Written Answers Nos. 985-1007
985. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the reason companies (details supplied) have not been fined for facilitating the sale of tickets above face value; the reason this company is able to operate in the Irish market; the way in which he plans to tackle the frequent scalping of tickets that continues despite legislation outlawing it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1381/26]
View answerThe Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021 deals with the sale of tickets on the secondary market, making it an offence for tickets for designated events to be sold for above the price that was paid for them.
The Act has been a great success in terms of ensuring that tickets for designated events are not being sold above the asking price on the secondary ticket market.
The legislation promotes fairer access to tickets for cultural, entertainment, recreational and sporting events. The legislation also provides consumers with protection against being charged exorbitant amounts for tickets for designated events on the secondary market, as to do so is an offence.
Primary ticket sellers do not fall within the remit of the Sale of Tickets Act 2021. Primary tickets are allocated for sale to primary online platforms by event partners, which includes among others, event organisers, promoters, venues, artists/performers and agents.
Event partners determine the conditions around the sale, availability and release of the tickets.
It is the sale of tickets on the secondary market for designated events that is an offence. An Garda Síochána plays a crucial role in enforcing this legislation. They have the authority to investigate and prosecute individuals or entities that violate the Act. Section 20 of the Act provides for the powers of entry and search and of examination, seizure and retention of evidence of a member of An Garda Síochána who has reasonable grounds for believing that a person is committing or has committed an offence under the Act or that evidence relating to such an offence may be found.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment requests regular updates from an Garda Siochana in relation to prosecutions taken under this Act. The Department is not aware of any prosecutions taken so far under the Act.
The register of venues and events is published on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s website, and any contraventions of the Act can be reported to an Garda Siochana.
986. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans for a policy of leave for those who experience early pregnancy loss (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1388/26]
View answerMy sympathies go out to anyone that has experienced pregnancy loss. Government put forward a 12 month timed amendment to the Organisation of Working Time (Pregnancy Related Leave) Private Members Bill 2025 on 09 July 2025 to allow for sufficient time to develop Government legislative proposals in line with the principles of the Bill.
The Government fully recognises the significance of this policy area. Policy development is currently at an early stage and the timed amendment is allowing Government time to thoroughly consider and assess the regulatory and policy implications of legislative proposals in line with the principles of the Bill.
987. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the use of AI systems to generate explicit deepfakes of real, identifiable people without their consent; if he considers this practice unlawful, the plans to prevent such content spreading online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/26]
View answer988. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the action the Government is taking to ensure that social media companies are taking action to detect, remove and mitigate the spread of harmful and illegal material, including content involving minors or non-consensual imagery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 987 and 988 together.
The sharing of non-consensual intimate images and the generation of child sexual abuse material is illegal. Further to this, the Department of Justice enacted the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (also known as “Coco’s Law”) which defines “intimate image” broadly to capture all potential means by which such images may be produced, including AI-generated materials and deepfakes. It criminalises the distribution, publishing, or threats to distribute or publish these images, with both summary and indictable offences carrying penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment and Class A fines. The Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, the generation of child sexual abuse material is illegal.
I would encourage any member of the public that is concerned about images shared online, to report it to An Garda Síochána. Reports can also be made to the Irish national reporting centre, details of which are available on their website at Hotline.ie.
In addition to these protections, in recent years, the Government has put in place a significant body of legislation providing the foundation for Ireland’s online safety framework, including the regulation of social media.
Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s online safety and media regulator, is at the heart of the online safety framework. It was established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which transposed the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, and provides that An Coimisiún is independent in the exercise of its functions. The OSMR Act, along with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) under which An Coimisiún is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation for which An Coimisiún is a competent authority, are the main elements of Ireland's online safety framework. Its role is not to moderate individual pieces of content but to ensure that the regulated platforms have the correct safety measures in place to prevent illegal or harmful content being shown.
Under the online safety framework, it is for the regulated platforms to demonstrate that they have the correct safety measures in place to prevent illegal or harmful content being shown. A failure to adequately address these requirements can lead to significant financial sanctions and, under the OSMR Act, continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management.
Under the EU DSA, the European Commission is responsible for the oversight of very large online platforms (VLOPs) which include requirements for VLOPs to assess and mitigate risks that their services may create in relation to the proliferation of illegal content online and the protection of fundamental rights, including protection for minors. The European Commission is currently engaging with a number of online platform providers in relation to specific reported incidents.
The DSA sets out sets out clear and transparent rules for platforms to establish procedures for tackling the spread of illegal material. Users are empowered to notify providers of hosting services of the presence of illegal content on their service. Additionally, very large online platforms need to take mitigating measures to protect their users from illegal content.
The DSA does not define what constitutes illegal content, this is defined in other laws either at EU level or at national level. A deepfake is not automatically illegal simply because it’s a deepfake. It becomes illegal when it violates other laws (fraud, defamation, impersonation, non-consensual intimate images, etc.).
The specific use of AI by deployers (which may include social media companies) is subject to the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the provisions of which come into effect on phased basis. A key objective of the regulation is to protect against harmful effects of AI systems in the Union in terms of health, safety and fundamental rights, while promoting the update of human centric and trustworthy AI. The Act is not a blanket regulation applying to all AI systems, rather, it adopts a risk-based approach to regulation, based on four risk categories in order to ensure that its measures are targeted and proportionate. The categories range from unacceptable to minimal risk.
