Written Answers Nos. 134-153
134. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if his Department will publish annual residential construction productivity data, separate from overall construction-sector productivity, beginning in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65726/25]
View answerThe CSO produces annual and quarterly information on productivity in economic sectors of the Irish Economy. Information on productivity in the construction sector, in total, is provided in these statistical releases (see below links). However, the underlying data sources do not allow for the distinction of construction on residential buildings to be made. The lowest level of detail available is on the construction of all buildings, both residential and commercial. A recent and separate release by CSO on the construction sector from a National Accounts perspective showed productivity results for 3 distinct activities within the construction sector for the years of 2021 to 2024 (see the table 3.1 below).
CSO will continue to produce the annual and quarterly productivity releases in 2026 but will not be producing information on productivity on residential construction in 2026 due to the limitations of available data.
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Table 3.1 Construction Sector Labour Productivity Statistics by Sub-Sector, 2021-2024 |
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2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
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€ per hour |
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Labour productivity |
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Construction of Buildings |
46.4 |
39.1 |
39.9 |
35.5 |
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Civil Engineering |
25.7 |
25.6 |
28.0 |
33.4 |
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Specialised Construction Activities |
53.3 |
43.2 |
49.6 |
53.9 |
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Total Construction |
47.0 |
39.6 |
43.0 |
43.5 |
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millions |
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Labour hours worked |
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Construction of Buildings |
99.3 |
126.5 |
123.4 |
142.7 |
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Civil Engineering |
33.8 |
37.5 |
41.1 |
35.2 |
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Specialised Construction Activities |
119.4 |
162.1 |
150.8 |
145.9 |
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Total Construction |
252.5 |
326.1 |
315.3 |
323.8 |
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€ millions |
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Gross Value Added (constant prices, chain-linked to 2023) |
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Construction of Buildings |
4,604 |
4,952 |
4,928 |
5,063 |
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Civil Engineering |
869 |
958 |
1,153 |
1,177 |
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Specialised Construction Activities |
6,363 |
7,000 |
7,482 |
7,868 |
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Total Construction |
11,836 |
12,910 |
13,564 |
14,108 |
The Construction from a National Accounts perspective is at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/fp-cnap/constructionanationalaccountsperspective2024/productivity/
The annual productivity in Ireland release is at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-pii/productivityinireland2022-2023/
The quarterly productivity in Ireland release is at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/fp-piiq/productivityinirelandquarter22025/
135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if his Department collated statistics on the number of tourists to visit Ireland in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64066/25]
View answerThe data on inbound tourists who visit Ireland from overseas are collected in the CSO’s Passenger Survey.
Inbound visitor data are not available for years 2020-2022 due to the enforced data collection restrictions during COVID and the introduction of a new Passenger Survey methodology in 2022.
Following the adoption of the new methodology, data from 2023 and 2024 show overnight visitor trips from overseas of 6.26 million and 6.59 million respectively. The 2025 figure, which covers the period January up to and including September, stands at 4.85 million. These estimates do not include visits from residents of Northern Ireland who are not captured in the Passenger Survey.
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Overnight Foreign Resident Visitors to Ireland, 2020-2025 |
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2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 (Jan-Sept) |
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Overnight Foreign Resident Visitors (000) |
Not available due to COVID restrictions |
Not available due to COVID restrictions |
New methodology introduced with full year figures not available |
6257 |
6592 |
4851 |
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Source: Passenger Survey - Central Statistics Office, Ireland. |
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[Note 1] Overnight foreign resident visitor figures based on Passenger Survey from 2023 onwards |
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[Note 2] Northern Ireland resident visitors to Ireland are not included |
136. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to estimate the total cost of the attendance of the Irish delegation at the "COP 30" conference in Brazil; and to state the estimated carbon footprint or carbon cost of the Irish delegation attending the conference. [65591/25]
View answer137. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to state the total cost of the attendance of the Irish delegation for the COP conference in each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024; and to state the estimated carbon footprint or carbon cost of the Irish delegation attending the conference each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024. [65594/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
Detailed information on the costs of foreign travel, including attendance at the annual COP conference, for Office Holders attached to the Department of the Taoiseach and their accompanying delegations is published on a monthly basis on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach at this [link].
