Written Answers Nos. 349-369
349. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently commence work on the proposed sewerage scheme for Beaufort Village, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68894/25]
View answerI recently announced increased funding for the Beaufort Village wastewater project, to address the village’s collection and treatment needs.
Kerry County Council, working with Uisce Éireann, have completed a reassessment of the project, including updated costs, and the Government has approved the necessary funding.
Details of the announcement can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-browne-approves-additional-funding-of-143-million-for-wastewater-improvements-in-local-communities/.
I have written to Kerry County Council clearly setting out what is required and responsibility now rests with the Council, working with Uisce Éireann, to progress the Beaufort project and deliver it efficiently, in line with the approved funding.
350. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the primary operational, staffing, procurement, and supply-chain constraints reported by local authorities in returning void social housing units to use; and the measures, financial, regulatory, or administrative, his Department is considering to reduce turnaround times and increase throughput. [68963/25]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, is a matter for each individual local authority under s.58 of the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities must also ensure all tenanted properties comply with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. Accordingly, minimising vacancy rates, speeding up turnaround times, and maximising the number of homes brought back into productive use are matters for local authorities.
That said, my Department provides annual funding under the Planned Maintenance/Voids Programme to support local authority management and maintenance programmes. Some €189 million has been provided to help bring back almost 13,200 vacant social homes to use between 2020 and end-2024. A further €31 million is available this year to support the refurbishment and re-letting of a minimum of 1,900 social homes, facilitating the quick turnaround of vacant homes and continuing the transition from a reactive voids approach to a planned maintenance approach.
This funding complements local authority own resources. It is not a substitute for local authority funding and the requirement for adequate budgeting for housing management and maintenance by local authority officials and elected members as part of their annual budgetary process.
In line with Programme for Government commitments, and having regard to continuous engagement with local authorities on how to most effectively target Department supports, a revised programme will be introduced in 2026. The programme will focus first and foremost on supporting the continued transition to a proactive planned maintenance approach and supporting only those works necessary to ensure compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, thereby facilitating as quick a turnaround as possible of casually vacant local authority social homes.
Any new measures or changes to the programme will be formally communicated to local authorities in the new year. Notwithstanding, the maintenance of social housing, ensuring a quick turnaround of vacant homes, and maximising the number of homes brought back into active use will remain matters for each local authority.
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Lough Corrib became a candidate special area of conservation, considering that there are conflicting dates on the public record, both domestic and European; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68968/25]
View answerThe EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive” requires Member States to select sites, for the protection of habitats and species that are considered threatened in the EU territory and listed on the Annexes to the Directive. Sites were selected to protect habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and form part of the Natura 2000 network of protected sites across Europe.
The Habitats Directive is transposed into Irish law by way of inter aliathe European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The designation of every SAC in Ireland involves a comprehensive procedure including notification, objections, appeals, and final formal designation by Statutory Instrument.
Lough Corrib was proposed to the European Commission as a Site of Community Importance in May 1998. Once the European Commission, in agreement with the Member States and based on scientific criteria, officially adopts the proposed list, the site's status is confirmed as a Site of Community Importance.
My Department issued notification of its intention to designate Lough Corrib as a candidate SAC on 13th August 1999. The site was formally designated by way of Statutory Instrument on 27th July 2022 and this designation was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 2nd August 2022.
A candidate SAC it is afforded the necessary legal protection under Irish law as a ‘European Site’ from the date initial notification, while the full designation process is being concluded in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.
352. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the relevant agencies and local angling stakeholders the National Parks and Wildlife Service engaged with to prevent the introduction of the invasive demon shrimp (dikerogammarus haemobaphes) into Lough Corrib SAC, considering that the species has now been found in Portumna, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68969/25]
View answerDemon Shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) was first detected on 30 September 2025 in the Shannon River below Lough Derg. Its pathway of arrival is unknown, but it is likely to have hitchhiked on watercraft or angling equipment.
A species alert, urging water users to employ strict biosecurity measures, through the Check Clean Dry protocol, was issued and widely circulated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to Government departments and agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. This alert is available to view on www.invasives.ie. I have also attached a copy of the alert for convenience.
Furthermore, Waterways Ireland has commissioned assessment surveys of Lough Derg and Lough Ree to check for presence of demon shrimp. The Marine Institute has been commissioned to carry out eDNA analysis to test water samples taken from various sites in and outside of the Shannon catchment for the presence of demon shrimp via their DNA.
