Written Answers Nos. 937-956
937. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the payment of the long awaited pension increase for An Post pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, 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 1st of June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. In line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and the relevant legislation, Ministerial consent has been granted, and this was conveyed to An Post on 25 February 2026.
938. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if disabled artists who are newly registered as self-employed will not be disadvantaged under the basic income for artists; and his plans to achieve that objective. [19224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra932. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to make permanent the basic income scheme beyond three-year pilots in order to provide certainty for artists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 932 together.
I was delighted last month to announce that the Government had agreed on the broad parameters for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme will be published in the coming weeks and applications will open for the new scheme following that, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
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. The research clearly demonstrated both how precarious and difficult it is to be an artist and also the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in our artists.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. The broad parameters of the new scheme will be as follows:
- 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week
- the payments will last for 3 years
- participants of the pilot scheme can apply for the new scheme if they are eligible under the criteria of the new scheme.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, my Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. In relation to self-employment status, once selected for the scheme artists will have to register as self-employed if they have not previously been and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) will treat income from the scheme as income from self-employment for the purpose of its various means tests.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
939. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established to provide support for larger sports facility projects and the cumulative investment since 2020 is €297 million across 68 projects.
While the LSSIF is closed to applications at present, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
The LSSIF focuses on larger initiatives, particularly those related to high-performance sport, major spectator venues, and community-accessible facilities. The key aims of the LSSIF are to increase active participation in sport and the quality of that participation; increase the quantum and quality of social participation in sport; improve high performance in sport; increase active participation by those with a disability and provide similar access to facilities to all.
LSSIF is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local authorities. Other bodies can also benefit, but applications have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB. The full marking scheme, guidelines and assessment process for LSSIF 2018 and 2024 are published on my Department’s website. I would encourage any prospective applicants to review these documents in preparation for a future LSSIF round, while noting that guidelines and conditions for a future round may differ from those previously published.
940. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the delivery of recreational infrastructure such as swimming pools, football pitches and other amenities in North Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/26]
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 for LSSIF funding 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 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. Almost €9 million was allocated to 103 sporting projects in Kildare from the 2023 round.
I have asked my department to prepare for the opening of a 2026 round of the CSFF in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
To date there has been two rounds of LSSIF with a cumulative investment of €297 million across 68 projects including €11,431,960 to projects in Kildare. 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. No decisions have yet been made regarding the next round of LSSIF.
941. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will reinstate the Basic Income Scheme (BIA) and give some financial certainty and a sense of security to artists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19392/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted last month to announce that the Government had agreed on the broad parameters for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme will be published in the coming weeks and applications will open for the new scheme following that, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
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. The research clearly demonstrated both how precarious and difficult it is to be an artist and also the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in our artists.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. The broad parameters of the new scheme will be as follows:
- 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week
- the payments will last for 3 years
- participants of the pilot scheme can apply for the new scheme if they are eligible under the criteria of the new scheme.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. As I said at the launch of the scheme I intend to expand beyond 2000 artists, should more funding become available in future budget cycles. Given that I do not have sufficient funds to provide the BIA to all eligible artists I believe the fairest approach is to ensure that as many artists as possible benefit from the scheme over time, which is why I have proposed the 6 year rule. However, should it be possible to significantly increase the numbers funded, this matter can be revisited.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
942. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to residents (details supplied) who have been using the dial-up method for internet access for almost eight years after their local internet line was damaged; if he will ensure that this damaged line is urgently repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high-speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The area in question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Per information available at https://bbchecker.comreg.ie/ the majority of the premises in the estate in question are currently capable of receiving High-Speed Broadband from multiple operators. There are 6 remaining premises in the estate that are capable of receiving speeds of up to 68 Mbps (part fibre) from Open eir’s local High Speed Broadband cabinet. These premises are included in open eir’s Full Fibre to the Home (FTTH) deployment programme per information available at www.openeir.ie/fibre/broadband-checker. The Department does not have sight of information that provides an estimated timeline of when Open eir will provide a full fibre connection to this premises.
In the event that a customer is receiving an inadequate broadband service, within the home, and they have not had a satisfactory resolution with their retail service provider regarding the damaged internet line the matter can be escalated to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
ComReg is the independent body that issues licenses to telecommunication companies and can escalate complaints made by consumers to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their license obligations.
ComReg can be contacted at:
Phone - 01 804 9668
Online - www.comreg.ie
Email - consumerline@comreg.ie
943. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department or any body under it’s aegis made a disclosure under Revenue's recent disclosure opportunity to regularise misclassification of self-employment; if so, to provide details of the numbers of workers affected and the amount paid to Revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19492/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn compliance with section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, it is not permitted to disclose details relating to the tax affairs of any individual taxpayer or taxable entity, except in certain limited circumstances provided for in law, for example in the case of tax settlements meeting the criteria for publication under section 1086A of the TCA.
In April 2024, the Department brought to the attention of its aegis bodies a letter from the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners on the subject of corporate governance and tax compliance within Government Departments and bodies under their aegis. The letter, amongst other points of guidance, alerted public bodies to the “Karshan” ruling of the Supreme Court in October 2023 and provided guidance on the tax treatment of remuneration of persons engaged for short periods/specific contracts.
945. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if consideration will be given to removing the three out of six year eligibility rule under the new basic income for the arts scheme as this may inhibit artists from engaging with the scheme and their artistic work long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra944. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the numbers to be accepted into the new basic income for the arts scheme will be increased from €2,000 as this was the same number included under the previous scheme given it would allow for more artists to benefit from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 945 and 944 together.
I was delighted last month to announce that the Government had agreed on the broad parameters for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme will be published in the coming weeks and applications will open for the new scheme following that, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
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. The research clearly demonstrated both how precarious and difficult it is to be an artist and also the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in our artists.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. The broad parameters of the new scheme will be as follows:
- 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week
- the payments will last for 3 years
- participants of the pilot scheme can apply for the new scheme if they are eligible under the criteria of the new scheme.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. As I said at the launch of the scheme I intend to expand beyond 2000 artists, should more funding become available in future budget cycles. Given that I do not have sufficient funds to provide the BIA to all eligible artists I believe the fairest approach is to ensure that as many artists as possible benefit from the scheme over time, which is why I have proposed the 6 year rule. However, should it be possible to significantly increase the numbers funded, this matter can be revisited.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
946. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current timeline for agreed pension increases for EIR and An Post retirees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.
In accordance with the Act and section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies: Superannuation and Remuneration Annex, 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 also requires the parent Department to seek NewERA advice in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate to NewERA's role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase in 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 both the Code of Practice and transfer of powers from Min/Finance to MPER, which are contained in the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, Ministerial consent was granted and was conveyed to An Post on 25 February 2026.
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 August 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 submitted their report on 06 February. Having considered the report, I approved the pension increase on 12 February, after which my officials sought the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure. The Minister for Public Expenditure gave his consent to the pension increase on 23 February, with the Minister for Finance giving his concurrence to the proposed increase on 03 March. Sanction for the pension increase was conveyed to Eir on 04 March.
Administration of the An Post and Eircom Superannuation Schemes, including payment of pension benefits and approved pension increases, are matters for the Trustees of those Schemes.
947. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to consider implementing a policy to ensure that all sports clubs are required to have clear comprehensive adult safeguarding policies in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/26]
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 including athlete welfare.
Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.
Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.
I have referred the Deputy's questions to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the matter raised by her and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
948. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on funding for local democracy reporters for the years 2025 and 2026; the criteria for papers to receive funding for local democracy reporters; if decisions to reduce allocations can be appealed and how; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, a total of just over €6.8 million was awarded to the media sector with approximately €3.4 million being awarded in each of the years 2025 and 2026. This represents an important avenue of funding in support of predominantly local and regional media organisations in the provision of trustworthy public interest journalism while preserving and promoting media plurality and diversity. Full details of the most recent funding awarded can be found on Coimisiún na Meán's website here: www.cnam.ie/industry-and-professionals/media-development/support-funding/journalism-schemes/funding-offers-r1-nrs-r2-ldrs-crs/
The Scheme is operated by Coimisiún na Meán. Section 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended by the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, states that "the Commission shall be independent in the performance of its functions". As such, I have no statutory role in respect of the operation of funding schemes administered by Coimisiún na Meán.
Accordingly, questions around the application process including eligibility criteria and appeals are a matter for Coimisiún na Meán to address. Coimisiún na Meán have a dedicated email address to deal with queries from the Oireachtas and they can be emailed at oireachtasqueries@cnam.ie.
949. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an update on the Government's engagement with other EU Member States regarding proposals to introduce an EU wide digital age of majority for access to social media platforms, particularly in respect of users under 16 years of age; the timeline being considered for advancing such proposals at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the National Digital and Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Government is committed to working actively with like-minded EU Member States to explore options to introduce age restrictions on the use of social media - the so-called "digital age of majority - concentrating, in particular on those under 16.
In the European Union, there are differing views on whether there should be a digital age of majority, if so, what age it should be set at and if parental consent should be required. France is proposing to restrict access to social media for children under 15 years of age and I recently met my French counterpart and officials in my Department are continuing to engage with their French counterparts. Other EU Member States like Denmark, Spain, Greece and Italy have different proposals at various stages of implementation.
The National Digital Strategy also notes that any decision on the digital age of majority should take into account of European Commission expert panel on this matter. The panel met last week for the first time and is, I understand, due to report this summer.
The work of this expert panel will feed into deliberations during Ireland's Presidency on the potential to set a digital age of majority at European level in respect of social media.
950. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps being taken under the Government's Digital and AI Strategy to develop and pilot age verification systems for social media use by persons under 16 years-of-age; the expected timeline for the pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19675/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his office on an age verification tool as part of Ireland's digital wallet which is being developed by the OGCIO under the framework of the EU eIDAS regulation (EU 2024/1183). This requires every EU member state to introduce a secure digital identity framework provided through a digital wallet but the wallet will be voluntary for citizens to use.
