Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 964-984

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EU Regulations

Questions (964)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

964. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to address the excessive use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’; if his Department will produce a national PFAS strategy and increase funding for PFAS research and national testing capacity to better understand the associated health risks; if he will enforce a polluter pays liability framework so that reckless PFAS polluters are held responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73957/25]

Written answers

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

One of the primary objectives of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: Towards a Toxic Free Environment published in October 2020 is to phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU, unless their use is essential. These ‘forever chemicals’ are of concern as they can persist and travel in the environment, and there are further concerns regarding their ability to accumulate in living organisms, their ability to travel long distances in the environment and potential effects on people and the environment. Cleaning up sites polluted with PFAS is technically difficult and costly.

There are a number of International and EU restrictions on the use of individual PFAS chemicals, including restrictions under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the EU POPs Regulation and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (the REACH Regulation).

In 2023, a universal ban on PFAS was proposed to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 5 member states. This proposal is under consideration at ECHA, with a 2-month public consultation on the socioeconomic impacts of the proposal planned for the first half of 2026. While the complexity of the file and the large number of public consultation responses has meant that the usual timelines were not met, ECHA is quite advanced in their assessment of the proposal and it is expected that they will submit their recommendations to the European Commission by the end of 2026, which would lead to a proposal from the Commission in early 2027. The Commission’s proposal will then be assessed at the REACH Committee, which is made up of representatives from each member state.

At present, there are no plans to introduce a PFAS restriction in Ireland while ECHA is preparing their opinion. Ireland will be required to align with any agreed EU restriction on PFAS, and as such it is prudent at this time to await the Commission’s proposal. The formal Irish opinion will not be formed until the European Commission publishes their draft restriction proposal.

Environmental and pollution aspects of PFAS are a matter for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (965)

Sinéad Gibney

Question:

965. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [74132/25]

Written answers

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

My Department and the Companies Registration Office have been collaborating on an artificial intelligence pilot project to scan CRO annual returns and extract company financial data. Work on data analysis from this project and in planning the further scaling out of this project is currently ongoing. The work has been carried out internally and there is no expenditure associated to it.

Work is ongoing to identify potential use cases for all artificial intelligent technologies to support the work of the Department. My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. Specifically, Stand 4 AI Serving the Public focuses on driving the use of A.I. across Government, which is overseen by the GovTech Delivery Board with supporting workstreams in relation to data (as a foundational enabler for the deployment of A.I.), security, ethical considerations and future skills.

The Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service have also been developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to actively empower public servants to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the delivery of services.

These strategies and guidelines and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department.

Departmental Consultations

Questions (966)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

966. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether 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. [74264/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department and its offices are committed to delivering a high standard of customer service in all interactions, including correspondence from members of local authorities.

My Department operates under our Customer Action Plan which is published on our website. This Action Plan sets out our commitments and service standards in line with the Government’s 12 Guiding Principles of Quality Customer Service. These include commitments to deal with all correspondence promptly, efficiently, and courteously. We commit to responding to all letters and emails within 5 working days and providing a full response within 15 working days. However, in general, queries are addressed in a much shorter timeframe, but delays may occur for several reasons such as the complexity of issues raised, requirement for consultation or resource constraints during periods of high demand.

If our stated timeframes are not met, our customers are entitled to make a complaint to our Customer Service Unit in person, in writing, by email, by phone or through an eform on our website.

We will ensure that evaluation of customer services is monitored on a quarterly basis through the Department’s Cross Divisional Monitoring Committee on Quality Customer Service. This ensures accountability and continuous improvement.

My Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in its engagement with members of local authorities and all stakeholders.

Customer services targets for agencies is an operational matter for those bodies. I have asked them to revert to the Deputy on the matter.

Consumer Rights

Questions (967)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

967. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to lower the threshold at which the artists resale rights apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74273/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) was introduced into Irish law through S.I. No. 312/2006 – European Communities (Artist’s Resale Right) Regulations 2006, which transposed EU Directive 2001/84/EC on the resale right for the benefit of the author of an original work of art. It was amended by S.I. No. 709/2011 and S.I. No. 375/2022.

