Written Answers Nos. 26-46
26. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers disqualified in court each year from 2020 to 2024 who failed to comply with the requirement to surrender their licence to the Road Safety Authority and were summoned to court for failing to comply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14629/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, management of the courts, along with related operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and through the separation of powers in the Constitution.
It should be noted that the Department does not record data relating to convictions, as this is a function of the courts.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
To be of assistance I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
27. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will supply a breakdown of the number of learner drivers disqualified in court each year from 2020 to 2024; the number of those learner drivers who surrendered their learner permit to the Road Safety Authority’s national driver licence service PO box, as required by law, to have the conviction of the disqualification endorsed on their driving record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14630/25]
View answerThe table below details the number of court disqualifications notified to the Department in each of the years 2020-2024 and the details of those licences that were surrendered for learner permit licence holders.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered.
|
Learner Permit Disqualifications and Surrenders 2020-2024 |
|
|
|
- |
Disqualifications |
Surrenders |
|
2020 |
1,712 |
66 |
|
2021 |
2,040 |
43 |
|
2022 |
1,802 |
63 |
|
2023 |
2,006 |
78 |
|
2024 |
1,756 |
75 |
28. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the extension of the ten year rule for 2015 SPVS following the closing of the public consultation by the National Transport Authority on the 12 March 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14299/25]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs and the recent public consultation concerning 2015 registered vehicles, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
As the Deputy is aware, the public consultation concerning the Programme for Government 2025 commitment to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service' was opened on 18 February 2025 and closed on 12 March 2025. The Board of the NTA approved the making of a new Regulation on 21 March 2025, giving effect to the Programme for Government commitment. It will be introduced very shortly.
29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of all inspections that have taken place under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Order, 1989 to enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airspace for the carriage of munitions of war, weapons, ammunition and dangerous goods by year since October 2023 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14304/25]
View answerArticle 8 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 empowers the Minster for Transport to carry out an inspection of civil aircraft flying from any place within the State. However, the exercise of this power is conditional on there being an appearance, to the Minster for Transport of an intention or likelihood that the civil aircraft concerned is to fly in such circumstances that would be in contravention of the 1973 and 1989 orders.
No inspection of a civil aircraft has been carried out pursuant to Article 8 from October 2023 to date in 2025.
30. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns of SMEs in the transport sector in relation to overburdensome licencing regulations and related administrative requirements as set out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14344/25]
View answerTravel agents and tour operators who sell package holidays are subject to regulation under EU Directive 2302/2015, the Package Travel Directive (PTD). The PTD amongst other matters provides that travel agents and tour operators must have security against their potential insolvency.
Travel agents and tour operators providing package holidays commencing in Ireland have a choice between obtaining a licence under the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982 from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) or providing evidence of security to the IAA in the form of full indemnity insurance.
In general terms, the two requirements that must be satisfied in order to obtain a licence relate to the financial standing of the applicant, as well as fitness and suitability to carry out either of the relevant activities. The applicant must put in place security in the form of a bond to cover customer losses in the event of their insolvency. The IAA administers the scheme of insolvency protection in Ireland.
In 2017, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (merged with the IAA in May 2023) initiated a review of travel trade insolvency protection arrangements as implemented in Irish legislation, with the publication of a consultation paper and report, followed by the commissioning of a further report by CEPA in 2019. Further work on the review halted in the context of addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In November 2023 the European Commission commenced a review of the PTD with member states agreeing a general approach in December 2024. The review of national travel trade insolvency protection arrangements will recommence in the context of the conclusion of the EU’s revision of the PTD.
31. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to engage with TII and seek an update on works (details supplied); if funding has been allocated to TII by the Department for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14383/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the N75.
The National Roads allocations for 2025 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days
32. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to outline current fare reduction measures, and any further plans, for public transport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14384/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy.
The most significant change in the fare determination was the implementation of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. This represents a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand.
This area was selected based on a review of future public transport network proposals, for example the implementation of DART+, along with analysis of ticket sales information to determine travel demand. Later Phases will include the introduction of free transfer flat fares in the regional cities and certain towns and distance-based fares for the rest of Ireland, outside towns and cities.
Further, the Government recently confirmed its commitment to improving public transport under the new Programme for Government (PFG)-Securing Ireland’s Future and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the bus and rail network. Specifically included in the PFG are commitments to:
• Roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and keep fares low and affordable; and
• Examine the further expansion of free public transport for children.
