Written Answers Nos. 173-195
173. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of challenges that public service bus companies are experiencing with regarding to the international recruitment of bus drivers and bus mechanics due to changes in visa requirements; if he has he raised these challenges with other Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54091/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government (PfG) has committed to "Work to enhance and support the delivery of a skilled workforce to maintain and operate public transport vehicles".
My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress this PfG commitment and to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant agencies and transport operators including Bus Éireann, and training bodies.
The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these wider issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.
In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.
174. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress on each of the 12 spine routes for BusConnects in Dublin, indicating where each are in the planning process; which are in a judicial review process, and at what stage that judicial review process is at; if any have been tendered yet; if any are close to tender; an indication of the order in which these 12 routes will be built over the next number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54093/25]
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, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor (CBC) schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. However, legal proceedings are ongoing in relation to seven: Clongriffin, Belfield/Blackrock, Blanchardstown, Kimmage, Swords, Templeogue/Rathfarnham and Bray schemes.
An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Liffey Valley to City Centre scheme in December 2023. The NTA issued the Invitation to Tender in August 2024 and the NTA Board approved the scheme in May 2025. This Core Bus Corridor scheme is approximately 9.2 kilometres in length, including the provision of bus, cycle, and walking infrastructure enhancements. Construction is expected to commence in December 2025, with a view to full completion of the Corridor by 2028.
The NTA concluded a procurement competition and has selected a contractor for the Ballymun/Finglas scheme. This will require Cabinet consent at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which I expect to bring in the coming weeks.? Should the Government provide consent, construction is expected to commence on this scheme in 2026.
The recently concluded Review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months. A sectoral plan is expected to be published in the coming months. More CBC schemes will enter the procurement and construction stages before the end of 2030, subject to funding being available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for BusConnects Dublin, 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.
175. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport regarding search and rescue services in an area (details supplied), if consultation with the local community occurred before the service was moved to the location; what, if any, noise abatement or flight path restrictions are in place for the protection of residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54126/25]
View answerIn his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter services are provided under contract that is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland.
This critical lifesaving service provides for the operation of four 24/7 SAR helicopter bases, located at Shannon, Waterford Sligo and Weston in Dublin. The new contract was awarded following a detailed and extensive procurement programme.
The procurement process specified the location of each base and in the case of Dublin, intending bidders were required to base the service, at or within 25 Km of Dublin airport. I am advised that the management at Weston airport in conjunction with the various airport users has a noise abatement plan and also has established a programme of community engagement. More importantly I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Weston is proving to be well suited to enabling the Coast Guard deliver on its life saving services that include options for safe and effective transfer of some patients or casualties, by ambulance from helicopter to Dublin area hospitals.
From an aviation perspective Weston Airport is licensed and certified by the Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA") as an aerodrome operator and air navigation services provider. A volume of airspace has been designated to Weston to enable them to provide these services.
Under the 2018 Environmental Noise regulations (which implement the EU Environmental Noise Directive), local authorities are responsible for the noise mapping of the area under their jurisdiction, and the creation of a noise action plan to tackle harmful environmental noise.
In the case of Weston Airport, I am informed that it has not been modelled as part of the South Dublin County Councils strategic noise modelling for the Dublin agglomeration, as it is not a major airport. It is a policy of South Dublin County Council to discourage noise-sensitive developments such as nursing homes, schools, hospitals and conference centres in the immediate vicinity of Weston aerodrome.
For residential development and other noise vulnerable land uses, an appropriate noise assessment with accompanying mitigation measures to protect residential amenity would be requested when submitted to the planning authority.
In relation to flight paths, under EU legislation, the operator of an airport is responsible for the design and maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs), which set flight paths into and out of an airport. The IAA, as civil aviation safety regulator, is responsible for ensuring that IFPs adhere to safety standards set out in national, European and international regulations.
176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the operation of the recently introduced Local Link route 862 between Cavan and Longford, which replaced the NTA route 975; if he will clarify why this service is restricted to designated stops-only, whereas previous services on the route operated on a hail-and-ride basis; if he will consider reinstating hail-and-ride; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54153/25]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of boosting connectivity in Counties Cavan and Longford. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to continue the roll-out of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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.
In light of the NTA responsibilities, 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.
177. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Finance the status of the review and extension of the help to buy scheme, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53949/25]
View answerThe Help to Buy 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. The scheme provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to certain limits and is legislated to be in place until the end of 2029.
The level of support available to first time buyers is whichever is the lesser of:
• €30,000; or
• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or,
• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
Based on the latest available data (31 August 2025), the scheme has supported almost 59,000 individuals or couples to buy their own home.
The Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the Help to Buy scheme and the extension of the scheme out to 2030.
178. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will address an organisation’s concerns and requests regarding insurance discrimination impacting cancer survivors (details supplied). [54011/25]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for their question regarding the implementation of legislation for the Right to be Forgotten for cancer survivors in the context of access to mortgage protection insurance and the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Government is firmly committed to advancing this important legislative reform and it is a key commitment in the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future. The decision by Government to legislate follows engagement with key stakeholders, including Deputy Catherine Ardagh, who originally proposed the measure, and reflects the Government’s determination to put these protections on a statutory footing and to provide legal certainty and ensure uniformity across all market participants.
The Bill builds on the Voluntary Code of Practice, introduced by Insurance Ireland in December 2023, which disregards a cancer diagnosis for the purpose of mortgage protection insurance applications once treatment ended more than seven years before the date of application—or more than five years in the case of those diagnosed under the age of 18. The Code applies to mortgage protection insurance policies up to €500,000, has been fully adopted by the eight participating insurers. A recent independent review of the Code’s first year of operation, carried out by Forvis Mazars and published in May 2025, found that the Code is working well and that it has improved access to cover for cancer survivors and demonstrates a strong sectoral commitment.
Additionally, there is a need to ensure alignment with EU regulatory requirements, in particular the Solvency II Directive, when bringing forward this piece of legislation. The drafting process is therefore being undertaken with careful consideration of the implications for prudential regulation and the classification of insurance risks, to ensure that the objectives of the Bill are achieved without any unintended impacts on financial stability or market functioning.
As you may be aware, the Dáil passed Second Stage of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 17 July 2025. During the debate, Minister of State Troy highlighted that amendments to the Bill will include setting clear parameters around the remission period and sum assured thresholds, while balancing protections and the management of prudential risk and will designate the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman's office as the complaints resolution authority to provide an accessible and effective complaints resolution mechanism. This legislation, when passed, will give legal effect to the Right to be Forgotten, ensuring that cancer survivors can access mortgage protection insurance once they meet the remission thresholds set out in law.
In conclusion, our approach reflects Government's commitment that a cancer diagnosis, once an individual has completed treatment and achieved defined recovery milestones, should not be a barrier to securing mortgage protection insurance. Advancing the Bill represents an important step in building a fairer and more compassionate insurance framework and I look forward to working with colleagues across the Oireachtas to ensure its passage into law in a timely manner.
179. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Finance if the deferral of the proposed tapering of benefit in kind will be continued following Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54020/25]
View answerFrom 1 January 2023, new rates of benefit-in-kind (BIK) were applied to the provision of an employer-provided car, which take into account the CO2 emissions of the car. The amount taxable as a BIK remains determined by the car's original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, with new CO2 emissions bands used to determine whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate applies. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
Finance (No.2) 2023 extended the tapered BIK relief available for EVs to end-2027. This means that for an electric car/van made available for an employee’s private use during the years 2024 to 2027, the cash equivalent will be calculated based on the actual OMV of the vehicle reduced by:
• €35,000 in respect of vehicles made available in the 2024 and 2025 year(s) of assessment;
• €20,000 in respect of vehicles made available in the 2026 year of assessment; and
• €10,000 in respect of vehicles made available in the 2027 year of assessment.
The tapered BIK relief is in addition to the universal temporary €10,000 reduction applied to the OMV of cars in categories A-D and vans to end-2025. This means that for the purposes of calculating BIK liability on an employer-provided EV, employers can reduce the OMV by €45,000 for the 2025 year of assessment. Therefore, EVs with an OMV of less than €45,000 have no BIK liability, while those with a higher OMV can reduce the taxable amount by €45,000. The reductions apply irrespective of the actual OMV of the vehicle or when the vehicle was first provided to the employee.
Electric vehicles (EVs) currently benefit from a number of incentives, including preferential rates of BIK, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5,000 to end-2025, a low annual motor tax rate, and a BIK exemption on the installation of an EV charging facility by an employer at the home of a director or employee.