This legislation prescribes the conditions under which ARR applies. Whilst the monetary threshold contained within this legislation is determined at national discretion, we recognise that Ireland currently operates at the maximum permissible level provided for under the Directive.

However, at present, there are no plans to reduce the threshold applicable under Irish law.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (968)

Grace Boland

Question:

968. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [74447/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The properties occupied by my Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on the Department's behalf.

Therefore, my Department has no direct involvement in the payment of rent on these buildings.

Details of any rental costs incurred by agencies under the remit of my Department is an operational matter for those individual bodies. I have asked these bodies to supply information in relation to this matter to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (969)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Question:

969. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the payroll cost of his Department and of each organisation or agency under its remit individually, in 2015 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [74625/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The table at the link below provides details of Exchequer Funding allocated for payroll costs of my Department and the offices and agencies funding under the DETE Vote for years 2015 to 2025. I have also provided the outturn figures for each year in question. It should be borne in mind that some of the agencies under my Departments remit generate Own Resource Income which in some instances is used to cover their payroll costs.

Payroll Costs

Industrial Development

Questions (970)

Brian Brennan

Question:

970. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount the IDA invested separately into facilities/industry in locations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74646/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The table below outlines the total grants paid to date to each of the Merck sites in Arklow, Blarney and Carrigtwohill. There is no Merck operation in Dublin.

Site	Grants Paid
Arklow	€ 1,323,084
Blarney	€ 4,872,394
Carrigtwohill	€ 15,986,055

Merck first established operations in Carrigtwohill, Cork in 1987. Today, the Carrigtwohill site is the group's global "Membrane Centre of Excellence" and produces millions of feet of various kinds of membrane each year.

The Merck Arklow site was originally founded in 1982 as Iropharm and was acquired by Merck in 2015. As the Deputy will be aware, Merck has made the 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. 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.

Merck opened its new €150 million filtration manufacturing facility at Blarney Business Park, Co. Cork in September 2025. This state-of-the-art site is Merck’s first manufacturing facility designed for full climate-neutral operations, powered entirely by renewable electricity, and marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. The Blarney facility is part of Merck’s largest Life Science investment to date in Ireland, with €440 million committed across its Cork operations in Blarney and Carrigtwohill.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (971)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

971. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has had any engagements with Fáilte Ireland regarding Dunguaire Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74819/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I can confirm that I recently attended a meeting in relation to Dunguaire Castle which included a representative from Fáilte Ireland.

I understand that Fáilte Ireland recognises the necessity for capital investment to unlock the full potential of Dunguaire Castle. Should Galway County Council take ownership of the castle, Fáilte Ireland is committed to supporting the development of its tourism potential.

Currently, there are no active capital grant schemes operated by Failte Ireland to support such projects. When a new suitable scheme opens up the project promoters could apply but will be required to meet all the criteria of the scheme.

Work Permits

Questions (972)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

972. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a general employment permit renewal (details supplied) can be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74863/25]

Written answers

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

The application for the renewal of the employment permit referenced was received on 31 October 2025. At present, the Employment Permits Section is processing renewal applications received up to 10th September 2025.

The Employment Permits Online System is currently displaying that the status of this application is awaiting processing, and there is no indication that it has been withdrawn.

Individuals who have submitted a valid renewal application for an employment permit may continue to work in their current role while a decision is pending, even if their existing permit has expired. This provision ensures continuity of employment and mitigates the risk of disruption during the renewal process.

My Department does not prioritise the processing of renewal applications, instead focusing on first-time employment permit applications to facilitate new entrants to the labour market.

To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at [e-mail].

Data Protection

Questions (973)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

973. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of data breaches recorded by his Department in 2025; and the number that were reported to the Data Protection Commissioner. [74894/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

As the Deputy will be aware, the GDPR came into force on 25 May 2018 and requires Data Controllers to maintain a record of all personal data breaches, which may be reviewed by the Data Protection Commission (DPC).

In 2025, my Department and its Offices recorded 47 personal data breaches. The majority of these breaches arose from administrative errors such as emails or attachments containing personal data being sent to unintended recipients.

