Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate – Dáil Éireann (34th Dáil) – Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Passport Services

Deputy Barry Ward

This is an issue that I have raised previously relating to a gap in the provision of the passport services. We are very lucky with the Passport Office. It does amazing work. I know from the work that my office does that the response that we get from the Passport Office is consistently excellent, co-operative and helpful. The Passport Office does not decide what goes into the passports insofar as a statutory regime provided for under the Passports Act 2008 dictates what should be in a passport. That is also in line with guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO. An Irish passport is a very valuable document. We occupy a space in the top ten of the international Henley passport index. It is one of the most coveted passports in the world. In no way do I want to interfere with the security or the value of that document. However, there is a situation that primarily affects women. Parents do not necessarily have the same name as their children. When they are travelling internationally with their children, they face difficulties crossing borders because the surname on their passport is different from surname of their children. Therefore, they have to demonstrate in a different way that child is their child, and they are entitled to cross that international frontier with that child.

Most parents present a birth certificate of the child that has their name on it and carry it with them. That will solve the problem most of the time. They should not have to do that. We live in an age now where I do not know what proportion of women who get married do not take their husband's name but it has to be substantial. We no longer live in a world where we expect women to take their husband's names. Yet we live in a world where we expect them to carry extra documentation so they can travel internationally with their children. The solution I am suggesting is that opposite the passport picture page where there is a blank page at the moment, there would simply be either on the parent's passport a list of their children's names or a list of their parents' names on the child's passport. It is something that could allow us to circumvent this unnecessary difficulty crossing international borders.

I raised this in the Seanad on 7 March 2023. The answers I recieved did not engage with the issue. I was told, for example, that there is a GDPR issue. There is not. Parents can consent to that data being shared. They can also consent on behalf of their children. It is not something that I am saying has to be done. It is something that should be created as an option for parents because it makes lives easier. I was told that it is not the norm, and it is not the norm. Diplomatic passports are issued to members of the diplomatic service. On the passport page opposite the photo page will be the description of why holders have that diplomatic passport. It will state ambassador, ambassador's spouse or whatever it is. There is a precedent for doing this in a certain way. I have been told that it is not in accordance with the guidelines issued by the ICAO. If that is the case, those guidelines need to change because they compromise the ability of the passport to do its job. Of course, first of foremost, the job of the passport is to establish identity and nationally. We could argue that the information in relation to parentage is part of the identity of that child because it helps them to cross an international border. The guidelines of the ICAO are fine and important. The security aspects of them are particularly important. However, we are also a sovereign country and get to decide what goes in our passports. More importantly, we have to remember that the passport is a service that is extended to our citizens. We are not bound by other rules. We passed the Passports Act. We could easily pass a passports (amendment) Act to change this.

I ask the Minister of State for a practical accommodation for parents who are currently having difficulty crossing international borders with their children simply because they have a different surname from their children. There is a practical and easy solution to this. I ask that we implement it.

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kieran O'Donnell)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee.

A passport is an internationally recognised travel document which attests to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The passport service follows recommendations from the ICAO, which the Deputy referenced, in relation to data that is held on a passport. The ICAO is an international body that develops policies and standards for aviation safety and security. Internationally, the Irish passport has a strong reputation. The passport service takes seriously its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the issuing process. Our passport ranks fourth on the Henley global passport index as it provides citizens visa-free access to 185 countries. All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the passport service in the issuing of passports. Section 10 provides that a passport will issue the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate.

The function of the data held on a passport is to confirm the passport holder's identity and nationality. The passport service does not include guardians' names on children's passports, nor is this required by the provisions of the Act. A passport for a minor under the age of 18 is valid for five years. It is important to note that it is possible that the guardianship circumstances of a child can change. The child may also become an adult during the validity period of their passport. A child travelling abroad must have their own passport and cannot be included on their guardian's passport. The practice of allowing children to be included on a guardian's passport is being phased out internationally. This is intended to make international travel more secure for children. The previous practice of including a child on a guardian's passport meant that the child was not identified via photograph prior to travel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade understands that situations arise where a guardian is travelling with their child who does not share their surname, and the guardian may be requested to produce further documents confirming the guardianship link. Border control authorities may also request extra documentation when children travel either unaccompanied or with an accompanying person who is not their guardian. The purpose of border control authorities requesting further information is to safeguard the rights of children and their guardians. The Department's website contains information for adults travelling with children and outlines additional documentation they may be required to carry, depending on the country to which they are travelling. The passport service does not have any plans to expand the purpose of a passport to indicate a guardianship relationship between a child and their guardians but continues to consider ways in which to enhance their essential citizen service. That is the update from the Minister and the Department. I wait for the Deputy's further contribution, and I will respond accordingly.

