Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:163. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position regarding the free trade agreement between the EU and Turkiye. [21792/25]
View answerTrade Relations
Questions (163)
Written answers
Currently, there is no Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Türkiye. The EU-Türkiye Customs Union, however, has enabled bilateral trade to increase significantly, reaching a record high of almost €206 billion in 2023, making Türkiye the EU’s 5th largest trade partner in that year. Goods may travel between the two entities without any customs restrictions. The Customs Union does not cover essential economic areas such as agriculture (to which bilateral trade concessions apply), services or public procurement.
The latest EU-Türkiye High-Level Trade Working Group took place in Istanbul on 11 March 2025. This was the third meeting of the group which was established with the aim of facilitating easier trade and delivering positive results for businesses and industry. At the meeting it was recognised that given the current international trading environment there was a shared impetus to move the relationship forward.
The next meeting of the group is scheduled to take place in June, with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic co-chairing.
Ireland supports a close and mutually beneficial economic relationship between the EU and Türkiye. The Irish economy has achieved significant levels of development due to our open trade and investment model. This has presented our indigenous businesses, including the agrifood sector, access to international markets. EU Free Trade Agreements have given Irish businesses preferential access to trade in markets in our countries such as Canada, Japan, Korea, Chile and New Zealand. However, the Government is also conscious of the need to ensure that trade is conducted on a fair and reciprocal basis.
Trade Relations
Questions (164)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:164. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position regarding the free trade agreement between the EU and United Arab Emirates. [21794/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government remains committed to free, fair and open trade while protecting Ireland’s interests in international trade deals. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
On the 10th of April 2025, Commission President von der Leyen announced that the EU had agreed to open negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a Free Trade Agreement. It is intended that this will be negotiated alongside a Strategic Partnership Agreement. For Ireland, delivering a modern and ambitious Free Trade Agreement will not only reinforce EU and Irish relations with the UAE, but also support the goal of market diversification via an expanded set of EU Free Trade Agreements.
I wish to assure the Deputy that both my officials and I will engage actively as these negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the UAE progress.
Passport Services
Questions (165)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:165. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if passports can be expedited for persons (details supplied). [21772/25]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date.
Foreign Policy
Questions (166)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:166. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Australia; and the events planned to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations with same. [21775/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland and Australia enjoy warm and strong bilateral relations founded on historic ties of kinship and a shared commitment to democratic values. Both countries work closely together on issues of mutual interest, including defending multilateralism and the rules-based international order. These were among the issues discussed when bilateral consultations at senior official level took place in Dublin last November. We are also working more closely with Australia in the context of our current G20 membership where there are many issues on which we can cooperate to good effect.
There continues to be a strong level of political engagement with Australia, with both my colleagues, the Minister for Education and the Minister of State for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, undertaking very successful visits to mark St. Patrick’s Day this year. The Government was also represented at the recent ANZAC Day ceremonies which the Australian and New Zealand Embassies organised on 25 April. The Australian Government has also appointed a new Ambassador to Dublin who will present her credentials to the President in the coming weeks while a new Irish Ambassador to Australia will also take up duty after the summer.
I look forward to marking the 80 years of diplomatic relations with Australia in 2026. Ireland’s mission network will begin engaging with its Australian counterparts this year to plan events for this significant anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Planning is also now well advanced for the opening of our new Consulate General in Melbourne in early 2026. This will represent a worthy contribution to the celebrations of the anniversary of diplomatic relations as well as further demonstrating the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties as well as of our intent to provide assistance to the strong and growing Irish community in the State of Victoria. The 2026 programme for St. Patrick’s Day in Australia will also have a strong focus on celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Ukraine War
Questions (167)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:167. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any correspondence or communication from the Russian embassy since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 on Ireland’s position regarding that invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21776/25]
View answerWritten answers
I have not engaged in direct correspondence or communication with my Russian counterpart nor met the Russian Ambassador to Ireland since February 2022.
Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, my engagements on this issue have focused on direct engagement with Ukraine, as the victim of Russian aggression, and with our European Union and like-minded partners. Ireland’s priority remains ensuring that Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself from Russian aggression, and in doing so, defend our shared fundamental values that we in Europe hold dear.
Officials in my Department have maintained limited engagement with the Russian Ambassador to discuss a range of operational issues, in line with our obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), and to address specific matters of concern relating to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
In coordination with EU partners, the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Department on 3 October 2022. He was informed that Ireland categorically condemned the declaration by the Russian Federation on 30 September 2022 illegally annexing part of the territory of Ukraine, and would not recognise such declared annexations.
