Written Answers Nos. 281-300
281. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the proposals to amend and improve the criteria for the establishment of school transport to primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62611/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language
Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available.
Children who are not eligible for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These spare seats are called concessionary seats.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024 following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. It is proposed to expand access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
It was outlined at the time of the review’s publication that due to the scale of the scheme it would be prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. A total of 14 pilot projects took place that year and are continuing for the 2025/2026 school year.
Following the closing date for payment for the 2025/2026 school year the Department, in collaboration with Bus Éireann, assessed where dedicated school transport/pilots may be successfully delivered, and I am pleased to confirm that a further 11 pilots were approved. The Department has asked Bus Éireann to review where additional capacity may be available for concessionary pupils who paid on time and would become eligible if the revised school transport scheme criteria was rolled out in full.
Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are being considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.
All pilots – including those which commenced in the 2024/2025 school year – are being monitored and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.
282. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures in place to support schools in transitioning to using renewable sources of energy. [62618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings as part of our work towards 2030 and 2050 climate targets. This performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design, specification and delivery. My departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty-six research programmes at various stages.
It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the department’s School Sector Technical Climate Action Roadmap (www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/315407/1680010b-23cc-4c17-94b9-9dc5096c5c67.pdf#page=null) which was published in 2023 and updated in 2024.
This roadmap highlights the need for a flexible and tailored approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector to enable the school sector to meet the required targets. The principal challenge lies in the area of decarbonisation of heating with renewable heating systems and to improve the energy performance of schools that were built at a time when fuel was plentiful, relatively cheap and technology and material choices were not as advanced as today. The roadmap has been developed based on one of the core principles of the pathfinder programmes, namely taking a progressive approach, where investments made do not require dismantling /removal within their lifespan.
The measures currently in place to support the school sector transitioning to using renewable sources of energy center on the following key areas:
• Decarbonisation of new school building projects entering design under the School Building Programme.
• Completion of the School Energy Profile Inventory to establish the energy base line of the school estate enabling targeting and evaluating optimum choices for efficient and effective energy investment.
• Expansion of the Pathfinder Decarbonisation Programme which is evaluating and demonstrating the approach to energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the school sector with energy efficiency solutions and renewable heat technologies, including maximising renewable heating options in existing schools by transitioning high carbon fossil fuel towards renewable heating.
• Delivering the Climate Action Focused Summer Works Programme to progress climate action specific initiatives.
• Completion of rollout of 6 kW Photovoltaic Panels in schools, funded under the Climate Action Fund.
283. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the introduction of drama, film, and theatre studies as a second level school subject; if additional resources have been made available to participating schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62619/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the new Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies subject was introduced this September ìn the fifty-seven schools that successfully applied to become Phase One schools. This phased approach allows schools to be supported in the introduction of the new subject and for reflection on the effectiveness of those supports as more schools subsequently offer the subject.
My Department has completed a procurement process for the provision of film production equipment to the fifty-seven Phase One Schools. The framework concerned consists of two lots; Video and Audio Recording and associated services (Lot 1), and Audio and Lighting Equipment and associated services (Lot 2). Under this framework, all Phase One schools are being provided with the necessary technical equipment to establish the subject in their school, including cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment.
Before the Summer break, Oide (the teacher professional learning support service) provided training to Phase One school teachers of the subject on the use of the equipment that is being supplied, and the suppliers are committed as part of the contracts to provide further training related support to Oide.
Schools were advised of the specific resources available to them in Circular 0064/2025 and that they should place orders with the framework suppliers by 12th September 2025. Schools began to receive their equipment in the week immediately following this. All Phase One schools have now received their camera equipment under Lot 1 of the framework. The Lot 2 supplier has commenced delivery to schools, including providing the audio mixer racks fully assembled for schools, and has advised the Department that deliveries should be complete by the end of the month.
In addition to the provision of technical equipment, all Phase One schools in the free education scheme will be provided with an annual Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies Implementation Support grant of €50 per student to support engagement with the new subject in the 2025/26 school year.
