John Connolly
Ceist:51. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to report on the work of the night-time economy advisor for Galway city. [33413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCulture Policy
Ceisteanna (51)
Freagraí scríofa
The Night-Time Economy is an important component in the development of towns and cities, playing a crucial role in economic growth, cultural vibrancy, social vitality, and urban regeneration. The Night-Time Economy pilots are a priority project for the Department to support the development of the Night-Time Economy in Ireland.
The Night-Time Advisor in Galway has been working closely with key stakeholders, the local community and businesses on a range of projects to support and develop a sustainable Night-Time Economy in Galway City. This year, my Department is providing just under €144k in funding towards salary costs and the development and roll out of the Galway City Night-Time Economy action plan. This includes support for Culture Night Late, ‘ Café Lates’, ‘Gallery Lates’ and ‘Youth Lates’ which are all supporting later openings and are aiming to develop a more vibrant, inclusive, diverse, and accessible cultural offering after dark, which are reflective of today’s trends and society.
In addition, my Department provided funding support for ‘Fleadh na Bealtaine’ which took place over the May Bank Holiday. This is a new traditional Irish music and cultural festival which animated streets and venues across the city with music, dance, theatre, storytelling, and food and drink.
Galway City Council is also partnering on NITIES, which is an interregional approach to managing the Night-Time Economies across the EU. This project aims to improve policy instruments for sustainable night-time management in European cities.
The pilot in Galway City has already yielded a range of positive outcomes and continues to build upon the development of a welcoming, and inclusive night-time experience for residents, workers, and visitors.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (52)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:52. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure the maximum drawdown of funds from the previous round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32807/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
When communicating provisional allocations my Department advises organisations of the steps required from them for formal approval to commence works. When the works are complete, organisations then submit payment requests. The Department encourages timely progress of projects and works to ensure that drawdown of funds is dealt with efficiently by officials.
In line with previous rounds of the CSFF, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a 2026 round of the CSFF in the first half of this year. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
Culture Policy
Ceisteanna (53)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:53. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he plans to extend the new late-night transport pilot serving rural night-time economy locations to other towns and other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Night-Time Economy (NTE) is an important component in the development of our towns and cities, playing a crucial role in economic growth, cultural vibrancy, social vitality, urban and rural regeneration.
The Night-Time Economy Implementation Group, which my department chairs, oversees the progression of the actions recommended in the NTE Taskforce Report and ensures that these actions remain current. The National Transport Authority (NTA), Department of Rural and Community Development and the National Town Centre First Office are all active members of the Night-Time Implementation Group and the NTE Unit of my department has been working closely with these members to look at ways to further develop and provide more late-night transport options across the country.
The Night-Time Economy pilots have also been a significant project in this policy area with Night-Time Advisors located in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Sligo, Buncrana (Donegal), Longford, Limerick, Drogheda (Louth) and Dublin. During the development of the NTE strategies in Longford, Sligo and Buncrana, the lack of transport options for people travelling out of each of the towns was identified as a significant barrier in the development of the NTE in these locations.
The ‘One at One’ late night transport pilot initiative was developed by the Night-Time Advisors to address the primary transportation barrier identified during the research phase of the pilot project. The pilot is supported by my department and has been delivered in partnership with the NTA and Local Link. The pilot service will help support the ease of movement for people who wish to enjoy evenings in Sligo, Longford and Buncrana Towns, particularly benefiting businesses in the Night-Time Economy.
At this stage, ‘The One at One’ pilot initiative is focused on the delivery in the selected areas only, there are currently no plans to extend this pilot initiative. A full evaluation of the pilot initiative will be conducted to assess the overall effectiveness and future feasibility of the services. I will be happy to share these findings once that evaluation has been completed.
That said, it is important to note that the provision of additional late night transport services is ultimately the responsibility of the National Transport Authority.
Artists' Remuneration
Ceisteanna (54)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:54. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the deadline is for applying for the new basic income for the arts scheme; the way in which the new scheme differs from the previous scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February I was delighted to announce that the Government had agreed to a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme were published by my Department on April 1st and are available on my Department's website. The applications portal opened on April 15th and will remain open until May 12th. The BIA will provide 2,000 professional artists with a weekly payment of €325 for a period of three years.