Decisions on notification are taken independently by my Department’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) following a risk assessment of each incident. All High Risk breaches are notified to the Data Protection Commission, while Medium and Low Risk breaches are notified only where mitigation measures are insufficient to recover or protect the breached personal data. In 2025, 1 breach required notification to the DPC, and in that case the DPC was satisfied that no further actions was required by my Department.

Departmental Staff

Questions (974)

Charles Ward

Question:

974. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE qualified legal advisors working within his Department in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74923/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The table below sets out the number of number of WTE qualified Legal advisors that worked within my Department in 2024 and 2025. Legal advisors are at both PO and AP grade and consist of staff directly hired by my Department and staff on secondment from the Attorney Generals Office.

Legal Advisor Grade	2024	2025
PO	4	5
AP	5	5

Industrial Development

Questions (975, 976)

Brian Stanley

Question:

975. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of visits the IDA carried out with prospective companies to each county in the years 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74993/25]

Brian Stanley

Question:

976. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of visits the IDA carried out in Laois in 2024and 2025, by year; the number of these visits with prospective companies which were virtual visits; the number which were physical visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74994/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 975 and 976 together.

Regional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently". This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments (1,000) over that period.

I recently announced the results of the first year of this strategy and was impressed that 323 investments were secured by IDA Ireland during 2025. This is the highest number of investments ever, a 38% increase on 2024, These investments are expected to create over 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years, across the country, which is significant.

It is notable that these investments have come from both new and existing companies. 78 of the 323 investments, 24%, were from first time investors, highlighting Ireland’s continued attractiveness as an investment location. 68 were expansion projects against a target of 54 (126%). Both new name and expansion projects were ahead of 2024 performance, which is very positive given the prevailing international uncertainty. I was also particularly pleased that 183 investments, that is 57% of all investments went into regional locations.

As the Deputy is aware, the availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. Through its Regional Property Programme IDA aims to provide agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to clients in advance of demand.

The number of visits the IDA carried out with prospective companies to each county in the last 2 years is set out below. I should indicate, however, that site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of FDI activity in a region or county. Additionally, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures provided represent individual visits and are not necessarily indicative of the number of companies that have visited.

I would also remind the Deputy that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always made by the client, and not by IDA, and it can take many years to convert from initial site visit to final project proposal.

There were no virtual visits to Laois in 2024 and two physical visits, while in 2025 there were three physical and two virtual visits to the end of quarter three.

As requested, the number of sites visits by county over 2024 and to the end of Q3 2025 is detailed in the table below. I am advised that the full-year data will be available next month.

County	2024	Total to Q3 2025
Carlow	6	4
Cavan	4	2
Clare	21	15
Cork	41	45
Donegal	2	3
Dublin	221	197
Galway	34	30
Kerry	6	3
Kildare	5	3
Kilkenny	8	5
Laois	2	5
Leitrim	1	1
Limerick	38	25
Longford	2	2
Louth	7	8
Mayo	1	1
Meath	1	1
Monaghan	1	1
Offaly	5	4
Roscommon	7	3
Sligo	8	5
Tipperary	2	2
Waterford	18	16
Westmeath	18	17
Wexford	6	5
Wicklow	1	1
Total	466	404

Question No. 976 answered with Question No. 975.

Public Spending Code

Questions (977)

James O'Connor

Question:

977. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of projects in his Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75108/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department had no projects that failed to reach completion for the years 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (978)

Matt Carthy

Question:

978. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in his Department and to the head of each agency for which they are responsible; whether this scale has changed in the past two years or whether there are proposals to change this scale in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75194/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

There have been no changes to the salaries of the heads of the agencies under the aegis of my Department in the previous two years. Currently, there are no proposals to change the salaries of the heads of agencies in the coming period. Any such future proposal will be assessed on the merit of the business case proposed.

The table below sets out the salary scale that applies for the Secretary General and heads of the agencies under the remit of my Department.

