Written Answers Nos. 371-390
371. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the proposed 2024-2026 Spending Review cycle that was noted in the Public Service Performance Report 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62769/25]
View answerSecuring value for money is an ongoing priority for this Government and is at the heart of all decision making, at every stage of a policy or programme lifecycle. It is about securing the efficient and effective use of public resources in the pursuit of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. Policy analysis is a core component of the public expenditure management and value for money frameworks.
A wide range of policy and expenditure analysis is undertaken and published by Government Departments annually. These can take the form of Staff Papers, Focused Policy Assessments, Spending Reviews, and analytical notes among others. My department plays a central role in this process by regularly analysing expenditure trends and policies. Alongside this, individual Departments have responsibility for evaluating the efficiency and impact of their own programmes and policies, to ensure the optimal use of public resources.
Since 2024 approximately 59 papers have been published by IGEES staff across Government. During 2025, policy analysis and expenditure evaluations on a broad range of topics, including disability services, social housing, migration and labour market trends, statutory sick leave, wellbeing, education, transport, and youth participation. This analytical research has continued to play a key role in supporting evidence-based policymaking across the government.
In addition my department continually seeks to ensure evidence and analysis is at the centre of policy making including through the budgetary process. This is communicated through our range of publications including the annual Expenditure Report, the Public Service Performance Report, as well our expenditure and policy evaluation papers across various topics.
In preparation for Budget 2026, my department undertook several pieces of analysis to support resource allocation:
The Public Service Performance Report, published in June, detailed how Departments performed against targets set in the Revised Estimates process. This supports assessment of progress ahead of the budgetary process.
The National Development Plan Review, published in July, set out investment plans to address the infrastructure deficit in the best way to safeguard our economy, drive growth and opportunity, protect jobs, increase competitiveness and ensure prosperity for our people and communities. This review was underpinned by analysis of drivers of infrastructure needs.
The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework was published in September. This is a multi-year public expenditure planning exercise and supports assessment of the resource implications of future policy decisions over the period 2025-2030. The framework utilises three pillars: fiscal sustainability, spending adequacy and spending efficiency. It is based on analysis of past trends, consideration of risks and opportunities alongside development of forward-looking scenarios. The scenarios set out in the framework are indicative only and based on a number of variable assumptions. Their purpose is to illustrate a range of options for public expenditure based on previously observed trends and known cost drivers.
This work complements engagement with Departments in the Estimates process and the analysis underpinning these discussions, such as, for example, the Live Register Analysis Paper, published by my department on budget day, which examines labour market trends and forecasts Live Register related expenditure for 2026. My department’s published policy analysis and strategies are all available on the department’s website.
In relation to 2026, business plans are currently being finalised including areas for analysis. This process is overseen by line-management structures and takes into consideration unit capacity, strategic priorities and business needs.
372. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if a review was undertaken by his Department into the 2017 to 2022 and the 2023 spending review cycles; if so, if he will publish this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62770/25]
View answerA report was published in October 2020 titled “Rationale Operation and Issues – Irish Spending Review Process 2017-2019”. It can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/irish-government-economic-and-evaluation-service-igees/igees-publication/rationale-operation-and-issues-irish-spending-review-process-2017-2019/.
The report was undertaken by Professor John O’Hagan of Trinity College Dublin. It provided the Spending Review Steering Group with an external view of how the Spending Review process was operating and set out a number of recommendations. The terms of reference for this review included examining the clarity of the Spending Review’s aims and objectives, the effectiveness of governance structures, communication with stakeholders, and the quality and integration of outputs into policy and budgetary processes.
The series of recommendations set out in the report informed several reforms implemented for the 2020–2022 cycle, including expanded governance structures, increased departmental authorship of papers, and improved transparency measures. Adjustments made following the review of the 2017–2019 cycle were also embedded into the 2023 Spending Review process.
A broad range of policy analysis is undertaken and published by Government Departments each year. These can take the form of Staff Papers, Focused Policy Assessments, Spending Reviews, and analytical notes among others. My department regularly analyses expenditure trends and policies. Alongside this, individual Departments have responsibility for evaluating the efficiency and impact of their own programmes and policies, to ensure the optimal use of public resources. Since 2017 over 188 papers have been published, covering a wide range of policy areas, and these are available on the department’s website.
