Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 123-149

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Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (123)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

123. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures currently in place within his Department to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Dublin Bay North facing rising operating costs, including energy, insurance and labour costs; the number of enterprises in the constituency that have accessed State supports administered by his Department or its agencies, in each of the years 2023 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1752/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Government recognises that rising business costs have been a significant challenge for firms in recent years, from both the impact of global developments such as a result of the impact of the war in Ukraine on energy prices and domestic pressures in our growing economy.

My Department and its agencies are undertaking a range of actions to address cost and regulatory issues and improve the overall environment for enterprise, with the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum in June last year and publication of the Government's Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity last September.

The Cost of Business Advisory Forum brings together 25 business representative groups, including SMEs, to examine the factors that can lead to higher business costs and to identify where changes to regulation or infrastructure may be needed. Following agreement on its work programme last June, the Forum has considered a range of issues including energy, insurance, and planning. Further meetings are planned for early this year and will consider issues including legal and regulatory costs. The Forum is in the process of drafting the final report, with an indicative date to present the report to Government in Q1 2026.

The Action Plan sets out a whole-of-government approach to competitiveness and productivity and contains a number of actions to reduce the cost of doing business in Ireland. These include introducing a Red Tape Challenge across Government to reduce regulatory burdens on small and medium-sized businesses and implementing a new cross-Government Plan on Insurance Reform.

The enterprise agencies continue to play a key role in working with companies to address costs and improve overall competitiveness.

Enterprise Ireland supports over 4,000 Irish companies across the country which together employ over 234,000 people – some 79,000 in the Dublin region across close to 2,000 companies. Through its Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally strategy, Enterprise Ireland is working to support Irish businesses to grow and thrive at home and abroad and we look forward to announcing the performance of EI clients for 2025 later this month.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), based within the 31 Local Authorities, assist small businesses across all sectors. Through the LEOs businesses can avail of consultancy and grant assistance in the areas of lean, green, and digital. LEOs also provide direct grant assistance specifically designed for growth or exporting, aimed at those in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. Over 2023 and 2024, LEOs in Dublin approved over €3.6 million in productivity supports for client companies.

In addition, my Department worked with the local authorities to administer the Increased Cost of Business and Power Up grants, introduced in Budget 2024 and 2025 to help SMEs deal with costs. These grant programmes provided support of over €410 million in 2024 and 2025 – over €100 million of this in Dublin across more than 30,000 grants. Both grant schemes are now closed. I note the Deputy has requested information on these grants in tabular form and my officials will provide this to the Deputy separately.

Furthermore, my Department is focusing on simplifying access to grants and support programmes through the development of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH, operated by Enterprise Ireland, provides information on over 250 different supports.

There are positive indications that cost pressures are moderating with the CSO Wholesale Price Index falling by -5.3% in the year to November last. The Government remains committed to building on this progress with the forthcoming Enterprise 2035 strategy setting out a long-term ambition for enterprise growth and job creation right around the country over the decade ahead.

Tourism Industry

Questions (124)

Edward Timmins

Question:

124. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the potential negative impact of the proposed short-term letting and tourism Bill 2025, in particular on rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As set out in the Government's new Policy Statement 'A new Era for Irish Tourism', which I published in December last year, the introduction of regulatory controls for the Short Term Letting Sector is to ensure the tourism sector develops in a way that recognises and is complementary to the wider needs of local communities, both economically and socially.

In April last year, I secured Government approval for the General Scheme of the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. When enacted, the Bill will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of regulatory controls including a national register for the Short Term Letting (STL) sector. Fáilte Ireland will implement and manage this register from 20 May 2026, ensuring compliance with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation, adopted on 11 April 2024.

I am pleased that the tourism sector has broadly welcomed the introduction of a STL register.

The new Housing policy, proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., and approved by Government on 15 April will generally preclude new planning permissions for STLs in large towns and cities. The Department of Housing is working to give effect to this decision and Minister Browne will progress any required legislative changes. Planning guidance on short term letting will be issued through a National Planning Statement which will be published before the STLT Bill is enacted to provide clarity for the tourism sector.

As we await the publication of the National Planning Statement for short term letting by Minister Browne, I and my Department continue to consider the full implications for the tourism sector.

From 20 May 2026, all STL hosts offering accommodation for periods up to and including 21 nights will be obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland via a digital system and confirm their compliance with planning requirements. Registration will take 5 minutes and will generate a unique registration number for each STL unit registered. This number must be displayed when listing the STL unit on any online platforms.

Fáilte Ireland estimates that, approximately 34,020 STL properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025, based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as “entire” houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022. In Wicklow around 830 STL units were listed in October 2025, with 59% advertised as entire properties, a 38% increase from an estimated 600 units in October 2022. Given this rapid growth, improved oversight and data collection are essential.

Tourism is an important economic driver supporting one in 10 jobs in Ireland. I recognise the concerns of the tourism industry and accommodation providers in both rural and major tourism regions where Short Term Lettings provide much needed visitor accommodation. These concerns are being addressed through continued engagement with stakeholders.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (125)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

125. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the impact of the SME test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1591/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The SME Test encourages policymakers across Government to apply the principle of “think small first” and consider the impact that any new measures may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where possible.

This approach helps ensure that new policies are designed in a way that supports SMEs and reduces unnecessary burdens on them.

In May 2024, the Government committed to ensuring that an enhanced SME Test will be applied to all major new measures. Then, in October 2024, the Government formally approved the enhanced SME Test and Guidelines.

The current Programme for Government commits to “rigorously implement the SME test to scrutinise every new piece of legislation and regulation for its impact on SMEs”.

In addition, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity published last year also states that, “all Government Departments will apply the SME test to all measures, in particular to policy initiatives where it is proposed to increase costs on small business and include the SME Test in the Government handbook.”

In terms of impact, we are seeing growing and more consistent use of the SME Test. In 2024, 26 SME Tests were applied by 8 Government Departments. Up to the end of Q3 2025, a further 22 SME Tests were completed.

I am keen for this number to continue increasing year on year, and my officials and I are exploring ways to strengthen the enforcement and consistent use of the SME Test across Government.

Once the full statistics for 2025 are available, my colleague Minister Burke, intends to bring a Memo to Government for information outlining the full figures and the progress achieved during the year. Since reporting began a total of 70 SME Tests have been applied across 14 Government Departments.

To support implementation of the SME Test, my officials have delivered information sessions to several Government Departments. Training and resources have also been made available through the OneLearning platform.