Deputy Barry Ward

I thank the Minister of State very much. I know he is providing the House with a response that has been prepared on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has described it as an "update". It is far from an update. I read through the transcript of what was said in the Seanad on 7 March 2023. There are so many similarities as there to be no update whatever so ever. It is exactly the same issue about what is required. The Minister of State said in his response is that it is not required by the Act. So what? It is required by common sense and we can change the Act to reflect common sense.

The Minister of State then told us guardianship can change during the currency of a passport. Of course it can. It is not beyond our systems to have a situation whereby a passport can be amended or whereby, in a change of guardianship, a notification to the Passport Office be required to change or cancel a passport. The Minister of State has also told us that the child may become an adult during the currency of the passport. Of course that is also true, but exactly the same provisions apply.

It is totally clear in the question I asked that I am not suggesting that a child would be included on a parent's or guardian's passport. That is clearly outside the parameters of what happens now. It may have happened in the past but it does not happen any more, and that is not the question I am asking. What I am talking about is not about interfering with the identity page of a passport, but on the page opposite that, providing additional details that will help parents to cross international borders with their children who happen to have different names.

Here is the most extraordinary thing. Almost exactly the same sentence was stated in the Seanad three years ago as when the Minister of State stated here, "The passport service does not have any plans to expand the purpose of a passport to indicate a guardianship relationship between a child and their guardians but continues to consider ways in which to enhance this essential citizen service." That is exactly the same line that was given three years ago, so here is my final question. What has actually been considered to enhance this service? What has actually changed between now and then to enhance the service we are providing to our citizens, notwithstanding the fact that I have clearly identified a lacuna and a failing of that service to certain citizens who happen not to share their surname with their children?

Deputy Carol Nolan

I again thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As I said earlier, I am taking the matter on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. As the Deputy is aware, passports, in particular children's passports for family holidays, are an important topic for Members as we approach the busy summer travel period. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade wishes to assure Members that the passport service is in an excellent position to deliver on the demand forecast for the rest of the year. Last week alone, 21,000 passports were issued.

In relation to the data held in a passport, it is only possible for the passport services to follow the recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The function of the data held in a passport is to confirm the passport holder's identity and nationality. A child travelling abroad must have their own passport and cannot be included on their guardian's passport. The Department strongly urges anyone who is considering travelling overseas, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking their tickets and to apply online for their passports in plenty of time.

I have no doubt that Deputy Ward will be following up with the Minister directly on foot of the questions he has posed. With his legal background he will be able to outline precisely the changes he feels could be made on a practical level to reflect the argument he is espousing on behalf of his constituents.

EU Directives

Deputy Carol Nolan

I wish to raise the Road Safety Authority's, RSA, defective implementation of the EU certificate of professional competence, CPC, driver training directive and, in particular, its latest flawed initiative, namely, a biased heavy goods vehicle, HGV, driver safety survey that is deeply concerning for road safety and the future of the haulage industry.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Darragh O'Brien.

EU Directive 2022/2561, on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.

Under the directive, transposed via the 2008 regulation, to drive a truck or bus professionally in the EU, drivers must have a valid CPC qualification. This involves passing four exams, a theory test, a case study, a driving test and a walk around. This qualification is maintained by completing CPC periodic training of 35 hours in each five-year training cycle. Each module consists of seven hours of periodic training and drivers must do seven hours of periodic training every year, adding up to 35 hours and five modules over the five years. Drivers with both a bus and truck CPC must complete 42 hours of training over each five-year period. The duration of training is defined in the directive and the training is obligatory for professional drivers in the EU.

Annex 1 of the directive outlines the minimum CPC training requirements. It establishes the knowledge to be taken into account by member states when establishing the driver’s initial qualification, and periodic training must include at least the subjects specified in the directive. Trainee drivers must reach the level of knowledge and practical competence necessary to professionally drive, in all safety, vehicles of the relevant driving licence category.

In Ireland, training modules are developed by the RSA in line with the directive. The RSA reviews CPC modules and is responsible for selecting the content in each module, based on the objectives outlined in the directive. The RSA works with CPC trainers and a panel of subject matter experts from the industry to ensure relevant input into module content. The RSA recently completed a review of Module 1: Control of Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques, which is due to be issued to all CPC training providers shortly. The next module to be reviewed is Module 3: Health and Safety for the Professional Driver. Work on this will start as soon as module 1 has issued.