Budget 2025 included funding for the continuation of public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare, the Young Adult/Student Leap Card, and the discounted fares on PSO services, with further provision to extend child fares to include those ages 5-8 years of age.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
33. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his work to encourage employers to participate in the TaxSaver scheme and the cycle to work scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14385/25]
View answerMy Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. Our National Sustainable Mobility Policy examines the different behavioural change measures that can be explored to promote modal shift away from private car use and towards zero-emission transport modes such as walking, cycling and e-biking.
While I welcome the introduction of an increase in the Cycle-to-Work scheme thresholds in recent Budgets, I recognise that such an incentive does target a specific cohort of the population and is not universally available. While the Cycle-to-Work scheme falls under the remit of the Department of Finance, Department of Transport officials liaise with their counterparts in that Department in relation to the introduction of various transport related tax measures, particularly in the period preceding the annual Budget.
My Department will continue to undertake research into potential additional measures which could be introduced to promote modal shift and encourage uptake of cycling across all demographics going forward.
34. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in publishing the route selection report for the N24 upgrades; when the report will be published and made available to affected communities; if there are plans to revisit the route selected as it does not plan to bypass Clonmel but proposes to use the current inner relief road, which currently experiences major traffic congestion on a daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14396/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
35. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport to examine whether there is scope to increase the frequency of the 130 bus route; if there is a framework to ensure the reliability of this route and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14397/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case, Dublin Bus.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA's and Dublin Bus’s responsibilities in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to them both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
36. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to increase services on the Ballybrophy to Limerick regional train line (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14433/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
37. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14451/25]
View answerThe Department of Transport is committed to meeting its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. This includes the reporting to the Data Protection Commission of data breaches where the breach presents a risk to the affected individuals and responding to any requests for information from the Data Protection Commission.
Staff from the Department's Data Protection Unit have engaged in a range of settings where the Data Protection Commission have presented, including the meetings of the Civil Service Data Protection Officers Network, the Annual Data Protection Practical Compliance Conference and the GDPR & Data Protection Programme for DPOs in the Public Service.
The Department also complies with our obligations around the requirements to consult with the Data Protection Commission during the preparation of legislative measures that relate to personal data processing. There were 5 consultations with the DPC on legislative measures in 2024. For one of these items a call via Teams was held with the DPC and the Department to discuss the comments from the DPC.
Noting the relevance of the Deputy's question to the Agencies of my Department, I have referred this question to them for a direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please advise my private office.
38. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if there are any plans to reopen the train station at Mullinavat, County Kilkenny, similar to the setup in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, with a ticket machine (details supplied). [14476/25]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station referred to at Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
39. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number and location of IRCG Coast Guard station building projects being progressed in conjunction with the OPW which are currently at preliminary design stage and pre-planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14479/25]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard, a Division within the Department of Transport, has 44 Volunteer Units based around the coast of Ireland. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities for volunteers, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my department.
The Department of Transport adheres to the Infrastructure Guidelines by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Within the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Project Lifecycle refers to the series of steps and activities that are necessary to take the proposal from concept to completion and evaluation. Projects vary in size and complexity, but all projects can be mapped to the following project lifecycle structure. There are three approval stages in the lifecycle prior to implementation:
· Strategic Assessment & Preliminary Business Case
· Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy
· Post Tender – Final Business Case
The table below refers to the number and location of IRCG Coast Guard station building projects which are currently at the preliminary and pre-planning stage (Strategic Assessment & Preliminary Business Case).
|
No. |
Strategic Assessment & Preliminary Business Case |
Location |
|
1 |
Kilmore Quay Coast Guard Unit |
Co. Wexford |
|
2 |
Cleggan Coast Guard Unit |
Co. Galway |
|
3 |
Kilkee Coast Guard Unit |
Co. Clare |
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding is being provided to his Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14592/25]
View answerMy Department has not yet sought or received any additional funding following storm Éowyn.
41. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that insurance providers are applying an additional premium to vehicle insurance based on an individual’s Eircode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14243/25]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to clarify that neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere with the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these are commercial decisions made by individual companies, governed by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
In relation to motor insurance, Insurance Ireland have advised the Department of Finance that firms use various rating factors when deciding whether to provide coverage and on what terms. These factors can include the driver’s age, driving experience, vehicle age and type, usage, claims history, number of drivers, where the vehicle is kept at night, and the address of the policyholder. Insurers continuously review and analyse relevant data so that even if the insured has not changed address, insurers’ view of this risk factor may have altered since the last renewal. Insurers base their prices on their own claims experiences, which means companies may weigh these factors differently. Additionally, increasing costs for repairs and labour due to inflation are contributing to premium increases. Consequently, prices vary across the market.
