Written Answers Nos. 88-110
88. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with his Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70438/25]
View answer89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025 [70524/25]
View answerOver the last eleven months, my Department has achieved progress across a number of policy areas, framed by our commitments under the Programme for Government, and the Department’s Statement of Strategy.
Serving our citizens and strengthening our communities abroad is a priority for my Department. The Passport Service has issued over 900,000 passports so far in 2025 and has successfully met high demand, with turnaround times at, or ahead, of target for virtually all application types. The majority of online adult renewal applications consistently issue within two working days.
Throughout 2025, the Government continued its engagement with Irish citizens and communities overseas to further deepen their connection to Ireland. This work was supported by the Emigrant Support Programme which allocated just under €16.5m in grants to diaspora related projects. 2025 saw a substantial consultation process, led by Minister of State Richmond, with our diaspora around the world to ensure they could contribute to the Government’s new diaspora strategy which will be launched next year. An associated Global Irish Survey received over 10,000 responses.
Peace and reconciliation on our island remains a core priority. On 19 September 2025, the Tánaiste and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland published The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework, a comprehensive package designed to provide truth, accountability and, where possible, justice for victims and families who have lost loved ones. The Reconciliation Fund continues to play an essential role in demonstrating the Government’s commitment to peace and reconciliation across the island, supporting in excess of 180 projects this year. The Department has supported the work of the North South Ministerial Council and the Secretariat in Armagh, and successfully rolled out the fourth round of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, with an increased annual budget of €2 million.
Ireland has continued to build strong bilateral relationships with our neighbours in this period. This included the development of the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030 and the Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030 which were launched in July and November respectively. In addition, agreement was made on a new strategic partnership between Irish and UK cultural institutions as a priority initiative within the UK-Ireland 2030 work programme.
Deepening our EU relationships and our influence at EU level has also been a central focus. My Department has advanced Ireland’s policy positions on key EU files such as the next EU multi-annual financial framework; the future of the EU single market and competitiveness, in follow on from the Draghi and Letta reports; the simplification of EU legislation and regulation; the EU’s preparedness union strategy; and the EU democracy package. My Department has ensured Ireland’s input into key EU policy areas, such as the process of enlargement of the Union and engagement with candidate countries; the upholding of the rule of law across the Union; and the development of EU-UK relations. At the same time, my Department has significantly advanced preparations across Government for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.
My Department continued its active diplomatic engagement in promoting peace, security and the protection of human rights abroad. This included engaging in international efforts to bring an end to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We continued to demonstrate our strong solidarity for Ukraine, including through the delivery of a successful visit of President Zelenskyy in November. During that visit the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy agreed a 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland partnership and the Taoiseach announced an additional €100 million for the provision of non-lethal military support for Ukraine. This brings the total amount of non-lethal military support to Ukraine committed in 2025 to €200 million.
Responding to the conflict in the Middle East also continued to be a priority. The Government consistently advocated at EU and UN level for the two-State solution, and the equal right to self-determination, peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike, as well as full adherence to international law and international humanitarian law in the Middle East. This included engagement as part of the core group of states driving the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Ireland also played a significant role in the preparation and outcome of the UN High Level Conference which produced the New York Declaration setting out key actions and principles in support of the two-State Solution and endorsed by 142 Member States.
Throughout 2025, my Department continued to prioritise reinforcing the multilateral system and the international legal order, with the UN Charter at its heart. The promotion of human rights in a period where human rights norms are facing considerable pushback was a priority. Ireland’s campaign for election to a seat on the Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029 was launched in November. My Department also prioritised engagement in support of a stable and secure international environment, through conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; disarmament and non-proliferation, and promoting the resolution of disputes through multilateral diplomacy based on the principles of the UN Charter. To advance these priorities, we actively engaged in shaping the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and its Common Security and Defence Policy, through a wide range of multilateral institutions, including the UN, OSCE, OECD and the Council of Europe.
Our commitment to climate action, gender equality, and the reduction of poverty, hunger and humanitarian need as outlined in A Better World has remained constant. The Government allocated €810.3 million for the International Cooperation Vote in 2025, the largest ever allocation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to date. At the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, Ireland made an ambitious pledge to spend €250 million on nutrition interventions annually for the next four years. At the World Health Assembly, my Department led on a resolution to extend the targets of the Comprehensive Implementation Plan on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition to 2030. This year, Ireland pledged €22 million in funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and €72 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. My Department led preparations for the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin, the Second World Summit on Social Development, and negotiations for the declaration for the UN Financing for Development Conference in Seville in July. Ireland assumed the role of chair of the Nordic+ group of Development Agencies in May this year and have hosted two meetings of senior officials.
My Department also continues to support, coordinate, shape and scale-up the Department's climate diplomacy and climate financing, including through relevant international processes and remaining on target to reach €225m in climate finance by 2025. As part of our climate diplomacy efforts, we collaborated with colleagues in DCEE and other government departments at COP30 to secure a final consensus agreement. While the outcome did not reach the highest level of ambition, it provides clear and strong directional guidance for future progress.
Ireland participated in the G20 this year as a guest country of South Africa’s Presidency. The Ministerial-level participation, across 18 meetings as well as the Taoiseach's attendance at the Leaders' Summit, resulted in significant opportunities for wider bilateral engagements in South Africa. It also provided the opportunity to participate in the G20 Development Ministerial meetings and advance global action on social protection, illicit financial flows, women’s empowerment, food security and disaster risk resilience.
