Written Answers Nos. 382-402
382. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that the OPW carried out at Ennis Garda Station, where the value of works was in excess of €40,000 in the years of 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71404/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that one project, in excess of €40,000, was carried out at Ennis Garda Station. The project commenced on site in 2024 and completed in 2025 when final retention was paid.
The nature of the works are outlined in the table below:
|
Year |
Description of Works |
Cost ex VAT |
|
2024/2025 |
• Main & Sub Electrical Distribution System Upgrade |
€310,725.86 |
I can confirm that no other works in excess of €40,000 were carried out in 2025 at Ennis Garda Station.
383. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount the OPW spent on installing high speed EV charging points at heritages sites under their remit in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and the budget allocated in 2026 for same. [71413/25]
View answer384. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date on which the OPW last conducted an audit in respect of art works and art pieces on its asset register; the number and value of items that cannot be located as of this date in 2025; the length of time for which they remain unaccounted for and/or unrecoverable; and the total value of the collection in its entirety. [71522/25]
View answerThe State Art Collection, which is managed by the Art Management Office in the OPW, is a unique cultural entity comprised of 13,500 artworks. It contains works that are of historic significance and contemporary works by emerging artists in the early stages of their careers. Artworks are on display in close to 500 client locations around the country. Every artwork in the State Art Collection is given a unique number and photographed before it is placed on display in client buildings. Loan agreements are signed between the client borrowers and the OPW. In 2020, the Art Management Office commenced a major collection management project to improve its control systems. This project involved migration of data and images from a database that had been in use since the mid-1990s to a new digital collection management system.
The Art Management Office undertakes routine collection audits of artworks for which it has responsibility in State owned buildings nationwide. These collection audits are conducted on a regular basis as part of the day-to-day management of the collection. In-person collection audits are undertaken by Art Management Office staff who visit client buildings to assess the artworks in situ. In-person collection audits involve photographing, condition checking and documenting artworks on the collection management system. Digital collection audits are overseen remotely by the Art Management Office and are undertaken by the client. The process involves the Art Management Office issuing a list of artworks on loan to the client and the client is requested to confirm locations of these artworks. If there are any queries, these are followed up with the client by the Art Management Office. All data is updated on the collection management system.
According to collection management system data at 10th December 2025, there were 19 in person collection audits and 37 digital collection audits undertaken in 2025. The total number of artworks audited was 2,633. From these collection audits, 37 artworks were categorised on the collection management system as unlocated. Once an artwork is noted as unlocated, the Art Management Office engages with clients in the relevant building to identify the current location of the artwork. The Art Management Office also conducts a further analysis into the record history of unlocated artworks, including the length of time for which they remain unaccounted for, with the purpose of locating the works. This process is currently ongoing in relation to 2025 collection management audits and a more detailed analysis will be included in the 2026 work programme.
In relation to the total valuation of the State Art Collection, in line with other national collections, there is no policy to value the State Art Collection financially as a whole. Financial valuations are only undertaken on individual artworks where there is a need to insure them when they are placed on loan to external third parties or exhibitions.
385. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the provisions in place for a person who has more than 40 years' service; the reason a pension contribution is deducted when a person has reached the maximum service; the beneficiary of these monies if the pension is capped at 40 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71821/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overarching responsibility for public service pensions policy, including in relation to pension contributions.
There are a number of different pension schemes in operation in the public service; in answering this query I will refer to those for entrants prior to 2013 as pre-existing schemes. The other relevant scheme here is the Single Scheme which was introduced under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the "2012 Act").
Members of the Single Scheme continue to accrue pension benefits beyond 40 years, and they are not subject to the 40-year rule as set out in the 2012 Act. It is a Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. Single Scheme retirement benefits are based on a percentage of total pensionable earnings throughout the individual's public service career as a member of the Scheme.
In accordance with the 2012 Act, pensionable service under pre-existing public service pension schemes is capped at 40 years for the purpose of calculating retirement benefits. This cap applies across all such schemes and is implemented in accordance with Circular 13/2020, which sets out financial limits for members with service in more than one scheme.