Each Department is also expected to publish SME Tests on their websites, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work with all Departments through the cross-Government network to support and monitor the application of the SME Test, and to ensure that it is applied consistently and effectively across Government.

Regional Development

Questions (126)

Noel McCarthy

Question:

126. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans for the development of the vacant IDA site at Ballyadam, Carrigtwohill, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1735/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Driving balanced regional development is a priority for government as set out in our Programme for Government and is a key focus of the work of my Department and its agencies. Suitable property availability can play a key part in winning investments in regional locations, and through its Property Programme, IDA provides property solutions aligned with evolving client needs.

IDA has over 280 hectares of land available for marketing in Cork, including the 56-hectare site at Ballyadam, which is adjacent to the N25. A key element in facilitating the development of the lands at Ballyadam is the proposed provision of a grade separated Interchange on the N25 partly on the IDA lands.

The proximity of the site to the N25 and the planned interchange are significant factors in enhancing the attractiveness of the site. Amendment to the Local Area Plan affecting these lands with the omission of the constraint limiting their development to a stand-alone industrial user will also serve to enhance the attractiveness.

There has been significant activity at the site over recent years, which has included a land sale to Eirgrid to support the Celtic Interconnector project, engagement with Cork County Council on the proposed M25 Upgrade and the associated potential land requirement to facilitate same.

Most notably, in the absence of the upgrades to the N25, IDA Ireland has also been engaged on future proofing the land bank for development which included delivery of a new vehicular access and internal road network within the site to support potential investment in advance of any upgrade to the N25 road network. This project included extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders including Cork County Council, TII and the various utility providers.

Regional Development

Questions (127)

John Connolly

Question:

127. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs the IDA supported in Galway in 2025; the way in which this compares with 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1536/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

IDA Ireland's current strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29', was launched in February last year, and emphasises the Government's commitment to balanced regional development as set out in the Programme for Government. Supporting job creation in all regions is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies.

The West Region, comprising counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, is home to 133 IDA client companies, employing 32,562 people. The West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Engineering, International Financial Services, Content, Consumer & Business Services, and Technology. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the six years requested by the Deputy, 2020-2025, with IDA supported employment increasing by 4,554 people, or 16% over this period.

Referring to Galway specifically there were 21,619 people employed by IDA client companies in 2020, and this increased to 25,430 by 2025, an increase of almost 17%, or 3,811 people.

Over the period of its last strategy, 2021-2024, IDA Ireland supported the delivery of 973 investments and creation of 76,790 jobs. 54% of these investments were won to regional locations. In the West Region 91 investments were won against the target of 76.

Under its current strategy, IDA is targeting 550 of a total 1,000 investments to regional locations, including 100 in the West. The first year of this strategy, 2025, saw IDA Ireland achieving the highest ever number of investments, 323, a 38% increase on 2024, which are expected to create over 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years.

We know that investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide, so it is significant that 183 investments representing 57% of all investments in 2025, were in regional locations.

Departmental Functions

Questions (128)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

128. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the work of the small business unit in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1535/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Small Business Unit was established in my Department last year, fulfilling a Programme for Government commitment.

The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this Unit and my Department will use to enable its work.

First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate.

In 2024, 26 SME Tests were applied by 8 Government Departments. Up to the end of Q3 2025, 22 SME Tests had been completed. I am keen for this number to grow every year, and my officials and I are looking at ways to improve enforcement of the SME Test.

Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies.

Since launching in July 2024, the NEH has handled over 10,000 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with over 1,000 queries received in November alone. My Department is working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.

Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices. We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.

This review has resulted in a reduction of application questions across all schemes - for example down 47% for Business Expansion Grants, down 30% for the Green for Business Grant and down 28% for the Feasibility Grant, with further reductions targeted.

I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government and my Department have been and are still committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

Living Wage

Questions (129)

Sinéad Gibney

Question:

129. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will reconsider the three-year delay to the introduction of the living wage, which has been postponed until January 2029; if his Department is keeping the decision to delay under constant review, in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1740/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

At the outset, it is important to highlight the Government’s continuing commitment to fair wages for the lowest paid workers in our economy, and the very real progress we have made in raising the National Minimum Wage in recent years by way of substantial increases.

Since 2020, the National Minimum Wage has increased by 40%, from €10.10 to today’s rate of €14.15 an hour.

In 2024, there was a significant uplift of 12%, or €1.40 in the minimum wage, and in 2025 the minimum wage increased by €0.80, an increase of over 6%.

At the start of the year, the National Minimum Wage increased again by €0.65, which represents a further 4.8% increase.

These increases were and are well ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about substantial real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.

Earlier this year, as part of measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness, the Government agreed to adjust the timeline for the progression to a living wage until 2029.

This decision should be considered in the context of the recent significant increases in the minimum wage that I have just outlined, and the progress achieved in reaching a living wage set at 60% of median wages. In their 2025 Annual Report, the Low Pay Commission estimated that the 2025 National Minimum Wage of €13.50 represented 59.97% of median wages using Central Statistics Office Structure of Earnings Survey data, or 56.33% of median wages, using Central Statistics Office Labour Force Survey data.

In that report the Low Pay Commission recommended that the decision of the Government to adjust the timeline for the progression to a living wage is kept under constant review.

The Low Pay Commission, when making its recommendation for a National Minimum Wage has a statutory obligation to have regard to and report on several factors such as changes in earnings, income distribution and the likely economic effects of any recommendation.

The Government carefully considers the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission and of course closely monitors labour market developments and cost of living concerns.

The Government is committed to ensuring a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.

Job Losses

Questions (130)

Sinéad Gibney

Question:

130. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the potential redundancies of 400 AI workers taking place at a company (details supplied); if his Department has engaged with the company on this issue; the steps his Department is taking to protect jobs in the tech sector amid increasing labour displacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1739/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As the Deputy will be aware, on 27 November 2025, Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce in Sandyford.

I'm informed that consultations with staff on collective redundancies are ongoing - which is good to hear because my foremost concern, and that of the Government, is for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time.

IDA has established internal processes for managing potential job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid or minimise any job losses. IDA Ireland has been engaged with the company in Dublin at a senior level to ensure that the company is aware of the full range of IDA supports that can be availed of at this time.

IDA is continuing to liaise with the company and support is being offered to assist affected employees seeking reemployment opportunities.

