Written Answers Nos. 943-963
943. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date on which a Supplementary Estimate or Supplementary Estimates were sought in respect of his Department’s Vote for each of the past ten years, and to the date in 2026; the gross and net amount involved in each case; and the Vote subheads to which each Supplementary Estimate related. [1800/26]
View answerThe table below provides an outline of the years in which Supplementary Estimates were required for any of my Department's Votes in the past 10 years. A detailed breakdown of each Supplementary Estimate is set out at the link below.
|
Year |
Vote 11 - DPER |
Vote 12 - Superannuation |
Vote 43 - OGCIO |
|
2015 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2016 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2017 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2018 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2019 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2021 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2022 |
N/A |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2023 |
Supplementary Estimate |
Supplementary Estimate |
Supplementary Estimate |
|
2024 |
Supplementary Estimate |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
|
2025 |
Supplementary Estimate |
N/A |
N/A |
944. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the value of expenditure originally allocated in the Estimates to specific programmes or staffing measures that could not be spent as planned within the year for each of the past five years; and whether such underspends were surrendered, carried forward, or reallocated to other areas within the Vote. [1821/26]
View answerThe Department's annual Appropriation Accounts are available at the link below and detail all underspends by subhead and whether overall Vote underspends were surrendered or carried forward. This includes the position for each of the Votes within the Department for the years in which the Accounts have been published:
• Vote 11: Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation;
• Vote 12: Superannuation and Retired Allowances;
• Vote 15: Secret Service;
• Vote 39: Office of Government Procurement; and
• Vote 43: Office of the Government Chief Information Officer,
The relevant link is: www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/
945. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps being taken to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure and housing in line with the recommendations of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan; the way in which these reforms will be prioritised for the midlands region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1873/26]
View answerIn December the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This is a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. This Action Plan responds to well-documented challenges of lengthy development timelines, fragmented processes, and rising costs. These have all been identified as major barriers to achieving Ireland’s housing, energy, and climate objectives.
The report is evidence-based. It has been built on the research and analysis of my Department, the views received during the public consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken by my Department over the summer, and the expert input and advice from the members of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform:
The first pillar is Legal Reform. Reforms here aim to achieve a better balance towards the common good by addressing the incentives that drive a disproportionate reliance on the courts in planning and regulatory matters. While access to justice remains protected, the reforms will reduce incentives for excessive litigation, clarify rules on standing and remedies, and introduce fast-track pathways for nationally significant projects that are in the common good, through the development of new legislation.
The second pillar is Regulatory Reform and Simplification. This means identifying where regulation leads to excessive process rather than improved outcomes. It also means examining the structure of our regulatory environment, the practices applied by regulatory bodies, and how they communicate with one another and applicants. In practical terms, there is scope for improved outcomes by applying parallel processes, mandating statutory timelines, and measuring the performance of our regulatory bodies
The third pillar is Coordination and Delivery Reform. This implements the reforms outlined in the Programme for Government. It means my Department assuming a more central coordination role on critical infrastructure, providing certainty to other Government Departments and utilities through multi-year funding commitments to underpin 5-year sectoral plans and reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines. Across Government, it means driving and embedding a delivery-first culture, including, where appropriate, a balance between risk and delivery that incorporates the potential cost of delay.
The final pillar is Public Acceptance. Fundamentally, without improved public acceptance, critical infrastructure will be subject to delays, leaving broader society worse off. The report focussed on promoting the social value of infrastructure to communities and using tools like a benefits realisation framework to demonstrate societal benefits.
Implementation of the Action Plan is already underway. The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment has launched a public consultation on the scale of fees payable by the State in environmental judicial review. In December, I chaired the first meeting of the new Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House that has been created to improve coordination between infrastructure providers and resolve any issues that may arise.
In quarter 1 of 2026, my Department will prioritise the development of Critical Infrastructure Bill, which will allow Government to accelerate projects of the highest strategic importance.
