Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:71. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Taoiseach the unemployment rate in Kildare north in November 2025. [64193/25]
View answerEmployment Data
Questions (71)
Written answers
The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of labour market estimates for the State. The most recent figures available are for Q2 2025.
Due to the methodology and sample size of the survey it is not possible to produce reliable county estimates from the LFS. Regional estimates of employment are produced by NUTS 3 level. NUTS are the geocode standard developed and regulated by Eurostat.
The NUTS 3 Mid-East region includes counties Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth. The number of persons unemployed (ILO) aged 15 - 74 years in the Mid-East region in Q2 2025 was 22,500, with an associated unemployment rate of 5.3%. The overall unemployment rate for the State in Q2 2025 was 4.8 %.
LFS estimates for Q3 2025 will be published on 20 November 2025.
The Live Register series provides a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.
The most recent Live Register figures available are for October 2025. There were 6,596 people on the Live Register in Kildare in October 2025 – 961 in Athy, 2,183 in Maynooth and 3,452 in Newbridge.
Passport Services
Questions (72)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:72. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an application can be expedited for a person (details supplied) regarding a passport application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64054/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate. Applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted.
Due to the complex nature of the FBR process, it takes approximately nine months to process a fully competed FBR application that requires no further submissions. Processing time begins when all supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, and applications that require further supporting documentation will take longer to process. When the application’s position in the queue is reached, an Entitlement Officer will be in contact with the applicant should any further clarification be required.
With regard to the applications to which the Deputy is referring, the physical application forms and supporting documents have not yet been received by the FBR Unit, therefore the 9 month turnaround time has not yet started. Applications may be expedited if the applicant is stateless. If the applicant is stateless and has no entitlement to any other citizenship, the applicant's parent should contact the FBR Customer Service Team at +353 1 568 3331. Evidence of statelessness must be included with the application.
Should assistance be required with an FBR application, Customer Service agents are available through phone and webchat services, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. They can be contacted at +353 1 568 3331, or via the webchat service: www.ireland.ie/contactpassportservice
Middle East
Questions (73)
Pádraig Rice
Question:73. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to respond to the findings of a report from a UN special rapporteur (details supplied) that the Irish state continues to permit the transfer of weapons to Israel through Irish ports and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64056/25]
View answerWritten answers
Responsibility for the regulation of foreign aircraft landing or overflying the State is shared between Departments. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has primary responsibility for the regulation of foreign military and state aircraft, while the Department of Transport leads on regulation of civil aircraft.
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
Furthermore, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
In 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025, no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft to a point in Israel.
Foreign Birth Registration
Questions (74)
Cathal Crowe
Question:74. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on foreign birthright applications (details supplied). [64077/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate. Applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted.
Due to the complex nature of the FBR process, it takes approximately nine months to process a fully competed FBR application that requires no further submissions. Processing time begins when all supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, and applications that require further supporting documentation will take longer to process. When the application’s position in the queue is reached, an Entitlement Officer will be in contact with the applicant should any further clarification be required.
With regard to the applications to which the Deputy is referring, the physical application forms and supporting documents were received in the FBR Unit on 01/08/2025. Therefore, this application is still within the nine month turnaround time for processing.
Freedom of Speech
Questions (75, 76, 77, 78, 79)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:75. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how Ireland engaged with the European Commission during the development of the Democracy Shield; and if he will outline any concerns Ireland raised about the protection of free expression. [64234/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:76. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the obligations expected of Ireland under the Democracy Shield, including any monitoring, reporting or participation requirements. [64235/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:77. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will be required to take part in shared EU systems for identifying or reviewing online information; and how national control over decisions that affect domestic political debate will be maintained. [64236/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:78. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how the Government assessed the Democracy Shield against the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity; and if he will provide the criteria used in this assessment. [64237/25]
View answerKen O'Flynn
Question:79. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how the Democracy Shield will interact with existing EU legislation such as the Digital Services Act 2024 and the Electoral Integrity Package; and the implications of this for Ireland. [64238/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 together.
