Written Answers Nos. 118-137
118. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if a policy is in place on the payment of legal fees to applicants taking judicial reviews against the State or public bodies, in the case of a settlement between the applicant party and the State or the public body. [55582/25]
View answerIn the normal course, a settlement agreement is the process of confidential negotiations between the parties and it can vary as to what is agreed regarding legal costs. Accordingly, there is no one agreed process as to the payment of legal fees or costs of applicants that is applicable to every judicial review taken against myself as Minister. However, I am cognisant of the State Litigation Principles and of the legislation and legal principles that govern legal costs, including the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the Rules of the Superior Courts and the case law of the Superior Courts.
In that overall context, it is a matter for individual public bodies to determine their position based on the circumstances of individual cases, and as such there is no specific, central policy in this area. Finally, I would note that the Accounting Officer for the relevant Vote has responsibility for ensuring the appropriate expenditure of funds and the achievement of value for money in line with the Public Financial Procedures.
119. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the Government has benchmarked the roll-out of public service AI initiatives against similar programmes in other jurisdictions; whether lessons from international best practice have informed the adoption of AI in areas such as legal research, document summarisation, data breach identification, and high-volume disclosure; and if his Department plans to provide guidance, tools or frameworks to other public bodies to ensure the responsible, transparent and consistent deployment of AI across Government. [55597/25]
View answerMy Department has taken a proactive and coordinated approach to supporting the responsible and effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Public Service. In May 2025, the Department published the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, which provide a practical framework to assist Public Service Bodies in designing, developing and deploying AI in a manner that is ethical, transparent and aligned with public service values.
The Guidelines are structured around seven core principles. The are (1) human agency and oversight, (2) technical robustness and safety, (3) privacy and data governance, (4) transparency, (5) diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, (6) societal and environmental well-being, and (7) accountability. These are supported by a decision framework, an AI lifecycle model, and a practical Responsible AI Canvas tool. Together, these elements help Public Service Bodies to assess the appropriateness of AI use cases, manage risks, and embed good governance throughout the AI project lifecycle.
To build capability and ensure consistent understanding and application of these standards, my Department has worked with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) to develop a suite of training courses, including Implementing the AI Guidelines, AI Essentials, and an AI Masterclass. These courses are designed to meet the needs of both technical and non-technical staff.
In addition, CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI, acts as the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for AI, providing advice, testing facilities and technical support to both Public Service Bodies and enterprises seeking to explore or adopt AI responsibly.
Through these combined measures, my Department is ensuring a consistent, transparent and supportive approach to AI adoption across the Public Service, enabling innovation while maintaining public trust and ethical standards.
In developing Ireland’s approach to Public Service AI, my Department has drawn extensively on international best practice and benchmarking of initiatives in other jurisdictions. The Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service were informed by the Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy AI published by the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI (2019), which established the seven principles for responsible AI.
The Guidelines are also aligned with the EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689), adopting a risk-based approach that distinguishes between minimal, limited, and high-risk AI systems, and emphasises proportional governance and oversight in Public Service use cases.
Furthermore, reference is made to the OECD’s classification of Public Sector AI opportunities, which identifies potential applications across a range of government functions, including automation of administrative tasks, predictive analytics, and enhanced information management. This framework, highlighted in the Guidelines, supports a structured understanding of where AI can deliver most public value.
The Guidelines also incorporate international examples of AI deployment in public administration, including use in:
Internal operations (e.g. automating document management and translation);
Service delivery (e.g. intelligent chatbots for citizen engagement);
Internal and external oversight (e.g. anomaly detection for compliance or data protection monitoring); and
Policy-making (e.g. use of AI for data analysis and evidence generation).
Lessons from these international cases have informed the measured and responsible approach to be adopted in relation to AI, as set out in the Guidelines. Whether for application in areas such as legal research, document summarisation, data breach identification, and high-volume disclosure, the Guidelines ensure that innovation in these domains is undertaken with a clear focus on transparency, reliability, and public benefit.
120. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding Table2: 2026 Current Expenditure Breakdown to confirm whether the € 0.3 billion provided for 'To be allocated' is for new measures or for ELS costs; and to provide the breakdown. [55665/25]
View answer121. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding Table2: 2026 Current Expenditure Breakdown to confirm whether the €1.4 billion provided for 'Other' is for new measures or for ELS costs; and to provide the breakdown. [55666/25]
View answer122. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding Table2: 2026 Current Expenditure Breakdown the portion of the €2.2 billion provided for 'Key Policy Adjustments and Expansion of Services' is for Budget 2026 new measures that will commence in 2026. [55667/25]
View answer123. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding Table2: 2026 Current Expenditure Breakdown, to provide details of the €0.3 billion provided for 'to be allocated'; and the way in which it differs from the 1 billion contingency reserve which is also held centrally. [55668/25]
View answer124. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of funding determined as required for ELS (public sector pay, carryover, demographics, and so on) costs in Budget 2026 which in the case of Budget 2025 the Expenditure Report 2025 on pages 24 and 25 set at €3.4 billion. [55671/25]
View answer125. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of current funding provided for New Measure in Budget 2026 which in the case of Budget 2025 the Expenditure Report 2025 on page 24 set at €1.9 billion. [55672/25]
View answer126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding Table 2: 2026 Current Expenditure Breakdown to confirm whether the €0.9 billion for 'Increase in recipients' relates to increases in recipient numbers as a result of changes to the size and demographic composition of the population; and if so the portion of the €0.9 billion which is to cover that or if this allocation is to cover the cost of Budget 2026 new measures that are scheduled to commence in 2026. [55675/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126 together.
Budget 2026 takes a whole of budget approach, considering the totality of expenditure, where this funding is being invested and what is being delivered for our growing population. This year a different approach to the Estimates process was undertaken which placed a greater emphasis on reform, efficiency and placing value for money at the centre of Government decision making.
Budget 2026 will increase the total gross voted expenditure ceiling to €117.8 billion. This represents an increase of €6.1 billion in current expenditure to cater for increased demand in service delivery for a growing population and to progress key policies in line with Government priorities across a range of sectors and €2 billion additional capital expenditure in line with NDP ceilings. The overall ceiling also has a €1 billion unallocated Contingency Reserve which will be used to fund once off costs relating to Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency in 2026 and an additional pay day in 2026 in the Revised Estimates. €0.3 billion of current funding remains to be allocated under the expenditure ceiling, separate to the €1bn reserve.
Detailed information on where the additional current funding is being allocated in 2026 is set out by Department in Part II of the Budget 2026 Expenditure Report. The vote chapters detail the overall level of resources available next year (including staff resources); the programmes and policy outputs to be delivered with this funding; and a list of reforms to be undertaken in order to enhance efficiency.
Each vote chapter includes a reconciliation table demonstrating the key components of the 2026 ceiling. The amounts reflected in the Vote Group reconciliation tables at the time of the Budget are collated in the aggregate Table 2 on page 12 of the Expenditure Report. This reflects:
• €1.1 billion is included for the 2026 cost of decisions taken in 2025 and carryover of Budget 2025 decisions. Some examples include the additional costs of running public transport services through the Public Service Obligation payments, costs associated with rollout of Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit and introduction of auto-enrolment, Bovine TB Action Plan, and costs of the 2025 childcare measures.
• €1.2 billion for public sector pay agreement costs arising in 2026 for all sectors, including the pension impact of this agreement.
• €0.9 billion for increased recipients of public services particularly in the area of social protection, housing and childcare and disability. This includes an additional c.30,000 recipients in pensions, illness, disability and carers schemes in 2026.
• €2.2 billion for key policy adjustments and expansion of services reflects expenditure for broadening the availability of supports, expansion of eligibility for schemes, extension of policies or introduction of new supports to deliver enhanced services for citizens, particularly through social protection, education & youth and further & higher education.
• The “Other” category reflects costs associated with the running of particular schemes and recruitment of additional staff, this includes the World Food Programme, Mother and Baby Institution Payment Scheme and additional funding in the justice sector.
Further detail in respect of each of the Vote Groups is contained in the relevant chapter in Part II of the Expenditure Report.
127. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55703/25]
View answerMy Department does not currently use agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations. However, we do believe that there may be opportunities to explore the value of it, especially in the delivery of our Life Events programme.
128. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the €3.5 billion allocation for EirGrid and ESB in the NDP review, if any parameters were put in place regarding the type of projects the funding should be targeted towards. [55870/25]
View answerResponsibility for the development and operation of the national electricity grid rests with EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The CRU approve price reviews on a five yearly basis. These set out the operating and investment programmes for the electricity network and determines the revenues that the network companies can recover from electricity customers through network tariffs. In October 2024, ESB Networks and EirGrid, submitted their proposals to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) for expenditure for the five-year price review period 2026-2030 (PR6). These proposals targeted a more than three-fold increase in investment over 2026 - 2030 than made over the period 2021 – 2025.
