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Wednesday, 2 Jul 2025

Written Answers Nos. 54-74

Public Transport

Questions (54)

Grace Boland

Question:

54. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether additional public transport services, including DART, Luas and bus, are provided for concerts and major events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36539/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Public Transport

Questions (55)

Grace Boland

Question:

55. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport how his Department prepares for large-scale concerts and events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36540/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Public Transport

Questions (56)

Grace Boland

Question:

56. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether a cross-agency event transport protocol is in place to coordinate additional DART, Luas and bus services during large-scale public events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36541/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (57)

Grace Boland

Question:

57. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether he will engage with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to develop national guidance for the roll-out of safe, accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure for households without off-street parking, including residents whose homes open directly onto public footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36543/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We regularly review EV incentives and grant schemes to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets.

It should be noted that the use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation. This matter is currently under consideration by officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities.

Local authorities will be funded by ZEVI to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.

Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised in 2025.

To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also launched in February this year. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (58)

Grace Boland

Question:

58. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the potential for footpath-accessible EV charging infrastructure, particularly in older residential areas; and if he will consider issuing updated guidelines to local authorities in this regard. [36544/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is a dedicated Office within the Department of Transport, charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles. The Office leads on the delivery of the Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

The use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation, which is the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Communications, and ZEVI is working with the Department on this issue.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities.

Local authorities will be funded by ZEVI to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.

Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised in 2025.

To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also launched in February this year. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Rail Network

Questions (59)

Réada Cronin

Question:

59. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport for an updated timeline for completion of the Dart+ West project in light of a dropped judicial case against it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36548/25]

View answer

Written answers

As 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, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the DART+ West project.

The DART+ West project plans to extend DART services from the City Centre to the M3 Parkway and Maynooth. A Railway Order was granted approval by An Bord Pleanála in July 2024 for DART+ West, 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.

Procurement for DART+ West and South West is progressing with pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) notices for Design and Build works recently advertised in May 2025.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Rail Network

Questions (60)

Réada Cronin

Question:

60. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the plans for expanded transport from Heuston station into Dublin city centre following the completion of the Dart+ West and Dart+ West South projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36549/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as the National Transport Authority has assigned the day-to-day management of the Luas operating contract to TII, in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev Ireland. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility regarding Dublin Bus routes, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Air Navigation Orders

Questions (61)

Emer Currie

Question:

61. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to outline whether AirNav have statutory responsibility for regulating our airspace, particularly in relation to the use of unmanned aircraft systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36612/25]

View answer

Written answers

On 1 May 2023, pursuant to the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was established as the single civil aviation regulator for Ireland. The air navigation service provision functions of the IAA were transferred to the newly established commercial state body AirNav Ireland, which is regulated by the IAA.

The IAA is the competent authority for EU civil aviation safety regulation and oversight, including the oversight of the implementation of the EU drone regulations (Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Regulation (EU) 2019/947).

The European Commission in conjunction with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency developed an enabling regulatory framework (Regulations (EU) 2021/664, 2021/665, and 2021/666) that allows for the safe development of the drone services market and the integration of drones into our airspace. The implementation of an unmanned traffic management system will require the adoption of high-level strategic decisions and regulatory developments, as well as close collaboration, cooperation, and coordination with relevant State entities and the drone sector itself.

The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems being finalised by my Department proposes a number of structures to provide for this. I hope to publish the policy framework in the near future. In the meantime, the IAA, as the civil aviation safety regulator will continue to oversee drone operations throughout the State, to ensure that the operations are conducted in a safe manner.

Public Transport

Questions (62)

Martin Kenny

Question:

62. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be sought for a smart demand responsive transport service between Belleek in Fermanagh and Ballyshannon in Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36631/25]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in County Donegal. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continuing the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and continued investment in new town bus services. In 2025, with funding under the Climate Action Fund, the NTA will implement a pilot Smart DRT service in three areas as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out of new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.