All water users following the Check Clean Dry protocol provides the best opportunity to reduce the risk of this and other invasive species spreading to new sites. NPWS and the NBDC continue to raise awareness around Check Clean Dry through species alerts, via social media channels, and with angling representative groups.
The discovery of this species in Ireland highlights how critical it is that all water users practice Check Clean Dry to help prevent the spread of invasive species and help protect our waterways.
353. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service still follow the flawed policy of accepting a 15% permissible disturbance threshold for protected habitats in special areas of conservation and special protection areas, as referenced in multiple historical appropriate assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68970/25]
View answerArticle 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive requires an appropriate assessment for any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The supporting document prepared by NPWS for the site-specific objectives for marine European sites (SACs) explains how it is to be used. The 15% threshold referenced is only applied in appropriate assessments undertaken in the marine environment, and specifically in relation to the assessment of effects of continuous disturbance on soft sediment biological communities - marine community types within the Annex I habitats, that experience substantial natural variation due to natural events. These communities are mostly comprised of infaunal invertebrates and are both resilient to, and recover quickly from, disturbance. It is intended to be used in the assessment of licensed activities that do not permanently alter the Structure and Function of these habitats. It is not suggested to be applied to the assessment of effects of activities on the area of permanent habitat within a Natura Site. It is also not to be applied to keystone habitats such as Zostera or mäerl which are more susceptible to long term impact.
354. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria considered when the threshold for entry to the Croí Cónaithe scheme was set at 20-units; if a viability study was carried out to ensure that schemes below 20 units are more viable, than those above 20-units; if there is scope for this to be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68979/25]
View answerThe Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers. The Scheme aims to bridge the current “viability gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater). It is targeted principally at activating planning permissions already in place for such homes. The scheme is managed and administered by The Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. The Housing Agency is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of the Irish housing sector and has a team of dedicated housing professionals with the knowledge and expertise to administer the Scheme.
Following a recommendation from the Housing Agency, my Department approved a proposed change to the number of eligible units under the Scheme from 40 to 20, in order to a allow for in-fill developments for proposals of 20 units or greater located in the five cities, and increase proposals for the supply of Build to Sell apartments under the Scheme. In determining the new minimum threshold under the Scheme, account was taken of the Scheme's requirements that developments must be a minimum of four stories with a net density threshold of 35 dwellings per hectare or higher.
Furthermore, the change facilitates applications for smaller blocks in larger housing developments, which promotes the development of mixed-tenure communities in our cities. The minimum threshold was set at 20 units in order to meet one of the key objectives of the Scheme, which is to support the viability of compact growth in our cities, in line with the National Planning Framework. Delivering more compact growth requires action to ensure that we see developments at scale in our cities, particularly close to public transport nodes and existing infrastructure. There is therefore a strong public policy imperative to encourage the development of housing in our cities which is coupled with a strong demand for urban living, with people wanting to live close to work and urban amenities.
The Croí Cónaithe Cities scheme design must also be compatible with EU internal market requirements pursuant to Article 107 (3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and any proposed changes to the scheme must be considered in this context. DG Comp in the European Commission confirmed that the adjustment to the minimum threshold was congruent with Article 107 (3)(c) on 12 December 2024 and the amendment was subsequently included in the 4th call for Expressions of Interest under the Scheme, which closed on 15 August 2025.
My Department has no plans to make further changes to the threshold for the minimum number of eligible units under the Scheme.
355. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will instruct officials in his Department to use more personal and dignified language in correspondences with pensioners in receipt of the increase for 'qualified adult' as some recipients spouses may find being referred to as a “dependent” undignified and demeaning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68539/25]
View answerAn Increase for Qualified Adult (IQA) is a means-tested allowance, payable to a State pension contributory or non-contributory claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
My Department is committed to ensuring that the information it provides is accurate, easy to understand and helpful to those trying to access their entitlements.
The language used by my Department is intended to allow for greater clarity and impartiality. No inferences or offence are intended.