The grant provided is to be used by schools to support students with attendance at performances and the applied creative tasks. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
• Travel and subsistence costs directly associated with attendance at performances
• Ticket costs
• Costume and prop costs associated with individual student artistic works
A dedicated Drama, Film and Theatre Channel has been established with the Irish Film Institute (IFI) to allow registered teachers of Phase One schools free access in the classroom to prescribed material and resources to support the new Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies specification. This has been available since 1st August 2025.
Additionally, Phase One Schools have been provided with a free subscription to the Drama Online National Theatre Collection 2 in order to access prescribed materials. This subscription means Phase One schools now have unlimited access on site and remotely to live theatre recordings from the National Theatre and tools and resources to support teaching and learning.
In October 2024, Oide held the first professional learning events for Phase One schools. A subsequent live webinar introduced teachers to the aims and rationale of the DFTS specification. A two-day residential followed aimed at supporting teachers to deepen their understanding of the specification, explore its classroom application, and collaborate on ensemble-driven creative work. In term 2 of the 2024/25 school year, collaborative events and a second professional learning event took place focusing on the three interconnected strands of the subject through the lens of filmmaking. In Term 3 of last year Oide provided online sessions on the sample examination papers published by the State Examinations Commission in April. Combined, for the academic year 2024/25, these events recorded a total of 916 teacher interactions. Full-day in-person Professional Learning Events have been taking place this term since 6th October 2025 and will continue until January 2026.
As indicated at the time of the Call for Applications from schools to become Phase One schools, Phase One schools are being provided with an additional teaching allocation of 0.2 WTE teacher per school (four hours) in the 2025/26 school year, rising to 0.4 WTE (eight hours) in the 2026/27 school year to facilitate the introduction of the subjects. The allocation is not dependent on the size of a class group.
The Department will continue to work with our education partners and the Phase One schools to ensure the schools have the resources necessary to meet the learning outcomes of the subject.
284. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the introduction of climate action and sustainable development as a second level school subject; if additional resources have been made available to participating schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62620/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme provides for the introduction of two new Leaving Certificate subjects; Climate Action and Sustainable Development (CASD) and Drama, Film and Theatre Studies; in Phase One schools for fifth years from September 2025.
Both subjects are now being taught in the relevant selected Phase One schools. This phased approach, which is line with the introduction of previous new subjects, allows schools to be supported in the introduction of the new subject and for reflection on the effectiveness of those supports as more schools subsequently offer the subject.
With regards to Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Circular 0063/2025 outlines the resources being provided to the CASD Phase One schools and the process for payment of grants. This was circulated to the relevant post primary schools and includes the following supports:
• All Phase One schools to be provided with appropriate technical resources required to establish the new subject department in their school (this once off €5,000 grant has now been paid to schools).
• As indicated at the time of the Call for Applications from schools to become Phase One schools, Phase One schools are being provided with an additional teaching allocation of 0.2 WTE teacher per school (four hours) in the 2025/26 school year, rising to 0.4 WTE (eight hours) in the 2026/27 school year to facilitate the introduction of the subject. The allocation is not dependent on the size of a class group.
• As the specification provides the opportunity for place-based visits and outdoor learning for students Phase One schools are being provided with an annual grant, taking account of the number of students, for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years. This comprises of €50 per student per year to support engagement with the new subject in the 2025/26 school year.
• Oide, the teacher professional support service, commenced a comprehensive programme of teacher professional learning for subject teachers in the last school year which included a combination of in-person and online provision.
This began with Oide hosting an initial meet and greet in October 2024 with Phase 1 schools. This was followed by a two-day residential Professional Learning Experience (PLE) entitled ‘Introducing Climate Action and Sustainable Development’ which was further supported by a follow-up webinar which provided further resources to support planning and collaboration among CASD teachers. In term 2 & 3, collaboratives and a second PLE took place (which revisited the non-linear, integrated approach across the strands) along with an Oide Sample Paper Webinar for CASD. Combined, for the academic year 2024/25, these events recorded a total of 574 teacher interactions. Full-day in-person Professional Learning Events have been taking place this term since 6th October 2025 and will continue until January 2026 .
The Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures document published last May contains a package of measures designed to support the implementation of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme more broadly in schools and the related curriculum development, assessment, and teacher professional learning processes.
