Marie Sherlock
Ceist:295. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school (details supplied) has received no additional SNA support since becoming a DEIS school in 2019. [52811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (295)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I have forwarded this issue to them for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
Special needs assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools by helping to ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
My department has been steadily building on the number of SNAs in our education system. There are now over 23,000 SNAs allocated to schools, working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing children with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential. This is the highest number ever.
The NCSE issues guidance each year to schools regarding SNA reviews and the guidance for 2025/26 school year issued on the 12 September 2025.
It is important to clarify some of the issues raised since publication of the guidelines.
The process for allocating SNAs has been in place since 2014 and is not changing this year. There has been no freeze on SNAs, in fact the number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 43% in the last 5 years alone.
Schools were issued with their allocations for the 2025/26 school year in June and the SNA review window from 15 September to 24 October relates to schools who believe they do not have sufficient SNAs to support their care needs at present.
A school can apply to the NCSE at any time during the school year, as in previous years, for a review where emerging or new care needs arise. An emerging care need for example would be changing care needs in their existing student enrolment, newly identified care need or a new enrolment(s) with care needs.
The NCSE has written to all schools since the publication of the guidelines to clarify that a school can request a review during the school year and not just in the review period set out in the guidelines.
The following are the reasons for the timeline of reviews contained in the guidance:
1. Supports the earlier announcement of allocations for the 2026/27 school year to align with the release of the annual staffing schedule.
2. Management bodies, staff representative bodies, schools and SNA’s have all requested the department to ensure that SNA allocations issue earlier each year and ideally should align with the general staffing allocation in February each year.
3. Supports the SNA workforce by giving them early clarity on their roles.
4. Facilitates the SNA Redeployment Scheme.
The role and responsibilities for SNAs has also not changed. SNAs remain responsible for meeting primary care needs for students with special educational needs.
New special classes continue to be supported with additional SNAs each time a new class opens – this has not changed. The NCSE guidelines set out the number of SNAs per each category of special class and there is no change to those baseline allocations.
Any school who has concerns about the level of their SNA allocation should contact their local special education needs organiser. This has always been the case and remains today.
The NCSE assesses the level of need within the school as a whole and this is critical to ensure that the care needs of the entire school are identified and that the school is resourced to meet this identified need. There continues to be separate allocations for mainstream and special classes in individual schools.
Then the NCSE completes the SNA review and if additional SNA support is identified as being required it will be provided. This has always been the case.
The NCSE carried out a record number of reviews in 2025 to ensure that children who most needed SNA support could access it. This will continue for 2025/26 school year. I want to assure you that the department and the NCSE, through all of our policy and guidance such as resource allocations, take a child centred focus and approach to ensure that all children in our schools with special education care needs are provided with a supportive environment and the resources needed to help them develop and be prepared for life after school.
The NCSE has confirmed they will be engaging with stakeholders to clarify any issues raised.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (296, 297, 298)
William Aird
Ceist:296. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the review of the RACE scheme, including any proposals for public consultation; and whether this review will be in place before the 2026 State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52816/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWilliam Aird
Ceist:297. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider the introduction of additional time to the current suite of RACE accommodations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52817/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWilliam Aird
Ceist:298. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm whether earlier confirmation of accommodations for individual students being accommodated under RACE will be provided prior to the 2026 State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 to 298, inclusive, together.
I can advise the Deputy that the Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the scheme in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme and the ongoing review.
Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 296.
Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 296.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (299)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:299. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 24 September 2025, if she will re-engage with Bus Éireann for clarification in relation to this route given the information provided in the reply is contrary to the information provided to parents by Bus Éireann (details supplied); and given some children are not receiving school transport on this route. [52833/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that further to the parliamentary question listed above, Bus Éireann has confirmed that the service referred to by the Deputy commenced on the 27 August 2025.
