Written Answers Nos. 228-251
228. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of school principals related to the level of capitation funding not keeping pace with the rate of cost increases for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53721/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €30 million permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs through Budget 2025. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2026, I am pleased that a total of €39m was secured for a permanent increase in mainstream capitation grant funding for schools, bringing the mainstream rate of capitation to €274 per pupil in primary schools and to €406 in post-primary schools for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
229. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); if she will have this matter examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53732/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes.
This builds on the work of the previous government, whereby prioritisation was given to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. More favourable ratios are implemented for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. A three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.
While small schools have benefitted from the recent improvements in the staffing schedule, there are also specific staffing measures aimed at small schools.
Such measures include reduced enrolment thresholds where a school is 8km or more away from the nearest school of the same type of patronage/language of instruction and a specific staffing appeal criteria aimed at small schools which allows the school to appoint/retain a teacher on the basis of current enrolment rather than the previous 30 September. In addition, sole primary schools on our islands have a second classroom teacher allocated, regardless of enrolment.
I am considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.
230. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an increase in capitation funding for primary schools will be considered in view of rising costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53783/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools, and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €30 million permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs through Budget 2025. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2026, I am pleased that a total of €39m was secured for a permanent increase in mainstream capitation grant funding for schools, bringing the mainstream rate of capitation to €274 per pupil in primary schools and to €406 in post-primary schools for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
231. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the opening of a special class at a school (details supplied). [53785/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with additional needs to receive an appropriate education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE 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
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/2027 school year after the parents notification process closes (October 1st).
Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed this information, the NCSE will be in a position to advise on the locations of any new special classes. My Department and the NCSE are prioritising the opening of new special classes in medium and larger primary schools with available accommodation and who may have none or just one existing special class.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
232. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53809/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth f she will consider the matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
I want to thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
The National Strategic Framework for Lifelong Guidance and Strategic Action Plan (2024-2030) were published in December 2023. Four pillars underpin the vision for lifelong guidance in Ireland. One of these pillars is that of ''Access, Inclusion and Universal Design.''
Within the Action Plan, a number of actions outline specific directions that will be followed to ensure guidance is accessible, inclusive and universally designed. One example of this is action 2.6: ''ensure provision of guidance supports to students in special schools is delivered by appropriately trained professionals.''
My Department is leading on the implementation of a number of actions supporting transitions and progression in education from early childhood through to further education and training and higher education.
My Department for example is currently supporting 2 Pilot Programmes in this area, both subject to external evaluation, which will provide valuable information in relation to policy formulation on Transitions.
The CES Transitions pilot programme established and funded directly by the Department in 2022 is currently running in 41 special schools. The pilot programme has been extended for the 2025/26 school year. The overarching objective of the programme is to support students with complex educational needs to transition to the post-school option which suits them best; including further or higher education options, workplace settings or adult disability services.
The second pilot programme – the DAF 22 Transitions programme is a collaboration between the Department and Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK), an experienced NGO working in the area of disability services. The key objective is similar to CES - ensure that students are supported to make optimal transitions from school.
WALK is currently engaging with and delivering their existing Peer Ability programme in 11 schools based in Louth, Dublin, Westmeath, Cavan, and Cork.
The programme is funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. An application under the DAF 26 has been submitted to continue this pilot in 2026. The outcome of this application is expected shortly.
234. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ascertain from the NCSE the supports that are being made available to a child (details supplied) who has an autism diagnosis and has missed six months of school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53792/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE 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
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
235. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that children in a school (details supplied) still have no start date. [53943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
Substantial investment has been provided to increase the number of places available in special schools. Sixteen new schools have opened in the last five years and many more have been expanded and developed to grow for the students in its community. As you are aware five new special schools were established for this school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. This has brought to 129 the number of NCSE supported special schools in the country. These schools educate over 9,500 students with the most complex of special educational need.