In addition, my department continually seeks to ensure evidence and analysis is at the centre of policy making including through the budgetary process. This is communicated through our range of publications including the annual Expenditure Report, the recently published Medium Term Expenditure Framework, the Public Service Performance Report, as well our expenditure and policy evaluation papers across a range of topics.
373. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has any formal or informal role in reviewing or advising on the Health Service Executive’s annual National Service Plan prior to its approval by the Minister for Health; if his Department considers the financial realism or deliverability of performance targets such as the 100% completion target for children’s assessments of need when agreeing annual expenditure ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62790/25]
View answerIn my role as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, my officials and I support all Departments and their agencies in the delivery of their mandates through the functions of my Department including expenditure oversight, ongoing enhancement of the central accountability, governance, value for money frameworks, expenditure policy, procurement policy, pay and pension policy, and setting and facilitating the overall public service reform agenda.
It is the responsibility of each Accounting Officer to manage expenditure in line with their budgetary allocation and the central expenditure, accountability and value for money frameworks.
Given that the Health budget represents over one fifth of total Government expenditure, there are enhanced ways in which I and my Department engage with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. One of those key oversight mechanisms is the Health Budget Oversight Group (HBOG) consisting of senior officials in the two Departments and the HSE which meets monthly with a particular focus on monitoring overall expenditure and staffing as well as reporting on the achievement of savings and efficiencies, amongst other matters. Under section 31(1) of the Health Act (as amended), the HSE must provide a Service Plan to the Minister for Health and the Minister Children, Disability and Equality for approval. My Department engages with the draft HSE Service Plan, prior to its final approval. The focus of this engagement is the effective implementation of the governance and expenditure management frameworks in the health sector to support delivery in line with the performance targets set and the expenditure allocation agreed by Government.
As the National Service Plan for the Health Service Executive is drafted following the agreement of annual expenditure ceilings, specific National Service Plan performance targets for the coming year do not directly feed into the agreement of these ceilings. However, my officials assess all available evidence, including Performance Indicators and service delivery when considering expenditure requirements for the following year during the Annual Estimates Process.
Feasibility of delivery of health service targets are ultimately matters for the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Health Service Executive.
374. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider requiring all public bodies to publish, both in their annual reports and on their websites, a statement of compliance with prompt payment timelines, including data on payments to community, voluntary, and non-profit organisations, to improve transparency and accountability in the payment process. [62833/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, payment of invoices is governed by the 1997 Prompt Payment of Accounts Act. Prompt payment of invoices is critical to the effective working of any economy.
The 1997 Prompt Payment Act places a clear onus on all Central Government Departments, the Health Service Executive, the local authorities and all other public sector bodies (excluding Commercial Semi-State bodies) to pay their suppliers on time. At that time (1997) the Department of Finance set the timeframe for payment of suppliers to within 45 days of receipt of an invoice or date of supply (Circular 30/1997). In 2009, Government approved formal arrangements to reduce the payment period to 15 days to assist the cash flow of businesses.
The issue of late payment in commercial transactions is governed by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Directive. Statutory Instrument 580 of 2012, which took effect on 16 March 2013, transposes EU Directive 2011/7/EU on Combating Late Payment in Commercial Transactions and set the timeframe for payment of suppliers to 30 calendar days of receipt of an invoice or date of supply.
Section 12 of the 1997 Prompt Payment of Accounts Act requires public bodies to publish a report each year about their payment practices. The report must be included in the annual report of the body concerned or, if no annual report is published, the payment practices report must be sent by the body to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for transmission to the Oireachtas. In 2009 the publication of public bodies payment practices was further enhanced by the introduction of the requirement that all public bodies, subject to the Prompt Payment Act, publish on their respective websites their quarterly payment performance reports. In addition, Government Departments are also required to publish the quarterly composite reports covering the bodies under their aegis.
These reporting arrangements are intended to provide members of the public, including potential suppliers, with information about payment practices in individual bodies that are subject to the 1997 Prompt Payment Act.
The 1997 Prompt Payment Act provides for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to prescribe the detail in relation to disclosures of payment practices of purchases to be included in the annual report and the Act also provides for that Minister to amend the list of purchasers subject to the Act.
My Department will forward your request for extension to the range of bodies covered by the Act and the detail to be published in relation to compliance with the Act, to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for his consideration.
375. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on each ongoing and proposed flood relief scheme in Galway city and county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62902/25]
View answerIn 2018, the Office of Public Works, (OPW), completed the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland to date. This study involved an engineering assessment for 300 communities identified as areas of potentially significant flood risk, produced a range of flood maps for potential future as well as present-day conditions, and resulted in 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) which are published on the OPW flood portal, www.floodinfo.ie.
The 29 FRMPs set out both structural and non-structural measures to manage the flood risk in the communities at potentially significant flood risk and elsewhere around the country. The FRMPs identified some 150 new and additional flood relief schemes to protect 95% of the properties at risk within those communities. The residual risk is being addressed by the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, enhanced preparedness and flood forecasting.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to protect some 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning or construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
Nationally, 56 schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to some 13,580 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
As it is not feasible to deliver all flood relief schemes concurrently, due to constraints on the specialised engineering skills, the flood-relief delivery programme was sub-divided into two tranches, focusing initially on Tranche I schemes and those already in the delivery pipeline. The prioritisation of the first tranche of schemes was based on three criteria including: scale of projects, capacity to deliver a national programme, and maximising return on investment by reference to property numbers. Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on the design of some 50 Tranche II flood relief schemes.
There are five stages to delivering a flood relief scheme from feasibility through design, planning, and construction as follows:
• Stage 1 – Scheme Development and Preliminary Design
• Stage 2 – Planning Process or Public Exhibition & Confirmation
• Stage 3 – Detailed Design
• Stage 4 – Construction
• Stage 5 – Handover of Works
The OPW is also piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche II Pilot. There are two Tranche II Pilot Schemes in County Kilkenny (Freshford and Piltown) and two schemes in County Donegal (Donegal Town and Letterkenny).
The Tranche II Pilot will transfer the management of data gathering, as a first step in designing a scheme, from consultant engineers for a single scheme to the local authorities for all schemes in the Pilot and, where feasible, within their areas of responsibility. The Pilot means that data gathering may be scaled up from individual communities to all schemes in a county. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future schemes nationally and the scope of services required from consultants to design and construct flood relief schemes.
Throughout County Galway five schemes are completed and four schemes are currently progressing through Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design and there is one Tranche II scheme. Two of the schemes currently underway are being led by Galway County Council with two staff funded by the OPW for the Council to project manage their delivery. One scheme in County Galway, Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme, is an OPW led scheme which is being progressed through the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, as amended. The other scheme is the Galway City Flood Relief Scheme that is led by Galway City Council and the OPW fund one staff member in Galway City Council to project manage delivery of the scheme.
Once all schemes are completed, these will provide protection to over 1,600 properties. Tabulated lists are given below of Completed Schemes (Table 1), ongoing Active Schemes with the current programme for their substantial completion (Table 2) and proposed Tranche II Schemes (Table 3). Details of which are also publicly available on www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info/.
Table 1: Completed Flood Relief Schemes
|
Completed Schemes |
Completion Date |
Properties Protected |
|
Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme |
2019 |
77 |
|
Dunkellin & Aggard Stream Flood Relief Scheme |
2019 |
23 |
|
Gort River (Bridge Street) Drainage Scheme |
1997 |
21 |
|
Lacken/Ardrahan Flood Relief Scheme |
1997 |
5 |
|
Maam Valley |
2001 |
2 |
Table 2: Ongoing / Active Flood Relief Schemes
|
Active Schemes |
Status |
Substantial Completion |
Properties to be protected |
|
Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme |
Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design |
2029 |
309 |
|
Galway City (Coirib go Cósta), Flood Relief Scheme |
Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design |
2033 |
1079 |
|
South Galway (Gort Lowlands) Flood Relief Scheme |
Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design |
TBC |
115 |
|
Clifden Flood Relief Scheme (Small Project) |
Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design |
TBC |
24 |
Table 3: Proposed Tranche II Schemes
|
Proposed / Future Schemes |
Properties to be protected |
|
Portumna Flood Relief Scheme |
22 |
376. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide funds to facilitate the dredging and cleaning of the Bunnoe and Finn rivers arising from ongoing flooding concerns impacting landowners and road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62936/25]
View answer377. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to correspondence received from Monaghan County Council, the funding available for the dredging and cleaning of the rivers Bunnoe and Finn due to ongoing flooding concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62938/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.
The Bunnoe and Finn rivers do not form a part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which falls under the statutory remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The OPW therefore, has no responsibility for the maintenance of these channels, nor has it any authority to carry out any works there.
Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Monaghan County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis 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 and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme in the coming weeks.
378. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timing of the update to the catchment flood risk assessment and management maps, to reflect the 2022 census. [63007/25]
View answerUnder the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme a detailed assessment of flood risk for 300 communities was carried out. The CFRAM Programme produced a range of detailed flood maps for present-day conditions, and also for potential future scenarios taking into account the potential impacts of climate change. The flood maps and a wealth of other flood risk management information are published on the floodinfo.ie portal.
Updates and revisions to the flood maps produced through the CFRAM Programme may occasionally be required due to a change in physical conditions, the completion of an OPW-funded Flood Relief Scheme or a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, evidence presented by a recent flood event that calls into question the published flood map or based on other specific evidence. In these circumstances a Flood Map Review may be undertaken. A flood map review can be instigated at any time by the submission of a Flood Map Review Request Form. Full details of the Flood Map Review Programme and guidance notes for the flood map review process are available from the floodinfo.ie portal.
The flood maps, such as the flood extent and depth maps, are primarily dependent on hydrological conditions and the physical characteristics of the river and floodplain. The CFRAM mapping does however include a sub-set of maps, available in printable PDF format from the floodinfo.ie portal, showing the density of inhabitants potentially at risk from flooding, which reflect the number and typical occupancy rates of homes within a certain area and can cater for potential variations in population levels.
In the context of the 6 yearly cycle of the EU ‘Floods’ Directive, the OPW has recently published the report on the 3rd cycle Review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. The flood hazard and risk maps, including the printable PDF maps, will also be reviewed and updated as necessary under this cycle of the Directive.
379. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63030/25]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
|
2023 |
11 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
|
2024 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
9 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
In addition to the above, I wish to advise the Deputy that 10 internal competitions for Principal Officer have been run by this Department since 2010.
Public Appointments Service
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
State Laboratory
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0
|
Office of the Ombudsman
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
2024 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
2025 (to date) |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
National Shared Services Office
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
2023 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2024 |
5 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Office of Public Works
|
Year |
No. of Vacancies (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with internal methods (PO Level) |
No. of vacancies filled with external methods (PO Level) |
No. filled by mobility (PO Level) |
|
2022 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
|
2023 |
7 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
2024 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
2025 (to date) |
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
380. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has assessed whether the absence of centralised reporting on contract variations represents a governance or accountability gap in public procurement; and if he will consider introducing requirements for contracting authorities to record, publish, and centrally report details of all post-award variations, including financial impact and rationale. [63050/25]
View answer381. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department will consider mandating the use of contract management systems across all public bodies to ensure contract variations are systematically recorded and monitored; and when such a policy will be implemented. [63051/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 380 together.
As the Deputy is aware, individual Accounting Officers are responsible for ensuring that their public procurement functions are discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures and are publicly accountable for expenditure incurred. Individual contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability with regard to procurement.
The legal code in respect of contract modifications to public contracts following the award of contract is set out in Regulation 72 of S.I. No. 284/2016 - European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016. This regulation describes the circumstances in which contract modifications are permitted, the rules governing modifications and the reporting obligations on Contracting Authorities who modify public contracts.
Furthermore, the Deputy should be aware, any move by Member States to impose more stringent or excessive rules to those already provided for in EU Law, referred to as gold plating, is looked at unfavourably by the EU Commission.
The Deputy should also note, the EU Commission is reviewing the existing legal framework governing public procurement and has recently published its evaluation. The Commission have indicated the second quarter of 2026 for the legislative process to commence for the revision. It is imperative that any public procurement policy in development be fully aligned to the ongoing work of the Commission in this regard. In parallel to this, on a national level, Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy is currently in progress, with its completion forthcoming. Once finalised, the strategy will include objectives and cross-departmental actions to support the delivery of strategic, innovative, sustainable and transparent public procurement that promotes competition and value for money.
Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 380.
382. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 5 November 2025, if he will clarify the specific information concerning charities that are subject to an FOI request; and if he will clarify if a charity or institution is in receipt of tax payers money, including a theatre (details supplied), should the organisation be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014. [63275/25]
View answerSection 6(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 sets out various criteria by which it may be determined whether or not FOI applies to a body. In general terms, the criteria in Section 6 relate to the extent of State involvement in the governance structures of an organisation. The manner in which an organisation is set up, and its associated governance structure, is, in more determinative of its being subject to FOI than the organisation's funding source.
