Written Answers Nos. 379-398
380. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of money claimed under the research and development tax credit for AI-related advanced manufacturing activity each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73828/25]
View answer381. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of money which has been claimed under the research and development tax credit for AI-related life sciences activity each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73829/25]
View answer382. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of money which has been claimed under the research and development tax credit for AI-related financial services activity each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73830/25]
View answer383. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of money which has been claimed under the research and development tax credit for AI-related financial services activity each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73831/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 to 383, inclusive, together.
The research and development (R&D) tax credit provides companies with a tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the expenditure incurred on qualifying R&D activities. Finance Bill 2025 increases the rate to 35 per cent.
For the activities to be qualifying R&D activities, they must be systematic, investigative or experimental activities in a field of science or technology and involve one of the following research categories:
• Basic research,
• Applied research, or
• Experimental development.
In addition, the R&D activities must seek to achieve a scientific or technological advancement and involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty.
The R&D tax credit is a broad measure, available to companies in all sectors within the charge to Irish tax, carrying on qualifying R&D activities. Therefore, companies operating in A.I., data analytics, digitalisation, and emerging technologies in the field of advanced/digital manufacturing which are within the charge to Irish tax, and which incur expenditure on qualifying R&D activities, where the qualifying criteria are met, may qualify for the R&D tax credit.
I am advised by Revenue that information in relation to claimants and the associated R&D cost by sector is available on the Revenue Website at the link provided: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/r-and-d-tax-credit-statistics.pdf
While data is available in respect of R&D costs for the Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities, Manufacturing and Financial Services sectors, the specific level of detail requested by the Deputy – AI related activity in these sectors – is not provided for within the European sector classification codes (NACE) used in collecting data and therefore is not separately identifiable.
384. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation how user data is being safeguarded when the digital wallet is introduced; how it is expected that data will not be shared with ISPs; how his Department will determine the efficacy of the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73445/25]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for coordinating the digitalisation of public services, including the release of a National Digital Wallet, which has been built by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The Digital wallet is being developed in line with the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) framework, which places the user at the centre and ensures that individuals have full control over their personal data.
Personal Identification Data (PID) and other credentials will be securely issued to the wallet using robust protocols. Data exchange will occur through secure, authenticated connections between the user and the relevant credential issuers. The overall design ensures that data is not shared with Internet Service Providers (ISPs). ISPs will only see normal network traffic and device connections, without visibility into the nature of the wallet or the data being exchanged.
The pilot’s efficacy will be assessed through a beta launch, incorporating rigorous technical testing and user experience evaluations to safeguard user trust. This approach delivers a secure, privacy-preserving wallet that empowers citizens to manage their own identity and credentials.
385. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his efforts to address flooding in Kerry. [73649/25]
View answerThe Government through implementing the Flood Risk Management Plans is protecting those properties at significant flood risk from rivers and the sea. The Government has committed to investing some €81m for the design and implementation of flood relief schemes for Co. Kerry to protect 980 properties in Tralee, Kenmare, Abbeydorney and Banna. These are in the first tranche of schemes being progressed.
The OPW is funding three staff in Kerry County Council who are working solely on the delivery of the capital programme in flood risk management.
A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, for the Tralee Flood Relief Scheme, 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. The scheme is being designed to protect 717 properties from significant flood risk.
The consultants for the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme have carried out options assessment and identified six fluvial options and three coastal options. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning early in 2027. The scheme is being designed to protect 235 properties from significant flood risk.
Kerry County Council is completing a wider flood risk assessment in Banna to inform how the design for a scheme for this area can be best managed. This assessment includes the channels to the north and general drainage from the Ballyheigue area. The OPW is completing a feasibility report on the Abbeydorney Flood Relief Scheme.
Through the investment of some €1.3bn in flood relief measures through the National Development Plan, the Government was able to treble, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction, nationally. These are referred to as Tranche 1 schemes. The progression of a second tranche of some 50 other flood relief schemes, identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans, is constrained by the availability of specialised professional engineering skills for the design of flood relief schemes. The Government is also committed to delivering flood relief schemes to protect 410 properties in Dingle, Killarney, Ballylongford, Listowel and Castleisland/Tullig in the second tranche of flood relief schemes across Kerry. The delivery of these is being informed by a pilot on a new delivery model with Kilkenny and Donegal County Councils.
While the proposed scheme in Listowel is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW, through Kerry County Council, is investing €2 million for advance measures in the Clieveragh area of Listowel to protect some 50 properties. These works were completed by the OPW’s own direct labour team and I was delighted to officially open the completion of these works in November 2025.