Following the RSA-CPC survey, some drivers expressed an interest in online training. However, the directive makes provision for only a small portion of the syllabus to be conducted online, so drivers could only do part of a module online and would have to complete it in person. Accordingly, the RSA has decided not to pursue this option at this time.

In keeping with the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 action to review the accessibility of driver CPC, the RSA has introduced a pilot programme for drivers with a valid ADR dangerous goods certificate. Qualified drivers can apply for an exemption from CPC module 2 provided their ADR certificate is valid on the expiry date of their current CPC card.

Deputy Carol Nolan

I thank the Minister of State for taking this question and for his response. It is very disappointing to see that neither the Minister for Transport nor the Minister of State with responsibility for transport is here because there are serious issues around the RSA. Last month, the RSA commissioned Leeds Beckett University to carry out research on HGV driver safety. There are a number of issues with that survey, which I will highlight now. They planned to interview only 40 Irish HGV drivers, but the extraordinary thing was that they wanted a sample of 20 drivers who had experienced issues such as speeding, drink driving, phone use or careless driving. It was like they were trying to engineer a particular sample for a predetermined headline, such as 50% of HGV drivers breaking the law. It really was biased.

I have been in contact with the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, which has called this out and labelled it as fundamentally flawed and inherently biased. The survey ignored real-world problems and factors such as dangerous road infrastructure, the behaviour of other road users, levels of enforcement and indeed the performance of the RSA itself. Instead it focused on the negative and it was really like they wanted a particular outcome - no doubt about that.

The sham survey, unfortunately, is not an isolated mistake by the RSA. It is a symptom of the RSA's wider failure to properly implement the EU CPC driver training directive. It is all down to the way this is being implemented. I have been provided with detailed correspondence from an experienced CPC trainer and member of the IRU expert panel in Brussels. He highlights the stark contrast with other EU member states. For example, in the Czech Republic, approved training centres have real flexibility and can deliver practical, relevant content, including first aid, emergency response, cargo security and company-specific training, even on the operator's own premises. Belgium offers 28 certified CPC courses, while the Netherlands offers 22. Drivers and operators have genuine choice and relevant training but it is not so in Ireland. There are issues with the RSA's implementation.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

I again thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien. The legal basis for the certificate of professional competence for professional drivers is contained in EU Directive 2022/2561 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. Under this directive it is a legal requirement that all new category C and D professional drivers complete and pass their driver CPC qualification and undertake periodic training.

CPC is mutually recognised across all EU member states allowing drivers to work in different EU member states without gaining additional certification. Periodic training further ensures that professional drivers remain informed of developments in road safety legislation, including in technology, regulatory obligations and best practice within the transport sector. The continued professional development model underpinning driver CPC recognises the importance of professional driver safety, requiring ongoing complex regulatory oversight. Both the duration of the training and the subjects to be covered are specified under the directive on mandatory professional drivers operating in EU member states.

The RSA is responsible for creating a curriculum in line with the directive in Ireland. The RSA undertakes periodic review of the training modules to ensure that they fully meet the requirements of the directive and represent best practice in terms of training requirements. The overarching purpose of qualification and periodic training process required by the directive is to ensure road safety and the safety of drivers. It ensures drivers can navigate adverse conditions, operate complex equipment and ensure passenger safety and cargo collection. It allows harmonisation of professional driver standards across the EU, enhancing road safety and professional mobility.

I know Deputy Nolan raised a specific point in her contribution. Obviously, it will be brought to the Minister's attention. I expect she may have already done so or will be doing it but the specific point she raised could be taken up directly with the Minister, Deputy O’Brien.

Deputy Carol Nolan

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. May I come back?

An Cathaoirleach Gníomhach (Deputy Aidan Farrelly)

No, the Deputy cannot come back. I apologise.

Deputy Carol Nolan

Okay.

Tax Code

Deputy Michael Cahill

I again raise the issue of inheritance tax and the anomalies that exist for parents and their children on the one hand, and childless adults, their brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews on the other hand. Currently children inheriting a family home from their parents are exempted from tax on inheritances of up to €400,000, which, considering the price of homes currently, is undoubtedly far too low. However, a major anomaly exists when it comes to childless couples and individuals who often decide to leave their home and assets to their nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters. Unlike children inheriting from parents, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters are only entitled to €40,000 tax free leaving them with a significant tax bill, which often precludes these individuals from affording the property.

