Written Answers Nos. 876-898
879. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the breakdown of the number of enforcement and trade facilitation staff at Dublin Airport in each of the years 2019-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/26]
View answerRevenue have provided the following table with the breakdown of the number of enforcement and trade facilitation staff at Dublin Airport in each of the years 2019 to 2025:
|
Dublin Airport |
31/12/2019 |
31/12/2020 |
31/12/2021 |
31/12/2022 |
31/12/2023 |
31/12/2024 |
31/12/2025 |
|
Trade Facilitation |
79 |
82 |
96 |
121 |
115 |
99 |
96 |
|
Enforcement Staff |
79 |
89 |
75 |
79 |
65 |
88 |
92 |
880. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department is using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the Department are affected. [2246/26]
View answerThe Department of Finance is not using any artificial intelligence tools in place of the work of designers in the Department.
881. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether any agencies or other bodies under his remit are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the organisation are affected. [2264/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that none of the bodies under my Department's remit are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers.
882. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the actions being taken by his Department to ensure that banks and financial institutions continue to provide accessible, non-digital banking services for older people, particularly those living in rural areas; whether consideration is being given to requiring banks to offer alternative payment authorisation options for customers who do not use smartphones or online banking, including in-branch or community-based supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2280/26]
View answerMy Department has taken several actions to ensure that banks and financial institutions provide banking and payment services to older people, including those who live rurally. These actions include measures which require banks and payment institutions to offer alternative methods of payment authorisation, for those users who prefer not to use smartphones and online banking.
The Payments Accounts Directive (PAD) was transposed in Ireland as the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016. Under PAD, any consumer who is legally resident in the EU and who does not already have a current account with a credit institution in the State has the right to open and use a current account with basic features. This measure ensures all EU consumers including older people have access to a basic payment account.
Additionally, the PAD creates the concept of a basic bank account. A basic bank account is a current account that is free of charge for everyday banking. Customers who qualify for a basic bank account do not pay everyday banking or maintenance fees for everyday banking, for the first year at least. Banks and payment firms must ensure that their basic bank accounts include core services including ATM withdrawals, cashback, bank transfer, lodgements, statements and debit card payments free of charge.
One key measure in the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016 is the requirement for banks to allow consumers to manage and initiate payment transactions from his or her payment account with basic features; from publicly accessible physical premises or using online facilities. This means that banks are obligated to have in place payment authorisation options which utilise in branch authorisation as opposed to online authorisation via smartphone.
Once finalised, the proposed EU Payment Services Regulation (PSR) will require banks and payment institutions to ensure that all customers, including older persons, have access to a non-digital method for performing strong customer authentication (SCA) when required. Banks and payment institutions will be prohibited from making SCA contingent upon owning a smartphone. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility in payments services.
883. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will obtain the position of the Revenue Commissioners on a policy matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2303/26]
View answerI am informed by Revenue that Section 19 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides that income from offices or employments, and from annuities, pensions, or stipends payable out of State funds, is within the charge to tax under Schedule E. In addition, section 126 (2) TCA 1997 specifically provides that payments made under the old age (contributory) pension (now known as the State pension (contributory)) are deemed to be emoluments to which Chapter 4 of Part 42 (Collection and recovery of income tax on certain emoluments (PAYE system)) applies.
As the Deputy's question outlines, the State pension has always been paid gross to the recipient by Department of Social Protection (DSP). Revenue and the DSP have a long-standing data-sharing arrangement between both organisations which facilitates the operation of both the tax and welfare systems. Data has been shared over a number of years in relation to taxable welfare payments - such as pensions and long-term benefit payments, which allows tax to be deducted throughout the tax year instead of creating a full year’s tax bill at the end of the year.
Where a person in receipt of payments from DSP also has an additional source of employment or occupational pension income, the mechanism used to collect tax due is by reducing the person’s annual tax credits and rate band, by the annual amount of their DSP income. This ensures that the DSP payment is paid gross to the recipient, while the salary or pension, as paid by their employer, will have any tax due on both the DSP income and the employment deducted from it.
