Written Answers Nos. 44-60
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures he will implement to enable the post office network to provide additional public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52594/25]
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 commits to providing 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 commitment, engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to the securing of an new mandate from Government to continue funding at an enhanced level while ensuring an adequate legal basis and compliance with State Aid rules.
An amount of €10 million per 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.
It should be noted An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens; including through commercial contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency.
The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was published in 2022. None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer additional services for delivery by An Post. It is a matter for each Department or agency with responsibility for a service to consider how best to deliver their services. However, while I have no role in services outside of my remit, and cannot transfer such services to An Post, I and my officials will be happy to engage with Departments should they wish to transfer services under their remit.
The Government launched “Harnessing Digital – the Digital Ireland Framework” in 2022 and publishes annual progress reports. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030. As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online by 2030, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports, including skills, infrastructure, and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels, and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols. There is potential for the post office network to be a key enabler therefore in regard to the implementation of the Digital Ireland Framework.
45. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the development of a successor to the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51295/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.
I have begun to undertake consultations. This has included the convening of a Consultative Committee which draws from across Government and online public consultation closed on 5 September with over 17,000 submissions received 97% of which were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with around 200 artists and arts representative organisations.
The pilot is underpinned by a comprehensive research programme. I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme which found that BIA recipients, compared to those not in receipt of the BIA:
- are 6 percentage points more likely to have worked in the arts
- spend on average 11 weekly hours more on their creative practice
- are 14 percentage points more likely to have completed new works in the previous six months
- invest more financially in their practice
- are better able to afford basic necessities and have higher life satisfaction
- are 15 percentage points less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed
- are 16 percentage points less likely to have experienced anxiety
A cost-benefit analysis paper has also just been published. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social and economic benefits and for every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39. It also finds that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three pilot years.
No decisions on a successor scheme have yet been made. A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention following Budget 2026, assuming funding for a successor is secured, but I have made it clear that I am in favour of a permanent scheme being put in place.
46. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps his Department is taking to improve access to the arts, particularly in terms of accessibility of arts spaces for disabled people and the inclusion of ethnic minorities and disadvantaged socioeconomic populations in the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is taking a number of steps to improve, increase and widen access to the arts.
The Creative Ireland Programme has invested in local communities, through a strategic partnership with local government, with my Department allocating funding of €36.8 million to the 31 local authorities to support the delivery of over 7,350 creative and cultural projects throughout the country.
Each of the 31 local authorities have developed a Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 and all share priorities in relation to social cohesion and investment in communities. Of these, 20 local authorities use the Creative Communities partnership to support social inclusion, taking account of changing demographics. In implementing Creative Communities, local authorities have demonstrated how creative and cultural projects with local communities broadens access to, and participation in, cultural and creative activities, including events, exhibitions and concerts. This encompasses Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of Creativity for children and young people, that delivered 1,300 free events across the island of Ireland on Saturday 7 June. One of the guiding principles of Cruinniú na nÓg is to prioritise harder to reach children and young people, including seldom heard children, those with disabilities and children in direct provision.
One of the Strategic Objectives of the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 is to “Strengthen equity of access to creative activities for the most seldom heard children and young people.” The Plan supports targeted initiatives to ensure all children and young people, from many diverse backgrounds, can engage in creativity and the arts. These include:
• Local Creative Youth Partnerships (LCYPs) - aimed at children and young people aged 0-24 who are at risk of disadvantage or marginalisation have opportunities to express themselves creatively in out of school settings. There are now 8 LCYP’s in the following ETBs: Limerick Clare ETB; Kerry ETB; Laois Offaly ETB; Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB; Cork ETB; Galway Roscommon ETB; Cavan Monaghan ETB; Tipperary ETB.
• The Creative Youth Nurture Fund 2023-2025 - a pilot scheme to support organisations that reach specific cohorts of seldom heard children and young people and engage them in a creative programme in which their voice is central. With the scheme currently being evaluated, nine projects were supported over two years.
In addition, my Department has allocated over €1.5 million in funding over the past two years to the Creative Health and Wellbeing in the Community Scheme, which supports collaboration between the Creative Ireland and Healthy Ireland teams in the Local Authorities, along with HSE Health & Wellbeing teams. This initiative has included projects which focus on supporting mental health, social cohesion and the integration of migrant populations within the community in Ireland.