Ireland has engaged constructively with the European Commission throughout the development of the European Democracy Shield (EDS), submitting a comprehensive national contribution in August 2025 following the Commission's Member State consultation process. Ireland's engagement has been characterised by a distinctive rights-centred approach that places freedom of expression and fundamental rights at the core of our position.
Regarding free expression concerns, Ireland has consistently emphasised that the EDS must be grounded in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and respect democracy and rule of law principles. Our submission explicitly stated that effective protection of our information space can and must be achieved while defending fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. The submission stressed that everyone has the right to hold opinions and impart ideas without interference by public authorities, though this freedom carries duties and responsibilities.
The EDS framework will require enhanced co-ordination on counter-disinformation efforts, participation in EU-wide crisis management protocols, and support for civil society resilience programmes. However, Ireland has emphasised that measures must respect Member States' competence regarding electoral administration and media regulation, with EU action complementing rather than replacing national efforts.
Concerning shared systems, Ireland's position is clear: national competence over electoral processes and media regulation must be maintained. We have advocated for approaches tailored to varying threat landscapes across Member States, with implementation respecting existing national institutional frameworks including bodies such as the Electoral Commission and Coimisiún na Meán.
Ireland will assess any proposals arising from the EDS for compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity.
Regarding interaction with existing legislation, the EDS complements existing EU instruments, such as the Digital Services Act, Electoral Integrity Package, and related frameworks. The EDS will build on the existing robust policy and legal framework while avoiding duplication and ensuring coherence across the regulatory landscape.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 75.
Electricity Transmission Network
Questions (80, 87)
Pa Daly
Question:80. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his response to the ESB chief’s warning that emergency measures were needed to increase electricity capacity for new housing (details supplied); if this will impact on the housing plan he released last week; if he has discussed this with the Minister for climate and Minister for housing; if so, to outline the detail of these discussions.. [64267/25]
View answerPa Daly
Question:87. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his response to the ESB chief’s warning that emergency measures were needed to increase electricity capacity for new housing (details supplied); the emergency measures he is taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64264/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 87 together.
Issues regarding the development and operation of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
Ireland along with many other European countries is currently experiencing high demand for new electrical connections which has led to capacity constraints on the electricity grid. This high demand is driven by a range of factors including large energy users, electrification of residential heat, transport, and industry, climate and housing targets, as well as population growth. Notwithstanding this, over the last four years, ESB Networks has connected over 147,000 homes and businesses to the distribution network, and housing developments continue to be offered grid connections.
In my role as Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, I engage with both ESB and Eirgrid on a regular basis across a range of issues, including increasing demand arising from the electrification of our economy and society, as well as increased housing demand. Furthermore, I have engaged with the Chairs of ESB and EirGrid to ensure that Eirgrid and ESB continue to facilitate new residential housing connections.. I have received assurances from both Chairs that measures are being put in place to address any potential risk to customers in constrained areas. As Minister, I support these measures and my Department has convened a group to oversee and support them, serving as a contact point for technical, policy and regulatory functions in ESB Networks, EirGrid, the CRU and my Department
This work supplements the range of financial and policy measures that the Government has developed to ensure Ireland's electricity grid continues to provide capacity for housing and other customers, which includes a €3.5 billion equity investment in EirGrid and ESB Networks, and ongoing cooperation to accelerate grid delivery in the Accelerating Renewable Energy Taskforce.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (81)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:81. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the status of Ireland’s derogation from ETS2; and the way in which the scheme will be coordinated with the national carbon tax to avoid duplication of costs for consumers. [64055/25]
View answerWritten answers
ETS2 extends emissions trading to sectors of the economy that are currently covered by Ireland’s domestic carbon tax regime. Therefore, participation in trading in ETS2 allowances would effectively give rise to double taxation. To avoid such double taxation, a derogation was agreed in Directive (EU) 2023/959. The derogation allows for a Member State, with a carbon tax equivalent or higher than the average ETS2 auction rate, to be exempted from the obligation on regulated entities to surrender ETS2 allowances for each of the years 2027 to 2030. The derogation requires initial approval by the European Commission, and annually thereafter. Ireland has sought this initial approval from the European Commission.
