I thank the Deputy. The 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 widespread deployment of fibre infrastructure across the State represents a significant step towards the transition from copper-based networks. However, the acceleration of the switch-off of the legacy copper network cannot be determined on the basis of infrastructure availability alone. Any decision in this area must take account of a range of additional factors, including the protection of end users, the continuity of essential services, affordability and the availability of appropriate wholesale access arrangements. It is also necessary to ensure that competition in the market is maintained and that consumers, particularly vulnerable users, are not adversely affected. As indicated previously in response to Question No. 966 on 18 March 2026, the process by which Eir can retire this network is laid out in the Commission for Communications Regulation Decision D09/23, Framework for the Migration from Legacy Infrastructure to Modern Infrastructure. The Government remains supportive of an orderly transition to fibre-based networks, while ensuring that any copper switch-off is carried out in a proportionate manner and in the best interests of consumers and the wider market. In January 2026, the European Commission published its proposed Digital Networks Act, DNA, which is a substantial file and contains several new policy proposals for regulating the electronic communications market. In relation to copper switch-off, the proposal sets out that member states must mandate copper switch-off in all areas where sustainability conditions have been met and it is commercially viable to do so by 31 December 2035. By 31 October 2029, each member state should prepare a national transition to fibre plan and notify it to the Commission. The DNA proposal is currently being negotiated at official level in Brussels and copper switch-off is one of several significant issues including spectrum, resilience and satellite connectivity being discussed. While it is expected the negotiations will not be concluded during Ireland’s Presidency, Ireland will aim to submit a progress report by December 2026.
Sentiment score: 0.15
I do not disagree with the Deputy at all. He gave a good synopsis there as to why the investment in rural broadband is so important. I do not know whether any political party bar my own at the time actually advocated for it, but it has been transformative. I see it in my own home where the broadband that I have now in a rural location with fibre connectivity is a lot faster than in my constituency office and is nearly faster than what we have here in Leinster House. That has been transformative. When I first came into the Dáil in 2011, every second question asked of the Taoiseach and the Minister for communications at the time related to broadband. This is the first broadband question that I have been asked since being appointed Minister, which shows the level of roll-out and the impact that it is having. I raise copper switch-off with regard to vulnerable users, specifically around isolation alarms and alarms for older people where they have the pendants on the wrists. We have to be very conscious that whatever we do, we do not leave them behind, particularly older people who have pendants and wristwatches where they press the button. There is a bit of work to be done on this yet but I fully understand and empathise with what the Deputy is saying.
Sentiment score: 0.04
I agree with the Deputy. A lot of parallels can been drawn from this with regard to when the former Minister, Pat Rabbitte, initiated the Saorview switch-over. When Saorview was being switched over, a large amount of investment was put into public awareness and many vulnerable people, especially the elderly, received assistance to make sure they were not left behind. This is being discussed at EU Council level. We are far more progressed than a lot of our colleagues in the European Union thanks in no small way to National Broadband Ireland and the investment we have made in rural broadband. However, in Dublin, for example, a lot of people are very reliant on copper. I do not in any way take from what the Deputy O'Donoghue said with regard to copper, which is slower than fibre. The reality is that for older people especially, where the conventional landline is their mode of communication and where the pendant and the wristband are their form of protection, we have to make sure through work we will do with the Minister in the Department of rural and community development, Deputy Calleary, that whatever we do is in an orderly fashion and we do not in any way cause distress to end users who are reliant on the copper network as it is at the moment.
Sentiment score: 0.09
I thank the Deputy for raising this question and for his ongoing support for the basic income. In February, I announced 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 1 April. The applications portal opened on 15 April and will remain open until 12 May, which is an important date given the fact we are still in the middle of that application process. The BIA will provide 2,000 artists with a weekly payment of €325 for a period of three years. The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. 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 the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in it. The Department has seen strong demand so far with over 3,000 applications submitted. Over 8,200 eligible applications were received under the original pilot scheme. We expect that number to grow substantially before the end date. My officials are providing assistance with making applications in a number of ways, including an email mailbox, an online video providing information on filling out the form and a telephone helpline. There has been a high volume of email queries, which are being triaged depending on the urgency of the matter. Our officials are also providing over-the-phone assistance for those who have specific accessibility needs and for queries that cannot be dealt with via email . A voicemail service to book these sessions has been in operation since the scheme opened with priority given to those with accessibility needs or who are vulnerable. Assessment for eligibility and the selection of successful applicants for the scheme will begin once applications close on 12 May. I expect payments to begin before the end of the year. This is a groundbreaking 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 who receive it and retain their talent into the future. I encourage artists from every background and every corner of the country to apply for the scheme as is currently laid out.
