Written Answers Nos. 1-24
1. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office. [4602/26]
View answer5. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4843/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 5 together.
The Department of the Taoiseach does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write speeches, produce social media content or issue responses to parliamentary questions.
In its Statement of Strategy 2025 - 2028, the Department commits to the judicious deployment of AI technology with a view to enhancing its capacity to deliver.
The Department is in the process of developing a strategy and governance structure on the use of AI, informed by the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service and by the National Cyber Security Centre guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies.
Part of this process will involve identifying AI pilot projects with the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department.
The Department of the Taoiseach's website is part of gov.ie, a single online platform for all government departments. Gov.ie is developed and managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
Gov.ie does not currently have any AI-enabled chatbot functionality, however, I understand that the OGCIO is developing AI-enabled chatbot technology for integration with the gov.ie platform. This initiative aims to provide members of the public with accessible, real-time support with government services and information in line with the Digital Public Services Plan 2030 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/digital-public-services-plan-2030/).
2. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4620/26]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not have a paid subscription with the social media company in question.
3. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to China. [4736/26]
View answerI travelled to China from 4 to 8 January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai.
In Beijing I met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.
We discussed Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China, including our important economic and trading relationship; EU-China relations, including Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026; and shared global challenges, including conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere.
I stressed the importance of an effective international rules-based order, and the need to strengthen human rights and international law.
I also raised the question of access for Irish beef to the Chinese market and welcome the announcement since my visit that this has been restored. This is a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China.
In Shanghai I met with Mayor Gong Zheng. Our discussions included the links between Cork and Shanghai which recently celebrated 20 years of being twinned.
During my visit, I also met with Irish and Chinese business leaders in a variety of sectors including financial services, tourism, food and beverages and education.
4. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4825/26]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach's website is part of gov.ie, a single online platform for all government departments.
Gov.ie’s infrastructure and technical environment is developed and managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The OGCIO’s design system and implementation approach ensures that accessibility for visually impaired users is a core requirement in the design, development and operation of all websites under its remit.
Gov.ie is built and maintained in full compliance with Irish and EU accessibility legislation, including the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies Regulations 2020. Gov.ie meets the WCAG 2.1 AA international accessibility standards, and work is underway to transition to WCAG 2.2 AA. An accessibility statement for gov.ie is available at www.gov.ie/en/accessibility/.
To support high-quality user experience for visually impaired users, the OGCIO applies accessibility best practice, including compatibility with screen readers, maintaining appropriate colour contrast, and ensuring that all gov.ie enabled services can be operated using keyboard-only navigation.
The COVID-19 Evaluation, which operates independently of the Department of the Taoiseach but is funded from the Department’s Vote, operates a website that is designed in accordance with the WC3 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The website achieved an accessibility score of 100% in the NDA Annual Monitoring Report 2025: EU Web Accessibility Directive. The COVID-19 Evaluation website accessibility statement is available at www.covid19evaluation.ie/accessibility/.
6. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4862/26]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach purchases advertising through a Media Strategy, Planning and Buying service, procured through an Office of Government Procurement Framework.
The table below details expenditure incurred by the Department of the Taoiseach on social media and online advertising from 2016 to 2025.
The expenditure was on a range of online platforms including major platforms.
Expenditure levels in the years 2020 and 2021 were atypical and were related to the COVID-19 public information campaign.
The figure provided for 2025 includes €17,681 in expenditure on social media and online advertising related to the COVID-19 Evaluation, which operates independently of the Department of the Taoiseach but is funded from the Department’s Vote.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2016 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Nil |
|
2018 |
€451, 351 |
|
2019 |
€2,020 |
|
2020 |
€1,456,775 |
|
2021 |
€1,092,363 |
|
2022 |
€217,405 |
|
2023 |
Nil |
|
2024 |
€490 |
|
2025 |
€20,461 |
7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussion at the EU Council in relation to support for the integrity and sovereignty of EU member states, including Denmark. [4998/26]
View answerI remain in close contact with my EU counterparts on the matter as the situation develops and I discussed it with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and a number of other colleagues on Monday 19 January. Heads of State and Government will discuss Greenland at an extraordinary meeting of the European Council later this week. It is also expected that it will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January which I am scheduled to attend.