As part of the process of qualifying for the derogation, the Finance Bill 2025, introduced amendments to certain carbon tax reliefs to ensure that Ireland's national carbon taxation regime is aligned with the scope of ETS2. The Commission’s assessment of the derogation notification is expected shortly.
Therefore, in the event of the application of the derogation as anticipated, regulated entities will not be obliged to hold and surrender allowances and will not be expected to incur any significant additional costs that may be passed on to end-users and consumers. Any additional costs for the regulated entities would be limited to the administrative costs of monitoring and reporting fuel usage.
It should also be noted that agreement was reached at the Environment Council on 5 November 2025 that a legislative provision would be introduced to postpone the entry into application of ETS2 by one year, from 2027 to 2028.
Energy Conservation
Questions (82, 93)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:82. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to accelerate retrofitting supports for households in Kildare north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64187/25]
View answer
Barry Heneghan
Question:93. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will outline progress towards the 2030 national retrofit target of 500,000 homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64290/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 93 together.
The Climate Action Plan sets out policies, measures and actions to be taken to achieve sectoral emissions ceilings for the residential sector. These measures include the retrofit of existing homes and installation of heat pumps to support the achievement of the required emissions reductions.
The National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government’s approach to delivering on these targets. The plan itself is built on four key pillars of demand, supply, financing and governance, with actions and initiatives flowing from each.
From 2019 to end September 2025, SEAI schemes provided over €1.5 billion in support to homeowners for over 228,000 home energy upgrades, including over 30,000 fully-funded upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme for households at risk of energy poverty and over 17,100 heat pump installations. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has funded a further 14,300 Local Authority upgrades, including over 7,250 heat pumps.
A range of measures have been introduced under the plan in recent years to support the achievement of our targets, including:
- Enhanced Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant schemes with expanded eligibility, higher grants and simplified application processes,
- New finance measures to support affordability, such as the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, launched last year with new lenders joining in 2025, enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%,
- A reformed Warmer Homes Scheme with expanded eligibility, increased depth of retrofit, a prioritisation of the worst performing homes and a higher number of homes supported,
- The establishment of a network of 26 SEAI registered One Stop Shops with further growth in the network expected before the end of the year,
- Enhanced supports for retrofitting apartment buildings and flat complexes,
- New supports for area-based retrofit projects for mixed-ownership estates aimed at encouraging homeowners, regardless of requirements or means, to get a retrofit.
At community level, the Government is fully supportive of community initiatives that encourage wider adoption of energy efficiency measures and heat pumps, for example the Government provides 100% funding to SECs to undertake Energy Master Plans (EMPs) and provides support through the Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme, to help progress identified projects.
Increasing the uptake of energy efficiency measures among homeowners continues to be a key priority for my Department working in partnership with the SEAI. Budget 2026 announced a record Exchequer funding allocation of €558 million from the carbon tax for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV Scheme. This is an €89 million increase on last year’s carbon tax allocation and means that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat. This allocation is expected to be further supplemented with additional funding, such as an allocation from the European Regional Development Fund.
The Deputy might wish to note that SEAI handle operational matters for the schemes and can supply county level data on request. SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
Energy Prices
Questions (83)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:83. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the facilities that are in place for persons to ensure that they are getting the best value or are on the best plan for their energy usage; if he understands that people are paying more for their energy bills when discounts may be available, but they are not informed of them; if he has plans to improve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64259/25]
View answerWritten answers
The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward additional measures to help contain energy costs. According to Eurostat, in the first half of 2025, Ireland had the fifth highest domestic electricity prices among European countries and eighth highest household gas prices. When comparing across countries using the Purchasing Power Standard (PPS), which adjusts for national price levels, Ireland ranks as the twelfth most expensive for both electricity and gas.
