Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport if a second NCT testing centre is planned for County Clare; the measures he will enact to reduce the unacceptable waiting times for a test in the absence of a second centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21426/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Neither I nor my officials are involved in the delivery of the service at an operational level, including the provision of testing centres.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
22. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the existing structure of the application of penalty points and fines to determine if there is a more progressive way to penalise motorists that speed by a mix of fines and penalty points; if systems in other EU Countries have been examined with a view to improving ours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21430/25]
View answerDrivers detected breaking the speed limit already face a combined sanction of a €160 fixed charge and 3 penalty points.
My Department will be reviewing the feasibility of a graduated penalty points system, in line with commitments set out in the Programme for Government. My officials will be working with our research partners in the Road Safety Authority to examine this proposal from a variety of perspectives, and international models will be considered where appropriate.
23. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he will state the progress on the DART+ West project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21431/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ West project.
Following the submission of a Railway Order application for DART+ West to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022, there has recently been progress in relation to the project. The Railway Order was granted approval by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024, subject to certain conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are currently engaging on the submission of a new Railway Order for a depot. Work is progressing with a view to moving this project into procurement and thereafter into the construction stage in the coming years.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress to date in relation to the N/M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21436/25]
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 on the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project.
I can confirm that an allocation of €4,500,000 was made to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project in 2025.
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.
25. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the budget allocated to the programme for roads and repairs and maintenance specifically including rural roads; in each local electoral area in County Clare in each of the last five years; the amount of the budget that has been spent in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21449/25]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Within the budget available to my Department, grant funding is allocated on the basis of grant programmes and not on the basis of the category of road. The allocation of funding across specific roads or across categories of road is primarily a matter for each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.
The main Regional and Local Road Grant programmes are focussed on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage, road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads and a Discretionary Grant Scheme which allows for a specified range of activities including winter maintenance. These 3 grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated taking into account the length of the road network and traffic factors in a particular local authority area. Apart from a requirement that 15% of the road strengthening grant is spent on regional roads, the allocation of funding to different categories of road is entirely a matter for decision by each local authority.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by Clare County Council for the maintenance of regional and local roads in each of the years 2020 to 2024, details of the regional and local road allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
The 2025 regional and local roads allocations booklet will be uploaded to the Oireachtas Digital Library in the coming weeks. The 2025 allocations by county can be found at www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/319199/4f12c3fa-1687-48aa-8074-abf1c6974953.pdf#page=null.
Decisions regarding the allocation of funding to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority.
26. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of WTE ship surveyors employed by his Department in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [21450/25]
View answerThe WTE number of Ship Surveyors in my Department in 2024 and, to date in 2025, are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Whole Time Equivalent number of staff |
|
|
Start of Year 2024 |
33 |
|
End of Year 2024 |
33 |
|
April 2025 |
33 |
27. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the level of capital investment undertaken at each coast guard station nationwide in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [21451/25]
View answerIrish Coast Guard
As an island nation Ireland has an international obligation to provide a search and rescue (SAR) response in support of those in difficulty around our coast and in coastal waters. The Department of Transport through the Irish Coast Guard is responsible for provision and management of the service. Coast Guard Units are tasked to respond to incidents through the Marine Rescue Coordination centres (MRCCs) in Dublin, Malin, and Valentia. The volunteer units deliver several SAR functions through their highly skilled Boat teams, Cliff rescue teams, Search teams and Drone teams. Each unit comprises between fifteen and thirty volunteers. Strategically located Coast Guard stations provide a base for the volunteers who deliver the coastal SAR response.
The Irish Coast Guard building programme is managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to construction and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The programme is funded from the Department of Transport vote.
The table below refers to level of capital investment including building upgrades or extensions, site acquisition and new buildings, (excluding maintenance work) undertaken at Coast Guard stations across the country between 2024 – to date in 2025.
Level of capital investment in works undertaken at each Coast Guard Station in 2024 and in 2025 to date:
|
Name of Station |
Period of work |
New Build |
Upgrade |
|
Youghal |
2023-2024 |
|
€83K |
|
Bonmahon |
2024 |
€5.04M |
|
|
Westport |
2024-2025 (to date) |
€1.51M |
28. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to the N2-Clontibret-to-the-Border road project to date; the amount allocated in 2025; the amount required to complete the upgrades; the earliest potential construction start and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21594/25]
View answer29. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to the N2-Ardee to Castleblayney road project to date; the amount allocated in 2025; the amount required to complete the upgrades; the earliest potential construction start and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21595/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
As 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 on the status of the N2 Clontibret to the Border and Ardee to Castleblayney Road projects.
I can confirm that an allocation of €3,000,000 was made to the N2 Clontibret to the NI Border project. The N2 Ardee to Castleblayney did not receive funding for 2025. The delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
30. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the reinstallation of the shelter on the southbound platform at Killester DART station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21657/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the shelter at Killester train station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
31. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for a timeline on the rolling out of free public transport for those under nine years old, as committed to in Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21678/25]
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.