The Russian Ambassador was again called in by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 November 2022 when the Government’s firm objection to the unwarranted and unjustified travel ban imposed on Irish citizens was conveyed.
As part of Ireland’s response to the death of prominent Russian opposition politician and anti-corruption activist, Alexei Navalny, the Secretary General of my Department summoned the Russian Ambassador on 20 February 2024 to express our condemnation at the death of Mr Navalny and to call for a full investigation.
It is important to keep diplomatic channels open with the Russian Federation, to enable the Government to continue to directly convey our strong opposition to Russia's illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, and to protect Ireland's interests and those of Irish citizens in Russia.
Consular Services
Questions (168)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:168. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans to open a new Irish Consulate General Office in Kuwait. [21800/25]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2018, the Government launched Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025. The strategy aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence.
Under the The Global Ireland strategy, 27 missions diplomatic missions have been opened or announced to be opened. This has been accompanied by a significant expansion of the State Agency presence in key markets and by the strengthening of resources in a number of diplomatic missions.
Ireland has an excellent bilateral relationship with Kuwait. My Department maintains regular diplomatic contacts with Kuwait, primarily though our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, who presented her credentials to the former Emir, Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on 31 May 2023, and who travels there frequently for contacts with government, business and Irish community contacts. The Director General of the Political Division conducted Political Consultations with his counterpart in Kuwait last week. We also engage with Kuwait through its Embassy to Ireland, based in Dublin, and in UN fora.
The Government reviews the network of diplomatic missions on an ongoing basis, and will do so in the context of the successor to the Global Ireland Strategy foreseen in the Programme for Government. In considering locations for new Missions, a range of factors are taken into account including the needs of Irish citizens overseas, our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
Consular Services
Questions (169)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:169. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans to open a new Irish Consulate General Office in Qatar. [21801/25]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2018, the Government launched Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025. The strategy aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence.
Under the The Global Ireland strategy, 27 missions diplomatic missions have been opened or announced to be opened. This has been accompanied by a significant expansion of the State Agency presence in key markets and by the strengthening of resources in a number of diplomatic missions.
Ireland has an excellent bilateral relationship with Qatar. My Department maintains regular diplomatic contacts with Qatar, primarily though our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, who presented her credentials to the Emir of Qatar in March 2023, and who travels there frequently for contacts with government, business and Irish community contacts. We also engage with Qatar through its Embassy to Ireland, based in London, and in UN fora.
The Government reviews the network of diplomatic missions on an ongoing basis, and will do so in the context of the successor to the Global Ireland Strategy foreseen in the Programme for Government. In considering locations for new Missions, a range of factors are taken into account including the needs of Irish citizens overseas, our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
EU Directives
Questions (170)
Liam Quaide
Question:170. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial penalties, including lump sum payments and daily fines, for failing to transpose EU Directives into national law for each of the years 2020 to 2024 respectively, outlining the EU Directive being infringed, the Department responsible and the total amount of the fine, in tabular form. [21816/25]
View answerWritten answers
Over Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership, approximately 4,000 Directives have been transposed into Irish law. The vast majority are transposed on time, usually two years following publication. However, where this does not happen, the European Commission can open infringement proceedings against Ireland. Most infringements are resolved (once transposition is completed) at the initial stages of the infringement proceedings (Letter of Formal Notice or Reasoned Opinion). Where this does not occur, the European Commission can refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for non/incomplete transposition. From 2020 to 2024, respectively, the Court of Justice of the European Union has found against Ireland in three infringement cases where financial penalties have been levied, reflected in the following table:
|
Year |
Department |
Directive |
Lump Sum Payment |
Daily Fines |
Total |
|
2020 |
Department of Justice |
Directive 15/849 (4th Anti Money Laundering Directive) |
€2,000,000 |
€2,000,000 |
|
|
2024 |
Department of Tourism, Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport & Media |
Directive 2018/1808 (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) |
€2,500,000 |
€10,000 |
€5,140,000 |
|
2024 |
Department of Environment Climate & Communication |
Directive 2018/1972 (European Electronic Communications Code (Recast) Directive) |
€4,500,000 |
€4,500,000 |
Details of these cases are as follows –
• 2020 – Department of Justice – Directive 15/849 (4th Anti Money Laundering Directive) - €2,000,000 lump sum
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) imposed a lump sum penalty of €2million on Ireland for the delayed transposition of the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive 2015/849). Ireland's completion of transposition prior to the CJEU ruling in July 2020 mitigated daily fines being imposed for any continued non-compliance. The lump sum payment was paid to the European Commission, and the infringement case formally closed in June 2021.
