represent the interests of the breadth of Social Enterprise in Ireland and not any individual organisational positions and/or interests.
Membership
|
Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (Chair) |
|
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
|
Department of Enterprise Tourism and Employment |
|
Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration |
|
Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment |
|
Department of Social Protection (DSP) |
|
Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation |
|
Dublin City Council (DCC) |
|
Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) |
|
Irish Social Enterprise Network (ISEN) |
|
Local Development Companies Network (LDCN - formerly ILDN) |
|
The Wheel |
|
Pobal |
|
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) |
|
Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed |
|
Social Enterprise Research Network of Ireland (SERNI) |
|
Social Enterprise Practitioner Rural |
|
Social Enterprise Practitioner Urban |
994. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025; and if he will provide the data storage supplier, in tabular form. [51370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Information and Communications Technology Managed Desktop and Managed Hosting Service is provided by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
My Department's internet service and access to the Government Cloud is provided through Government Networks shared service, also delivered by OGCIO. As such, my Department does not currently engage a commercial internet service provider or use commercial cloud storage or cloud computing platforms.
995. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if a rural regeneration and development fund (RRDF) application (details supplied) will be expedited; when he expects to announce the RRDF funding allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51465/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (or the RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date, the RRDF has allocated €593 million for 243 projects across Ireland.
A 4th Call for Category 2 applications was launched in October 2024. Typically projects deemed successful under Category 2 can access funding of up to €1m per project to cover the initial costs of planning, design and technical works for later large scale development. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14th of March.
The type of projects supported by the Fund, and the level of investment likely to be considered, is large-scale and ambitious in nature. As such, each application received must be given appropriate time for consideration and appraisal in line with the requirements of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
I can confirm that an application in respect of the project referenced by the Deputy has been received. The assessment process for applications received under this Call is nearing completion and I expect that an announcement of successful projects will be made in the near future. I remain committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and ambitious projects across rural Ireland.
996. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount Pobal and her Department have spent on the senior alert scheme from Sept 2021 to date in 2025, in the four areas covered under the scheme (Dublin, Munster, Leinster and Connaught-Ulster), by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra997. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a breakdown of spending for the senior alert scheme under the headings equipment, monitoring and administration from September 2021 to date in 2025, in the four areas covered under the scheme (Dublin, Munster, Leinster and Connaught/Ulster); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51648/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra998. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of alarms installed under the senior alert scheme from September 2021 to date in 2025, in the four areas covered under the scheme (Dublin, Munster, Leinster and Connaught/Ulster), by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51649/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra999. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has allocated additional funding to the senior alert scheme from September 2021 to date in 2025, over and above the value of the contract award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51650/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 996 to 999, inclusive, together.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme for the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant. The scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department.
The allocation to the scheme is €3.2m in 2025. As this is a demand led scheme, it will be kept under continuous review by myself and officials in my Department to ensure adequate funding can be made available to meet the requirements of all qualifying applicants. There is also provision under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2025 for funding to meet the additional and exceptional demands of the Scheme.
Since the scheme was launched in 2015, over 153,000 participants have been approved for the alarms, including over 18,200 in 2024. The current iteration of the scheme came into effect in September 2021 and, along with the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements, it introduced a new key feature in the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web-based connections. My Department currently covers the cost of equipment and one year's monitoring and expenditure. The scheme is largely driven by demand rather than county or area based budgets.
Regarding funding to the Scheme, the allocation in 2025 for the SAS initiative is €3.2m exchequer funding, with additional funding available from the Dormant Accounts Fund to meet demand. Expenditure for the SAS during the period 2021 – 2025 is listed below:
Year Expenditure €m
2021 €4.86
2022 €4.59
2023 €6.18
2024 €6.31
2025 €2.74*
*2025 spend to date in 2025
Please see table below showing breakdown of approved participants (i.e. alarms installed) for the years 2021 to date, per county. Details of funding for administration and monitoring contracts for this initiative cannot be disclosed as they are commercially sensitive.