Expenditure details are published once invoices are received and processed for payment. The Department seeks at all times to ensure best value for money is sought in respect of each official trip undertaken, consistent with the requirements of official business.
Circular 01/2020 requires all Government Departments, Offices and Agencies to record, monitor and value the carbon emissions associated with official air travel.
In line with Circular 01/2020, the Department is required to make annual payments to the statutory Climate Action Fund in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to offset carbon emissions that result from official travel undertaken by staff of the Department of the Taoiseach.
The below table outlines the total annual payment made to the statutory Climate Action Fund in the years 2020 – 2025. As the annual payment is made each February in respect of the previous year, details on the payment relating to official air travel undertaken in 2025 will not be available until end February 2026.
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Year |
Total Annual Payment |
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2020 |
N/A |
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2021 |
€818 |
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2022 |
€1,623 |
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2023 |
€7,478 |
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2024 |
€7,034 |
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2025 |
€8,758 |
138. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Taoiseach if funding has been allocated in Budget 2026 for the Dublin City Taskforce. [65932/25]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Dublin City Taskforce report ‘Capital City’, as agreed by Government, the Department of the Taoiseach convened an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) to examine the Taskforce’s recommendations.
The IDG submitted its report to Government along with a comprehensive 10-year Roadmap for Delivery, outlining specific actions across departments and agencies, to make Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive, and safe cityscape; and a desirable location to live, work, do business and visit.
The IDG Report and Roadmap for Delivery can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/dublin-city-taskforce/
An Oversight Board, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising the relevant Departments and Agencies, has been established to oversee and provide strategic direction for delivery of the Roadmap.
Each relevant department and agency will factor the funding requirements of specific actions under the Roadmap for Delivery into the appropriate phases of the revised NDP and funding allocations for different sectors. Additional URDF funding has been provided under the revised NDP which will help create redevelopment momentum more generally and support creation of the oversight structures.
In addition, the Roadmap creates an enabling environment designed to build confidence with business, landholders and investors to get involved in achieving a new vision for Dublin City Centre and to drive private sector investment. Measures announced in Budget 2026, such as the changes to the Living City Initiative, will support regeneration and efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction in the city.
For revenue costs relating to services (whether new or existing commitments), these will be dealt with in the Estimates processes year-on-year, which has commenced in Budget 2026.
139. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the status of the National Risk Assessment 2025 which his Department committed in July 2025 to publish by year end. [65942/25]
View answerThe National Risk Assessment provides an opportunity to identify and discuss significant strategic risks which may arise for Ireland. The most recent National Risk Assessment was published in September 2024 and remains valid today.
My Department is currently reflecting on the National Risk Assessment process with a view to producing the next iteration in 2026.
However, it is important to note that the National Risk Assessment is just one element of the overall system of preparedness and resilience planning for Ireland and is not intended to replicate or displace the detailed risk management and preparedness carried out across Departments and Agencies. It is however an important opportunity to reflect on strategic risks facing the country in the years ahead.
140. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66087/25]
View answer141. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66105/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
Neither the Department of the Taoiseach nor the National Economic and Social Development Office - the only body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach - has engaged the services of the companies in question during the period specified.
142. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66369/25]
View answerDetails of costs reimbursed to the State Claims Agency in the period specified are set out in the table below. The table does not include any reimbursements made in relation to Tribunals of Inquiry or Commissions of Investigation.
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Year |
Costs Reimbursed |
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2020 |
Nil |
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2021 |
Nil |
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2022 |
€248,001 |
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2023 |
Nil |
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2024 |
Nil |
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2025 |
Nil |
143. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outline the ‘similar agreements with investment protection provisions’ the Irish Government wishes to ratify alongside CETA, as was referred to in her Department’s press release on the publication of the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65248/25]
View answerOn 12 November 2025, the Tánaiste received Cabinet approval to progress the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025, which will enable the ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The Bill will shortly move on to the next legislative steps, including an Oireachtas debate. Following enactment of the legislation, steps will be taken to proceed towards ratification of CETA and other similar agreements with investment protection provisions, including Singapore, Vietnam, Chile and Mexico.