While initial phases of the Act, including setting out rules for prohibited AI practices, are now in effect, further provisions introduce transparency requirements for generative AI systems and enabling surveillance, penalties and enforcement will come into effect in August 2026. This will provide the formal regulatory mechanisms available to the relevant surveillance authorities to engage with individual companies specifically in relation to their AI systems.
The EU AI Act (enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/innovation-research-development/artificial-intelligence/eu-ai-act/) compliments the protections provided for in the Digital Services Act by introducing stronger governance for AI developed or deployed within the EU. These provisions in particular will introduce transparency requirements, so AI generated images must be clearly labelled as being made by AI.
989. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has investigated vet practice competition and pricing to assess if it is a competitive market. [1607/26]
View answer990. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will require pricing for the top ten veterinary procedures to be published and publicly available to consumers; and where "pet plans" available prices will be included with and without said "pet plan" to enable transparency. [1608/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 989 and 990 together.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. The CCPC is independent in the performance of its statutory functions as per section 9(5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014. This provision ensures that the CCPC’s operational work, such as enforcement matters and investigations, are independent.
The CCPC has reviewed eight mergers since 2022 relating to veterinary practices and the impact of these mergers on competition in the relevant catchment areas. Having scrutinised each merger carefully, the CCPC has not identified any competition concerns on relevant markets in the State.
In relation to pricing, generally traders in Ireland are free to set and change their prices for goods and services, once they do so independently and in line with consumer protection law. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, traders are required to provide certain information to consumers prior to purchase. This includes the total price, inclusive of taxes, or the manner in which the price is to be calculated, allowing consumers to make an informed choice whether to purchase or not.
Consumer law also prohibits businesses from engaging in a misleading commercial practice. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, a commercial practice is regarded as misleading if the trader does not act in good faith and misleads the average consumer into taking an action that they may otherwise not undertake.
Misleading practices could include claims made about the price of the service or how that price is calculated. It is also a misleading practice to omit information about the price of the service or how the price is calculated, or to provide that information in a way that is unclear or untimely.
The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) Code of Professional Conduct provides that veterinary practices premises must display a sign indicating basic on-site consultation and call-out fees. Furthermore, it states that clients should be given a reasonable initial estimate of the fees associated with any proposed treatment as well as the cost of any diagnostic or laboratory tests that are advised.
Members of the public can report any concerns about breaches of consumer or competition law to the CCPC and these matters will be considered accordingly.
991. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the date on which a supplementary estimate or supplementary estimates was 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. [1791/26]
View answerMy Department sought Supplementary Estimates of a technical or substantive nature over the last ten years - the table below details the supplementary type and gross and net amounts sought.
Details of the Subheads to which each supplementary estimate relates can be found at the link below.
|
Date of Supplementary |
Supplementary Type |
Gross amount sought |
Net amount sought |
|
|
|
€,000 |
€,000 |
|
01st December 2016 |
Substantive |
59,008 |
35,000 |
|
01st December 2017 |
Technical |
40,000 |
1 |
|
29th November 2018 |
Technical |
26,370 |
1 |
|
11th December 2019 |
Technical |
15,289 |
1 |
|
30th November 2021 |
Technical |
8,550 |
1 |
|
30th November 2022 |
Substantive |
714,850 |
654,500 |
|
29th November 2023 |
Technical |
43,406 |
1 |
|
17th October 2024 |
Substantive |
204,246 |
155,122 |
|
03rd December 2025 |
Technical |
34,233 |
1 |
992. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [1812/26]
View answerThe following table sets out on a gross basis the allocations, outturns , amounts surrendered, reallocated by way of Supplementary Estimates and carried forward in respect of the various Programmes funded under my Department's Vote for each of the past five years from 2021 to 2025.