Following a flood event in Listowel in November 2024, Kerry County Council engaged consultants to provide a report on the flood event. The findings were presented to Kerry Municipal District on 30th April, 2025 and are now available to the public. Kerry County Council discussed the findings of this report with the OPW and interim measures were identified.
I recently visited Listowel and was delighted to be in a position to announce some €0.5m funding by the OPW for flood mitigation measures in Listowel Town Park and Killocrim. These works are now completed.
Minor Works
Coastal erosion and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. Local authorities can undertake these works within their own resources.
In 2009, the Office of Public Works introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake studies, coastal erosion or minor flood mitigation works within their administrative areas.
This Minor Works Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame, and the costs do not exceed €750,000.
Applications under the scheme are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria set for this scheme. To be approved for funding under this scheme, the benefits from the works must exceed their associated costs.
To date, nationally, the OPW has approved over €70m for over 900 unique local flood relief and coastal projects that are providing benefits to some 8,000 properties.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €4.2 million funding to Kerry County Council for some 40 projects. Some €2.9m of this approved funding relates to coastal erosion works and studies.
Under the Minor Works Scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements.
I recently announced revisions to this Minor Works Scheme, including increasing the maximum funding under the scheme to €2m. My Office is finalising the details of these revisions and I expect to announce these details shortly.
Arterial Drainage Maintenance
The OPW has statutory responsibility for and carries out a programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, with the primary purpose to improve the drainage of agricultural lands.
The OPW’s annual Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Programme of the Feale and Maine catchments benefits 26,500 and 11,600 acres of agriculture lands respectively.
386. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 10 of December 2025, if he can identify the officials referred to who are sitting on the project steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73775/25]
View answer393. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 10 of December 2025, when the first meeting of the ‘project steering group’ took place; the number of meetings of this steering group since its inception; the provenance of the cost range estimate referred as to how it was arrived at, and what factors were included in that cost consideration; how ‘technical consultants’ will be engaged with; when it is envisaged the work streams referred will be agreed and established; and when the next meeting of the ‘project steering group’ is scheduled to take place. [73773/25]
View answer394. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 10 of December 2025, the form the non-statutory public consultation may take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73774/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 386, 393 and 394 together.
The first meeting of the Steering Group took place in November 2024. There have been 11 Steering Group meetings since its inception. The next meeting of the Steering Group is planned for January 2026.
The cost range estimate was based on an assessment of accommodating, in outline form, the commitments made by Government. It is anticipated that, subject to the outcomes of a non-statutory public consultation and engagement process, the future GPO Complex will incorporate at least some, or all of the following:
1. Retention of a public post office function
2. A significant cultural use/ uses
3. Public realm enhancements at street level to encourage public use of the GPO complex.
4. High-quality offices on the upper floors to provide critical accommodation to meet ongoing/ additional Government requirements.
5. Reimagined retail components within the existing retail footprint, along Henry Street and in the GPO Arcade.
Technical Consultants will be procured publicly, and they will contracted to provide services to the Office of Public Works.
There are several work streams in operation at present, which include property related matters, the non-statutory public consultation engagement process and meanwhile uses. It is expected that other work streams will be required to support the Steering Group in time.
The Office of Public Works has developed a framework for a non-statutory public consultation and engagement process which aligns with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and other key statutory consents. A detailed request for tender to provide non-statutory public consultation and engagement services has been drafted. It is anticipated that the successful tenderer will provide services which are structured in the following manner and/ or under the following themes; Educate, Listen, Debate, Define, Describe and Select.
The membership of the GPO Complex Steering Group is as follows:
Assistant Secretary General (Head of Estate Management), Office of Public Works – Steering Group co-chair.
State Architect and Principal Architect, Office of Public Works – Steering Group co-chair.
Higher Executive Officer, Property Management Owned (OPW) – Steering Group secretary.
Assistant Secretary General (Head of Heritage and Capital Development), Office of Public Works.
Principal Officer, Property Management (Owned), Office of Public Works
Principal Officer, Property Management (Portfolio Planning and Property Advisory Services), Office of Public Works.
Assistant Principal Architect, Office of the State Architect, Office of Public Works.
Assistant Principal Office, Property Management (Owned), Office of Public Works.