My department has requested that the Bus Éireann local office contact the family directly to confirm the GPS co-ordinates and pick up point. If the family has any further queries, they can contact officials in the School Transport Section of my Department, using the Customer Contact Form at cs.education.gov.ie/, where they will be happy to assist.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (300, 302, 303)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:300. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department's working definition of the terms 'man', 'woman', 'male' and 'female' as used in official Departmental documents, policies, teaching materials or curriculum guidelines; if she will confirm whether these definitions are consistent with biological and legal definitions applied elsewhere in Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52864/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:302. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm whether schools are instructed, formally or informally, to prioritise biological definitions of sex when teaching about puberty, reproduction, and human development; the way in which her Department ensures consistency between educational content and established medical and legal standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:303. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has consulted medical authorities, such as the Medical Council of Ireland or the HSE's clinical programmes, and legal authorities, such as the Attorney General's Office, when framing definitions or guidance relating to the terms 'man', 'woman', 'male' and 'female' for use in curriculum development or school policies; if she will provide details of such consultations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52867/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 300, 302 and 303 together.
In regard to curriculum, teaching and learning in the particular areas referenced by the Deputy can range across, for example, Science, Social, Personal and Health Education, and Biology while the terms mentioned can occur in many contexts. In all teaching and learning, the focus is on addressing relevant learning outcomes.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) works with education stakeholders to shape the curriculum from early learning and care to post-primary level, and its approach relies on research, networking, consultation and deliberation. In the context of curriculum development, the NCCA has engaged as appropriate with clinical experts within the HSE. Development of advice on curriculum entails participation of a wide range of stakeholders. It is based on research evidence, good practice, and public consultation, which is a core element of the process and affords an opportunity for all interested parties to comment on the proposed approach, learning outcomes and wording in specifications.
In regard to other Department documents and policies more generally, particular concerns in relation to the terms mentioned have not arisen and accordingly, medical or legal advice has not been sought.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (301)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:301. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the redeveloped primary school curriculum, and the associated well-being strand, includes any definitions or references to gender identity, gender expression, or related terminology; if so, to provide the full text of such references; and if she will clarify whether these references are consistent with biological definitions of sex recognised in medicine and law. [52865/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
“Being well” is one of the 7 key competencies of the new curriculum. “Being well” develops children’s understanding and appreciation of wellbeing and their ability to be as healthy as they can be - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It fosters self-acceptance and self-awareness and promotes the importance of children seeing themselves as competent and resourceful. This supports their ability to deal with the normal challenges of life, become resilient, and cope in a variety of situations and circumstances. Wellbeing is one of five broad curriculum areas and will consist of Physical Education and Social, Personal and Health Education and will also incorporate Values education.
The Wellbeing specification at primary level does not include a Learning Outcome related to gender identity.
At primary level, the focus is on developing a positive sense of self-identity, recognising and valuing the diversity of all individuals, challenging gender stereotypes, and addressing issues such as discrimination and bullying.
The Bí Cineálta: Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (2024) provide guidance on preventing and responding to bullying. They include a non-exhaustive list of bullying types which include gender identity-based bullying. The Wellbeing specification includes Learning Outcomes that support children to understand and address bullying. The Wellbeing specification and the Bí Cineálta procedures are aligned in their shared aim of promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and respect for all.
Question No. 302 answered with Question No. 300.
Question No. 303 answered with Question No. 300.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (304)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:304. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and the National Council for Special Education will urgently review the allocation of SNA support for a school (details supplied); and provide greater transparency on the way in which allocations are determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs. The NCSE has advised me that the school referred to by the Deputy applied for a special need assistant (SNA) allocation review during the last school year. A review of the care needs was completed and school was advised that there was no change to their current allocation.
The school has reapplied to the NCSE for a SNA allocation review and this is presently progressing. The school will be advised of the outcome as a priority once completed.
Where additional SNA resources are necessary to support the needs of students in the school, this will be provided as it has been in previous years. In addition. following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make a local special educational needs organiser (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.
The NCSE issues guidance each year to schools regarding SNA allocation reviews and the guidance for the 2025/26 school year issued on the 12 September 2025. The NCSE has confirmed they will be engaging with stakeholders to clarify any issues raised on these guidelines. Schools are also welcome to contact the NCSE at a local level with any queries they have.