|
- |
|
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Originally allocated |
Carried forward from prior year |
Reallocated |
Total provided |
Outturn |
Surrendered |
Carried forward to following |
|
Programme expenditure |
|
|
(Estimate) |
(Deferred surrender) |
( Supplementary) |
|
|
|
year as Deferred Surrender |
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A : Jobs & Enterprise Development |
|
|
824,451 |
101,261 |
-7,999 |
917,713 |
722,576 |
116,637 |
78,500 |
|
B: Enterprise Innovation & Commercialisation |
|
|
219,128 |
4,939 |
8,000 |
232,067 |
218,741 |
12,166 |
1,160 |
|
C: Regulation |
|
|
98,562 |
0 |
0 |
98,562 |
85,760 |
12,802 |
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,142,141 |
106,200 |
1 |
1,248,342 |
1,027,077 |
141,605 |
79,660 |
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A : Jobs & Enterprise Development |
|
|
561,011 |
78,500 |
647,440 |
1,286,951 |
584,946 |
647,505 |
54,500 |
|
B: Enterprise Innovation & Commercialisation |
|
|
237,559 |
1,160 |
6,280 |
244,999 |
200,612 |
44,387 |
0 |
|
C: Regulation |
|
|
102,255 |
0 |
780 |
103,035 |
99,116 |
3,919 |
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
900,825 |
79,660 |
654,500 |
1,634,985 |
884,674 |
695,811 |
54,500 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A : Jobs & Enterprise Development |
|
|
1,246,222 |
54,500 |
-6,293 |
1,294,429 |
729,531 |
544,898 |
20,000 |
|
B: Enterprise Innovation & Commercialisation |
|
|
258,700 |
0 |
7,185 |
265,885 |
224,286 |
41,599 |
0 |
|
C: Regulation |
|
|
116,491 |
0 |
-891 |
115,600 |
111,956 |
3,644 |
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,621,413 |
54,500 |
1 |
1,675,914 |
1,065,773 |
590,141 |
20,000 |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A : Jobs & Enterprise Development |
|
|
890,325 |
20,000 |
167,662 |
1,077,987 |
1,028,114 |
49,873 |
0 |
|
B: Enterprise Innovation & Commercialisation |
|
|
244,917 |
0 |
-2,654 |
242,263 |
236,863 |
5,400 |
0 |
|
C: Regulation |
|
|
133,272 |
0 |
2,114 |
135,386 |
132,506 |
2,880 |
0 |
|
D:Tourism Services ** |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3,012 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,268,514 |
20,000 |
167,122 |
1,455,636 |
1,397,483 |
58,153 |
3,012 |
|
2025 * |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A : Jobs & Enterprise Development |
|
|
672,977 |
0 |
-3,201 |
669,776 |
645,452 |
24,324 |
0 |
|
B: Enterprise Innovation & Commercialisation |
|
|
241,871 |
0 |
16,352 |
258,223 |
249,502 |
8,721 |
0 |
|
C: Regulation |
|
|
140,309 |
0 |
-2,500 |
137,809 |
127,213 |
10,596 |
0 |
|
D: Tourism Services ** |
|
|
250,987 |
3,012 |
-10,650 |
243,349 |
218,476 |
3,558 |
21,315 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,306,144 |
3,012 |
1 |
1,309,157 |
1,240,643 |
47,199 |
21,315 |
* The figures for 2025 are provisional and will only be determined on foot of the completion of the 2025 appropriation account
** The Tourism Services programme came into the Department of Enterprise from Vote 33 Department of Tourism ,Culture, Arts , Gaeltacht ,Sports and Media during 2025.
993. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the signing of the National Charter for Digital Inclusion by a company (details supplied) will translate into practical digital-skills supports for SMEs and workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1843/26]
View answerIn 2025, I introduced the Charter for Digital Inclusion as a landmark step in Ireland’s mission to create a more inclusive digital society. The initiative emphasises the importance of partnership, particularly the role of larger businesses in supporting SMEs to adopt and benefit from digital technologies.
The Charter reflects the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind” as outlined in Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap. It sets out commitments for businesses and organisations to help close the digital divide by promoting basic digital skills, equity, affordability, raising awareness, and enabling access to online resources.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment invites public bodies, businesses, and community organisations to endorse this charter, adopt its principles, and join in building a more inclusive digital future for all. OpenAI signed up to Commitments 1 to 5 of the Charter, focusing on investing in staff upskilling and inclusive workplaces; by embedding digital-inclusion criteria into their products and corporate policies; and by delivering government-facing programmes under their OpenAI for Countries initiative.
994. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the additional €23 million for Ireland’s European digital innovation hubs will expand AI, cybersecurity and wider digital-adoption supports for SMEs and public bodies during phase 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1844/26]
View answerThe additional €23 million I recently announced for Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) will enable the continuation and expansion of critical digitalisation supports for SMEs and public service organisations (PSOs) during Phase 2 of the programme, which runs from 2026 to 2029.
This investment by my Department, co-funded with the EU’s Digital Europe Programme, will significantly scale up efforts to help enterprises adopt advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity solutions, and other digital tools. Our four EDIHs – CeADAR, FactoryXChange, ENTIRE, and Data2Sustain – will continue to act as “one-stop shops” providing services including:
• Technical expertise and experimentation, including over 1,100 ‘Test Before Invest’ projects to allow businesses to trial AI and cybersecurity solutions before committing to full-scale deployment
• Training and skills development, with more than 200 courses planned nationwide to build digital capability among SMEs and PSOs
• Financial and strategic advice to support investment in digital transformation
• Networking and ecosystem engagement to connect enterprises with innovation partners
The Hubs, while all offering general services, have specialised skills in key areas:
• CeADAR focuses on AI and machine learning adoption
• FactoryXChange supports advanced manufacturing and automation
• ENTIRE provides expertise in Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity
• Data2Sustain promotes sustainability and circular economy practices through digitalisation
Under Phase 2 of the programme which will continue to be overseen by Enterprise Ireland, the four EDIHs collectively aim to deliver over 3,000 engagements with SMEs and PSOs, ensuring both regional and sectoral reach. This continued investment reflects our commitment to safeguarding Ireland’s competitiveness and ensuring that advanced digital technologies are accessible to all regions and sectors. By maintaining this momentum, we are enabling enterprises, especially Irish SMEs, to future-proof their operations and strengthen resilience in an increasingly digital economy.
995. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if additional financial support will be made available to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or work spaces (details supplied); if his Department and the statutory agencies under the remit of his Department will give this request further urgent consideration in view of longstanding commitments to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/26]
View answerBalanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key priority for my Department and for the Government, as reaffirmed in the White Paper on Enterprise. I recognise the important contribution made by both enterprise and remote working spaces across the country. These facilities enable people to live and work within their local communities and provide essential supports for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. Significant investment has been made in the development of these facilities, and the Government remain committed to the sector.