Together, these actions will ensure that the record investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) translates into faster, more efficient delivery of housing, energy, and transport infrastructure, supporting Ireland’s economic growth, climate commitments and Delivering Homes, Building Communities. This will benefit all regions of the country, including the midlands.
946. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding any product or service purchased from Israel or the Occupied Territories by his Department in 2025, broken down by description and amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1986/26]
View answerIn 2025, my Department spent €4,060 on a project management tool from a company headquartered in Israel.
My Department did not purchase goods or services from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
947. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department, or any body under its aegis, has funded, or is funding, other than where legal costs were awarded against the employer by a court or tribunal, the legal costs of any current or concluded litigation taken by an employee or former employee against that Department or body, in each of the past five years; if so, to provide details of the number of such cases, the bodies involved, and the total costs incurred in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2026/26]
View answer948. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the basis on which his Department, or a body under its aegis, may fund the legal costs of an employee or former employee in litigation where that employee is in dispute with, or taking proceedings against, the same body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2044/26]
View answer949. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the funding of employee legal costs in disputes against his Department, or a body under its aegis, is standard practice; if not, the circumstances in which such funding may be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2062/26]
View answer950. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the guidance, codes, circulars or directions that govern the payment of legal costs by his Department, and bodies under its aegis, in employment-related disputes, including any requirements under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies or Departmental sanction arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2080/26]
View answer951. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the funding of employee legal costs in litigation against the employing body could give rise to governance, accountability, or value for money concerns; whether his Department has issued any guidance in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2098/26]
View answer952. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has reviewed, or intends to review, the practice of Departments, and bodies under their aegis, funding legal costs in employment disputes involving those same bodies; and if so, the outcome or timeline for such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2116/26]
View answer953. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether arrangements to fund legal costs in employment disputes involving his Department, or bodies under its aegis, require the prior approval of his Department or the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2134/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 947 to 953, inclusive, together.
In the past five years, my Department has not agreed to fund employee costs in litigation against the Department in advance and this would not be standard practice. This position also applies to the bodies under the aegis of my Department. If an employee was to litigate against the Department, they would have to procure their own legal advice. Subject to the case being made, and based on advice from the Chief State Solicitors Office and Office of the Attorney General, my Department could decide to settle the case which could potentially include paying legal costs. This would be based on it being the best for value money for the State. Separately, if there was a court order to pay costs, the Department would be compelled to pay them.
More generally, under Public Financial Procedures, Departments may incur legal costs up to a level agreed in their letter of delegated sanction issued by my Department. The delegated sanction may be different for each Department depending on the nature and complexity of the Department. Any legal costs above that level must be approved by my Department.
For non-commercial bodies, they must follow the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. An oversight agreement should be in place between a parent Department and the body which can include agreed delegated sanction levels for legal expenses. If legal expenses are incurred above that agreed delegated sanction level, it would need to come to my Department for approval. The Board is authorised to obtain, at the body’s expense, outside legal or other professional advice where they judge it necessary to discharge their responsibilities as Board members.
For commercial bodies, they must follow the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, but as set out in the Code, the Board is authorised to obtain, at the body’s expense, outside legal or other professional advice where they judge it necessary to discharge their responsibilities as Board members. This will be governed by the legislation establishing the State body and a shareholder expectation letter with their parent Department.
The Boards of commercial and non-commercial entities are collectively responsible for leading and directing the State body’s activities and the Board should act on a fully informed and ethical basis, in good faith, with due diligence and care, and in the best interest of the State body, having due regard to its legal responsibilities and the objectives set by Government.
954. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation with regard to his Department’s share ownership in Uisce Éireann, whether his Department will conduct a feasibility study, or request Uisce Éireann conduct such a study, into a proposal (details supplied) relating to complementarities between proposed infrastructure for wind energy and water supply in the west of Ireland, alongside communications infrastructure. [2177/26]
View answerWhile my Department retains a portion of the share ownership in Uisce Éireann, along with other State commercial bodies, the State's role in governance of these companies is set out in an oversight agreement between the relevant Minister and the State body via a Shareholder Expectation Letter. In the case of Uisce Éireann, the Shareholder Expectation Letter is between the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the company. As such, this question should be re-directed to that Minister.