Ratifying such agreements is a priority for the government against the background of today’s volatile international trading environment. Such agreements are important for Ireland's credibility as a trading nation and as a favourable destination for foreign investment, supporting the growth of Irish businesses including small and medium-sized businesses.
144. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which her Department, together with Ireland’s trade agencies, is supporting small and medium-sized exporters, particularly agri-food and advanced manufacturing firms to expand into new markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65256/25]
View answerSupporting exporting businesses is a key priority for this Government. Successful exporting businesses protect jobs and enhance our national resilience to emerging economic trends.
Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia provide direct support to indigenous exporting businesses from the advanced manufacturing and agri-food sectors respectively.
My Department plays a central role in coordinating Ireland’s overall international trade promotional work and works closely with the State agencies and their line departments.
The Government Trade Forum, which met on nine occasions this year, has consistently focused on key exporting sectors in the economy. The Forum has heard directly from senior representatives from exporting businesses in Ireland, including from the medtech, pharma, semi-conductors and agri-food sectors.
The Headquarters Market Team, which is co-chaired by a senior official in my Department, ensures there is strong coordination across relevant Departments and agencies engaged in trade promotion activities. The HQ Market Team also has responsibility for the implementation of the Action Plan on Market Diversification, published in August.
My Department also supports the agencies overseas in a broad range of activities to promote trade. Under the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026, our Ambassadors lead Local and Regional Market Teams, which includes all of the relevant State agencies. These twenty-five teams around the globe provide important direction and effective coordination of Team Ireland’s economic and promotional activities at a local and regional level in key overseas markets.
Minister-led trade missions are key components of Team Ireland's trade promotion efforts of which there will have been approximately fifty by the end of 2025. In 2025, agricultural trade missions have visited the USA, Japan & Korea (including a visit to both the Seoul Food event and the International EXPO in Osaka, Japan), China and Mexico. These trade missions have provided excellent opportunities to support small and medium-sized exporters in key markets.
145. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role Ireland’s diplomatic network is playing in promoting foreign direct investment into rural counties; the specific actions being taken to highlight investment opportunities in areas such as Cork north-west, including in agri-tech, clean energy and regional enterprise hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65257/25]
View answerEnhancing Ireland's attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment is a key focus for the Government.
This work is led primarily by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and by IDA Ireland, the principal agency for attracting FDI to Ireland.
Regional development is one of four key strategic objectives of the IDA 2025–2029 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently". The strategy targets an additional 550 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside Dublin - 55% of all planned investments.
My Department supports efforts to attract and retain FDI in Ireland through a range of measures.
The Government Trade Forum, which met on nine occasions this year, has consistently focused on key sectors in the economy where there is a strong FDI presence. The Forum has heard directly from senior representatives from major FDI businesses in Ireland, including from the medtech, pharma, semi-conductors and international financial services sectors.
My Department plays a central role in coordinating Ireland’s overall international trade and investment promotional work through the Headquarters Market Team, which is co-chaired by a senior official in my Department. The HQ Market Team also has oversight of the implementation of the Action Plan on Market Diversification, published in August.
My Department also supports the agencies, including IDA Ireland, overseas in a broad range of activities to promote trade and investment . Under the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026, our Ambassadors lead Local and Regional Market Teams, which includes all of the relevant State agencies. These teams provide important strategic direction and effective coordination of Team Ireland’s economic and promotional activities in key overseas markets.
Specific promotion activities supported by the diplomatic network include overseas trade missions that are organised by the IDA and other agencies. More broadly, the diplomatic network also works to raise awareness of, and interest in, Ireland through annual global campaigns, particularly around St. Brigid’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Bloomsday. My Department also leads on major international showcases where we platform Ireland as a location for investment. Events this include, Ireland's national pavilion at Expo in Osaka and Ireland House at SXSW in Austin Texas,
These activities are accompanied by high impact digital campaigns that leverage the popular Ireland.ie website, which has received over 53 million page views since it was launched in 2023. Ireland.ie contains a dedicated section on investing in Ireland.
146. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any discussion in EU Councils on Foreign Affairs regarding the persecution of Christians around the world; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65292/25]
View answerThe promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief is a priority in Ireland. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief) is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We advance this freedom both in our multilateral and bilateral engagements.
Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including instances when Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith. Ireland consistently raises issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of the human rights situation in all UN Member States.
Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee in October, Ireland restated our concern for the persecution of people on the basis of their religion. In particular, we condemned all acts of hatred, including the oppression of Christians, during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
In January of this year the Council of the European Union approved the EU’s priorities in United Nations Human Rights Fora which, included a call upon States to uphold freedom of religion or belief, as enshrined in article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. I support this call and am ready to continue to show Ireland’s unwavering support for these fundamental rights, both nationally and at multilateral fora.
147. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department is aware of possible criminal charges against the organisers of an event (details supplied) in the Hungarian city of Pecs, which took place on 4 October 2025; if her Department will make representations to the Hungarian Embassy on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65311/25]
View answerIreland continuously advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Hungary and throughout the world. We have consistently raised our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors.
Through the Diverse Youth Network Association, we supported Pécs Pride which took place on 4 October. Furthermore, and as an expression of our solidarity, a representative from the Embassy of Ireland was present in Pécs as an observer alongside diplomats from like-minded countries. The Pride passed peacefully under the auspices of the local authorities and where people marched in celebration of LGBTQI+ rights.
I am aware that the organiser of Pécs Pride was summoned for police questioning during which he was made aware of the potential charges on suspicion of having committed a criminal offence for organising the parade despite the police ban. Following the interview, a recommendation to press charges from the Police Department was submitted to the Prosecutor's Office.
The Prosecutor’s Office has one year, extendable by six months, to decide whether to suspend or terminate the proceedings, or to formalise charges. Together with other likeminded Embassies in Budapest, our Embassy remains in ongoing contact with the organiser.
Our Ambassador to Hungary has also spoken with the Mayor of Pécs and expressed appreciation for the latter’s engagement at the Pride event.
Officials in my Department, including at the Embassy in Budapest, will continue to monitor this and other worrying developments and to raise our concerns. We will also continue to support Hungarian civil society organisations working to defend the Rule of Law and protect minority rights in Hungary, including through my Department’s Enlargement and European Fundamental Values fund.
148. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application (details supplied), given the applicants travel date is imminent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65330/25]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the 2008 Act”). Under Section 14(1) of the Act, the consent of a child’s guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport.
In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the rights of the child and their guardian(s), it is important that the Child Identity and Consent form is correctly completed, witnessed and validated by the Passport Service for both first time and renewal applications for children. Guardians must be present to the person acting as a witness.
The witnessing of passport forms is a vital element of the identity verification process for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person submitting the passport application form. In the case of children, it is essential that the Passport Service verifies the consent of the child’s guardians before a passport can issue. This ensures that the Passport Service protects the integrity of the passport itself and the rights of the child and their guardians.
Turnaround time applies to fully complete and correct applications, and begins from the date that supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, not the date the online application is made. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete will take longer to process. Since 2022, the Passport Service has operated a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
With regard to the Deputy's query, the supporting documents for this application was received by the Passport Service on 20 October 2025. As both guardians were not present when the Child Identity and Consent form was witnessed, this form was not acceptable. Another Child Identity and Consent form was requested by the Passport Service on 10 November 2025. This was received by the Passport Service on 18 November 2025. The application is currently queuing to be re-examined by the Passport Entitlement team. Therefore, this application is within the turnaround time.
149. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of the agreed external contracts for Ireland’s presidency of the EU Council in 2026; the purpose of each; and the estimated value. [65344/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. It will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026. Preparations are well under way, led by my Department in close co-ordination with the Department of the Taoiseach and with the active participation of all Departments across the Government.
Within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the EU Presidency Operational Planning Unit is tasked with leading co-ordination of operational planning, working with all other Government Departments and relevant agencies. This work includes putting in place key operational and logistical building blocks to underpin the delivery of the programme of Presidency meetings to be held in Ireland. These will include an informal meeting of the European Council, a summit meeting of the European Political Community and 22 informal Ministerial meetings as well as approximately 250 other Presidency meetings and events. In that regard, two external contracts have been agreed to date by the Department's EU Presidency Operational Planning Unit:
1) Accommodation Services – Club Travel
Suitable accommodation services are important to the delivery of a successful Presidency and to ensure positive experiences for the delegations from across the European Union who will travel to meetings in Ireland. The contract addresses the core accommodation booking needs for all Presidency meetings and will also provide a dedicated online booking portal for delegates. The services are being drawn down through a NASF (Notification to Activate Services Form) utilising the Office of Government Procurement’s (OGP) central Travel Management Framework, with the support of the OGP. The estimated overall contract value to service the needs across all Government Departments is in the region of €2.5m.