The Government has implemented a series of insurance sector reforms, which have been successful in attracting new entrants to the Irish market. For example, OUTsurance, a major home and motor insurer, launched last year which is a positive development for consumer choice and competition. The insurance sector has also seen greater activity from Managing General Agents, introducing specialised expertise into the market. This, combined with growing competition in the brokerage sector, has improved access to niche insurance products and reduced premiums. International capacity providers have also expressed a more favourable perception of the Irish insurance market.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to continued reform of the insurance sector. The Government has committed to publish a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform, focused on encouraging further competition in the market and working with stakeholders to enhance transparency and affordability across all types of insurance, building on the significant progress made under the previous action plan. The new Action Plan for Insurance Reform, once developed, will be aimed at supporting a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance and delivering tangible benefits to consumers across Ireland.
42. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Finance if significant travel expenses for travelling to frequent hospital appointments in another county are included in the health expenses tax relief (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14263/25]
View answerSection 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (“TCA”) 1997 provides for tax relief where an individual proves that they have incurred costs in respect of qualifying health expenses. Only “health expenses” incurred in the provision of “health care”, which has been carried out or advised by (in certain circumstances) a “practitioner”, will qualify for tax relief.
Section 469 TCA 1997 provides definitions for the terms above. Health care is defined as the “prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, injury, infirmity, defect or disability”.
Health expenses are defined as “expenses in respect of the provision of health care” and include "expenses representing the cost of maintenance or treatment necessarily incurred in connection with the services of a practitioner". The definition of practitioner includes a number of medical professionals, including a person registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.
Maintenance or treatment costs that are incurred either in hospitals or elsewhere (for example in clinics or treatment rooms) will qualify for relief where they are necessarily incurred in association with the services of a practitioner.
I am advised by Revenue that as per paragraph 3.7 of Revenue’s Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12, tax relief on expenses of travel incurred to frequent hospital appointments within the State, is not normally allowable.
However, in certain circumstances, where the cost of travelling expenses for an individual represents a cost necessarily incurred in the provision of healthcare, the expenses may be allowed as determined on the full facts and circumstances of the individual’s case.
In respect of this particular case, Revenue advise that the individual in question should contact their local Revenue office via myEnquiries. MyEnquiries is a free and easy to use online facility available to both PAYE taxpayers, through MyAccount, and self-assessed taxpayers, using ROS. Revenue will require full details of the travel expenses incurred in order to establish if tax relief is due on same.
Further guidance on tax relief for qualifying health expenses can be found in Revenue’s Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12, which can be accessed at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf
43. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the concerns facing businesses (details supplied) regarding the proposal to increase the personal injury awards by 17%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14285/25]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that the Personal Injuries Guidelines are developed by the Judicial Council, which is independent in its functions. While this matter falls within the remit of the Minister for Justice, I, as Minister for Finance, fully appreciate the significance that changes to the Guidelines may have on the cost of insurance and the potential implications for recent insurance reform efforts to bring down costs while at the same time seeking to increase the availability of insurance for consumers, businesses and the community and voluntary sector.
In relation to insurance for businesses, the Deputy may be aware that the Central Bank of Ireland recently published the National Claims Information Database (NCID) Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Commercial Property Report 4. The NCID data demonstrates that the Personal Injuries Guidelines are having a positive effect, with the Injuries Resolution Board being the fastest and most cost-effective method of resolving personal injury claims.
In addition, the Government is fully committed in the new Programme For Government - Securing Ireland’s Future - to publishing a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform which will focus on encouraging further competition in the market and working with stakeholders to enhance transparency and affordability across all types of insurance. It is my expectation that the new Action Plan once settled should build on the significant progress made under the previous action plan, while also responding to the current environment that we are now in.
My officials have and continue to engage with Department of Justice on the proposed amendments to the Personal Injuries Guidelines and their potential impact on the Government insurance reform agenda. Furthermore, I recently met with the Minister for Justice to discuss the Guidelines in the context of recent developments and to consider what actions Government now need to take in this matter. From my engagement, I understand that the Minister for Justice is reflecting on the matter and I will await the outcome of those reflections. Additionally, Minister of State Troy has commenced a process of engagement with key stakeholders, including Insurance Ireland and major insurers, to ensure reform-driven savings lead to lower premiums and broader coverage.