The Department worked to strengthen Ireland’s political, cultural and mutually beneficial economic relations with the United States, including by building links with the administration of President Trump. The Ireland-Japan 2025 programme brought new momentum in Ireland-Japan relations, with the Taoiseach and seven other Ministers visiting Japan, the opening of Ireland House in Tokyo, and Ireland’s successful participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Since January 2025, under Global Ireland commitments, we have opened three new missions. These are embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo. Planning is also well underway for the opening in 2026 of Consulates General in Málaga and Melbourne.
The Government Trade Forum was established this year in February and has met on nine occasions in 2025. In August, the Government launched the new Action Plan on Market Diversification, with over 100 actions across Government Departments and State Agencies, with the ultimate objective of supporting businesses to achieve their market diversification ambitions.
The Government recently published the new International Sports Diplomacy Framework in May and a new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy is under development. The Global Ireland 2025 strategy concludes this year, with a final review under development which will form the basis of Global Ireland 2040, a Programme for Government commitment, with work to begin on it in 2026.
The commitment to improve capacity and capability within my Department continues and is guided by a number of strategies, including the DFAT Human Resources Strategy 2023 – 2027, which drives implementation of a range of policies to support our staff, including a new Learning and Development Framework, a Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan, and a Blended Working Policy for HQ and Abroad.
My Department has continued to deliver on behalf of Irish citizens at home and abroad during this period. I would also refer to the Department’s annual reports, which provide a comprehensive overview of our work.
90. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a person (details supplied) who applied to the foreign birth register will have their application processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70641/25]
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.
Due to the complex nature of FBR applications, involving verification of documents across many jurisdictions and generations, the current processing time for fully complete applications is approximately 9 months. The processing time begins when the physical application form and supporting documents are received by the FBR office. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was generated online and the fee paid on 25/03/2023. The application form and supporting documents were received in the FBR office on 24/10/2025.
Therefore, this application is currently queuing to be examined by the FBR Entitlement team. An entitlement officer will be in contact with the applicant again should any further clarification be required.
91. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 4 December 2025, the areas of legal uncertainty she is referring to as to whether the inclusion of services is permissible under EU law. [70842/25]
View answerAs noted in my response to Parliamentary Question No.145 of 4 December 2025, the main purpose of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill will be to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by the Government in fulfilment of the commitment in the Programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting import of those goods.
As the legal framework in respect of trade in services differs from that in goods, there remains considerable legal uncertainty as to whether the inclusion of services in the Bill is permissible under EU law. For this reason the Tánaiste sought the advice of the Attorney General on the issue. The Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the advice of the Attorney General.
92. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with his Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70432/25]
View answerAs my Department has been reconfigured on several occasions since 2012, the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I am advised that in the period since the formation of the previous and current Government, (2020 to date), the information sought in relation to my Department as currently configured is set out in the attached table.
93. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware that the SEAI solar PV for medically vulnerable households scheme, administered by Electric Ireland, is effectively unavailable to the majority of medically vulnerable customers despite being publicly promoted; the rationale for operating a scheme on a random-selection basis rather than on clinical or vulnerability need; the number of medically vulnerable households registered on the priority services register; the number contacted to date; the number who have actually received solar PV installation under this scheme; and if he will urgently review this process to ensure that medically vulnerable individuals who rely on life-support equipment can access the supports that were announced for them. [70448/25]
View answerThe Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies for example dialysis machines or respirators. As such, these households may have a higher energy demand than the average user and this scheme is designed to go some way towards helping to reduce those energy costs.
The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with Energy Suppliers, with each Energy Supplier contacting their own eligible customers directly in line with the work plans for their Solar PV Installers. Eligible households can avail of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system including survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. It is important to note that suppliers, who manage the administrative aspects of the scheme under SEAI, issue offers to eligible homeowners in batches.
Energy Suppliers maintain their own records of eligible households and share this information with ESBN. Recently, Electric Ireland, the largest supplier, updated SEAI that their current records show just over 8,000 eligible households.
Each participating supplier received an allocated amount of funding under their Memorandum of Understanding and contact eligible households in batches, based on operational capacity. Electric Ireland, given its large customer base, prioritised households that had engaged with the Electric Ireland Hardship Fund.
Once the initial allocation is used, additional funding will be provided to ensure all those eligible are offered access to the scheme within the budget allocation.
Suppliers have contacted 1,853 households and reported to SEAI that they have completed 646 installations. SEAI is in the process of verifying these installations and suppliers have been paid for 376 of these installations.
94. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total number of staff employed by the EPA; the percentage of its staff working directly on processing licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70461/25]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and is entirely independent of the Minister in the exercise of its functions.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has provided sanction to the EPA to recruit up to 550 staff.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the Agency and as such the Deputy may wish to contact the Agency directly.
The EPA can be contacted directly using oireachtasqueries@epa.ie for Oireachtas members.
95. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025 [70518/25]
View answerMy Department has continued to advance its key objectives since 22 January 2025 to deliver on its mandate of achieving our climate targets and realising Ireland’s vision of a climate neutral society.
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future makes a series of ambitious commitments to secure a better, healthier, and more resilient future for Ireland, while ensuring energy security, affordability, competitiveness and sustainability.
Most notable among these is the continued commitment of this Government to deliver actions to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030 and net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Since the last update I provided to the Deputy on this matter on 15 July 2025, substantive progress has continued to be made across all aspects of my Department’s remit. Achievements of particular note in the context of the Programme for Government are attached. These were provided in response to PQ No. 67817/25 on 2 December 2025.
I hope that the Deputy will appreciate that the attached reflect a high level synopsis of the achievements of my Department but does not reflect the full breath of work done across all aspects of my Department this year.
96. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 45 andn46 of 2 December 2025,, if there has been a change in the Government commitment in the Programme for Government to "provide investment in sorting technology in Ireland's materials recovery facility (MRF) network to improve recycling processes and rates" (pg. 55); if he intends to provide any investment in this area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70553/25]
View answer97. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the planned investment and Programme for Government commitment to "provide investment in sorting technology in Ireland's materials recovery facility (MRF) network to improve recycling processes and rates" (pg. 55); the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70554/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
A Public Consultation on the second Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy closed in early November and officials are now reviewing the submissions with a view to publishing the Strategy early next year.
The Strategy makes a range of commitments to leverage the Circular Economy Fund to support circular economy infrastructure including:
• supporting the Local Authority Sector to develop an integrated, consolidated, coordinated public circular economy infrastructure network that responds sustainably to consumer needs, and supports the eco-system of reuse and repair organisations and businesses, in order to deliver the objectives and aims of a circular economy;
• developing Circular Economy Demonstration and Outreach Hubs across Ireland;
• increasing the annual allocation the Department makes to the Circular Economy Innovation Grants Scheme from €650,000 to €1.5 million;
• undertaking a feasibility Study for Industrial Symbiosis on the Island of Ireland with a view to establishing an All-Island digital platform for enabling industrial symbiosis across key sector; and
• addressing financial and administrative barriers for reuse and repair including through the introduction of a repair voucher scheme.
Further investment measures will be considered in the update to the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) in 2026 to ensure that it aligns with and drives the implementation of the new Circular Economy Strategy. The updated WAPCE will also reflect the commitments given in the Programme for Government and will inform and give direction to waste planning and management in Ireland, the delivery of appropriate infrastructure, and how we can enhance our capacity to transform waste into secondary materials and create a culture of circular behaviour.
98. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update regarding the 2021 Government policy statement on the importation of fracked gas (details supplied); if he agrees that the previously identified requirements to ensure security of fossil gas supply have been addressed via the development of a strategic national gas reserve facility; if his attention has been drawn to multiple studies that have shown that compliance with the legally binding carbon budget programme and with the Programme for Government commitment to "to achieve a 51% reduction in GHG emissions from 2018 to 2030 and net-zero emissions no later than 2050"; if he will state clearly that development of any commercial LNG import facility in the State would be contrary to the achievement of the Government's climate policy objectives and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70646/25]
View answerAs outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
The Programme for Government set out the commitment to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland’s energy security. It is through delivering on this commitment that we will deliver a secure and sustainable energy future.
The commitment to a secure energy future builds upon the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report, approved by Government in November 2023. The report includes 28 actions and is defined by three policy objectives: sustainability, affordability, and security.
Action 17 of the Plan is the development of a State-led strategic gas reserve. On 4 March this year, Government approved the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, for use in the event of an interruption to gas supplies.
The 2021 'Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas' notes that the statement will remain in place pending the completion of the review of Ireland’s energy security. The approval of this Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve marks that completion. The Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas no longer remains in place.
Any application for fossil fuel infrastructure in Ireland will be subject to the planning, consenting and regulatory approvals by relevant bodies and the provision of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 will apply.
99. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if an external investigation into Inland Fisheries Ireland took place over the period 2021 to 2025; if so, when it concluded; the findings of the report; the actions that have taken place as a result of an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70841/25]
View answerThere have been a number of external reviews and investigations completed in respect of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) since 2021.
In May 2022, the former Minister appointed Conleth Bradley, Senior Counsel to conduct an independent review of Inland Fisheries Ireland under section 18(3) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. This review concluded in July 2022, and a copy of the Report was presented to the Minister on 12 July 2022. This report is published on the Department's gov.ie website. (Independent review of the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland).
In February 2023, the former Minister directed the Section 18 Appointees, who were appointed by the Minister to carry out the functions of IFI pending the establishment of a new Board, to conduct a full governance review of IFI. This review, carried out externally by EY, concluded in December 2023 and a copy of the Report was presented to the Minister on 19 December 2023. This report is also published on the Department's gov.ie website. (Inland Fisheries Ireland Governance Review)
Findings and recommendations are set out in both the Senior Counsel and EY reports. All recommendations have been implemented, with the exception of the final EY recommendation relating to the development of a Strategy Statement for IFI. This will be completed with the publication of IFI’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2030 before the end of this year.
The Department processes any protected disclosures received as per its published Protected Disclosures Policy, which is line with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended). Details are published annually by the Department on gov.ie as per the requirements of the Act. The most recent report was published in March 2025 and includes a breakdown of disclosures received relating to specific aegis bodies, including IFI. The next annual report is due to be published in March 2026. Between 2021 and 2025 (to date), the Department has initiated 7 investigations by independent external investigators into protected disclosures relating to IFI, of which 6 investigations are completed and 1 is in progress. Due to the strict confidentiality obligations under the Act, the Department does not discuss or release details of individual protected disclosures.
In October 2025, I wrote to the Chair of IFI and directed IFI to lead an independent investigation into the fish kill incident on the River Blackwater in August. This investigation is being completed externally by the EU’s Joint Research Committee and is expected to be completed in early 2026.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to carry out an independent review of IFI. While no specific timeframe is attached to this commitment, I have written to the Chair of IFI notifying him of my intention to commence this review once a new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and has been embedded in the Agency. This review will be carried out externally.
100. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with her Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70434/25]
View answer|
Year |
Company |
Amount |
|
2012 |
Bianconi Research Ltd t/a RITS |
€37,872.00 |
|
2012 |
Crowleys DFK |
€12,566.00 |
|
2013 |
Bianconi Research Ltd t/a RITS |
€30,645.00 |
|
2013 |
Dr. Eileen Doyle |
€22,500.00 |
|
2014 |
Bianconi Research Ltd t/a RITS |
€44,852.00 |
|
2014 |
Irish Aviation Authority |
€1,090.00 |
|
2015 |
Bianconi Research Ltd t/a RITS |
€41,401.00 |
|
2015 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€1,300.00 |
|
2016 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€19,130.60 |
|
2016 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€26,400.00 |
|
2017 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€111,351.90 |
|
2017 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€11,880.00 |
|
2018 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€74,781.53 |
|
2018-2021 |
Circa Group |
€89,578.36 |
|
2018 |
National Youth Council of Ireland |
€1,450.00 |
|
2018 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€18,720.00 |
|
2019 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€74,601.00 |
|
2019 |
Mark Dodd Driver & Safety Training |
€900.00 |
|
2019 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€25,200.00 |
|
2019 |
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
€15,861.63 |
|
2020 |
Vedette Consultants |
€24,400.00 |
|
2020 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€44,135.48 |
|
2020 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€5,040.00 |
|
2020 |
John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd |
€69,246.39 |
|
2020 |
Padraig Love |
€17,700.00 |
|
2021 |
Quadra Consultancy |
€26,783.09 |
|
2021 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€78,540.60 |
|
2021 |
KPMG |
€69,187.50 |
|
2021 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€14,400.00 |
|
2021 |
Survey Instruments Services Ltd |
€3,198.00 |
|
2021 |
Padraig Love |
€25,200.00 |
|
2021 |
John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd |
€34,529.97 |
|
2021 |
John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd |
€25,368.75 |
|
25/03/2022 - 17/06/2022 |
PwC |
€79,950.00 |
|
2022 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€12,240.00 |
|
2022 |
Workwear Solutions International Ltd |
€22,054.00 |
|
2022 |
ARUP |
€296,350.00 |
|
2022 |
Greenville Procurement Providers |
€2,029.50 |
|
2022 |
Malone O’Regan |
€66,420.00 |
|
2022 |
Quadra Consultancy |
€4,797.00 |
|
2022 |
Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS |
€8,575.56 |
|
2022 |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
€94,825.62 |
|
2022 |
Magnum Opus (Specialist IT Consultant) |
€28,007.10 |
|
2022 |
Carr Communications (Communications Training) |
€5,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Reidy Brophy (Conference Facilitators) |
€3,200.00 |
|
2022 |
Furthr |
€67,600.00 |
|
2022 |
Byrne Wallace |
€28,518.30 |
|
2022 |
Castlebridge |
€9,870.75 |
|
2022 |
TIO Consultancy |
€24,600.00 |
|
2022 |
Voltedge |
€17,712.00 |
|
2022 |
John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd |
€15,221.20 |
|
2023 |
Tobin |
€151,013.04 |
|
2023 |
Marman & Associates Ltd |
€5,040.00 |
|
2023 |
Sea Training International Ltd |
€6,131.00 |
|
2023 |
Workwear Solutions International Ltd |
€98,854.00 |
|
2023 |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
€92,235.86 |
|
2023 |
Magnum Opus (Specialist IT Consultant) |
€106,210.50 |
|
2023 |
Carr Communications (Communications Training) |
€13,750.00 |
|
2023 |
Sinead Gaynor Training (Information Management Training) |
€11,450.00 |
|
2023 |
Reidy Brophy (Crisis Management Training) |
€4,705.81 |
|
2023 |
Furthr |
€76,200.24 |
|
2023 |
Byrne Wallace |
€8,226.00 |
|
2023 |
Castlebridge |
€6,150.00 |
|
2023 |
TIO Consultancy |
€19,999.80 |
|
2023 |
Voltedge |
€14,760.00 |
|
2023 |
Ernst & Young |
€175,988.40 |
|
2023-2024 |
Carbon Care Ltd |
€5,830.20 |
|
2023 - 2024 |
Quadra Consultancy |
€16,974.00 |
|
2023 - 2024 |
Quadra Consultancy |
€9,291.42 |
|
2024 |
Q4PR |
€1,599.00 |
|
2024 |
Molling Ryan |
€1,200.00 |
|
2024 |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
€102,121.00 |
|
2024 |
Sea Training International Ltd |
€29,769.00 |
|
2024 |
Workwear Solutions International Ltd |
€30,396.00 |
|
2024 |
Senior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish defence Forces. |
€30,750.00 |
|
2024 |
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited |
€197,900.00 |
|
2024 |
EGIS |
€261,675.00 |
|
2024 |
FINN Partners |
€20,664.00 |
|
2024 |
Derilinx |
€34,243.20 |
|
2024 |
Magnum Opus (Specialist IT Consultant) |
€89,568.60 |
|
2024 |
Sinead Gaynor Training (Information Management Training) |
€7,200.00 |
|
2024 |
Reidy Brophy (Crisis Management Training) |
€3,000.00 |
|
2024 |
Byrne Wallace |
€78,922.73 |
|
2024 |
Morgane Conaty BL |
€24,600.00 |
|
2024 |
Peter Ward SC |
€82,502.25 |
|
2024 |
The Institute of Work - a CPL Company |
€25,276.50 |
|
2024 |
Furthr |
€4,139.15 |
|
2024 - 2025 |
KPMG |
€2,350.53 |
|
2025 |
Raise a Concern |
|
|
2025 |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
€5,843.00 |
|
2025 |
Sea Training International Ltd |
€40,983.00 |
|
2025 |
Workwear Solutions International Ltd |
€15,127.00 |
|
2025 |
Mariteq Solutions Ltd |
€590.00 |
|
2025 |
Hogarth |
€76,223.95 |
|
2025 |
Scott Tallon Walker |
€0.00 |
|
2025 |
Quadra Consultancy |
€3,560.85 |
|
2025 |
Derilinx |
€34,243.20 |
|
2025 |
Magnum Opus (Specialist IT Consultant) |
52965.95 (to date) |
|
2025 |
Fuzion (Information Management Training) |
€7,500.00 |
|
2025 |
Reidy Brophy (Crisis Management Training) |
€4,000.00 |
|
2025 |
Byrne Wallace |
€35,164.88 |
|
2025 |
The Institute of Work - a CPL Company |
€15,375.00 |
|
2025 |
Morgane Conaty BL |
€23,247.00 |
|
2025 |
Accenture |
€30,000.00 |
|
2025 to date |
Senior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish Defence Forces. |
€127,730.18 |
|
2025 to date |
Junior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish defence Forces. |
€2,526.42 |
|
2025 |
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited |
€1,057,012.80 |
101. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70520/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government published in 2025 contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. Across Europe, all countries are experiencing an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment. There is a need for us to be seen to take our own security responsibilities seriously. We have seen significant increases in our own defence spending in the past few years in response to that, which has allowed us to procure much needed capabilities. We have set out a future pathway to continue these expenditure increases.