A change was made from the beginning of 2025 to how Revenue collects tax due from certain individuals in receipt of income from the DSP. This change affected customers who are registered with an employer/pension provider, receive income from DSP, and are also a chargeable person in receipt of additional income not taxed via PAYE. Such persons would be obliged to file an annual Form 11 to return their income, including income from DSP.
This change allowed such taxpayers to pay the correct amount of tax in the year the income was earned from 2025 onwards, as Revenue reduced annual tax credits and rate band on Tax Credit Certificates (TCC) to take account of any taxable income from DSP. This aligned with the current method for those earning PAYE income who are also in receipt of income from DSP.
This change was made for all such customers, with the exception of those who sought to defer this change until the beginning of 2026. On request, a deferral was granted to the reduction of taxpayers' tax credits and rate band until 01/01/2026. This deferral opportunity ended in 2025 and these taxpayers will receive a revised Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) valid from 01/01/2026 to reflect the taxation of their taxable income from DSP.
When completing the 2025 Form 11, a taxpayer's DSP income will be automatically pre-populated on the return (on a table for their review and inclusion on the Form 11). As usual, taxpayers need to declare all income sources on the Form 11.
All customers who were granted a deferral were written to last year to advise them of this change.
In relation to the query about specific tax credits, etc., for pensioners, I am advised by Revenue that Section 464 TCA 1997 provides for the 'age tax credit' for individuals aged 65 or over. The credit is due in the year that an individual reaches the age of 65 and is granted for the full tax year. The value of this credit is €245 for a single individual and €490 for a jointly assessed married couple and is granted when the older spouse or civil partner reaches the age of 65.
Consequently, the effective entry point to income tax for a single individual aged 65 or over in receipt of the basic personal tax credit, employee tax credit and age tax credit is €21,225 per annum. This means that a single individual can potentially earn up to €21,225 before they pay income tax in 2026. Married couples or civil partners can potentially earn up to €42,450 per annum before they pay income tax in 2026, depending on their particular circumstances.
Alternatively, an individual may not have to pay income tax if they or their spouse or civil partner, are aged 65 or over and qualify for an exemption from income tax. The exemption limits are €18,000 in respect of a single individual or €36,000 for married couples and civil partners with increases for dependent children. If an individual’s income is above these limits but less than twice the limit, they may qualify for Marginal Relief.
Further information on tax credits is available at the link below:
www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/tax-relief-charts/index.aspx
886. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide a list of the top ten capital or programme projects delivered by his Department or its agencies over the past three years which were completed on time and within the originally approved budget; the project name, location, delivery timeframe, original approved budget, final outturn cost, and delivery body, for each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/26]
View answer888. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide a list, for each of the past three years of the top ten projects per annum delivered by his Department or its agencies which were completed late and over the originally approved budget; the project name, location, original approved completion date, actual completion date, original approved budget, final outturn cost, cost overrun expressed in euro and percentage terms, and the delivery body for each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 886 and 888 together.
It was not possible for my Department to provide the information sought in the time available. I will, however, make arrangements to provide the information to the Deputy in line with Standing Orders.
887. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to detail the annual spend on external consultants by his Department and its agencies in each of the past three years; the number of consultancy contracts, the largest individual consultancy engagements by value, and whether internal capacity-building or cost-benefit assessments were undertaken prior to engaging external consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2446/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the consultancy costs of the Department of Finance are available on the Department’s website, the link to the annual consultancy costs reports up to 2024 is included below for ease of reference. The 2025 consultancy costs will be published in the first quarter of 2026: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/consultancy-costs/
In accordance with Circular 05/2023, my Department advertises all competitions on eTenders above the national advertising threshold of €50,000 and, prior to 2023, all competitions above the then national advertising threshold of €25,000 in accordance with the predecessor Circular 10/2014. A cost benefit analysis is undertaken as part of the procurement process.
The Department of Finance is a predominantly policy-oriented Department with administration cost accounting for approximately 70% of the total budget. The administration cost relates primarily to payroll allowing for the majority of the Department’s output to be delivered based on internal capacity. The Department puts significant emphasis on the professional development of its employees and their ability to contribute effectively to the achievement of the Department's strategic goals.
The following information has been provided by the Bodies under the Aegis of the Department.
Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General spent the following amounts on external consultant contracts in the past three years.
