Darren O'Rourke
Question:29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [51670/25]
View answerCabinet Committees
Questions (29)
Written answers
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs oversees the implementation of Programme for Government commitments that are in relation to matters under these headings.
It was established in February 2025 following the appointment of the new Government in January.
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs had its first meeting on 10 April and met most recently on the 14 July. It will meet again in the coming weeks.
The Cabinet Committee covers a range of policy areas, including Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, policing and justice reform, migration and initiatives tackling local area disadvantage.
Amongst other items, it also oversees the development and delivery of the whole of Government response to migration and integration, including through a National Migration and Integration Strategy.
In addition to meetings of the Cabinet Committee, I have regular engagements with Ministers at Cabinet and individually to discuss issues relating to their Departments.
Questions Nos. 30 to 40, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (41)
Ivana Bacik
Question:41. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Disability will next meet. [48432/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Cabinet Committee on Disability last met on Thursday, 16th October 2025 and is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 27th November.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (42)
James Geoghegan
Question:42. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Disability will next meet. [51781/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Cabinet Committee on Disability last met on Thursday, 16th October 2025 and is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 27th November.
Questions Nos. 43 to 59, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (60)
Shane Moynihan
Question:60. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Taoiseach the plans of the Shared Island unit in relation to sport; if further Shared Island dialogues, funding streams or specific cross-Border sporting initiatives are envisaged; and the way in which the unit intends to support greater all-island cooperation and investment in sport infrastructure and participation in the years ahead. [49957/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Shared Island Initiative is taken forward on a whole of Government basis, by all Ministers and their Departments and coordinated by my Department’s Shared Island Unit.
Our Programme for Government affirms that we will promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.
In February 2024, the Government approved a contribution of up to €50 million from the Shared Island Fund to contribute to construction of a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, as a landmark sports infrastructure project for the city.
More broadly, sports infrastructure in each jurisdiction is supported by the Government through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and in Northern Ireland by Executive and UK Government funding streams.
In addition, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade supports grassroots, cross-border projects across a wide range of sectors, including sport.
In February 2025, the Government allocated an additional €6 million for the second phase of the Civic Society Fund, doubling the resources to enable civic groups and community organisations to forge new cross-border partnerships and deepen existing ties.
Sports clubs have also successfully applied to the Reconciliation Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for support for cross-border grassroots engagements and tournaments.
Cross-border sports club partnerships were also among the successful applicants to the Shared Island strand of the Community Climate Action Programme of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with grants announced in September 2024 to enable communities to take forward cross-border and all-island partnership projects that contribute to meeting climate and energy targets, and those projects are now proceeding.
In addition, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme is supporting the rollout of public EV charge points at community sports clubs across the island of Ireland.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (61)
Shane Moynihan
Question:61. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if he will elaborate on the work that is planned under the Shared Island initiative to address divergence in employment standards North and South, particularly in the context of cross-Border employers and workers, and the way in which this will be advanced in the coming period. [49958/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Shared Island Initiative is taken forward on a whole of Government basis, by all Ministers and their Departments and coordinated by my Department’s Shared Island Unit.
Employment standards are the responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD. I am informed that Minister Burke’s Department engages regularly with Northern Ireland Executive counterparts to discuss common interests on a range of employment rights policy matters.
The Workplace Relations Commission and its Northern Ireland counterpart, the Labour Relations Agency, also engage regularly for mutual learning and information-sharing opportunities.
As part of the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement, that I and Prime Minister Starmer issued on 6 March, both Governments recognised the importance of the Common Travel Area in facilitating the daily lives of citizens across these islands, and committed to work together to minimise barriers to work or travel for those who benefit from it.
On 4 April, the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) was briefed on the potential to strengthen the all-island labour market for the benefit of employers and workers on the entire island.
The Government will continue to work for enhancements to the all-island labour market and facilitation of cross-border working in both jurisdictions through reciprocal approaches with the Executive and UK Government.
Questions Nos. 62 to 70, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (71)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:71. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [49935/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland was created on 18 February 2025 to oversee implementation of relevant Programme for Government commitments and ongoing developments in relation to Northern Ireland, Irish-British relations, and the Shared Island Initiative.
Membership of the Cabinet committee consists of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and for Defence; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
This Cabinet Committee meets biannually. Its last meeting took place on 12 May. The next meeting will take place on 10 November.
Questions Nos. 72 to 76, inclusive, resubmitted.
Child Poverty
Questions (77)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach for an update on the work of the child poverty unit in his Department. [49646/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office was established in the Department of the Taoiseach in Spring 2023 to prioritise action across government in areas that will have the greatest impact for children and families experiencing poverty. The Programme Office was retained in the Programme for Government to continue the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
Published in August 2023, the Programme Office’s initial Programme Plan, From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025, builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These focus areas are:
• Income assistance and joblessness;
• Early learning and childcare;
• Reducing the cost of education;
• Family homelessness;
• Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
• Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives was published in February of this year. Progress updates for the six focus areas were presented, challenges were acknowledged, and emerging lessons and priorities were highlighted.