Sentiment score: 0.33
I agree with the Deputy. If anyone who has experienced any difficulties and has contacted the Deputy, I encourage him to pass any specifics on to me. We want to try to make it work. It is in our interest that we get the maximum number of eligible applicants because we are only around the corner from the next round of negotiations on public expenditure for the next budget. The success or otherwise of this scheme will be demonstrated not just in relation to the output of the artists but also through the number of eligible applications we receive. The greater the number of eligible applicants we receive is a good thing as far as I am concerned. Whether I am able to give them a grant or not is kind of secondary. It will demonstrate very clearly to the Department of public expenditure and reform on my behalf that there is pent-up demand. If there are IT problems the Deputy is aware of, I ask him to send them on to me. I also encourage anybody who has experienced difficulty to contact the Department directly or contact my office and we will endeavour to make sure that everybody gets a proper service. I am acutely aware there is a vulnerable cohort here as well who might not be as tech savvy as other people are who we do not want to be excluded.
Sentiment score: 0.25
That is very helpful and I will certainly relay that back to the team in the Department to see if we can adjust the home page to address the points the Deputy has made. I am not sure whether that is possible or not but we will certainly try. If there are people who have nothing better to do at 9.05 a.m. than listen to the Deputy and I having a chat in the Dáil and who have specific problems accessing the service, I encourage them to contact the Department. We do not want to leave people behind. I do not want a situation where people say they could not apply because the system would not allow them. That is no good to me, no more than it is no good to the artist. If there are specific issues the Deputy or any other Deputy in the House has encountered regarding the application process, they should let us know and we will endeavour to make sure everybody gets a fair crack at this.
Sentiment score: 0.17
I ask the Deputy to bear with me. Our bona fides in this have been well established and we have had a very good engagement with the Opposition. Once 12 May has passed, and once I have a full read-out of the number of applicants, which I will publish, I will come back to the Deputy.
Sentiment score: 0.30
A diverse, independent and trustworthy media sector, operating in line with appropriate media codes and rules, plays an important role in supporting our democracy, fostering our national identity, heritage and culture, and ensuring access to free and impartial news and current affairs. However, it is equally important that any supervision or regulation of the sector is also independent. As such, the independence of Coimisiún na Meán is provided for under section 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended. There is a long-standing principle that costs of regulation are met by regulated sectors, particularly commercial operators. Therefore, provision is made in section 21 of the Broadcasting Act for the imposition of levies to meet the costs of media regulation, supervision and licensing. The Act also vests authority and responsibility for the levy in Coimisiún na Meán. As such, as Minister, I have no role in either determining the cost of regulatory activities or setting the levy. I did, however, meet with two commissioners from Coimisiún na Meán last week in order to seek clarity from Coimisiún na Meán regarding its approach to implementing its statutory responsibilities with regard to the levy. It was also an opportunity for me to impress upon Coimisiún na Meán the need to take the opportunity to more clearly communicate such matters to its stakeholders and the wider public. I am conscious of the very important role independent broadcasters and outlets play in the wider media sector, particularly at local and regional level. The importance of this role is recognised by ongoing support which is provided to the sector through a range of schemes, funded by both Exchequer and television licence revenues, which are designed to support the continued provision of a diverse range of public service content to audiences. Between 2020 and 2025, the commercial radio sector was supported with over €13 million in funding through Sound and Vision. In addition, the number of support schemes has increased significantly over recent years. In 2026 to date, the commercial radio sector has been awarded €4.3 million under a range of media fund schemes. This represents a very significant increase in funding for the sector and shows the Government's commitment to supporting independent media in Ireland.
Sentiment score: 0.39
I have already outlined what I have been doing. The Deputy cannot have her cake and eat it. It is not that long ago that her party and the party that sits beside it were very quick out of the traps, when I asked a question about Coimisiún na Meán, to remind me of my role under the Broadcasting Act and the independence of Coimisiún na Meán. The Deputy cannot have her cake and eat it. She cannot come in here one day and tell me to keep my nose out of Coimisiún na Meán and the second day come in here and tell me to tell Coimisiún na Meán its job. That is opposition politics for opposition's sake. The Deputy is good at it, fair play to her, but I remind her of what her party and the party that sits beside it said. This is a statutory organisation that is independent of the Government and that makes its decisions independent of the Minister and of any political interference. The Deputy wants it both ways but she cannot have it both ways.
