Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for joining us today.

I also have a few questions. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate, and I hope both the Minister and the Minister of State will join me in doing so, Maggie Farrelly from Laragh in County Cavan who a few weeks ago became the first woman ever to referee a county final in Kingspan Breffni Park.

It is extraordinary on so many levels that it was 2021 before this occurred. The match was a replay between Gowna and Ramore United. Ms Farrelly did an extraordinary job at a very tough game, particularly considering that it was a replay. I acknowledge her extraordinary achievement in breaking the glass ceiling to become the first woman in Ireland ever to do what she did. Both Ministers might join me in congratulating her.

That leads me neatly to the question of women in sport. What are the plans of the Minister of State to encourage all women in all sports? Senator Carrigy talked about the success of the 2020 campaign. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps the Minister of State and the Department have plans to follow up on that. Could he comment on the matter? It is not just about getting women to engage in sport; the bigger problem concerns the retention of young girls and women and what we do to support them. In the new year, we are going to have a hearing on this issue, but I would like to hear the Minister of State's comments and plans.

Could the Minister outline the eligibility criteria for the basic income guarantee for artists under the associated scheme? I congratulate her on ring-fencing €25 million in that regard. She spoke about an app. Perhaps she could give us some more insight into the roll-out of that and how soon we might see it.

What are the Minister's plans for the Creative Ireland programme? It has led to extraordinary work in bringing professional arts to young children in primary schools and, perhaps, secondary schools. It has been very successful in terms of its engagement and partnerships with local authorities and education and training boards. Has the Minister plans for arts education officers? There are three in place with education and training boards around the country. This is certainly a model that could be expanded and developed. Could the Minister speak to the points I have raised?

We will hear the responses of the Minister of State first. Maybe he will mention Maggie Farrelly's achievements first.