The operation of the League of Ireland and its academies is fundamentally a matter for the Football Association of Ireland, which, like all other NGBs of sport is an independent, autonomous organisation responsible for the organisation and development of its own sport. The programme for Government commits to exploring new mechanisms for the creation of football academies and an additional finding grant of €1 million provided by my Department to the FAI enabled it to produce the report referred to by the Deputy. The funding also enabled the appointment by the FAI of an academies administrator to support the development of new academy programmes and track their impact. The League of Ireland global findings report, produced by the Belgian company Double Pass, benchmarks Irish football academies against international standards based on an audit of existing academy structures and needs. My Department continues to engage with the FAI regarding this report, and a pre-budget submission focusing on academies has recently been submitted to me by the association. This will be given consideration, taking account of the range of request across the sports sector for additional support and, ultimately, the outcome of the current budgetary process. While the FAI has sought significant State funding to support its academies, it is important to note the sizeable financial support directed to the FAI and to football more generally over the past few years. Over €75 million in State funding was allocated to the FAI between 2019 and 2024, including €30.2 million specifically to support football development and aimed at promoting participation in football by young people, with the balance in funding comprising Covid-specific and energy supports to the FAI and the wider football sector. Furthermore, significant capital funding has been granted to football projects around the country in recent years, including the €48.9 million that has been allocated to FAI endorsed football stadium projects at Finn Harps, Dalymount Park, Sligo Rovers and Wexford FC under the 2024 round of the large scale sports infrastructure fund, LSSIF, and €76 million to support the development of grassroots club football facilities nationwide under the 2020 and 2023 rounds of the community sports facilities fund.
Sentiment score: 0.52
The FAI already receives significant amounts of Government funding, which the Deputy did not reference, nor did she reference anything the Government has been doing for the FAI over the past number of years. The 2023 memorandum of understanding between the Government and the FAI provides €5.8 million per annum to the association via Sport Ireland. In addition, the Government pays the FAI's annual contribution to the Aviva management company for three years, which is €2.54 million, which is now repayable to the State at a rate of €1 million per annum. A new memorandum of understanding was signed on 17 December 2024, which increased the funding to €6 million. The bulk of this funding goes towards the FAI's youth field sports grants, which are aimed at developing the grassroots of the game. I know what the Deputy is saying, but it is a bit unfortunate that she did not reference the things we are doing. The FAI could not function at the moment if it were not for the Government. The Deputy might in her response at least acknowledge that.
Sentiment score: 0.02
I remind the Deputy that we actually have fulfilled our programme for Government commitment. We paid for the report and the Deputy did not acknowledge that either. Now we are considering it, and we will consider it in the round with every other field sport that is looking for money, including rugby, Gaelic games and everything else. We have a limited amount. If there are suggestions she has with regard to existing parts of the sports, culture and communications budget that I can cut, I would be delighted to hear them.
Sentiment score: 0.15
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The programme for Government commits to providing the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. The Department is working to deliver on this commitment, engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to the securing of a new mandate from the Government to continue funding at an enhanced level, while ensuring an adequate legal basis and compliance with state aid rules. An amount of €10 million per annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term from 2023 to 2025 to An Post. An Post then disperses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefiting from Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the network. It should be noted that An Post provides important services to its customers and key government services to citizens, including through commercial contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA. The report of the interdepartmental group, which was established to, among other things, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the post office network, was published in 2022. None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer additional services for delivery by An Post. It is a matter for each Department or agency with responsibility for a service to consider how best to deliver their services. However, while I have no role in services outside of my remit, and cannot transfer such services to An Post, my officials and I will be happy to engage with Departments should they wish to transfer services under their remit. The Government launched Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework in 2022 and publishes annual progress reports. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030. As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports including skills, infrastructure and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols. There is potential for the post office network to be a key enabler, therefore, in the implementation of the digital Ireland framework.
Sentiment score: 0.41
We have engaged with the postmasters. I represent a rural community. I know probably as well as the Deputy the value of post offices. The earlier reply alluded to the fact that there is a digital risk with the growth in the number of services that are moving online. The reality is that mail delivery services have gone down dramatically. That poses a risk to the company and we have to be acutely aware of it. While everybody wants to move their services online, that comes then with a challenge to the organisation. The challenge to the organisation is to make sure it can compete, which it does, in other markets, including in parcel delivery in which it is doing a really great job. I understand, however, the context of what the Deputy is saying around it being a social asset as much as anything else. That is why the Government has over the past three years given €10 million in support, and that is why we have been engaged with the Irish Postmasters' Union, IPU. This is something we are considering in the context of the budget.