As with all plans, any additional funding for Smart DRT Pilot services in County Donegal would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and New Town Services.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the Smart DRT Pilot, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (63, 64, 65, 66)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

63. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is considering increasing the maximum property purchase price under the help-to-buy scheme. [36552/25]

View answer

Tom Brabazon

Question:

64. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering expanding the help to buy scheme to include second hand homes. [36555/25]

View answer

Tom Brabazon

Question:

65. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering introducing a tax credit for first-time buyers to assist with legal, survey and valuation costs. [36556/25]

View answer

Conor Sheehan

Question:

66. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Finance the plans to increase the income thresholds for the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36559/25]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 to 66, inclusive, together.

The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. It also has as an aim to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand.

HTB provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.

Based on the latest available data (30 May 2025), the HTB scheme has supported more than 56,000 individuals or couples to buy their own home.

In relation to the maximum property purchase price under HTB, a comprehensive independent review of the scheme was carried out by external consultants in 2022. While this review included a number of recommended amendments to the scheme, it did not recommend an increase to the €500,000 house price limit.

In relation to second-hand properties generally, an increase in the supply of new housing remains a priority aim of Government policy. As mentioned above, the HTB scheme is specifically designed to encourage an increase in demand for affordable new build homes in order to encourage the construction of an additional supply of such properties.

In relation to Deputy Brabazon's question concerning a tax credit for first-time buyers to assist with legal, survey and valuation costs, I have no plans, at present, to introduce such a relief.

In relation to the matter of income thresholds raised by Deputy Sheehan, the Deputy might note that HTB eligibility is not determined by income thresholds, rather (and subject to the other conditions of the scheme) it is a refund of Income TAX and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the four years of assessment prior to the claim. The maximum amount of a claim is, necessarily, limited by the amount of the relevant tax paid by the claimant over the four year period.

Finally, the Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the HTB scheme. As the Deputies will appreciate, any revisions to the scheme would have to be considered as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes at the appropriate time, and take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market. Furthermore, any such decisions must also have regard to available resources and the sound management of the public finances.

Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 63.

Tax Credits

Questions (67, 68)

Emer Currie

Question:

67. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the consultation on future reform of the Research & Development (R&D) Corporation Tax credit; his policy priorities in relation to any future reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/25]

View answer

Emer Currie

Question:

68. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance the number of companies availing of the Research & Development (R&D) Corporation Tax credit in each of the past ten years; the total cost to the exchequer in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/25]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.

The Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is an important feature of the Irish CT system. It forms part of a suite of corporation tax measures that ensures Ireland remains an attractive location for both domestic and inward investment and building an innovation-driven domestic enterprise sector. The primary policy objective is to increase business R&D in Ireland, as R&D can contribute to higher innovation and productivity. Ireland has successfully created a globally competitive innovation hub, and the R&D tax credit has played a large part in that success. Both domestic and multinational firms in Ireland support thousands of Irish jobs, Irish companies and Irish education institutions.

Since its introduction, in 2004, the R&D tax credit has grown both in terms of claimant companies and exchequer cost. In relation to the Deputy’s query, the table below sets out the number of companies availing of the R&D tax credit and the total exchequer cost for the past ten years in respect of which data is available for.

Year

Number of Claimants

Cost (€m)

2023

1,804

976

2022

1,631

1,158

2021

1,629

753

2020

1,616

658

2019

1,601

626

2018

1,303

355

2017

1,505

448

2016

1,506

670

2015

1,535

708

2014

1,570

553

Revenue provide further statistics on the R&D tax credit as part of their publication of the document “Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Credit Statistics” which can be accessed on their website. www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/r-and-d-tax-credit-statistics.pdf.

As one of the largest tax expenditure items, the R&D tax credit is reviewed regularly under the Department of Finance’s Tax Expenditure Guidelines, to ensure that it is effective and delivering on the intended policy objective. Budget 2025 announced that this review would be undertaken this year, and the Programme for Government ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’ made a commitment to examine options to enhance the R&D tax credit, reward innovation and digitalisation.