CRU published their Draft Determination in early July 2025. CRU’s draft PR6 determination proposes a ‘high case’ overall network expenditure programme of €18.1 billion over the period 2026-2030, which includes a baseline allowance of €14.1 billion with additional flexible allowances of €4 billion.
The scale of the increase in investment means that both companies need financial support to deliver their ambitious infrastructure investment programmes. As part of the NDP Review, Government agreed to the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity to support investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026-2030, of which €2 billion is for EirGrid to support the financing of their offshore investment plan and €1.5 billion is for ESB to support their investment in the onshore grid. The requirement to use the additional equity for investment in electricity network infrastructure only will be further specified in an updated shareholder letter of expectations which will be issued to both companies.
The provision of equity will allow both EirGrid and ESB to raise funds to deliver on their network plans. These investment levels are necessary to deliver key priorities in the Programme for Government across housing, competitiveness, security of supply and renewable energy.
129. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if further consideration has been given to the proposed reinternment of a person (details supplied) in Glasnevin Cemetery where space is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55881/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works will respond directly to the Deputy.
130. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if Kildare County Council have confirmed a lease can be pursued at (details supplied); the date when it was given the go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55884/25]
View answerWhile it is somewhat unclear as to what information the Deputy is seeking, the Office of Public Works had a long standing arrangement with Kildare County Council in relation to the lands in question.
131. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on plans by his Department to increase the upper funding threshold for flood prevention works under the OPW's minor works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56032/25]
View answerThe Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme) was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Applications for funding from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
I recently announced that an increase in funding supports are to be made available to local authorities under the Minor Works Scheme, including an increase in the upper Minor Works threshold from €750,000 to €2,000,000. Details of these revisions to the Scheme are to be made available to local authorities over the coming weeks.
132. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will ensure that a review of the grow digital voucher and the possible reintroduction of the Enterprise Ireland online retail grants will be considered as part of the review of the supports provided by his Department’s agencies announced in Budget 2026. [55579/25]
View answerI can confirm that the a review of the Grow Digital Voucher will be conducted both in line normal practice as part of the pilot phase of any new support, but also as part of a wider review of all Local Enterprise Office (LEO) supports, to be completed in 2026.
While the Online Retail Scheme has now closed, it should be noted that there are a broad range of digitalisation supports available to the retail sector, including the Grow Digital Voucher.
In addition, the Digital for Business consultancy scheme, available through the LEOs, provides expert digital consultants to help businesses explore technology adoption opportunities. This programme is designed to help small businesses across all sectors, including retail, to prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across their operations. It provides third party consultancy to assist small businesses in identifying where they are on their digital journey and in developing a digital adaptation plan based on their individual needs.
While these supports include training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, the introduction by my Department of the National Enterprise Hub and the Grow Digital Portal makes accessing and learning about the range of digital supports available to Irish SMEs easier than ever.
The NEH is an all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports. The hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies.
The Grow Digital Portal helps companies to embrace basic digital tools for driving efficiencies and productivity, and for marketing and selling online where appropriate for their business. Since, launch in July 2024 the portal has had over 19,000 visits and the Department continues to promote the supports available to help businesses on their digital journey.
133. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the details being considered as part of the Budget 2026 commitment to promote and leverage the productive use of AI in companies to ensure the benefits are optimised. [55580/25]
View answerThe Government remains firmly committed to unlocking the vast economic opportunities that Artificial Intelligence presents for our businesses.
AI is recognised as a critical driver of growth in the Programme for Government, which outlines initiatives to boost the economy, enhance public services, and ensure ethical development.
The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated, bringing together digital policy and regulatory responsibilities. The updated Strategy will set more ambitious national targets in key areas and will have a significant emphasis on AI throughout.
My Department is actively engaged in shaping the new Strategy and is leading on the Enterprise Pillar, which will focus on three key areas:
• Driving Enterprise adoption and innovation
• Fostering a fit for purpose ecosystem for innovative startups
• Attracting inward investments.
My key priority is to empower businesses to adopt AI, to boost their productivity, drive efficiencies, enhance competitiveness and potentially unlock new markets.
This is especially vital in today's fast changing global economy.
The recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity includes eight measures specifically related to AI and digital adoption.
These strategic actions will ensure Irish enterprises can adapt, thrive, and lead in the digital age.
We have already delivered a wide range of enterprise supports:
• The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme—a free service which connects businesses with expert digital advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• The Grow Digital Portal showcases success stories from non-tech businesses embracing digital transformation.
• Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, Sligo) help SMEs and public bodies adopt key technologies: AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
• The Cyber Security Review Grant (worth €3,000), to help businesses strengthen their online security.
Through targeted policies, funding, and incentives my Department will continue to enable businesses to leverage the benefits AI has to offer.
134. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific responsibilities and powers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in relation to the enforcement of take-back obligations on distance sellers to protect consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55589/25]
View answerThe obligations regarding the “take-back” of goods, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries, are governed by the European Union (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 149 of 2014) and the European Union (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 283 of 2014).
These regulations require retailers, including distance sellers, to take back WEEE and waste batteries from consumers free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis. This applies equally to online purchases, where the seller must arrange for the return of the old item, either by post or another suitable method.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the designated enforcement authority for these regulations. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) does not have enforcement powers in relation to take-back obligations under these environmental regulations.
The CCPC’s mandate focuses on consumer protection and competition law, and while it does have responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA) — specifically as the competent authority for Articles 30 to 32 — these provisions impose obligations on online marketplaces that facilitate distance contracts between traders and consumers. They relate to marketplace transparency, trader traceability, compliance by design, and the right to information, but apply to the platforms themselves—not to individual sellers—and do not extend to environmental obligations such as take-back schemes.
While the CCPC does not have enforcement powers in relation to take-back obligations, it can assist consumers by providing information on their rights when purchasing goods online, including guidance on returns, refunds, and complaint procedures. Consumers can contact the CCPC or visit its website for support in resolving disputes with traders.
135. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he plans to ratify EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/2337 of 28 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55658/25]
View answerEU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/2337 recommends that Member States list COVID-19 as an occupational disease.
In Ireland, the Department of Social Protection is responsible for maintaining the list of prescribed occupational diseases and for giving consideration to the inclusion of particular conditions. This is laid down in S.I. No. 102/2007 - Social Welfare (Consolidated Occupational Injuries) Regulations 2007.
Given that this question specifically relates to considerations as to whether COVID-19 should be included in that list, my department is not in a position to provide a response.
It would therefore be a matter for the Department of Social Protection who has responsibility for the legislation setting out the list of prescribed occupational diseases.
136. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55696/25]
View answerAgentic AI is not currently being used for any purpose in my Department. Work is ongoing to identify potential use cases for all artificial intelligent technologies to support the work of the Department.
My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. Specifically, Stand 4 AI Serving the Public focuses on driving the use of A.I. across Government, which is overseen by the GovTech Delivery Board with supporting workstreams in relation to data (as a foundational enabler for the deployment of A.I.), security, ethical considerations and future skills.
The Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service have also been developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to actively empower public servants to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the delivery of services.
These strategies and guidelines and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department. When considering the use of new technologies, my Department assesses the risks and benefits of appropriate technologies, including A.I., on a case by case basis.
137. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the expected timeline for finalisation and publication of the planned Scaling for Finance Implementation Plan; the issues to be addressed in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55924/25]
View answerThe Finance for Scaling Implementation Strategy is currently being finalised and Minister Burke expects to bring this to Government shortly, after which it is expected to be published.
The Strategy is a key milestone of the Department's ongoing work to implement the recommendations of the Report: "The use of finance as a catalyst to develop a scaling ecosystem", which was published in July 2024.
That Report identified a suboptimal market for capital to finance enterprises at scale-up stages and recommended that both the size of available capital be increased and the quality of the scale-up financing ecosystem in Ireland be enhanced with new policy measures. Specifically, the Report made high-level recommendations to (i) provide more State capital (ii) incentivise private capital to invest more at the scaling stage and (iii) review taxation to incentivise founders and investors to grow businesses. Those recommendations required further work to be developed into concrete proposals for action.
To realise these recommendations into concrete actions, the Finance for Scaling Implementation Working Group was established under the direction of a High-Level Oversight Group and informed by both an Expert Advisory Panel and an independent quantitative market study.
This market study commissioned by the Department and published in July 2025: “Market Demand for and Supply of Scaling Finance in Ireland” was undertaken by SQW Economic Research Consultants who conducted a market analysis to define and quantify the scaling finance gap. The findings of this study along with the wider policy context are expected to be included in the Strategy.
For the market to deliver effective outcomes for Ireland’s Scale-up firms, the Finance for Scaling Implementation Strategy is expected to describe a two-phased approach, with immediate market interventions to provide capital to the market initially. It is also expected to outline the continuance of the work to investigate and develop policy actions to incentivise private capital to invest more at the scaling stage.
