Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her excellent co-operation for more than a year and a half in the Department. There has not been a harsh word between us. It has been really positive and co-operative, leading to better governance and better outcomes. I am very pleased to announce some of those outcomes today.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire, leis an gCeann Comhairle agus leis na Teachtaí. Labhróidh mé inniu faoin infheistíocht a bheidh á déanamh againn in earnáil na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta agus i gcúrsaí spóirt ag eascairt as an gcáinaisnéis inné.

This year we were treated to an amazing summer of sport thanks to the incredible performance of Team Ireland at the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. The Government promised to respond to that success with financial support and we are sticking to that promise. Budget 2025 represents a landmark moment for sport in Ireland. Two years ahead of schedule, the Government has more than doubled our investment in sport compared with 2018 levels. This fulfils a key commitment under the national sports policy from 2018 to double investment in sport to more than €220 million by 2027. I am glad to confirm that the 2025 allocation for sport and recreation amounts to €231 million, which is an increase of 10% on last year.

As Deputies will be aware, the Minister and I announced the largest ever investment in sports facilities in the history of the State with an unprecedented €250 million allocated under the community sports facilities fund. This week we are announcing the largest ever budget for sport in the State's history. I can confirm that the overall allocation provided to Sport Ireland, which is tasked by the Government with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, amounts to €115.16 million. This substantial allocation will provide sustained funding for the national governing bodies for sport and our local sports partnerships.

In 2018, the total core funding for the national governing bodies of sport and local sports partnerships stood at €16.9 million. The figure now stands at €30 million. Additional funding to support the delivery of the national sports policy is also being provided. I am establishing a dedicated disability in sport funding stream for Sport Ireland to ensure that everybody, regardless of their ability, has the right to participate in sport and enjoy physical activity. High-performance funding is being increased by over €1 million. Regarding my role as the first ever Minister of State with responsibility for physical education, I am delighted to announce increased funding for the expansion of the active school flag programme again. This will allow more schools to get more active more often and allow for the full roll-out of the programme in post-primary schools.

Regarding funding for the Gaeltacht, tá ardú tagtha ar mhaoiniú do chlár na Gaeltachta go €106.9 milliún, ardú de 6% ar an maoiniú le haghaidh 2024. Leis sin, tacófar leis an nGaeilge agus déanfar a húsáid mar phríomhtheanga phobal na Gaeltachta a neartú tuilleadh. Tá níos mó airgid ag dul go hÚdarás na Gaeltachta. Tá infheistíocht sa straitéis ealaíona. Tá maoiniú don phlean digiteach. Tá maoiniú níos mó á thabhairt d'ionaid Ghaeilge agus chultúrtha ar fud na tíre.

The Government's commitment to sport, physical education and the Gaeltacht has been clearly demonstrated by these pretty significant allocations. The funding provided will improve our society's well-being, physically and mentally, and solidify the importance of Gaeilge and Gaeltachtaí across the island and beyond.

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