Ireland's position is that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. This is a position that will not change. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Charter and of international law.
8. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she or any of her officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for her Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since she took office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4594/26]
View answerThe Department’s use of Generative AI is aligned with the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service and on the advice and guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre. The use of artificial intelligence tools to write speeches, produce social media content, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions is not permitted.
9. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4612/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not have a paid subscription with any social media company, including X, for any DFAT HQ-administered social media accounts.
10. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures being taken by the Department to advocate for the release of a person (details supplied) who faces execution in Iran; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4730/26]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the continued use of arbitrary detention and the use of the death penalty as a means of suppressing political dissent and human rights activism in Iran. We are seeing disturbing reports of this in the context of the recent protests in Iran and their violent repression by the authorities. I have condemned the killing of protesters and called on Iran to immediately halt all violence and repression of protesters.
Ireland raises our concerns about Iran’s human rights abuses both bilaterally and in multilateral fora such as the Human Rights Council and the United Nations Third Committee on Human Rights.
Ireland is strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances, and there are many especially troubling aspects to its use in Iran. At the 2025 Universal Periodic Review of Iran at the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland raised the death penalty and highlighted in particular Iran’s use of the death penalty against human rights defenders, especially women. We called for the end of all executions in Iran. Ireland was also instrumental in the establishment by the UN Human Rights Council of an ongoing special procedure to investigate human rights abuses in Iran following the Women, Life, Freedom protests in 2022.
Regrettably, it is not possible for us to engage on every such case in Iran, but I will ask my Department to look into the circumstances of the case raised by the Deputy. I regret however that there is at present very little sign of Iran responding positively on these issues. Ireland will continue to call on Iran to cease the use of the death penalty.
11. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application (details supplied) given the applicants travel date is imminent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4750/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application has been approved.
12. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how she ensures that all websites operated by her Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4817/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that its web services, operated through the website ireland.ie, are accessible to people with disabilities, including people with visual impairments, in line with the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 358 of 2020), which gives effect to Directive (EU) 2016/2102. Under these Regulations, public sector bodies are required to take the necessary measures to make their websites accessible by making them perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.
In practice, my Department supports and verifies accessibility for Ireland.ie through a combination of independent monitoring, internal testing, and remediation:
Independent monitoring: The National Disability Authority (NDA) is the statutory monitoring body under the Regulations and periodically monitors compliance with the accessibility requirements.
Transparency and feedback: Ireland.ie publishes and maintains an accessibility statement (www.ireland.ie/en/accessibility/) that sets out its current compliance status, identifies known non-accessible content, provides a feedback mechanism for users to report accessibility issues or request information in an alternative format, and links to relevant complaint/redress routes.
Ongoing testing and remediation: The Department acts on issues identified through NDA monitoring and through regular internal, manual accessibility checks of key pages and reusable components. Accessibility is also built into the design and delivery of new website components and features, with Quality Assurance support from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
My Department will continue to address issues identified through NDA monitoring and internal review. In 2026, in addition to ongoing remediation, the Department aims to (i) reduce reliance on non-compliant documents by prioritising accessible HTML pages where possible and progressively addressing legacy documents, and (ii) improve multimedia accessibility through an initiative to provide captions, descriptive transcripts and audio descriptions for embedded videos on Ireland.ie.
Gov.ie platform-level accessibility is led by OGCIO, and my Department continues to support accessibility on this website by ensuring that the content it publishes is accessible. To this end, my Department will review the use of inaccessible documents, as noted by the NDA, with a view to making these accessible or replacing them with accessible HTML pages.
The Passport Service has launched Digital Assist counters at the public offices in the Mount Street and Cork Passport Offices to support applicants who need assistance to make their Passport Online application.
13. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any website or other platform operated by her Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4835/26]
View answerMy Department does not use generative AI chatbots as part of the online services it provides to the public. There is a limited deployment of chatbots within the Department's IT infrastructure to assist officers with information management. Any future deployments of AI will be aligned with the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service.
14. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by her Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4854/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms, including through paid advertising, to communicate public awareness campaigns and promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad, and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. In recent years, public awareness campaigns in relation to passports, COVID-19 travel restrictions and Brexit have formed a significant part of advertising costs.
