Written Answers Nos. 957-976
957. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a justification for the reason County Mayo has been among the last counties to receive National Broadband Ireland services, leaving some communities dependent on 3G mobile broadband for over eight years; and the measures his Department will take to prevent continued delays or miscommunications during the completion of the rollout. [19946/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. In addition, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, sets out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) have stated the route of the network rollout is not based on cost or an economic model. Instead, it is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible, working within the confines of how fibre networks are built and utilising existing infrastructure wherever possible.
In the Deputy's own county of Mayo a significant investment of €145 million is being made under the NBP. There are over 17,245 premises passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 20,812 are available to order/pre-order, with 5,096 premises now connected. A further circa 20,755 premises in Mayo will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the network deployment.
Premises in the Knock Deployment Area are currently in the network build phase and have an anticipated connection date of between April and June 2026.
Premises located in the Belcare, Cloonfad, Kiltimagh Deployment Areas (DAs) are currently in the network build phase. These premises have an anticipated date for connection between July 2026 and September 2026.
Premises in the Claremorris, Dooleeg, Knockmore and Manulla DAs are also at network build phase and have an anticipated connection date of between October and December 2026.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo and can be monitored via https://nbi.ie/reps/ . NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. It should be noted that NBI provide this information for County Mayo based on NBI deployment areas rather than exact county boundaries.
959. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current salary rate being paid to the chairperson and four commissioners of Coimisiún na Meán; the combined cost of these salaries since the commission was established, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20120/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the passage of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, Coimisiún na Meán was formally established on 15 March 2023. The Executive Chairperson and three Commissioners took up their duties on an administrative basis on 13 February 2023, and on a statutory basis with effect from 15 March 2023. A fourth Commissioner was subsequently appointed on 24 July 2023.
The Executive Chair was appointed on a salary rate equivalent to that of Secretary General (Level II), which currently stands at €264,378 per annum. The salaries for Commissioners were determined having regard to other similar regulators/regulatory bodies, and the current rate of salary is €198,711 per annum.
The combined cost of the salaries is as follows, noting that given the timing of establishment of An Coimisiún and appointment of Commissioners, the figures for 2023 and 2026 do not represent full year costs.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
705,880.84 |
955,289.37 |
1,034,399.89 |
209,530.42 |
2,905,100.52 |
960. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will commission an independent review of the compatibility of Coimisiún na Meán's regulatory framework with Article 40.6.1° of the Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding freedom of expression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA free and independent media is a cornerstone of democracy and plays a vital role in informing people and holding institutions and interests to account. This is reflected in Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution and reinforced by equivalent provisions in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Ireland has a robust legislative foundation and regulatory framework designed to protect media freedom and media plurality. The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which completed its passage through the Oireachtas and was signed into law by the President of Ireland on 10 December 2022, provided for the establishment of a new online safety and media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán. Importantly, the OSMR Act provides that An Coimisiún is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Notably, the legislative framework for media regulation is being updated through the Media (Regulation) Bill, which is due to commence its passage through the Oireachtas very shortly. The Bill will give effect to the main elements of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), an EU regulation which aims to strengthen the internal market for media services and protect media pluralism by harmonising different national rules and procedures.
On this basis, I do not believe it appropriate or necessary to commission an independent review as suggested by the Deputy.
961. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has examined Coimisiún na Meán's call for submissions on media literacy to counter disinformation, announced 10 March 2026; whether he is concerned that such initiatives risk positioning the regulator as an arbiter of truth and thereby controlling public discourse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Counter Disinformation Strategy was published in April 2025. The strategy sets out 9 commitments and 36 actions, including at Commitment 4, adopting a lifelong approach to empowering all citizens with media literacy. The Strategy is also clear in stating that it is not the Government that decides what is or is not disinformation.
In fulfilment of the Programme for Government commitment to support implementation of the Strategy, I secured €1.1 million in Budget 2026 which is being allocated in support of media literacy initiatives, fact-checking and research.
In relation to media literacy, it was agreed with Coimisiún na Meán that it would distribute a portion of this funding in 2026 to support organisations delivering media literacy activities. This call, worth €200,000, is the first of two - the second call for submissions will seek to provide micro-grants for community-based media literacy activities.