In conclusion, seeking to secure a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key priority for this Government. Government policy remains focused on ensuring that the benefits arising from the entire reform programme are realised, for consumers, businesses and community groups across Ireland.
44. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of a case regarding NAMA and land in Cork city (details supplied); if he will provide assurance that NAMA has not been outmanoeuvred in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14356/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, under sections 99 and 202 of the NAMA Act 2009, NAMA is unable to divulge confidential information regarding NAMA debtors or their assets, or commercial transactions in which they are involved. Notwithstanding these statutory and legal limitations, I am advised by NAMA that it has considered the judgment that issued in 2024 in the case raised in the article to which the Deputy refers. Nothing therein or otherwise within NAMA’s knowledge leads it to conclude it has been “outmanoeuvred” in the sense of any breach of the NAMA Act 2009 having taken place on the part of any present or former NAMA debtor in respect of that transaction.
As the Deputy will be aware, all NAMA debtors must disclose interests in companies or properties to NAMA when producing a sworn statement of affairs in the required NAMA format, which is standard practice. If they omit to do so, that is potentially a criminal offence. It is NAMA’s standard practice that sworn statements of affairs are produced regularly by NAMA debtors. I would request that if the Deputy or persons known to him have further information that may be relevant to any consideration of NAMA on the matter, they are welcome to submit it to NAMA directly for its consideration.
45. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Finance in cases where an employer does not participate in the TaxSaver scheme, the options available to a commuting employee; his plans to implement changes or policy that may allow commuting employees to avail of the benefits provided by this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14386/25]
View answerSection 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a travel pass for an employee. This is commonly known as the Taxsaver scheme. Under section 118B TCA, an employer and employee may also enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for the benefit.
It is important to note that employers are not required to take part in the Taxsaver scheme. Where an individual's employer does not participate, any benefits that could arise under the scheme will not be available to any employees of that employer.
However, by way of incentive, if an employer does participate in the scheme, they will also save money as employer’s PRSI is not payable on the cost of the relevant benefit(s) when they make the associated deduction from their employees' salary payments.
While the Taxsaver scheme is kept under review by my officials, at present I do not have any specific plans to amend this scheme.
However, in response to the Deputy’s query about alternative options which may be available to commuting employees, it is worth noting that section 118(5G) TCA provides for the Cycle to Work scheme. That scheme offers an exemption from BIK where an employer purchases a bicycle and/or associated safety equipment for one of their employees (or directors) to use, in whole or in part, to travel to work. Associated safety equipment may include items such as helmets, lights, bells, mirrors and locks. Further information on the Cycle to Work scheme is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-01-01g.pdf
46. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14440/25]
View answerI am informed that my Department's Data Protection Officer and officials in my Department have regular engagement as required with the Data Protection Commission (DPC), for example in fulfilling obligations under Section 38(5) of the Data Protection Act which requires a Minister to consult with the DPC before making regulations with respect to the processing of personal data that is necessary and proportionate for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest by a controller or for the exercise of official authority vested in a controller.
My Department's Data Protection Officer attends information sessions provided by the Data Protection Commission and last attended a presentation given by the Data Protection Commission on forthcoming issues in the data protection area and the DPC's Regulatory Strategy focus for 2025 in December 2024.
I am also advised that the Bodies under the aegis of my Department may engage with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) as required, for example in fulfilling obligations under Section 38(5) of the Data Protection Act.
In addition, some of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, have provided further detail below.
The Credit Review Office confirm that they have not met the Data Protection Commission. The Office engage with the Data Protection Commission when required, in fulfilling their obligations under the relevant legislation.
The National Treasury Management Agency Data Protection Officer provides Data Protection Office services to both Strategic Banking Corporation Ireland and Home Building Finance Ireland. The Data Protection Officer has never met with the Data Protection Commission in this regard. The National Treasury Management Agency Data Protection Officer has met with the Data Protection Commission in respect of the National Treasury Management Agency. The last such meeting was 21 December 2021.
The last meeting between the Data Protection Commission and officials from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners took place on 22 January 2025.
The Tax Appeals Commission has not met the Data Protection Commission to date. In addition to the above, in 2023, Internal Audit undertook a Data Protection audit which reviewed and assessed the adequacy of the Commission’s policies and procedures in relation to data protection and all recommendations have been accepted and actioned.