Significant funding has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for the development of remote working facilities. Successful projects are delivered in collaboration with local authorities and communities, with many vacant and derelict buildings refurbished to incorporate remote working facilities through programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In addition, the Connected Hubs Call provided €14 million in funding to almost 200 projects between 2021 and 2022, allowing successful applicants to expand capacity within existing remote working hub infrastructure nationwide.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect that the draft strategy will be brought to Government shortly.
The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including numerous enterprise centres and hubs, throughout the country via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, is currently open for applications. The scheme comprises four streams, ranging from the delivery of major local enterprise infrastructure such as enterprise hubs, to funding for services that support SMEs in driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness. While they operate independently, Government will work in collaboration with local authorities to deliver innovative projects. Local authorities have supported many enterprise hubs to date, either as project partners or through direct funding contributions.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Smart Regions scheme includes ring-fenced funding for the Northern and Western region, specifically aimed at improving opportunities and facilities in that area.
996. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional supports being considered for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural towns such as Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Mountrath and Portarlington, particularly in light of rising operational costs and recruitment challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/26]
View answer1000. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to address rising business costs in the midlands region, particularly labour, energy, and water costs; if specific supports will be introduced to safeguard competitiveness for local enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1872/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 996 and 1000 together.
The Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been a significant challenge for firms in recent years, driven by inflationary pressures and mandated improvements to working conditions. Encouragingly, costs for firms, as measured by the CSO’s Wholesale Price Index, have declined by 5.3% in the 12 months to November 2025.
My Department has taken action to address fiscal and regulatory issues, including the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum (June 2025), and the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity (September 2025). Both of these actions deliver on the Programme for Government commitments to support Small Business, Enterprise and Industries and to develop Government policy which focuses on the economic areas that fall within our domestic sphere of influence.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum’s examine issues that can lead to higher costs for business in Ireland and review associated regulatory and infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach. At present the Forum comprises of twenty-five member organisations—including representation of SMEs across section of Ireland’s enterprise sector at both national and regional levels. These members actively contribute to the Forum’s work, with ongoing engagement and dialogue with State Agencies, Regulators, and Government Departments.
A comprehensive workplan was adopted in June 2025 and since then have met to consider a series of themes: Energy Costs and Security of Supply; Insurance Costs; Planning and Infrastructural Delivery; and Water Services and Wastewater. There are a number of remaining meetings scheduled for Q1 2026 and these will focus on Legal Costs; and Regulation: Reporting and Compliance. The Forum is in the process of drafting the final report, with an indicative date to present the report to Government in Q1 2026.
The Action Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to domestic drivers of competitiveness, containing a total of 85 actions, across six themes. Particularly relevant to safeguarding competitiveness for SME’s is theme 4, “Regulating for Growth and Controlling Costs,” which sets out five priority actions grouped under three key areas: “Better Regulation,” “Legal Costs,” and “Competition and Costs.”
Specific actions include:
• The Department of the Taoiseach to coordinate a range of actions aimed at regulatory reform across Government Departments, including the establishment of a central Economic Regulators Forum;
• The introduction of a “Red Tape Challenge” across Government to significantly reduce regulation for SMEs;
• The implementation of the outstanding recommendations from the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice: Review Group Report (2020);
• The implementation of a new cross-Government Action Plan on Insurance Reform; and,
• The completion of a “State of Competition in Ireland” review.
In addition, Theme 6, “Growing Sustainable Irish Businesses and Boosting Regional Development,” addresses challenges related to regional competitiveness through actions focused on promoting sustainability and supporting balanced regional development. The theme includes five actions related to regional development and two actions related to tourism, including the preparation of a regional enterprise policy statement, developing engagement with the Regional Assemblies, and measures to promote the digitalisation of tourism SMEs, alongside other targeted interventions.
Through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) based within the 31 Local Authorities small businesses across all sectors can avail of consultancy and grant assistance in the areas of Green, Digital and Lean. These grants are focused on providing capital to assist in implementation of recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise a business. The LEOs also offer a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements.
Further to this access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the utilisation of the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies.
Since launching in July 2024, the NEH has handled over 10,000 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with over 1000 queries received in November alone, more than triple the number recorded in January. My department is working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.
997. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of IDA and Enterprise Ireland client visits to County Laois in the past 12 months; the progress on securing new investment for the National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise; the strategy for increasing foreign direct investment in the Midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1868/26]
View answerRegional 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, regional development is one of four key strategic objectives of the IDA 2025–2029 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently".
IDA Ireland utilises a range of strategies to maximise dispersal of FDI nationally. IDA’s regional focus leverages the wider demographic catchment of a region, the track record of existing client companies already located in the region, the presence of third level universities to provide a skilled talent pipeline for companies investing in the region, and the availability of property and developed infrastructure assets.
As the Deputy is aware, a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects. The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and to the winning of investments into the regions from both new-name clients and from the existing client base. In this respect, IDA Ireland’s property strategy aims to address regional market failure through investment in enterprise-focused property solutions that meet the needs of multinational companies and domestic clients in support of winning investments.