2) Accreditation System – INCERT
This contract is for provision of a secure accreditation, registration, badging and event logistics planning solution to support planning and delivery of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme of over 250 meetings and events in Ireland. The accreditation system plays a central role in event security and access control, and also supports the effective operational and logistical delivery of meetings and events. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was supported by the OGP in the process to agree this contract. The estimated contract value is currently €800,000.
150. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of studies, reports or evaluations commissioned by her Department during 2025. [65345/25]
View answerThe following reports, evaluations and studies were commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2025.
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Year |
Name of Company |
Title of Study/ Report/Evaluation |
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2025 |
Fitzpatrick Associate – Economic Consultants |
Business Case – Ireland House London Property Project |
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2025 |
Fitzpatrick Associate – Economic Consultants |
Business Case – Embassy Beijing Property Project |
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2025 |
Red C Research & Marketing Ltd |
Passport Online Qualitative Research Project |
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2025 |
PwC |
Review of Ireland’s Honorary Consul Network Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
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2025 |
Trade Advisors |
Evaluation of Ireland’s Expo Osaka (2025) |
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2025 |
Quadra Ireland Ltd. |
DFAT Health and Safety Risk Assessments for HQ buildings. |
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2025 |
International SOS Services (India) Pvt. Ltd |
Expert assessment and review of indoor air quality at Embassy New Delhi |
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2025 |
USafety |
Health and Safety Risk assessment DCAD Limerick |
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2025 |
The Diaspora Institute |
Support to Develop the Government’s New Diaspora Strategy |
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2025 |
Trinomics B.V. |
Review of Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap |
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2025 |
Le Groupe-conseil Baastel srl |
Environmental and climate risk screening and vulnerability assessment guide |
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2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Irelands Civil Society Partnership programme monitoring in Bangladesh |
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2025 |
IOD PARC |
Irelands Civil Society Partnership programme monitoring in Nepal |
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2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Irelands Civil Society Partnership programme monitoring in Sierra Leone |
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2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Appraisal of 2025 Civil Society Fund Reports |
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2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Irelands Civil Society Partnership programme monitoring in Zambia |
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2025 |
Southern Cross Consulting |
Appraisal of 2025 Civil Society Fund Reports |
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2025 |
Hornbill Consultants |
Appraisal of 2025 Civil Society Fund Reports |
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2025 |
Ciara Loughney |
Appraisal of 2025 Civil Society Fund Reports |
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2025 |
IOD PARC |
Irelands Civil Society Partnership programme monitoring in Colombia |
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2025 |
IOD PARC |
Specialist Support for Monitoring Evaluation and Learning on Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for A Better World (ICSP) |
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2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Risk Management Consultancy |
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2025 |
European Centre for Development Policy Management |
Mapping of nine past EU presidencies and their priorities with particular reference to development co-operation. |
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2025 |
Barbara Wilson |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
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2025 |
Adrienne Boyle |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
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2025 |
Vanessa Sheridan |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
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2025 |
Deirdre Farrell |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
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2025 |
KITE |
Midterm Review of the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Strategy 2021-2025 |
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2025 |
DDA Ltd |
Mid-Term Review of Ireland’s 2nd Strategy for Partnership with SIDS |
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2025 |
Adam Sweetman Consulting |
Evaluation Review of Africa Agri Food Development Programme and Recommendations Report |
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2025 |
ODI |
Strategic Partnership producing a series of thematic or technical reports for Irish Aid |
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2025 |
Institute of Development Studies, UK |
Strategic partnership to cover training and research on Social Protection. One report was produced with the 2025 grant: Social Protection and Food Systems in Africa |
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2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Global Health Actors Discussion Paper |
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2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Policy Paper |
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2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Update of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights initiative |
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2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Humanitarian Unit Data Exercise |
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2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Gender Equality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights initiative engagement (Humanitarian Unit) |
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2025 |
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) |
Short report on the value of investing in nutrition |
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2025 |
Aisling Swaine |
Academic consultancy to develop material on prevention and accountability of conflict related sexual violence |
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2025 |
Mirsad Jacevic |
Consultancy in the development of Ireland’s fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025-2030) |
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2025 |
Aran Corrigan Karimjee |
Consultancy to develop monitoring framework for Ireland’s fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025-2030) |
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2025 |
Emma McCarthy |
Consultancy to develop the 2024 annual report on Women, Peace and Security related to the third National Action Plan. |
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2025 |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
Consultancy Services to Support an Organisational Governance Review |
151. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has plans to examine a shorter-term, more affordable passport renewal option for seniors (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65359/25]
View answerThe standard Irish passport issued to adults is valid for 10 years, which is a common validity period for adult passports worldwide. Passport fees were last updated in June 2019 and set out in Statutory Instrument No. 259/2019 - Diplomatic and Consular Fees. At that time, the fee for adult passports applied for through the Passport Online service was reduced from €80 to €75.