At a time when this country is in the midst of a housing crisis, should we not be doing everything possible to ensure families are able to afford to keep homes instead of penalising those who do not have children and those who are left assets by their uncles and aunts? Tonight I am calling on the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to reduce inheritance tax which is charged at a flat rate of 33% on the value of assets exceeding specific relationship-based tax-free thresholds and to significantly increase these thresholds of €400,000 to €800,000 in the case of a son or daughter and furthermore, to separate the limit on the house that I proposed, the €800,000, from any other inheritance.

The €40,000 cap in the case of a niece, nephew, brother or sister is absolutely ridiculous and discriminatory. In the upcoming budget I propose that the Minister for Finance increase the €40,000 cap up to €250,000 on a house and again separate it from any other inheritance. These bands are less today than there were 15 or 16 years ago when they were reduced during the recession. If the value of the house and any other assets is €600,000, a son or daughter is liable for €66,000 in capital acquisition tax, or inheritance tax as it is known. On the very same inheritance a niece, nephew, brother or sister is liable for €184,800. Our parents, our grandparents and their parents before them worked extremely hard to provide for their families and build a family home. The same applies to our uncles and aunts and their people before them. They too worked extremely hard to build a family home and paid all their taxes I may add.

Sadly, today in certain cases individuals are turning down inheritance as they simply cannot afford to pay the taxes. This issue needs to be addressed in the coming budget and successive budgets. It is obvious families and individuals are being taxed on the double.

I call on the Government again tonight to urgently address another anomaly that exists with the current taxation system in respect of capital acquisition tax when applied to partners as opposed to married couples. Current legislation means a partner, even a lifetime partner, is regarded as a stranger for capital acquisition tax purposes and therefore the current threshold limit of €20,000 applies, with anything over that amount taxed at 33%, whereas married couples are exempted from that tax. Current legislation discriminates against partners. Partners are now entitled to a survivor's pension if they have been living together for at least five years or two years if they have children. This arose from a court case where it was found that to deny them survivor’s pension would be unconstitutional. In another recent case, a civil servant passed away and his partner was refused the widow’s portion of his Civil Service pension as they were not married and this was also found to be unconstitutional.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Robert Troy)

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this matter in the House today. I also acknowledge his advocacy on this issue since his election to Dáil Éireann. Capital acquisitions tax, CAT, is a beneficiary-orientated tax that is payable by the recipient of a gift or inheritance as opposed to the person providing that gift or inheritance. CAT plays an important role in ensuring that we maintain a broad tax base. It raised €854 million in 2024 and approximately €1.1 billion in 2025.

For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance, the disponer, and the person who receives it, the beneficiary, determines the maximum amount, known as the group threshold, below which CAT does not arise. The Finance Act 2024 increased each threshold, and the estimated cost was €88 million annually. The group A threshold, which in general applies where the beneficiary is a child of the disponer, increased to €400,000 from €335,000.

It is useful to note that the definition for children for CAT purposes includes any stepchildren, adopted children or certain foster children. All can avail of the group A threshold in respect of gifts and inheritances received from that disponer.

The Group B threshold increased to €40,000 from €32,500. This threshold applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, niece, nephew, lineal ancestor or lineal descendant such as a grandchild of the disponer. The group C threshold increased to €20,000 from €16,250, with this threshold applying in all other cases.

It should also be borne in mind that where a person receives gifts or inheritances that are in excess of the relevant tax-free threshold, CAT at a rate of 33% applies on the excess benefit.

It is important to be aware that there are significant costs associated with increasing the existing thresholds. For instance, a €100,000 increase in threshold A to €500,000 would cost in the region of €86.6 million, while an increase in threshold B to €60,000 would cost approximately €70.1 million.

Last year in the CAT tax strategy group, TSG, paper, Department of Finance officials reviewed idea of combining thresholds A and B to bring relatives such as nephews, nieces, brothers and sisters within the scope of the higher threshold. As part of this exercise Revenue estimated the cost of merging group B with group A to be €305 million. These costs have been updated recently and it is estimated that such a change could now cost in the region of €349 million.

The tax strategy group paper was published in advance of the budget and is the best means of considering issues such as inheritance tax in an analytical and transparent way. The tax strategy group is not a decision-making body and the papers produced by the Department of Finance are simply a list of options and issues to be considered in the budgetary process. Officials intend to include a further update of this matter in the tax strategy group papers later this year.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and assure him that the Tánaiste is conscious of the burden of capital taxation and continues to engage with his officials on these matters. The capital acquisition tax group thresholds are kept under review annually by officials throughout the Finance Bill cycle.