I welcome your feedback as we continually work to enhance and refine our communications.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
356. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of maternity benefit each year since 2020 [68645/25]
View answerMaternity Benefit is a payment for employed women who are on Maternity Leave, and self-employed women, who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. There are 20,178 people in receipt of Maternity Benefit as of November 2025. Recipients of Maternity Benefit in the years 2020–2024 are based on December recipient numbers. My Department also published quarterly data on recipients of social welfare payments including Maternity Benefit on gov.ie/dsp/statistics.
|
Year |
Maternity Benefit recipients |
|
November 2025 |
20,178 |
|
2024 |
19,379 |
|
2023 |
19,818 |
|
2022 |
19,330 |
|
2021 |
21,781 |
|
2020 |
19,661 |
357. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of companies and employees, by band of number of employees and subsidy level, availing of the wage subsidy scheme; the highest number of employees for which a single employer is receiving wage subsidy payments; the mean and median number of employees per employer in receipt of wage subsidy payments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68693/25]
View answer358. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide by sector and location (to local authority level), the highest, lowest, and mean total subsidy receipts; and the total number of employees for which subsidy payments are made, for employers in receipt of the wage subsidy scheme, in tabular form. [68694/25]
View answer359. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the name of the 20 employers who employ the highest number of employees, for which they are in receipt of wage subsidy payments, in tabular form. [68695/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 358 and 359 together.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a key disability employment support provided by my Department. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy.
As of November 2025, there are over 1,550 employers availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and 2,615 employees supported through the scheme.
In 2024, the highest paid employer received €1.4 million under the scheme and the lowest paid employer received €151.20. The mean amount received by all companies in 2024 was €14,698.20. A breakdown by sector or local authority area is not available.
There are several companies with the same number of employees covered by the scheme, so rather than top 20 companies, I can confirm that top 25 employers together employ 540 employees on the scheme. It would not be appropriate for me to provide details of specific payments to individual companies as that information could be commercially sensitive.
The highest number of employees a company is currently receiving the Wage Subsidy Scheme for is 75. The mean number of employees per employer is 1.68 and the median number is one.
The below table shows by band of number of employees and subsidy level, currently availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
|
No. of employees bands |
Current Subsidy Level (rate per hour) |
Number of Employers |
Number of Employees |
Employer % per Strand |
|
1-2 |
€6.30 |
1366 |
1565 |
89.99% |
|
3 - 6 |
€6.93 |
127 |
472 |
8.37% |
|
7 - 11 |
€7.56 |
14 |
123 |
0.92% |
|
12 - 16 |
€8.19 |
3 |
37 |
0.20% |
|
17 - 22 |
€8.82 |
2 |
39 |
0.13% |
|
23 + |
€9.45 |
6 |
341 |
0.40% |
|
Total |
|
1518 |
2577 |
|
|
Percentage: |
|
|
|
100.00% |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
360. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection to address concerns that the auto-enrolment process will undermine private company pensions by forcing private pension employees to pay 2% and the employer 1.5% which is more than the State auto enrolment contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68950/25]
View answerThe introduction of a pensions auto-enrolment system is a Programme for Government commitment, and one of my key priorities. The aim of introducing an Automatic Enrolment (AE) system is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland, and to help provide for better retirement incomes for workers. The new system will be called 'My Future Fund' and it will launch from the 1st January 2026.
My Department has evidence that some employers intend enrolling their employees into occupational pension schemes at rates lower than those provided for in the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Act (2024) in order to ensure that the employees concerned are not automatically enrolled into the My Future Fund scheme. In the normal course of events, if such employees were being offered the same pension terms and benefits of other members already in the employer scheme, this might be a welcome development. However, I understand that in some cases the employees concerned are being compelled to join the scheme, including in circumstances where membership is not explicitly required under their contract of employment. I also understand that payments into these pension scheme consist solely of an employer contribution of about 1% of salary. Such a low contribution level is less than 30% of the initial contributions payable under the My Future Fund scheme and less than 10% of those that will ultimately be payable under that scheme. Such contributions are essentially a nominal contribution that is unlikely to yield any material pension benefit.
In order to address these concerns, I intend to exercise my powers under Section 52 of the AE Act to prescribe standards in relation to the levels of contributions by employers and employees to current occupational pensions, which will exempt an employment from My Future Fund. These standards are being considered by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority in consultation with the Pensions Authority. These regulations will be finalised shortly, at which point the standards in relation to contribution rates will be made publicly available.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
361. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 27 November 2025, if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68958/25]
View answerMembers of the Oireachtas who resign or lose their seats receive a termination lump sum and monthly termination payments prior to receiving pension entitlements, subject to certain conditions. Provision of these payments is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
In terms of any additional the statutory entitlement to social welfare schemes for former members of the Oireachtas, after the period when their entitlement to the termination payments and lump sums from their employment as a member of the Oireachtas ceases, the PRSI class K public office holder charge was brought in Budget 2011 as a solidarity measure. It was never intended that such contributions under PRSI class K would give rise to a right to any benefits available under the Social Insurance Fund.