Switching energy providers in Ireland's competitive market can lead to households potentially saving hundreds of euros annually by switching from standard tariffs to the cheapest deals. Greater levels of switching between electricity providers increases competitiveness in the market which in turn pushes prices down as suppliers compete for customers. Regular switching, ideally every 12 months, helps customers access discounted rates and avoid the higher standard rates offered after introductory periods.
The CRU’s 2023 Energy Monitoring Report found that consumer switching rates were 12% for electricity customers and 14% among gas customers. This compares with average switching rates of 7.15% for electricity consumers in the EU25. That report highlighted the savings potential offered by consistent switching, finding that customers who had switched supplier each of the preceding four years could have saved €946 on electricity, €775 on gas or €2,018 on their dual fuel costs, in total over the period. The CRU monitors and publishes switching reports monthly and runs an information campaign each year to promote switching. Growing public awareness of the cost savings associated with switching, and of the potential to save money through switching to a time-of-use tariff and switching consumption to off-peak periods, has the potential to reduce a households’ energy bills.
My Department has established a Cross Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.
The first item in the taskforce work programme was the development of an interim report, which included measures for consideration to support customers in the coming Winter, to inform Budget 2026 discussions. This report is available on gov.ie. The taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop the Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The Action Plan will be published in 2026.
EU Presidency
Questions (84)
Pa Daly
Question:84. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the likely priorities on renewable energy during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64261/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently under development, taking into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU. Consultations with other EU Member States will also inform the development of our priorities and policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda throughout the current Presidency term of Denmark and that of Cyprus next year. A process of consultation with domestic stakeholders is also underway.
Before the last Energy Council in October, I co-chaired, along with Spain's Secretary of State for Energy, a meeting of the Friends of Renewables in Luxembourg. We discussed, along with the EU Commission, the forthcoming European Grids Package. The Grids Package will enhance grid resilience and electricity interconnection between Member States which will be critical to enable the expansion of the renewables sector and achieve more affordable energy prices for consumers.
The recently published EU Commission Work Programme indicates several other upcoming energy-related initiatives. The extent to which these files will be progressed during our Presidency depends largely on when the specifics of these initiatives are set out by the Commission, and on progress made during the Cyprus Presidency in the first half of 2026.
The Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
EU Presidency
Questions (85)
Pa Daly
Question:85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the likely priorities on energy affordability during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64262/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. As Chair of the Council of the EU, Ireland will set the agenda, and drive policy and legislative work across all Ministerial formations. For my Department, success will be determined by our ability to lead our fellow Member States on issues of importance across the Energy Council as well as the many other areas for which my Department has responsibility for. At this stage of our preparations, we are developing high-level thematic priorities which will guide policy development.
The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, and commits to bringing forward measures to contain energy costs and tackle energy poverty.
In June 2025, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government and Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
In advance of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, a key objective of this cross-Government taskforce will be to progress the development of an Energy Affordability Action Plan which will identify a comprehensive range of solutions, including demand-side solutions, for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low cost renewable energy.
The formation of the taskforce and the development of the Affordability Action Plan provides an opportunity to consider the broad range of factors which influence energy costs, and potential supports to those most vulnerable to high energy costs. It will include targeted measures to support households in energy poverty to meet the cost of energy, as well as structural reforms within the energy sector to lower costs for households and businesses.
The first item in the taskforce work programme was the development of an interim report, which included measures for consideration to support customers in the coming Winter, to inform Budget 2026 discussions. This report is available on Gov.ie. The taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop the Action Plan, including a programme of stakeholder consultation and engagement. The Action Plan will be published in 2026.