The technology sector has undergone a period of sustained growth for over 20 years. Sectors that have helped to drive this growth include microelectronics, cloud computing, software as a service, and cyber security. Innovation in networking and communications technologies, including in 5G, are also driving investment across all business sectors.

Demand for technology and services that support the trend for digitalisation accelerated during Covid, as companies sought to automate and digitalise their processes. Consumers also moved online at a faster pace, in line with trends in e-commerce, hybrid work and remote learning.

Companies providing the infrastructure and applications that supported these trends expanded at a faster pace, leading to increased hiring rates. In the FDI base, this has since led to modest contraction for some tech clients. Where job losses have occurred, in most cases this has been part of a global reorganisation or action. In many cases, Ireland has endured a smaller impact on a proportional basis and the impacted skills are highly transferable.

Technology is now pervasive in all business sectors and the need for tech skills across the entire industrial base remains strong. The technology sector continues to be a highly strategic one for Ireland, as evidenced by several announcements over the past year, including from Quest, Microsoft, IBM & Dedalus.

It is important to note that the demand for highly skilled qualified talent, particularly in areas such as computer science, cyber security and electronic engineering, continues to outstrip supply. These careers will continue to be in high demand well into the future so I would be very hopeful that the talented employees affected will have strong opportunities for continued career success in what remains a strong and active labour market.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (131)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to increase the tourism potential of Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As the Deputy is aware, I recently launched the new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. The policy prioritises support for tourism SMEs in all parts of the country, with a particular focus on less mature destinations, recognising their contribution to employment and balanced regional development. One of the policy objectives in the new policy is that our tourism agencies, local authorities and other relevant agencies will collaborate to develop new defined routes at regional scale based on heritage and cultural themes. This will include additional opportunities to present Ireland’s arts, cultural heritage and the Irish language to visitors in a manner consistent with the objectives of this policy statement.

Regional tourism promotion is carried out on the Department's behalf by Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta have an ongoing strategic partnership which aims to make Gaeltacht experiences appealing, accessible and relevant to visitors. Through this formal agreement, the organisations are actively collaborating across a number of priority areas for tourism development including capital projects, building capacity within the tourism industry and supporting the development of tourism products to showcase the unique cultural offering of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.

In 2024, the Government through Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta announced capital investment funding to support two major tourism development projects on the islands of Árainn (Inis Mór) in Co. Galway and Oileán Cléire (Cape Clear) in Co. Cork. These projects aim to enhance both the community fabric of the Islands, while also improving the visitor experience, extending the islands’ tourism season, and providing significant economic and cultural benefits to the local communities. These projects embody the commitment of balancing tourism development with community needs, ensuring that our islands remain vibrant, living Gaeltacht areas for generations to come.

A major component of the project on Inis Mór is the “Árainn – Place of Stone Visitor Centre”, which will be designed as an immersive, interactive attraction that will celebrate the island’s Irish language, cultural heritage, and natural environment. The project's goal is to extend visitor dwell time and the tourism season, increasing local economic benefits and community vibrancy. The current status of this project is that the application for planning permission has been lodged and requests for further information are being addressed.

Gaeltacht areas are also a core component of Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These local development plans are highly collaborative in nature, involving local stakeholders, and are reflected in agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties. Where a Gaeltacht area falls within the geography of a DEDP, Fáilte Ireland works closely with key local stakeholders to identify and develop opportunities to maximise the Irish language experience for visitors.

Job Losses

Questions (132)

Brian Brennan

Question:

132. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding discussions on a company (details supplied), which has confirmed closure, and supports for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As the Deputy may be aware, Merck notified IDA Ireland on 22nd October 2025 of its decision to wind down operations at its Arklow facility by the end of 2028. The decision followed a strategic portfolio product review, considering factors such as market dynamics, and customer needs. Staff were made aware of the company’s decision on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, and a consultation period began.

My foremost concern is the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time. Government is on hand to provide a range of supports for anyone who may be made redundant, including assisting with appropriate training and development opportunities and income supports.

IDA Ireland is engaged with the company both at a site level in Arklow and at their German HQ in order to achieve the best outcome for the site and will be exploring all options with the company. IDA Ireland has established internal processes for dealing with potential and actual job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid and/or minimise any job losses.

In the event of any announced or pending job losses, IDA also partners with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. It provides a coordinated response by relevant Government departments and agencies at a local level to support impacted employees in the event of a significant job loss announcement. This work may not formally commence until after the staff consultation period has been concluded. IDA Ireland is fully respectful of the consultation process that may be underway by any company and its employees/representatives following any announcement or proposed announcements.

The types of supports provided may include:

• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the site; a talent catchment map and timings for when individuals will be available, provided by the company.

• Identification of other employers who may be hiring across IDA and EI client companies.

• Sharing of skills profiles with other companies who may be hiring and direct engagement with HR departments, when appropriate through IDA and EI.

• Briefings by local Department of Social Protection/Intreo officials to impacted employees on social welfare and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.

• Identification of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities)

• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.

Regional Development

Questions (133)

Sean Fleming

Question:

133. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new midlands regional enterprise plan is forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1593/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Balanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.

The REPs had been extended for one year to end 2025 with agreement from the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group at its meeting of 25 April 2024. This extension provided an additional year for continued implementation of the current plans and time to review the REP initiative and consider the best approach to the future of the REPs.

In this context, my Department commissioned an independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative in 2025. A Steering Group made up of REP stakeholders and Department officials oversaw the review. The review included significant engagement with regional enterprise stakeholders, in-depth analysis of the plans and their implementation progress reports, and consideration of international approaches to regional enterprise development. The review also included recommendations and options for the future of the REPs.

I will be considering the complete review along with the Final Progress Reports for the Regional Enterprise Plans 2022-2025 due this month, in planning for the future approach to the REPs.

Economic Growth

Questions (134)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

134. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for a report on the implementation of the new Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity was published on the 10th of September 2025. The preparation of this Action Plan was a commitment under the Programme for Government, and, in response to international economic developments, the Government decided that the delivery of this work would be expedited.

The Action Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to the domestic drivers of competitiveness and focuses on areas that are firmly within our national control. Its development was informed by extensive consultation across Government Departments and with external stakeholders. In particular, officials from my department undertook a series of bilateral engagements with key Government partners, including in the areas of infrastructure, housing, research and innovation.

The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy capable of withstanding shocks, building on our strengths and developing our indigenous enterprise base while continuing to attract investment and talent from abroad.