While IDA Ireland does not own the National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise, I am advised it does market it alongside other private property in Laois depending on the property ask. In this context, IDA Ireland has a team dedicated to the delivery of investments to the Midlands, including Co. Laois, who work closely with colleagues overseas. The IDA team also continues to work closely with national and local stakeholders, including County Councils and skills and education providers to promote the region as a destination for foreign direct investment with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities.
I can assure the Deputy that the IDA continues to do its utmost to promote all locations in Ireland, including the Midlands and Laois, but must stress that, ultimately, individual investors decide which counties to visit, and where to locate their investments.
There were two IDA facilitated visits to County Laois in 2024 and five to the end of quarter three in 2025. It should also be noted that site visits not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of FDI activity in a region or county but are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and naturally, year-on-year, the number of visits to any location will vary.
998. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available to tourism-related enterprises in County Laois, including those connected to heritage, outdoor recreation and hospitality; if additional measures are planned to strengthen the county’s tourism economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1870/26]
View answerTourism is a vital indigenous industry and is of particular importance to counties such as Laois, located within Ireland’s Ancient East, where it supports employment and local economies.
The Government, through my Department and its agencies, supports the tourism sector in Laois through the implementation of A New Era for Irish Tourism – the National Tourism Policy Statement. This policy focuses on supporting tourism SMEs, extending the tourism season, and ensuring balanced regional development. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are central to delivering this policy at local level.
Laois is included in Fáilte Ireland’s Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027. This strategy sets out a 10-year vision and a five-year action plan for sustainable tourism development in the region. It provides a blueprint for unlocking the commercial potential of the area while protecting the environment, enhancing local communities, and meeting visitor expectations.
Laois continues to benefit from targeted Fáilte Ireland investment, including capital funding for tourism infrastructure, festivals, and destination development. Notable initiatives include:
- Ireland’s Mountain Bike Experience, a flagship Rural Regeneration and Development Fund partnership project with Coillte and local authorities. This project will deliver five international-standard mountain biking centres and 191 km of new looped trails, including in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois and Offaly.
- Laois is one of eight counties in the midlands who are benefitting from the €68m Just Transition Fund (JTF) investment in regenerative tourism for the region, which will help strengthen the county’s tourism economy. Through this scheme, Fáilte Ireland are investing in the sustainable development of tourism in the Midlands with the aim of diversifying the regional economy by creating jobs, supporting habitats and biodiversity and sustaining communities. Examples under the scheme include the delivery of enhancements to the visitor experience at the Rock of Dunamase and a study for the development of Emo Court and Estate .
- The Barrow Masterplan is a priority project under the Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland strategic partnership. It aims to improve the quality of the visitor experience along Ireland’s network of inland waterways.
In addition, the Laois Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) commenced in Q4 2025. This five-year plan will identify priority projects and guide sustainable tourism development in partnership with local stakeholders.
Tourism businesses in Laois can also access a range of business, sustainability, and skills supports offered by Fáilte Ireland to help address cost pressures, improve competitiveness, and support employment. The programmes include the Champions Programme which is designed to help tourism businesses enhance their team’s customer service skills and build local product knowledge. Fáilte Irelands Access for Success Initiative provides tailored support and expert guidance to help hotels become a leader in accessible and inclusive hospitality. Fáilte Ireland is also part of the National Enterprise Hub, which consolidates information on all government supports for tourism and hospitality businesses making it easier to access information.
Finally, overseas and domestic marketing by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland continues to promote Laois as a key tourism destination.
I remain committed to supporting a strong, sustainable tourism sector in Laois and will continue working with State agencies and local stakeholders to achieve this.
999. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has assessed the potential of stronger remote working legislation to retain graduates and skilled workers in counties such as Laois; if this forms part of the Government’s regional enterprise strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1871/26]
View answerThere has been a significant shift in remote working trends throughout the country in recent years and the evidence suggests that this work practice is here to stay. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office shows that in the third quarter of 2025, 987,800 people reported working from home at least some of the time.
Since March 2024, all employees have the right to request a remote working arrangement from their employer and the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 puts a legislative framework in place in this regard. The introduction of this right was an outcome of the National Remote Work Strategy. The legislation is accompanied by a Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible and Remote Working Arrangements.
While the legislation puts in place a legislative framework for all employees to request a remote working arrangement, not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise will be appropriate or suitable for remote working. In addition, Government cannot determine terms agreed between an employee and employer. Remote working arrangements should be agreed between employees and employers to allow each party to realise the benefits of remote working where they can.
To ensure the legislative framework remains fit for purpose, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is currently undertaking a statutory review of the operation of the remote working provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. The objective of the review is to assess the effectiveness of the legislation in providing the entitlements, to evaluate the clarity of the legislation and to identify any unintended consequences of the legislation.
There was significant engagement from employers, employees, representatives bodies, members of the public and the Workplace Relations Commission in the review process. Alongside a public consultation which received over 8,000 responses, a geographically representative survey of employees and employers has also been conducted as part of the review to ensure data is gathered from across the country. I look forward to considering the final report in due course.
With regard to the Government’s regional enterprise strategy, balanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
The Regional Enterprise Plan for the Midlands covers the counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. The Steering Committee includes representatives of the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Local Authorities, Regional Skills Forum, Higher and Further Education, Fáilte Ireland, companies in the private sector and others.