|
County (participant) |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 (up to 24th Sept) |
Total |
|
Carlow |
188 |
194 |
175 |
231 |
176 |
964 |
|
Cavan |
318 |
412 |
374 |
471 |
329 |
1904 |
|
Clare |
392 |
371 |
524 |
606 |
331 |
2224 |
|
Cork |
1812 |
1970 |
2441 |
2515 |
1587 |
10325 |
|
Donegal |
781 |
1001 |
1117 |
1098 |
798 |
4795 |
|
Dublin |
3677 |
3900 |
4847 |
5086 |
3437 |
20947 |
|
Galway |
1326 |
1451 |
1672 |
1767 |
1209 |
7425 |
|
Kerry |
554 |
562 |
567 |
749 |
507 |
2939 |
|
Kildare |
341 |
514 |
557 |
869 |
668 |
2949 |
|
Kilkenny |
246 |
272 |
332 |
324 |
235 |
1409 |
|
Laois |
124 |
223 |
289 |
359 |
251 |
1246 |
|
Leitrim |
175 |
217 |
239 |
237 |
166 |
1034 |
|
Limerick |
581 |
575 |
766 |
765 |
547 |
3234 |
|
Longford |
126 |
162 |
198 |
184 |
157 |
827 |
|
Louth |
271 |
389 |
517 |
711 |
510 |
2398 |
|
Mayo |
841 |
856 |
1026 |
1005 |
733 |
4461 |
|
Meath |
513 |
601 |
557 |
675 |
533 |
2879 |
|
Monaghan |
353 |
336 |
359 |
401 |
294 |
1743 |
|
Offaly |
537 |
361 |
483 |
480 |
356 |
2217 |
|
Roscommon |
215 |
269 |
334 |
400 |
291 |
1509 |
|
Sligo |
444 |
454 |
541 |
504 |
335 |
2278 |
|
Tipperary |
766 |
645 |
794 |
825 |
545 |
3575 |
|
Waterford |
348 |
353 |
451 |
473 |
300 |
1925 |
|
Westmeath |
222 |
230 |
315 |
396 |
311 |
1474 |
|
Wexford |
481 |
366 |
503 |
424 |
330 |
2104 |
|
Wicklow |
339 |
331 |
464 |
637 |
486 |
2257 |
|
Total |
15971 |
17015 |
20442 |
22192 |
15422 |
91042 |
1000. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the senior alert scheme will be put out to tender again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51651/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme for the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant. The scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal.
The scheme is currently under review, with the current contracts for supply and monitoring of alarms in place until August 2026. As part of the current review, alternative technologies are being considered. The new iteration of the scheme will take account of technology advancements to ensure vulnerable people are not left isolated during extreme weather events where power/communications are down. Departmental officials continue to engage with telecoms operators, technology consultants, representative bodies, Pobal and all other relevant stakeholders in this regard.
I expect the tender process for the next iteration of the scheme to be commenced in the near future, once the outcome of the review and consultation process is known, with a new iteration of the scheme to be launched in early 2026.
1001. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he intends to advertise another round of community centre investment fund grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51750/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided approximately €110 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A decision in relation to the timing of further iterations and the measures to be included will be made in the context of the management of ongoing commitments under the fund and the annual budgetary process.
My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
1002. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 10 July 2025, for a further update on the works to a library (details supplied) as of the end of September 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the upgrade to the library referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance. Notwithstanding this, I am informed by the local authority that the position, as previously advised, is unchanged. I have asked my officials to ask Cork County Council to provide further details to the Deputy.
1003. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will support the restoration of the Gaeltacht housing grant scheme to assist Irish speakers to live in the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deputy will be aware that the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill, 2024 passed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann before the summer recess. The main purpose of this Bill is to reintroduce elections to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. However, in order to support the provision of housing in Gaeltacht areas, the Bill contains a provision to allow an tÚdarás dispose of lands held by the organisation to either an approved housing body or a housing authority for the purpose of providing housing in the Gaeltacht.
However, I would add that it is local authorities who can implement planning and development policies that will respond to the issue of housing provision in Gaeltacht areas. At a meeting with the Local Government Management Agency earlier this year, I made this known to CEOs of local authorities that have Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas under their jurisdiction. I also recommended that relevant local authorities integrate the specific needs of the Gaeltacht into County Development Plans, and consult with Údarás na Gaeltachta on this matter to ensure that any housing policy to be implemented is appropriate to address the housing shortage in the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta will, accordingly, have a secondary role in the provision of housing in the Gaeltacht, as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Authorities have primary responsibility in this regard. Indeed, since the suspension of my Department's scheme of housing grants under the Gaeltacht Housing Acts a number of years ago, the Government has introduced a number of new schemes available to those either purchasing or building new homes nationwide, including in the Gaeltacht, which are financially more attractive than the scheme previously administered by my department.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has done considerable work in conjunction with my Department to develop Gaeltacht Planning Guidelines. It is understood that this work is now being accelerated and that the guidelines will be published in the coming months.
