Written Answers Nos. 187-196
187. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the four legacy actions due, as outlined in the quarter 1 2025 progress report (details supplied); to outline which actions they are; the reason for the delay; the state of the progress to date; and a timeline for completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72938/25]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2025 (CAP25) details a range of climate policies and measures to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions and meet the Government’s legally binding national climate objective.
To track delivery progress, the Department of the Taoiseach continues to prepare quarterly progress reports on CAP25, in collaboration with all implementing Departments.
The Quarter 1 Progress Report of CAP25 is the most recently published by the Department of the Taoiseach on 17 July, and details progress on the new actions that were due for completion in Q1 2025. The Q1 Progress Report focuses on the six sectors with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, as well as on cross-cutting actions. The report provides updates on sectoral Key Performance Indicators, emissions trends and high impact case studies. My Department has responsibility for reporting actions both for the Department itself, and for the Office of Public Works. Both my Department and the OPW had no new actions to report on for Q1 2025.
The Department and the OPW had 4 legacy actions incomplete from CAP23/24. These actions, and the latest updates on their progress, are presented in tabular form below:
|
Action # |
Action |
Lead |
Update at Q1 2025 |
|
AD/24/2 |
Complete a review of the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment to assess the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk across Ireland |
OPW (Reporting lead: DPER) |
Review of the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment to assess the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk across Ireland has been completed and the overview report has been published. (assets.gov.ie/static/documents/2._The_Review_of_the_Review_of_the_National_Preliminary_Floodrisk_Assessment_PFRA_Engl.pdf) |
|
BE/24/21 |
Develop a programme for the retrofit of traditional and historic buildings as part of OPW Pathfinder programme |
OPW (Reporting lead: DPER) |
The OPW has commenced mapping locations of historic and traditional buildings in relation to proximity to current District Heat Systems. Following this study it is planned to map out potential connections with significant energy users within the historic and traditional buildings portfolio. |
|
BE/24/23 |
Integrate learnings from exemplar buildings into new OPW projects - Enhanced design and building plans for alternative construction materials |
OPW (Reporting lead: DPENDR) |
Tom Johnson House: Deep Retro Fit Project was substantially completed in Q4 2023, with furniture fit-out being undertaken in Q1 2024. The client (Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications) subsequently moved into the building on a phased basis. The post-project review will be undertaken following the end of the defects liability period at the end of Q4 2024. The review is expected to be complete by Q4 2025 allowing for the building to operate over a twelve month cycle from the date of full occupancy. The monitoring and comparative analysis of the building performance will be completed at the same time. Once the post-project review has been completed, OPW will integrate the learnings from this exemplar building into new OPW projects. Casino Marino: A preliminary design is being enhanced to improve its functionality while significantly reducing the initial overall operational and embodied carbon, below current regulated requirements. The design will adopt innovative technology and will aim to reuse existing material (where possible) and adopt the principles of circularity. The OPW are engaging with site owners (Dublin City Council) to agree the terms of a land transfer and/ or an interim license to proceed with preliminary stage site investigations. The OPW anticipated making a submission for Planning Permission in Q4 2025 |
|
GV/23/4 |
Develop proposals on how individual sectors could bear any EU compliance costs for the State arising from failure to reach sectoral targets |
DPENDR |
In February 2023, DPER and DECC published a joint research paper as part of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) Spending Review 2022 series titled “Estimating the Potential Cost of Compliance with 2030 Climate & Energy Targets”, seeking to estimate the cost of compliance with Ireland's EU climate & energy targets in the event targets are not achieved. Concluding that there was insufficient information available at that time on compliance mechanisms within all relevant legislation to estimate the total cost, the authors proposed a working model for estimating the cost of compliance with the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) alone. The model outlined a range of potential cumulative costs between €3.5bn and €8.1bn for compliance with the ESR up to 2030. This was not a total compliance cost estimate, and was based on high levels of uncertainty, to be revised in future iterations of this work. Future data requirements in order to accurately estimate, assess and monitor compliance and the existing data limitations are discussed in that paper, available at assets.gov.ie/246850/5982d0ec-1590-4caf-8c40-ce8bf178f5fc.pdf . DPER, DECC, DFIN and D/Taoiseach are currently working together to evolve the evidence base on the potential costs of compliance arising for the State from established EU energy and climate targets. This work will build on previous findings and approaches undertaken by DECC and DPER as referenced above. All outputs of this work are based on high levels of uncertainty and will be kept under review. |
The Department of the Taoiseach will publish the next progress report in due course, and my understanding is that the Q2 and Q3 progress reports will be published concurrently.
188. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the NDP review and the €500 million allocated to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment under the ICN fund; what this allocation will fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72993/25]
View answerThe Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 established the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICN Fund).
The purpose of ICN Fund is to support the economy in times of exceptional need and to support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy through the funding of designated environmental projects. A total of €2 billion will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14 billion.
The Fund will support expenditure by the State:
• In any year from 2026, where there has been, or is likely to be in the subsequent year, a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State. 25% of the ICN Fund can be used in the given year for this purpose; and
• In the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects to address climate change issues and nature and water quality degradation. 22.5% of the Fund may be drawn down to support designated environmental projects in any given year from 2026 to 2030, up to a cumulative maximum of €3.15 billion.
Designated environmental projects will be those that contribute, either directly or indirectly, or are likely to contribute to:
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• an improvement in water quality,
• an improvement in nature and biodiversity objectives.
More detailed criteria are outlined in Section 20 of the Act.
As outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, the review of the National Development Plan encompassed all public capital investment, including funding available from the ICN Fund.
As part of this review, €3.15 billion was allocated from the ICN Fund to support low-carbon transportation, climate mitigation, renewable energy development and improvements in water quality, which will ultimately support improved climate and environmental outcomes.
The NDP Review confirmed the following indicative allocations to Departments:
• €2 billion for the Department of Transport to support low-carbon transportation;
• €500 million for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to fund projects and programmes that will support climate mitigation and renewable energy development; and
• €650 million for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for projects and programmes that will support improvements in water quality.
The specific projects and programmes to be funded from within these allocations are a matter for the relevant Ministers who must prioritise and designate eligible projects to fund from within their allocations, having regard to their sectoral priorities and the purpose of the funding from the ICN Fund.
This formal designation process has commenced, and has informed a new Appendix that will be included in the Revised Estimates Volume 2026 which will outline the allocations from the ICN Fund in 2026.
189. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the circumstances in which each Government Department, State agency or semi-State agency can allow employees to stay on in employment beyond retirement age. [73127/25]
View answerThe mandatory retirement age for public and civil service roles generally is 70 years under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 and the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018.
This applies to members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and to members of pre-existing pension schemes who are not classified as New Entrants under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. For those who are deemed to be New Entrants they have no maximum retirement age.
There are no provisions or mechanisms in place to allow for retention in employment beyond an individual’s mandatory retirement age.
Note that the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation does not have responsibility for retirement ages or retention policy in respect of members of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Fire Services, or the Irish Prison Service. These matters fall within the remit of the respective Ministers with responsibility for these services.
Further, the retirement ages in commercial state bodies are set out in the rules of the relevant pension scheme. Any terms and conditions of employment allowing staff to continue in employment beyond retirement age is a matter in the first instance for the parent Minister of the commercial body.
190. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the funding streams currently available for the development and enhancement of lakeside and lakeshore recreational amenities, particularly around Lough Owel, Lough Ree and Lough Ennell; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72629/25]
View answerCurrently, there are no appropriate active capital grant schemes available to support the development and enhancement of lakeside and lakeshore recreational amenities, however Fáilte Ireland is planning to launch a new scheme in 2026. Once the new scheme launches, projects that meet all eligibility criteria will be able to apply.
The EU Just Transition Fund is supporting lakeshore developments in the Midlands region. Through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023–2026), funding has been awarded to several projects, including €1,067,722 provided under the EU Just Transition Fund to Roscommon County Council, in partnership with Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, for planning and design of a large-scale multifaceted project on the Hodson Bay waterfront area.
The funding received through the EU Just Transition Fund will help create a tourism and recreational destination accessible by land and water on the shores of Lough Ree and the development will help support and enhance tourism and economic developments for Hodson Bay and the wider midlands region in a balanced and sustainable way. The development also aligns with the objectives and ambition of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan 2020 to 2030 and Ireland Hidden Heartlands Regional development Strategy 2023 to 2027.