Sentiment score: 0.25
Any decision on offices and outlets is a matter for the company and has been since the foundation of the company, and they are commercial decisions. That being said, when I meet with An Post, and any time I have met An Post, its representatives are very keen to point out that what it has been doing in the recent past, by virtue of the fact that it has gotten significant financial support, is looking to see if there a viable alternative in the immediate area it is prepared to take on. Unfortunately, we have had situations where there have been closures and there have been alternatives, but those alternatives are not willing to take it on, which is their choice. They do not have to take it on but that means if a postmaster is retiring, and an office is closing and nobody else wants to take it on, inevitably, we are looking at closure. The reality is, however, that in the past number of years the number of closures has gone down. This is not just something that is unique to rural areas. We have seen a substantial number of urban offices close as well. The Deputy is right that post offices do not stay open on the basis of sentiment; they stay open on the basis of transactions. There is no point coming to a public meeting to keep a post office open if you have not been in a post office for the past 12 months. That is the reality. Postmasters cannot operate on the basis of sentiment. They have to operate on the basis of transaction and loyalty from the local community.
Sentiment score: 0.13
Yes, but the questions are grouped. I will give way to Deputy Gibney.
Sentiment score: 0.11
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 5 together. I thank both Deputies. The programme for Government commits to assessing the basic income for the arts, BIA, pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I announced an extension of six months, to February 2026, to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide an evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps. I launched an online public consultation which closed on 5 September. Over 17,000 submissions were received, of which 97% were in favour of the BIA continuing. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with approximately 200 attendees from resource organisations and artists represented. In order to assess the pilot in the context of the extension and potential preparations for a successor scheme, I instructed officials in the Department to convene a consultative committee, which draws from across Government and includes the Departments of Social Protection, public expenditure and reform, and Finance, along with the Arts Council, Screen Ireland and the County and City Management Association with officials from my Department who have been working on the pilot since the outset. The group met twice this summer. Many reports on the scheme have been published and circulated to members of this committee to keep them fully informed of developments on the BIA as they happen. More recently, the externally commissioned cost-benefit analysis on the scheme was circulated to colleagues in the Department of public expenditure ahead of its publication. Communications with the Department of Social Protection have been ongoing through the pilot. My remit as Minister for the arts is to that sector. The pilot scheme has proven to be an enormous help to the artists receiving it in dealing with the precarious nature of their income, which is work we all benefit from as a society. Other Departments are welcome to view the extensive research that has taken place on the pilot. Ireland is a global leader in the area of artist supports because of the BIA. Several countries have shown an interest in the policy, with officials from Australia, Wales, South Korea, Canada, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, northern European arts councils and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU seeking briefings with regard the policy. Last year, our officials met with Jane Hutt, member of the Welsh Senedd and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, to discuss the strengths and challenges of the income pilot. Wales is currently piloting a scheme for young people leaving care. My officials have also been in contact with arts organisations, researchers, academics, organisations representing the area and university students. The pilot is underpinned by a comprehensive research programme. I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme, which found that BIA recipients, compared to those not in receipt of the BIA, are: six percentage points more likely to have worked in the arts in the previous six months; spend on average 11 weekly hours more on their creative practice; and are 14 percentage points more likely to have completed new works in the previous six months, on average, completing 3.9 pieces of work more than the control group. They are 15 percentage points less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed; are 16 percentage points less likely to have experienced anxiety; and are more likely to be able to afford basic necessities. Yet, as of October 2024, almost 30% of recipients are experiencing enforced deprivation. The share for the general population in 2024 is 15.7%. An interview report published earlier this year also found recipients have upskilled and invested in quality materials; the opportunity to focus more on their specific creative interests opened new possibilities; and recipients reported the importance of giving back to the community and engaging in collaborations. An externally commissioned cost-benefit paper has just been published by the Department. It shows that the BIA produced over €100 million in social and economic benefits and for every €1 invested in the pilot, society received a return of €1.39. It also found that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three-year pilot. No decision on a successor scheme has been made yet. A Government decision will be required on a successor to the pilot. I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention following budget 2026, assuming funding for a successor is secured, but I have made it clear that I am in favour of a permanent scheme being put in place.