Under this first call, eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding for projects that deliver at least one of the following objectives:
• Advancing empirical knowledge of effective media literacy strategies to counter disinformation as well as insights into the needs and capacities of different sectors delivering media literacy across the life course.
• Implementing Ireland’s national public library strategy for 2023-2027 ‘The Library is the Place’.
• Collaborating with key partners and established networks on developing educational content that empowers Irish people with the skills and knowledge to make informed choices about the media content and services that they consume, create and disseminate.
• Evaluating impact and capturing best practice for future delivery.
This is an important step in ensuring organisations across Ireland can develop projects that help people better understand and critically assess the information they encounter every day. By strengthening media literacy across our communities, we are helping to build a more resilient and informed society, as part of Coimisiún na Meán’s role in developing and regulating a thriving, diverse, creative, safe and trusted media landscape.
962. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will direct Coimisiún na Meán to publish a full impact assessment on how its media services codes, fairness and impartiality rules, and media-pluralism policy are affecting viewpoint diversity and the viability of independent and smaller media outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 46N of the Broadcasting Act 2009 allows for Coimisiún na Meán to make media service codes governing the standards and practices of broadcasters and providers of audiovisual on-demand media services. They regularly hold consultations with the public and various stakeholders when reviewing their codes and rules. They published a response to their consultation on the draft media codes and rules for broadcasting in July 2025 which can be found here (https://www.cnam.ie/app/uploads/2025/07/Response-to-Consultation_Stage-2_Broadcasting.pdf). They recently also held a public consultation on media plurality policy which can be found here (https://www.cnam.ie/app/uploads/2025/08/20250827_PConsult-Pluralism.pdf). Under Section 10 of the Act Coimisiún na Meán are independent in the performance of their functions and it would not be appropriate for me to direct them as proposed.
963. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will provide a timeline for a decision on the pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners given by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and sent to his Department on 23 February 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20221/26]
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 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 on 17 November, 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 Eircom Superannuation Scheme, including the payment of pension benefits and approved pension increases, is a matter for the Trustees of the Scheme.
964. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he agrees with the findings of a recent report (details supplied) that take up of fibre to the home broadband continues to be below average amongst older people and amongst small businesses; if so, the policy measures his Department are pursuing to encourage the commencement of the process of copper switch-off which would have a significant impact in driving take up of fibre to the home amongst these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the eir Digital Ireland Report published in February 2026, which draws on eir's internal network data, ComReg quarterly reports, Central Statistics Office research, and EU Digital Decade indicators to present a comprehensive picture of Ireland's digital connectivity landscape.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. In addition, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, sets out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, over 456,567 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 168,255 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. NBI are connecting circa 4,500 premises each month.
The Department recognises that infrastructure availability alone does not guarantee adoption, and that digital skills and participation remain lower among older people, those on lower incomes, and rural communities. The Government's Digital Inclusion Roadmap, "Digital for Good", sets out measures to address barriers including awareness, skills, affordability, and accessibility, which remain under active implementation.
Regarding copper switch-off, the Department supports the prioritisation of a managed transition from copper to fibre-based broadband, consistent with the Government's Digital Connectivity Strategy objective of gigabit network coverage for all Irish households and businesses by 2028. The main copper network is owned by eir, and the process for its retirement is governed by ComReg Decision D09/23, which establishes a structured framework consisting of an Enablement Phase, a Migration and Switch-off Phase, and a Decommission Phase. To date, no switch-off plan has been approved by ComReg.
As the timing of copper switch-off is largely a commercial matter for eir, subject to compliance with ComReg's regulatory framework, it would not be appropriate for the Department to direct the commencement of this process. However, the Department recognises that a well-managed copper switch-off could serve as a catalyst for increased fibre adoption among both older people and SMEs, and continues to engage with ComReg, through a bilateral working group on Copper Switch Off, and with eir, to monitor developments.
It is also worth noting that the European Commission published a Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act on 21 January 2026, which envisages copper switch-off being triggered where at least 95% fibre coverage exists and affordable retail connectivity services are available, with a backstop date of 31 December 2035 after which Member States will be required to mandate switch-off in remaining areas, subject to limited exceptions.
965. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being undertaken by his Department to promote the take up of fibre to the home fibre broadband amongst Irish SMEs, considering data which suggests adoption remains low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20269/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy objective of my Department, as set out in Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in 2022, is to ensure that all premises in Ireland including homes, farms, and businesses have access to high-speed gigabit broadband services by 2028. The Department will refresh this strategy in early 2026, maintaining the 2028 gigabit goal.