Sentiment score: 0.17
Again, nice try. The Deputy fails to recognise one fact, and I think she was connected previously to the tech sector so she will know the role that Coimisiún na Meán has played with regard to the tech sector. Only this week Coimisiún na Meán has announced further investigations into the tech sector. The Deputy is right: this Government has been in office for a long time. It has been in office thanks to the votes of the people of the country. We have won successive elections. We have put together programmes for Government, manifestos and mandates that the people have voted for. We have also put forward legislation through the House that the Deputy's party when it was a lot smaller and the party beside it when it was a lot bigger supported in relation to Coimisiún na Meán. If the Deputy is claiming people are washing their hands in here, she should stand in front of mirror. She is attempting to place me in a position where she knows I cannot be. Hers was the very party a couple of weeks ago when I asked a question - I just asked a question; I did not make an assertion - that jumped up and down, which of course it does very regularly. Nobody jumps up and down higher than the Social Democrats when it comes to indignation. I am simply saying what the legislation allows for. I have also said that I have had engagement with Coimisiún na Meán and I have relaid to Coimisiún na Meán the need for it to engage more clearly-----
Sentiment score: 0.20
-----with the relevant stakeholders.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. The issues of restitution and repatriation are complex and sensitive matters which have significant impacts on families and communities of origin, as well as more broadly on the cultural landscape. I am aware of the legislation recently passed by the French National Assembly which creates a legal framework for the return of cultural objects taken from former colonies, replacing the previous requirement for separate, case-by-case legislation for restitution. In Ireland, the advisory committee on restitution and repatriation was established in 2023 to advise the Government on matters relating to restitution and repatriation of culturally sensitive objects held in collections in Ireland. The advisory committee has been expertly chaired by Sir Donnell Deeny, chairman of the UK Government's Spoliation Advisory Panel and member of the Court of Arbitration for Art in The Hague. The Heritage Council provides the secretariat, and the committee's membership brought together diverse experiences, expertise and perspectives from potential claimant communities, the national cultural institutions and other collecting institutions, and the fields of law, ethics, academia, public policy and cultural heritage. As part of its work, the advisory committee considered the associated legal, ethical, policy, procedural and institutional issues and reviewed the international best practice research available in this area. In 2024, the Heritage Council undertook a national survey to understand the scope and the scale of cultural heritage collections in Ireland. These findings have significantly informed the advisory committee's work and will also be of great interest and benefit to the cultural heritage sector. Through its work, the advisory committee will provide guidance to support cultural institutions and other bodies that have responsibility for managing historic collections, on associated matters, including collections management and provenance research. I am very pleased with the progress that the committee has made in this regard to date. The committee as a whole met most recently in November 2025 with significant strands of work also being progressed between meetings. I received the committee's interim report early last year and I am due to receive its final report shortly. I will bring this to Government at the earliest opportunity and I intend to then publish it without delay. I will give full consideration to the advisory committee's recommendations and I will then bring a plan to the Government to seek support for implementation.
Sentiment score: 0.36
It is expected shortly. As I said in my reply, I will bring the report to the Government and then publish it. I do not disagree with anything the Deputy has said. Restitution cannot be a one-way street. We need to see if there is anything in Irish institutions that is connected to, funded by or associated with colonial plundering. I do not disagree with that term. I believe the Deputy is being very mild-mannered in using it. We cannot ask others to do as we say and not to do as we do. In a similar way, if other countries, particularly European Union and former European Union countries, have plunder from here, restitution needs to be examined. There are post-colonial museums scattered all over Europe like feathers out of a bag and these contain plunder from all over the place, including from Ireland. There is a compulsion on European Union countries that are funding museums they know to contain loot that was taken from people against their will to recover it and return it to those people's countries. That includes Ireland.
Sentiment score: 0.08
His methodologies may have been a bit different and might be a bit unorthodox for a Deputy of Dáil Éireann to be advocating. However, I do not disagree with the sentiment. If there are materials in other museums, particularly in countries that were formerly colonial powerhouses, including the one that occupied this State, in the modern world of 2026 there is a compulsion on them to look into their hearts and recognise that this stuff was taken against the will of the people from whom it was taken and that it really does not belong where it is. That is particularly the case where it is archived and shoved into presses or cupboards but it does also apply to stuff that is on permanent display that clearly does not belong to the country in question. There are some museums that contain nothing belonging to the state in which it is located but rather a mixum-gatherum of stuff that was literally stolen from all over the world. In 2026, any right-thinking democracy needs to take a long look at itself and say that now is the time to begin the process of repatriation as part of restitution and an overall recovery package for what was done during colonialism. I certainly support the Deputy's point. I look forward to the final report, which I will publish. Once I publish it, I expect our national cultural institutions and those institutions funded by my Department that are not NCIs to act appropriately.
Sentiment score: 0.09