Work on the review of the R&D tax credit regime is underway this year and commenced with a ‘Public Consultation on the R&D tax credit and on Options to Support Innovation’. See: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/public-consultation-on-the-research-development-tax-credit-and-on-options-to-support-i.pdf. The consultation closed on 19th May.

26 responses to the consultation have been received from a range of respondents, including companies engaged in R&D activities, advisory firms, representative bodies and Government Departments.

The feedback received will help to inform policy considerations for the R&D regime and in relation to innovation, to ensure that Ireland remains attractive as a location for quality employment and investment in R&D by both domestic and international companies. Work on the R&D review will continue to progress throughout the year and will inform my policy deliberations in advance of Budget 2026, in line with Programme for Government commitments. www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/consultations/public-consultation-on-the-research-development-tax-credit-and-on-options-to-support-innovation/

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 67.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (69)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

69. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance if an individual purchasing a home under the incremental purchase scheme from a local authority can avail of the help-to-buy scheme; who ultimately makes the decision in these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36432/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.

The legislation governing the HTB scheme is set out in section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the scheme and is, like all other tax legislation, administered by Revenue.

The HTB scheme is open to all first-time buyers who meet the conditions of the scheme, regardless of whether the first-time buyer is availing of another housing scheme initiative.

A condition of the scheme is that a qualifying first-time purchaser must take out a qualifying loan in an amount equal to at least 70% of the purchase price of the property. Additionally, for the purpose of the loan-to-value ratio calculation, the purchase price cannot be less than the market value of the property and the mortgage loan must be entered in to with a qualifying lender.

A limited exception to how the loan-to-value ratio is calculated relates to HTB applicants also availing of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and who receive an “affordable dwelling contribution” in accordance with section 12(2) of Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act of 2021. Where such applicants have entered a contract to purchase a qualifying residence, the amount of the “affordable dwelling contribution” received from a local authority will be combined with the amount of the qualifying loan for the purposes of calculating the HTB loan-to-value ratio.

Operation of the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme for newly built houses is provided for by Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Housing (Incremental Purchase) Regulations 2010. The scheme provides a discount between 40% and 60% on the purchase price of a new property depending on the household income of the applicant(s).

As the equity support provided by the scheme does not come within the definition of an “affordable dwelling contribution” operated under Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act of 2021, the limited exception to how the loan-to-value ratio is calculated does not apply to HTB claimants also availing of the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme for new builds.

Therefore, while first-time buyers purchasing a new property under the Incremental Purchase Scheme are eligible to apply for HTB, where discounts of 40-60% on the market value of the property are applied, such purchasers will not meet the required 70% loan to value ratio for HTB as this is calculated by reference to the market value of the property.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (70)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

70. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the tax exemption on adapted disability which has remained unchanged for twenty years despite increased costs of vehicles, VAT, and VRT (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36553/25]

View answer

Written answers

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS). The DDS provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.

The maximum VRT and VAT reliefs under DDS provisions are set according the nature of the Primary Medical Certificate holder as a disabled driver or a disabled passenger and on the level of adaption required for the vehicle. Statutory Instrument 634 of 2015 provided for significantly enhanced maximum reliefs repayable in respect of a qualifying vehicle, to €10,000, €16,000 and €22,000, respectively.

Statutory Instrument 320 of 2023 introduced a fourth category of relief - for in-vehicle wheelchair accessible adaptions - with maximum reliefs of €48,000 for disabled drivers and €32,000 for disabled passengers. The setting of these maximum reliefs was informed by international practice which demonstrated that many countries provide additional support for wheelchair accessible adaptions.

As regards the minimum periods for which an adapted vehicle must be used as part of the DDS conditions, I understand that international practice typically requires an adapted vehicle to be retained for a period between 5 and 10 years. The DDS specifies the following minimum retention periods:

Adaptions

Specific adaptions

Extensive adaptions

Adaptions for wheelchair accessible vehicles

2 years

3 years

6 years

6 years

The Deputy should note that my Department and I consider that the 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 my Department has oversight of the DDS only and does not have responsibility for disability policy.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.