For the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Programme, organisations representing disabled artists were engaged as part of the qualitative research project; the final report detailing the results of this research was published in May of this year. The Cost Benefit Analysis, which was published recently, includes a sub-group analysis that examines the impact on artists with a disability, among other groups.
In support of Action 7 of the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, the Department commissioned a survey in 2024 to examine the issues for patrons and artists with disabilities when going out at night and engaging in cultural activities. The issue of accessibility and the barriers that currently exist in the Night-Time Economy (NTE) has been raised on a number of occasions. A report of that survey has now been finalised, and it contains a number of recommendations that aim to improve access for patrons when going out at night. My Department is currently reviewing those recommendations with key Stakeholders with a view to providing an action plan with practical measures towards creating a more inclusively accessible Night-Time Economy.
Separately, Ireland’s National Cultural Institutions are actively engaged in programmes that support and engage with minorities and disadvantaged groups. Some current examples of this work include:
• As part of the Live Aid Exhibition at the National Photographic Archive, the National Library of Ireland has established an ongoing partnership with the ECI (Ethiopian Community in Ireland) which will be the basis for a varied events and community engagement programme during the period of the Exhibition.
• The Chester Beatty Library has hosted a variety of events in 2025 including workshops at a reception centre for Syrian refugees, participation in English and integration classes offered to recent refugees and asylum seekers, and a Dublin City Foundation workshops for disadvantaged teens and disadvantaged children.
• The National Museum of Ireland hosts community events / community projects that are often targeted at underrepresented groups and can be a one-off tour or form part of a longer project. The NMI has had visits from Direct Provision Centres, and is currently working on a targeted plan of engagement for the communities of Dublin 7 and Dublin 8.
• The National Concert Hall operates a range of programmes designed to provide access to music to groups who are unable to attend music venues for health reasons. Music in Children’s Hospitals, a partnership between the NCH and Music & Health Ireland, brings live music directly to children and their families in paediatric healthcare settings. In the National Rehabilitation Hospital, tailored musical interactions support the therapeutic work of the NRH, delivered with sensitivity and care. There are also programmes for people living with dementia and their carers, those living with mental health difficulties offering group music-making to promote self-expression, resilience and social support.
• The National Gallery of Ireland’s “Your Gallery at School” programme includes Transition Year/Work Experience Programmes, a Schools Fellowship and in-depth residencies for DEIS primary schools in Dublin City, “My Primary School is at the Gallery.
• The Crawford Art Gallery (CAG) operates the Crawford Supported Studios, an initiative built on a long-term partnership between MTU Crawford College of Art & Design and Crawford Art Gallery, providing two weekly studio sessions to disabled artists and seeking out exhibition and training opportunities for them. CAG runs a collaborative art programme for children living in Direct Provision, with some having been granted leave to stay in Ireland as well as Beyond the Frame, a series of discussion-based workshops centred around artworks in Crawford Art Gallery’s collection for inmates in Cork prison. CAG also runs Lonradh, an arts programme for older adults experiencing memory loss, their families, and carers.
Finally, the Arts Council is the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2025 has provided record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council. The Arts Council is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland and it provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts. The Arts Council has a number of programmes and supports it provides to improve accessibility and increase diversity in the arts. I have asked the Arts Council to provide this information directly to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
47. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the sports capital grant will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52017/25]
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 Fund, a review of the current funding round is being 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.
48. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress of the national broadband plan in County Offaly, particularly in rural communities still experiencing inadequate coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that over 7,150 premises are now passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and over 10,000 premises are available to order/pre-order in County Offaly, with over 2,310 premises now connected.
A further 2,790 premises in County Offaly will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of network deployment. These premises are currently in the network build phase, with an anticipated date of connection of July to December 2026.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Offaly can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. It should be noted that NBI provide this information for County Offaly based on NBI deployment areas rather than exact county boundaries.
51. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to consider the introduction of a capital grant system similar to the sports capital grant for arts and cultural infrastructure, in order to ensure adequate provision and upgrading of arts and cultural spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Currently, 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 my Department’s website.
As part of the Programme for Government, the Government has also committed to examining the feasibility of a minor capital works grant scheme to support arts and cultural facilities that are not funded through the Arts Council. Work in relation to this proposal is underway in my Department at present.
52. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps he will take to make a fresh bid for Ireland to host a stage of the iconic Tour de France cycle race; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the first major international sporting events held in Ireland was the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 1998 and I would of course welcome its return to this island at some point in the future. It would be a real showcase for Ireland's spectacular scenery, warmth of welcome and capacity to host major sporting events.
Major international sporting events can play a key role in increasing sporting participation, boosting domestic and international tourism and promoting Ireland as a destination for education and business opportunities. They present a wonderful opportunity to showcase the island of Ireland and our world-class tourism and sports offering to Europe and the world. The Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
The 2024 government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sporting Events is the first of its kind in Ireland and fulfils a commitment under the previous Programme for Government. The policy provides a framework in relation to how Government should support major international sporting events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it would prioritise. This framework and its further development will guide future bid activity and ensure Ireland remains competitive and strategic in pursuing these opportunities.
As the Deputy is aware, in 2023 my officials met with counterparts from Northern Ireland on several occasions to examine a north-south proposal to host a future iteration of the Grand Départ. However, notification was received from the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland that, due to funding pressures, it had decided to cease its work on the proposed joint bid. Accordingly, given that the project was envisaged as a north-south all-island initiative, the Department did not proceed further with the proposal. Should the opportunity arise again to consider a bid to host the Grand Départ or any stage of the Tour de France, the experience gained through this process will be of use to any such future consideration.
53. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe for the large-scale sport infrastructure fund scheme to be opened in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52298/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy, published in 2018, to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Fund).
The first allocations under LSSIF were announced in January 2020 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. 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 the determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
54. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the schools selected to participate in the 2025 Creative Schools programme will be announced; whether there will be a similar programme for the 2026-27 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCreative Schools is one of the flagship initiatives of the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 and supports schools and Youthreach centres to put the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives. Creative Schools supports schools over 2 years to develop and implement a bespoke Creative Schools plan. It is led by the Arts Council in partnership with my Department and the Department of Education.
The Arts Council will announce the details of the primary, post-primary and special schools, as well as Youth Reach centres who are joining the programme in October. Details of all schools who have participated to date are available on:
- The Arts Council website: artscouncil.ie/funding/funding-decisions/ and
- The Department of Education Creative Youth data map: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/creative-youth-map/
It is anticipated that Creative Schools will open applications for schools to join the programme for the 2026/27 academic year in Spring 2026.
56. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the application window for the community sport facilities fund to open; the amount of funding expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52582/25]
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), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
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.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next CSFF round. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
57. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the capital funding programmes or grants from his Department or any body for which he has responsibility for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply; the details of funding programmes or grants 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, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52211/25]
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: []www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/
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.
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: www.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 the spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
58. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions his Department is taking to support the integration of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very supportive of the process of integration which reflects much of what is already happening at club level and would further ensure parity of treatment for all players within the Gaelic Games family.
I understand that good progress is being made on the integration process under the leadership of Mary McAleese and the Steering Group on Integration. I hope that full integration will be achieved by the stated target of 2027 and that it will deliver a unified Gaelic Games organisation that all feel welcome in.
Ultimately, however, the organisations are independent and autonomous and the issue of integration is fundamentally one for the organisations themselves and their members.
59. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress being made regarding the playing pitches fund, as committed to under the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52443/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to supporting local authorities in the acquisition of new lands for parks and playing pitches to help build liveable communities.
While neither of my Department's sports capital funding programmes - the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) - provide for the acquisition of land I would be supportive of any funding proposal that would enable local authorities to acquire lands for sport and recreation purposes. My Department will also engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding any supports, financial or otherwise, which that Department may be able to offer to assist local authorities in securing playing pitches for local communities.
Once lands are acquired for sporting purposes, applications for capital investment (including equipment) on those lands can be support via the CSFF and the 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 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.
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. 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 the determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
60. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the proposed arts capital scheme as set out in the programme for Government. [52177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Currently, 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 my Department’s website.
As part of the Programme for Government, the Government has also committed to examining the feasibility of a minor capital works grant scheme to support arts and cultural facilities that are not funded through the Arts Council. Work in relation to this proposal is underway in my Department at present.