The impact of the Programme Office was also outlined and the reports highlighted that the Programme Office has strengthened the cross-government focus on addressing child poverty. A copy of the report can be found on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/progress-report/.
Annual Summit
Last month, I hosted the Programme Office’s annual summit on child poverty and well-being on the 11th of September in the Aviva Stadium. The Summit brought together leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and change-makers from across sectors to explore how we can drive systemic change that delivers results for children. It highlighted collaborative approaches, examined what is working, and surfaced bold ideas that are needed to address the structural barriers that keep children and families in poverty.
I was delighted to welcome Dr Mike Ryan, Deputy Director General of the World Health Organisation as the keynote speaker. Children’s participation was an integral part of the day and included an art exhibition, a specially written musical performance from Jimmy Maguire of Music Generation, and engagement with our Youth Advisory Group on Child Poverty and Well-being.
This year’s Summit will feed directly into the work of the Child Poverty Programme Office as well as helping inform the development of the office’s second Programme Plan. A summary report on the Summit will be published by the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in due course.
Budget 2026
An important strategic initiative of the Programme Office is the cross-government focus on child poverty and well-being in the annual Budget. In advance of each Budget, the Programme Office engages with all relevant Departments to discuss their spending plans in relation to child poverty and well-being and publishes a report following each Budget. For Budget 2026, the Programme Office continued this process of engagement across Government.
In the context of the recently announced child poverty target, Budget 2026 includes a social welfare package of over €320 million for children who experience poverty, this includes:
• Working Family Payment income thresholds for all family sizes to increase by €60 per week from January 2026.
• Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance extended to eligible children aged 2 and 3.
• €5 increase (15%) in the Fuel Allowance from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026.
• The extension, for the first time, of the Working Family Payment as a qualifying scheme for the Fuel Allowance. This measure will be implemented in March 2026, backdated to January 2026.
• Working Family Payment income thresholds for all family sizes to increase by €60 per week from January 2026.
These increases will benefit about 330,000 children whose parents are in receipt of a social welfare payment.
The full range of new and enhanced measures will be captured in the forthcoming Budget report.
National Security
Questions (78)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:78. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Taoiseach for an update on the progress of the National Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49305/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.
The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues and it will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats, and including implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Earlier this year, I established the Ministerial National Security Council, which comprises me as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments over the coming months, including the finalisation of the draft National Security Strategy.
Questions Nos. 79 to 81, inclusive, resubmitted.
United Nations
Questions (82)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:82. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly. [51121/25]
View answerWritten answers
My attendance at High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly provided an important opportunity to highlight Ireland’s commitment to multilateralism and the international rules-based order and to discuss with follow leaders the many crises facing our planet from the disastrous conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan to issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations and is the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership. These milestones that comes at a time when the multilateral order is under enormous pressure.
I delivered Ireland’s National Statement, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the United Nations, multilateralism and the rule of international law. In my speech I called for the end of conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza and highlighted their appalling impacts on civilian populations. I called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the development of a pathway to a two State solution. I acknowledged the need for reform of the UN to reflect new global realities.
There was a particular focus at this year’s High-Level Week on the Middle East and Ukraine. I attended a High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. Several countries – including France, the UK, and Canada – took the opportunity to recognise the State of Palestine. Ireland is proud to have co-chaired as one of the working groups that prepared the Conference, building on our recognition of the State of Palestine last year.
I also participated in two High-Level events on Ukraine. The first – ‘Restoring Childhood and Humanity – Advancing Peace in Ukraine through the Return of Ukrainian Children’ – was hosted by President Zelenskyy and Prime Minster Carney. The second was ‘The 5th Summit of the International Crimea Platform’ and was also organised by President Zelenskyy.
Other events I attended include Beijing +30 which marked 30 years since signature of the Beijing Platform for Action on women and equality; several events related to the Sustainable Development Goals, and I formally signed the Treaty on the Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which aims for the conservation and the sustainable use of oceans, on behalf of Ireland.
While at the UN, I had bilateral meetings with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun.
While in New York, I had a programme of engagements, including economic meetings, organised by our Consulate General.
I also took the opportunity for a short bilateral visit to Canada.
Questions Nos. 83 to 85, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 86 to 90, inclusive, answered orally.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (91)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:91. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of current blockages of aid to locations in Sudan; his view on this; the work Ireland is carrying out with international partners to provide humanitarian assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56941/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Two years of conflict has resulted in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis with nearly 12 million people forcibly displaced. Over 20 million people in Sudan face crisis levels of hunger, including famine in many parts of the country, in what is a preventable crisis.