It is also my understanding that Údarás na Gaeltachta has identified sites that may be suitable for housing development Gaeltacht areas. The sites in question are located close to other housing developments or community services. Údarás na Gaeltachta has indicated that it now intends to engage with key stakeholders regarding the development of these sites, as well as working with relevant partners to address various challenges regarding the general provision and availability of housing in Gaeltacht areas.
In addition, Housing Capital Grants are available from Údarás na Gaeltachta to community development organisations in the Gaeltacht who receive an annual administration grant from Údarás na Gaeltachta. A 10% capital grant is available up to a maximum of €300,000 for community development organisations, enabling them to develop small, language-based housing projects.
In light of the above suite of measures currently in place across Government, it is not my intention to re-introduce the scheme of grants to which the Deputy refers.
1004. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will support giving powers to Údarás na Gaeltachta to purchase land and houses to provide for housing and other social and cultural facilities. [52053/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deputy will be aware that the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill, 2024 passed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann before the summer recess. The main purpose of this Bill is to reintroduce elections to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. However, in order to support the provision of housing in Gaeltacht areas, the Bill contains a provision to allow an tÚdarás dispose of lands held by the organisation to either an approved housing body or a housing authority for the purpose of providing housing in the Gaeltacht.
However, I would add that it is local authorities who can implement planning and development policies that will respond to the issue of housing provision in Gaeltacht areas. At a meeting with the Local Government Management Agency earlier this year, I made this known to CEOs of local authorities that have Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas under their jurisdiction. I also recommended that relevant local authorities integrate the specific needs of the Gaeltacht into County Development Plans, and consult with Údarás na Gaeltachta on this matter to ensure that any housing policy to be implemented is appropriate to address the housing shortage in the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta will, accordingly, have a secondary role in the provision of housing in the Gaeltacht, as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Authorities have primary responsibility in this regard.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has done considerable work in conjunction with my Department to develop Gaeltacht Planning Guidelines. It is understood that this work is now being accelerated and that the guidelines will be published in the coming months.
It is also my understanding that Údarás na Gaeltachta has identified sites that may be suitable for housing development Gaeltacht areas. The sites in question are located close to other housing developments or community services. Údarás na Gaeltachta has indicated that it now intends to engage with key stakeholders regarding the development of these sites, as well as working with relevant partners to address various challenges regarding the general provision and availability of housing in Gaeltacht areas.
In addition, Housing Capital Grants are available from Údarás na Gaeltachta to community development organisations in the Gaeltacht who receive an annual administration grant from Údarás na Gaeltachta. A 10% capital grant is available up to a maximum of €300,000 for community development organisations, enabling them to develop small, language-based housing projects.
As regards the provision of social and cultural facilities in the Gaeltacht, I can confirm that both my own department and Údarás na Gaeltachta deliver a range of schemes aimed at developing sports and recreation and educational facilities in Gaeltacht areas and also provide annual funding to a network of community organisations operating in the arts and culture, sport, community development and language planning sectors.
1005. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding streams available for a childcare facility for works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52070/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports playgrounds and other community facilities that are not privately owned and are widely available for free for community use. This includes support through the CLÁR Programme, LEADER, the Local Enhancement Programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including playgrounds. The CLÁR 2025 programme opened on 4 April this year and my officials are currently assessing the applications submitted under measure 1. I hope to announce the successful projects later in the year. A new iteration of the scheme will open again next year.
The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. LEADER has for many years supported playground projects submitted by community groups. However schools and childcare facilities are ineligible for LEADER funding.
The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas nationwide, and playgrounds can be supported. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority
Playgrounds and other community infrastructure can also be funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) as part of larger projects aimed at the rejuvenation of our towns and villages. It is important to note that single private enterprises are not supported under TVRS. The 2025 TVRS closed to applications on 25 July 2025 and the assessment process is ongoing.
Details of all funding available can be found on my Departments website.
1006. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will adequately support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in budget 2026 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52087/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should be aware that baseline funding from my Department for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht has more than doubled over the past five years. 2026 financial allocations for each Government department, including my own, will be agreed as part of the Estimates Process, negotiations in respect of which are currently underway.
I can assure the Deputy that I will be doing my utmost in the course of these negotiations in order to ensure the optimum outcome for the Gaeltacht and Irish language sector.
1007. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding in place for communities to apply for new-build community centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided approximately €110 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A decision in relation to the timing of further iterations and the measures to be included will be made in the context of the management of ongoing commitments under the fund and the annual budgetary process.
My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