In the case of charities, if a charitable organisation has not been set up under legislation, or is not run by a State body, then it would not typically be subject to FOI. However, the legislation allows, in principle, for access to records physically held by a charity "if and insofar as" they relate to a service to be provided to a public sector body that is subject to FOI. Such a request should be processed in accordance with the legislation by the relevant public sector body.
Freedom of Information requests are decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the contents of the records concerned. As such, it would be the decision of the public sector body in receipt of the FOI request to determine whether or not a charity is a service provider in the context of a specific request. When making its decision, it should pay heed to the nature of the working relationship, if any, between the public body and the organisation. Comprehensive review mechanisms are available under the Freedom of Information Act where a requester is dissatisfied with the decision they receive.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
383. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of a review being carried out on the River Dargle in Bray, County Wicklow, as part of the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63287/25]
View answer384. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the review being carried out on the River Dargle in Bray, County Wicklow as part of the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme will be published when complete; when the flood mapping on www.floodinfo.ie relating to the River Dargle will be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63288/25]
View answer385. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the funding provided to Wicklow County Council between 2017 and 2025 for maintenance work on the River Dargle Flood Protection Scheme in County Wicklow, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63289/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 383, 384 and 385 together.
The Bray Flood Map Review is being carried under the OPW flood Map Review Programme details of which are on the OPW flood portal www.floodinfo.ie.
The Map Review is being progressed by an external consultant and is nearing completion. It is foreseen that the new flood maps for the Bray Map Review will initially be published on www.floodinfo.ie early in 2026 for a consultation period of 30 days, allowing the public to make submissions. Following the consultation, any submissions will be reviewed and addressed and the final maps, accompanied by a report, will then be published on www.floodinfo.ie to complete the Map Review.
The development, planning and construction of the Bray (River Dargle) Flood Relief Scheme was undertaken under local authority powers, with funding provided by the OPW. Works on the scheme were completed in November 2017, with maintenance commencing in 2018. The scheme provides protection against a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-100 years) fluvial flooding event and a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-200 years) tidal flooding event for some 660 properties.
Wicklow County Council, as the scheme’s lead authority, maintains and upkeeps the scheme. Maintenance activities include the clearance of silt and debris from the river channel, clearance of trash and debris screens, control of invasive species, and routine maintenance of outfall valves, culverts and demountables. The OPW reimburses Wicklow County Council for all eligible, valid and vouched expenditure and costs incurred in the maintenance of the scheme. Payments made to Wicklow County Council in respect of recouped maintenance costs are indicated below.
|
Year |
Year of Recoupment |
|
2021* |
€70,023.74 |
|
2022 |
€16,995.57 |
|
2023 |
€48,161.47 |
|
2024 |
€41,061.20 |
|
Total |
€176,241.98 |
*This payment relates to the recoupment of maintenance costs incurred since completion of the scheme. A recoupment claim for 2025 is currently being processed by OPW officials.
386. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the measures being taken to support Government departments and agencies to identify opportunities for the use of AI; and the arrangements in place to ensure that Government departments and agencies can access expert AI consultancy, development, and project management services. [63451/25]
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. A key component of this was the publication of the ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ in May 2025, 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. These 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. There has been a high level of engagement across the public service, and they have been approximately 10,000 downloads since they were published online. In addition to the AI guidelines, guidance on the procurement of AI solutions on a Software-as-a-Service basis is included in the OGP Guidance Note on the Procurement of Cloud Services, which was updated in May 2025.
These guidance documents are key to enabling Departments and Public Bodies overcome some of the initial challenges with safe and effective AI deployment across the public sector. Specific use cases for AI will vary depending on the context and environment in which it is being deployed, so design and development will need to align with the relevant processes, frameworks and project management procedures within each service or sector.
To build capability and ensure consistent 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, Unlocking the Power of Microsoft Copilot for the Public Service, and an AI Masterclass for Senior Public Service Leaders. These courses are designed to meet the needs of both technical and non-technical staff and further details can be found on the IPA website www.ipa.ie. Since they were launched, over 1,700 people have completed the course on Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, and almost 4,000 have completed the bespoke course on AI in the Public Service.