Class K contributors may establish entitlement to social insurance benefits based on income(s) other than what is applicable under this class. For example, employees pay class A PRSI on their employment income which entitles them to all of the social insurance benefits available.
Furthermore, where a person does not qualify for a contribution based payment, my Department provides non-contributory payments, based on a means test, such as disability allowance. Entitlement to this support is contingent on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. It is not dependent on the nature of the illness or disability. Similarly, a person who is unemployed can apply for the means tested jobseeker’s allowance.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to persons whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. In addition, my Department may make additional needs payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
I am satisfied with the current PRSI categorisation of public office holders whose income from that employment is liable to the class K charge.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
362. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on an exceptional needs payment (details supplied). [68962/25]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to assist people with essential expenditure, which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income, and personal or household resources. SWA payments are administered by Designated Persons (DPs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. All ANP applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the need presenting. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on the 05/11/2025 for assistance towards furnishing their new home. A request for further information issued to the person concerned on 05/11/2025 and 19/11/2025.
Having reviewed the information provided by the person concerned, additional information is required in order to complete the means test to make an appropriate decision on the claim. Once this information is provided, the DP will make a decision on the claim promptly.
A DP has made numerous attempts contact the person concerned by phone and text to discuss the information that remains outstanding. To date, no contact has been returned. The relevant DP has also advised that they are available for an in-person meeting at Parnell St Community Welfare Services, should this be a preferred option for the person concerned.
To assist with the matter, I have arranged for a communication to issue separately to the Deputy to outline all necessary information and next steps for the person concerned which will include contact details for the DP. The DP will continue to reach out to make direct contact with customer.
364. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the details of the recent updates to citizenship qualification criteria; and when the changes will come into effect. [68533/25]
View answerI have secured government approval to introduce new policies and legislative changes to strengthen Ireland’s migration and asylum system and ensure it is rules-based, efficient and aligned with many EU Member States. Department officials are actively working on plans to implement these changes as soon as possible.
As part of this, I propose to make a number of changes to the rules on citizenship.
The time a successful international protection applicant must wait to apply for citizenship will be extended from 3 to 5 years in line with most other citizenship applications and it is also my intention that such applicants should pay a fee for doing so which is also a general condition for all other applicants.
More generally, there is currently an application fee of €175 and a certification fee of €950 following a positive decision. The State has not increased the fees for naturalisation applications since 2011. These fees will be reviewed in the context of changes undertaken by other EU countries.
Furthermore, more clear guidance on what constitutes “good character”, as is required under Citizenship legislation, will be developed, therefore clarifying the application process for applicants, and the decision-making process for officials.
I also propose to introduce additional eligibility criteria so that people seeking citizenship should not be in long term receipt of certain social protection payments or owe a debt to the State for a defined period leading up to an application. Officials in my Department will work with the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Social Protection to develop this proposal.
It is also proposed that the Act will be amended to exclude residency accrual for naturalisation purposes for those who are residing in Ireland on temporary permissions including time spent in the State on the basis of: Temporary Protection under the Temporary Protection Directive (which has been activated in respect of the invasion of Ukraine); as an EU Treaty rights applicant; and a Stamp 0 permission applying to dependent elderly relatives, retirees and certain temporarily visiting academics.
365. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether it is intended to continue the practice of licensing public roads, footpaths and public spaces for use by outdoor commercial premises, particularly in circumstances where the licensed areas are remote or freestanding and are separated from the licensed premises by a public footpath or other public space; the legal basis in such cases for granting such licences; the policy intention regarding their long-term or permanent use; the arrangements proposed to address responsibility, liability and insurance for these non-contiguous areas that remain in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68548/25]
View answer366. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 has been extended; if not, if he plans to extend the Act, to provide for the licensing of alcohol consumption in outdoor seating areas located on public property that is abutting, adjoining, or remote and freestanding on public roads; if so, the specific legal provisions that now apply to such areas; in circumstances in which alcohol is conveyed from a licensed premises across an unlicensed public footpath or other public space to reach such an area; the legal basis that permits this movement; the way in which compliance with existing liquor legislation and the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 will be ensured, particularly where children may be present; the way in which these areas are mapped and recorded in the annual licensing court process; the way in which public participation will be facilitated on a yearly basis given that these authorisations are described as temporary; the way in which the granting of street furniture licences that allow private commercial use of public land is reconciled with existing licensing law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68549/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.