Accountability, monitoring and oversight will be key to the successful delivery of the actions set out in this plan. Each of the 85 actions is assigned a specific owner and a timeline for implementation. Just under half of the actions are due for delivery in 2026 – the remaining actions were delivered in 2025 or are scheduled for delivery across 2027 to 2030.

It is intended that there will be regular progress reports to Government regarding the implementation of each action. It is also intended that progress on the implementation of the Action Plan will be discussed as part of the Government’s annual Competitiveness Summit in 2026.

Given that the Action Plan has only been in effect for four months, however, the majority of actions are regarded as in progress.

Tourism Funding

Questions (135)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

135. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available to communities included in the Wild Atlantic Way initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1408/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Communities along the Wild Atlantic Way play a vital role in sustaining one of Ireland’s most successful tourism initiatives. Supports for these communities are primarily delivered through Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority operating under the aegis of my Department, in partnership with local authorities, community organisations and tourism stakeholders.

Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Development Strategy for the Wild Atlantic Way provides a 10-year vision and a five-year action plan for development in the region and provides the blueprint for sustainable tourism development in the region ensuring our stakeholders and partners can work together towards a shared vision. It identifies what needs to be done to unlock the commercial potential of the region, while protecting the environment, enhancing the lives of local communities and serving the needs and expectations of our visitors.

These supports include capital investment funding through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and small-scale capital grants, which assist in developing and upgrading visitor infrastructure, public amenities, trails and access points that benefit both visitors and local residents.

Fáilte Ireland has established localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) to activate these brands. The DEDPs are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans for a destination, which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and maximise their chance for success. The DEDP’s are highly collaborative in nature, involving all local stakeholders and this is reflected in the agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties

Communities and tourism enterprises also receive experience and destination development supports, enabling the delivery of high-quality tourism offerings aligned with the Wild Atlantic Way brand, including outdoor, heritage, cultural and sustainable tourism experiences.

Fáilte Ireland further provides business, and skills development supports, including mentoring, training, digital capability development and targeted grants to help tourism enterprises improve quality, resilience and long-term viability. These measures are complemented by ongoing domestic and international marketing, by both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, which continues to promote the Wild Atlantic Way as a worldclass touring route.

In addition, under the Shared Island Fund, an allocation of €7.6 million has been made for an all-island tourism brand collaboration initiative in the North West. The overall aim of this project is to strengthen the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way, enhancing tourism performance across the island of Ireland and further raising its international profile.

The vision of this initiative is to link both routes in a way that encourages visitors to stay longer and spend more, thereby delivering increased economic benefits to communities across the region. A key element of the project is a €1.5 million small grants scheme, which will support the development and enhancement of a range of visitor experiences along the routes.

The project is being developed and implemented collaboratively by the three tourism agencies on the island, reflecting a partnership approach to shared regional development. Local authorities also play a central role in delivering Wild Atlantic Way projects at community level, working closely with voluntary and local stakeholders.

Tourism businesses in the Wild Atlantic Way region have also benefitted from Fáilte Ireland’s “Digital that Delivers” programme, which supports digital transformation across visitor attractions and activity providers. As of the end of November 2025, 299 businesses in the Wild Atlantic Way region have received support to the value of €14.48 million.

The Government remains committed to ensuring tourism growth along the Wild Atlantic Way is sustainable and delivers balanced economic benefits while protecting the natural and cultural assets on which communities depend.

Regional Development

Questions (136)

James O'Connor

Question:

136. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new south-west regional enterprise plan is forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1746/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Balanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.

The REPs had been extended for one year to end 2025 with agreement from the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group at its meeting of 25 April 2024. This extension provided an additional year for continued implementation of the current plans and time to review the REP initiative and consider the best approach to the future of the REPs.

In this context, my Department commissioned an independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative in 2025. A Steering Group made up of REP stakeholders and Department officials oversaw the review. The review included significant engagement with regional enterprise stakeholders, in-depth analysis of the plans and their implementation progress reports, and consideration of international approaches to regional enterprise development. The review also included recommendations and options for the future of the REPs.

I will be considering the complete review along with the Final Progress Reports for the Regional Enterprise Plans 2022-2025 due this month, in planning for the future approach to the REPs.

Tourism Policy

Questions (137)

George Lawlor

Question:

137. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress made on developing a long-term tourism strategy; the way in which it will address challenges such as climate change, seasonality and shifting international travel trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1343/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

In line with the Programme for Government, my Department published the new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, on 1 December 2025. This policy provides an overview of the Government’s long-term approach to tourism development to 2031 and sets out a clear framework to support a competitive, sustainable and regionally balanced tourism sector.

The Policy Statement positions tourism firmly within the wider enterprise, trade and employment agenda, recognising its importance as a key indigenous industry and employer across the State. It sets out an ambitious but achievable vision to grow the economic contribution of tourism, strengthen regional development and ensure that the sector remains resilient, innovative and inclusive in the face of ongoing economic and global change.

The policy establishes clear targets, including growing overseas tourism revenue to €9 billion and domestic tourism revenue to €5.8 billion by 2031, increasing employment in tourism to at least 250,000, and supporting stronger growth in less mature tourism destinations.

The Policy outlines a range of key commitments, including sustained support for tourism SMEs, measures to address capacity and connectivity constraints, and a stronger emphasis on year-round tourism. Climate action is a key consideration in the new Policy Statement. It commits the tourism sector to contributing to national climate objectives and climate adaptation is being addressed through the Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan, which was published in late 2025.

In addition, the Policy commits to the development of a Tourism Accommodation Strategy and to the introduction of regulatory controls for the short-term letting sector in 2026, ensuring that tourism development remains complementary to the needs of local communities. Long-standing challenges such as seasonality, will be addressed by prioritising the extension of tourism activity beyond the traditional summer peak. The period from October to May has been identified as the off-peak season, with investment focused on festivals, cultural and creative activities, business events and the development of the night-time economy to encourage year-round tourism and more sustainable employment in tourism-dependent communities.

In response to changing international travel trends, the Policy Statement places a strong emphasis on market diversification, improved connectivity and agile, data-driven marketing. A Strategic Air Access Programme will support the development of new routes, while Tourism Ireland will continue to adapt its promotional approach to emerging markets and evolving visitor preferences.

My Department has commenced work on the formation of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group to oversee the implementation of the policy, supported by enhanced data and strengthened collaboration across Government and industry. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will align their corporate plans with the Policy and will play central roles in delivery through destination development, enterprise supports, marketing, and digital and sustainability initiatives.