The Midlands REP (2022-2025) comprises three strategic objectives as below;
1. Climate Action - supporting the Midlands in its transition to a net zero-carbon economy.
2. Building on strengths - capitalising in strengths of the Midlands through Smart Specialisation and Digitalisation.
3. Placemaking - positioning the Midlands as a community of choice in which to live, create, study, work, visit and invest.
An action under the third strategic objective is to expand the Midlands Network of Co-Working Facilities (MNCF) in partnership with existing network members, chambers of commerce and local authorities, to support and develop additional flexible office solutions throughout the region, including the exploration of and the development of vacant properties, through strategic partnerships and in cooperation with communities.
The MNCF comprises of over 30 facilities. The Midlands Hub directory is available to view on www.midlandsireland.ie. The MNCF are promoted on ‘Midlands Ireland’ and where feasible, various working group meetings and events associated with the implementation of the Midlands REP are held in MNCF member facilities.
1001. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which his Department is supporting local authorities and tourism agencies in developing infrastructure to host major cultural and sporting events, including facilities upgrades, accommodation expansion and accessibility improvements; if he will outline the midlands' preparedness for upcoming international events in 2026 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1876/26]
View answerIn relation to culture and sporting infrastructure development and upgrades, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, has previously awarded grant funding to a wide range of such projects. For example, under the most recent round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, grants totalling €173 million were announced in November 2024.
The role of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy, as set out in “A New Era for Irish Tourism” the National Tourism Policy Statement which I published last month. Regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Fáilte Ireland recognises the importance of ongoing capital investment in tourism infrastructure and attractions across the country and remains committed to supporting the sustainable development of tourism potential in all regions.
One of the actions to flow from the National Tourism Policy Statement will be the development of a Tourism Accommodation Strategy in 2026. Current Fáilte Ireland analysis of the tourism accommodation development pipeline indicates that at the end of Q3 2025 there were 12,750 tourism accommodation bed spaces under construction nationally, with planning permission granted for a further 37,550 bed spaces.
In relation to accessibility, since establishing a dedicated inclusive tourism team in 2024, Failte Ireland has undertaken work to improve accessibility and disability-friendly domestic tourism through the following initiatives:
• A new accessible and inclusive tourism capability programme was launched to enhance skills and competencies in accessible and inclusive tourism. Comprised of seven modules designed to equip both frontline staff and leadership teams with essential skills and knowledge.
• Development of an access and inclusion events guide, available to all event organisers which will support the creation of more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming event experiences across the sector.
• Fáilte Ireland has also supported businesses in making their digital content fully accessible to WCAG 2.2 AA standards—offering funding, expertise, and training. To close a digital skills gap, Fáilte Ireland launched a targeted programme to upskill web agencies, enabling them to deliver accessible design. With a goal to upgrade 500 websites by the end of 2026, this major investment reflects the commitment to a digitally inclusive tourism sector.
Finally, Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Development Strategies 2023 – 2027 are a roadmap for the tourism industry and all stakeholders involved in tourism. The Development Strategies set out a strategic approach to unlocking the commercial potential each region. It ensures focus on tourism development is sustainable and regenerative and that the benefits accrue to local communities and to nature.
To activate these strategies, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). A DEDP will cover the Mid-Shannon and Midlands region including South Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly. It is anticipated that this DEDP will be launched in 2026. A DEDP for County Laois is currently in development, which will shape a long-term vision for sustainable tourism for the county.
1002. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will examine the financial burden on businesses and non-EEA employees associated with the €1,500 cost of renewing a general employment permit after the initial two-year period; if consideration will be given to reducing or restructuring these fees to ensure that the cost is not disproportionately placed on either immigrant workers or small and medium enterprises, many of whom are currently under significant financial pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69884/25]
View answerThe employment permits system is run on the principle of cost recovery. The fee for processing an employment permit application is intended to cover the costs involved in administering the service, which includes enforcement as well as the provision of information.
The application fee was last set on 1st October 2014 and has not been increased for applicants since. A General Employment Permit can be granted for a period of up to two years for a fee of €1,000. That permit can be renewed for a further period of up to three years at a cost of €1,500. Reduced fees of €500 and €750 are applicable for shorter periods of six months or less for both new and renewal applications for General Employment Permits, respectively.
After five years on a General Employment Permit, the non EEA permit holder may apply to the Department of Justice for immigration permission allowing them to continue to work in the State without the need for an employment permit.
The legislation provides fee waivers for certain categories of non EEA nationals and for a refund of 90% where an application is either withdrawn or refused.
The purpose of the Employment Permits System is to assist economic growth by facilitating the filling of key skills gaps which cannot be filled using domestic or EEA labour markets and not to facilitating access to cheap labour. There are no plans at present to adjust the application fees for the various permit types which are detailed in the below table.
|
Employment permit Category |
First Application Fee |
Renewal Fee |
|
General Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months and €500 for six months or less |
€750 for six months or less €1,500 up to 36 months |
|
Critical Skills Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months |
N/A |
|
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit |
No fee |
No fee |
|
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months and €500 for six months or less |
€500 for six months or less €1,000 up to 24 months €1,500 up to 36 months |
|
Contract for Services Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months and €500 for six months or less |
€750 for six months or less €1,500 up to 36 months |
|
Reactivation Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months and €500 for six months or less |
€750 for six months or less €1,500 up to 36 months |
|
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 24 months and €500 for six months or less |
€750 for six months or less €1,500 up to 36 months |
|
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit |
No fee |
N/A |
|
Internship Employment Permit |
€1,000 up to 12 months and €500 for six months or less |
N/A |
1003. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will abolish the exemption of apprentices from the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67678/25]
View answerThe National Minimum Wage Act prescribes the minimum hourly rate of pay for the majority of employees in Ireland, subject to a small number of exemptions. Apprentices are excluded from the Act and from the right to receive the National Minimum Wage.