Significant additional capacity in existing special schools in Cork is also being provided in for this school year with over 40 additional places being provided in East Cork Community Special School and Rochestown Community Special School. Significant building and repurposing works have been undertaken over recent months to provide this additional capacity.
In relation to special class capacity, the NCSE completed a recent exercise with schools and confirm that a number of special class places remain available for students in existing special classes at both primary and post-primary level across some schools in Cork at the start of this school year.
My Department understands that repurposing and associated works to provide the additional 24 places at the school referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion and it is expected that students will begin attending these new classes later this month.
The school have recruited the additional teaching and SNA resources to support these students and these staff are working closely with families to support the students transitioning to school.
236. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 23 September 2025, the number of children who have availed of the exceptional interim grant in Cork; the reasons this has not been offered to all parents; and when an offer will be made. [53945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Deputy’s further queries about the Exceptional Interim Grant (EIG).
This EIG is being offered to families affected by the delays in the commencement of their mainstream service. The EIG will be paid based on the number of days that children attended school and is calculated from 25th August 2025 until their school transport service commences.
Officials in the School Transport Section of my Department will begin to contact the affected families in the coming days, with full details of how they can claim their grant payment.
237. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an update on Ireland's preparations for the implementation of the European Digital Identity Framework, which entered into force in May 2024; and if he will confirm whether the use of the wallet will be compulsory for individuals or optional. [53552/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eIDAS regulation (EU 2024/1183) requires every member state to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet for use by its citizens by December 2026. The wallet will be voluntary for citizens to use. The regulation also requires the designation of a supervisory body for trust services and a supervisory body for the wallet provider.
My Department has established a cross-departmental Steering Group to assess the best method of giving full effect to the eIDAS Regulation. The Steering Group includes the Department for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation who have overall policy responsibility for public services transformation, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer who are responsible for the technical architecture to build the Government’s digital wallet and the Department of Social Protection who are responsible for MyGovID.
My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is leading on digitalisation of public services, which is a core component of the Better Public Service Transformation strategy to 2030.
238. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in relation to a commitment made by his predecessor that she would pursue with Culture Ireland alternative showcasing opportunities for Irish performers who refused to take part in the 2024 SXSW festival, the action taken to fulfil this commitment; if any action is forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCulture Ireland unit of my Department and First Music Contact, who present the SXSW showcase with funding from Culture Ireland, liaised with the artists originally programmed to perform and honoured their commitment to provide funding towards travel and related costs.
To support continued international engagement, these artists were subsequently offered the opportunity to attend A2IM Indie Week in New York in June 2024. Indie Week is an annual gathering of the global independent music community, offering networking and professional development opportunities for labels, distributors, and artists from across the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond. Five representatives from the ten artists originally programmed for SXSW 2024 accepted this opportunity and received support for travel and registration costs.
Additionally, although SXSW typically does not re-invite artists to showcase in consecutive years, Music from Ireland successfully negotiated return invitations for three of the original artists to perform at SXSW 2025. These artists, who prioritised returning to SXSW for its unique opportunities, again received financial support towards their travel costs.
239. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether funding schemes exist to support the development of gym facilities on rugby club grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53062/25]
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). The development of gym facilities is funded under both schemes subject to the maximum funding levels and terms and conditions of each scheme.
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 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.
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.
240. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the next large scale sports infrastructure fund will allow for purchase of a site, design and planning as well as construction for swimming pool projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53064/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is provided by my Department through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). €28.9 million has been allocated to 9 swimming pool projects from the LSSIF since 2018.
The LSSIF does not fund the purchase of land or buildings or funding toward the planning process. Design elements were funded through Stream1 of the 2018 scheme and grantees are eligible to claim up to 30% of design fees under the 2024 scheme. No consideration has yet been given to the terms and conditions of the next round of LSSIF.
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.
Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over 50 actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
A key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities and there is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. Swim Ireland is currently undertaking an analysis of the type and nature of swimming pool ownership in the country and will publish a report in this regard in the coming period.
241. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to report on the recent multi-agency cyberattack exercise targeting Cork Port; to state whether any vulnerabilities were identified in port or maritime infrastructure; and to outline the actions and resources now being deployed to strengthen cyber-defences at critical infrastructure sites nationwide. [53125/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department had no role in relation to the exercise referred to in the question.
242. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the work being undertaken by his Department regarding the implementation of the EU’s plan to offer digital identity to all of its citizens and residents by 2026, under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation. [52842/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eIDAS regulation (EU 2024/1183) requires every member state to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet for use by its citizens by December 2026. The wallet will be voluntary for citizens to use. The regulation also requires the designation of a supervisory body for trust services and a supervisory body for the wallet provider.
My Department has established a cross-departmental Steering Group to assess the best method of giving full effect to the eIDAS Regulation. The Steering Group includes the Department for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation who have overall policy responsibility for public services transformation, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer who are responsible for the technical architecture to build the Government’s digital wallet and the Department of Social Protection who are responsible for MyGovID.
My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is leading on digitalisation of public services, which is a core component of the Better Public Service Transformation strategy to 2030.
243. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for a list of all approved individual sports capital grants, noting the total amount granted and the total amount drawn down for each individual group, in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [53253/25]
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. 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/
Details of all payments made to clubs are available on the Department's website:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programmes-payments/
244. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his engagement with An Post in respect of the Rathmines Post Office since May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network.
An Post is a commercial State company with a mandate to act commercially and, as such, day to day operational matters, including decisions in relation to the size, distribution, and future of the network, are matters for the Board and the management of the company directly.
In accordance with section 8.22 of the Code of Practice, all State bodies are required to seek the approval of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in advance of any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets proposed by a State body. An Post is aware of the requirement for compliance with the Code of Practice.
No request for approval has been received by the Department with regards to Rathmines Post Office The Department will consider proposals from An Post on receipt of any such request.
245. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will investigate the reason the records of the Departmental Council and its working party created during the period 1982/83 relating to the process and agreement for the transfer of civil servants from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs to An Post and Bord Telecom Éireann are not available in the official archives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Telecommunications (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2025 (S.I. No. 237/2025), all relevant functions under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 were transferred to me from the then-Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
As part of the transfer of functions, officials in my Department have liaised with officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with respect to records on the matter referred to, and that Department has confirmed that it holds no files on the matter. Accordingly, my Department does not have access to the files in question, if such files still exist. Therefore, my Department is not in a position to review the records or ascertain the reason as to why such files may not be in the National Archives.
246. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 29 April 2025, if a copy of the documentation stated could be supplied. [53445/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that officials in my Department have reviewed the document requested and issued a copy containing the relevant details regarding the delegated authorisation to the Deputy.
247. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of payments of sports capital grants to Dublin in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of €25,169,771 was drawn down by successful applicants in Dublin in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 under the Community Sports Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Details of these and all CSFF payments made to clubs are available on the Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programmes-payments/
248. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding that Sport Ireland provided to organisations in Dublin over the past three years, in tabular form. [53469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. It also has responsibility for the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to this matter. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
249. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if Sport Ireland is considering increasing the grants to athletes under the international carding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. It also has responsibility for the allocation of funding across its various programmes, including the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to this matter. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
250. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to continue the large-scale sports infrastructure fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53471/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy, published on 25 July 2018, to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the then-Sports Capital & Equipment Programme, now known as the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).
The aim of the LSSIF is to provide investment in sporting infrastructure that will reinforce the Department’s stated sporting objectives such as increasing active participation in sport, including female participation and participation by those with a disability as well as increasing social participation and improving high performance in sport.
Under the second round of the LSSIF, grants totalling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, were announced on 4 November 2024. With this announcement, the cumulative committed investment from the LSSIF since 2020 stands at €297 million.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of the determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
251. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body for which he has responsibility, for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53472/25]
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). Sporting organisations can apply directly for CSFF; applications to the LSSIF must be made through either a NGB or Local Authority.
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 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.
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.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various funding programmes. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to funding supports. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