In line with scheme rules, standard pension contributions, including those for the Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme, continue to be deducted while the person remains in employment. Pension contributions to the Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme in excess of 40 years are refunded to the member upon retirement, starting with the earliest contributions. Main scheme contributions are not refundable.
In general pre-existing schemes operate on a final pensionable remuneration basis, this means that while contributions are paid throughout the career based on varying rates of remuneration, benefits are based on the final pensionable remuneration at retirement.
It should be noted that the contributions paid throughout the course of the member's career do not directly correspond to retirement benefits payable in the public service pension schemes and do not reflect the full cost of those benefits.
386. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount his Department has spent on translation services from a company (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72073/25]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not incurred any expenditure on translation services from the named company during the period specified.
387. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of Assistant Principal Officer applicants that are fluent in Irish currently on a panel arising from the most recent civil service recruitment campaign. [72170/25]
View answerI have been advised by publicjobs, the centralised recruiter for the Civil and Public Service and a body under the aegis of my Department, that they are currently administering a bespoke recruitment competition for Assistant Principal Officer positions requiring fluency in Irish for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. These positions are based in Galway.
This competition closed for applications on the 13 November with 44 candidates applying. The recruitment process is ongoing and is expected to conclude in Q1 2026. The shortlisting process will commence shortly and, as a result, no applicants have yet been placed on a panel.
In addition, as part of the application stage for the Assistant Principal Officer (Standard) Nationwide competition, publicjobs included an Irish language stream. This allowed candidates to indicate their interest in being considered for vacancies requiring fluency in Irish that may arise during the lifetime of the competition.
Based on requests received from departments, candidates who expressed interest in such vacancies for Dublin and Galway were progressed through the standard Assistant Principal Officer selection process. Those successful at the final stage (Interview and Strategic Analysis exercise) were then required to complete full certification examinations at C1 proficiency level through Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG). Six candidates achieved this standard: five were placed on the Dublin panel (Irish stream) and one on the Galway panel (Irish stream).To date, four vacancies have been filled from the Dublin panel and one from the Galway panel.
Additional candidates who indicated interest in Irish language vacancies for other locations remain available; however, they have not yet undertaken the assessment stages outlined above, as no departmental requests for such vacancies have been received to date.
388. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will detail each allocation made to Tipperary County Council under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme for each of the years 2022 to 2025, in tabular form. [72171/25]
View answerLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any new application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme shortly.
Since 2022 to date, the OPW has approved some €641,000 in funding to Tipperary County Council for some 9 projects. Details of the approved projects are provided in table below.
|
Project Location |
Project Details |
Approved Funding |
Date Approved |
|
Marlfield, Clonmel |
Install temporary works to support the large retaining wall and parapet, if deemed necessary; Remove all vegetation and trees within the vicinity of the culvert. TTC propose to partly remove and strengthen the existing stone masonry and concrete retaining walls to the upstream embankments.
Additional funding was approved to remove the top section of collapsing wall. Batter back clay and associated works. Disposal of removed items. |
€72,000 |
20/06/2025 & 17/10/2024
|
|
Ardfinnan |
Replace old barriers with a modern reliable new system that is fit for purpose. |
€27,000 |
20/12/2024 |
|
Ballylooby |
To construct a reinforced earth embankment/masonry wall along river bank within affected property, and install non-return valves on storm pipes draining to river. The installation of temporary flood barriers at strategic locations on the affected property. |
€25,200 |
20/12/2024 |
|
Blackcastle Rd, Templemore |
To construct an additional 6m culvert beside an existing bridge and to raise the road in addition to widening an existing channel. |
€181,000 |
08/07/2024 |
|
Greenan, Templederry |
The removal of existing boundary wall at the affected property including the sections that have collapsed. To excavate silt deposits under bridge arch no. 1 and to increase the headroom. The importation and compaction of 6-12" rock to restored river bed. Deposition/relocation of existing river bed material and placing of Rock Armour and the creation of earth retaining bund. The placing of suitable fill material behind rock armour. |
€31,613 |
24/06/2024 |
|
Coopers Lot, Cashel, Thurles |
Ground investigation surveys and site investigation. Additional funding was approved for geomorphological analysis, hydrological modelling and modelling assessment. |
