Mary Lou McDonald
Question:88. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the work of the policing reform implementation programme office in his Department. [7555/25]
View answerDepartmental Programmes
Questions (88)
Written answers
A Policing Service for our Future is the Government’s Plan to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COPFI).
The implementation of the Plan was overseen by a dedicated Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach, and an Implementation Group on Policing Reform, chaired by an independent person.
This work concluded in 2024 thanks to the achievement of many of the major recommendations outlined in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing. These achievements were detailed in the publication of the final report of the Implementation Group.
The Final Report, which can be found on gov.ie, outlines the significant progress including:
· Rollout of the Operating Model for An Garda Síochána, which enables a more visible, responsive and localised policing service to communities nationwide.
· Conclusion of the three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships in Dublin’s North Inner City, Waterford City and Longford, which has informed the national roll-out of these arrangements.
· Distribution of nearly 15,000 digital communication devices enabling front-line gardaí to perform their duties without returning to stations.
· Implementation of new human rights structures, strategies and training across the organisation; and
· Introduction of a three-year Garda Health and Wellbeing Strategy which recognises the stresses a Garda can face and provides assistance to deal with them.
A significant focus of the Implementation Plan was concerned with strengthening the internal capabilities of An Garda Síochána so that the organisation possesses the capacity to drive future reform.
The new Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 Act establishes a Garda Board to help this process and is complemented by external agencies such as the Policing and Community Safety Authority and Fiosrú, the reconstituted Police Ombudsman.
Since the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 was signed by the President on 7 February 2024 intensive work was undertaken in the Department of Justice, with the legislation now commenced from 2 April 2025.
This new coherent governance and oversight framework will ensure effective accountability on the part of individuals and An Garda Síochána as a whole and ultimately drive more effective policing.
The Department of Justice will continue to drive this work, with political oversight of justice and security issues more generally continuing through the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs.
Questions Nos. 89 to 92, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (93)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:93. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [7556/25]
View answerWritten answers
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland. NESC is currently working in five main areas:
· Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience: this work investigates the impact of renewable energy targets in four areas: economic and enterprise opportunities, reliability of supply, energy costs, and the export potential. It is expected that a report will be published in the coming weeks.
· Housing- Compact Growth: this project examines Ireland’s performance on moving to a pattern of more compact growth and development and the obstacles that need to be overcome. The Council makes several recommendations to achieve more progress on compact growth and welcomes the Programme for Government commitments of relevance to the achievement of compact growth. It is expected that a report will be published in the coming weeks.
· Artificial Intelligence: this work will include a focus on AI adoption and its impacts in Irish public services and the labour market. It will focus on issues such as transparency, ethics and equity and will help build public trust and confidence around the challenges and opportunities of AI. It is expected that this work will be completed in Q4 2025.
· Household and Communities Perspectives on Energy: this work focuses on the benefits, for households and communities, from new approaches to how we use and generate energy. It will consider protections for vulnerable groups, including those experiencing energy poverty. It is expected that this report will be published in Q2 2025.
· Carrying and Delivery Capacity: this work, in collaboration with the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, will look at ways Ireland could improve its long-term planning, provision, and delivery capacity, in areas such as housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and other services. It is expected that this report will be completed in Q4 2025.
Work on this programme will be ongoing throughout the rest of 2025.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (94)
Ivana Bacik
Question:94. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [9460/25]
View answerWritten answers
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland. NESC is currently working in five main areas:
· Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience: this work investigates the impact of renewable energy targets in four areas: economic and enterprise opportunities, reliability of supply, energy costs, and the export potential. It is expected that a report will be published in the coming weeks.
· Housing- Compact Growth: this project examines Ireland’s performance on moving to a pattern of more compact growth and development and the obstacles that need to be overcome. The Council makes several recommendations to achieve more progress on compact growth and welcomes the Programme for Government commitments of relevance to the achievement of compact growth. It is expected that a report will be published in the coming weeks.
· Artificial Intelligence: this work will include a focus on AI adoption and its impacts in Irish public services and the labour market. It will focus on issues such as transparency, ethics and equity and will help build public trust and confidence around the challenges and opportunities of AI. It is expected that this work will be completed in Q4 2025.
· Household and Communities Perspectives on Energy: this work focuses on the benefits, for households and communities, from new approaches to how we use and generate energy. It will consider protections for vulnerable groups, including those experiencing energy poverty. It is expected that this report will be published in Q2 2025.
· Carrying and Delivery Capacity: this work, in collaboration with the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, will look at ways Ireland could improve its long-term planning, provision, and delivery capacity, in areas such as housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and other services. It is expected that this report will be completed in Q4 2025.
Work on this programme will be ongoing throughout the rest of 2025.
Questions Nos. 95 and 96 resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (97, 99)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:97. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [9165/25]
View answer
Brendan Smith
Question:99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [11061/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 99 together.
The Cabinet Government Committee on Northern Ireland was established on 18 February 2025 to oversee the implementation of relevant commitments under the Programme for Government and ongoing developments in relation to Northern Ireland, relations between Ireland and Britain, and the Shared Island Initiative.