The provisions in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 were extended on 26 November 2025, for a further six months, until 31 May 2026.
Street furniture licences are issued by the relevant Local Authority under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. It is, therefore, a matter for the relevant Local Authority to determine the precise area of public land that will be subject to a Street Furniture Licence. Queries in respect of the specifics of Street Furniture Licences should be directed to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
A licensee who successfully applies and is granted a Street Furniture Licence pursuant to s.254 submits this authorisation to the District Court (for a licence renewal) or to the Circuit Court (for a first time applicant), along with a map which delineates the area authorised for use by the Street Furniture Licence in red. The area provided for in the Street Furniture Licence is then deemed to be part of the licensed premises and therefore subject to the provisions of the licensing Acts and the Public Order Acts, as well as for insurance purposes etc.
As part of the licenced premises, subject to the provisions of the Licensing Acts, a failure by a licensee to adhere to the law in respect of the presence of children on a licensed premises applies to the outdoor seating area. Failure to adhere to these provisions is a breach of the law, and a licensee could be subject to a number of sanctions including criminal sanction and/or the forfeiture of their licence.
Compliance in relation to the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is a matter for the Minister for Health.
In May of this year the Government approved the priority drafting of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025. This Bill will contain provisions to put outdoor seating on a permanent statutory footing and will remove the need for the continued renewal of these provisions by resolution every six months going forward.
368. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); and if he will instruct his Department to evaluate the matter and provide guidance for people facing similar issues in terms of visa applications. [68609/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy, there is no provision in national law for making international protection applications while a person is outside the State. Under Section 15(1) of the International Protection Act 2015, a person who wishes to make a claim for international protection in Ireland must be at the frontier of the State or already be present in the State.
It must be remembered that entry, to the State, of any non-EEA national is undertaken though the existing legal immigration pathways. It is possible to apply for a visa and for permission to remain in Ireland based on a variety of different reasons, including employment, education, or a family relationship. Any individual that wishes to relocate to Ireland must enter the State through an established legal pathway.
Details of these legal pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/.
I can also inform the Deputy that no nationality is restricted from applying for an Irish visa.
369. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has made a decision on the recommendation issued by the Law Society in January 2023 to amend or remove the requirement for family home declarations and to replace them with a statement of truth; the status of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68621/25]
View answerIn December 2023, an Expert Group was established under Housing for All to review conveyancing and probate processes in Ireland from a user perspective, and recommend changes, implementable quickly and easily, to reduce costs and delays for home-purchasers.
The Group produced a final report and recommendations in June 2024 which includes a recommendation to enable the introduction of electronic/digital signatures for ‘statements of truth’ as part of conveyancing transactions by amending the Statutory Declarations Act 1938, and a recommendation to remove the requirement for wet ink signatures for the registration of real estate by way of amendment to the Registration of Title Act 1964.
Following publication of the report, Government approved the establishment of an Implementation Group tasked with beginning the implementation of short-term recommendations, as well as developing a detailed programme to implement the full set of recommendations. Independently chaired, it comprises of key stakeholders drawn from relevant profession and industry representative bodies, along with government departments and agencies, including officials from my own department. The group produced a progress report in June 2025 which was published on gov.ie here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/housing-for-all-expert-group-on-conveyancing-and-probate-final-report-and-recommendations/.
As outlined in that report, the group agreed to prioritise the enabling of the use of Statements of Truth where possible in the conveyancing process and the work to progress this is now being taken forward by my department.
Implementing these recommendations will require legislation as well as the roll out of a digital infrastructure. My department is prioritising the development of the necessary legislative provisions so that the required legal framework is available when the digital infrastructure necessary to operationalise these solutions becomes available.
The facilitation of digital signatures will allow conveyancing transactions to proceed more quickly, and it is anticipated that this intervention will have the effect of removing a key stumbling block to eConveyancing.