The majority of digital connectivity across the State will be delivered through commercial investment by the telecommunications industry, complemented by the roll-out of fibre, across mainly rural areas, under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
Significant progress has been made in deploying the infrastructure necessary to make this possible. As of the end of January 2026, NBI has completed 100% of design and survey work across the approximately 566,000 premises in the Intervention Area, with 85% of the network already built and the main infrastructure build on track to complete by end of 2026, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. According to the most recent ComReg data, gigabit-capable broadband is now available at 90% of all premises in Ireland, with fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) available at 84%. ComReg data also shows that FTTP subscriptions increased by 21.11% year-on-year in Quarter 4 of 2025, to over 1 million connections by end of 2025 demonstrating that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing as services are deployed to areas where they had previously been unavailable.
It is important to note that my Department's role is focused on ensuring the availability of high-speed broadband infrastructure to all premises. The commercial broadband retailers operating in both the BLUE (commercial) and AMBER (State intervention) areas have their own programmes to encourage and support the adoption of high-speed broadband services within the business community. The decision to take up available services is ultimately a commercial matter for individual businesses and their chosen service providers.
Measures to encourage the digitalisation of enterprise, including the adoption by SMEs of available high-speed connectivity, fall primarily within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment who deliver a range of educational, awareness and enablement programmes to support small and medium-sized businesses in embracing digital technologies.
966. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department supports the prioritisation of the switching off of copper broadband technology; to set out the measures his Department have taken or supported to achieve this objective; if his Department has a national target date for when all copper broadband will be switched off within the State; if not, the reason there is no such policy objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Digital Connectivity Strategy (DCS) aims to have all Irish households and businesses covered by a gigabit network by 2028. A fibre network is faster, consumes less energy and is more reliable than a copper network, and the transition away from legacy copper infrastructure to modern fibre is consistent with that objective. In this regard the Department supports the prioritisation of a managed transition from copper to fibre-based broadband.
The main copper network is owned by Eir (a private entity) and as such the ongoing operation and maintenance of this network is a matter for them. The process by which Eir can retire this network is laid out in ComReg Decision D09/23, “Framework for the Migration from Legacy Infrastructure to Modern Infrastructure.” The transition framework consists of three phases: an Enablement Phase; a Migration and Switch-off Phase; and a Decommission Phase. The starting point of the process is a formal Switch-off Proposal submitted by Eircom to ComReg. When ComReg is satisfied that the proposal fulfils the framework conditions set out in the Decision, it will approve it, at which point the proposal becomes Eircom’s Switch-off Plan. To date, no plan has been approved by ComReg.
In terms of measures to support the transition, the State’s primary contribution has been to ensure that high-quality fibre alternatives are available to all premises before any copper retirement takes place. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), is extending fibre coverage to approximately 566,000 premises in rural and harder-to-reach areas. As of end January 2026, 100% of design and survey work under the NBP is complete, 85% of the network is already built, and the main infrastructure build is on track to complete by end of 2026 in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
As the timing of the switch-off is largely a commercial matter for Eir, subject to it complying with the provisions of ComReg’s decision, it would not be appropriate for the Department to set a national target date for copper switch-off. However, the Department continues to engage with both ComReg, through a bilateral working group on Copper Switch Off, and Eir, to keep apprised of any developments in this area.
In addition, it is worth noting the European Commission published a "Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act" on 21 January 2026 which states the following; "Until 31 December 2035, copper switch off is triggered when the following two conditions are cumulatively met (i) at least 95% fibre coverage; and (ii) availability of affordable retail connectivity services. After this date, the conditions will not play a role anymore and Member States will be required to mandate the switch-off in all the remaining copper switch-off areas with some exceptions."
967. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the relevant building and telecommunications regulations are now legally aligned with the terms of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act; the guidance available to developers to support their compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) is a European regulation that came into force in May 2024, with the purpose of stimulating investment in Very High Capacity Networks, such as fibre and 5G network roll-out. The majority of the provisions in the GIA took effect in November 2025 with all provisions fully effective by May 2026. Although the Act takes direct legal effect under EU law, transposition of various elements of GIA into national law will be required in order to cater for certain aspects of GIA, such as designating competent bodies to carry out various tasks under the Act. The Act replaces the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive which the European Commission considered ineffective in achieving its aims.