Agency/DETE	Position	Salary Scale
DETE	Secretary General	Single point scale €261,672
Enterprise Ireland	Chief Executive Officer	Single point scale €236,893
Industrial Development Agency	Chief Executive Officer	Single point scale €236,893
Health & Safety Authority	Chief Executive Officer	Single point scale €177,734
National Standards Authority of Ireland	Chief Executive Officer	Assistant Secretary Equivalent *
Corporate Enforcement Authority	Head of Corporate Enforcement	Salary is equivalent to Pre 1995 Assistant Secretary **
Competition & Consumer Protection Commission	Chairperson CCPC	Deputy Secretary
Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority	Chief Executive Officer	Assistant Secretary Equivalent *
Injuries Resolutions Board	Chief Executive Officer	Assistant Secretary Equivalent *
Fáilte Ireland	Chief Executive Officer	Single point scale €217,087
Tourism Ireland	Chief Executive Officer	Single point scale €203,718

PPC *	Non PPC **
Assistant Secretary – PPC €168,138 – €175,779 – €184,060 – €192,339	Assistant Secretary €159,734 – €166,992 – €174,858 – €182,724

Departmental Advertising

Questions (979)

Matt Carthy

Question:

979. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount expended on advertising and promotion in his Department, and within each agency for which he is responsible, for 2022 to 2024, by year and budgeted for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75212/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The below table sets out spend on advertising and promotion by my Department for the years 2022 to 2024.

My department has allocated an estimated budget of €200,000 to advertising and promotion for 2026.

Year	Total €
2022	222,955
2023	225,018
2024	89,788

The advertising activity by the agencies under my department’s remit is an operational matter for those bodies, and I do not have any direct function in these matters.

Departmental Staff

Questions (980)

Matt Carthy

Question:

980. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in his Department and within each agency for which he is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75230/25]

Written answers

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

It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

EU Presidency

Questions (981)

Matt Carthy

Question:

981. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost to his Department and to each agency for which they are responsible arising from Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75248/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 will be an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.

The Government has committed, in the Programme for Government, to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money.

In December 2025, my Department was advised of its budget allocation for the Presidency - €4.6m to cover both pay and non-pay costs.

A specific budget code and cost centre has been put in place to manage this budget and currently estimated costings are being reviewed to fit within this budget. This work is ongoing.

The pay elements of the Presidency allocation will cover additional staffing required over the next 12 months. This will include the recruitment of temporary presidency policy officers (posts to run to end of December 2026). Other cost-effective options have already been put in place, including reorganisation of existing staff, where feasible, while other options are also being explored to ensure the successful delivery by DETE of the Presidency while also ensuring best value for money. This budget also includes the cost of additional staff to support policy work in Brussels, taking into account that my Department will be chairing and co-chairing over 20 Working Parties which equates to approximately 170 Brussels based meetings during the six months of the Presidency.

On the non-pay side, my Department will be hosting 16 events which are listed below. These events are, in general, events that are normally hosted either by the Presidency or take place in the second half of each year and therefore fall to that Presidency to host. It is currently estimated that these events will cost my Department approximately €900k to €1m but this is being reviewed as detailed events planning progresses. All steps will be taken to ensure that these events are delivered in the most cost effect manner.

We also expect that there will be significant additional travel and subsistence during the Presidency itself to take into account our lead role in Working Parties which will require us to take up the roles of Chair, co-chair, national delegate, and on the more technical files, national experts. These roles will be filled by colleagues based in the PRB and colleagues who will be travelling to these meetings from the Capital. In addition, there will be ICT and staff training costs.

Proposed Agency hosted presidency events are also listed below. No additional presidency allocation has been made to the Agencies under the remit of my Department and therefore, any costs will come from their existing allocation.

DETE Hosted Events (currently in planning phase)