Given that the production cost of a passport is the same, irrespective of validity, and that any shortfall in revenue or additional costs would have to be met by the taxpayer, there are currently no plans to offer the option of a passport with a shorter period of validity at a reduced cost.
I am satisfied that, at a cost of €75 for an online application, which breaks down to €7.50 per year, the Irish passport fee compares favourably with the services offered elsewhere.
152. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on an application for citizenship by descent for a person (details supplied); the estimated timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65446/25]
View answerMy 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 or Naturalisation.
Foreign Birth Registration, 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.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of all required supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
With regard to the specific FBR application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents received by the Passport Service on 30 September 2024. The application's documents were examined by the FBR Entitlement team on 01 August 2025, deemed incomplete and additional documents were requested. Additional documents were received by the Passport Service on 23 September 2025. The application is currently queuing to be re-examined by the FBR Entitlement team. An entitlement officer will be in contact with the applicant again should any further clarification be required.
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153. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her proposals to develop the trading relationship between Norway and Ireland. [65458/25]
View answerIreland and Norway enjoy very strong bilateral relations. We share unique historical connections as well as growing people-to-people links. In the past few years, Ireland’s relationship with Norway has been revitalised and strengthened through the Global Ireland Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025. The Nordic Strategy has provided a clear framework for Ireland to deepen our relationship with Norway and its neighbours across a spectrum of areas including politically and in the areas of trade, tourism, the environment and culture.
Through our Embassy in Oslo and our State Agencies, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia based in Stockholm and Copenhagen, we are deepening our trade with Norway. According to the latest figures released by the CSO in 2024 total trade between Ireland and Norway was worth €5.6 billion, with the trading balance firmly weighted in Ireland's favour. Several Norwegian companies have investments and operations in Ireland notably in the fisheries sector as well as the expanding renewable energy sector.
Political and diplomatic contacts are frequent and cordial. The Taoiseach met with the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre en marge of the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen in October.
One area of concern where differences can arise is in relation to fisheries and the setting of unilateral quotas for certain stocks, resulting in the severe diminution of stock . The European Commission has exclusive competence to negotiate on the EU's behalf on fisheries with Third Countries and Ireland will continue to be active in raising relevant concerns on these matters in the EU context including on the need to follow scientific advice to ensure sustainable fisheries.
Ireland is appreciative of Norway’s efforts and role in facilitating energy security for Europe and showing solidarity with European partners, including Ireland. Ireland sources a significant amount of our gas supply from Norway. In recent years, there has been growing and important collaboration in renewable energy, and several Norwegian companies have made very significant investments in wind energy in Ireland.
An estimated 50,000 Norwegian tourists visit Ireland annually, with regular direct flights between Dublin and the capital Oslo, Dublin and Norway’s second city, Bergen and as of 3 December between Dublin and the Arctic city of Tromsø. As part of the European Economic Area for over thirty years now, Norway is well integrated into the Single Market. As Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union approaches, I look forward to even closer engagement with Norway, including as an EEA Member State and further progress in our economic, trading and people-to-people links throughout 2026.