From 2018 to 2021, Fáilte Ireland partnered with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to co-fund and deliver the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). During this period, Fáilte Ireland made a direct financial contribution to the scheme, supporting the development, enhancement and maintenance of outdoor recreational infrastructure across the country. This investment helped deliver projects such as trails, greenways, blueways, mountain access routes, and park and forest infrastructure, strengthening rural communities and enhancing Ireland’s outdoor tourism offering.
A key example of this partnership was the 2020 joint investment of €8.4 million, which funded 44 projects nationwide, with €4 million provided by Fáilte Ireland and €4.4 million by the Department.
Since 2022, while Fáilte Ireland is no longer a funding partner and does not financially contribute to ORIS, it continues to support the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and local authorities in the delivery of the scheme. This support focuses on ensuring that ORIS-funded projects align with national and regional tourism strategies, complement destination development plans, and contribute to sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism outcomes. Recent ORIS projects include lakeside boardwalks, kayak trails, swimming facilities, and blueway improvements.
This collaborative approach aligns with broader national strategies such as Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors and is complemented by Fáilte Ireland’s ongoing work with partner agencies including Coillte, Waterways Ireland, and the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
I am also aware of the Community Water Development Fund which is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by LAWPRO. This fund supports community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The fund has been in place since 2017, with growing interest year on year.
191. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether caravan parks that cater to tourists receive guidance or certification relating to fire safety, and whether a national accreditation system is planned. [72655/25]
View answerFáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development Authority has statutory powers under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939–2016 in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. These registration and classification responsibilities include administrating accommodation legislation, monitoring of product quality, customer relations and in particular the management of appointed sub-contractors for the inspection and registration assessment of various accommodation categories.
The Acts require that any premises using prescribed terms such as “Hotel”, “Guest House” or “Caravan Park” must be registered with Fáilte Ireland and comply with the criteria set out in the relevant regulations.
Each accommodation category is governed by specific Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations, which outline the conditions that must be met in order to use prescribed terms. Service providers are required to retain all relevant documentation for inspection by Fáilte Ireland. Where an applicant cannot demonstrate full compliance with the regulations, the application cannot proceed.
The Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations for Short-Term Tourism Accommodation Rental 2018 provide for the registration of caravan and camping parks.
Caravan parks catering to tourists must comply with all statutory obligations, including fire safety requirements, as a condition of registration under the 2018 Regulations. Operators are required to demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation, typically through certification issued by the relevant fire authority or other competent professionals.
Fáilte Ireland does not provide fire safety advice or certification. Responsibility for compliance with fire, gas and electrical safety legislation rests with the accommodation operator, as part of their legal obligations and duty of care to guests.
192. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he plans to introduce a right to repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72918/25]
View answerThe EU Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods (the Right to Repair Directive) was formally adopted in July 2024, and my Department is required to transpose it into national law by July 2026. This initiative forms part of a broader suite of measures under the New Consumer Agenda and the Circular Economy Action Plan, building on the commitments of the European Green Deal. Its purpose is to strengthen sustainable consumption by increasing the repair and reuse of faulty consumer goods, both during and after the legal guarantee of conformity, making repair a more accessible and cost-effective option than replacement.
Under the Directive, consumers will be able to obtain repairs more readily once the guarantee period has expired, as manufacturers of products that are legally required to be repairable will have a duty to provide repair services. The Directive also prohibits any contractual arrangements or hardware or software mechanisms that would hinder the repair of such goods. This includes preventing manufacturers from blocking the use of compatible spare parts, such as 3D-printed components, provided these parts comply with product safety and intellectual property rules. It is envisaged that these provisions will significantly improve conditions for independent repairers. In addition, manufacturers will not be able to refuse repairs simply because a previous repair attempt was made by someone else.
The Directive further requires the EU to establish an online platform where repairers, and businesses involved in buying or selling refurbished goods, can list their services. It also includes a model for a voluntary European Repair Information Form, which repairers may use to give consumers clear and comprehensive details about the repair being offered.