However, I would like to note that commercial semi-states already make efforts to cooperate where feasible, including on electricity supply. Specifically, in the context of the grid upgrade requirements in Dublin, EirGrid note that options are being explored to lay ducts in collaboration with the National Transport Authority under the Royal Canal Greenway and along Alexandra Road with Dublin Port.
Under the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, further efforts will be made to improve cooperation between State bodies. For example, before Christmas I chaired the first meeting of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House. The purpose of this body is to enhance collaboration between utilities and to facilitate early and ongoing engagement on major electricity, transport and water projects, including the coordination of infrastructure where this is feasible.
955. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [2252/26]
View answerThe Department’s communications team has skills in graphic design, art, photography, typography, illustration and videography. In delivering graphic design or similar work, officials utilise a suite of programmes from Adobe Creative Cloud including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro and Canva along with camera equipment in developing digital visual assets.
As such, most of the Department’s graphic design or similar work is completed by individuals employed by the Department utilising these programmes, and as with modern design software, there are embedded AI features that may assist humans in completing elements of the work.
In addition, on occasion the Department assigns work to external design providers, photographers or videographers, for example for larger projects where the Department does not have the skills and / or resources available. However, the services provided in these instances are done in a similar manner, by skilled humans utilising relevant software programmes.
956. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [2270/26]
View answerI am advised that none of the bodies under the aegis of my Department are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers.
957. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [2434/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
958. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [2452/26]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is set out in the tables below.
2025
|
Total spend on external consultants |
Number of consultancy contracts |
Largest individual consultancy engagement by value |
|
€585,394 |
11 |
€397,364 (Deloitte) |
2024
|
Total spend on external consultants |
Number of consultancy contracts |
Largest individual consultancy engagement by value |
|
€1,528,193 |
20 |
€771,250 (Deloitte) |
2023
|
Total spend on external consultants |
Number of consultancy contracts |
Largest individual consultancy engagement by value |
|
€365,641 |
16 |
€89,200 (Gartner Ireland Ltd) |
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department only engages external consultancy services where absolutely necessary and when the required expertise is not available within the Department. Any external consultancy services engaged by the Department includes an element of knowledge transfer to reduce future such requirements, where possible.
The relevant information in respect of the bodies under the aegis of the Department is still being finalised and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming week.
959. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [2470/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
960. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the civil service mobility scheme; when the scheme will be opened to the professional/technical grades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2485/26]
View answerThe Civil Service Mobility Scheme offers civil servants an opportunity to apply for Mobility (i.e. transfer) through an open and transparent system in the Civil Service only. The scheme is currently available for general service staff members (Clerical Officer up to Assistant Secretary) who are interested in moving to a different Civil Service organisation and/or geographical location. The scheme provides staff members with an opportunity to broaden their skills and career development while also supporting the business needs of Civil Service organisations.
Professional and Technical grades
Professional and Technical (P&T) grades are distinguished by the fact that these positions require a unique qualification for the post, officers must be a member of a regulated professional body and officers must have a level of technical experience/specific qualification/training required. Other Civil Service grades, for example Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, and Higher Executive Officer, are generalist positions and do not have the same level of essential requirements.
Plans to extend the scheme to include P&T grades are currently under consideration. P&T staff members can currently move on a temporary basis/secondment through an Expression of Interest process which is advertised by the Public Appointments Service. Officers who are interested in applying for secondment must be the same grade as the advertised position (or one that is analogous)
Further information on the Mobility scheme is available to view at: hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/#article-section-faqs
Further information on the Secondment Policy is available to view at: hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/secondment/
961. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current regulations governing the use of petrol-powered leaf blowers in urban areas; the restrictions on hours of operation and limits on engine size or emissions. [1667/26]
View answerThe use of petrol-powered leaf blowers in urban areas is primarily governed by noise emission standards under S.I. No. 632/2001, which implements EU Directive 2000/14/EC. This requires outdoor equipment, including leaf blowers, to comply with specified noise limits and carry CE marking.