The Department will continue to work with our education partners and the Phase One schools to ensure the schools have the resources necessary to meet the learning outcomes of the subject.
285. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is aware of sports complexes attached to community schools in Cork and Dublin, the funding stream these can be supported under; and whether her Department intends to increase funding to these facilities given increased running costs. [62623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides an annual grant to each of the following Community and Comprehensive Schools to allow access to the Sports Complex at the these schools:
• Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
• Tallaght Community School, Dublin 24
• Coolmine Community School, Blanchardstown, Dublin
• Mayfield Community School, Cork
There are currently no plans to increase this grant funding.
286. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the application for fire safety works at a sports complex (details supplied). [62624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department currently has no application for fire safety works at the sports complex referred to by the deputy which is located on the grounds of the local community school.
It would be open for the school authority to apply under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) - the purpose of which is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school. The EWS is open to primary and post primary schools with permanent recognition and in non-rented accommodation. To make an application schools must complete the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet system.
My department currently provides an annual grant to the local community school to allow access to this sports complex. This grant has been paid to the school for the last 10 years and is paid directly to the school authority.
The school obtained a condition assessment of the sports complex as part of an application for dormant funding in 2025 but their application was unsuccessful.
It would also be open to the management of the sports complex to apply to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for a capital grant. There would be two programmes for funding available through this department as follows:
LSSIF:
The Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).
CSFF:
The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment.
The Programme’s objectives are to:
• Assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and Education and Training Boards and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.
• Prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups (such as people with disabilities) in the provision of sports facilities.
• Increase female participation in sport.
• Encourage the sharing of sports facilities.
Who can apply for a Grant
Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
287. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the proportion of religious to non-denominational schools in Kildare; the number of schools successfully reconfigured in Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62639/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as school patron. It is recognised, including by the Catholic school patrons, that an educational landscape is needed which more accurately reflects the reality of our increasingly diverse society and meets the expectations parents have for their children.
The Programme for Government 2025, commits to seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education.
Under the Education Act 1998, the legal responsibility for transferring patronage rests with the current school patron in the first instance. A school patron may write to the Minister in relation to transfer of patronage under Section 8 of the Education Act 1998 and request that the patron register is amended accordingly.
In Kildare there are a total of 101 mainstream primary schools, 83 Catholic patronage, 6 Church of Ireland patronage and 12 under Inter/Multi- denominational patronage.
At post primary level, there are 29 schools in Kildare. 12 under Catholic patronage and 17 under Inter/Multi- denominational patronage.
In 2018, Brannoxtown National school became a Community National School under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow ETB following a successfully transfer of patronage from the Archbishop of Dublin.
The voice of the parent and school community is important in the context of a decision to change to a multi-denominational ethos.
I recently announced the launch of an online, school-specific survey of parents and guardians, and primary school communities in-line with the department’s Education Plan 2025.
The survey asks primary school parents and guardians and parents and guardians of children not yet in school to indicate their preferences on important aspects of school provision and choice, such as the future patronage and ethos of their school.
I encourage all parents and guardian with children in primary school and all parents and guardians of children not yet in primary school to complete a survey and “Have Your Say” about the primary school that your children attend now or will attend in the future. I also encourage all primary school staff and all primary school board of management members to complete a survey in respect of your primary school. Go to www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey for information on the survey and a link to the survey itself. It is a short, straightforward, online survey that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
The survey, which will run until the 16th of December, is not a final step. Where there is clear support from parents and guardians for change to be considered, a further process of inclusive dialogue will begin.
288. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by her Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62669/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently no unused properties, lands and buildings, owned by or under the control of my department in County Mayo. All my department’s properties have either an operating school, or are sites intended for imminent development for educational, recreational and community purposes.
289. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a timeline for his Department'ss approval of the 7% increase for An Post pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62389/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
290. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has made the Arts Council aware in writing of his objective as expressed publicly on a programme (details supplied) that they should support comedy; if so, the date; and if not, if he will do so. [62303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have said previously at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Culture, Communications and Sport, and elsewhere, once the review of governance and culture in the Arts Council is concluded, it is my intention, as part of a broader reform, to examine how the activity of the Arts Council can be widened to support more art forms including making appropriate changes to the Arts Act 2003.