Event/Line Item	Host	Other Information
AI/Digital Conference	DETE (Digital Division)	MS have begun hosting Digital summits in the last number of years (IE has hosted a digital conference for the last few years and this is an opportunity during the presidency to showcase our leadership role in this area.
Digital Decade Board Meeting	DETE (Digital Division)	Has become a regular presidency occurrence in the last number of years and usually follows the AI/Digital Conference
Compcro and Tech Harmonisation Informal Attaché Meeting and site visits	DETE (EU Affairs and Trade Regulation Division)	Hosted by previous Presidencies
Consumer Attaché Meeting and site visits	DETE (Commerce, Consumer and Competition Division	Hosted by previous Presidencies
Informal Consumer Ministerial	DETE (Commerce, Consumer and Competition Division	Hosted by previous Presidencies – some costs will be covered by the EU Commission – these details are currently being finalised
Consumer Summit	DETE (Commerce, Consumer and Competition Division	Hosted by previous Presidencies (since 2021)
Meeting of the Director Generals for Industrial Relations	DETE (Workplace Regulation and Economic Migration Division)	This event takes place a month in advance of each Presidency (e.g. Cyprus in Nov 2025, Ireland in May 2026, Lithuania in Nov 2026 etc)
Employment Committee (EMCO)	DETE (Enterprise Strategy, Competitiveness and Evaluation Division)	This event has been hosted by every Presidency since 2020
Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) (TBC – final decision yet to be made on the hosting of this event)	DETE (Workplace Regulation and Economic Migration Division)	While not a regular Presidency Event, it is closely aligned with Equal Pay Day on 18th September 2026
EU Competition Day	DETE (Commerce, Consumer and Competition Division	Hosted by previous Presidencies
European Innovation Council Forum	DETE (Innovation and Investment Division)	Hosted by Presidency in the last number of years
European Tourism Forum	DETE (Tourism and Trade Development)	Hosted by Presidency in the last number of years
High Level Group (HLG) on Competitiveness	DETE (EU Affairs and Trade Regulation Division)	Hosted by previous Presidencies
Informal COMPET Council Ministerial Meeting	DETE (EU Affairs and Trade Regulation Division)	Hosted by previous Presidencies
SME Assembly	DETE (Irish Enterprise Division)	Hosted by the MS who holds the Presidency in the second half of each year
Space Attaché Meeting and site visits	DETE (Innovation and Investment Division)	Hosted by previous Presidencies
WEF – AmCham (TBC)	DETE (Tourism and Trade Development Division)	Previously MS held this as a Pre-Presidency event – IE hosting it during its Presidency

Agency Hosted Events (currently in planning phase)

Event/Line Item	Host	Other information
EU Standards seminar to be hosted as part of JTC 1 plenary meeting in Nov 2026	NSAI	This meeting is at planning stage and is not confirmed. The ISO/IEC JTC-1 ICT plenary meeting will be hosted in Dublin in Nov 2026. This is a meeting of scale with >100 delegates. It is proposed to host a 'satelllite' seminar during this week to focus on European Standards.

Event/Line Item	Host	Any other relevant information
ECHA This is closed meeting for ECHA Management Board (senior officials from MS, the Commission and ECHA)	Health and Safety Authority	Dates: 24/25 September Location: River Court Hotel, Kilkenny Approx no. of participants: 50 (TBC)
Mutual Joint Visit for COMAH/Seveso Inspectors (HSA) This is a closed invitation for specialist Seveso inspectors	Health and Safety Authority	Dates: 7/8/9 October Location: Clayton Hotel Cork Approx no. of participants: 60 (TBC)
Senior Labour Inspectors Committee This is a closed invitation for SLIC inspectors	Health and Safety Authority	Dates: 21/22 October Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Approx no. of participants: 60-80 (TBC)
Roadmap on Carcinogens Conference Theme: “The air we work in: protecting workers from inhalable occupational carcinogens”	Health and Safety Authority	Dates: 28/29 October Location: Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin Approx no. of participants: 100-150 (TBC)

EU Presidency

Questions (982)

Matt Carthy

Question:

982. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the priorities of his Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75266/25]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Officials from my department have, over the last 12 months, attended a series of Council configuration meetings chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to review and discuss the anticipated presidency policy priorities for each Council configuration. DFAT is leading on the overall Presidency policy programme and is currently gathering inputs from lead Departments to prepare a draft for Cabinet consideration in Q1 of 2026.

My Officials have been working on identifying our Departments own policy priorities, recognising that this is a work in progress and that other priorities may evolve before Ireland assumes the Presidency on 1st July 2026.

One of the most significant files will be the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will be negotiated during Ireland’s Presidency. My Department is leading on the European Competitiveness Fund negotiations as part of the overall MFF negotiations, making this a key file for DETE during the Presidency.