Sentiment score: 0.23
I will stick with artists for the moment, if that is okay. On the budgetary discussions, I have made it abundantly clear, even in the last line I read out, that I am in favour of the retention of the scheme. However, as Deputy Ó Snodaigh, who has been around a lot longer in this place than I have, knows, I still have to secure a funding source to make sure we have a scheme that can be implemented in the immediate aftermath of February. I will point out that since I arrived in the Department, we have done a number of things, including extending the scheme beyond the end of 2025. It was to run until the end of Christmas. I did not think that was appropriate, so I made our own resources available out of the Department to make sure we could bring it to February. We also did quantitative and qualitative data research, which we published, including the cost-benefit analysis. We have had significant engagement with the campaign for the arts as well, all of which is focused on assessing people's views but also drilling home the value of the scheme, not just to the individual artist but, as Deputy Gibney said, to society and the Government as well. We will continue to do that. Any successor scheme will be predicated, first, on a funding source. The quantum of the funding source will then determine the number of people that will be able to access it, again, having had discussions with the Department of Social Protection and others. I am also of a mind to change the name of the scheme. To be quite honest about it, "the basic income for the arts scheme" is not necessarily a name I would attribute to a scheme where ultimately, people are working on behalf of the State and producing works that can then lessen the precarious nature of their work. I am open to their suggestions. When I raised it with them, they were very positively disposed to a name change. Of course, that is predicated on if we will get funding and the quantum of the funding.
Sentiment score: 0.26
I will go back to Deputy Ó Snodaigh's point with regard to disability. In the discussions I have already had in the Department with the representative groups, I have made clear my intention that if there is a successor scheme, there will be a clear focus on artists who have a disability in order to make sure they have access to the scheme. They should also be assisted in making an application to the scheme because for many of them, that is in itself a difficulty. To be honest, all of the other questions that have been asked are very laudable but I do not have an answer for them. Whether we will have the same, existing cohort or we will be adding to them, taking away from them or changing the criteria will depend on the amount of money we ultimately have on an annualised basis, assuming a sum of money will be available. We are working on that basis. We still have a week to finalise it. On Deputy Gibney's point about the name, during the discussions with artists' representatives they were positively disposed to looking at the possibility of changing the name. A lot of people do not like the word "scheme". Personally, I do not like the word "scheme". I am open to suggestions on it.
Sentiment score: 0.07
With regard to farmers, carers and everything else, that will be a matter for the line Ministers in each of the individual Departments. At the moment, my focus is on the questions that are before the House.
Sentiment score: 0.01
The short answer is "No", but I will give the Deputy a longer answer now.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I understand the Deputy is referring to the approval on 30 May of an allocation of support not to exceed €25,000 in respect of the Listowel Writers Festival. My Department has a number of processes for allocating funding to a wide range of artistic and cultural organisations and events. These processes are designed to ensure fairness and, insofar as possible, maximise responsiveness to the needs of the sector. In response to requests for funding for local events each year, individuals and organisations, where possible, are directed to the small-scale local festival and summer school scheme or the Arts Council festival scheme, depending on the size of the event. It should be noted that organisations cannot receive income from both schemes. There may be instances whereby applicants have made an application to the Arts Council which was refused, and on this basis, the organisations may seek funding from the Department when that scheme is closed. Where such requests are received, the Department will consider them on a case-by-case basis. These are subject to available resources and all allocations are subject to compliance with public financial procedures, the requirements of the grant circular and my approval as Minister. This process has been in place for many years and all such grants are published each year on the Department’s website at the page headed "Cultural Projects Funding". Listowel Writers Week is an internationally acclaimed literary festival, devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel. It was founded in 1970, with the first festival taking place in 1971. Listowel Writers Week is Ireland’s oldest literary and arts festival. It is a forum where writers, artists and poets gather to promote writing of all genres and create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible audience. It is a festival where writers and readers gather to celebrate the written word together. Support of €25,000 for Listowel Writers Festival was approved alongside allocations to the Phil Murphy Weekend, which received €20,000; Éigse Michael Hartnett, which received €15,000; and Other Voices, which was granted €40,000.