In relation to whether a deferral of the proposed tapering of the BIK relief will be continued following Budget 2026, the Deputy will be aware that it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
180. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the reason the proposed tax on vapes, to be implemented on 1 November 2025, excludes tobacco pouches which continue to grow in popularity; if he will use Ireland's presidency of the Council of Ministers to address this issue via strengthened EU Tobacco Tax Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54210/25]
View answerThe E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), legislated for in Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Finance Act 2024 and due to commence from 1 November 2025, applies to the liquids used in e-cigarettes, including refill cartridges for refillable devices. The tax is not applicable to other product types.
As a tobacco-containing product, tobacco pouches would be liable to tobacco products tax. It is understood the Deputy may be referring to nicotine pouches, which are a relatively new novel product on the market. Nicotine pouches are outside the scope of the existing Tobacco Tax Directive (2011/64/EU) and currently not subject to excise duty.
On 16 July 2025, the EU Commission officially adopted a proposal for a recast of the Tobacco Tax Directive. The revision proposes an increase in minimum tax rates for traditional tobacco products, the expansion of the Directive to include new products (such as e-liquids and nicotine pouches), and the extension of the scope of the Directive to include raw tobacco to help in the fight against illicit manufacturing.
I very much welcome the proposal to include novel products, such as e-liquids and nicotine pouches, in the scope of the revised Directive. Harmonising definitions and the tax treatment of novel products, such as nicotine pouches, will help to avoid legal uncertainty and regulatory disparities across the EU. Additionally, increasing minimum tax rates will help to reduce the significant price differentials that currently exist between Member States and reduce the affordability of new novel products.
As a high excise Member State with a strong public health agenda, Ireland is largely supportive of the measures included in the revised Directive and looks forward to constructive engagement on the Directive over the coming months.
181. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the upgrading of Gorey Garda Station. [54057/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that there are a number of projects planned for Gorey Garda Station. These projects are:
1. Restoration of the windows - The contract for which has been awarded and works are nearing completion.
2. Cell upgrade works - The tender packages for this project are complete and awaiting approval. These works are expected to commence in quarter 2 2026 following completion of the procurement process
3. Conversion of the existing garage into office space - Plans for this project are currently with An Garda Síochána Estate Management for approval. Once approved, it is anticipated that works will commence following the completion of the cell upgrade project.
4. Maintenance works to the boundary wall - Wexford County Council are expected to carry out drainage works in the rear garden of the adjoining house and approve the transfer of land adjoining the car park. Once this process is complete, maintenance works can commence on the boundary wall.
The commencement/completion dates for the scheduled works are all subject to the final sign off on operational and design requirements by An Garda Síochána.
182. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has considered allocating a percentage of the annual dividend paid by the DAA to the Exchequer directly to supporting infrastructure improvements at regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53708/25]
View answerThe Government’s position is that all commercial State companies with distributable profits return a financial dividend to the State. The general guideline figure is a dividend of at least 30% of after-tax profits, as set out in DPENDR Circular 07/2025.
Depending on the financial circumstances of the particular company, in this case daa, the figure adopted may be more or less than this guideline 30% figure. Currently, there is no mechanism for the specific allocation of daa dividends to investments outside of the daa's remit, as all dividends are returned to the Central Fund in order to fund the Exchequer. There are no legislative proposals to change this approach.
Decisions on Exchequer capital funding allocations, including allocations to regional airports, are taken as part of regular reviews of the National Development Plan (NDP), which most recently occurred earlier this year. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, Gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors, including Transport, have now been set. The Department of Transport is now tasked with developing sectoral plans for the upcoming 5 years to 2030, which will detail priority projects to be progressed. Departments must ensure that the plans are affordable within the gross capital expenditure ceilings as agreed by Government on publishing the NDP review.
183. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the policy regarding the Civil Service mobility scheme in circumstances where an applicant has previously lodged a complaint against the Department or body to which they are seeking transfer; and whether an applicant who has previously lodged a complaint to the Department or body they are transferring to would be prevented from taking up a post. [53963/25]
View answerThe Civil Service Mobility Scheme offers civil servants an opportunity to apply for Mobility (i.e. transfer) through an open and transparent system in the Civil Service only. Civil servants are automatically deemed eligible for Mobility once the eligibility criteria have been met (i.e. 2 years’ services and a ‘Satisfactory’ PMDS rating). Additionally, each local HR unit is required to complete a ‘Suitability Report’ to assess the applicant’s current suitability for Mobility under the headings of performance, conduct and attendance. An applicant will not be made an offer of Mobility if they are determined to be unsuitable.
The Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) is responsible for setting overarching mobility policy in the Civil Service and the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) are the administrators of the scheme. Local Human Resources units are considered the lead administrators of the scheme where an offer is under consideration or has been made. As per the Civil Service Mobility Scheme, a formal offer of mobility can be withdrawn in exceptional circumstances.
184. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 232 of 23 September 2025 and 365 of 30 September 2025, to detail all expenditure on both properties from 2010 to 1 October 2025, including security any security costs. [53999/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is compiling the information requested on these properties and will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
185. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the progress of the flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if any other potential issues could be raised to further delay its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54081/25]
View answerIn March 2020, the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland submitted the Enniscorthy Food Relief Scheme to the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory confirmation, under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. The main elements of the proposed Scheme included construction of flood defence walls, river channel widening and deepening, and removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge with construction of new and replacement road and pedestrian bridges over the River Slaney. In March 2022, the Minister made a decision to refuse this Scheme due primarily to concerns on the impact of the Scheme on the environment and protected species including the freshwater pearl mussel.
Since March 2022 there has been extensive engagement between the OPW and Wexford County Council, who are the contracting authority for the Scheme. In Q4 2023, Wexford County Council submitted a proposed strategy for the progression of the Scheme to the OPW. The proposed strategy, which was approved by the OPW, comprises two phases for the delivery of the Scheme (i.e. Phase 1 Bridgeworks and Phase 2 Flood Relief Works).
Phase 1 of the Scheme will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge and the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which poses an obstruction to river flow through the town centre during flood events. Phase 2 of the Scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town.
The Project Steering Group is currently progressing design options for Phase I. An initial Public Consultation on Phase 1 took place in Q2 2025 to present emerging options to the public. A second Public Consultation is due to take place in Q4 2025 to present the preferred option to the public and stakeholders and to gather any relevant feedback.
To assist with a planning application submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP), relevant environmental surveys are currently being updated and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be prepared. It is envisaged that a planning application will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) in Q3 2026.
Prior to lodging a planning application with ACP a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application will be required from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Consultations with MARA will commence when sufficient detailed design has progressed.
With regards to Phase 2, Wexford County Council and the OPW are currently finalising a Project Brief in order to issue a tender for the appointment of a consultant and it is expected to go to tender in Q4 2025. It is envisaged a consultant will be appointed in Q1 2026. A detailed Programme for the overall Scheme (Phase 1 & Phase 2) will be subsequently developed for the Scheme following the appointment of a consultant for Phase 2.
The OPW and Wexford County Council remain committed to the progression of this Scheme, which currently has an approved total project budget of approximately €51m for flood relief measures, which will be funded under the Government’s €1.3bn for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan.
186. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the plans for a location (details supplied), given the growing concern around the rapidly deteriorating state of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54084/25]
View answerDurrow Abbey, Co. Offaly, is located approximately eight kilometres north of Tullamore on the N52 road to Kilbeggan.
Durrow Cross, Church, graveslabs and Motte, located within the Durrow Demesne, are National Monuments (Nos. 313 and 678) in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). St Columba’s Church, which houses the Durrow High Cross, is also a National Monument in State care.
The church was closed to the public in 2020 due to concerns regarding the condition of the building fabric and the safety of visitors. Detailed investigations and surveys were commissioned to inform the scope of necessary conservation and repair works. It is envisaged that the conservation repairs to the floor and pews will be undertaken by OPW carpenters and joiners. While the planning for this work continues, visitors can view the Durrow High Cross through a screen at the church entrance. The OPW acknowledges that this is not an ideal arrangement but it is a necessary temporary measure while interior works are being advanced.
While it is not possible at this time to provide a definitive completion date, the Deputy can be assured that this is a priority project for the OPW District Works Team in 2026.
187. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the criteria by which those with disabilities, who apply for positions under the disability-specific recruitment schemes run by publicjobs.ie, are assessed; what information applicants have to supply to outline their disability in their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54086/25]
View answerI am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which is the centralised recruiter for the Public Service and responsible for the operation of the recruitment schemes to which you refer, that all their selection processes are monitored to ensure that no discrimination occurs for their candidates under any of the protected grounds, including disability. Disabled candidates can avail of a range of reasonable accommodations throughout the selection process to ensure they have an equal chance to compete for job opportunities. These accommodations are tailored to each individual and include, among others, the use of assistive technology, additional time to complete assessment exercises and access to comfort breaks.
In addition, PAS collaborate with departments across the civil service and a diverse range of civic society organisations on their inclusive pathways into employment for disabled people. As an example, their partnership with AHEAD on the Willing and Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme offers graduates with a disability a 10-month fully paid and mentored work placement in the civil service.
The WAM programme process regarding eligibility and exploration of disability and its impact in a work environment (managed by AHEAD) is as follows:
1. Prospective participants in the WAM programme self-identify as disabled to register for the WAM Graduate Database and share the categories of their disability with AHEAD as part of the registration process. At this stage they are also requested to identify any potential reasonable accommodations they might require during the interview process.
2. Ring-fenced positions are advertised to this cohort of individuals, and those interested compete for positions through a recruitment process with the employer that has been disability-proofed with WAM.
3. Successful candidates then undergo a Needs Assessment Process which explores the functional impact of disability in the context of the job demands and environment. This includes:
a. Information gathering with the candidate to explore the condition the person has and how it impacts their lives, and prior supports given in an education or work context.
b. Information gathering with the prospective line manager to determine the specific demands of the role and explore the digital and physical work environment.
c. A structured discussion with the candidate on both of the above to assess functional impact of disability in this environment and role, and what supports would be reasonable and effective. The level of information the candidate is comfortable with sharing (need to know basis only) with the employer is also explored. Support recommendations are then agreed with the candidate before inclusion in a Needs Assessment Report which is sent to the employer to implement.
d. Following this rigorous Needs Assessment process, if there are any doubts that the candidate is misrepresenting their disability status, AHEAD reserve the right to request further evidence of disability.
e. The in-depth Needs Assessment Process carried out by AHEAD negates the need for a medical/psychologist report as through this process they can understand the candidate requirements and the accommodations required by them to participate in the programme.
The process of self-identifying and not requiring medical evidence of disability to register with the WAM Graduate database was implemented as it aligns with the social and human rights model of disability and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The General Comment No. 8 of the UN Committee on the Rights of Disabled Persons which focuses on Article 27 (Employment) of the Convention is explicit in advancing the move towards the social and human rights model and expresses concern that medical model based processes mean that disabled people “are not acknowledged as subjects of rights and as rights holders, but are instead “reduced” to their impairments”. The recently launched National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People also confirms the social model approach to supporting disabled people.
AHEAD’s position is that requesting medical proof of disability as a requirement to participate would be rooted in the medical model of disability which they suggest is opposed by most disabled people. Furthermore, there are significant issues of equity in terms of accessing a formal diagnosis for many conditions including significant costs and lengthy waiting times in many cases. Given the fact that disabled people are almost twice as likely to be in poverty than their non-disabled peers, this is another reason for the design of this process.
PAS follows a similar approach with the Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL) Programme, which aims to create inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This is a collaborative effort involving the Houses of the Oireachtas, KARE, WALK, and the City of Dublin Education and Training Board.
188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for clarification on matters in relation to the EU fire regulation standard which is accepted as the equivalent of I.S.419:1988 for importing of furniture from European countries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53988/25]
View answerMy Department is undertaking a review of the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations to ensure that Ireland's regulatory framework remains robust, effective, aligned with modern consumer safety practices and the EU Single Market. As part of this review, the Department ran a public consultation with two potential options to be considered:
1. To maintain the current Irish Furniture Fire Regulations, or
2. To repeal the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations and rely on the EU’s General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR).
The outcome of the public consultation and the next steps are currently being considered and a decision will be made in the near future.
By way of background, the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations were put in place in 1995 and were developed at a time when fire hazards associated with furniture materials were a significant concern. These regulations require domestic furniture to meet specific flammability standards, including resistance to ignition by cigarettes and match flames, primarily through the use of flame-retardant chemicals. The policy rationale was to reduce the risk of fatalities and injuries caused by fires starting in upholstered furniture, however, the scientific, regulatory and behavioural context has evolved, including the increased use in smoke alarms and changes in personal behaviour. Accordingly, questions have been raised about the balance between fire safety and chemical safety, particularly concerning the use of flame retardants.