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to extend free public transport for children to include those aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
The extension will be introduced later this year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
32. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport his plans to invest in Waterford Airport as a key piece of infrastructure for the south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21705/25]
View answerThis Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department has concluded its initial assessment of Waterford Airport’s development proposal in line with the requirements under the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework. This Framework ensures investment schemes in the transport sector comply with Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines, which set out the value for money guidelines for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. The arrangements apply to all public bodies and all bodies in receipt of Exchequer capital funding.
I am currently being briefed by officials and considering the next steps in this regard. I am also looking forward to positive engagement with Waterford Airport on this matter.
33. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance to provide a list of all properties his Department have rented from 2015 to date in 2025, including the length of tenancy; and the amount spent on rent on each property over this time period. [20345/25]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not lease any properties and is provided with accommodation by the OPW.
34. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles seized by Revenue Commissioners under section 141 of the Finance Act 2001 in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [21336/25]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that section 141 of Finance Act 2001 provides that Revenue may seize any goods or vehicles that are liable to forfeiture under the excise legislation. The primary offences that these laws relate to are offences regarding Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and Marked Mineral Oil (MMO). Vehicles may also be seized where they are used as a conveyance for offences relating to excisable products.
The number of vehicles seized under section 141 of Finance Act 2001 in 2024 and to 24 April 2025 are set out in the table below. This data is based on information extracted from Revenue systems on 24 April 2025.
|
No. vehicles seized 2024 |
No. vehicles seized to 24 April 2025 |
|
1,080 |
383 |
35. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the report undertaken by his Department’s Committee sub-group into the replacement of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme. [21338/25]
View answerThe Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.
As the Deputy is aware the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy or NDIS Transport Working Group recommended that the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.
Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress NDIS proposals for needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, have generated a report that has been submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach, for its consideration.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
36. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Parliamentary Budget Office Report on the Naval Service personnel tax credit; whether he agrees with its conclusion that the credit has failed to achieve its stated policy objectives since being introduced; whether he agrees with its recommendation that instead there should be further increases to the Naval Service's patrol duty allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21361/25]
View answerSection 472BB of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides that a tax credit, called the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit (the credit), is available to those who satisfy the qualifying conditions of that section. It was introduced in Finance Act 2019 in recognition of the proportion of their time that naval personnel spend away from the State at sea providing support to the Irish fishing industry, law enforcement and safety at sea; and to recognise the hardships and dangers that its personnel face in those endeavours, and to aid in the recruitment and retention of personnel in the Naval Service. In this regard, it should be noted that comparable tax measures are also in place for fishers and merchant seafarers.
The credit provides a tax credit of €1,500 per annum for permanent members of the Irish Naval Service who have spent at least 80 days at sea in the previous year performing the duties of his or her employment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, remuneration within, and the operations of, the Naval Service are matters for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. However, I am advised by his Department that:
"(T)he tax credit is an important incentive which, taken together with a number of other elements, form a suite of measures that have contributed successfully to encourage sea-going activity by our Naval personnel."
His Department further advises me that:
"The measures introduced in 2024 have positively impacted the number of patrol days undertaken in 2024 with an almost 5 per cent increase in the number of patrol days undertaken.”
Finally, and as the Deputy will be aware, tax measures such as the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit are kept under review by my Department in accordance with the Department of Finance Tax Expenditure Guidelines.
37. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reviewing and amending the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund for companies that operate in illegal Israeli settlements. [21413/25]
View answerThe Ireland Strategic Investment Fund portfolio is constructed within the legislative framework set for it by the Oireachtas. The National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2014, (“The Act”) sets out ISIF’s mandate with regard to the investment of the assets of the Fund other than directed investments. Under the Act the Agency has responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review an investment strategy for the Fund (other than directed investments) in accordance with the investment policy for the Fund.
Under the Act, the NTMA, as controller and manager of the ISIF, is also required to consult with the Ministers for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation in determining and reviewing ISIF’s investment strategy.
Following the development of its draft investment strategy and after consultation with Ministers, the NTMA adopted a Sustainability & Responsible Investment Strategy (S&RIS) in 2020 which was updated in 2023 and reflects a commitment to be a responsible investor as steward of public assets by protecting and enhancing both the long-term value of the ISIF and the reputation of NTMA in how it delivers its mandate, as manager and controller of the ISIF.
In this context ISIF operates an exclusion policy which is consistent with its statutory mandate, as amended from time to time. Exclusion is used on a limited basis, reflecting exclusions mandated by legislation (such as the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018 or the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008) and, inter alia, exclusions on a non-statutory basis on sustainable investment grounds including Tobacco and Nuclear Weapons.
In April 2024 ISIF took an investment decision to divest from six companies, all of which are on the UN Human Rights Council Database of companies referenced in UN Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36, produced by the UN Human Rights Council on 12 February 2020, with a total value at the time of the divestment decision of approximately €2.95m. The six companies are Bank Hapoalim BM; Bank Leumi-le Israel BM; Israel Discount Bank Ltd; Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd; First International Bank Ltd and Rami Levi Chain Stores Ltd.
38. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on engagement he has had with the central bank in relation to identifying the gaps in available data on the investment funds sector and the steps being taken to address the lack of information available to the regulator making specific reference to unregulated funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21466/25]
View answerMy officials continue to work closely with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to identify gaps in available data on the investment funds sector.
The CBI is committed to using data to deliver optimal supervisory outcomes. At a European level, the CBI are working with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and peer National Competent Authorities (NCAs) on the development of enhanced reporting arising from revisions to the UCITS and AIFMD frameworks. This work will be ongoing over the next number of years. Data gaps in relation to investment funds is a key area focus of this work.
Additionally, an Integrated Reporting Task Force has been established by ESMA to address data sharing across the EU and the CBI will participate in this work. The CBI is also engaging in relevant European discussions on the topic of data as it relates to non-bank financial intermediation systemic risk, covering access, sharing and coverage, as well as similar discussions internationally with the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
The CBI implemented a new daily investment fund return, collecting data on investor flows from each fund on a daily basis, this measure addressed a previously identified data gap. Phase 2 of this implementation, scheduled for the second half of 2025, will gather data on the use of liquidity management tools, whereby funds will report any change in the use of these measures to the CBI as they occur.
39. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance when the Central Bank will begin providing regular relevant datasets on the investment funds domiciled and or administered in Ireland making specific reference to unregulated funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/25]
View answerStatistical data on regulated funds domiciled in Ireland are disseminated on a quarterly basis via a statistical release publication and tables on the Central Bank website www.centralbank.ie/statistics/data-and-analysis/other-financial-sector-statistics/investment-funds, and via the Open Data Portal opendata.centralbank.ie/dataset/?organization=investment-funds. Beyond the regular statistical releases, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) also shares data and insights through the Behind the Data www.centralbank.ie/statistics/statistical-publications/behind-the-data publication series.
On the specific matter of the sale of unregulated investment products in this jurisdiction, European and Irish legislation requires the regulation of financial services firms providing investment services in relation to investment products. The law is prescriptive and lists the various type of investment services and investment products falling to be regulated. Regulated firms may also sell investment products which are not specifically mentioned in the law (i.e. unregulated products). Consequently, regulated firms are not prohibited from providing services in relation to unregulated products.
In the course of the extensive report by the Funds Review Team in the Department of Finance for the Funds Review 2030 www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/funds-sector-2030-a-framework-for-open-resilient-and-developing-markets-final-report/, data gaps have been identified, notwithstanding the extensive data reporting already required by the Central Bank. Data gaps also exist regarding unregulated investment fund activity in both Ireland and the EU. The Review recommended that the Financial Services Division continue to work with the Central Bank of Ireland to pursue cooperation at EU level regarding the potential to share data on unregulated funds reported to other authorities and to assess key data gaps in relation to unregulated funds. The report was published in October last year and work continues on its implementation.
40. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the development of a dormant funds scheme for the investment funds sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21468/25]
View answerOn 22 October 2024 ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’ was published. It was a wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector.
The Review included a detailed examination of Ireland’s regulatory and supervisory regime for funds and included a recommendation that industry consider the feasibility and design of a scheme for existing and future dormant funds, and funds with uncontactable investors, which incorporates a role for industry in supporting investors to trace unclaimed monies and identify how it might handle investor claims. This can be found in Chapter 5 of the Funds Review 2030 Report, link below.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da341-funds-sector-2030-a-framework-for-open-resilient-and-developing-markets/.
The Department of Rural and Community Development are the government department with responsibility for the Dormant Account Fund. The administration of the Fund is delivered through the National Treasury Management Agency on behalf of the State. The Dormant Accounts Act 2001 was established to reunite account holders with their funds. Unclaimed funds are transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency, providing the beneficial owner the right to reclaim their money at any time.
While the Dormant Accounts Act can provide a basis to develop an approach, investment funds have particular characteristics that may require a more targeted framework and primary legislation. The Department of Finance will continue to work closely with Industry and the Central Bank as work commences on progressing this recommendation.
The Central Bank processes applications seeking the revocation of authorisation of investment funds on an ongoing basis. A dormant fund is a fund that never launched or, if launched, has closed to subscriptions, is no longer active and is reporting a zero net asset value (NAV).
The Central Bank began a review of all dormant funds in Q4 2023. At that time:
• 2,000 authorised funds were classified as dormant funds
• Out of these 300 were identified as being authorised in the last 18 months and deemed out of scope of the exercise
• The remaining 1,700 funds were contacted with a request to apply for a revocation by 30 June 2024
• 359 applications for revocation were received by the deadline with a further 148 received subsequently during 2024.
The Central Bank is aware that many dormant funds have residual issues which prevent them from seeking revocation of authorisation. The most common issues are:
• uncontactable shareholders, remaining monies cannot be paid out;
• remaining shareholders have not submitted documents to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and monies cannot be paid out; and
• issues with remaining assets e.g. illiquid assets.
