Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
124. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on the merits of increasing targeted support for independent Irish language productions for both television and online streaming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur language is a cornerstone of our heritage and national identity, and it is a priority of this Government to ensure the continued and increased support of the Irish language across all media platforms. In line with Government policy, Coimisiún na Meán, the independent media regulator, administers funding and support for high-quality Irish language content.
In order for Irish language programming and Irish language journalism to grow, it is necessary that it is underpinned by a robust legislative framework. This applies not only to the public service media providers RTÉ and TG4, but also to public service content provision among the wider media sector.
Central to this commitment is the requirement under the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill that not less than 25% of funding made available in any scheme for the production of new public service content shall be made available for content in the Irish language. This will play an important role in promoting Irish language content across the media sector.
The Sound and Vision Scheme administered by Coimisiún na Meán currently provides significant support to Irish language productions. In 2025, approximately €5.4m was awarded to either Irish language or bi-lingual productions, representing 38% of all funding awarded that year. To date in 2026, €2.87m has been awarded to Irish language or bi-lingual productions, 45% of the total funding awarded. These allocations are significantly higher than the stated goal of Sound and Vision to allocate 20-25% of its funding to support the Irish language.
Coimisiún na Meán commissioned two pieces of research with regard to high-quality Irish language provision in media. The first is on the feasibility of an Irish language radio service aimed at young listeners. The second is an extensive review of the current provision of Irish language media, as recommended by the Report of the Future of Media Commission. The findings of both research pieces will inform a strategy and action plan that is currently being developed by Coimisiún na Meán’s new Irish Language Unit.
My Department is committed to working with Coimisiún na Meán and other stakeholders to further strengthening Irish language media in a sustainable way, particularly where there is a clear audience demand.