• 2024 - Department of Tourism, Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport & Media – Directive 2018/1808 (the Audiovisual Media Services Directive) - €2,500,000 lump sum and €10,000 daily fines
On 29 February 2024, the CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €2.5million against Ireland for failure to notify the full implementation of the revised AVMSD into Irish law. The Court also imposed daily fines of €10,000 from the date of judgment until the AVMSD was fully transposed. On October 2024, the first tranche of daily payments of €1.83 million was paid. In December 2024, the European Commission wrote to Ireland to state that by virtue of additional measures communicated to the Commission, it considered Ireland to have completed transposition of the Directive. The final tranche of daily payments was paid on 31 January 2025. The infringement case is awaiting formal closure.
• 2024 – Department of Environment Climate & Communications – Directive 2018/1972 (European Electronic Communications Code (Recast) Directive) – €4.5 million lump sum
Ireland fully transposed Directive 2018/1972 in November 2023. The CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €4.5million for failure to transpose the Directive within the required time period. Ireland's completion of transposition prior to the CJEU ruling in March 2024 mitigated daily fines being imposed for any continued non-compliance. The lump sum fine was paid on 3 July 2024, and the infringement proceedings formally closed on 2 October 2024.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (171, 172)
Barry Ward
Question:171. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Government's stance on the ongoing conflict in Sudan; the action the Government taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21842/25]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:172. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the level of State aid sent to Sudan since the start of the civil war conflict in April 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/25]
View answerWritten answers
Two years of conflict in Sudan have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.
Working with like-minded European Union member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.
Ireland is continuing to work as part of a core group of like-minded EU member states to explore further options for action. Ireland has sought to maintain international focus on protection of civilians, including pressing for the use of sanctions to persuade the parties to adhere to their obligations and to prevent external sponsors from fuelling the conflict.
Ireland will continue to engage actively on the crisis through all possible diplomatic channels and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.
We provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024, reflecting our commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and refugee-hosting countries. So far in 2025, we have provided €5 million through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. These partners play a key role in supporting local civil society and community groups whose work is critical to the humanitarian response. Ireland will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring the much-needed democratic transition.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 171.
Passport Services
Questions (173, 174)
John Connolly
Question:173. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current wait times for the processing of a first-time passport application for a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21951/25]
View answerJohn Connolly
Question:174. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current wait times for the processing of a first-time passport application for an adult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21952/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
The Passport Service issued over one million passports in 2024. To date in 2025, the Passport Service has issued over 370,000 passports.
2025 is expected to be another busy year for the Passport Service and my Department is in an excellent position to meet the demand forecasted for the summer season. I am pleased to say that the Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times and over half of adult renewal applications are processed within 2 working days.
With regard to the Deputy's question, the table below provides turnaround times for all types of passport application:
|
Application Type |
Turnaround Time |
|
Online – Simple Adult Renewal |
10 working days |
|
Online – Complex Adult Renewal |
15 working days |
|
Online – Child Renewal |
15 working days |
|
Online – First Time Adult Applications |
20 working days |
|
Online – First Time Child Applications |
20 working days |
|
Post Passport (paper) |
8 weeks |
It is important to note that processing times for first time and complex adult applications, and all types of child applications only begin once the Passport Office receives all supporting documentation required to begin the application. Processing times for these types of applications do not begin when the applicant applies online.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way to apply for a passport. The Passport Online service allows citizens to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Passport Online is an award-winning, user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to four times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications. Passport Online is available to 99.9% of all applicants globally.
Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 173.
Environmental Schemes
Questions (175)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:175. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the case of a person (details supplied) who received neither the November or January electricity account credit can be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21784/25]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Budget 2025, Government approved a new tranche of Electricity Credits, the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme IV through which over 2.2 million households will receive two payments of €125 (inclusive of VAT) in the November/December 2024 and January/February 2025 billing cycles, at a total cost of €520 million (excluding VAT).
The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks), and electricity suppliers and overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Based on the number of domestic electricity accounts, ESBN will make payments to the individual energy suppliers who will then credit each domestic electricity account held with them.
The payments are being applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). Under the scheme, usage levels are assessed to ensure that payments are withheld in relation to low usage electricity accounts identified by the distribution system operator, to prevent the payment from being applied to vacant houses. Credits will not be withheld from accounts with a financial hardship meter, accounts held by registered as a vulnerable customer or accounts which have low usage due to the exporting of energy to the grid through microgeneration.