NDP
I recently published the NDP capital Plan for the Defence Sector. The revised NDP Capital allocation provided capital funding of €1.7 billion for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030, an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million.
The revised allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms and will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments towards Level Of Ambition 2 (LOA 2) (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms – expenditure which enhances and supports military capabilities and therefore contributes to a more secure and resilient society. Capital investment in defence has never been more important to support national resilience and contribute to international peace and security.
Commission on Defence Forces
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government 2020, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission report was published in November 2023. Much progress has been achieved since the publication of this report which includes:
- changes to the existing Naval Service allowances into one enhanced allowance.
- extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks.
- increase of the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62 and increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles.
- increase of the maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists to 50.
An updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is currently being finalised and it is my intention to publish it in early 2026.
IRG Report
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023 (the ‘IRG Report’), the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces was developed with the purpose to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. The publication of a new Strategic Framework (2025 – 2026) is due in early 2026.
The IRG report recommended that members of the Defence Forces have ‘access to an independent, external complaints service delivered by a professional service provider for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place’. A new Interim Grievance Manager Process, which launched in April 2025, provides serving members of the Defence Forces (both permanent and reserve) with an external and independent process through which complaints of an interpersonal nature such as complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and victimisation can be examined. Mr Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, has been appointed as the Interim Grievance Manager (IGM) of the Defence Forces. The intention is that the new IGM process will be in place for an initial 12 months’ trial period. A review of the process at that stage will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
Since the establishment of the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘the Tribunal’) in 2024, a substantial amount of work has been undertaken in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to identify and locate material relevant to the work of the Tribunal. The number of records to be discovered is extensive going back 40 years. I am committed to fully assisting the Tribunal in completing this important work.
Capability Development
Work by the permanent civil-military Capability Development Unit to build a 12-year Capability Development programme 2028-2040 which will identify, short, medium and longer term capability needs is well advanced. As part of an active project for the enhancement of Subsea Domain Awareness Capabilities the requirement for Towed Sonar capability was determined and a contract was awarded to Thales, France for a towed Sonar capability. This capability will be used by the Naval Service for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain.
The updated Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP), which sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027 estimates infrastructure requirements to be in the region of some €370m for the coming years. The capital allocation for 2025 stands at €50m for capital investment with a further €12.5m allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs. In order to further accelerate the development of Defence Forces infrastructure, a series of masterplans will be developed to identify immediate and long-term infrastructural requirements. The first such masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel was completed in February 2025 and the masterplan process for the Naval Base, Haulbowline is near completion.
Progression of the Military Radar Programme is continuing, with the Department now commencing detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme
Aircraft Capabilities
• Strategic airlift capability has been prioritised as a capability for investment following Government approval of the Commission on the Defence Forces Report as part of the move to LOA 2 capability. In September 2025, a new Airbus C-295 Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces was delivered to the Air Corps. This aircraft provides a utility transport function.
• A new multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X, was delivered to the Air Corps earlier this week.
• The Department of Defence recently signed contracts for delivery of four new Airbus H145M helicopters. These helicopters will assist with pilot training, deployment of Special Forces, ISTAR, medical evacuation, and light attack roles, to complement the existing fleet.
Land Capabilities
• With the focus on essential force protection by armoured vehicles, a significant investment has been made in recent years in the Army’s fleet of 80 MOWAG armoured personnel carriers. A mid-life upgrade maintenance and upgrade programme for the fleet of vehicles is nearing completion at a cost of €77m plus VAT which will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower and which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet beyond 2030. Over ninety percent of the fleet have now been upgraded. The programme is due to complete in 2026.
• A tender competition concluded in 2023 with a contract put in place with a French company Thales for the supply of Software Defined Radio systems to the Defence Forces. The scope of the project consists of two main requirements: Personal Soldier Radios and Multi-Band Handheld, Manpack, Vehicular and Airborne radios. Delivery of equipment in accordance with this contract commenced in early 2024 and will continue over a 5-year period.
Naval Service Capabilities
A number of equipment projects were progressed for the Naval Service during 2025, including the Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme with the ongoing replacement of the four Naval Service Reserve launches and the upgrading of secondary armament across the fleet, along with the conclusion of the Mid-Life Extension Programme for the P50 class of vessel and work on the second Inshore Patrol Vessel.