In addition to this, 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 that Government departments and agencies can access expertise in the area of AI and provides a consistent, transparent and supportive approach to AI adoption across the Public Service, enabling innovation while maintaining public trust and ethical standards.
387. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has undertaken a full audit of the number of statutory agencies, quangos or advisory boards operating under his Department; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63586/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) compiles the Register of Public Sector Bodies in Ireland. The Register lists all the organisations in the State which are classified as “general government” bodies for the purposes of national and government accounts. The Register also lists organisations which, while under public control, are not part of the general government sector but are part of the public sector. The Register contains information on the entity’s name, the name of the parent department (and body if applicable), the entity’s funding structure, and its sector of operation. The CSO register is available at the following link www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-rpbi/registerofpublicsectorbodies2024-provisional/publicsector/
The effectiveness and efficiency of delivering public services through public bodies is a key concern of Government. It is of utmost importance that the structural organisation of all public bodies that make up the State are managed to provide value for money and that statutory public bodies are wound down if they have delivered their public good or if their services are better delivered by another entity.
As set out in The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies each Department must carry out a timely Periodical Critical Review (PCR) of the performance and governance of State bodies under their ambit. A key focus of the PCR is to ensure the continued relevance and role of the body, having regard to ongoing changes in the external environment, Government objectives and other factors. Where the role of the body remains relevant, the PCR provides an opportunity for an external assessment to consider whether performance can be improved.
388. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has considered the introduction of a sunset clause mechanism for certain statutory bodies to ensure periodic review of relevance and performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63587/25]
View answerThe effectiveness and efficiency of delivering public services through public bodies is a key concern of Government. It is of the utmost importance that the structural organisation of all the public bodies that make up the State are managed to provide value for money and that statutory public bodies are wound down if they have delivered their public good or if their services are better delivered by another entity.
As the Deputy may be aware, the establishing legislation for a statutory body defines the functions, structure, board composition and powers of the body being established and is therefore unique to the body.
In drafting the specific establishing legislation for the statutory body, consideration can be given to organisational longevity. For example, the Institutional Burials Act 2022 Act establishing the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention para 9(1)(a) requires the relevant Minister to specify the “period of time for which the office shall continue in operation”, para 9(2) of that Act provides for the relevant Minister to consider the appropriateness of extending the period of operation of the Office and para 98 of the Act provides for the dissolution of the Office.
However nearly all of the 255 non-commercial agencies on the CSO's 2024 Register of Public Sector Bodies under the aegis of Departments exist to meet an ongoing public need and do not require a statutory sunset clause mechanism in their establishing legislation. These bodies consist of hospitals, education training boards, museums, third level institutions and health sector regulators among others. It should also be noted that Government does wind down organisations that have substantially delivered their public good such as the National Asset Management Agency which is in the process of being wound down itself.
Furthermore, in accordance with The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, each Department must carry out a timely Periodical Critical Review (PCR) of the performance and governance of State bodies under their ambit. A key focus of the PCR is to ensure the continued relevance and role of the body, having regard to ongoing changes in the external environment, Government objectives and other factors, and where the role of the body remains relevant, the review provides an opportunity for an external assessment to consider whether performance can be improved.
389. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total legal costs in defending judicial reviews of planning decisions involving his Department and/or agencies within the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63626/25]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is set out in the table below. The bodies under the aegis of my Department have had no such costs in the period specified.
|
- |
|
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation |
|
Year |
Judicial reviews of planning decisions |
Total cost |
|
2020 |
0 |
0 |
|
2021 |
0 |
0 |
|
2022 |
Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme consent |
€40,000 * |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 to Date |
0 |
0 |
*Relates to applicant legal costs only.
390. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Office of Public Works plans to submit a planning application for segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63691/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is working with the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council to advance plans for permanent segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park. The Chesterfield Avenue Active Travel Project will enhance the Phoenix Park with safer and better facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and park users, with the new infrastructure along the full length of Chesterfield Avenue.
The Chesterfield Avenue Active Travel Project is being managed by the Dublin City Council Active Travel Programme Office. The project is currently at Concept Development and Option Selection as set out in the National Transport Authorities Project Approval Guidelines.
The appropriate process for Planning/Statutory Processes has not been determined. The outcome of the appropriate assessment screening and environmental impact assessment screening of the final emerging preferred option, will determine the method and timeline for a planning submission.