Site Acquisitions
Ceisteanna (305)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:305. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider acquiring a site at a location (details supplied) with appropriate zoning which will facilitate use by two schools in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52902/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the area referred to by the deputy, additional primary school capacity will be provided in this School Planning Area with plans for 2 permanent primary schools currently approved and in early architectural planning. These additional two primary schools - one of which is currently in interim accommodation in an adjacent School Planning area and due to be relocated are expected to meet future primary school place demands.
The lands referred to are currently being examined by my department in relation to the need for further expansion of accommodation at post-primary level and all options are being considered at present.
Site Acquisitions
Ceisteanna (306)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:306. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the acquisition of land and the plans to relocate a school (details supplied); to provide a timeline for the delivery of this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52903/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Agreement is in place to acquire this primary school site, officials in my department are in discussions with the current owner of the site to finalise the transfer of the ownership of the site to the Minister.
You will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included on the Department's Capital Program to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan (NDP).
The accommodation brief for the project is being finalised and the Department will be in further contact with the patron as part of this process.
The Department are actively seeking to advance the matter with the intention of finalising this acquisition as soon as possible. The capital project will progress to the design stages while the acquisition is being finalised. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (307)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:307. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the extension works in a school (details supplied); to confirm if a tender was issued by the end of Q1 2025 as planned; if the target of having the facility ready for the school's September 2026 intake is still achievable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52905/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential. This includes ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
The school referred to by the Deputy is part of the Pilot Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle. This contract is being delivered through the PPP process by the relevant PPP Company.
The tender was issued by the PPP Company as planned at the end of Q1 2025. The tender process has been concluded and the appointment of the contractor is currently being finalised.
It is estimated that it can take approximately 12 months to complete facilities of this nature, so It is a priority for all of the stakeholders to ensure construction commences at the earliest possible time.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (308)
Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:308. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps his Department is taking to ensure that all State-funded sporting bodies have robust safeguarding protocols in place; that all bodies are fully accountable to the Oireachtas; and that all bodies operate with transparent compliance timelines, in light of recent controversies at the Football Association of Ireland. [52488/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is simply no place for abuse of any kind in sport and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger welfare, whether for players, coaches or those who work for and support sports across the country.
It is vital then when concerns and complaints are raised that they are taken seriously and dealt with in an appropriate and sensitive manner.
Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to player welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.
In this regard, Sport Ireland has an extensive suite of Guidelines and Codes of Practice for the protection of children in sport, consistent with child protection guidance and legislation. Last year, Sport Ireland wrote to all NGBs to remind them of their responsibilities and that their policies and procedures regarding player welfare must be up to date and fit for purpose.
In August 2023, a new national Code of Conduct template for sporting organisations was launched by Sport Ireland. The Code of Conduct template sets out a set of guidelines and principles that promotes the behaviour and conduct expected from our athletes, coaches, parents/guardians, supporters, referees/officials, and club members. All NGBs were asked to use the national template Code of Conduct as an opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches to ensure that we have a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport.
Furthermore, Sport Ireland is conducting further research in the area of adult safeguarding which may inform future guidance.
Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes. In this regard, I would urge anyone who experienced harm or abuse from Irish football or who wishes to report issues related to abuse or inappropriate or unlawful behaviours, to contact the FAI’s independent complaints handling service, Raiseaconcern.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (309)
Barry Ward
Ceist:309. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the increased level of support and funding outlined for Coimisiún na Meán for enforcing the online safety code, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52712/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is now a significant body of legislation providing the foundation for Ireland’s online safety framework, including the regulation of social media. It is a whole-of-Government priority that children and vulnerable groups are able to avail of the full benefits of the online world without being exposed to harmful content.
Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s online safety and media regulator, is at the heart of that framework. It was established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which transposed the AudioVisual Media Services Directive, and that Act is one of three main elements of the online safety framework. The other two elements are the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), under which An Coimisiún is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation for which An Coimisiún is a competent authority.