Integrated Modular Body Armour System
Investment in force protection equipment was progressed under the Department’s Equipment Development Plan. A tender competition to procure new general service body armour, known as Integrated Modular Body Armour System (IMBAS), was completed in 2025 and deliveries are expected to commence in 2026.
Joint Procurement
SAFE (Security Action for Europe)
On 27 June, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Mr Simon Harris T.D. agreed that the Department should leverage a new European Union instrument, the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation, to accelerate the delivery of Ireland’s defence capability. SAFE is intended to help EU Member States jointly procure equipment and provides an efficient mechanism to acquire equipment identified as a need for the Defence Forces.
The Minister agreed that the Department should leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the Regulation to the greatest extent.
In line with this approach, the Department of Defence opened up the contract for the supply of Integrated Modular Body Armour Systems (IMBAS) to other EU Member States under SAFE. This illustrates Ireland’s support for SAFE and visibly demonstrates how the instrument can be used to the mutual benefit of Member States who choose to use it.
EDA
Ireland sees joint procurement with other EU Member States as an effective strategy to acquire equipment, leveraging economies of scale and the knowledge and experience of many Member States.
In line with this strategy, Ireland is a participant in a number of European Defence Agency (EDA) joint procurement projects, including for various types of ammunition and Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) protection suits. Framework contracts for ammunition and suits were placed by EDA in 2025, allowing Ireland to place orders for phased deliveries over the next six years.
People Strategy 2025-2027
The Department launched a new People Strategy 2025-2027 in June this year, reaffirming a commitment to placing our people at the forefront of the organisation. The People Strategy serves as a guiding framework, providing a roadmap to maintain organisational excellence and upholds the Department’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and public service. An Action Plan sets out the actions, timing, leads and requirements to give effect to the objectives set out in the strategy and a new Strategy Advisory Group, consisting of representatives from key stakeholder groups, was also established to assist in monitoring and guiding implementation of the strategy.
Working Time Directive
Following the removal of the exemption for Members of the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (OWTA) in January of this year, the provisions in the OWTA including daily and weekly rest and maximum weekly working time over a 17-week period now apply to Defence Forces members apart from when they are engaged on exempted activities. Military Authorities have developed a composite framework document to underpin the implementation of the Directive at all levels of the Organisation. Work is progressing on the final strand in the implementation of the Working Time Directive towards the completion of a Terms and Conditions of Service contract for members of the Defence Forces.
Ward Report
Following his appointment in 2024 by the former Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, Mr. Micheál Martin, TD, Mr. Peter Ward Senior Counsel, undertook a high-level analysis of the application of military law and processes in these circumstances where personnel have been convicted or charged in the civil courts. The former Chief of Staff had also requested powers of suspension, as there is currently no such provision in the Defence Legislation. Mr. Ward's Report, which contains 35 recommendations, was submitted on 7 October 2024 and prior to the publishing of the Report in December 2024, advices were obtained from the Office of the Attorney General on the Report. The 35 recommendations in the Report have been accepted in their entirety, and it is the advice of the Office of the Attorney General that a number of the recommendations, including those relating to suspension of Defence Force members, require extensive legal underpinning. Government approval was obtained in March 2025 for the drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025. Part 4 of this Bill will provide the legal basis for the suspension of members of the Defence Forces in certain circumstances by a ‘suspension authority’ and will also provide the appropriate vires to the Minister for Defence to make Regulations pertaining to suspensions and other matters arising from the Ward Report. An associated amendment to section 50 of the Defence Act 1954 will provide that the reasons that may give rise to the dismissal of an officer of the Defence Forces. Providing the necessary legal underpinning on these matters, is a key priority and I am pleased to note the drafting process is well underway while four of the recommendations in the Ward report are already implemented.
Pay (SCS and PIP Allowance)
On the 24th of June, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation recommended that the existing Air Corps Pilot Service Commitment Scheme arrangements be extended for a period of three years. The Scheme is an incentive for newly qualified pilots to remain in service after they have completed their 12-year Wings Course commitment and for recommissioned pilots who have completed their short service commission.
The Pilot Service Commitment Scheme (SCS) has been extended to include members of the Air Corps engaged in the provision of Air Traffic Control services. This development will assist with retention of key personnel and stabilisation of the Air Traffic Service provided at Casement Aerodrome which requires a broad range of specialised personnel. The Air Traffic Service SCS operates in the same way as the Pilot SCS and is a high value incentivising initiative for these specialised staff to remain in service.
The Professional Instructors Payment (PIP) has been introduced to recognise the unique and critical role of instructors in delivering consistent, effective training. The Defence Forces relies heavily on the expertise and experience of instructors to deliver high-quality training programmes to new recruits. These programmes act as a key driver to transform culture and modernise the Defence Forces to ensure that the state has a professional Defence Forces capable of undertaking roles assigned by Government. This new payment reflects the enhanced professional level of officer instructor training now being undertaken.
Legislation
The General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Government in March of this year. The purpose of this Bill is to:
- revise and consolidate the current legislation, including the provisions concerning the operation of the so-called 'Triple Lock' mechanism, relating to the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State; and,
- give effect to recommendations pertaining to suspension and associated provisions contained within the report prepared by Mr Peter Ward, Senior Counsel, concerning the management of members of the Defence Forces charged, with or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
The pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) of the Bill was completed at the end of July with the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report. The drafting of the Bill is continuing in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Civil Defence
As part of the Department’s review of activities under the “Towards 2030” policy document for Civil Defence, the policy and standard operating guidelines for Boat Operations, Welfare (including Catering and Rest Centres) and Pump operations (Flood response) have been updated this year. The Department is also progressing a review of training delivery and the volunteer recruitment and retention strategy.