Principal Officer, Department of Culture, Communications & Sport - Postal Policy and Corporate Governance
Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Culture, Communications & Sport - Postal Policy and Corporate Governance
Principal Officer, Department of Culture, Communications & Sport - Culture Ireland Showcasing, Commemorations Unit and the Night-Time Economy Unit
Executive Manager, Dublin City Council.
387. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if a range of utilities were paid for by a former Garda Commissioner (details supplied) in respect of a property at Spa Road, Phoenix Park, which was provided to him for a seven-year contract period by the OPW, through An Garda Síochána, or if the cost of any such utilities were paid for by the OPW or the Exchequer. [73275/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) did not pay any of the utility bills referred to in respect of the property on the Spa Road in the Phoenix while it was occupied by the former Garda Commissioner. Routine maintenance of the boundary hedge between the property and Spa Road was performed by the OPW horticultural team, consistent with practices elsewhere in Phoenix Park. This involved approximately two to three visits annually to prevent the hedge from encroaching on the road and footpath and did not involve any work within the garden area itself.
388. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide detailed information in relation to works carried out at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73316/25]
View answerAs previously advised to the Deputy in September, the Office of Public Works does not have any ongoing works or plans to undertake significant works at the Rock of Dunamase but continues to carry out routine maintenance.
It is the OPW's understanding that Laois County Council is currently working on the public car park, picnic area and landscaping adjacent to the monument. The OPW regrets that it cannot provide any specific details in relation to this programme of works.
The OPW is unsure to what the Deputy refers when referencing making the location safe and asks that his office contacts this organisation directly in this regard.
It is intended that management of hedgerows and cutting back of vegetation will be completed on site in Quarter 1 2026. This work will happen in adherence with legislation and as part of the maintenance scehdule for the site.
389. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the new initiatives taken to ensure value for money in public expenditure; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73556/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
This year I published Circular 18/2025 which set out the value for money obligation on all civil and public servants. This emphasised that value for money must be sought by civil and public servants at all levels and all stages of policy development. It highlighted the roles and responsibilities in the delivery of value for money, as well as the robust guidance, codes of practice, and circulars underpinned by legislation and informed by best practice in the pursuit of value for money.
In August this year, my Department also published the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which is based on the three pillars of fiscal sustainability, spending adequacy, and spending efficiency. The third pillar of spending efficiency is focused on promoting value for money and ensuring that the government’s investment delivers tangible results. The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework will be used to inform future budgetary requirements.
Budget 2026 also placed a particular emphasis on achieving value for money. The budget strategy was developed using a whole of budget approach, which placed a strong emphasis on the totality of expenditure are clearly linking expenditure and investment to improved outcomes. A focus on reform was central in my Ministerial bilateral engagements as part of the Estimates process and in settling allocations. Chapter 3 of the Expenditure Report sets out a series of reform proposals to be implemented by Departments in 2026. Further detail, outlining reforms sector-by-sector, is presented in Part II of the Expenditure Report.
My Department is currently carrying out a review of the Public Financial Procedures (PFP) with a view to further enhancing accountability requirements in terms of providing value for money. The PFP sets out the principles of government accounting and is a practical guide to assist all officials in their day-to-day decision making on financial management issues. The review process is targeted at providing tools to support improvements in budgetary discipline within the limits voted by Dáil Éireann, and evidence-based expenditure decisions. The review group will produce recommendations for a redesign and modernisation of PFP for implementation in 2026.
390. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the measures to address coastal erosion in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73651/25]
View answerLocal coastal erosion 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 (KCC) to implement a number of initiatives to tackle coastal erosion in the county.
Minor Works Scheme
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. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million.
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.
Coastal Change Management
The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented.
Amongst the key recommendations of the Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study. These assessments will also help to develop a multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally.
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.
391. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to the OPW’s attendance at the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee wherein a witness (details supplied) referred to ‘Circular 01/2025’, if a copy of that circular can be provided; the data now being captured as a result of this circular by the OPW that were not previously being captured or monitored; when the OPW can provide a more concrete picture of occupancy rates within its portfolio with figures it is satisfied to credibly stand over; to outline, based on the data currently available, the occupancy rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73738/25]
View answerCircular 1 of 2025 was published by the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) on the 2nd January 2025. This Circular outlines the arrangements and responsibilities for the management and maintenance of State accommodation in Government Departments and Offices. The circular is available online at: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/dpendr-circular-012025-management-and-maintenance-of-accommodation-in-government-depar.pdf
This Circular replaces DPER Circular 1 of 2013 and applies to all accommodation where the Office of Public Works is the legal owner, tenant, lessee or licensee. This Circular takes account of a growing Civil and Public Service with increased demands, and also takes into account the changing economic and political environments, including new policies on blended working.
