Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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952. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the strategies that are in place to promote Gaelic games more widely, both domestically and internationally, as a cultural and economic asset, especially in light of their contribution to tourism and local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58546/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Increasing participation levels and promoting sports more generally, including Gaelic games, is a key objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and is a priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport. My Department has worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs to produce the International Sports Diplomacy Framework which aims to enhance Ireland’s international engagement through the unifying power of sport, to establish Ireland as a sporting hub and to build a global reputation as a premier sporting nation, fostering opportunities for international partnerships, cultural exchange, diaspora engagement, advancing foreign policy priorities, increasing domestic participation and promoting Ireland.

Increased funding secured for sport in Budget 2026 for Gaelic games included an increase of €250,000 in core funding to the GAA, just under €750,000 to grow hurling in non-traditional areas and an additional €1.6 million for increased support to inter-county players

This record level of funding demonstrates Government’s commitment to supporting Irish sport and will ensure that Gaelic games will continue to provide valuable opportunities for everyone to participate in sport, in line with the National Sports Policy.

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, including with regard to participation. A key focus for Sport Ireland is assisting National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport to develop sustainable and effective structures with the aim of increasing numbers of participants and volunteers in sport.

I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland in relation to their work with the Gaelic games NGBs to drive increased participation in sport. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Hurling was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List in 2018 following the successful application process which was progressed in close cooperation between my Department and both the GAA and The Camogie Association. Since the inscription of hurling, my officials have met with both organisations on a number of occasions to discuss how best the Department can support them in safeguarding and raising awareness of hurling as an intangible cultural heritage practice.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, under its Emigrant Support Programme, co-funds the Global Games Development Fund with the GAA. This funding stream provides financial support for projects and initiatives that improve opportunities for our diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic games.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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953. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Government will commit to integrating Gaelic games more formally into national health, education and community development policies, given their role in promoting physical activity, social cohesion and youth engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58547/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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While sport is an important part of Irish society and makes a positive contribution to the promotion and achievement of physically active lifestyles, social cohesion and youth engagement, I have no function in relation to the making of health, education and community development policies.