Apprentices are excluded from the National Minimum Wage Act in recognition of the unique nature of apprenticeships and the fact that a long-established practice for determining rates exists.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of education and work experience. When the National Minimum Wage was first introduced it was recognised that providing an exemption for apprentices would promote and encourage employers to focus on training apprentices, and offering opportunities to them, while at the same time recognising the cost to employers in terms of time invested and productivity forgone.
Apprentices are employees and all of the 78 apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer, with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements. For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the minimum rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court.
The Government is committed to growing apprenticeships. The Programme for Government includes the commitment to “grow apprenticeship registrations to at least 12,500 by 2030, and develop and launch a new 5-year Apprenticeship Action Plan for 2026-2030 to set a strategic vision for the sector and expand the skills categories”.
This Action Plan will be a successor to the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which has responsibility for apprenticeship policy as it relates to education and training, recently commenced a public consultation to seek the views of all stakeholders on how the apprenticeship system can be improved, made more inclusive, and better aligned with national skills needs.
Any evidence submitted as part of this consultation will inform the development of the Action Plan, and the development of evidence-based policy on the exemption of apprentices from the National Minimum Wage.
1004. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which his Department plans to target Irish tourism overseas in its capital investment strategy under the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1888/26]
View answerIn December 2025, my Department published the new National Tourism Policy Statement, “A New Era for Irish Tourism,”. This strategy provides a clear long-term vision for the tourism sector through to 2031. It aligns tourism with Ireland’s enterprise, trade, and employment agenda, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across all regions. The policy sets ambitious targets, including growing overseas tourism revenue to €9 billion and domestic tourism revenue to €5.8 billion by 2031.
To support delivery of the policy objectives of the National Tourism Policy Statement over the next five years, €77 million is being provided for overseas marketing from my Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan as part of the Government’s National Development Plan 2026-2030. This provision is key to supporting Tourism Ireland in its efforts to boost overseas tourism to Ireland and realise the ambitions for growth in the Tourism Policy, supporting jobs, benefitting businesses and communities and the economy.
Tourism Ireland as the overseas marketing body for the island of Ireland continues to market Ireland as a compelling tourism destination. Tourism Ireland has an ambitious plan to continue to win visitors throughout 2026 and beyond through an elevation of tourism brand Ireland, utilising our icons of landscape, culture and history, linking in with emotional connections and cutting through with effective creative, media and publicity across international markets.
Aligned with the new Action Plan on Market Diversification, the funding provided will allow Tourism Ireland to seize fresh opportunities for growth by expanding strategic source markets and attracting value adding visitors to the island of Ireland to deliver benefits to the businesses and communities that rely on overseas tourism. Diversification will remain central to this strategy, driving demand through new and existing gateways in North America, strengthening their presence in the US and Canada, building on strong foundations in Great Britain, achieving a step change in visitor revenue from mainland European markets and forging effective partnerships to unlock new and emerging markets further afield.
Tourism Ireland, as part of its market diversification strategy, will establish a new Strategic Air Access Fund designed to maximize the opportunities created by new direct routes to Ireland from both established and new markets where there is inbound tourism potential. This fund will stimulate demand in partnership with air carriers through cooperative initiatives, ensuring that these routes deliver strong returns and support broader economic activity.
The capital allocation also includes funding from the Shared Island Fund to sustain the collaborative efforts of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland on specific initiatives including four projects under the Shared Destinations Programme that will develop sustainable tourism across the border region and enhance its visibility in international markets.
1005. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department plans to continue to support Irish SMEs with the introduction of improved AI and other cutting edge digital technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1889/26]
View answerAI has the potential to greatly improve productivity, drive efficiencies and enhance competitiveness. A key priority of mine is ensuring that SMEs are aware of the benefits AI can have for their business. As such, I will be promoting the benefits of AI technologies and the supports my Department has in place for SMEs over the coming months with an awareness campaign.
A wide range of enterprise supports are already in place:
• The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme, a free service which connects businesses with expert advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• The Grow Digital Portal showcases success stories from non-tech businesses embracing digital transformation.
• The Cyber Security Review Grant (worth €3,000), to help businesses strengthen their online security.
• Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, Sligo) help SMEs and public bodies adopt key technologies: AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
My Department recently announced €23 million in additional funding for Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), strengthening their work with SMEs to boost the adoption of AI and other cutting edge digital technologies. Ireland’s advancement into Phase 2 of the EDIH Programme (2026–2029) will significantly deepen support for SME digitalisation, with plans to deliver more than 3,000 engagements, 1,100 Test-Before-Invest projects, and over 200 training courses across the country.
The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated. Supporting SMEs to maximise the potential of AI will be a key feature of the Enterprise Chapter of this Strategy.