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.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, my Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. We have seen strong demand for the scheme with approximately 3,000 applications already submitted. Under the pilot scheme over 8,200 eligible applications were received.
Assessment for eligibility and the selection of successful applicants for the scheme will begin once applications close on May 12. I expect payments to begin before the end of the year. The scheme is broadly similar in design to the pilot scheme, however the eligibility criteria have been strengthened and annual audits to ensure ongoing eligibility have been introduced. The detail is set out in the guidelines.
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.
I encourage artists from every background and every corner of the country to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts. I am pleased to be the Minister responsible for making this support for professional artists permanent.
Sport and Recreational Development
Ceisteanna (55)
Grace Boland
Ceist:55. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has engaged with the Department of Education and Youth, and with Sport Ireland, to support equitable access to physical education and structured physical activity for young people at post-primary level, regardless of the socio-economic profile of an area or school; the way barriers to participation are being identified and addressed as part of wider sport and physical activity strategies; the way this aligns with the Government’s objectives on inclusion, youth participation and lifelong engagement in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Increasing participation levels among all cohorts is a key objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and is a core priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport.
The Irish Sports Monitor (ISM) shows that active participation has reached its highest ever level, with 49% of the population now taking part in sport on a weekly basis. This increase in sports participation is being driven in part by the increasing number of teenagers and young adults in Ireland. This population cohort has the highest sports participation rates of all age groups.
The Active School Flag (ASF) programme is jointly funded by the Department of Education and Youth (DEY) and the Department of Health through its Healthy Ireland programme. The growth and development of the ASF programme at primary and post-primary level is a key action in the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027, and my Department is represented on the ASF Steering Committee which oversees the implementation of the programme
The aim of the ASF programme is to complement the existing Physical Education curriculum in schools in order to get ‘more schools, more active, more often’. The ASF initiative, which was rolled out to Post Primary Schools in 2025, provides schools with a framework to guide, support and incentivise them to work towards achieving a physically educated and physically active school community.
Sport Ireland has been awarded €11 million from the European Social Fund Programme to implement a social innovation and inclusion programme. This has enabled the establishment of the Sport4Empowerment Programme, resulting in the phased recruitment of Social Innovation in Sport Officers mapped to each of the 29 Local Sport Partnerships (LSPs). Twenty four such officers have been appointed to date, and they will be responsible for implementing a range of targeted programmes which aim to enhance the wellbeing, education, and economic prospects of participants. At-risk youth are among the marginalised cohorts being targeted by the programme, as it aims to provide support, and opportunities to develop life skills, and positive engagement through sport and physical activity.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove barriers to participation.
Question No. 56 answered orally.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (57)
Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:57. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the implementation of the National Counter Disinformation Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Counter Disinformation Strategy was published in April 2025. A multi-stakeholder Steering Committee, supported by a broader Coordination Group, has been overseeing implementation since June 2025. Terms of reference, membership and minutes of meetings for the Committee and the Group are available on the Strategy web page.
The first progress update was published on the Strategy web page in December 2025: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f346e655/20251219_NCDS_Implementation_Update.pdf. It is planned to publish the next progress update in June 2026.
2025 highlights include the holding of the first Disinformation Forum, the Media Literacy Ireland Annual Conference and Ireland joining the Steering Group of the OECD Hub on Information Integrity.
Implementation of the Strategy is being accelerated in 2026 with the disbursement of the €1.1 million in funding which I secured in Budget 2026. Coimisiún na Meán has commenced a scheme to support media literacy activities and will shortly launch a scheme to assist fact-checking initiatives. My Department is finalising arrangements with a partner in respect of research initiatives and it is hoped to launch a scheme in that regard very shortly as well.
Arts Funding
Ceisteanna (58)
Joanna Byrne
Ceist:58. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the progress of a potential arts capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities.
In Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
A pilot scheme has been under design in recent months and yesterday I updated Government about progress. Subject to receipt of sanction, the scheme will provide necessary funding to arts and culture facilities for equipment, building upgrades and refurbishment works, along with equipment funding to community and voluntary groups for the purpose of increasing arts/culture participation in communities across the country. I intend to launch the pilot scheme in the coming weeks.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 42.