I welcome the greater confidence and practical support that consumers will gain from this Directive. It ensures that repair options will be easier to find, reliable, and fairly priced; it also safeguards the use of compatible and 3D-printed parts and guarantees that earlier independent repairs will not diminish access to manufacturer assistance. Overall, this Directive represents important progress towards a more open, equitable, and consumer-focused repair ecosystem in Ireland and across the EU.
193. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the Government has assessed the level of AI adoption among Irish SMEs and retailers; and the supports that will be introduced to help small businesses safely integrate AI tools. [72741/25]
View answerThe European Commission’s 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Digital Decade, published in June 2025, provides a comparative view of Ireland’s digitalisation progress relative to other EU Member States. The findings indicate that Irish businesses perform well overall, but there is room for improvement.
On measures of AI adoption, 13.8% of Irish SMEs report using AI, which is above the EU average of 12.6%. This has increased steeply from 2023, when only 8% of SMEs reported using AI.
More detailed CSO analysis indicates that while the pace of AI adoption over 2024 has been rapid, a strong digital divide is apparent. 25% of medium (50 or more employed), and 12% of small sized enterprises were using AI compared to almost 51% of larger companies.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) report, AI and the Irish Labour Market, was published in November 2025. A key finding of the report is that enterprise usage of AI has surged, with adoption rates doubling in recent years.
There is currently no specific assessment of AI adoption within the retail sector.
The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated and will have a significant emphasis on AI throughout. A key priority of the Strategy will be to enable SMEs to harness AI to improve productivity, drive efficiencies and enhance competitiveness.
To support this transition, a wide range of enterprise supports are already in place:
• The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme—a free service which connects businesses with expert advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• The Grow Digital Portal showcases success stories from non-tech businesses embracing digital transformation.
• Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, Sligo) help SMEs and public bodies adopt key technologies: AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
• The Cyber Security Review Grant (worth €3,000), to help businesses strengthen their online security.
Finally, the establishment of a new AI Office of Ireland in 2026, an independent statutory entity which will be the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act, will be a major milestone, providing clarity and regulatory certainty for enterprise. A critical function of the Office will be to act as the focal point for responsible AI innovation and adoption in Ireland.
194. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the detailed timeline for the establishment of the national AI office due by 2 August 2026; and the key milestones, including any interim goals ahead of its official establishment. [72742/25]
View answerThe establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative to act as the central co-ordinating body for the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland and to provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that Ireland fully captures the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
Detailed workplans are being finalised by my officials in my Department to ensure the AI Office of Ireland is in place by August 2026. This work has been informed by the professional consultancy services of KPMG.
The establishment of a new AI office is an ambitious project with an ambitious deadline, as set down in the EU AI Act. Initial funding of €1.5 million was secured in Budget 2026 for the establishment phase of the project. In this establishment phase there are a number of projects that are to commence shortly including:
• A recruitment campaign for key personnel for the AI Office.
• The design and development of the required ICT systems.
• The establishment of a panel of technical experts to be accessed by MSAs.
• A communications and outreach programme to include the development of a website.
• The oversight for the establishment of a national regulatory sandbox.
The AI Office will be established on an administrative basis within my Department until the legislation is enacted.
195. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence will be operational; if joint establishment of a sandbox with another member state would be considered; the sectors that will be prioritised; and when Irish SMEs will be able to apply to participate. [72743/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) entered into force in August 2024 and establishes a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems developed or deployed in the EU. Its provisions will apply in a phased manner through to August 2027. The Government is fully committed to the comprehensive and timely implementation of all aspects of the AI Act, including the establishment of the national AI regulatory sandbox.
The AI Act stipulates that Member States should ensure that their competent authorities establish at least one AI regulatory sandbox at national level, to be operational by 2 August 2026. This obligation can also be fulfilled by participating in a joint programme with other Member States.
Government has agreed to adopt a distributed model of competent authorities, utilising the State's established sectoral regulatory bodies to undertake supervisory and enforcement functions under the AI Act. My Department is coordinating national implementation efforts across Government, working with colleagues in other departments to establish the optimal configuration of competent authorities to ensure comprehensive, robust and efficient implementation in Ireland. To date, thirteen public bodies have been designated as market surveillance authorities and four as notifying authorities. My Department has been designated to act as Ireland's Single Point of Contact, as required by the AI Act, to facilitate coordination and provide centralised functions for the distributed model until the AI Office of Ireland is established on a statutory basis.