Finally, the establishment of a new AI Office of Ireland in 2026, an independent statutory entity which will be the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act, will be a major milestone, providing clarity and regulatory certainty for Irish enterprise. A critical function of the Office will be to act as the focal point for responsible AI innovation and adoption in Ireland.
1006. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he could provide a breakdown of his Department’s €4.7 billion capital investment strategy, ‘Start Up Ireland’, for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1905/26]
View answerFollowing the review of the National Development Plan, my Department published our Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030 on the 7th January. The Plan sets out how the Department will spend €4.7 billion in capital investment over the next five years to strengthen Ireland’s enterprise and employment base, attract foreign direct investment, promote innovation and support tourism development across all regions.
In terms of specifics, funding of €1.12 billion has been allocated under the Sectoral Plan to help businesses start, grow and scale through the following initiatives:
• €355 million for enterprise Ireland Grants Programme Investments
• €350 million for Local Enterprise and Regional Development
• €250 million to the Seed and Venture Capital Investment Programme
• €100 million to a Scaling Fun
A further €1.29 billion has been allocated under the Plan to attract and sustain cutting edge inward investment through:
• Next Generation FDI Sites - €100 million
• IDA Regional Property Programme - €500 million
• IDA's Grant Programme - €680 million
A total of €400 million has been allocated to boost tourism competitiveness, growth and market diversification . Priorities in the area of tourism investments include :
• Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund - €77 million
• Tourism Product Development - €200 million
Funding of €1.33 billion has also been allocated to support the development of our innovation economy through the following initiatives:
• Enterprise Ireland Technology Centres - €190 million
• European Space Agency - €170 million
• Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund - €196 million
• Important Projects of European Common Interest - €120 million
€300 million in funding will also be invested under the Sectoral Plan to support the decarbonisation of our Enterprise base.
As regards the Start Up Ireland investment which will be delivered and managed by Enterprise Ireland, the establishment of Start-up Ireland is a key priority under the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity. The €100 millioni nvestment in Start Up Ireland over the next 5 years will help aims to support 1,000 new startups between 2025 and 2029 by assisting founders to start, connect, and scale. The initiative will address the challenges, identified by a recent OECD report on the Irish start-up ecosystem, by providing for more integrated supports and coordinated pathways for entrepreneurs, and by targeting specific funding gaps.
This new central coordinating approach will enhance alignment and collaboration across the national start-up ecosystem, creating a more cohesive and founder-first ecosystem. Start-up Ireland will also oversee the rollout of a new National Accelerator Programme, succeeding the NDRC, and will act as a national focal point for policy, investment, and ecosystem development, aligning with European and global best practices.
The recent OECD report 'Supporting start-up globalisation in Ireland through incubation and acceleration' also recommended that Ireland promotes a flagship national entrepreneurship campus. This recommendation is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to consider the development of a national start-up hub for entrepreneurs to engage with all Government Departments and agencies, fast-track the start-up process, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs. As part of Start Up Ireland, Enterprise Ireland is considering the development a National Start-up Hub and this process is well advanced.
The €4.7 billion being invested through my Department’s Sectoral Pan over the next 5 years is focused on securing our continued economic success by delivering on the Programme for Government’s ambitions and commitments to promote enterprise, innovation and our national competitiveness and to ensure that the benefits of growth, investment and opportunity are shared across all parts of our country.
1007. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current average waiting time for a WRC adjudication hearing to be heard from the time the complaints are submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1912/26]
View answer1008. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the average waiting time for a WRC adjudication hearing to be heard from the time the complaints are submitted for each month in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1007 and 1008 together.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, and advisory services.
The scheduling of adjudication hearings at the WRC can be dictated by a combination of operational and case-specific factors such as the complexity of the case, incomplete or late submissions from the parties, availability of parties and representatives, physical or remote-hearing capacity.
The WRC’s 2025 operational target of scheduling 75% of hearings within eight months of receiving a complaint was met in 2025, with 76% achieved. In light of the growing demand for access to adjudication, the WRC keeps its processes and operational targets under constant review.
The table below sets out the median time from receipt of complaint to first hearing scheduled in 2025 (by month). The median provides a more representative measure of typical scheduling performance without being distorted by a small number of exceptionally long or complex cases.
The current 2026 median time from receipt of complaint to first hearing is 228 calendar days, noting that this figure is provisional and subject to ongoing scheduling.
In addition, the WRC has requested that all parties give due consideration to the opportunity offered by the WRC Mediation Service as a possible avenue to resolve an individual matter in dispute. This should be done as early as possible in the process. Apart from obviating the need for a hearing, mediation can lead to a resolution of the matter in a confidential, mutually agreed fashion. Parties should contact the WRC if they wish to participate in mediation.
The WRC is dedicated to enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness to fulfil its mandate and deliver the highest possible standard of service to the public.
Median by month for hearings scheduled in 2025 from receipt of complaint
|
Month |
Calendar Days |
|
Jan |
139 |
|
Feb |
145 |
|
Mar |
151 |
|
Apr |
154 |
|
May |
146 |
|
Jun |
168 |
|
Jul |
164 |
|
Aug |
183 |
|
Sept |
212 |
|
Oct |
204 |
|
Nov |
201 |
|
Dec |
184 |