The Government has already taken concrete steps to support the tourism sector, including €400 million for tourism development and promotion under my Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030, the reduction in the VAT rate on food and catering services to 9% from July 2026, and measures to strengthen air access and connectivity.

In conclusion, the Policy Statement reflects this Government’s commitment to growing Ireland’s tourism industry and delivering sustainable economic benefits for communities across the country.

Tourism Industry

Questions (138)

Sinéad Gibney

Question:

138. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to address the decrease in tourist numbers in 2025 and the overreliance on the North American market in the Irish tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

2024 was a strong year for the Irish tourism industry with overseas visitors spending over €6 billion in Ireland, marking an 11% increase on 2023. While the tourism sector experienced a shift in the early part of 2025, overall tourism revenue in Ireland remained strong, albeit at a slightly lower level than in 2024, but on a par with 2023.

Encouragingly, the latest Central Statistics Office data shows a return to growth in overseas visitor numbers and expenditure towards the end of the year. The CSO reports that 460,300 overseas visitors completed a trip to Ireland in November 2025, representing an increase of 13% compared with November 2024 and 3% compared with November 2023. This is the fourth consecutive month of 2025 to show growth in visitor numbers compared to 2024. Visitor expenditure in November 2025 amounted to €347 million (excluding fares), up 10% compared with November 2024 and 4% compared with November 2023. This improvement in both visitor numbers and spending is encouraging and strengthens the outlook for growth in 2026.

In December 2025, my Department published the new National Tourism Policy Statement, “A New Era for Irish Tourism,”. This strategy provides a clear long-term vision for the tourism sector through to 2031. It aligns tourism with Ireland’s enterprise, trade, and employment agenda, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across all regions. The policy sets ambitious targets, including growing overseas tourism revenue to €9 billion and domestic tourism revenue to €5.8 billion by 2031.

A total of €71.423 million is being provided in Budget 2026 to the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund. Aligned with the new Action Plan on Market Diversification which I launched in 2025, this level of funding will allow Tourism Ireland to seize fresh opportunities for growth by expanding strategic source markets and attracting value adding visitors to the island of Ireland.

Visitors from Great Britain currently contribute 21% of visitor spend, amounting to €1.24 billion each year and the highest volume of visitors to Ireland. To keep visitation strong from this key market, Tourism Ireland will continue to invest in activity in Great Britain building on the market opportunity for year-round and regional business.

Having recently completed an in-depth appraisal of mainland European markets, Tourism Ireland will implement its new strategy to achieve a step-change in visitor revenue from these important markets.

In North America, where tourists are particularly valuable as they tend to stay longer and spend more, Tourism Ireland will build on their expanded West Coast presence in recent years and increased resources in Canada. Canada is a top 6 market in terms of visitor spend for Ireland and was the fastest growing inbound visitor spend market for Ireland in 2024.

The growing network of access routes across North America expands the marketing opportunity in the US. The US will continue to be an important market as US visitors contribute 31% of visitor spend to Ireland, or €1.87 billion in 2024. Tourism Ireland has an active programme of marketing in the US, which includes advertising, publicity, social and digital marketing to win visitors, as well as partnerships with airlines to stimulate demand for new and existing routes and partnerships with tour operators and travel trade to secure the programming of Ireland on itineraries.

Tourism Ireland’s ‘Global Partnerships’ team continues to take an agile partnership approach towards opportunities in markets where Tourism Ireland does not have a presence ensuring all business opportunities for growth are realised. Tourism Ireland is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with industry partners to grow their businesses in overseas markets through the 'Global Partnerships' team. By offering a wide range of innovative and well-established partnership programmes they create opportunities to showcase Ireland’s unique tourism experiences to audiences around the world.

Tourism Ireland’s campaigns for 2026 went live in December 2025, to position Ireland well for the upcoming year. They will run in key overseas tourism markets – including the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Nordic region and Australia – and will include advertising on TV, streaming and online channels, creating approximately 650 million opportunities to see (reach). The campaign will also include partnerships with online travel agents to drive incremental bookings for the season ahead.

Tourism Ireland remains focussed on supporting overseas tourism to Ireland and the businesses and communities that depend on it. In 2026, they will continue to support industry, stimulating demand through inspiring visitors and strengthening partnerships across overseas markets.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (139)

George Lawlor

Question:

139. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an update on efforts to expand international marketing campaigns and improve air and sea connectivity to support tourism growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Programme for Government outlines the Government's commitment to growing Ireland’s tourism industry. Through support for Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, we want to showcase Ireland as a high-quality and accessible destination for both national and international visitors.

Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination, and works closely with colleagues in Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. Through its core marketing campaigns, Tourism Ireland creates compelling opportunities to see what the island of Ireland has to offer across 14+ key markets through advertising, publicity and broadcasting, focused on high priority audience segments, and facilitates sales platforms for Irish tourism industry partners to secure sales with visitors and overseas travel trade partners.

Investment in Tourism Ireland’s consumer marketing programs shows an estimated 25:1 return on marketing investment, whereby every €1 spent on marketing is estimated to generate €25 of visitor spend on the island of Ireland. Maintaining investment in marketing campaigns is imperative to preserve Ireland’s visibility and to secure sustained success within an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

A total of €71.423 million is being provided in Budget 2026 to the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund. Aligned with the new Action Plan on Market Diversification, which I launched in 2025, this level of funding will allow Tourism Ireland to seize fresh opportunities for growth by expanding strategic source markets and attracting value adding visitors to the island of Ireland.

Tourism Ireland will continue to invest in activity in Great Britain building on the market opportunity for year-round and regional business.

Having recently completed an in-depth appraisal of mainland European markets, Tourism Ireland will implement its new strategy to achieve a step-change in visitor revenue from these important markets.

In North America, Tourism Ireland will build on their expanded West Coast presence in recent years and increased resources in Canada. The growing network of access routes across North America expands the marketing opportunity in the US. Tourism Ireland has an active programme of marketing in the US, which includes advertising, publicity, social and digital marketing to win visitors, as well as partnerships with airlines to stimulate demand for new and existing routes and partnerships with tour operators and travel trade to secure the programming of Ireland on itineraries.

Aviation partners are expanding gateways from the US to Ireland with new cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, Denver, Detroit and Pittsburgh benefitting from direct services to Dublin over the past year.