€174,600 |
16/11/2023, 07/03/2023 & 04/10/2022 |
|
Gortnahoe |
To construct a new surface water storm drain 200 metres long including manholes and chambers and civils works, outfall to existing open channel. |
€22,500 |
28/07/2023 |
|
Gortnahoola, Drombane, Thurles |
To construct a new 750mm surface water storm line 155 metres along public road |
€29,700 |
14/04/2023 |
|
Holycross, Thurles |
The construction a new surface water storm drain 315m long including manholes and chambers and civils works and outfall to existing open drain. |
€77,400 |
28/04/2022 |
|
Total |
|
€641,013 |
|
389. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72181/25]
View answerAn occupational supplementary pension (OSP) may be payable to an individual in receipt of an integrated public service pension, where they meet the following criteria as set out in Circular 12/2024 "Arrangements for Occupational Supplementary Pensions (OSP)":
(i) The individual must be retired and have reached Minimum Pension Age, or retired on grounds of ill-health,
(ii) The individual must have been a member of a Pre-existing Public Service Pension Scheme, the pension benefits payable in respect of such membership must have been integrated with the social insurance system and the pension scheme must provide for payment of an OSP,
(iii) The individual must not be engaged in full-time paid employment, and the individual must not be self-employed,
(iv) The individual must be in receipt of an overall pension package (Occupational Pension and Relevant Benefit, where appropriate) that is less than the Occupational Pension which would have been payable, had the Occupational Pension not been integrated,
(v) Where the individual is:
a. Below the State Pension Age, they must
i. not have claimed any Relevant Benefit or
ii. where a Relevant Benefit has been claimed, have not qualified for such a Relevant Benefit or have qualified for a Relevant Benefit at a rate that is less than the maximum rate of the State Pension Contributory (SPC)
b. At or above the State Pension Age, they must not qualify for any Relevant Benefit, or fail to qualify for any Relevant Benefit at the maximum rate of the SPC
(vi) The individual’s failure to qualify for a Relevant Benefit, as set out at (v) above, must be due to causes outside of their control.
As per criteria iii) where an individual is self-employed in any capacity, including farming, they are not eligible for an OSP. Please note that this policy applied prior to the release of Circular 12/2024, and was not a policy change.
Please also be aware that the OSP does not seek to make up the difference between the actual social insurance benefits in payment/ payable and the value of the maximum rate of State Pension (Contributary). The OSP makes up the difference between, the occupational pension payable to an individual, combined with the SPC or other Relevant Benefits payable; and the equivalent non-integrated Occupational Pension, which is notionally calculated. The OSP payable is capped at the maximum rate of SPC and is reduced pro-rata where the individual is employed part-time. However, please note that any form of self-employment is deemed to be full-time employment for the purposes of OSP.
390. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made over the past 12 months on each of his Department’s Programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72191/25]
View answerMy Department’s mission is to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. The Department's overall priorities are set out in its Statement of Strategy 2025-2028, which was published in September 2025. The strategy outlines how my Department will achieve its goals in the context of the Programme for Government and overarching policy frameworks. My Department has already made significant progress across its overall strategic priorities and Programme for Government actions to date in 2025, as illustrated by the summary of progress on relevant Programme for Government actions in the attached table.
391. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of persons that attended the Céide Fields neolithic site and visitor centre during the 2025 season; if he will provide the same figures for the 2024 season, in tabular form. [72215/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for conserving, maintaining and operating Ireland's most important heritage sites. The mission of the OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the built and natural heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our National heritage.
The Céide Fields Neolithic site and Visitor Centre in Ballycastle, Co Mayo is a seasonal site, usually operating from March to November each year. The visitor data for ticketed visitors to the Visitor Centre in the 2024 and 2025 seasons is set out in tabular form below.
It should be noted that the OPW audits all visitor data annually, in arrears. The audit to verify visitor numbers takes place in quarter one each year. In that context, the 2025 visitor data presented here is strictly provisional.
|
Year |
Céide Fields |
|
2024 |
30,071 |
|
2025 |
29,472 |
392. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the employees which are covered under the legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2013 regarding pension abatement for the public service, and in relation to a case specifically (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72284/25]
View answerThe principle of abatement of a public service pension is longstanding within the rules of various public service pension schemes, and pension abatement is an important aspect of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the “2012 Act”).