International
With regard to international initiatives, my Department’s focus in 2025 has been on Ireland’s engagement with the EU’s White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030 which was published on the 19th of March 2025 and on the Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, published on the 16th October 2025, which sets out objectives and milestones to achieve defence readiness by 2030, as outlined in the White Paper. The White Paper seeks to mitigate some of the threats and challenges Europe collectively faces, by focusing on projects to achieve enhanced surveillance and situational awareness. The White Paper was accompanied by the Re-ARM plan, a series of financial measures aimed at boosting defence finance including the SAFE instrument (Security and Action for Europe), and a Communication on accommodating increased defence expenditure within the Stability and Growth Pact.
Since the publication, my Department is engaged on analysing the various proposals in respect of strengthening the European defence industrial base and reducing dependencies outside of the Union, on capability development – to procure together more regularly and to procure from the European defence industry and to encourage greater cooperation between the EU and Ukraine defence industries to allow Ukraine to participate in joint procurement and support Ukrainian defence industry in its industrial ramp-up.
Through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) to date, the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, drill instruction training, basic training, and junior leadership training to over 1000 Ukrainian personnel across separate modules. Since its launch in 2022, EUMAM Ukraine has trained almost 85,000 Ukrainian soldiers and conducts training only on EU soil.
Ireland participates with a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force in the 2025 German-led EU Battlegroup (EUBG), the two year commitment ends on 31 December 2025. In early 2025, the EU conducted a Military Live Exercise in Hungary in which the Defence Forces participated as part of the German-led EU Battlegroup. This was the third EU military live exercise, following on from previous exercises in Spain and Germany and the second in support of preparations for EUBG 25.
Government Task Force on Emergency Planning
As Minister for Defence, I also chair the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning supported by the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department. Particular policy achievements in this area include:
• Five meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning took place in 2025.
• The Government Task Force subgroups on Risk, Resilience, Emergency Communications, International Engagement, and Public Information Campaigns met throughout 2025.
• The National Emergency Coordination Centre remained available for service throughout 2025 with no interruption.
• Established a Government Task Force on Emergency Planning Subgroup to develop stage II of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS).
• Provided crisis media training for senior officials of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.
• Working with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) delivered a cross-government seminar on the laws of sea, protection of undersea infrastructure and hybrid threats.
• Supported the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in coordinating the national response to Storm Éowyn.
• Conducted Ireland’s first ever national-level Hybrid threats exercise.
• Implemented a new national-alerting platform for convening the National Emergency Coordination Group.
Strategic Emergency Management (SEM): National Structures and Framework
• On 2 June 2025, the World Bank formally commenced the DG-ECHO funded project to review and strengthen the national strategic emergency management policy framework for emergency management in Ireland.
NATO ITPP Resilience Goal
• In March, the Office of Emergency presented Ireland’s approach on civil-preparedness arrangements to the NATO Resilience Committee, as part of the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme.
NATO EADRCC (Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre)
• The Office of Emergency Planning participated in the Distinguished Visitors Programme at the 20th NATO Emergency Management Exercise BULGARIA 2025.
• This complex exercise focused on enhancing resilience, improving disaster preparedness, and fostering civil-military cooperation in emergency response.
Ireland and UK MoU
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by senior officials in the Department of Defence and the UK Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms Directorate to take effect on 6 November 2025.
• The MoU establishes bilateral cooperation between Ireland and the UK in respect of risk management and emergency preparedness.
All-Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference
• Funding has been secured and preparations begun for the 4th All-Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference due to take place in Q2 2026.
Critical Entities Resilience
• The Office of Emergency Planning has delivered the final draft of the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities. The strategy is expected to be published on time in January 2026.
• The Office of Emergency Planning has delivered the final draft of the National Risk Assessment Addendum.
• The Office of Emergency Planning established the Energy Sector Working Group in May 2025. The Group has met 4 times in 2025.
• The Office of Emergency Planning has developed a training programme on Critical Entities Resilience for stakeholders to be delivered across 2026.
Ireland and Ukraine MoU
• The Department of Defence/Office of Emergency Planning commenced dialogue with counterparts in The Administration of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine to establish and define areas of cooperation between the two countries in the field of critical infrastructure protection.
Maritime Security
My Department is working to deliver Ireland’s first-ever National Maritime Security Strategy, which will aim, amongst other things, to enhance our maritime domain awareness and to protect our critical maritime infrastructure, in particular our critical undersea infrastructure. In June, a Public Consultation was launched to gather views on this work and to build consensus on the diverse threats, risks, challenges and opportunities being faced by the country. Another initiative taken to support this focus on maritime security is the approval for the Defence Forces to participate in the EU’s Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). This EU initiative enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats.
Office of Veterans Affairs
The Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on the 10th of November 2025. The Office, which was a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government, will play a key role in coordinating matters relating to Defence Forces’ veterans.
Strategy Statement 2025 – 2028
In September, the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2025 – 2028 was published. It sets out the strategic direction and high level work programme of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, to be delivered over the next three years. It outlines our Vision and Mission and is supported by a set of strategic goals and actions designed to deliver on our responsibilities.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to the ongoing delivery of key commitments.
102. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the efforts underway within the local government sector to promote shared mobility transport options for local-authority employees, including steps to reduce reliance on private vehicles for commuting and work-related travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70512/25]
View answer103. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or local authorities would consider working with or partnering with commercial shared-mobility operators to expand shared transport options for local-government employees, and to help build the level of shared-mobility capacity required to support Ireland's transport decarbonisation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70513/25]
View answer110. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the efforts underway within Government to promote shared mobility transport options for those working across the public sector, including measures to reduce reliance on private vehicles for commuting and work-related travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70508/25]
View answer111. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider working with or partnering with commercial shared-mobility operators as a means of expanding shared transport options for public-sector employees, including for work trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70509/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 103, 110 and 111 together.
This Government is fully committed to promoting shared mobility as part of wider objectives to expand the availability of affordable alternatives to private car travel. To that end, a series of initiatives are underway, which will facilitate greater usage of shared mobility options, including for commuting purposes and work-related travel.
In partnership with commercial shared-mobility operators, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is procuring services to advance expanded shared micromobility schemes in the regional cities next year, replacing the existing Transport for Ireland (TfI) bike schemes as contracts expire in August 2026. Several local authorities have also partnered with commercial operators to provide shared mobility services in towns such as Wexford, Sligo, Portlaoise and Mullingar.
A Mobility Hubs Pilot Programme, which is also in development, envisages the delivery of hub networks across Cork City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and the towns of Carlow, Dundalk and Sligo. These networks will provide access to shared micromobility options and, within larger hubs, shared Electric Vehicles. Subject to business case approval, it is anticipated that procurement for the delivery of these networks will commence in 2026.
In addition to the above, having regard to commitments in the Public Sector Mandate, many public sector bodies are leading on initiatives to encourage sustainable and shared mobility journeys among their employees, and are assisted in this process through Government funding for the Smarter Travel for Workplaces initiative. This is a behaviour change programme that works with large employers to implement voluntary Workplace Travel Plans. A large number of public bodies, including local authorities, have had their efforts recognised through the achievement of the NTA's Smarter Travel Mark.
Each of these initiatives serves to enable and promote greater usage of shared mobility options, including for commuting and work-related travel. However, it is for individual workplaces, including public bodies, to determine the sustainable mobility options that best fit the needs of their employees, including the potential offered by employer-led shared mobility options.
104. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport his views on the status and future of the proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge over the river Corrib in Galway given the NTA's recent indication to Galway City Council that it no longer supports the project, despite €5.5 million in URDF funding having been allocated five years ago; if his Department will support the project and recommend alternative sources of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70385/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
A key focus of the wider Active Travel Programme going forward will be the development of networks to encourage use of walking and cycling as habitual transport modes. It is the view of the NTA and the Department of Transport that funding should be focused on delivering these networks and priority should be given to such projects.
The Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge was initially funded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) and the NTA had agreed to support its development as a co-funder. URDF allocated €5.5m to the project with a requirement for a completion before the end of 2030. This URDF allocation does not allow for cost increases due to inflationary pressures. The estimated cost of the preferred bridge option is €14.418 million (ex. VAT) in 2023 prices, resulting in an NTA funding requirement of approximately €10 million.
The NTA is of the opinion that, whilst having merit as a standalone project, the Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge does not represent a priority project for achieving the outcomes of the Active Travel Programme.
Dedicating investment to the construction of this Bridge in lieu of other priority projects could put at risk the delivery of the core network across the wider city over the coming years as it would take up a disproportionate amount of the available funding and have prioritised the allocation of funding to other active travel projects in Galway which they believe will deliver greater impact in terms of modal shift.
It should be noted that the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Travel Investment Programme has already provided funding for the construction of Droichead an Dóchais (Salmon Weir Bridge) across the River Corrib, less than half a kilometre south of the proposed site of the Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, as well as upgrades on the Wolfe Tone Bridge further south.
Given the ramping up of activities over the last few years in the Active Travel area, the number of projects being progressed now exceeds the level of funding made available to the NTA. Accordingly, the NTA is unable to fully fund all proposed projects and has to prioritise certain projects over others in order to remain within budget. While a project may not be allocated funding in a particular year, it may be funded in subsequent years.
105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to set out the policy direction powers available to him under the Roads Act 1993 to the Roads Act 2015 in relation to Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and to confirm whether these powers permit him to issue a direction to review or amend national toll exemption policy for disability service providers. [70386/25]
View answer106. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if any equality assessment, disability-impact assessment, or public sector duty evaluation was carried out prior to the 2020 changes to the disability toll exemption scheme, which ended the previous practice of toll exemption for registered disability charities; if so, to provide the findings; if not, to explain the basis for proceeding without such an assessment. [70387/25]
View answer107. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a formal discretionary or grandfathering mechanism for registered disability service providers that previously received toll exemptions on a goodwill basis prior to 2020, in order to protect continued access to day services for adults with severe disabilities; and the policy considerations informing his position. [70388/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 106 and 107 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
With regard to exemptions from paying tolls, Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993, along with the Bye Laws for each toll scheme set out classes of vehicles which are exempt from paying tolls. It is important to note that any decision to reopen the Bye Laws for each toll scheme to exempt additional classes of vehicle would require extensive negotiation with the PPP companies concerned. The management of the relationship with each PPP company is a matter for TII.
I note that the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme (DTES), which is operated by TII, facilitates disability modified vehicles that qualify for exemption under the Revenue Commissioners’ Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme to be exempt from charges on toll roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the questions regarding toll exemptions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
108. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with his Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70446/25]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days, in line with the Standing Orders.
109. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to share the cost of the NTA's 2024 household travel survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70497/25]
View answerThe National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) is an annual study commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to gather detailed information on the travel habits of households across the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