Given its broad remit, my Department will be working across the Competitiveness Council and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, as well as engaging on telecoms and digital issues under the Telecoms and Communications Council.

My Department also contributes to files under the Foreign Affairs Council where they relate to economic security, and under Justice and Home Affairs in the context of consumer policy. This will require close collaboration with colleagues in other Departments.

Competitiveness will be a central theme, guided by the Competitiveness Compass, which sets out the roadmap for the next five years.

I will continue to work with officials in my Department and our Agencies to ensure that our key priorities are reflected in the overall policy programme for Ireland’s Presidency.

Business Supports

Questions (983)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

983. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the analysis undertaken by his Department of the cumulative impact on Irish small and medium-sized enterprises of recent and forthcoming changes to customs and tariff rules affecting parcel exports to the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union; and the policy supports are planned to assist businesses facing increased administrative burdens and costs. [1038/26]

Written answers

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

I am not aware that any business representative body has raised this matter as a significant concern for small and medium enterprises. However, the Government fully recognises that rising business costs have posed real challenges for firms in recent years, driven by a range of factors including inflationary pressures and international developments.

My Department and its agencies are taking a wide range of actions to address cost and regulatory pressures and to improve the overall environment for enterprise. This includes the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum in June 2025 and the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September 2025.

The Advisory Forum brings together business representative groups, including SMEs, to examine drivers of business costs and to identify where regulatory, policy or infrastructure changes may be required. The Forum has considered issues including energy, insurance and planning, with further work planned on legal and regulatory costs. Work is underway on 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 includes measures to reduce the cost of doing business, such as a Red Tape Challenge across Government to ease regulatory burdens on SMEs.

The enterprise agencies continue to play a key role in working with companies to address costs and improve overall competitiveness. In particular, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), based within the 31 local authorities, assist small businesses across all sectors. The National Enterprise Hub, administered by Enterprise Ireland, offers businesses access to information on more than 250 Government supports for which they may be eligible.

Furthermore, in 2024 the Government introduced the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant and the Power Up Grant for SMEs. These schemes proved highly successful, with over €410 million paid out to SMEs nationwide. Both schemes were administered by local authorities on behalf of my Department and have now concluded.

There are indications that cost pressures are beginning to moderate. For example, the CSO Wholesale Price Index fell by 5.3% in the year to November. The Government remains committed to building on this progress, and the forthcoming Enterprise 2035 strategy will set out a long-term ambition for enterprise growth, competitiveness and job creation over the decade ahead.

Data Centres

Questions (984)

Pa Daly

Question:

984. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of the research his Department is carrying out to assess to economic impact of data centres in Ireland; when this research was originally commissioned; to report on any insights garnered to date; if any of the research was presented to the CRU as part of their process of updating Ireland’s large energy user connection policy; if any of the research has been used to inform any projects / on going pieces of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1222/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department has commissioned independent consultants to undertake a study on the economic value of data centres in Ireland. The purpose of this research is to provide a robust evidence base for policy development by mapping the data centre landscape in Ireland and estimating the economic value of data centres across several dimensions, including:

• The economic value associated with the construction and operation of data centres;

• The economic value associated with activities across sectors in Ireland that are enabled by data centres; and

• The economic value of data centres as it relates to attraction and retention of foreign direct investment (FDI).

In addition, the study examines the wider economic benefits, as well as other impacts associated with data centres. It also considers the implications for Ireland if development of our data centre landscape does not continue beyond 2030 and will outline both the challenges and opportunities associated with future growth.

This research was commissioned in March 2025, following a competitive procurement process on eTenders, and the final report is expected to be completed in Q1 2026. As this work is ongoing, no preliminary insights can be shared at this stage.

The research has not been presented to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as part of its process for updating Ireland’s Large Energy User Connection Policy. The CRU is an independent regulatory authority, accountable to a Joint Oireachtas Committee.

Once complete, the output of this research will provide an important evidence base for informing future policy discussion and plans in relation to data centres. The Government is fully committed to ensuring that development of the data centre landscape in Ireland is managed in a way that supports economic growth and aligns with our sustainability and climate objectives.

• Written Answers Nos. 943-963
• Written Answers Nos. 985-1007