There are no national regulations prescribing engine size, user-side emissions, or fixed operating hours.
Local authorities have powers under environmental legislation to address noise issues, and individuals can seek remedies where persistent nuisance occurs.
Emissions from garden and household machinery like leaf blowers are addressed under Regulation (EU) 2016/1628, implemented in Ireland by S.I. No. 735/2021. Broader policy considerations on emissions and climate impacts fall under the remit of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment.
962. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to address AI displacement and a decrease in quality jobs in the tech sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2385/26]
View answerAI is a transformative force with significant potential for our economy and society. Harnessing the benefits of this technology is essential if Ireland is to future-proof its industries and remain globally competitive. At the same time, I am acutely aware of concerns regarding the potential impact of AI on the labour market. For these reasons, I regularly engage with the enterprise sector and with agencies under the remit of my Department on developments in AI and their implications for employment.
For context, the latest CSO Labour Force Survey shows that Ireland continues to perform strongly. Employment stands at 2.8 million, with 30,700 more in employment in Q3 2025 relative to Q3 2024. Similarly, Ireland has record low rates of unemployment and record high rates of participation. Both the Department of Finance and the Central Bank of Ireland expect unemployment to remain below 5 per cent on average in 2026 and 2027.
There is no doubt that AI will significantly change many aspects of the labour market. Research by my Department and the Department of Finance, titled Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe indicates that Ireland’s exposure to AI is broadly in line with that of other advanced economies. Within this exposure, however, there are both risks and opportunities.
Much of the evidence to date suggests that AI is more likely to augment jobs rather than replace them. In October last year, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a paper, titled How AI is Transforming the Irish Labour Market. This research highlights the speed at which AI adoption is progressing in Ireland and shows that Ireland performs strongly both in the demand for AI-related roles and in the supply of AI talent. AI job postings and usage have doubled since 2023, underlining the dynamism and resilience of the Irish labour market. While the report finds that AI is likely to augment many existing roles, it also notes that the overall impact on employment levels is less clear-cut and that Government must continue to monitor and address any emerging risks.
My Department is actively doing so. The EGFSN is funding (and co-funding) several important research projects, including Skills for Digital Specialists 2030, which will identify future skills needs and gaps for ICT and digital specialists, including AI. The EGFSN is also supporting a new Working in Ireland Survey, led by UCD, which will include analysis of AI and labour market impacts. In addition, my Department continues to work closely with the OECD on AI-related research.
This Government’s priority is to ensure that workers are reskilled and upskilled as new skill demands emerge. We are taking a strategic and proactive approach to ensure the workforce is equipped to harness the opportunities presented by AI. The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated and is due for publication early this year. It will place a strong emphasis on AI. Key actions for my Department include:
• Establishing the AI Office of Ireland by August 2026 to provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents;
• Creating the AI Regulatory Sandbox, which will provide a safe, supervised environment for innovators to test new digital and AI solutions in partnership with compliance experts.
• Holding an International Digital & AI Summit during our EU presidency; and,
• Integrating a new AI Observatory with the new National Skill Observatory, to deliver data and insights on key AI metrics, such as labour market trends and emerging skills needs. This will guide government in shaping future jobs policy and directing targeted investment in upskilling.
AI is evolving rapidly, and it is too early to predict with accuracy the full impact that AI will have on the labour market. However, what is clear is that the structure of work will change and new types of jobs will emerge. My Department will continue to monitor these developments over time.
963. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he is aware of the potential redundancies of 400 AI workers taking place at a company (details supplied); whether 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. [2384/26]
View answerAs 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 transferrable.
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.