As described under this Circular, the OPW is responsible for acquiring accommodation and managing space allocation based on accommodation briefs from clients. The OPW clients are responsible for the ongoing day-to-day management and efficient use of their space allocation and will advise the OPW if their space allocation is underutilised including proactively engaging with the OPW on the reallocation of space for alternative purposes.
As part of this new Circular, OPW clients are obliged to submit an annual return to the OPW with occupant numbers, workstation numbers, methodology of information capture, staff attendance numbers, utilisation, and functions within their allocated space. The returns in respect of 2025 are due by the end of January 2026 and the OPW will assess the responses in terms of data maturity and consistency. Subject to the refinement of the process, and consultation with the OPW client base, the OPW will seek to publish information in 2027, or as soon as meaningful and comparable information is available in a consistent manner, in accordance with the C & AG report. This will be done in consultation with the Civil Service Management Board.
Between 2015 and 2024, the number of full time equivalent (FTE) civil servants employed in Ireland increased by 45%. The total area of office accommodation managed, as reported by the OPW, decreased by 1% in the same period. The office space per civil servant has decreased significantly from a level of 24.2 square meters in 2015 to 16.4 square meters in 2024.
During 2023, and building on a series of pre-covid surveys, the OPW began a new programme occupancy surveys to identify how space is being used by clients since the widespread adoption of blended working. Over 200,000 square metres was surveyed nationally, which represents approximately one quarter of the office accommodation portfolio. The observed occupancy in these buildings varied significantly with some buildings operating in excess of 65% utilisation when visited by the team.
The OPW will continue to work with its clients to assess and validate information that is available through the occupier return forms, and will identify additional opportunities for consolidation and optimum usage across the portfolio while ensuring the operational requirements of government can be accommodated.
392. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline Ireland’s progress under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan as part of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73753/25]
View answerIreland will receive approximately €1.15 billion in funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in respect of measures included in our National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The programme period runs from 2021 to 2026.
The NRRP is pre-funded through the estimates process and the National Development Plan. RRF allocated funding is then recouped from the EU after the agreed milestones and targets within the Plan have been achieved and verified.
The RRF is a performance-based instrument with payment contingent on evidenced completion of agreed milestones and targets. The RRF allocation will be paid to Ireland in five instalments.
Following the successful submission of our first payment request, Ireland received €324m in July 2024 from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Ireland’s second payment request of €116m was submitted in December 2024. Following a positive preliminary assessment by the Commission, payment of €115 million was lodged to the Exchequer in July 2025.
The third payment request worth approximately €240 million was submitted in August 2025, and payment received in November 2025. This means that Ireland has now successfully achieved 60% of the milestones and targets within our Plan and has secured 60% of the €1.15 billion funding.
Since July 2025, an extensive exercise has been ongoing between the Commission, Implementing Body and Accountable Departments to deliver a final revision of the NRRP to maximise Ireland’s financial drawdown and will ensure delivery within the RRF timelines. It is expected that these amendments will be formally adopted early in 2026.
Ireland has two extant payment requests to submit before the programme period for the Recovery and Resilience Facility ends, the ambition is to submit the fourth payment request in early 2026 and the fifth and final payment request to be submitted by the regulatory deadline of Q3 2026.
395. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a breakdown of the number of derelict building broken down by location; the length of time which they have been vacant; the reason they are vacant; and the cost to maintain them while vacant, in tabular form. [73780/25]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that there are currently 56 surplus vacant buildings owned by the OPW. Of these the former Garda Station at Newbliss, Co. Monaghagn has been placed on the local authority derelict sites register. This building has been vacant since 2013. The OPW is in the process of transferring it to Monaghan County Council under the protocols set out in D/PER Circular 11/15: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets.
The former Garda Station at Smithborough, Co. Monaghan has also been placed on the Local Authority derelict sites register. While it has been vacant since 2012 it is under consideration by An Garda Síochána for operational use.
The OPW has not paid any derelict site levy on these properties or any property between 2020 and 2025.