Deputy Michael Cahill

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed response. I mentioned the case of the civil servant who passed away. His partner was refused the widow's portion of his civil servant pension as they were not married. This was also found to be unconstitutional. Contrast this with the current taxation system where partners are treated as strangers for capital acquisition tax purposes. This is wide open to a constitutional challenge to the current legislation. Obviously, I am aware that during the past week, the State secured a Supreme Court appeal against the judge's ruling that it breached the Constitution when it refused a spouse's pension to a man who had lived with his late partner.

There are anomalies in the current taxation system. Where a partner makes a gift to his or her partner, this will give rise to both capital gains tax and a gift tax. If they were married, however, there would be no tax. The tax rate bands for married couples differ from those for partners living together. This needs to be urgently addressed, and it is a matter for the Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, to do so. The current legislation must be amended as soon as possible.

I referenced and made a couple of proposals in this regard. The current cap of €400,000 should be increased to €800,000 on the home and separated from any other inheritance. Equally, the €40,000 cap for a niece or nephew or brother or sister should be increased to €250,000. We should also be looking at the 33% tax on the value of assets exceeding the specific, relationship-based tax-free thresholds. Those thresholds should be significantly increased, as I have already stated.

Deputy Robert Troy

I thank the Deputy. I listened carefully to the points he raised. I am aware that this is an area of concern for many people. Indeed, James Sexton, whom we mentioned earlier, has led a well-documented campaign, End Discrimination in Inheritance Tax. He will be presenting to our parliamentary party tomorrow evening on it, and he has been presenting in the audiovisual room at Leinster House as well. This issue has been raised by many people in this House.

As I mentioned before, the Government increased the thresholds in the Finance Act 2024. These increases amount to an increase of approximately 19.4% on group A, while the thresholds for groups B and C increased by 23%. The Tánaiste met with the End Discrimination in Inheritance Tax group, which, as I have said, is an advocacy group in relation to this matter. He told me the meeting was a productive conversation and he understands the concerns raised along with the burden of capital taxation. He is committed to having ongoing engagement with this group.

The tax strategy group paper is looking at CAT this year across a number of areas, including thresholds levels. That paper is expected to be published in late June or early July. It will provide assistance to the Tánaiste and the wider Government as they prepare for whatever budgetary decisions will be taken later this year.

It is worth noting that any increase or widening of the CAT thresholds will have costs and will be part of the annual budgetary considerations and process. Obviously, it will be competing with other budgetary demands. This is a matter that has been raised by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, as well as by Deputy Cahill this evening. Indeed, I have heard both members of the Opposition and Government raise this matter on a number of occasions. It is about striking the right balance and taking into account how far we can afford to go in any particular year, while acknowledging the perceived inequities that are there currently.

Sport and Recreational Development

An Cathaoirleach Gníomhach (Deputy Louis O'Hara)

We move onto the next Topical Issue in the name of Deputy Aidan Farrelly. It is to ask the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Deputy O'Donovan, to discuss the development of a public, multi-sport recreational facility in Sallins, County Kildare.

Deputy Aidan Farrelly

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue this evening. I am not sure if he has been to Sallins, County Kildare. I know he has had many a nice day in Kildare previously. Sallins is a growing town with a population of over 6,000 according to the most recent census. The Minister of State can imagine the news in 2024 when the community was awarded €3 million as part of the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF. It promised to be a very exciting time for the community. The town is served well by Sallins GAA and Sallins Celtic, along with many other clubs. These amenity lands will include a number of multi-use pitches for the likes of GAA, soccer and cricket. There will be many uses. What the community cannot comprehend, however, is how, two years on from that announcement, there has not been an iota of movement in expenditure with regard to the project.

We know the project is being led by the local authority. It has recently finished a wonderful project in Kerdiffstown where the old refuse site has been transformed into a recreational amenity space. To see it is to believe it. It is marvellous. The council has the authority and competency to be able to deliver this project but the Department has asked for more information over and over again and another business case. It talks about gateways 1, 2 and 3 and it has tied the project in a level of bureaucracy that I have never seen before. A number of projects were part of that tranche, totalling nearly €170 million. Out of that €170 million, I wonder how many other communities have struggled to even press the start button on their project because of this level of bureaucracy and the Department's mistrust of local authorities or bodies that have managed to secure the funding in the first place by going through such a rigorous application process.

