Written Answers Nos. 370-390
371. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the necessary Ministerial approval will be granted to allow payments for An Post retirees to issue (details supplied); the reasons for the significant delay; the clear timeline for when An Post pensioners can expect to receive the agreed increases and back payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra399. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he will sign off on the agreed pension increases for retired staff in An Post. [11540/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 399 together.
Under 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, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
372. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the statutory basis under which his Department is required to approve pension increases payable in respect of former Department of Posts and Telegraphs service under the Eircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme; the specific legislative provisions relied upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra373. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the date on which the proposed 2.1 percent pension increase for members of the Eircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme was formally submitted to his Department for approval; the actions taken since receipt; the reason the increase has not yet been approved or paid; and if he will provide a timeline for decision. [11432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra374. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether NewERA has any role in the approval or scrutiny of pension increases payable under the Éircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme; the statutory or administrative basis for any such involvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to confirm which Minister holds final decision-making authority for approving and releasing State-funded pension increases payable under the Eircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme; whether any other Minister or agency can delay payment once approval is sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11435/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra376. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has obtained legal advice regarding the State’s obligations under section 46(4) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983 in respect of pension conditions for former Department of Posts and Telegraphs staff; and whether that provision continues to be regarded as operative. [11436/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra377. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has assessed the differential treatment in pension increases applied to members of the Eircom Superannuation Defined Benefit Pension Scheme who retired before and after January 1984; whether such differential treatment has been legally examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 377, 372, 373, 374, 375 and 376 together.
Administration of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme, including the payment of pension benefits, is a matter for the Trustees of the Scheme, in accordance with the Eircom Superannuation Scheme Rules and their Pensions Accord 2010. I have no direct day-to-day involvement in the Scheme. Where there are disputes regarding pension benefits or other pension matters, members of the pension scheme are entitled to submit an appeal under the Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) procedure in accordance with Circular 16/2020 (“Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) procedure for pension appeals in relation to beneficiaries/disputed beneficiaries of pre-existing civil service pension schemes and of certain public service pre-existing pension schemes”). My officials receive IDR appeals before submitting them to the Department of Public Expenditure for final determination.
I consider proposals for pension increases under the Eircom Superannuation Scheme in accordance with section 10 of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme Rules, which had been originally adopted under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983. Section 10 states that the company may grant such increases in such pensions and preserved pensions under this Scheme as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance. In accordance with section 46(9) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended by section 11 of the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1996 and section 64(7) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011, the Eircom No. 2 Superannuation Fund is funded on a Pay-As-You-Go basis by contributions from the Central Fund through the Minister for Finance, with the consent of, and upon request by, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Although the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and the concurrence of the Minister for Finance is required, it is the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport as the authorising Minister who holds final-decision making authority for approving and releasing State-funded pension increases under the Eircom Superannuation Scheme. It is a matter for the relevant Minister in the approval process to take any necessary time to make a determination, as appropriate to their role.
In line with section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies: Remuneration and Superannuation (2021), my Department seeks the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on any proposed pension increases in respect of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme that have been submitted to me. I consider carefully the NewERA advice and recommendations when deciding on whether to approve these proposals and submit them to DPER for the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure. Although Eir is neither a State body nor a designated NewERA body, the Ministers retain particular legacy responsibilities in respect of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme and accordingly, NewERA advice is sought and provided by them, in their role as providers of financial and commercial advice to Government Ministers and Departments.
On 08 August 2025, my Department received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025. My officials sought the advice of NewERA on this pension increase proposal, who have submitted their report for my consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase. The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.
I am advised that the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources received legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in 2004 regarding section 46(4) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983 in respect of pension conditions for former Department of Posts and Telegraphs staff. I can confirm that section 46(4) of the Act remains operative, as amended by section 5 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Act 1999.
378. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding received in the constituency of Dublin north-west through sports capital and large-scale sports infrastructure fund for the years 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Sporting organisations can apply directly for CSFF funding while applications to the LSSIF must be made through either a National Governing Body (NGB) of Sport or a Local Authority.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated in 2024 to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
My Department collates allocation data at county level and, under the 2023 round, over €38 million was allocated to 463 sporting projects in Dublin. In the 2020 round, over €25 million was allocated to 465 sporting projects in Dublin.
Details of all CSFF allocations are available on the Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be published shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
The LSSIF was established to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects. These are projects where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the CSFF. The cumulative investment from the two rounds of the Fund to date, 2018 and 2024, totals €297 million.
Details of all allocations under the LSSIF, covering both 2018 and 2024 rounds, can be accessed on the Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
379. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there is a canteen in his Department headquarters; and if the Minister can provide assurances that all meat sold or provided in that canteen is of Irish origin. [11177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there is no canteen in my Department's headquarters.
380. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of sets of uilleann pipes currently held by State bodies and national cultural institutions, including museums such as the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks; whether these instruments are fully catalogued and assessed as to their condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the National Museum of Ireland that it has in its possession 14 sets of uilleann pipes in Collins Barracks (in good condition and all catalogued) and one partial set in Turlough Park which arrived in poor condition, but has since been stabilised and catalogued.
381. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeline for the payment of the pension increase for An Post retired workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11256/26]
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, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
382. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeline for the payment of the pension increase for Eircom retired workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.
383. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the payment of the 2.1% pension increase applicable to members of the Eircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme as agreed in August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11261/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.
384. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he will approve payment of agreed pension increases for retired staff of Eir and An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11263/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the expected timeline for the payment of agreed pension increases to the retired pensioners of Eir and An Post. [11420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 397 together.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and by 1% per annum with effect from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the relevant Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies, including An Post, is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on these requests.
385. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his Department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his Department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11269/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport 672. the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to his department's consideration of a ban on social media access for person under the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390 and 391 together.
Ireland, like many other EU Member States is considering the question of restricting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”. Ireland will strongly advocate for a decision on the digital age of majority to be taken at EU level and that any decision take account of the forthcoming report of the European Commission’s expert panel on the matter. Ireland is committed to working actively with like-minded EU Member States to explore options to introduce age restrictions on the use of social media concentrating, in particular on those under 16. In parallel, Ireland will continue to work nationally on robust age verification tools.
I have not yet met the organisations mentioned by the Deputy in relation to this particular issue but I am committed to working with stakeholders, nationally and internationally, on this and other online safety matters. In particular, online safety will be a key priority for Ireland's Presidency of the European Union and we will hold a youth forum in advance of that to get the perspectives of children and young people as to what they consider to be a safe online world and what further measures they would like to see taken to strengthen their safety online.