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€’s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
1,198,915 |
15 |
458,032 |
Y |
|
2024 |
1,043,910 |
19 |
424,142 |
Y |
|
2023 |
1,164,315 |
17 |
524,379 |
Y |
Credit Review Office
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
41,234.32 |
10 |
11,125.00 |
N |
|
2024 |
70,077.35 |
11 |
11,644.20 |
N |
|
2023 |
59,167.80 |
16 |
9,655.50 |
N |
The Credit Review Office uses external consultants to review cases in response to volumes The Office has one other external consultancy contract in place for management of social media advertising.
Tax Appeals Commission
In response to the Deputy’s question, I can confirm that the Tax Appeals Commission engaged the services of one consultancy firm for the provision of internal audit services, as detailed in the below table.
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
35,918 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2024 |
40,167 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2023 |
28,580 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Investor Compensation Company
External consultants are engaged on a limited and targeted basis where specialist expertise is required and is not available internally. The consultancy engagements included below relate to discrete, time-bound pieces of work.
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€’s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
205,405 |
2 |
196,549 |
Y |
|
2024 |
20,910 |
1 |
20,910 |
Y |
|
2023 |
27,035 |
1 |
27,035 |
Y |
Credit Union Restructuring Board
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€’s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
5,100* |
1 |
5,100 |
N |
|
2024 |
15,555 |
2 |
10,455 |
N |
|
2023 |
5,000 |
1 |
5,000 |
N |
* Please note that data in respect of 2025 is subject to audit.
Note: The Credit Union Restructuring Board’s (ReBo) functions as a body ceased in March 2017 and it was operationally wound down in July 2017. A caretaker Board comprising two Department officials and an existing director (the Central Bank nominated non-voting director) was appointed from 1 August 2017 in order to meet the requirements of the Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012 and manage operations until ReBo is dissolved.
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
|
- |
Annual Spend (€s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025* |
1,358,750 |
23 |
350,728 |
Y |
|
2024 |
2,880,000 |
26 |
700,142 |
Y |
|
2023 |
2,545,000 |
26 |
329,336 |
Y |
* 2025: the 2025 amount is a year-to-date Nov-25. Dec-25 accounts are not yet finalised.
National Asset Management Agency
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’000) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€’000) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
141* |
3 |
131* |
Y |
|
2024 |
1,107 |
3 |
1,102 |
Y |
|
2023 |
396 |
2 |
379 |
Y |
* Please note that data in respect of 2025 is draft and subject to audit.
Irish Banking Resolution Corporation
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) * |
No. of Contracts^ |
Largest (€’s)+ |
Internal Assessments?** (Y/N) |
|
2025 |
10,694,665.77 |
26 |
3,419,756.96 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
7,990,944.48 |
25 |
3,160,093.64 |
N/A |
|
2023 |
11,384,595.16 |
28 |
2,872,372.00 |
N/a |
Notes:
* Excluding VAT, represents amounts paid each year. Services are incurred based on hours worked rather than contract value
^ Basis of computation is number of firms
+ Largest spend based on a per firm basis
** The various parties providing these services are subject to Letters of Engagement between IBRC and the provider of the service.
Home Building Finance Ireland
|
- |
Annual Spend (€’s) |
No. of Contracts |
Largest (€’s) |
Internal Assessments? (Y/N) |
|
To Nov-2025 |
123,000 |
5 |
64,000 |
Where relevant, HBFI assesses the ability to undertake work internally or whether external specialist advice is required |
|
2024 |
193,000 |
7 |
67,000 |
|
|
2023 |
222,000 |
8 |
83,000 |
|
Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT)
IFSAT did not have any expenditure on external consultants in the past three years.
Irish Fiscal Advisory Committee (IFAC)
IFAC did not have any expenditure on external consultants in the last three years (2023-2025).
Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA)
DDMBA did not have any expenditure on external consultants in the past three years.
Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC)
CUAC did not have any expenditure on external consultants in the past three years.
It was not possible for four of the bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond to the information request in the time available and therefore I will provide the information to the Deputy in line with Standing Orders. These bodies are the Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman, the National Treasury Management Agency, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Bank of Ireland.
889. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 6 March 2025, to provide an update on works to upgrade a Garda station (details supplied); the full amount expended to date on this upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1838/26]
View answerThe works to upgrade Cloyne Garda Station are ongoing.
These works include internal alterations and general refurbishment to improve physical access to the Garda Station.
It is anticipated that the works will be complete in the coming weeks, this timeline has been subject to unexpected delays with the coordination of electrical works, as required by the ESB.
The full amount expended on this upgrade will be available once the final account is agreed with the works contractor.
890. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the Thomastown flood relief scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73924/25]
View answerThe Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State, was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. The CFRAM programme studied 80% of Ireland's primary flood risk and identified measures to protect over 95% of that risk. The 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) were a key output of CFRAM, identifying proposed flood relief measures nationwide. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk.
As it is not feasible to deliver all flood relief schemes concurrently (due to constraints on the specialised engineering skills in the OPW, local authorities, and the consultancy market), the flood-relief delivery programme was sub-divided into two tranches, focusing initially on Tranche 1 schemes and those already in the delivery pipeline. The prioritisation of the first tranche of schemes was based on three criteria including: scale of projects, capacity to deliver a national programme, and maximising return on investment by reference to property numbers. Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on the design of some 50 Tranche 2 flood relief schemes. This includes the Thomastown Flood Relief Scheme for Co. Kilkenny.
The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche 2 schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche 2 Pilot. There are two Tranche 2 Pilot schemes in County Kilkenny (Freshford and Piltown) and two schemes in County Donegal (Donegal Town and Letterkenny). The Tranche 2 Pilot will transfer the management of data gathering, as a first step in designing a scheme, from consultant engineers for a single scheme to the local authorities for all schemes in the Pilot and, where feasible, within their areas of responsibility. The Pilot means that data gathering may be scaled up from individual communities to all schemes in a county. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future schemes nationally and the scope of services required from consultants to design and facilitate construction of flood relief schemes.
Nationally, 56 schemes have been completed to date, which are providing protection to some 13,580 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
Local authorities will be familiar with the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme), which was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Applications for funding from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost-benefit ratio. I recently announced that an increase in funding supports is to be made available to local authorities under the Minor Works Scheme, including an increase in the upper Minor Works threshold from €750,000 to €2,000,000, subject to qualifying criteria.
891. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the planned funding of coastal protection works at Cahore, county Wexford; the future funding plans to develop these further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73998/25]
View answerLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
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.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand orientated scheme. Funding is based on the estimated costs of the works required to deal with the risks submitted by the Local Authority.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 15 projects and €5.5m to Wexford County Council (WCC) under the Minor Works Schemes. Some €4.4m of this approved funding relates to coastal erosion works or studies.
Cahore Coastal Protection
WCC identified a risk at Cahore from wave action during storms. Such waves can overtop the existing defences and give rise to a risk of damage to the existing defences and the area behind.
Six properties were classified as being at risk. WCC proposed to strengthen and enhance the existing rock armour protection to protect these properties.
Funding of €500,362 under the OPW Minor Works Scheme was approved for these works in August 2025.
The OPW are open to receiving further Minor Works applications for the Cahore area from WCC if necessary.
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, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
892. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans and budgets provided in 2026, 2027 and 2028 to address coastal erosion. [73999/25]
View answerLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
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.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand orientated scheme. Funding is based on the estimated costs of the works required to deal with the risks submitted by the Local Authority.
Some 105 coastal protection projects, consisting of works and/or studies have been approved to date by the OPW under the Minor Works Scheme, since 2009. Over the last 3 years circa €3.8 million has been approved by the OPW for such projects submitted by the Local Authorities.
• 2025 - €734,025
• 2024 - €2,526,705
• 2023 - €537,118
The OPW will continue to work with Local Authorities to enable coastal erosion mitigation works to be undertaken through the Minor Works Scheme based on applications received.
Rosslare
The Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. The Scheme comprises two elements of work which are being progressed as part of an overall integrated Scheme, namely: works to address flooding (to west side of Rosslare Strand) and works to address coastal erosion (to east side of Rosslare Strand). In 2021 Wexford County Council appointed Consulting Engineers to develop, design, and enable construction of the scheme.