I intend to ensure that the Arts Council modernises and adapts to the cultural and artistic needs of Ireland going forward. To commence this process, I have asked officials to engage with the Arts Council to begin consideration as to how they will widen the range of artforms they support and I understand that the Interim Director was contacted about this on the 30th October 2025.
291. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of places which will be available in the permanent basic income for the arts scheme; when the positions will commence; and when the application process will be available. [62307/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a full list of recipients of the basic income for the arts scheme is available. [62308/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
I was delighted to have secured an allocation for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot as part of Budget 2026. While the detail of the future scheme will need to be agreed by Government, this is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
Eligibility criteria and parameters for a successor scheme have not been finalised. The cost of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme was €35m for a full calendar year for 2,000 artists to participate, with each recipient receiving €325 a week. There were over 8,200 eligible applicants to the pilot scheme in 2022. To have funded all those eligible would have cost approximately €139m per year.
With an allocation of €18.27m in my Department’s 2026 Estimate, I look forward to the design and delivery of the successor scheme next year.
I can confirm that the BIA pilot scheme will end in February 2026, which is when the final pilot payment will be made to the current cohort of recipients. While eligibility is not yet finalised, a new cohort of recipients will be selected based on eligible applications for the successor scheme, so therefore it will not be the same 2,000 recipients.
A list of recipients on the scheme is not available, as participation in the BIA is anonymous. However, the research has consistently demonstrated both the positive impact the BIA has had for those in receipt of it and how difficult it is to work as an artist in Ireland given the income precarity prevalent in the sector. The BIA successor scheme will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
Stakeholder consultation and engagement with other relevant Government Departments on the design of the new scheme will continue to determine details such as the duration, eligibility and selection method, the details of which have not yet been decided. Once the parameters of the scheme have been agreed by Cabinet I intend to publish them.
293. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the provisions which have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations and charities funded by his Department will meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62471/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic servants working in public service bodies under the aegis of my Department are members of either the Single Public Service Pension Scheme or a pre-existing pension scheme and accordingly, pension auto-enrolment is not necessary for employees of these bodies.
Responsibility for ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment requirements in respect of persons working in agencies, organisations or charities funded by my Department, who are not public servants, is a matter for the relevant employer. This would include employees of Commercial State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
294. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for a breakdown of every agency, not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider directly funded by his Department; and the details of each specific directly funded post in each body. [62476/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department directly funds a number of State Bodies and Agencies operating across commercial, non-commercial and regulatory sectors. The bodies that are funded through the Department’s Vote are set out in the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services, available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service
The number of Civil and Public servant posts directly funded by my Department in the bodies under its aegis is detailed in Part 2 and Part 3 of the Revised Estimates for my Department’s Vote Group, and in the Agency Statement appendix for non-commercial bodies.
My Department does not have a role in relation to posts in non-aegis bodies which may be in receipt of grant funding from the Department.
Posts in commercial state bodies under the aegis of my Department are an operational matter for those bodies.
295. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures in place to tackle the problem of scam texts and the growing threat of AI generated voice scams; if he plans any further measures to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62617/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to tackling scam calls and texts across electronic communications networks and services.
Both my Department and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the statutorily independent regulator under the aegis of my Department, continue to explore and evaluate interventions to protect consumers from nuisance communications, the unsolicited communications, whether via voice calls or Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messages generally directed at large groups of the population.
ComReg established an industry action group to address the growing menace of scam calls and texts, the Nuisance Communication Industry Forum (NCIF). This cross-industry body builds on the work of the previous Nuisance Communications Industry Taskforce (NCIT), established in February 2022.
In April 2024, informed by the submissions to its consultation in June 2023 and by the work of the NCIT, ComReg mandated six interventions. The interventions focus on restoring trust in Ireland’s telecommunications services by identifying and deploying interventions to decrease the prevalence and damaging effects of nuisance communications. These include:
1. Do Not Originate (DNO) list: a list of numbers that will be blocked for call origination.
2. Protected Numbers (PN): The blocking of numbers that have not been assigned by ComReg.
3. Fixed Calling Line Identification (CLI) Call Blocking: Identifies and blocks scam calls originating from international networks, but present as an Irish landline caller.