Among the new provisions in the GIA is that public sector bodies must meet reasonable requests from operators to access physical infrastructure owned or controlled by those public sector bodies, such as public buildings. Another key feature of the GIA is that it seeks to enable stakeholders to exercise all of their rights and the compliance with all of their obligations under the Act via Single Information Points. This means, for example, if operators wish to assess opportunities to coordinate civil works with other entities, apply for permits or request access to public buildings, they should be able to do so via a single National Digital Entry Point to the digital tools and platforms associated with these activities.
In order to ensure effective implementation of the GIA, the Department has established a GIA Steering Group, comprised of a broad range of stakeholders, to facilitate coordination and collaboration on key issues. External expertise has also been on-boarded to assist on a range of matters related to the GIA.
With regard to the alignment of building and telecommunications regulations with the GIA, work is ongoing across the relevant Government Departments and agencies. The GIA introduces requirements in respect of physical infrastructure in new buildings and major renovation works to ensure that they are equipped with in-building physical infrastructure capable of supporting the deployment of gigabit-speed networks. The relevant building regulations in Ireland are a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My Department continues to engage with that Department to ensure coherence between building regulations and the telecommunications provisions of the GIA.
The Department launched a public consultation in December 2025 on exclusions to Single Information Point transparency obligations. Member States have been allowed discretion to decide on which existing physical infrastructure should be made visible via the Single Information Point. This consultation includes the recommendations of an expert report specific to the Irish market. The Department is now analysing the submissions received. A further consultation on in-building physical infrastructure and fibre wiring specifications is expected to be launched shortly. These consultations will further inform the implementation of the GIA in Ireland.
968. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a county-level investment analysis from previous Community Sport Facilities Fund rounds has been completed to identify areas that have been historically under-invested; and if he will publish that analysis. [20405/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra969. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the projected overall budget envelope for the 2026 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund and whether this will exceed the €277.9 million allocated under the 2023 round. [20406/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra971. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the Department will publish draft guidelines for the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund at least four weeks in advance of the opening date in order to allow community clubs adequate preparation time. [20408/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 968, 969 and 971 together.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 under the most recent, 2023, round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. Details of all CSFF allocations are available on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/.
New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round and these will include the eligibility and likely assessment criteria for that next round. 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 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. I expect to open this round in the coming months.
970. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has considered introducing a dedicated capital stream for large regional facilities in major urban areas such as Cork, where the scale of infrastructure required often exceeds the typical local grant thresholds. [20407/26]
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. Under the 2023 round of the CSFF, applicants could apply for up to €200,000 for local projects and up to €500,000 for regional projects.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open 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 have been two rounds of LSSIF with a cumulative investment of €297 million across 68 projects. 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.
972. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding for GAA clubs that has been withheld for facilities since June 2024 due to clubs not guaranteeing equal access for ladies' teams, considering the former Junior Minister's June 2024 statement to the media that the GAA will receive zero funding for facilities if equal access if not guaranteed; if this is still the position of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20444/26]
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). All CSFF grantees must sign a declaration that, from the date of the grant, they will not deny anybody access to any facility or part of a facility for which they received a grant on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief, or membership of the Traveller or Roma community without just, reasonable and proper cause.
My Department routinely carries out compliance reviews and annual spot-checks of a proportion of grant-aided projects as allocations are drawn down, and participation and inclusion aspects are an important feature of those reviews.
In addition, the LSSIF requires that recipients of LSSIF funding must accommodate the needs of women and men, on a similar basis, with regard to accessing the facilities.
To date, there have been no instances of non-compliance with the gender-based access requirements of either capital funding programme.
973. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of postal agencies using mini-riposte machines across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra974. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of postal agencies that have closed due to being unable to replace their mini-riposte machine in the past two years, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra975. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there are plans to replace the mini-riposte machines, used by postal agencies, considering that they are not compatible with fibre connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra976. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his advice to postal agencies that can no longer use their mini-riposte machines to provide social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20448/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 973, 974, 975 and 976 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I have any function. The terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is also matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
As such, this is an operational matter for An Post, and the details requested are held directly by the Company. The Deputy may contact An Post directly at OireachtasEnquiries@anpost.ie.