Tourism Ireland’s ‘Global Partnerships’ team continues to take an agile partnership approach towards opportunities in markets where Tourism Ireland does not have a presence ensuring all business opportunities for growth are realised. Tourism Ireland is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with industry partners to grow their businesses in overseas markets through the 'Global Partnerships' team. By offering a wide range of innovative and well-established partnership programmes they create opportunities to showcase Ireland’s unique tourism experiences to audiences around the world.

As an island destination, air access is vital, accounting for 90% of overseas inbound connectivity.

Tourism Ireland, as part of its market diversification strategy, will establish a new Strategic Air Access Fund designed to maximize the opportunities created by new direct routes to Ireland from both established and new markets where there is inbound tourism potential. This fund will stimulate demand in partnership with air carriers through cooperative initiatives, ensuring that these routes deliver strong returns and support broader economic activity.

As part of the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund in Budget 2026, €4 million has been allocated for the Regional Co-operative Marketing Access Programme. The Programme maximises the opportunities presented by new and existing regional air and sea access to drive increased visitor numbers to the regions of Ireland by stimulating demand through cooperative marketing campaigns with airlines and sea carriers. The Programme complements Tourism Ireland’s overall marketing strategy of inspiring visitors to visit the island of Ireland while sustainably supporting local economies and communities through increased direct bookings to the regional ports and airports across Ireland.

All co-operative campaigns under this Programme have a minimum 10:1 return on investment.

Work Permits

Questions (140)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

140. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the review in relation to work visa arrangements for individuals in high-demand roles, such as in the STEM area - in particular, the rule that an employer must employ at least 50% of non-national workers from the EEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1717/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Ireland operates a vacancy-led employment permits system designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration and minimise the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market.

Access to employment permits is prioritised through the occupations lists identifying in-demand, highly skilled occupations (Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL)) and those for which a ready source of labour is available (Ineligible Occupations List (IOL)). Roles that are not contained on either of these lists are eligible for a General Employment Permit.

The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic review which includes a public consultation inviting submissions from interested stakeholders to provide their observations and experiences for changes, based on evidence. The review process is a delicate balancing act, overseen by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which facilitates an integrated approach to addressing and assessing labour and skills shortages in the longer term.

Receipt of submissions to the current review closed on 19th September. Officials from my department are currently engaging with other government departments with responsibility for various sectors of employment to consider these submissions and the evidence provided and will prepare a report with recommendations in quarter 1 2026.

I am also aware of the challenges faced by some employers in certain sectors with regard to compliance with the 50:50 rule. I have not been made aware of particular constraints faced by STEM related roles in compliance with the 50:50 rule. The employment permits management system does not indicate that this sector is non-compliant.

However, my officials are examining Ireland’s use of the 50:50 rule in general and interpretations of Union Preference as set out in the Employment Permits Act 2024. This policy review will take into account concerns around compliance with the rule and will include the observations provided by key government departments, including the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. It will also consider any potential revisions of the 50/50 rule, but noting that any proposed change will require a legislative amendment as this rule is provided for in primary legislation.

My officials will continue to engage with employers in the sector to provide advice and support on the legislative obligations for the permit process.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (141)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

141. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his engagement with companies developing AI technologies to ensure that responsible and ethical tools are being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1748/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Since entering Office, I have engaged with a range of stakeholders including technology providers, civil society and business representative bodies to promote ethical, responsible and human centric AI in society.

It is important that all of sectors of society work together to ensure that we succeed in leveraging Ireland’s existing strengths, of which there are many, to harness AI for our greater good.

While AI presents significant opportunities for societal advancement, it also introduces complex challenges related to safety, privacy, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The EU AI Act compliments the protections provided for in a suite of other Digital regulations, such as the Digital Services Act, by introducing stronger governance for AI developed or deployed within the EU.

My Department is currently in the process of implementing domestic legislation to give full effect to the EU AI Act in Ireland. The main supervision and enforcement provisions of the AI Act will come into effect from August 2026. These provisions will provide a formal regulatory mechanism for relevant surveillance authorities to engage with individual companies specifically in relation to the development, provision and deployment of AI systems.

My Department has actively engaged with business stakeholders to raise awareness of the forthcoming roles and responsibilities and obligations that businesses will have to ensure that AI technologies being developed and deployed are responsible and ethical. This engagement includes:

* Communicating updates and guidance through the Department’s Enterprise Newsletter and speaking at industry events to raise awareness of obligations under the AI Act.

* Conducting a public consultation on the national implementation of the AI Act to gather input from businesses, civil society, and technical experts.

* Holding meetings with individual companies and representative bodies to provide clarity and updates on the AI Act.

* A collaboration between my Department and CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI to develop an online AI literacy training course “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act”, which is available free of cost to all SMEs.

These actions form part of our broader commitment to fostering innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring that AI systems are trustworthy and aligned with EU values.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (142)

Cathy Bennett

Question:

142. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his proposals to cultivate cross-Border tourism. [1757/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Enhancing cross-border cooperation and connections is a key ambition of this Government and tourism is an important asset towards achieving this goal.

Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination, and works closely with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland on tourism development.

In addition to a commitment to work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, further advancing the experience brands, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to support Tourism Ireland to further integrate tourism offerings on an all-island basis.

The Government is also committed to completing construction of the Narrow Water Bridge and to supporting the local authorities on both sides of the Bridge in developing the new tourism opportunities it will bring and to collaborating with partners north and south of the border.

The All Island Strategic Tourism Group, which is co-chaired by officials in my Department and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, with representatives from the three tourism agencies, provides a strategic approach, aligned to policy priorities, for the development and implementation of all-island tourism initiatives.

The new National Tourism Policy statement ‘A New Era for Irish Tourism’, which I launched in December 2025, includes policy objectives to support Tourism Shared Island initiatives. My Department, in consultation with the tourism agencies will continue to support Shared Island initiatives which will enhance regional connectivity and create more cohesive visitor experiences across the island.

The aim of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project is to strengthen the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way, enhancing the overall performance of tourism across the island and elevating its profile in international marketing. The project has made significant progress to date with the roll-out of the Small Grants Scheme for destinations on both sides of the border.

In May of 2025, Tourism Ireland launched a marketing campaign called ‘Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route’ which was supported by the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project. This campaign reached almost 15 million people across Britain.

In February of 2025, funding of up to €23 million was announced for a new Tourism Shared Destinations programme in the border regions. This programme will see Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland work in partnership with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism amenities across the border regions at Carlingford Lough, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh and will also include an International Marketing Programme to optimise the economic impact for these region.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and optimise their chance for success. This includes the Border DEDP which features counties Cavan and Leitrim, Waterways Ireland, local development companies, tourism businesses, and communities.