4. Mobile CLI Call Blocking: Identifies and blocks scam calls originating from international networks presenting as an Irish mobile caller.
5. SMS – Sender ID Registry: Allows businesses to register their Sender ID. Operators currently label unregistered Sender IDs as 'Likely Scam', and in future will block any SMS message bearing a Sender ID from an unregistered source.
6. Voice-firewall: A dynamic approach to blocking scam calls that can be updated in real-time to better account for the adapting strategies of fraudsters.
Telecommunications operators have implemented these interventions in phases over recent years. As of November 2025, the majority are in place. A recent report by ComReg (September 2025) shows that over 100 million scam calls have been successfully blocked due to these measures, with over 13 million scam calls blocked in July 2025 alone. These are calls that otherwise would have been received by consumers bringing with them concern, worry and the danger of significant financial loss.
It is necessary to explore a myriad of solutions as there is no one panacea for phone or SMS fraud. Instead, we must look to layer multiple protections together to truly mitigate the risks and safeguard consumers. Any solution pursued to tackle nuisance communications must be considered and weighed carefully against privacy and data protection concerns. My Department will continue to examine the options available, the proportionality of any proposed interventions and the collective responsibility to be taken by the State, industry, and customers to protect ourselves, and especially those most vulnerable in our society, from nefarious actors.
296. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether sports complexes operated under the Department of Education can apply for Sporting Ireland Capital Grants. [62625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the objectives of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is to assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and Education and Training Boards and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation
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.
Funding for sports facilities in schools is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and Youth. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools are eligible to apply for CSFF funding but can only do so jointly with sports clubs. Such applications must provide evidence of facility-sharing arrangements that will allow sports clubs to use the proposed facilities throughout the year when not in use by the school.
297. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62667/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, matters relating to property for my Department are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works as my Department does not own any properties.
I am advised that my Department does not own any vacant or derelict buildings in County Mayo.
298. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when it is anticipated that the Sports Capital Grant 2026 will open for applications. [62685/25]
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.
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.
299. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will guarantee a realistic grace period, beginning only once planning rules are published and when local authority capacity is in place to ensure that compliant rural businesses are not forced to cease trading or be removed from platforms due to delays outside their control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024 and is applicable from 20 May 2026. This Regulation lays down harmonised rules on the collection and exchange of data on short-term rental services for member states, hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services, and online platforms that offer services to hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services within the EU.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the STR Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short-Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026.
The introduction of this legislation will have a number of potential impacts for local authorities as well as property owners who engage in Short-Term Letting. These property owners will be required to confirm that they are compliant with planning legislation. Where they are currently not compliant and wish to become compliant, they may seek planning permission from the local authority.
Following the approval received from Government on the 15 April to generally preclude new planning permissions for Short-Term Lets in large towns and cities my Department is working to give effect to this decision. This involves a review of the current Planning Acts with a view to remove references to Rent Pressure Zones in respect of short-term lets.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for Short-Term Lets, my Department is currently developing a National Planning Statement (NPS) for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill. It will consider a variety of factors, such as existing planning legislation, the long term housing need in the local authority area, the location of the proposed short term let and balancing housing need with the potential impact on tourism and economic development.
300. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to an individual who is seeking social housing while awaiting a division of assets through the courts for a legal separation/divorce, in view of the fact that they have a housing need and are unable to return to the family home in cases of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, as amended, and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011.
A household shall be ineligible for social housing support if that household has alternative accommodation it could reasonably be expected to use to meet its housing need. However, where an applicant for social housing support owns accommodation occupied by a spouse, from whom they are formally separated or divorced, a deed of separation is sufficient to set aside this ineligibility ground. It is not necessary to await judicial separation or divorce to get a decision on social housing support in these cases.
Local authorities may provide such households with social housing support under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme until ownership of the family home is resolved in a formal separation or divorce settlement.
Support in these circumstances will be reviewed by the local authority at prescribed intervals and the household will not be able to transfer to other forms of social housing support while ownership of the family home remains to be determined. However, where the household ultimately qualifies for the full range of social housing supports, the length of time the household was supported under RAS or HAP will be reckonable for the purposes of determining the household’s relative priority for a transfer to local authority social housing.