Energy Policy
Questions (86)
Pa Daly
Question:86. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the ‘State run’ LNG facility; to provide a breakdown on progress to date; to update on any projected timeline; and if he anticipates this will be delivered in advance of 2030. [64263/25]
View answerWritten answers
The "Energy Security in Ireland to 2030" report, published in November 2023, states that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by:
• moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system;
• maximising our renewable energy potential;
• increasing flexibility; and
• being integrated into Europe’s energy systems.
This review also highlighted a significant risk to Ireland’s economy and society in the event of a disruption to gas supplies that needed to be addressed.
It is in the context of energy security that the Government approved the development of a temporary, State-led, strategic gas emergency reserve last March. This will operate on a non-commercial basis to secure Ireland’s energy systems. It will be an interim measure as we continue to transition to an indigenous, clean renewable energy future. This strategic gas emergency reserve will be delivered in the form of a floating storage and regassification unit. It will store liquified natural gas (LNG) on a non-commercial basis for use in the event of a disruption to gas supplies to protect Ireland's economy and society from energy curtailments.
My Department is progressing the delivery of this project as a matter of priority. The strategic gas emergency reserve will be a State-led approach. State-led means commissioned by the State via GNI within a regulatory framework overseen by CRU. The operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve will be underpinned by policy and legislation, currently in development by my Department.
Gas Networks Ireland recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) to take market soundings from interested market operators, to identify capabilities, cost factors and general market dynamics for the provision and operation of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and associated infrastructure for the strategic gas emergency reserve. The principal objective of this exercise was to receive feedback and gather information from the market to inform options to develop the project, in the context of the strategic reserve being owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland.
Gas Networks Ireland will now progress the project through the relevant procurement, planning, environmental and regulatory processes, with appropriate stakeholder engagement, to develop this strategic reserve and mitigate the risk to Ireland's society and economy of an interruption to gas supplies.
Question No 87 answered with Question No 80.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (88, 89)
Pa Daly
Question:88. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he expects any of the 5GW offshore wind targeted for delivery by 2030 will be energised by 2030, as opposed to being under construction; to provide a detailed timeline of when he anticipates each project will be energised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64273/25]
View answerPa Daly
Question:89. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 5GW of offshore wind targeted for 2030 that will be energised by 2030; the proportion that will be under construction by 2030; the proportion, if any, that will have yet to begin construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64274/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
Government remains committed to the development of 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity with projects in construction by 2030 and energised as soon as feasible thereafter.
The Maritime Area Planning Act which established a new framework for the planning and regulation of development and activities within Ireland's maritime area was enacted in 2021. Subsequently, the Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for six offshore wind projects were issued in 2022. Ireland's first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, was held in May 2023. Over 3,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity was awarded to 4 offshore wind projects. In addition, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was established in July 2023.
5 offshore wind projects are currently in development off our east coast. The 5 projects submitted their applications for planning consent to An Bord Pleanála between mid-2024 and early-2025. These applications are with An Comisiúin Pleanála and I understand a number of requests for further information have been issued to the applicants. Subject to planning consent, I would anticipate that projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational by the early 2030s.
Separately, the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) was approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024. This is Ireland's first spatial plan for offshore renewable energy, designating 4 sites off the south coast for future development. Currently, an offshore wind auction process for one site within the South Coast DMAP is under way. The auction for the 900 megawatt Tonn Nua site off our south coast opened on 22 September and I expect to announce the auction winner on 27 November.
As offshore wind farms are developed by private developers, the detailed timeline of each project being energised is set out by individual developers and will vary depending on the project. The delivery timelines will be subject to, amongst other factors, a positive planning consent decision and engagement from the supply chain, in the case of a positive planning decision.
I am also making arrangements to bring the remaining 3 offshore wind South Coast DMAP sites to market, ensuring a consistent pipeline of offshore developments will take place over the coming years.