The new AI office of Ireland will act as the central coordinating body for EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to help leverage the strategic opportunity that AI presents. This office will help facilitate coordination among regulators, while the enforcement of the AI Act remains the responsibility of the designated, sectoral regulators. The AI Office of Ireland will also be responsible for ensuring competent authorities establish a national AI regulatory sandbox.
The EU AI Board, a governance body of the AI Act, has established a dedicated subgroup to provide guidance on the role out of AI regulatory sandboxes across the EU. My officials are actively participating in that subgroup which will inform to protocols and practices necessary to establish the operation of the national AI regulatory sandbox.
My Department will also continue to engage with the European Commission, other member states, industry, and our regulators to explore opportunities for collaboration and participate in a joint AI regulatory sandbox. However, our immediate priority is to ensure that domestic capabilities are securely established for this pioneering project. This approach also reflects the consensus view among Member States that establishing effective domestic sandbox frameworks remains the priority to meet the August 2026 deadline.
The AI Regulatory Sandbox aims to help Irish businesses, especially SME's and startups, across all sectors to understand and navigate the AI regulations they need to comply with, in order to bring new products and services to the market. The Sandbox activity will also provide hands-on opportunities to Irish regulators to gain greater insights into the ongoing trends and developments within the AI systems in Ireland.
It is important to note that throughout the process of developing the AI Act, consideration has been given to the circumstances and needs of SMEs. Member States must provide priority access to the AI regulatory sandboxes for SMEs as well as establish dedicated channels for communication to support SMEs throughout their development journey by providing guidance and responding to queries about the implementation of this Regulation.
196. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when national guidance will be issued to Irish businesses on adoption of the EU general-purpose AI code of practice and its accompanying guidelines; and whether a national implementation date has been identified. [72744/25]
View answerUnder the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the European Commission holds exclusive competency in relation to General Purpose AI (GPAI), including responsibility for supervising and enforcing obligations for providers.
In July 2025 the European Commission published the GPAI Code of Practice and guidelines following extensive stakeholder consultation at EU level, ensuring broad input from industry, civil society, and Member States. The GPAI Code of Practice is a voluntary tool designed to help industry comply with the AI Act’s obligations for providers of general-purpose AI Models.
The guidelines reflect the Commission's interpretation and will guide enforcement. They are designed to help stakeholders across the AI value chain innovate with clarity and confidence and businesses can access the official guidance directly. The guidelines provide clear definitions, including straightforward technical criteria to help developers understand their obligations under the AI Act. They take a pragmatic approach by clarifying that only those making significant modifications to AI models are subject to GPAI provider obligations. Additionally, the guidelines outline conditions under which open-source AI model providers are exempt from certain obligations, supporting transparency and innovation.
My Department actively contributed to the development of these guidelines, drawing on significant expertise and insights gained through the ongoing implementation of the AI Act in Ireland.
Obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models entered into application on 2 August 2025. Providers of GPAI models placed on the market after this date must comply and are encouraged to adhere to the voluntary code of practice to achieve compliance, with support available from the EU AI Office.
From 2 August 2026, the Commission’s enforcement powers will come into effect. From that date, the Commission will have powers to enforce compliance with the obligations for providers of GPAI models, including the application of fines for infringements. By 2 August 2027, providers of GPAI models placed on the market before 2 August 2025 must also achieve compliance.
In respect of guidance for Member States, the European Commission has launched an online Single Information Platform, which provides online interactive tools to help stakeholders determine whether they are subject to legal obligations and understand the steps they need to take to comply. The Platform is part of the AI Act Service Desk, which has been launched as a central initiative to help stakeholders navigate the AI Act requirements. This portal will serve as a key resource for Irish stakeholders seeking clarity on obligations and best practices under the EU framework.
Additionally, the National AI Office of Ireland will be established to act as the central and co-ordinating authority for the EU AI act in Ireland and will be the national Single Point of Contact. Key functions of this Single Point of Contact will be to streamline coordination between the various Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders for the AI Act and will help to raise awareness and inform all stakeholder groups, to help foster the uptake and adoption of AI.