As per Section 52 of the 2012 Act, where an individual in receipt of a public service pension is appointed to work in a public service body, their pension will be subject to abatement. Prior to this, abatement applied only to individuals who returned to work in the same sector from which they were receiving their pension. Section 52(1)-(5) were commenced on 1 November 2012, and applied to all appointments after that date.
As such, anyone who was in receipt of a public service pension, who was appointed to a role in the public service (outside of the sector from which they receive their pension) prior to that date, is not subject to abatement in respect of that role.
Circular 24/2022 provides further guidance on the application of abatement under the 2012 Act. Please note that as per Section 6 of Circular 24/2022, if the individual takes up a new role (other than under compulsory re-deployment, temporary "acting-up", or secondment), is promoted, or takes up a position in a new body, this constitutes a new appointment, and the individual will be subject to abatement in that appointment.
393. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the initiatives being taken to tackle coastal erosion and flooding in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72354/25]
View answerI am very familiar with the coastal erosion and flooding issues in Kerry having visited the county twice, on 11th, 12th September and the 20th and 21st November 2025.
Local coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The OPW is working closely with Kerry County Council to implement a number of initiatives to tackle coastal erosion and flooding in the county. We are currently funding three local authority staff in Kerry County Council to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes, a Senior Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer and a Senior Staff member.
Minor Works Scheme
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 40 projects and €4.2m to Kerry County Council under the Minor Works Schemes. Some €2.9m of this approved funding relates to coastal erosion works and studies.
Kerry County Council has identified areas of soft coastline such as Rossbeigh/Inch, Banna/Ballyheigue and along the Maharees peninsula as being particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion. A Minor Works application for Maherabeg has been reviewed by the OPW and a request for further information from Kerry Co. Council will be reviewed once submitted.
Flood Relief Schemes in Kerry
The Government has also committed to investing some €81m for the design and construction of flood relief schemes for county Kerry. The Tralee, Kenmare, and Banna schemes all have coastal elements to them.
Banna
To progress this scheme design Kerry County Council is completing a wider flood risk assessment; including of the channels to the north and general drainage from the Ballyheigue area.
Tralee
As part of the scheme design, to protect 717 properties, the consultants have carried out options assessment of 11 appraisal areas. Following the screening process a series of flood risk management options were developed for each area with both fluvial and coastal options. A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, to bring all options appraised to the public for their feedback. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning at the end of 2026.
Kenmare
The scheme design is being progressed to protect 235 properties. The consultant has carried out options assessment and identified 6 fluvial options and 3 coastal options. These options are currently progressing through the Multi Criteria Assessment process. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning early in 2027.
Coastal Monitoring.
The OPW are currently working on the development of National Coastal Erosion Hazard Mapping and a Past Coastal Erosion Database to assist in identifying areas at potentially significant risk of coastal change.
The former will provide spatial mapping to identify coastal areas that may be exposed to coastal erosion in the future, the latter is a web-based platform which will allow members of the public to report coastal erosion observed in their locality.
Ballyheigue was included in the Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme (CMSP) which was a five year pilot project which ran from 2020 to 2024. Additionally the OPW completed an aerial imagery and LiDAR survey of the full Kerry coastline in 2021.
This work follows the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, where the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage chair an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management and the OPW has been designated by the Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks.
394. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the new infrastructure plan will accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72360/25]
View answerOn December 3rd, the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This is a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. The Action Plan responds to well-documented challenges of lengthy development timelines, fragmented processes, and rising costs. These have all been identified as major barriers to achieving Ireland’s housing, energy, and climate objectives.
The report is evidence-based. It has been built on the research and analysis of my Department, the views received during the public consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken by my Department over the summer, and the expert input and advice from the members of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform. The actions address the twelve barriers to the timely delivery of infrastructure that were highlighted in the Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, published by my department in July.
A four-week online and in-person public consultation last summer supported the preparation of that Report published in July, by providing an opportunity for stakeholders and the general public, from across the country, to feed into this work. I hosted events during this consultation period, including a regional event in Athlone.
