Written Answers Nos. 342-361
342. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of accidents on the M7/N7 road network reported for each month of the past three years; the number of those accidents that needed emergency services to attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72420/25]
View answer344. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport the accident recovery service that exits on the M7/N7 network; the times these recovery services are in place; the locations that these recovery services operate from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72422/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 344 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the M7/N7.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. Please note that matters in relation to emergency services do not fall under my remit as Minister for Transport.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply in relation to accidents on the M7 and N7, as well as on accident recovery services. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
343. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of accidents on the M50 road network for each month of the last three years; the number of those accidents that needed emergency services to attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72421/25]
View answer345. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport the accident recovery service that exits on the M50 network; the times these recovery services are in place; the locations that these recovery services operate from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72423/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 345 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. Please note, matters in relation to emergency services do not fall under my remit as Minister for Transport.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply in relation to M50 operational matters and accident recovery services. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
346. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail is aware that car parks at both Drogheda and Dundalk train stations are at full capacity from approximately 7.15am on weekdays; if, given the improvements to the frequency of commuter and Enterprise services and the roll out of the Dart service, and the fact that there are no plans under the revised NDP to open either a new North Drogheda station, or to reopen the station at Dunleer, County Louth, if he will work with Irish Rail to provide better access to parking for rail users to encourage more customers to avail of expanded services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72433/25]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
347. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 12 November 2025, if he will review the safety of LED headlights in modern vehicles considering the UK has done the same; if he has engaged with his UK counterpart on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72482/25]
View answer348. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department or the Road Safety Authority has received any correspondence from members of the public or representative bodies on the impact of LED headlights on drivers at night, and the impact on road safety; if he will commit to a public consultation on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72483/25]
View answer349. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department or the Road Safety Authority has considered the findings from a survey in the UK commissioned by the RAC (details supplied) that found four in five drivers were concerned about dazzling headlights; if the data from the survey has been sought; if he intends to engage with the RAC on the survey results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72484/25]
View answer350. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department or the Road Safety Authority has considered the independent research study published by TRL in October 2025 titled ‘Glare from road vehicle lighting on UK roads’ (details supplied) that was commissioned by the UK government; if he or the RSA will now commission a similar study in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72485/25]
View answer351. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if the impact of brightness and glass from modern LED headlights is addressed in the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030; if not, if the strategy will be updated in line with the measures the UK intends to take in its forthcoming Road Safety Strategy to protect drivers from glare caused by headlights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72486/25]
View answer352. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department or the Road Safety Authority has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) on the impact of glare and LED headlights in modern cars on drivers; and if not, if he or his Department or the RSA plan to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72487/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 347, 348, 349, 350, 351 and 352 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are known to provide greater brightness, improved colour rendering, increase efficiency and, in the case of LED in particular, longer performance life.
The use of LED and HID headlights in vehicles across the EU is regulated by the European type-approval system under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, transposed by SI 556/2020 - European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. This system establishes the technical and safety standards required to place a vehicle or a vehicle component on the market and enter it into service within any EU Member State. To acquire type-approval, the headlight components and technology must meet specific safety standards. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service, it is considered safe to use within the EU.
During roadworthiness testing, the lighting system in a vehicle is tested to ensure it is in full working order and correctly aligned for the safe performance of the vehicle. Factors which can contribute headlamp glare include misaligned aim, dirty or damaged headlamps or the use of incorrect bulbs.
As the standards for these lights are regulated for at EU level, the Department currently has no plan to review their use in the State. However, I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling is planning on establishing a task force to investigate this issue.
353. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of homes in Cork subject to a vacant homes tax; and the overall sum raised. [72141/25]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the number of properties in Cork liable to vacant homes tax (VHT), and the VHT liability is provided in the table below.
|
Year |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Number of properties |
444 |
241 |
101 |
786 |
|
Vacant Homes Tax Liability €m - as of December 2025 |
.21 |
.18 |
.12 |
.51 |
354. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will oppose any private equity-backed purchase of PTSB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71311/25]
View answerThe PTSB Formal Sales Process (FSP) is conducted by PTSB pursuant to the Irish Takeover Panel Act 1997. The process is overseen by the Takeover Panel and is subject to the Irish Takeover Rules.
The FSP is open to suitable strategic and financial investors and is being conducted by PTSB and its advisers in accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules. It is not appropriate to speculate on what potential bidders may emerge.
355. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to detail Ireland’s contribution to the World Bank each year since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71312/25]
View answerUnder Section 10 of the Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Act 1999 the Department of Finance prepares and lays before each House of the Oireachtas an Annual Report of Ireland’s participation in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group within three months after the end of each year. All reports are publicly available on the Houses of the Oireachtas Documents Laid website and include an account of all contributions made to each financial institution during the previous year.
Attached in tabular form is the breakdown of Ireland’s contribution to the World Bank each year from 2016 to 2024. Preparations of the 2025 figures has begun and will be published by 31 March 2026.
356. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he intends to abolish the deemed disposal regime applicable to investment funds; the timeline for implementing the recommendations of the Funds Sector 2030 Report in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71372/25]
View answer357. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the impact of the deemed disposal regime on ordinary retail investors and pension savers; if he accepts that the requirement to pay tax on unrealised gains penalises long term saving and undermines financial planning for households; the way in which the recommendations of the Funds Sector 2030 Report will address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71373/25]
View answer358. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has examined the way in which the deemed disposal regime places Ireland at a disadvantage compared to other EU member states where investors are not taxed on unrealised gains; the way in which the Funds Sector 2030 Report proposes to align Ireland's framework with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71374/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 357 and 358 together.
The Deputy has asked about deemed disposal. Deemed disposal is an anti-avoidance measure that applies to investments in Irish domiciled investment funds and life assurance products, as well as equivalent offshore funds and certain foreign life assurance products. Under the deemed disposal rule, tax is levied eight years after an investment is made, and every subsequent eight years, regardless of whether or not a disposal has in fact occurred. The tax is levied on any gain in the value of the investment from the date of acquisition to the date of the deemed disposal. On the ultimate disposal of the investment, any tax paid is allowed as a credit against the final tax liability. The purpose of deemed disposal is to prevent the indefinite roll-up of income and gains and the associated loss of tax to the Exchequer. Under the Irish system pension savings grow tax free until drawdown. Therefore, deemed disposal does not apply to pension funds and products.
Across Member States there are many different approaches to the taxation of investments, including in some instances a savings and investment account with its own specific tax treatment. This range of approaches was considered by the European Commission in developing their Recommendation on savings and investment accounts in September 2025. The recommendation provides a European blueprint for savings and investment accounts, and its publication was welcomed by Ireland.
The Deputy maybe aware that Finance Bill 2025 provides for a reduction in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds, and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, from 41% to 38%, intended as an important first step in supporting retail investment in Ireland.
I am conscious of the need for further adaptation of the existing complex system which applies to the taxation of investments, and I hope that further progress can be made across coming budgets to address some of the existing obstacles to greater retail investment. To this end Budget 2026 included the announcement of the publication of a roadmap for retail investment in early 2026. Work is underway on this roadmap, which will set out an approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to further support retail investment. This roadmap will facilitate due consideration of the Funds Sector 2030 Report and the European Commission’s recommendation on Savings and Investment Accounts.
359. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the maximum amount of time that bank statements are typically retained by commercial banks; to confirm the way in which commercial banks deal with bank statements after that period of time has elapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71411/25]
View answerUnder the Central Bank of Ireland’s Consumer Protection Code, a regulated entity must retain details of individual transactions for six years after the date on which the particular transaction is discontinued or completed. A regulated entity must retain all other records for six years from the date on which the regulated entity ceased to provide any product or service to the consumer concerned.
The six-year requirement is a minimum retention period required by Central Bank regulation, not a maximum retention period. How regulated entities deal with retention of records after the period has elapsed may be impacted by other regulatory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation, anti-money laundering considerations and banks' internal policies.
360. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost of increasing the number of Revenue customs dog detection teams to 37. [71418/25]
View answerI am advised that Revenue has an allocation of 30 detector dogs with vacancies filled throughout the year as new dogs and handlers are appointed.
The cost of a detector dog team in its first year of operation is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of training the detector dog and its handler for the first year, and associated salaries and kennelling arrangements. For all subsequent years, the approximate operational cost is €50,000 per annum.
Based on above quoted figures, an increase in the detector teams to 37 would incur an additional cost of €700,000 in the first year of operations dropping to €350,000 for each subsequent year.
Revenue’s operational requirements are kept under continuous review, having regard to ongoing risk evaluation and evolving operational needs. I am advised that Revenue is satisfied with the current allocated number of detector dog teams.
361. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the options available to homeowners whose house insurance company will not cover them for pyrite/defective concrete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71456/25]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy, where homeowners are unable to secure insurance cover due to pyrite or defective concrete, is one the Government recognises as challenging for affected households.
Insurance companies operate independently when determining the availability and pricing of their products, and neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland has the legal authority to compel insurers to offer cover for specific risks. These restrictions derive from the EU’s Solvency II Directive, which expressly prevents Member States from intervening in insurers’ pricing or underwriting decisions.
Insurers rely on their own claims’ histories, risk assessments, and cost projections when deciding whether to provide cover. Factors such as inflation in building materials and labour are also influencing premium levels across the sector.
For homeowners seeking additional information, Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for any queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be contacted by telephone at 01 676 1914 or via email at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be reached by telephone at 01 661 3067.
Furthermore, where homeowners are dissatisfied with an insurer’s decision, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01 567 7000.
In addition to the issue of insurance coverage, my officials have been advised by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grants Scheme provides for homeowners to claim a Government grant of up to 100% of remedial costs (including demolition and rebuild) subject to meeting eligibility requirements and the overall grant scheme cap. Following Government approval, the overall grant cap increased from €420,000 to €462,000 in October 2024.
Designated local authorities under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 can administer the grant scheme and any queries relating to the scheme should be addressed to the relevant designated local authority in the first instance.