My Department understands that most EU Member States address the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture through general product safety obligations rather than specific fire safety regulations. Under the GPSR framework, products such as furniture are expected to be designed and manufactured in such a way that does not pose foreseeable fire or chemical hazards to consumers. This model allows manufacturers to meet safety objectives without mandating the use of specific treatments such as chemical flame retardants. Instead, safety is assessed holistically, taking into account the product’s design, materials, and intended environment of use, as mandated by the GPSR.
189. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide details of the scale of capital investment required in serviced sites, utilities and digital infrastructure to make Ireland competitive in attracting semiconductor fabrication plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54156/25]
View answerAs identified in Silicon Island-Ireland's National Semiconductor Strategy, Government is acutely aware of the strategic imperative to position Ireland as a competitive location for semiconductor fabrication facilities, with chips being critical to global supply chains and national economic resilience. Semiconductor fabrication plants, or “fabs”, require large sites due to their significant land use and the need for expansion space. To this end, and in a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, the provision of plan-led, high-specification fully serviceable land-banks with a full array of essential services and utilities in place will be a key aspect of individual company investment decisions. In this regard, Ireland’s ability to compete for and win significant investments of scale in this sector is dependent on the ready availability of such appropriate, innovative and cost-competitive sites.
The establishment of such advanced manufacturing operations requires substantial capital investment across several key infrastructure domains. The Programme for Government outlines a policy aim of reviewing and considering expansion of the IDA Ireland land-bank, including consideration of new advanced manufacturing facilities in strategic, regional locations, and developing a small number of strategically important next generation sites.
Additionally, IDA Ireland is dedicated to acquiring new land-banks and strategic sites to support future projects across all key sectors. As set out in its strategy “Adapt Intelligently 2025-2029”, IDA Ireland has identified clear opportunities for Ireland to win investment in key growth areas such as digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health and sustainability. To support this ambition, the Agency will continue to ensure appropriate property solutions with the commensurate development potential are available to enterprise agency clients and to maximise regional opportunities.
Substantial cross-Government and inter-agency collaboration will be required to ensure the successful delivery of these next generation sites. Accordingly, IDA Ireland is working with my Department and other Government partners, including the utility providers, to develop sites of strategic scale and importance to accommodate manufacturing investments from the sector. Such a plan-led approach provides more certainty to investors and de-risks decisions making Ireland a more attractive location for competitive mobile large-scale investments. This is an ambitious initiative which will take several years to complete.
The Government recognises that quality physical infrastructure, such as utilities and digital infrastructure, are essential to ensure the economy has the capacity to achieve sustainable, long-term growth and plays a key role in boosting productivity and creating high-value employment. The provision of this essential physical infrastructure is also key to ensuring that enterprises in Ireland have the certainty they require to underpin investment decisions. Increasing the State’s capacity to deliver infrastructure is one of the six themes in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity published by Government on 10 September.
IDA Ireland is working to identify suitable sites for this purpose. My Department will work in partnership with the Agency to implement this plan, building sustainable, long-term growth, employment and prosperity in the industries of the future. To this end, in my Budget announcement this week, I indicated that an additional sum of €100m is being allocated from my Department's "NDP" allocation for the Next Generation Sites initiative to prepare strategic, serviced locations for future FDI. This investment will augment the ongoing IDA property investments in new and existing sites across its portfolio as outlined in its new Strategy, including in cooperation with Local Authorities. Such sites are also available to Irish-Owned Enterprise Ireland clients.
190. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the staffing resources in the AI office that will be allocated to the office's planned regulatory function, in comparison to the other functions of the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54213/25]
View answer191. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the level of staffing resources being allocated to the new AI office, by grade; whether there is a timeline for filling those roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54214/25]
View answer192. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps being taken to create the necessary independence in regulatory functions of the new AI office under article 70 of the EU AI Act; the way in which the work of staff tasked with regulatory functions is being separated from those with functions to do with promoting business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54215/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191 and 192 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland is a leader in the digital economy and responsible artificial intelligence.