Sentiment score: 0.47
The Deputy might say it is "outside of the normal channels" but I wonder if he ran this question by his colleague, Deputy Pa Daly, who represents the constituency of Kerry, before he came into the Chamber. Deputy Daly has used a similar channel for festival in Tralee called Anam. It was approved under that channel and received €7,500. There was no difficulty with that. I do not know what Deputy Ó Snodaigh has against the people of Listowel, and I do not know what he has against Listowel Writers Week, which is a very worthy festival. The last time I answered questions in this House, Deputy Ó Snodaigh and Deputy Doherty tore the place asunder over funding for a musical event in Gaoth Dobhair. Since those parliamentary questions, I was able to allocate funding to that event outside what the Deputy would call "normal" procedures. Does Deputy Ó Snodaigh believe I should take that money back from Gaoth Dobhair? Will he take it up with Deputy Doherty? Will he take up the €7,500 that the Department allocated to a festival in Tralee on foot of a request from Deputy Pa Daly? According to Deputy Ó Snodaigh, this was done "outside of the normal channels"?
Sentiment score: 0.15
Do as I say and not as I do.
Sentiment score: 0.00
So does Tralee. What is the problem?
Sentiment score: -0.20
The funding to Tralee was not published either.
Sentiment score: 0.00
So will we look for the money back again?
Sentiment score: 0.00
That is grand, okay.
Sentiment score: 0.60
I could not be more open about Listowel. If the Deputy's party Deputy from north Kerry had turned up to the opening of Listowel Writers' Week, he would have got a press release on the extent of what the Department was giving. The Deputy does not have an issue with Tralee, because of Deputy Pa Daly, or with Gweedore, because of Deputy Pearse Doherty.
Sentiment score: 0.21
Forgetting outside-----
Sentiment score: 0.00
What did the people of Listowel ever do to Sinn Féin?
Sentiment score: 0.00
What did the people of Listowel ever do to Sinn Féin?
Sentiment score: 0.00
Why is it that the Deputy is against-----
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy named it in correspondence to my Department. I am clearing up the Dáil record.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy named it in correspondence to my Department.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy does not like it now. He named it in correspondence to my Department. I am going to be clear with the Dáil. The Deputy has a problem with Listowel Writers' Week. He has a problem.
Sentiment score: -0.14
The Deputy should let me finish. I did not shout him down.
Sentiment score: 0.00
This is the Deputy's tactic. He is now adopting the Pearse Doherty tactic. The last day the two Deputies came in here and they attacked me over Gweedore. I subsequently was able to fix it.
Sentiment score: -0.11
I did not hear the Deputy say today that I had allocated money to Gweedore outside normal practices. I also did not hear him say that I had allocated money to Tralee outside normal practices.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy should take it up with his own two Deputies.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy should take it up with his own two Deputies. I hope the people of Listowel-----
Sentiment score: 0.22
I hope the people of Listowel are listening to this on Radio Kerry.
Sentiment score: 0.44
I hope Jerry O'Sullivan on Radio Kerry is listening to this. I do not know what the Deputy has against the people of Listowel.
Sentiment score: 0.22
The Deputy did not have the guts to put it down on the Question Paper today - the name of it.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy cast aspersions on an individual.
Sentiment score: 0.00
How dare the Deputy cast aspersions on me. On what basis is the Deputy casting aspersions on me?
Sentiment score: 0.00
On what basis is the Deputy casting aspersions on me?
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy should take it up with his colleague, Deputy Pa Daly. Do not come in here like a hypocrite.
Sentiment score: 0.18
The Deputy wants to have his cake and to eat it. He has a problem with Listowel Writers' Week.
Sentiment score: -0.20
The Deputy has a problem with the people of Listowel but he has no problem with Gweedore.
Sentiment score: -0.80
The Deputy is a hypocrite.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The Deputy is a hypocrite.
Sentiment score: 0.00
The people of Listowel and Deputy Daly will know all about.
Sentiment score: 0.00
They will get more next year.
Sentiment score: 0.00
There is an open invite to everybody.
Sentiment score: 0.15
Because I am in favour of the people of Listowel. I will take Deputy McGuinness on as well.
Sentiment score: 0.36
Exactly. The decent people of Listowel.
Sentiment score: 0.00