The issue was the budget. The cost of the project in the first instance was far in excess of €3 million. When the €3 million was allocated, it was bit of a case of going back to the drawing board. The council stepped in and matched that funding with another €3 million, but it still required a rethink of the project. What it boils down to now is a need for leadership. We need to see the money coming from the Department to Sallins, County Kildare. It is a simple and straightforward thing. Two years later, that is not too much to ask. It needs the Minister of State with responsibility for this area, Deputy McConalogue, to act. I ask the Minister of State to take this back to his colleague this evening. The Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, needs to show a bit of leadership, convene a meeting between all the stakeholders to determine where the problems lie and ensure we deliver this project for the community.

This is happening in a context where the variation of the county development plan is open for public consultation this week. Sallins Celtic is facing the prospect of the land it plays on being rezoned for residential use. It is potentially looking at a situation where it will be homeless in the near future. There is, therefore, an urgency about this matter. I ask the Minister of State to consider that in his communications with the Minister of State with responsibility for this area. I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Topical Issue this evening.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

I thank Deputy Farrelly for raising this matter on behalf of his constituents, which I am taking on behalf of Minister of State, Deputy Charlie McConalogue. Under the 2024 round of the large-scale sports infrastructure Fund, LSSIF, Kildare County Council applied for funding for the development of Sallins Park Community Sports Centre, which the Deputy referenced. The project was allocated €3 million for phase 1 of the development. Phase 1 consists of the development of five pitches and all associated works. Two pitches for Gaelic games and soccer will be completed, with the remaining pitches to be developed into grass training pitches. It is envisaged that the training pitches will be developed into soccer, GAA and cricket pitches in phase 2. The project will also include access roads, paths and a car park.

As with all large-scale capital expenditure, each project must undergo assessments, as required by the infrastructure guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This project is currently being assessed at approval gate 1. The required documentation has been examined by the Department, which has sought updated information in relation to some aspects. The Department anticipates the project will pass approval gate 1 in the coming weeks. The Department and Kildare County Council are in regular contact regarding the project. I note the Deputy's advocacy on behalf of his constituents about how important this particular piece of infrastructure is.

Kildare County Council was also allocated €500,000 under the community sports facilities fund, CSFF, in 2024 for the development of pitches at Sallins Park Community Sports Centre. However, as it was subsequently allocated €3 million under the LSSIF scheme, it now plans to apply to repurpose the CSFF grant for an alternative project.

Looking at the wider picture regarding capital investment in sport, the Department operates two capital programmes for sport, namely, the CSFF and the large scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF. Over €250 million was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website. In line with previous rounds of the fund, a review of the previous funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been underinvested in over the years. The Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, and the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, hope to open a new round in the coming months.

The large scale sport infrastructure fund was established to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the community sport facilities fund. A total of €86.4 million was awarded to 35 different projects under the first round of LSSIF in 2018. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023 bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million. Grants totalling €173 million benefitting 35 individual projects were allocated under the second round of the large scale sport infrastructure fund in November 2024. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the large scale sport infrastructure fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million. I will bring back the point the Deputy raised in respect of the development of the Sallins Park community sports centre to the Minister and the Department.

Deputy Aidan Farrelly

You can see it in the response - "The Department anticipates the project will pass approval gate 1 in the coming weeks" - but it is two years since the funding was secured. I will emphasise a couple of points. From the Sallins perspective, it is Kildare County Council running this. It is not a community group that may or may not have the time. It is the local authority running this project. How can the local authority not be trusted, having to put it through so many hoops or what you might want to call "gateways"? I think four or five times the Department came back to the council looking for more information. It is borderline ridiculous at this point. People in Kildare always seem to be on the suffering end whereby the housing is coming but so are the congestion, lack of services and slow pace with which important social infrastructure is delivered.

From a public accounts perspective, I really query whether Sallins is alone in this. The Minister of State said there may be another round in the coming months. The allocation is brilliant. This type of money and investment in our communities is brilliant but when you get past the headline and look at the ability to draw down that money, I am really concerned Sallins is not alone and there will be many other projects that have gone through a similar gateway fiasco, where they have the funds but cannot access them. That is a problem we need to consider collectively. I will bring the matter to the Committee of Public Accounts.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

I again thank Deputy Farrelly for the opportunity to discuss the development of Sallins Park community sports centre. I am taking this Topical Issue debate on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy McConalogue.