As the Deputy is aware the Government has adopted a distributed model for the implementation of the AI Act in Ireland building on the sectoral capacity and capability within our regulatory ecosystem. In doing so there is a need for the effective coordination and coherence of the implementation of the Act. This is why the Government has agreed to establish the AI Office of Ireland to act as the central coordinating body. The office will also provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
The AI Office of Ireland will coordinate the activities of designated Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and Notifying Authorities, promoting efficiency and coherence across regulatory domains. This model aligns regulatory functions with existing sectoral responsibilities and enables the AI Office to facilitate cooperation across the regulators. The central co-ordinating body will be a resource to and work closely with all of the relevant competent authorities.
Currently, my officials, in collaboration with government departments across a range of sectors, are developing the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This General Scheme will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act at national level in domestic legislation. This includes the establishment of the new AI Office of Ireland as an independent statutory entity, the empowerment of designated competent authorities with Market Surveillance Regulation powers pursuant to the AI Act and provisions for cooperation and sharing of information across the national competent authorities, and the laying down of rules for penalties and other enforcement measures for non-compliance. It is my intention to bring this General scheme to Government within the coming weeks.
My Department is engaging with professional consultancy services, who are providing advice onto the scale and operational structure of this new AI Office of Ireland informed by national and international benchmarking.
I am committed to ensuring Ireland’s position and as a centre of regulatory excellence where innovation thrives for the betterment of the economy and society at large.
193. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department is using the services of consultancy firms in setting up the new AI office; and if so, the amount spent on fees to consultancy firms to date. [54216/25]
View answerThe establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative for my Department to act as the central co-ordinating body for the AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
Detailed workplans are being developed to ensure the AI Office is in place by August 2026. The establishment of a new AI office is a discrete project which requires some specialist expertise to augment the skills and expertise available in the Department. Accordingly, where specialised knowledge is required, research and analysis has been commissioned which is informing the work of my officials. To date consultancy services to a value of €60,000 excluding VAT has been awarded.
194. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the public sector duty is being integrated into the work of the new AI office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54217/25]
View answerThe Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service have been developed to actively empower public servants to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the delivery of services. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide practical information and resources for all public servants and Government officials on how to design, develop, deploy and maintain AI solutions responsibly
The AI Office of Ireland in its operations as a statutory independent body will have regard to the Guidelines on the Responsible use of AI for the Public Service, which will ensure consistency with existing public service standards.
195. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will seek to urgently end the Industrial and Reformatory School Survivors hunger strike by immediately awarding a Health (Amendment) Act (HAA) card, to all survivors, as they deserve access to comprehensive healthcare to deal with the lasting effects of these institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54102/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Government is very conscious of the enormous trauma which has been experienced by all survivors of abuse.
I wrote to the group on Friday 26 September to urge them to reconsider their hunger strike action in the interest of their health and well-being and to request a meeting so that I could engage with them directly in relation to their concerns. I met with the group on Monday 29 September and, while acknowledging that the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 does not go as far as they would wish in terms of providing supports for survivors, that I am not in a position to revisit the Act.
In addition, the Taoiseach engaged personally with the group on Friday 3 October and I have also written to them on a number of occasions to set out the position and to respectfully request that they reconsider their action.
As the Deputy will be aware, in June 2023, the Government approved the provision of a package of supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions, such as industrial schools and reformatories, comprised of ongoing health, education and advocacy supports.
The package of health supports and services which is now provided for in the Act will ensure survivors who are resident in the State will have access to a range of health supports through the HSE, including GP services, home nursing and home helps, chiropody and podiatry, and physiotherapy. This approach is consistent with the approach taken previously in respect of survivors and former residents of the Magdalen Laundries and Mother and Baby Institutions.
This entitlement will be for life and will not be subject to means-tests or periodic reviews.
Survivors living abroad will be able to avail of a payment of €3,000 in lieu of this package of supports, to support their health needs. This is the same approach taken in respect of the Mother and Baby Institutions.
With regard to the HAA card provided for under the Health (Amendment) Act 1996, it is important to note that this was introduced specifically to meet the very significant health needs of a particular group of individuals who had contracted a serious and life-threatening condition, i.e. individuals who had contracted Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of contaminated blood and blood products.
I have informed the group that officials from my Department are available to engage with them in relation to relevant matters and I very much hope that they will safeguard their physical and mental health.