The Committee is composed of: the Taoiseach; the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform; and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Committee will meet twice a year. It is intended that the Committee will meet next in May/June.
Cruinnithe an Aire
Questions (98)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:98. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Taoiseach cén uair a bhfuil sé i gceist go mbuailfeadh an Coiste Rialtais ar Thuaisceart Éireann le chéile arís. [9979/25]
View answerWritten answers
Bunaíodh an Coiste Rialtais ar Thuaisceart Éireann ar an 18 Feabhra 2025 chun maoirseacht ar chur i bhfeidhm na ngealltanas ábhartha faoi Chlár an Rialtais agus forbairtí leanúnacha maidir le Tuaisceart Éireann, caidreamh idir Éire, agus an Bhreatain agus Tionscnamh an Oileáin Chomhroinnte.
Is iad comhaltaí an Choiste: an Taoiseach; an Tánaiste agus an tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Cosanta; an tAire Airgeadais; an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí, Seachadta ar an bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta, agus Athchóirithe; agus an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, Gnóthaí Baile agus Imirce.
Tiocfaidh an Coiste le chéile dhá uair sa bhliain. Tá sé i gceist go mbuailfidh an Coiste le chéile i mí Bealtaine/Meitheamh.
Question No. 99 taken with No. 97.
Question No. 100 resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (101)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:101. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with social affairs and public services last met. [7688/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the previous Government, the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services oversaw the implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy and public services.
The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs was on 8 July 2024. Following the formation of the new Government in January, the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs was established and will oversee some of the same social policy areas that were previously overseen by the former Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (102, 103)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:102. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will meet next. [9167/25]
View answerIvana Bacik
Question:103. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [9458/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will oversee the implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy.
These areas will include, but are not limited to:
· Justice, such as policing reform and community safety;
· Migration, such as accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) and international protection applicants; and
· Social affairs, such as equality and social inclusion.
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet on 10 April 2025.
Question No. 104 resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (105)
James Geoghegan
Question:105. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach for an update in relation to his attendance at the Munich security conference. [7954/25]
View answerWritten answers
My attendance at the Munich Security Conference provided an important opportunity to discuss our many shared challenges and to set out our perspective on how best to manage them. I attended events with world leaders at the conference, and had a number of bilateral meetings including with Maia Sandu, President of Moldova and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Ireland is, and will remain militarily neutral, and that is well understood and respected. But this does not remove us from the discussion on how to confront the security risks faced by us all and how we keep ourselves safe, especially from new cyber and hybrid threats. Our position as a militarily neutral country and our long tradition of peacekeeping gives us a particular perspective. I reiterated Ireland’s long-standing support for a robust rules-based international order, and our unambiguous commitment to international law and fundamental human rights.
I also engaged with other Leaders to discuss the most pressing challenges to global security, not least Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
I re-stated our support for Ukraine and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.
On the situation in Gaza, I also discussed with partners the need to sustain the ceasefire and hostage release agreement and to massively scale up unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. I also discussed the prospects for a lasting peace settlement, based on a two-state solution, and the need to work with partners in the region.
During my attendance at the Conference, I also met on the margins with executives from Google and the Schwartz group, owners of Lidl. We discussed their presence in Ireland, there future investment plans and the regulatory environment.
Civil Service
Questions (106)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:106. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will list the salaries of the top ten highest paid civil servants in his Department. [9294/25]
View answerWritten answers
The table below provides the salaries of the top ten highest paid civil servants in the Department of the Taoiseach.
|
Grade / Salary Plan: |
Gross Annual Salary: |
Employment Status: |
|
Secretary General Level I |
€261,598 |
Established Civil Servant |
|
Deputy Secretary - PPC |
€214,938 |
Unestablished Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary - PPC |
€190,435 |
Unestablished Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary - PPC |
€190,435 |
Unestablished Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€180,915 |
Established Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€180,915 |
Established Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€180,915 |
Established Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€180,915 |
Established Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary - PPC |
€174,039 |
Unestablished Civil Servant |
|
Assistant Secretary - PPC |
€174,039 |
Unestablished Civil Servant |
These pay levels are aligned to civil service pay scales set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in Circular 06/2025.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (107)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:107. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on office furnishings, fittings and technology in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025. [9296/25]
View answerWritten answers
The historical information requested by the Deputy has been set out in previous replies, the most recent of which was provided to the Deputy in reply to Parliamentary Question 5411/24 on 7 February, 2024.
The Department of the Taoiseach purchases office furniture and general office equipment such as computers and IT accessories as required. Expenditure on these items was €409,994.43 in 2024; and €17,329.62 to date in 2025. The expenditure in 2024 was due, in part, to the replacement of old laptops.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (108)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:108. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent discussions with President Zelenskyy. [9837/25]
View answerWritten answers
On Thursday 27 February I met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Shannon Airport during a scheduled stopover on his way to Washington.
We had a warm and substantial meeting. We discussed the most recent developments with regard to the situation in Ukraine.
I reiterated Ireland’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its people as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing illegal and brutal aggression.
I reaffirmed Ireland’s readiness to offer practical humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine, both bilaterally and with our EU partners.