Culture Policy
Ceisteanna (60)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:60. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to examine the introduction of a culture card for 16 and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events. [33000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As outlined in the Programme for Government, my Department is to consider the potential introduction of a Youth Culture Card for 16 and 17-year-olds to support greater access to theatre, music and arts events across Ireland. At the outset, I want to emphasise that this proposal is being approached in a careful and considered manner, both within the Department and in contacts with interested parties. The overarching aim, however, is to support increased participation in cultural life among young people and to encouragement engagement the arts at a critical stage in their development.
In progressing this work, my Department’s officials have been consulting and seeking advice from a broad range of sources, including initial engagement with relevant stakeholders. In advance of having an envisaged model for a Culture Card, this is very much a listening exercise. This consultation process helps to ensure that any proposal for potential scheme will be informed, practical and responsive to the real needs of young people across the country.
A consistent message emerging from these engagements is the importance of ensuring that any initiative is inclusive, accessible and capable of delivering meaningful impact. In that regard, we are very mindful of the need to operate within finite public resources. There is a clear responsibility on Government to ensure the optimal deployment of funding, and any proposal must represent value for money, be administratively workable and complement existing supports.
Fairness is a central consideration in all aspects of this work. It is essential that beneficial opportunities arising from any Youth Culture Card are shared nationwide. Young people in rural and regional communities must be able to access the same opportunities as those in urban centres. Equally, the needs of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities, must be fully considered in the design of any scheme. Accessibility, both geographic and financial, will be a key test of its success.
In this context, it is important to recognise the strong foundation that already exists. Ireland has a wide range of established youth-orientated services and cultural programmes that are successfully engaging young people. For example, the Arts Council’s Creative Schools programme continues to support schools in embedding arts and creativity into everyday learning. Youthreach centres across the country provide opportunities for early school leavers to engage in creative and cultural activities as part of their education and personal development. In addition, Local Creative Youth Partnerships, supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, are fostering collaboration between schools, youth services, artists and cultural organisations at community level.
We also see significant youth engagement through programmes delivered by institutions funded by my Department, including the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the Chester Beatty Library. These institutions not only provide free access, but also offer workshops, outreach initiatives and tailored events specifically designed for younger audiences.
Furthermore, organisations such as Foróige and other youth services, play an important role in connecting young people with creative opportunities, often in areas where access might otherwise be limited. These existing services provide valuable insight into participation patterns, barriers to engagement and the types of supports that are most effective.
Perhaps the most constructive approach, therefore, is to draw on these established youth-oriented services and activities to provide context and inform the development of the Youth Culture Card. By building on what is already working well, we can ensure that any new initiative is grounded in experience, avoids duplication and enhances existing provisions.
We are also examining international models of youth cultural access schemes. These provide useful lessons, particularly in relation to uptake, design and ensuring equitable regional distribution. Such insights are informing our ongoing analysis.
A number of key issues remain under active consideration. These include how the card might be rolled out, the level of financial support that might be provided and the scope of activities it would cover. Consideration is being given to whether it would apply to ticketed events such as theatre and concerts, as well as participatory activities like workshops, classes and community-based cultural experiences.
The potential benefits of such an initiative are clear. A Youth Culture Card could play a meaningful role in broadening access, encouraging lifelong engagement with the arts and supporting the cultural sector by developing new audiences. However, it is essential that any proposal is carefully designed, evidence-based and sustainable.
In conclusion, while this work is still ongoing, the level of engagement to date will ensure that any future proposal is robust and delivers real value for young people across Ireland.
EU Presidency
Ceisteanna (61)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:61. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to avail of the opportunity of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union to draw attention to the cultural sector, particularly in the context of challenges posed by artificial intelligence; if he will organise a conference during the Presidency on this issue; and if he plans to engage with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. [33401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December this year. This is an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and my Department is committed to supporting the whole-of-Government effort to deliver a successful Presidency.
Policy on the impact of Artificial Intelligence is led by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Minister of State Niamh Smyth is responsible for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. As Minister of Culture I am of course, conscious of the concerns of the creative and cultural sector on the issue, not least in terms of potential for job displacement, the need to ensure transparency in the use of artists’ works in A.I. models, as well as the potential opportunities for the sector in adopting new technologies.