The Scheme allows for review by a customer’s electricity supplier, if contacted by a customer who has not received the payment. The customer can seek further review by the CRU, which has oversight of the Scheme, following the decision of the electricity supplier. Under the Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Act 2023, it is the function of the CRU to report to the Minister in relation to the performance by the distribution system operator and electricity suppliers of the respective functions conferred on them by or under the Act.
Environmental Schemes
Questions (176)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:176. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a specific timeline for the delivery of the report to Government on the outcomes of the second phase of the Land Use Review; the specific timeline for the publication of that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future, recommitted to the national land use review. The first phase was published in March 2023 and focused on evidence gathering. It was led by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The current and second phase is further developing the knowledge and the analysis for how Ireland’s land can be used in a way that meets the Government’s inter-linked objectives and commitments across the five impact areas of: Socioeconomic; Climate, Biodiversity, Water, and Air Quality.
Delivery of the final second phase report to myself and my colleagues in Government, Ministers Heydon and O’Sullivan, by the independently chaired Land Use Review Oversight Group is expected shortly.
Environmental Schemes
Questions (177)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:177. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason there is still no assignment of unallocated emissions or a sectoral emissions ceiling for the land use, land use-change and forestry sector given the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 was adopted four years ago; the steps his Department is taking to rectify the issues preventing these from being adopted for the land use, land use-change and forestry sector; and when he expects that they will be in place. [21830/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is committed to achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, and climate neutrality by no later than 2050. These objectives are set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
In June 2022, with work on the sectoral emissions ceilings (SEC) almost complete, there were significant refinements to the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) baseline in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 National Inventory Report (NIR). This sector’s baseline has fluctuated over several years and significant inventory refinements are anticipated for the coming decade.
Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP4) set out an approach for the sector that aligns with the EU LULUCF Regulation and deals with such fluctuations for this sector. This approach will set us on a pathway to achieve our goals for climate action by the setting of activity targets and annual key performance indicators, and a 2030 emissions reduction target in line with our obligation under the EU LULUCF Regulation. Ministerial responsibility for this sector has been assigned to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, coordinating with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The approach to LULUCF has been confirmed in CAP 25 and will be subject to future reviews as the data improves. Work on unallocated savings is underway in advance of CAP 26.
Environmental Schemes
Questions (178)
Pa Daly
Question:178. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the work he is undertaking to prepare for the impact of sustained high energy prices, which are predicted for the upcoming winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21600/25]
View answerWritten answers
Electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and are overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Price setting by energy suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.
I am deeply aware of the impact which rising energy prices, driven by an unprecedented increase in wholesale prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have had on Irish consumers and businesses. Government has introduced the Electricity Credit Emergency Benefit Scheme IV to distribute €250 across two payments to each domestic electricity customer in Ireland. To date €3.3 billion has been transferred through the four electricity credit schemes to nearly 2.3 million domestic households. More recently, Government approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months at an estimated cost of €85 million.
The Government has put in place a range of improved supports as part of the delivery of Ireland’s residential retrofit programme. These measures are aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
In 2025, a record capital budget of almost €550 million is allocated for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV Scheme, to support over 64,500 home energy upgrades. Of this amount, a record €280 million has been allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme to provide fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty. This represents an 11-fold increase over the spend on the scheme in 2020 and underlines the Government’s commitment to addressing energy poverty.
The Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain energy costs. A Cross Government Energy Affordability Taskforce is currently being established to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
Defence Forces
Questions (179)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:179. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of horses that joined the Defence Forces equitation school in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [21789/25]
View answerWritten answers
TABLE
|
Horses to join the Army Equitation School in 2024 |
4 |
|
Horses to join the Army Equitation School to date in 2025 |
0 |
Naval Service
Questions (180)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:180. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service reserve; the actions being taken to support recruitment and retention; and to set out the strategy to maintain and expand the reserve’s role in national maritime security. [21939/25]
View answerWritten answers
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is a key focus of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), which published the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP), in July 2024. This Plan has 27 actions, to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment, with the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
The current strength of the Naval Service Reserve, as of 31 March 2025, is 118 personnel. Measures that continue to support recruitment and retention in the RDF include:
• The increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages for the RDF to match comparable increases for the Permanent Defence Force.
• The implementation of a ‘Managed Induction Process’, whereby a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) maintains contact with applicants throughout the induction process to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation.
• An on-boarding process which enables candidates undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
The CoDF recommendations relating to the structure and strength of the RDF, have included increasing the establishment of the Navy Reserve from 200 to 400 personnel. The Regeneration Plan recognises that a transformation of the force structure and strength is required for the development of the RDF and Action 22 relates specifically to the transformation of the Naval Service Reserve.