To date circa €472,000 has been spent on this scheme with a planned spend of circa €450,000 over the next 2 years. The scheme currently has a substantial completion date of July 2030.
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, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
893. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a list of addresses, properties and sites owned by the Office of Public Works which are vacant or derelict; and the reasons, in tabular form. [74007/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories, and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres, and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of vacant or non-operational properties, at any given time, as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the state’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW’s Policy in managing surplus vacant properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain, and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
Before properties are placed on the open market the OPW advises other state bodies of its owned surplus vacant properties, so that they can assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use. This includes the Land Development Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the relevant Local Authority.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that there are currently 55 buildings and 19 sites that are surplus and vacant which are owned by the OPW.
The former Garda stations and residences at Newbliss and Smithborough, Co. Monaghan are the only properties in the ownership of the Commissioners that have been placed on a local authority derelict sites register.
The OPW is in the process of transferring the former Garda station and residence at Newbliss 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 and residence at Smithborough remains assigned to An Garda Síochána as it is under consideration for operational use and therefore has not been included in the list of surplus vacant properties provided.
The 74 surplus vacant properties owned by the OPW and their current status can be found at the link below.
894. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if ground rents are paid by the Office of Public Works on public buildings; and, if so, for a list of buildings for which ground rents are paid; the amount paid per year; and the landlord to which it is paid, in tabular form. [74008/25]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (OPW) pays ground rent on a variety of sites throughout the country. By their nature, the financial outlay for ground rents is extremely low, and they are usually associated with very long-term arrangements which provides the OPW with long-term security of tenure. The creation of ground rent leases was discontinued in 1978 under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1978.
The table at the link below details the Ground Rent leases held by OPW and the annual rent payable. The Ground Rents listed range in annual cost €0.01to €419.36 with the vast majority being under €100 per annum.
895. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74139/25]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the table below which sets out AI projects in my Department over the last 12 months. I would highlight that while these projects are not being piloted as part of their development, they are significant Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) AI initiatives and are included in the response for completeness.
|
Project |
Status |
Cost |
|
Development and deployment of a HR AI Assistant - an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide accurate, reference-linked responses to Civil Service HR policies |
Ongoing |
€143,775 |
|
Gov.ie - AI powered search tool |
Ongoing |
No costs have yet been incurred as project is in the early stages of development |
|
Where Your Money Goes - Interactive dashboard and AI Chatbot |
Proof of Concept |
No cost associated with proof of concept but further costs may be incurred subject to final decision on project |
896. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if standards or service-level targets exist for his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, in responding to correspondence from members of local authorities; if compliance with such standards is monitored; the reasons for delays or failures to respond to correspondence from elected members; and the measures being taken to ensure more consistent and timely communication going forward. [74254/25]
View answerMy Department’s mission is to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. To support this mission, the Department has published a Customer Charter 2024–2027, Customer Action Plan and Customer Complaints Procedure, which set out the standards of service that all customers, including public representatives, can expect when engaging with the Department. Staff of the Department are expected to attach particular priority to any correspondence from public representatives.
The Department is committed to providing a professional, efficient and courteous service to all customers, in line with the 12 Principles of Quality Customer Service. The Customer Charter outlines service standards and timelines for responding to correspondence and the Complaints Procedure provides a clear escalation process where issues cannot be resolved at first point of contact. If an issue cannot be resolved with the relevant staff or section, a formal complaint can be made to the Quality Customer Service Officer. The complaints mailbox is monitored by officials and responses are issued in line with published service standards. Feedback is also welcomed through the channels set out in our customer service documents. Full details of the Department’s Customer Charter, Action Plan and Complaints Procedure are available on the Department’s website.
I am advised that the position in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department is as outlined below.
Office of Public Works
The Office of Public Works (OPW) Customer Action Plan and Charter outlines its commitments and the standards of quality customer service that our customers can expect. In accordance with the 12 Civil Service Guiding Principles of Quality Customer Service, the OPW is committed to providing excellent service by maintaining the highest standards of quality in a climate of mutual respect.