Copyright is an important area where culture and artificial intelligence interact. This is also the policy responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. A Copyright Conference, which will include the topic of AI, will be held during the Presidency under the auspices of that Department. At present the European Commission is conducting a review of the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive, including the text and data mining (TDM) exception in that Directive which is widely understood as applying to training of AI models. The cultural and creative sector report experiencing practical challenges in enforcing their rights related to the operation of the opt out under the TDM exception and transparency of data used in training models. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment have indicated that the review is expected to be published and discussed during the Irish Presidency.
Ireland will use the Presidency to support the culture sector, including, for example, engaging with the European Parliament to begin negotiations on new EU culture and media funding proposals; developing with the Council the EU Work Plan for Culture 2027-2030; and bringing forward plans for the next European Capitals of Culture legal framework.
Strengthening online safety for children will also be a key priority for me during the Presidency. As part of this work, my Department will hold a Presidency Conference on Online Safety for Children and Young People, bringing together policymakers, industry, academia, non-government representatives and children and young people to discuss key issues around online safety.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 42.
Artists' Remuneration
Ceisteanna (63)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:63. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will extend the basic income for artists scheme to all eligible applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33160/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February I was delighted to announce that the Government had agreed to a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme were published by my Department on April 1st. The applications portal opened on April 15th and will remain open until May 12th. The BIA will provide 2,000 professional artists with a weekly payment of €325 for a period of three years.
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.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, my Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. We have seen strong demand for the scheme with approximately 3,000 applications already submitted, under the pilot scheme over 8,200 eligible applications were received. While I would like to be in a position to fund all eligible applicants, that is not possible within available resources. However, I believe that making this scheme permanent is the first step in embedding it and I would hope to increase the number of artists in receipt of the payment as over time should resources permit.
Assessment for eligibility and the selection of successful applicants for the scheme will begin once applications close on May 12. I expect payments to begin before the end of the year.
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.
I encourage artists from every background and every corner of the country to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts. I am pleased to be the Minister responsible for making this support for professional artists permanent.
Sports Events
Ceisteanna (64)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:64. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to ensure that the two upcoming international events, the Ryder Cup 2027 and UEFA EURO 2028, will have lasting legacy impacts for communities across Ireland. [33422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to ensuring there are tangible benefits to wider society arising from the hosting of these major international sports events. We are implementing a range of legacy programmes that will deliver lasting benefits to people of all ages on the island of Ireland.
In relation to the EURO 2028 football championships and the Ryder Cup in Limerick next year, these events provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use both the popularity and power of football and golf to stimulate, engage and inspire young and old across the island.
The unique power of football to inspire children to play and develop a long-term affinity for the game will be a core theme of the legacy programmes being development for the EURO 2028 tournament. Across the host nations, a collaborative Impact and Legacy programme is being developed with details to be announced in due course.
In relation to the Ryder Cup, due to be staged at Adare Manor in Limerick next year, funding of up to €5.7 million was recently announced to help ensure that the 2027 Ryder Cup produces a lasting legacy in Adare and in the wider Limerick region and in Ireland as a whole.
A number of legacy projects within the village of Adare collectively aim to position Adare as a key cultural and tourist hub in Limerick and the Mid-West, enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors both during and after Ryder Cup in 2027 and delivering long-term benefits for the community of Adare for generations to come. These projects will be delivered in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council and the local community.
Additionally, the Department will be funding a 4-year small-scale golf legacy infrastructure scheme. This funding will support the development of facilities such as putting greens and small 3 and 6-hole courses in areas with high public access opportunities and with a particular focus on non-traditional golfing communities in order to support growth in participation in the game. These smaller scale projects will prioritise increased accessibility opportunities for all.
Sport Ireland funding is supporting a network of golf development officers to engage with schools and clubs in order to grow interest in all forms of the game across diverse communities. Key participation targets have been established in order to be able to measure outcomes of this investment.
The Department and Ryder Cup Europe have already announced the hosting of the first-ever disabled golf event, the “G4D Ryder Cup”, as part of Ryder Cup 2027, which will take place at Ballyneety Golf Club which will also host the Junior Ryder Cup. This will ensure Ryder Cup 2027, the centenary hosting of the event, will deliver a meaningful legacy impact both for golf and the wider world of disability sport.