The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of the development of the new scheme by the Department of Transport.

Tax Code

Questions (71)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

71. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to differentiated rates of Capital Gains Tax for different scenarios. [36600/25]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland's headline Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate is 33%. It is paid on the chargeable capital gain made when a person disposes of an asset. The chargeable gain is usually the difference between the price paid for the asset and the price it is disposed of for. CGT is payable by the person making the disposal.,

The existence of a 33% rate of CGT can help maintain a balance between the rate of taxation of capital assets and the higher rate of income tax. There are a number of targeted reliefs including principal private residence relief, retirement relief and revised entrepreneur relief. Significant exemptions often requires a higher rate in order to generate an appropriate yield.

As with all taxes, CGT is subject to ongoing review, which involves the consideration and assessment of the rate of CGT and the relevant reliefs and exemptions from CGT. CGT policy and legislation is reviewed by the Tax Strategy Group (TSG), as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process and as part of wider tax policy considerations.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (72)

Emer Currie

Question:

72. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department collates data on the level of expenditure across Government in relation to the adoption of AI; if there are plans to establish a fund to support the innovative use of AI across Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36330/25]

View answer

Written answers

Achieving the potential for digitalisation and AI to improve the delivery of effective and inclusive public services requires the combined efforts of all government departments and public bodies, in line with the strategic direction and targets that have been agreed by Government, including those set out in Connecting Government 2030, Better Public Services, and Harnessing Digital.

While my Department has a central role to play in the coordination and oversight of the digital transformation agenda, responsibility for expenditure on specific types of technology from within agreed annual budget allocations lies with individual line Departments in the first instance.

There are, however, a number of initiatives in place to support departments in their use of innovative technologies more broadly. This includes the Public Service Innovation Fund, which has provided approximately €5 million in funding to support over 100 projects across Ireland with a strong focus on cross-organisational digital transformation, as well as the Digital Transformation Fund to support the development of building blocks required for digital service integration. Other supports include the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Digital Government Oversight Unit, which is responsible for the oversight of new digital and ICT-related initiatives proposed by Civil and Public Service bodies to ensure alignment with Government policy, associated strategies and demonstrate good governance structures and practice.

My Department also recently published Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, to empower public servants to use AI in the delivery of services in a way that minimises risk and enhances public trust. A range of resources designed to support the adoption of AI have been developed as part of this work, including clear information on key AI principles, a decision framework for evaluating the potential use of AI, a responsible AI canvas tool to be used at planning stage, and an AI lifecycle guidance tool.

Office of Public Works

Questions (73)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

73. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the OPW will put out a contract for the provision of mobile tea, coffee and light refreshments service at Casino Marino, Dublin 3, in time for the 2026 season. [36504/25]

View answer

Written answers

The Office of Public Works advertised publicly for proposals for the operation of a mobile catering unit at Casino Marino in 2024 and 2025.

In 2024, a number of expressions of interest were received and paperwork was issued to all interested parties to make a formal application. No applications were returned. In 2025, the opportunity was advertised again and no expressions of interest were received.

The possibility of advertising for the 2026 season will be reviewed early next year.

Office of Public Works

Questions (74)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

74. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the OPW has acquired a site for the provision of a new divisional headquarters for the Garda north division; and, if not, when the OPW expects to acquire a site. [36505/25]

View answer

Written answers

It is the intention of An Garda Síochána to develop a new Divisional Headquarters for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), North Division. The development will incorporate an enhanced custody suite for the DMR along with a number of specialist training facilities for An Garda Síochána.

The Office of Public Works are currently carrying out site evaluations. Once a preferred site is determined, and all necessary elements of the Infrastructure Guidelines are approved; the Office of Public Works will progress with the process of site acquisition.

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