Parliamentary questions

48. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress of the national broadband plan in County Offaly, particularly in rural communities still experiencing inadequate coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52517/25]

49. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if core funding for national governing bodies (NGB) of sport in Ireland and local sports partnerships (LSP) will be increased by ten percent for 2026, as per the pre-budget submission by an organisation (details supplied), if the Minister understands the urgency of this funding requirement to continue the work of N…

50. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will engage with the Minister for Finance in advance of budget 2026 to introduce targeted fiscal measures to improve affordability and participation in sport, including tax relief on sporting membership fees and a reduced VAT rate on sport and exercise classes, in order to encourage greater participation ac…

51. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to consider the introduction of a capital grant system similar to the sports capital grant for arts and cultural infrastructure, in order to ensure adequate provision and upgrading of arts and cultural spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52578/25]

52. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps he will take to make a fresh bid for Ireland to host a stage of the iconic Tour de France cycle race; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52179/25]

53. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe for the large-scale sport infrastructure fund scheme to be opened in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52298/25]

54. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the schools selected to participate in the 2025 Creative Schools programme will be announced; whether there will be a similar programme for the 2026-27 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51296/25]

55. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if core funding for national governing bodies of sport in Ireland (NGBs) and local sports partnerships (LSPs) will be increased by ten percent for each of the next three years, as per the pre-budget submission by an organisation (details supplied), if the Minister understands the urgency of this funding requirement…

56. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the application window for the community sport facilities fund to open; the amount of funding expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52582/25]

57. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the capital funding programmes or grants from his Department or any body for which he has responsibility for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply; the details of funding programmes or grants currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to b…

58. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions his Department is taking to support the integration of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52513/25]

59. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress being made regarding the playing pitches fund, as committed to under the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52443/25]

60. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the proposed arts capital scheme as set out in the programme for Government. [52177/25]

61. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on work currently being undertaken within his Department to liaise with the private sector to ensure there is improvement in communication infrastructure in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52189/25]

62. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken by his Department to encourage the establishment of swimming pools in towns that currently have no such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51927/25]

63. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the introduction of a culture card for 16- and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52509/25]

64. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in view of the increased and growing population of west Wicklow, if he will advise on development of sports facilities for west Wicklow, in particular a swimming pool for Blessington and the sports centre for Baltinglass (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52573/25]

65. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1329 of 29 July 2025; for an update on the procurement of a cell-based public warning system for use during emergencies; the engagement his Department has had to date with the Department of Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning in this regard; and if he will make a stateme…

66. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will outline the steps his Department is taking, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to support the reactivation of the nightclub sector; if he will address the sharp decline in the number of operating nightclubs from 522 in 2000 to just 83 today; if he will consider me…

67. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the cost to date of running the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52244/25]

68. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the work of the night-time economy adviser; if consideration is being given to expanding the role or appointing regional night-time economy co-ordinators; the means by which the Department intends to support the development of a vibrant and safe night-time economy nationwide; if he will indicate …

69. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband to communities across the Galway East constituency; and the expected timeline for full coverage in the area. [52333/25]

70. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to clarify if any advance notice was given by him or by his Department to potential applicants of the first-come, first-served approach to allocating funding under the grassroots music venues support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52542/25]

71. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if core funding for national governing bodies of sport and local sports partnerships will be increased in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52400/25]

72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to extend the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51142/25]