In terms of resources, significant Exchequer funding was provided to An Coimisiún on establishment to allow it to hit the ground running. Staffing has expanded from around 40 at establishment to just under 240 currently, and will continue to grow to around 300 in the coming months. From this year, as provided for in legislation, An Coimisiún is largely self-funded from levies on regulated entities. The levies are based on the expected expenses arising for Coimisiún na Meán from the discharge of its functions. This ensures it will continue to have the resources necessary to implement Ireland's Online Safety Framework effectively, as well as its other regulatory responsibilities.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (310)
Barry Ward
Ceist:310. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the review of ways to enforce age verification obligations on online service providers and the commitment to hold them to account for failure to do so, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52713/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is my view that robust age verification is essential for keeping children safe online. I am committed to working across Government and with all stakeholders to ensure children and young people can be safe from harmful or illegal content online, in particular, through robust age verification.
Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Code, which applies to video-sharing platforms established in Ireland, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X, makes it clear that simply requiring self-declaration of age is no longer sufficient for platforms to meet their legal obligations. Part B of the Code, which has applied since July, obliges them to implement effective age assurance measures to ensure that, for example, adult-only video content cannot normally be seen by children.
Also in July, the European Commission published guidance on implementing Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, which deals with protecting minors. The guidance set out how platforms should address the risk of children and young people being exposed to illegal online content including by means of age-verification or age-assurance, setting children’s accounts as private by default, adjusting recommender systems and allowing children to block or mute users.
The Online Safety Framework is relatively new and the focus now is on implementation to ensure platforms meet their regulatory obligations. Failure to adequately fulfil these obligations can lead to significant financial sanctions and continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management under the OSMR.
In June, I met the main social media companies and reiterated the importance of age verification. The social media companies outlined the work that they were doing to improve online safety for minors. To be clear, the onus is on the platforms to ensure that there is effective age assurance in place.
However, we must all continue to build on work to date to make sure there are trustworthy systems in place for verifying age that respects users’ rights, including data protection. To that end, my officials are working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his Office to look at practical technical solutions which preserve privacy and are interoperable, including as part of the Digital Wallet being developed using MyGovID.
I will be including a commitment to this effect in the Government’s updated National Digital Strategy which will be published later this year. In my view, it is a vital part of the picture in terms of providing real assurance that children are the age they claim to be and to ensure they are not exposed to harmful or illegal content.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (311)
Grace Boland
Ceist:311. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the inclusion of larger rural towns such as Skerries in the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52736/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The Question refers to Skerries which is predominantly located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/
The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
NBI have advised that the majority of premises in Skerries are ready for service, and 2,409 premises in the Skerries Deployment area are available to order / pre order. The remaining premises are currently undergoing survey work and have an anticipated date for connection of October 2026 - December 2026.
Commercial Fixed line operators are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map. The activities of these commercial operators are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to the AMBER area can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website, at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time.
NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (312)
Grace Boland
Ceist:312. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has assessed the disparity in broadband access between urban centres and larger rural towns within County Dublin, such as Skerries; the steps being taken to ensure equitable digital infrastructure across the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52737/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the rollout of highspeed broadband across the entire country, and indeed the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland where the commercial telecom operators' reach will not extend.
Along with the NBP intervention contract (with National Broadband Ireland (NBI)), 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 2022 strategy are achieved.
The Question refers to Skerries which is predominantly located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/
The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
NBI have advised that the majority of premises in Skerries are ready for service, and 2,409 premises in the Skerries Deployment area are available to order / pre order. The remaining premises are currently undergoing survey work and have an anticipated date for connection of October 2026 - December 2026.
Commercial Fixed line operators are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map. The activities of these commercial operators are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to the AMBER area can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website, at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time.
NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (313)
Grace Boland
Ceist:313. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the means by which his Department is co-ordinating with both National Broadband Ireland and commercial providers such as companies (details supplied) to avoid duplication and ensure efficient roll-out of fibre broadband in towns like Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52738/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The mapping consultation between fixed line operators and the Department was concluded in 2019.