The actions selected represent a transformative approach to streamlining development processes and significantly reducing delivery timelines, ensuring a more efficient and timely delivery of critical infrastructure nationwide.
Together, these actions will ensure that the record investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) translates into faster, more efficient delivery of housing, energy, and transport infrastructure, supporting Ireland’s economic growth, climate commitments and Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The actions will benefit every county and region of Ireland as infrastructure projects play an essential role in supporting Ireland’s balanced economic growth and meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding population.
395. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the new infrastructure plan will accelerate the delivery of critical energy infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72361/25]
View answer396. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the new infrastructure plan will accelerate the delivery climate resilient critical infrastructure, in particular our energy infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72362/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
On December 3rd, the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This is a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. This Action Plan responds to well-documented challenges of lengthy development timelines, fragmented processes, and rising costs. These have all been identified as major barriers to achieving Ireland’s housing, energy, and climate objectives.
The report is evidence-based. It has been built on the research and analysis of my Department, the views received during the public consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken by my Department over the summer, and the expert input and advice from the members of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform. The actions address the twelve barriers to the timely delivery of infrastructure that were highlighted in the Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, published by my department in July.
The first pillar is Legal Reform. Reforms here aim to achieve a better balance towards the common good by addressing the incentives that drive a disproportionate reliance on the courts in planning and regulatory matters. While access to justice remains protected, the reforms will reduce incentives for excessive litigation, clarify rules on standing and remedies, and introduce fast-track pathways for nationally significant projects that are in the common good, through the development of new legislation.
The second pillar is Regulatory Reform and Simplification. This means identifying where regulation leads to excessive process rather than improved outcomes. It also means examining the structure of our regulatory environment, the practices applied by regulatory bodies, and how they communicate with one another and applicants. In practical terms, I think that there is scope for improved outcomes by applying parallel processes, mandating statutory timelines, and measuring the performance of our regulatory bodies
The third pillar is Coordination and Delivery Reform. This implements the reforms outlined in the Programme for Government. It means my Department assuming a more central coordination role on critical infrastructure, providing certainty to other Government Departments and utilities through multi-year funding commitments to underpin 5-year sectoral plans and reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines. Across Government, it means driving and embedding a delivery-first culture, including, where appropriate, a balance between risk and delivery that incorporates the potential cost of delay.
The final pillar is Public Acceptance. Fundamentally, without improved public acceptance, critical infrastructure will be subject to delays, leaving broader society worse off. Government and utilities need to do a better job in promoting the social value of infrastructure to communities openly and transparently using tools like a benefits realisation framework that can demonstrate these societal benefits.
The actions under these four pillars are focused on accelerating the provision of critical infrastructure. Critical infrastructure, for this purpose, means the electricity network, water and transport infrastructure, as this is the infrastructure that is necessary to support the development of all other social and economic infrastructure.
397. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Education and Youth regarding the ongoing dispute about pay and conditions of school secretaries and will his Department assist the Department of Education and Youth with additional funding to meet the requirements of any Labour Court recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72428/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, this is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Education and Youth.
My Department has had engagement with the Department of Education and Youth on funding and wider policy issues. I understand that the Department of Education and Youth remains committed and ready to engage with Forsa to reach a resolution to this important matter which has been referred to the Labour Court. The matter is due to be heard at the Labour Court on 12 January 2026.
All discussions between parties remain confidential, therefore it is not appropriate to make any further comment until such time as this process concludes.
The Department of Education and Youth received an allocation of €13.1 billion during Estimates 2026. Any costs arising fall to be considered in this context.
398. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to the commitment of An Taoiseach during questions on promised legislation in Dáil Éireann on 10 December 2025, if the Taoiseach's office has been in contact with him regarding the approximate 120 healthcare workers (details supplied); the additional steps he will take to assist these workers and ensure that supports for this vulnerable group continue into 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72547/25]
View answer399. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to the commitment of An Taoiseach during questions on promised legislation in Dáil Éireann on 10 December 2025, if the Taoiseach's office has been in contact with him regarding the approximate 120 healthcare workers who are currently receiving special Covid leave with pay as a result of developing long-Covid following an occupational infection, who are excluded from any long-term occupational illness or injury scheme, and will have special Covid leave with pay withdrawn at the end of 2025; the additional steps he will take to assist these workers and ensure that supports for this vulnerable group continue into 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72548/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.