Under its current Customer Charter, the OPW is committed to acknowledging all written enquiries and non-routine correspondence within one week of receipt. The Office endeavours to provide comprehensive replies to 95% of all correspondence within 20 working days and to address the remainder under special circumstances where longer timescales are required. The Minister’s Private Office deal with all correspondence from elected members in a consistent and timely manner with the cooperation of relevant officials across the Office of Public Works. All correspondence is tracked, reviewed and followed up on regularly.
Public Appointments Service
The PAS Customer Action Plan and Customer Charter set out its commitment to respond to all routine queries within 3 days and non-routine queries within 10 days; this is measured by local management in each area. PAS takes responsibilities in responding to elected representatives very seriously and provide annual briefings for staff and managers in relation to responding to such queries as a matter of urgency and through the appropriate channels. Any delays notified to PAS would be escalated to a Member of the Executive Team for investigation and action.
Office of the Ombudsman
The timelines for responding to correspondence to the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Offices to which it provides corporate services support, are set out in the respective Customer Service Charters of the individual Offices. Commitments in the Customer Service Charters also apply to correspondence from elected members of Local Authorities. In addition, the Office also has processes in place to ensure that more urgent correspondence is prioritised accordingly, including correspondence from all public representatives. The Ombudsman is also available to engage directly with public representatives. The Office is satisfied that it meets its commitments in its Customer Charters in the vast majority of cases. The Office reports on case closure times and numbers in annual reports.
The Office of the Ombudsman provides corporate service support to:
• the Office of the Information Commissioner;
• the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information;
• the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner;
• the Commission for Public Service Appointments; and
• the Standards in Public Office Commission.
State Laboratory
In the context of its particular role, the State Laboratory does not have standards or service level targets for responding to correspondence from members of local authorities. The State Laboratory has not received correspondence from members of local authorities for at least 10 years.
National Shared Services Office
The National Shared Services Office (NSSO) does not generally receive correspondence from members of local authorities. However, where such queries arise, it adheres to the Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments / Offices. Compliance is monitored internally by the team responsible for handling these queries and is reported annually in the NSSO annual report.
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery
The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery (ORNL) responds to any such correspondence in line with its Customer Service Charter Standards of acknowledging correspondence within 3-5 working days, and providing a substantive reply, in a clear and straightforward manner, within 20 working days.
897. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of Bunadobber Mill, County Mayo (details supplied); and the details of any plans or intended actions for its development and public access going forward. [74287/25]
View answerBunnadober Mill (Moran’s Mill), National Monument 664, is a National Monument in State Care.
State interest in the mill commenced with an inspection by An Foras Forbatha, in 1973 when the horizontal waterwheel was recognised as being the only one still in operation anywhere in Ireland.
Due its cultural significance the Mill was acquired by the State and the conservation and protection of the site commenced in 1996.
To date the OPW has repaired the buildings and secured the site. These repairs have including re-roofing, the installation of new doors and windows and works to the mill pond. Associated artefacts have been recorded, catalogued and stored. Specialist advice has also been provided by consultants in the areas of ecology, timber decay, industrial heritage and building conservation.
A Conservation and Management Plan for the site was prepared in 2016. The long-term aim of the plan is to restore the mill buildings, mechanisms and waterworks, and to facilitate access to the site. While significant works have been completed the waterworks require further technical intervention to restore the wheels to their former function. It would be necessary to clear out the mill pond and to maintain it, if the wheel is to be restored.
The small, constrained site at Moran’s Mill has a restricted capacity for visitors. While the existing local road restricts access by large tour buses, any proposals to widen the road should consider the importance of conserving the rural character of the mill setting. The mill site and especially the mill building itself could not facilitate large tour groups.
Therefore the OPW envisages a more sustainable approach to the presentation of the site, ideally for Heritage Week and other cultural events with the provision of a small parking area and in conjunction with the local authority, links into the local walking or cycling routes.
In the meantime the mill buildings, equipment and waterworks are inspected, conserved and protected as part of our annual maintenance regime to ensure that the property remains in good repair. This will be reviewed in the coming months as we plan our works programmes and associated resourcing for the next cycle of major conservation projects to be undertaken from 2027.
898. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the office rental costs per annum for staff in his Department and for each agency or organisation under his remit, in each of the years between 2015 and 2025, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74454/25]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