Business Supports

Questions (143)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

143. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans for additional supports for SMEs and investment in overseas in-market promotion to deliver on the Action Plan on Market Diversification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1538/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Government's Action Plan on Market Diversification sets out a path to support Irish businesses to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets while deepening their engagement in existing markets. As a global and open trading economy deeply connected into international supply chains, the Action Plan also serves to mitigate current risks and bolster our economic resilience.

Enterprise Ireland's Strategy 2025 -2029, titled 'Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally', outlines a comprehensive plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a combination of financial, policy and strategic initiatives. From a position of strength and resilience, Irish enterprise is facing challenges due to trade volatility, digital transformation altering business models and processes, and climate change. The Strategy seeks to support Irish business to navigate these challenges via delivery of support to accelerate sustainable Irish business to start, compete, scale and connect.

Enterprise Ireland has launched two new grants to support exporting companies to assess and respond to the impact of US trade tariffs.The new supports help companies to develop tariff mitigation strategies and to be market diversified. They are:

• The Market Research Grant which offers funding of up to €35,000 for companies to assess the full impact of tariffs, gain market insights and develop mitigation strategies.

• The New Markets Validation Grant which offers funding of up to €150,000 for companies to develop market entry strategies for new markets or new products.

The two new grants, as well as Enterprise Ireland’s trade tariff response team and global team across a network of 42 international offices, are key supports in assisting Irish exporters take concrete operational and diversification measures to safeguard profitability and protect jobs.

These financial supports are part of a range of supports to address companies Export Development needs, and Enterprise Ireland will continue to promote these solutions to support business plans and market diversification strategies.

Tourism Policy

Questions (144)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

144. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on any plans his Department or State agencies under his aegis have to improve accessibility and disability-friendly domestic tourism; and if they have explored the possibility of a register of tourist attractions in terms of disability accessibility levels. [1847/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Fáilte Ireland sees accessible and inclusive tourism as central to the future of Irish tourism. It’s about making sure everyone can enjoy great experiences, feel welcome, and travel with confidence across Ireland.

As visitor expectations continue to grow and more people seek accessible and inclusive experiences, it’s important that our approach is practical and evidence-based. That means understanding what works on the ground for tourism businesses, learning from international best practice, and listening to the real experiences of visitors. By doing this, we can strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness, improve the visitor experience, and support sustainable growth across the tourism sector.

In 2025, 69 hotels participated in Fáilte Ireland’s “Access for Success Initiative” and this year the initiative will be rolled out to include Attractions and Activity Providers aimed at contributing to the development of Accessible and Inclusive Destinations throughout Ireland. Last year, Fáilte Ireland worked in partnership with VisitEngland, VisitScotland, VisitWales and Tourism Northern Ireland to develop a robust, standardised accessibility feature set. By working together, we’re creating a common framework that tourism businesses can use to explain their accessibility features in a way that’s consistent, reliable and easy for visitors to understand.

In 2024, Fáilte Ireland established a dedicated Inclusive Tourism team to drive national efforts in making Ireland’s destinations, services, and tourism offerings accessible and inclusive. This work aims to embed universal access across the sector and raise awareness of accessible and inclusive tourism.

Since establishing a dedicated inclusive tourism team in 2024, Fáilte Ireland has undertaken work to improve accessibility and disability-friendly domestic tourism through the following:

• Launching a new accessible and inclusive tourism capability programme to enhance skills and competencies in accessible and inclusive tourism. Comprised of seven modules designed to equip both frontline staff and leadership teams with essential skills and knowledge

• Development of an access and inclusion events guide, available to all event organisers which will support the creation of more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming event experiences across the sector.

• Through Platforms for Growth 2, Fáilte Ireland is investing in 19 water activity sites featuring Changing Places Toilets—greatly expanding the provision of changing places facilities in Ireland beyond towns and cities, step changing opportunities for more people to experience Ireland’s beautiful rivers, lakes and beaches

• Fáilte Ireland are currently working with the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design (National Disability Authority) in the review and design of a robust process for ensuring all Capital Investment schemes under their remit include access inclusion principles and practices.

• Fáilte Ireland has supported businesses in making their digital content fully accessible to WCAG 2.2 AA standards—offering funding, expertise, and training. To close a digital skills gap, Fáilte Ireland launched a targeted programme to upskill web agencies, enabling them to deliver accessible design. With a goal to upgrade 500 websites by the end of 2026, this major investment reflects our commitment to a digitally inclusive tourism sector.

Although there is no national register that categorises tourist attractions by accessibility level, the concept is consistent with the direction of existing initiatives which are being delivered by Fáilte Ireland.

Economic Growth

Questions (145)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

145. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the assessments his Department has made on the impact of the housing crisis on recruitment and retention of staff, investment in Ireland and our overall competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1743/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) has published analysis examining the relationship between housing market developments and Ireland’s competitiveness performance. The Council considers that housing supply constraints and high housing costs can undermine Ireland’s competitiveness by placing pressure on labour markets, raising business costs, and affecting quality of life.

The NCPC outlines that housing has become a key competitiveness challenge. Capacity constraints in the construction sector are identified as a key factor limiting the responsiveness of housing supply. Labour shortages and skills gaps within the sector constrain delivery and add to cost pressures. The NCPC concludes that addressing housing supply constraints is increasingly important to support productivity, sustainable growth, and Ireland’s overall competitiveness.

The importance of tackling the barriers to housing delivery is also acknowledged in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025. The Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to the domestic drivers of competitiveness and focuses on areas that are firmly within our national control. Among the 85 actions included in the Plan, are commitments to:

• Prioritise increased construction sector productivity in national infrastructure and housing programmes, through further embedding supply and demand-side initiatives at design and procurement stages and strengthening industry capability; and,

• Prioritise the Work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, to ensure that barriers to the delivery of infrastructure are addressed and the provision of infrastructure accelerated.

In December 2025, the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, a targeted strategy designed to address delivery bottlenecks in Ireland’s infrastructure system. The plan sets out 30 time-bound actions to streamline legal and regulatory frameworks, improve coordination across agencies, and fast-track nationally significant projects, with the explicit aim of supporting competitiveness, housing supply and sustainable growth. The publication of this Plan was welcomed by the NCPC.