The aim of developing this tool is to support the application of Ireland’s online safety code being implemented by Coimisiún na Meán. Under Part B of the Code, designated video-sharing platform services are obliged to implement robust age assurance measures to ensure children do not normally see adult-only content, like pornography. The use of the digital wallet for age verification purposes is envisaged in guidelines produced by the European Commission under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act which deals with the protection of minors online. It is not intended that it will be the only option for platforms to meet their age verification requirements. Rather, it will provide a privacy preserving and secure option that respects users' rights and helps to safeguard children.
A pilot of this product is now envisaged, led by the OGCIO, over a period of some months and which will also be on a voluntary basis. The specifics of the pilot and exact timeline are yet to be finalised.
951. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the strategies in place to grow diving at a grassroots level in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19745/26]
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. Its remit includes the allocation of funding to National Governing Bodies for the design and implementation of a range of targeted programmes and initiatives to promote increased sports participation.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
952. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding provided by Sport Ireland to the various water sports governed by Swim Ireland, by sport, in each of the years from 2020 to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19746/26]
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, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
953. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding provided to support diving at a grassroots level in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19747/26]
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, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
954. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the public body which is responsible for ensuring the availability of broadband to a location (details supplied) which have been without fibre broadband since a line was damaged eight years ago but which appear to be shown as connected to fibre broadband on a national infrastructure database. [19796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high-speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The Eircode provided is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Per information available at https://bbchecker.comreg.ie/ the premises in question and the surrounding premises are capable of receiving speeds of up to 68 Mbps (part fibre) from Open eir’s local High Speed Broadband cabinet. These premises are included in open eir’s Full Fibre to the Home (FTTH) deployment programme per information available at www.openeir.ie/fibre/broadband-checker. The Department does not have sight of information that provides an estimated timeline of when Open eir will provide a full fibre connection to this premises.
In the event that a customer is receiving an inadequate broadband service, within the home, and they have not had a satisfactory resolution with their retail service provider regarding the damaged internet line the matter can be escalated to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
ComReg is the independent body that issues licenses to telecommunication companies and can escalate complaints made by consumers to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their license obligations.
ComReg can be contacted at:
Phone - 01 804 9668
Online - www.comreg.ie
Email - consumerline@comreg.ie
955. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an explanation for the failure of National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and its contracted partners to deliver a confirmed broadband installation to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on 20 February 2026, despite the person having received written confirmation from the chosen service provider that installation would occur on that date; and if he will outline what oversight exists to ensure that NBI and its partners meet their stated installation obligations. [19944/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra956. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will address the continued service failures of NBI, including conflicting information given to customers by NBI, its installation partner (details supplied) and broadband service providers; and if he will confirm whether his Department plans to examine systemic issues in NBI's customer facing processes during the final phase of the State subsidised broadband rollout. [19945/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra958. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the obligations placed on commercial broadband service providers who operate on the NBI network to ensure reliable communication, accurate installation scheduling, and minimum service standards; and the enforcement mechanisms which exist when providers repeatedly issue incorrect or misleading customer information. [19947/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 955, 956 and 958 together.
I propose to take Questions 19944/26, 19945/26 and 19947/26 together. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. Having received clarification from Deputy Lawless, all three questions refer to a premises located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. The AMBER area is to be served by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), under the NBP contract.
NBI have advised that the premises in question, and neighbouring premises, are at the available to pre-order stage, with an anticipated Ready for Service timeframe of March-April 2026. No installation appointments take place during the pre-order stage as these are arranged by NBI's Connections Partners once the premises is marked as Ready for Service on the Network Map (nbi.ie/map/).
With regard to NBI’s service obligations, NBI is subject to quality-of-service standards set out in the NBP contract with the Minister. The NBP performance regime is built on a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which track NBI's performance in connecting premises and operating the network service over the 25-year contract period. These KPIs cover the time required to connect customer premises, the number of consumer faults, network incident resolution times, system availability, and minimum upload and download speeds.
The NBP performance regime exists to ensure that orders received from Wholesale and Retail Service Providers (WSPs/RSPs) are addressed in a timely manner by NBI and that customers that are connected to the fibre to the home broadband service have a high standard in service availability, quality, and performance. Following on from the design and build phases of the network, NBI is required to adhere to agreed performance levels for both the connection of premises and operational performance of the network. The performance regime is in line with best regulatory practice; however, it is more granular for some KPIs.
NBI are required to provide the Department with quarterly performance monitoring reports for every KPI. If KPI targets are not maintained, the value of subsidy payments received by NBI is reduced, that is, NBI will be financially sanctioned.
With regard to the specific experience outlined by the Deputy, this relates primarily to the communication and scheduling processes of the RSP concerned. While NBI is the wholesale network operator, the customer's direct contractual relationship is with the RSP. It is the RSP’s responsibility to manage customer expectations, including the provision of accurate installation dates and timely communication.
Consumers or businesses who are dissatisfied with the service or information provided by their retail broadband provider may refer their complaint to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent statutory body responsible for regulating the electronic communications sector. ComReg investigates complaints and ensures retail service providers deliver services in line with their licence obligations, including in relation to service quality and customer communications.
ComReg can be contacted at:
• Phone: 01 804 9600
• Web: www.comreg.ie
• Email: consumerline@comreg.ie