County Kildare received significant capital funding for sports infrastructure over the past number of years. Specifically on Sallins Park community sports centre, this project is currently being assessed at approval gate 1. Required documentation has been examined by the Department, which sought updated information on some aspects. The Department expects the project will pass approval gate 1 in the coming weeks. The Department and Kildare County Council are in regular contact regarding the project. It is clear the Government is committed to the success of Irish sport with record investment in our sport facilities, supporting the ambition of high-performance athletes as never before and fundamentally ensuring everyone enjoys the right to participate in sport and physical activity. I look forward to the development of Sallins Park community sports centre. It will provide much needed sporting facilities for the growing population.

The Department, the Minister and Minister of State will look back on this debate. I have no doubt, if he has not already, that Deputy Farrelly will follow up with the Department, the Minister and the Minister of State specifically on Sallins Park community sports centre in terms of expediting that project on behalf of his constituents.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Deputy Louis O'Hara

This is an issue which has been debated a number of times. Healthcare workers went above and beyond during the pandemic and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Well over 100 healthcare workers who have not returned to work due to long Covid have lost the special scheme since the beginning of the year and are due to lose further entitlements. I will read out part of a letter from a constituent who is a former front-line nurse with over 30 years’ experience. She said:

Since my initial Covid-19 infection in January 2022, I have not recovered. If anything, my condition has worsened over time. I am living with debilitating symptoms that have profoundly impacted my ability to carry out even basic activities of daily living. My predominant symptoms include severe and persistent pain and stiffness affecting my shoulders, mid and lower back, buttocks, hips, thighs and extending into my legs, feet, hands and fingers. I experience constant pins and needles and burning sensations in my feet along with clearly altered sensation in both lower legs below the knee. These symptoms significantly impair my mobility and independence. I struggle to walk even short distances, have great difficulty dressing and showering and can only manage minimal household tasks due to severe pain when standing or bending. In addition, I suffer from shortness of breath, hypertension, tinnitus, brain fog, weakness in my hands and arms, dizziness, debilitating fatigue and severely disrupted sleep.

Before my illness, I was a highly experienced nurse working at a senior level and fully committed to patient care. I remained in work throughout challenging periods in healthcare including the pandemic where many of us continued our duties despite personal risk. Like many healthcare workers, I contracted Covid-19 in the workplace while caring for others. I did so willingly as part of my professional responsibility. However, the long-term consequences of that exposure have been life changing. Since attending occupational health in early 2022, I have been deemed unfit for all duties. I have had to come to terms with the reality that this is now my life - one I would not have chosen, but one I continue to face with as much resilience as I can. On 24 March of this year, I underwent an occupational health assessment for early retirement on ill health grounds. My application was declined on the basis that there was insufficient medical evidence to confirm that I am likely to remain permanently unfit for work until my normal retirement age. This was despite submitting detailed medical reports.

The loss of my career has had profound financial consequences but it has also deeply affected my sense of identity, purpose and independence. I am asking you to urgently consider the formal recognition of long Covid as an occupational illness for healthcare workers particularly nurses who contracted Covid-19 in the workplace. Such recognition would acknowledge the risks taken by front-line staff and provide a fair and structured pathway to appropriate supports and protections. If the Government is not prepared to recognise long Covid as an occupational illness, then I ask that you consider an alternative - allowing affected healthcare workers to access early retirement on the grounds of ill health without being subjected to prolonged and adversarial processes. Many of us are being forced to fight for recommendations from occupational health while already severely unwell. We are not physically or mentally able for this battle. After decades of service, we should not have to struggle to prove the impact of an illness acquired while caring for others. We should be allowed to retire on ill health grounds with dignity without having to fight tooth and nail for recognition or support. At present, the process itself can feel as burdensome as the illness.

That letter speaks for itself. In his response, I ask the Minister of State to speak to the experience of that woman and the well over 100 of her colleagues who are suffering from really severe effects of this illness but are not getting the protection and supports they need and deserve.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

I thank Deputy O'Hara for raising this important matter which I am taking on behalf of Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary. In responding to the question, I will first provide an overview of the occupational injuries benefit scheme and the supports available from the Department of Social Protection to people with long Covid.