In that context, and within the framework of overall recommendations of the CoDF, the military authorities have advised that as part of the overall Naval Service re-design process, the structure and expansion of the Naval Service Reserve is to be considered.
Driver Test
Questions (181)
Niamh Smyth
Question:181. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review procedures (details supplied) regarding driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21752/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, including licencing procedure matters. My Department does not have access to individual driving licence exchange applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Please note that the time taken to process driving licence exchange applications can vary. The licence for exchange must be verified by the jurisdiction that issued it and completion of the process is dependent on the response time from the corresponding licensing authority.
The issuing of a temporary licence would still require verification of the original licence. Therefore, this would offer no time advantage over issuing a new licence.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (182)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:182. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver testers employed in each test centre in the country for each of the past three years; and the number of vacancies currently. [21823/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested relating to the employment of driver testers and current vacancies is held by the Authority.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of driver testers by test centre and county. This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (183)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:183. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of additional hours overtime driver testing inspectors have availed of and were paid for in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21824/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by the Authority.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (184)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:184. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the list of the steps taken by his Department, and the RSA in each of the past three years to address the increasing driver testing waiting list. [21825/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Driver Testing Service. I acknowledge that current waiting times are far in excess of what is acceptable and I would like to assure the Deputy that measures have been taken to address the issue.
In March 2023, my Department sanctioned the recruitment of 75 additional driver testers on fixed-term contracts to address issues of rising demand and waiting times for a driving test.
In line with the conditions set out in the 2023 sanction, the RSA submitted a business case to the Department in June 2024 regarding long-term, permanent staffing needs for the service to cater to current and future demand.
To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, the RSA was required to put a plan in place to restore the 10-week waiting time target as soon as possible. I understand that the recruitment process is well underway, with the first tranche of new testers being deployed into service this month. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and I expect that we will begin to see progress on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.
The Deputy may wish to know that the driver testing booking system has been updated to allow for any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. The RSA now make these appointments available for candidates to book on the MyRoadSafety portal.
Driver testing is also offered on Saturdays where driver testers are available to do overtime and there are also additional morning and evening test slots offered where daylight allows. This has been the case since the current backlog in driving tests started to build up.
Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge
Questions (185)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:185. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Iompair cé na céimeanna atá glactha aige chun tabhairt faoin easpa cigirí le Gaeilge chun ligean do Ghaeilgeoirí a dtástálacha tiomána a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge. [21826/25]
View answerWritten answers
Faoin Acht um an Údarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre 2006, tá freagracht reachtúil ar an Údarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre (RSA) as an tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Tástála Tiomána agus coinníonn an tÚdarás an t-eolas a iarrtar maidir le tástálaithe tiománaithe le Gaeilge a earcú.
Dá bhrí sin, chuir mé ceist an Teachta ar aghaidh chuig an RSA chun freagra díreach, mionsonraithe a chur ar fáil agus iarraim ar an Teachta teagmháil a dhéanamh le m'oifig muna bhfaighfear freagra laistigh de dheich lá.
Driver Test
Questions (186)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:186. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason the waiting list for driving test in the Tallaght test centre is now 11 months long and growing; the specific problems causing this centre to be so bad; and when they will be addressed. [21827/25]
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, This includes all application and scheduling matters. As such, the information requested relating to the Tallaght test centre is held by the Authority.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this more detailed response, I acknowledge that current waiting times are far in excess of what is acceptable and I would like to assure the Deputies that measures have been taken to address the issue.
To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, the RSA was required to put a plan in place to restore the 10-week waiting time target as soon as possible. I understand that the recruitment process is well underway, with the first tranche of new testers being deployed into service this month. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and I expect that we will begin to see progress on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.
The Deputies may wish to know that the driver testing booking system has been updated to allow for any unused test slots to be made available for candidates to take up at short notice. The RSA now make these appointments available for candidates to book on the MyRoadSafety portal.
Driver testing is also offered on Saturdays where driver testers are available to do overtime and there are also additional morning and evening test slots offered where daylight allows. This has been the case since the current backlog in driving tests started to build up.
Finally, the Deputies may also wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of waiting times and distribution of testing capacity by test centre. This information is available at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/RSADTS.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Driver Test
Questions (187)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:187. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when more driver test centres will be opened, even temporarily, to address the waiting list in Dublin. [21828/25]
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes the locations and operation of driver testing centres.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.