We discussed how, together with the EU, we can advance a just, sustainable and durable peace in Ukraine. This was a key focus of the discussions among EU leaders at both the Special meeting of the European Council on 6 March and the European Council meeting on 20/21 March.
I also took the opportunity to offer my support for the acceleration of Ukraine’s membership of the EU. This will be important part of broader security guarantees for Ukraine.
Question No. 109 resubmitted.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (110)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:110. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the new projects that will be delivered under the Shared Island scheme in the next five years. [9838/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, commits to an ambitious agenda for building a shared island backed by the Government’s commitment to increasing the Shared Island Fund by a further €1 billion up to 2035.
Already, on 25 February, the Government allocated over €50 million from the Shared Island Fund, for a series of new multi-annual programmes that will enhance the whole island and strengthen connections between people.
New programmes will now progress on: development of sustainable tourism at Carlingford Lough, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and the Sliabh Beagh region; on Arts and Cultural heritage; Civic Society cooperation; and, Nature Restoration.
All of these programmes are resourced to proceed over the next five years, delivered through all-island partnerships, working with the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government and with local authority, education institution and civil society partners across the island.
Government Departments have been tasked to bring forward further new Shared Island project proposals this year that will implement our commitments to more strategic all-island investment and cooperation across virtually all sectors over the next five years.
The Government will continue to deepen our partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the UK Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and work every day to harness the full potential of the Agreement to build reconciliation between the different traditions of this island.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (111)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:111. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Taoiseach cad é líon foirne a Roinne agus cé mhéad díobh sin atá inniúlach sa Ghaeilge; agus cad iad na bearta atá á ndéanamh aige agus ag a Roinn chun an céatadán Gaeilgeoirí sin a ardú. [9982/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tá Roinn an Taoisigh tiomanta do chultúr a fhorbairt agus a chothabháil a spreagann úsáid na Gaeilge laistigh den Roinn agus le linn ár gcaidreamh lis an bpobal. Áirítear leis seo líon leordhóthanach foirne a fhostú le hinniúlacht leordhóthanach sa Ghaeilge chun freastal ar riachtanais leibhéal na seirbhíse, agus deiseanna a sholáthar chun cabhrú le gach ball foirne sa Roinn a gcuid eolais agus leibhéil úsáide a fheabhsú. Den chuid is mó, baineann na seirbhísí a sholáthraíonn Roinn an Taoisigh as Gaeilge le freagra a thabhairt ar fhiosrúcháin ón bpobal agus ó na meáin.
Tá líon beag foirne ag Roinn an Taoisigh ar fud na Roinne atá in ann seirbhísí a sholáthar trí mheán na Gaeilge, agus is leor sin chun freastal ar an éileamh, lena n-áirítear daoine atá ina gcónaí i gceantair Ghaeltachta. In 2024, d’earcaigh an Roinn triúr ball foirne ó phainéil Ghaeilge ar leith a bhunaigh an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (112)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:112. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with rural affairs and community development will meet. [10134/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Economic Division of my Department develops and implements policy across relevant areas including economic growth and job creation, infrastructure and housing, and climate action.
The Division also supports the work of the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness, the Cabinet Committee on Housing, and the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action, Environment and Energy.
Issues relating to rural affairs and community development are discussed, as required, at any of these Cabinet Committees, and others as well, given their relevance to multiple policy areas.
As with all policy areas, rural and community development issues are regularly discussed at full Government meetings and that is where all formal decisions are made.
Question No. 113 resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (114, 115, 116)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:114. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent engagement with the US president. [12128/25]
View answer
Barry Heneghan
Question:115. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the United States president; and if will address the key outtakes from the discussions regarding Irish-US current and future relations. [12433/25]
View answer
Paul Lawless
Question:116. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent engagement with the US president. [12497/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 115 and 116 together.
As part of my St. Patrick’s Day programme in the US, I visited Austin and Washington D.C.
I had an extensive programme in Washington, which included breakfast with the Vice President and First Lady, and a bilateral meeting with President Trump. During my meeting with the President, we discussed the strengthening of our bilateral relations, including our strong economic relationship.
I emphasised the two-way nature of the trade and investment links between Ireland and the US, pointing to the fact that there are 770 Irish companies in the US, supporting hundreds and thousands of jobs across every State. I underlined Ireland’s wish to explore how we can further strengthen this relationship, including in areas such as cutting-edge technology.
I also updated the President on the situation in Northern Ireland, expressing appreciation for the US’ continued role in supporting the peace process. We also discussed global issues, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, commending the President’s efforts to find a pathway to peace in both conflicts.
Other political engagements included the Speaker’s lunch on Capitol Hill, meetings with Speaker Johnson and the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day reception in the White House at which President Trump was presented with the traditional bowl of shamrock.
A wide range of issues were discussed across these engagements including US-Irish bilateral relations, developments in Northern Ireland, and global issues including the Middle East and Ukraine.
In Austin, I met with Governor Abbott, visited the State legislature, engaged with US companies investing in Ireland, attended Irish community events and spoke at South by Southwest.
Questions Nos. 117 to 122, inclusive, resubmitted.