A further pipeline of development sites within the National DMAP will follow from 2028 onwards.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 88.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (90)
Pa Daly
Question:90. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason solar PV is mostly excluded from the warmer home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64275/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million, resulting in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households. This year, we have increased the budget to €280 million, allowing for deeper and more complex retrofits. The average cost of upgrades has risen from €2,600 in 2015 to over €29,000 in 2025, reflecting the scale and ambition of the programme.
The scheme targets support to those most in need and living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact. The upgrades available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the programme.
The scheme follows a fabric-first approach, prioritising installation and ventilation to reduce heat loss before replacing heating systems in line with building regulations and best practice. At present, solar PV is not offered as a standard upgrade under the scheme. However, the SEAI is piloting the installation of renewable technologies, including heat pumps and, in a small number of cases, solar PV where major renovations are taking place.
These pilots are helping to assess the suitability of such technologies in the context of energy poverty. Measures available under the scheme are kept under ongoing review and my Department continues to work closely with the SEAI to ensure we maximise scheme output.
Homes built before 2011 are eligible for part-funded solar PV grants under separate SEAI programmes. We remain committed to ensuring that low-income households benefit from Ireland's renewable energy transition and will continue to explore how best to integrate solar and other technologies into our energy poverty programmes.
Data Centres
Questions (91)
Pa Daly
Question:91. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if any part of the €3.5 billion investment outlined under the revised national development plan in EirGrid and the ESB will be used for data centre connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64276/25]
View answerWritten answers
On 22 July 2025 Government approved a €3.5 billion equity investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure across 2026-2030 as part of the National Development Plan. This represents the largest single equity investment in the country’s electricity network in its history.
€1.5 billion will be allocated to ESB Networks to support investment in the onshore electricity grid and €2 billion will be allocated to EirGrid to support the financing of its offshore electricity grid investment plan. Government has published a Bill providing for the investment in ESB (the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025), which is progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The equity investment will support the ability to finance the unprecedented investment in our electricity system proposed for 2026-2030 as part of the Price Review 6 period. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, as the independent regulator, as part of their draft determination has set out proposed investment of up to €18.1 billion in the electricity system, with a €14.1 billion baseline investment guaranteed. A final determination by the CRU is expected by year end.
The investment by ESBN and EirGrid will facilitate the reinforcement and enhancement of our electricity network, ensuring additional housing, businesses and new renewable energy sources can connect to the network.
Energy Policy
Questions (92)
Shane Moynihan
Question:92. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress being made on the commitment in the Programme for Government around the intention to 'explore if legislation could be enacted to divert surplus renewable energy, which would otherwise be wasted, to homes in fuel poverty'. [64281/25]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s Climate Action Plans recognise the need for the electricity sector to become more adaptable and flexible, in response to the ever-increasing volume of distributed renewable energy sources on the grid and an increasing electricity demand. To ensure reliability in such a distributed energy system, as well as to minimise the network upgrades (and costs for all) needed to accommodate peaks in demand, it will also be vital to align electricity usage with periods of plentiful, low-cost renewable generation. Ireland’s citizens (including energy poor and vulnerable households) can play a central role in this transition by flexibly managing their energy assets in response to the level of renewable energy on the grid and, by doing so, can lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Furthermore, my Department is leading the Cross Government Energy Affordability Taskforce which aims to identify and assess measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government and Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. A key objective of this Taskforce is to develop and publish an Energy Affordability Action Plan which will identify a comprehensive range of solutions, including demand-side solutions for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low cost, or otherwise surplus renewable energy.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce Interim Report has already identified some outputs and the four main energy suppliers in Ireland have confirmed that they will continue to make funds available this Winter to offer assistance to customers who are struggling to meet their energy costs and who are engaging with their supplier. Many suppliers are also partnering with NGOs on specific initiatives and/or programmes of work, proactively engaging with customers in arrears, incentivising smart tariff uptake and implementing accessible payment plans.