The occupational injuries benefit scheme is a group of benefits for insured workers if they are unfit for work either due to an accident arising out of and in the course of employment - at work or an accident while travelling, on a continuous journey, to or from work - or due to the contraction of a prescribed disease, due to the type of work they do and in the course of insurable employment. The two main payments under the scheme are injury benefit and disablement benefit. The scheme is financed from the Social Insurance Fund, which, in turn, is funded by PRSI contributions. Persons insured at PRSI classes A, B - limited coverage -, D, J and M - limited coverage - are covered. Claims for injury benefit are made by persons in a variety of employments and for a range of reasons, including injuries from falls, car accidents and the contraction of a prescribed disease. Injury benefit is paid at a weekly personal rate of €254 for a maximum period of six months. Disablement benefit may be paid where an insured employee suffers a loss of physical or mental faculty because of a work-related accident or disease. Payment is made where the level of disablement following the accident or disease is assessed at 15% or more. Payment may be in the form of a gratuity - a non-taxable lump sum - or by way of a weekly pension. The Department also has a range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as payments under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, which are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid.

I recognise the testimony the Deputy has given on behalf of, I presume, one of his constituents. In November 2022, the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long Covid. The decision regarding recognition is a member state competence. Recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different member states, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others. In November 2023, the Department of Social Protection published a report on the inclusion of long Covid in the occupational injuries benefit regulations. The report concluded that Covid-19 does not satisfy the statutory criteria for recognition as an occupational illness or accident at work. Specifically, it found that presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable as it is not possible to establish with confidence that the disease has been contracted through a person's occupation and not through community transmission. This is because data shows that community transmission was the primary means of transmission. It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long Covid and would only apply to new claims for new cases of Covid-19. As such, it would not benefit those who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic.

As mentioned earlier, the Department's range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as occupational injuries benefit, are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not dependent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a working age person's capacity to work. With regard to additional supports, the Department also provides an additional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to help to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person's own resources and are deemed to be necessary.

With specific reference to workers in the health services, the report found that the temporary scheme of paid leave for public health service employees was the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered. This temporary scheme was a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, who extended it a number of times. The scheme ended on 31 December 2025. Any employee of the public health service remaining unwell after that date may utilise the full provisions of the public service sick leave scheme which will provide further support.

Deputy Louis O'Hara

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. The people who are affected by this have had an absolutely horrendous experience with long Covid. The Minister of State heard about the impact it is having on my constituent. Her life has totally changed. Many people have had to give up the job they love. They stepped up during the pandemic at a time that was very dangerous. When there was huge uncertainty, they put themselves in harm's way to protect others. They are heroes and they deserve recognition and acknowledgement.

According to the Minister of State's response - it has been said previously - the Department's view is that Covid-19 does not fulfil the definition of an occupational illness because the main area of transmission was in the community. That is a cruel approach because, as I said, these people put themselves into a really dangerous situation where their chances of contracting the disease were very high, and much higher than any other member of the public. That is a poor excuse and a little bit insulting to those workers. There has to be acknowledgement of the unique circumstances here and some arrangement put in place because the workers in this position are finding it difficult to access supports. They are finding it difficult. The woman I outlined earlier is finding it difficult in terms of having to battle to get the supports that she is entitled to. Recognising long Covid as an occupational illness would allow for them to receive ongoing financial supports without a specified expiry period. We are an outlier in Europe in this regard. As far as I know, it is just Ireland and Greece that do not recognise Covid. There has to be some arrangement put in place here, perhaps comprising the alternatives that were outlined earlier. I ask Government to reflect on its position in relation to this. It is not a very large group of people. It will not cost an absolute fortune but it is the right thing to do, as I say, for healthcare workers who went above and beyond to protect us all.

Deputy Kieran O'Donnell

Once again, I thank Deputy O'Hara for raising this important matter. As I said, I am taking this matter on behalf of Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary. The Government and I recognise the great work of healthcare workers during Covid and, in fact, the continual great work of healthcare workers.

As referenced in my opening statement on behalf of Deputy Calleary, the Minister for Social Protection, in November 2022 the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long Covid. Recognition as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different member states, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others. It is important to note that, even if Ireland did recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long Covid and would only apply to new claims for new cases of Covid-19. As such, it would not benefit those who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic. The Government acted early and without hesitation to support all workers who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic. Workers outside the public sector could avail of an enhanced illness benefit payment and eligibility criteria were set to include the largest cohort of workers possible, including the self-employed. This scheme paid some 578,000 claims at a cost of €350 million. Special leave with pay for Covid-19 was also introduced for public sector workers. As mentioned earlier, the Department's range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as payments under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid.

Cuireadh an Dáil ar athló ar 11.59 p.m. go dtí 9 a.m., Dé Céadaoin, an 27 Bealtaine 2026.

The Dáil adjourned at 11.59 p.m. until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 26 May 2026