Complementing this, the Government’s new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 sets ambitious targets to increase housing supply. To accelerate progress, the plan includes regulatory reforms, tax incentives, and the largest ever investment in infrastructure in the history of the State, €275 billion over ten years through the National Development Plan.

Taken together, with ongoing reforms under the Planning and Development Act 2024, these initiatives signal a concerted effort to align infrastructure, planning and housing policy to address constraints that have been weighing on our international competitiveness.

Regional Development

Questions (146)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

146. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the funding allocated for the smart regions enterprise innovation scheme in the southern, eastern and midland regional programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1589/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Peter Burke)

The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme was launched in October 2023. The scheme is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and administered by Enterprise Ireland, and includes four streams supporting development and provision of local enterprise infrastructure, innovation clusters and consortia, innovation services to SMEs, and early-stage feasibility and priming research.

In December, I announced over €18 million in investment in 40 successful Smart Regions projects, €14.6 million of which was funding allocated under the Southern, Eastern and Midland regional programme. This included funding for two buildings at Carlow Catalyst, a total investment under the Scheme of €8.1 million. I understand that there is a total allocation under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme available to the Southern, Eastern and Midlands regions of €20 million, in agreement with the European Union and the appropriate regional assemblies.

The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme remains open to applications and further projects are expected to be formally approved and announced in the coming months.

Tourism Industry

Questions (147)

Michael Cahill

Question:

147. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which he will continue to support tourism SMEs in establishing themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1712/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. Supporting tourism SMEs is a key priority under our new National Tourism Policy Statement – A New Era for Irish Tourism, which sets out actions to drive regional growth, digital innovation, skills development and sustainable infrastructure.

Tourism SMEs are at the heart of our sector, bringing innovation and regional character that make Ireland a world-class destination. My Department works closely with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the National Enterprise Hub to provide a broad range of supports to help these businesses start and grow.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) provide direct grant assistance, including salary support for unique tourism service projects focused predominantly on generating revenues from overseas visitors. They also offer consultancy and grants to small businesses across all sectors in the areas of Green, Digital and Lean. These grants assist businesses to implement recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise operations. In addition, LEOs deliver a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes tailored to meet specific business requirements, whether for start-ups or growing enterprises.

Fáilte Ireland provides targeted investment grants under the National Development Plan for tourism-related projects. It also offers capability-building programmes such as Climate Action, Digital Transformation and People & Performance to strengthen resilience and competitiveness. Furthermore, my Department supports market development through international marketing, trade promotion and guidance on EU funding opportunities.

Budget 2026 strengthens these measures with increased agency funding to implement our new policy and a reduction in the VAT rate for hospitality services from 13.5% to 9% from July 2026, easing cost pressures for SMEs.

The Government remains committed to lowering entry barriers, fostering innovation and enabling sustainable growth for tourism SMEs across all regions.

Tourism Industry

Questions (148)

John Paul O'Shea

Question:

148. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his ambition for the future of tourism in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1238/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Fáilte Ireland continues to work closely with stakeholders to develop and promote the region.

Cork is uniquely positioned in that it is represented by three of Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Brands — the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. A central element of this work is the delivery of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These are five-year sustainable tourism development plans which bring together public and private sector stakeholders to prioritise tourism projects and maximise their chances of success. The DEDPs are highly collaborative in nature, with agreed action plans assigning ownership across the relevant organisations.

The "Cork City, Harbour and East Cork" DEDP and the "West Cork and Kenmare" DEDP provide five-year frameworks to guide tourism development, supported by stakeholder and implementation groups. Fáilte Ireland is also developing the Ballyhoura DEDP and has confirmed work on a new North Cork DEDP is due to commence in February.

Investment in tourism infrastructure in Cork continues through the Platforms for Growth – Shared Water Facilities Scheme which is administered by Fáilte Ireland. Cork will benefit under this scheme from a new water sports facility at Claycastle, County Cork, supported by an investment of €1.2 million, providing modern shared facilities for multiple operators.

Tourism businesses in Cork have also benefitted from Fáilte Ireland’s “Digital that Delivers” (DTD) programme, which supports digital transformation across visitor attractions and activity providers. These figures are for 46 businesses who have completed or partially completed DTD. A further 8 Cork businesses are currently active in the programme. As of the end of 2025, total funding awarded to Cork under this initiative amounts to €2,590,235.05.

Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Cork City Council, published a tender in 2025 inviting suppliers to support the development of concepts for a potential new visitor attraction in Cork City. The tender is aimed at suppliers with expertise in visitor attraction planning, feasibility analysis, business modelling, and site appraisal. The appointed consultant(s) will develop outline plans and feasibility studies for three shortlisted concepts which have been selected for further development and appraisal:

• Rejuvenated and Reimagined English Market

• National Science Museum

• Indoor Wellness and Waterpark Destination

As this project is in the early concept development stage, Fáilte Ireland has not committed any capital investment funding at this time. Subsequently, if a decision is taken to proceed further with one or more of these Visitor Attraction concepts, a Preliminary Business Case will be developed by Fáilte Ireland in line with Government Infrastructure Guidelines. If none of the above listed concepts meet the required criteria to progress to the next stage, Fáilte Ireland and Cork City Council will seek to identify further concepts for an attraction of scale in Cork.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (149)

Paul Murphy

Question:

149. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on the impact on workers’ quality of life of forcing remote workers to return to work; the measures he will take to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1621/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

In the years following the pandemic, it has become clear that remote work is something that is here to stay. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office show that in the third quarter of 2025, 987,800 people reported working from home at least some of the time.

Government supports remote working and is committed to facilitating remote work in a way which maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.

Since March 2024, all employees have the right to request a remote working arrangement under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. We have not excluded any category of worker or occupation from this right within the legislation. However, not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise will be appropriate or suitable for remote working and it is for each employer to determine, in line with the legislation, whether they can agree to a remote working arrangement. Government cannot dictate terms agreed between an employee and employer.

That said, Government will continue to promote and support remote working. The Programme for Government re-affirms the commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers.

To ensure the remote work legislation is fit for purpose, my Department is currently undertaking a statutory review of the operation of the remote working provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.

The purpose of this review is to assess the effectiveness of the legislation in providing the entitlements, to evaluate the clarity of the legislation and to identify any unintended consequences of the legislation.

We achieved significant engagement from stakeholders throughout the process and I look forward to considering the final report in due course.

• Written Answers Nos. 1-122
• Written Answers Nos. 150-172