My Department is currently working on supporting technology deployment that can enable consumers to flexibly adjust their demand in response to market signals and the changing level of renewable energy available. Additionally, under the 2025 Programme for Government, there is a commitment to exploring what methods, including legislation, can be used to divert surplus renewable energy to homes in fuel poverty. This may include building on previously published European legislation to promote energy sharing to support an increased uptake of renewable energy, and help vulnerable customers or those affected by energy poverty.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 82.
Electricity Grid
Questions (94)
Barry Heneghan
Question:94. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will outline the total renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the national grid for each of the past ten years, as of Q3 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64292/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government 2025 reaffirmed Ireland’s targets of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources, including a target of 9GW of onshore wind and 8 GW of solar generation as part of a strategy to decarbonise our power system.
Ireland currently has circa 7 GW of renewable generation capacity, up from 2.4 GW in 2015. Onshore wind is the largest contributor with circa 5.1 GW of capacity. This is complemented by circa 2 GW of solar PV capacity, with hydro, biomass, and other small sources contributing the remainder.
The attached table details the renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the national grid for each of the past ten years. Also included are the non-grid renewables, including rooftop solar.
The Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce was established to accelerate and increase the deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation. This cross-Government Taskforce is tasked with identifying and prioritising the policies needed to achieve our onshore renewable electricity targets and ensuring that barriers are removed or minimised to the greatest extent possible.
Renewable electricity projects make a significant contribution to communities across Ireland through job creation, community benefit funds, and revenue to Local Authorities which is reinvested in local communities and services.
Key policies, such as the onshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS), the Small-scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), have been instrumental in providing a supportive policy environment for Ireland’s growing renewables sector.
The fifth onshore RESS auction, RESS 5, was completed in September with the Final Results published in October 2025. The RESS 5 results represent a major boost for Ireland’s energy transition, securing enough clean renewable electricity to power over 350,000 Irish homes annually through the development of new indigenous onshore wind and solar capacity. The RESS 5 auction delivered competitive outcomes, with the average RESS 5 price approximately €20/MWh below 2025 average wholesale electricity prices to date.
Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
Questions (95)
Barry Heneghan
Question:95. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will outline the number of new offshore renewable energy projects currently in the maritime area consent process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64293/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) is an independent agency with responsibility under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, as amended, for the performance of its functions, including assessment processes in respect of maritime area consents and maritime usage licences.
Information on applications received and applications determined is available on MARA's website at www.maritimeregulator.ie.
Defence Forces
Questions (96, 97)
Thomas Gould
Question:96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces are under contract with a company (details supplied); the length of the contract; when it commenced; and the amount paid to date for the contract. [64366/25]
View answerThomas Gould
Question:97. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have ever held a contract with a company (details supplied); when the contract terminated; and the amount spent on the contract. [64367/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Question No 96 and Question No 97 together.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have used eBusiness Suite, which is a comprehensive suite of integrated business applications developed by Oracle, since 2006. This Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system includes Financial Management, Supply Chain Management and Enterprise Asset Management. The Defence Force’s Personnel Management System is also a bespoke Oracle based application.
The Department pays annual renewals to Oracle EMEA Limited for software licences, updates and support. In 2024 the total cost for Oracle licence renewals was €1,208,021 (ex VAT). Costs to date in 2025 for licence renewals is €1,253,541 (ex VAT).
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 96.
Driver Test
Questions (98, 99)
Emer Currie
Question:98. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if first time applicants for a driving test are placed on the same waiting list as those applying to take the test for a second or subsequent time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64027/25]
View answerEmer Currie
Question:99. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether the driving test waiting times are the same for first time applicants as those applying to take the test for a second or subsequent time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64028/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all scheduling matters. In that regard, the operation of the service does not fall under the direct control of my Department. Accordingly, the information requested is held by the RSA.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.