As part of this mapping consultation the three large, fixed line operators (open eir, Virgin Media and Siro) were asked to submit their current High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) coverage maps and potential future maps for HSBB. At the time HSBB was defined as a fixed line technology that could deliver 30Mbps or greater download speed and 6Mbps or greater upload speed.
Resulting from the analysis of this data, the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) network is deployed to premises in the Intervention Area where HSBB was not going to be delivered by commercial operators.
NBI are building an individual wholesale high speed fibre network to serve the NBP Intervention area, which includes 564K premises, equating to connecting circa 1.1 million people across Ireland.
Nationwide over 431,900K premises are Available to Order or Pre-Order today and the remaining premises are actively being progressed to the detailed build phases to ensure they are connected by the end of deployment. NBI have advised that the majority of premises in Skerries are ready for service, and 2,409 premises in the Skerries Deployment area are available to order / pre order. The remaining premises are currently undergoing survey work and have an anticipated date for connection of October 2026 - December 2026.
The Intervention Area is defined by reference to existing and planned commercial coverage, in line with EU State aid rules.
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.
Per records online at open-eir.webflow.io/fibre/broadband-checker, open eir have already passed over 1.4 million homes nationwide, and at siro.ie/roll-out/, SIRO has recently reached a milestone of enabling over 685,000 premises for full fibre. Virgin Media Ireland has reached a major milestone in its fibre upgrade programme with over 550,000 fibre homes constructed.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (314)
Grace Boland
Ceist:314. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will publish quarterly progress reports on the fibre broadband roll-out in larger rural towns, including Skerries and Balbriggan; if he will ensure local representatives are kept informed of delays or changes to roll-out schedules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52739/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the rollout of highspeed broadband across the country, and indeed the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland where the commercial telecom operators' reach will not extend.
Along with the NBP intervention contract (with National Broadband Ireland (NBI)), 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 2022 strategy are achieved.
Skerries is predominantly located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/
The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
Balbriggan is largely in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those 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.
National Broadband Ireland have advised that the majority of premises in Skerries are ready for service, and 2,409 premises in the Skerries Deployment area are available to order / pre order. The remaining premises are currently undergoing survey work and have an anticipated date for connection of October 2026 - December 2026.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to premises in the Integration Area can be found on NBI’s website, at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time.
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, or report in that regard. However, ComReg does provide an online tool to check on the available broadband options at a particular address. See: bbchecker.comreg.ie/
NBI is bringing fibre broadband to 564,000 premises across the Intervention Area. The rollout is divided into 227 Deployment Areas, each averaging 25 kilometres, although some extend beyond town boundaries due to network design.
NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Sports Facilities
Ceisteanna (315)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:315. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 27 June 2023, if there is an update on the matter in relation to the standards of products used to maintain all-weather pitches, and if there is a point of contact for clubs who have concerns regarding same before they invest further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52901/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's main role with regard to artificial pitches relates to the provision of grant assistance for the development of such facilities.
In this regard, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 19,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.4 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
It is a requirement of the CSFF that all materials purchased and development works generally comply with all relevant national and EU regulations. In September 2023, the European Commission completed the adoption of the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restriction on the sale of intentionally added microplastics in the European market, which includes rubber infill for 3G artificial pitches. The primary aim of the restriction is to eradicate, over time, the leaking of intentionally added microplastics from various sources, including artificial sports pitches, into the environment and to replace these microplastics with more environmental and sustainable alternatives.
The Commission has confirmed an eight-year transition period before the new restriction becomes effective and from October 2031, clubs will no longer be able to purchase rubber crumb within the EU.
The negotiations on the proposals were led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The proposed measures do not specify which alternatives would be suitable or preferable, only which materials cannot be used in the future. I understand however, that the Commission is satisfied that suitable alternative materials are available. The proposed transition period for the ban on placing on the market of granular rubber infill is 8 years to ensure that a larger number of existing synthetic sports surfaces using this product can reach their natural end-of life before they need to be replaced.
If a club has any concerns or queries in this regard, they can contact my Department officials in the Sports Capital Programme unit, at sportscapitalprogramme@ccs.gov.ie, and the officials will assist and advise.