Maintenance costs to maintain the two properties since closure is as follows:
|
Property |
Maintenance costs |
|
Newbliss |
€33,334.95 |
|
Smithborough |
€51,585.75 |
396. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware that statutory redundancy pay is only required after two years of service; if he is aware that due to this, some companies hire large numbers of staff and then dismiss them shortly before they reach the two-year mark, only to hire some of the same people again soon after; if he has considered that while legally, this practice is allowed, this practice causes immense hardship for workers whose lives are disrupted repeatedly; if he has considered that Ireland’s current employment protection laws can be easily bypassed and leave vulnerable people especially pregnant workers and those with short service without real security; if he has any plans to remedy this issue; the actions he will take to address it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73438/25]
View answerThere are a range of protections under employment law for employees facing redundancy.
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.
397. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key measures taken under the remit of his Department to control insurance costs during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73554/25]
View answerResponsibility for policy on insurance matters lies with the Department of Finance and my colleague Minister Troy, in his capacity as Minister of State with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance. My Department has responsibility for personal injuries policy, governance and oversight of the Injuries Resolution Board and the legislation underpinning it.
The Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 ‘A Stronger Market, a Fairer Market’ published on 24 July this year, takes an all-of-Government approach to reform in the insurance sector and I am working closely with colleagues across Government on the implementation of the Plan.
The Action Plan contains 26 actions across a range of Departments which aim to increase insurance affordability, transparency and availability. My own Department and its agencies are leading on 11 of the actions. The Action Plan is available on the gov.ie portal.
On 16 October this year, I published the independent report, ‘Review of Compensation of Minor Soft Tissue Injuries in Ireland and the UK’, which examines compensation awards for minor soft-tissue injuries between the jurisdictions in line with priority Action 4 ‘to provide necessary and relevant information to support a review of the Personal Injuries Guidelines'.
Undertaken by the Injuries Resolution Board and Deloitte, the report provides evidence that Ireland’s award levels for these categories of injuries remain significantly higher than that in England and Wales.
Priority Action 9 includes a commitment to bring stakeholders and enterprise fora together on issues relating to the availability and affordability of insurance. I established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum under the remit of my Department this year with the objectives of reducing the costs of running a business and addressing delays which can impact operations.
On 22 September, the Forum hosted a dedicated session on Insurance, attended by representatives of business and the insurance sector, along with Departmental Officials and the Injuries Resolution Board. The Forum will be undertaking further thematic sessions and will report on its work in the new year.
I have engaged with the Minister for Justice, Migration and Home Affairs to address concerns raised by business relating to the review process for the Personal Injuries Guidelines as provided for under priority Action 21.
I very much welcome the Government decision to approve a draft general scheme of a Bill to amend the Judicial Council Act 2019 to make future reviews of the Guidelines more comprehensive and transparent. Officials of my Department are working closely with the Department of Justice on the development of the Bill.
I also published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September which outlines 85 actions to enhance Ireland’s economy, with 26 priority measures and which highlights the importance of the delivery of the Action Plan on Insurance Reform.
The Injuries Resolution Board, an Agency of my Department, has since its establishment delivered major benefits for Ireland. In the period 2019 to 2024, there has been a substantial reduction in both the cost and volume of injury claims, down 39% and 33% respectively.
In 2024 alone, €76 million was saved through the work of the Injures Resolution Board from the avoided legal costs associated with litigation, with a similar figure expected in respect of 2025.
Looking to 2026, a key component of the Action Plan on Insurance Reform for my Department will be further strengthening of the Injuries Resolution Board. To that end, the Action Plan will see the Injuries Resolution Board undertake research on the non-acceptance of its awards to inform policy to maximise the number of claims it resolves, thereby reducing the number of claims entering the costly and time-consuming litigation process.
Both Minister Smyth and I will continue to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Subgroup on Insurance Reform to drive progress on the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, working on behalf of business and consumers to drive the insurance reform agenda taking account of the wider issue of competitiveness and impacts on our economy.
398. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of the data centre cost benefit report he commissioned. [73597/25]
View answerMy Department has engaged independent consultants to undertake research on the economic value of data centres in Ireland.
This work is not a cost benefit analysis. Rather, it’s primary focus is to map out the data centre landscape in Ireland and to estimate the economic value of data centres across several strands. These strands include: the economic value associated with the construction and operation of data centres; the economic value associated with activities across sectors in Ireland that are enabled by data centres; and the economic value of data centres as it relates to attraction and retention of foreign direct investment.
The research is also considering wider economic benefits as well as other impacts associated with data centres.
Finally, the potential economic impacts to Ireland if we do not continue to develop our data centre landscape further beyond 2030 are assessed and the challenges and opportunities to any further development are presented.
The study output will provide an important evidence base for informing ongoing data centre policy discussions and the conclusion of the work is expected in Q1 2026.