In July 2022, a temporary Special Scheme was introduced in the public health sector to support eligible staff affected by Long Covid. This scheme was initially established for 12 months and, at the request of the Department of Health, was extended several times by this Department under the same terms for the existing group of supported employees. The scheme was scheduled to conclude on 30 June 2025.
Following a Labour Court hearing in June, the Court recommended a final extension of the Special Scheme until 31 December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
This recommendation was accepted and sanction was given by my Department to extend the scheme until the end of the year in line with this Labour Court recommendation.
Any eligible public health sector employee remaining unwell beyond 31 December 2025, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. This includes full pay for three months, half pay for a further three months, temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration, which, if approved, can provide up to an additional 547 days of paid leave or the Critical Illness Protocol, subject to approval. Employees who were not eligible for the Special Scheme but are also affected by Long Covid may also access these supports through the sick leave scheme.
400. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has given consideration to the introduction of a collective litigation mechanism, in compliance with the EU Damages Directive, similar to that which is currently in place in the UK under the Competition Act 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71309/25]
View answerThe European Union (Action for Damages for Infringements of Competition Law) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 43 of 2017), which were signed into law on 13 February 2017, gives effect to Directive 2014/104/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on certain rules governing actions for damages under national law for infringements of the competition law provisions of the Member States and of the European Union. The Department currently has no plans to introduce a collective litigation mechanism into competition law.
401. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the possibility that the legislation governing redundancy entitlements can disadvantage pregnant women (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71310/25]
View answerThere are robust legal protections in place for employees who are pregnant.
An employee cannot be made redundant, or be given notice of redundancy, while on maternity leave or additional maternity leave. This is provided for in section 23 of the Maternity Protection Act 1994, as amended.
In general, dismissal of an employee due to redundancy is not deemed to be an unfair dismissal for the purposes of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, as amended. In such cases, an employer must be able to demonstrate that the redundancy is genuine and the selection criteria and the redundancy process is substantively and procedurally fair.
The 1977 Act also provides for a number of grounds under which a dismissal is automatically considered unfair. This includes dismissals wholly or mainly related to pregnancy, giving birth or breastfeeding or any matters connected with pregnancy or birth. While normally employees require at least one year’s service with their employer to be covered under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, this does not apply if the dismissal wholly or mainly relates to the employee's pregnancy.
Pregnant employees are also protected under the Employment Equality Act 1998, as amended. This Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability.
Where an employee believes their employer has breached their employment rights, they can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). In most cases, complaints must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach. The WRC can extend this to 12 months if the employee demonstrates reasonable cause.
402. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to employers taking advantage of the legislation governing redundancy entitlements to prevent people from reaching the thresholds for entitlement; and his plans to address this. [71339/25]
View answerThere are a range of protections under employment law for employees facing redundancy or the loss of their job.
Redundancy is where an employee loses their job because their employer is closing their business or reducing the number of staff. It occurs when a job no longer exists, an employee is let go and they are not replaced.
Where an employee has been made redundant, they may be entitled to a redundancy payment. Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, it is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy to eligible employees.
In order to qualify for a statutory redundancy payment, an employee must have 104 weeks' continuous employment, have been an employed contributor in employment which was insurable for all benefits under the Social Welfare Acts, and be over the age of 16.
The requisite period of 2 years continuous service is to ensure the employee has a reasonable attachment to the employer that is making them redundant. There are no plans to make changes to the eligibility criteria to receive a statutory redundancy payment.
An employee with more than one year’s service is protected under the Unfair Dismissal Act 1977, as amended. In such cases, an employer must be able to demonstrate that the dismissal is both substantively and procedurally fair.
In general, dismissal of an employee due to redundancy is not deemed to be an unfair dismissal. However, in such cases, an employer must be able to demonstrate that the redundancy is genuine and the selection criteria and redundancy process adopted are fair.
Where an employee believes their employer has breached their employment rights, they can make a complaint to the WRC. In most cases, complaints must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach. The WRC can extend this to 12 months if the employee demonstrates reasonable cause.