Since the outbreak of the war, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need to maintain humanitarian access. Both parties to the conflict are responsible for obstructing aid and conducting attacks on aid convoys, resulting in untold suffering for the civilian population. In June, as Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, I signed a joint statement by 30 donor countries condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan. While representing Ireland at the United Nations General Assembly, I signed an Australian led Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Workers, on behalf of Ireland.
Humanitarian agencies report better access in recent months with humanitarian food convoys accessing many areas. The World Food Programme are currently reaching over 4 million people a month. This is positive news but access to areas such as El Fasher remains extremely difficult. Ireland strongly supports the call by the UN Secretary General for the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.
We are continuing to provide substantial humanitarian assistance to partners in Sudan. We recently announced a further package of €3 million bringing our commitment in 2025 to €14.3 million to support communities in Sudan and those displaced in neighbouring countries. This support to a range of international partners, Irish NGO’s and local organisations includes food, medical supplies, household supplies and other life-saving aid as well as programmes to tackle malnutrition and gender based violence.
Questions Nos. 92 to 97, inclusive, answered orally.
Middle East
Questions (98)
Duncan Smith
Question:98. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the contact he has had from officials from the Trump administration and elected American politicians in regard to the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57177/25]
View answerWritten answers
Our Embassy in Washington DC is continuously engaged with American interlocutors, including Administration officials and members of Congress, to ensure that Ireland’s foreign policy, including on the Middle East, is well known and understood.
On the issue of contact with the Trump Administration and elected US representatives on the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill, a number of members of Congress have expressed reservations about the proposed legislation. The matter has also been raised in contacts with representatives of the US State Department.
We value the contributions of international partners as part of a robust and inclusive debate. The Government’s position and, indeed, that of the EU is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the realisation of a two-state solution.
Consistent with the position of the EU, Ireland has been clear in underlining that policies and measures that distinguish between the state of Israel and Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, do not constitute a boycott of the state of Israel.
Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, answered orally.
EU Bodies
Questions (102)
Barry Ward
Question:102. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any steps or initiatives being put in place by his Department to encourage Irish people to take up employment opportunities in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57157/25]
View answerWritten answers
I understand the Deputy’s question to relate to employment opportunities in the EU institutions and agencies, which is an area of strategic importance for the Government.
The Government recognises the importance of the having Irish people working for the EU institutions and agencies, both as a benefit for Ireland and also so that the EU continues to gain from the expertise and creativity of talented and committed Irish people.
In May 2021, the Government launched “A Career for EU” a strategy to increase the number of Irish nationals working in the EU institutions. This strategy, led by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, TD, focuses on three principal areas. First, promoting EU careers through an expanded public communications campaign, maintaining a dedicated careers website, and conducting extensive outreach at second and third-level institutions, throughout the island of Ireland, giving informational talks to professional bodies, as well as hosting networking events in Brussels and Luxembourg where many Irish EU trainees and contract agents are based. Second, providing free targeted training and support for Irish candidates, including tailored materials for competition preparation, one-to-one coaching, and assessment practice, including in Irish and a candidate’s second language. Third advocating for reforms to the EU recruitment processes, such as nationality-based competitions, to improve outcomes for Irish candidates.
Key initiatives include a Centrally Funded Scheme for Seconded National Experts, with an annual budget of €4 million to support Irish civil and public servants in EU placements. The Department has also provided dedicated support for candidates applying leadership positions within the Institutions.
The Government remains committed to ensuring Irish people continue to play a central role in shaping European policy and Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 will provide government with an opportunity to promote this strategy further.
Passport Services
Questions (103)
Séamus McGrath
Question:103. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on changing the process used by the passport office to verify a Garda witness (details supplied). [56821/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Passport Service is successfully responding to demand, and has issued over 805,000 passports to date this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times.
Certain passport application forms for applicants resident in Ireland are required to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. Approximately, 17% of all applications require Garda witnessing. These applications are:
- Post Passport;
- First Time Adult and Child Online;
The witnessing of these application forms is an important element of the identity verification process, as it provides initial assurance to the Passport Service that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the form.
In these cases, the Passport Service calls the relevant station, up to three times, to confirm that the Garda recorded the form in the station’s logbook. Applications are checked by experienced entitlement officers who endeavour to maintain up-to-date records of the opening hours of Garda stations.
Where the Passport Service cannot reach the Garda station after three attempts, the relevant Superintendent’s Office is contacted to verify the details. If the Passport Service is still unable to verify the witness, a new form will be requested from the applicant.
The Passport Service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants, including the enhancement of digital services, and would therefore welcome the digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána when witnessing applications.
The Passport Service maintains a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána and offers guidance to the Gardaí on the correct completion of application forms. The Passport Service will continue this engagement to discuss how we can work together to improve the service for citizens.