During the period specified, the Department incurred no expenditure on the use of influencers on social media platforms.
The total amounts spent on social media and online platforms between 2019 and 2025 are outlined in the table below. Please note that Meta encompasses both Facebook and Instagram.
|
Year |
Twitter/X |
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) |
TikTok |
YouTube |
Google Search |
|
2019 |
78,884 |
98,533 |
N/A |
N/A |
107,891 |
|
2020 |
4,539 |
11,072 |
N/A |
6,202 |
N/A |
|
2021 |
49,773 |
105,389 |
N/A |
22,796 |
13,230 |
|
2022 |
60,440 |
104,706 |
1,453 |
38,778 |
26,618 |
|
2023 |
10,347 |
126,023 |
8,041 |
77,108 |
37,149 |
|
2024 |
16,851 |
60,446 |
12,533 |
24,579 |
14,564 |
|
2025 |
36,180 |
87,886 |
20,603 |
29,292 |
N/A |
In the time provided, it has only proved possible to retrieve data as sought by the Deputy for the period 2016-2018 grouped across Meta, Twitter/X and YouTube, as outlined in the table below. During this period, there was no expenditure on TikTok or Google Search.
|
Year |
Meta, Twitter/X and Google Search |
|
2016 |
7,578 |
|
2017 |
5,935 |
|
2018 |
69,724 |
15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to support for the integrity and sovereignty of EU member states including Denmark; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4996/26]
View answerI remain in close contact with my EU counterparts on the matter and I discussed it with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and other colleagues on Monday 19 January. Heads of State and Government will discuss Greenland at an extraordinary meeting of the European Council later this week. It is also expected that it will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January which I am scheduled to attend.
Ireland's position is that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. This is a position that will not change. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Charter and of international law.
16. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will issue emergency funding to a hugely successful project at an OPW site (details supplied) to see the project to the end of 2026, and allow time for the project to source alternative longer term funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4769/26]
View answerIreland's EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Programme and Territorial Just Transition Plan were approved by the Government and by the European Commission in December 2022. The Programme was formally launched on 28 April 2023. The EU JTF Programme represents a total commitment of €169m to the Midlands region, incorporating €84.5 million of funding from the EU Just Transition Fund for 2021 – 2027 and national co-financing.
As the Managing Authority for the Programme, the Eastern and Midland Regional assembly (EMRA) has overall responsibility for the implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
The Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme (LRESSS) is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department as part of Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund. The LRESSS aims to support the implementation of bottom-up local and regional initiatives which align with the priorities of the Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs) and Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) in the territory.
Project modifications requested by grantee organisations are submitted through a formal change request procedure. Requests representing a significant change from the previously agreed proposal are referred by Pobal to a panel consisting of members of my Department and EMRA
Through the change request procedure, the referenced project applied for and received additional funding in December 2025 bringing the total project allocation to just over €4,000 below the maximum funding threshold for LECP projects (€1 million). As a result, the grantee cannot request any additional funding beyond the amount already provided.
17. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for works to be carried out under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4540/26]
View answerThe average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, in 2025 was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. The represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Budget 2026 provided record funding for SEAI residential retrofit schemes to help maximise delivery and, where applicable, to continue to improve waiting times.
Importantly, the SEAI have recently launched a tender to establish a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of fully funded energy upgrades and thereby minimise waiting times.
18. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any product or services purchased from Thailand by his Department in 2025, by description and amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4556/26]
View answerThe Department did not purchase any products or services from Thailand in 2025.
19. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4588/26]
View answerMy Department does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct its systems or operations. The drafting of the material specified is required to be conducted in line with Departmental policies and procedures. My Department continues to take advice from the National Cyber Security Centre in respect of the use of AI.
20. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4606/26]
View answerMy Department does not hold, and has not held, any paid subscriptions with the social media platform X.
This includes subscriptions for verification services, premium accounts or any other subscription-based services offered by the platform.
21. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) in relation to its energy recovery targets for the period 2022 – 2025; if so, the nature and frequency of such engagement; whether those targets have been met to date [4637/26]
View answer22. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role of a company (details supplied) in supporting the decarbonations of Ireland’s climate action targets and circular economy strategy; the contribution made to date by waste-to-energy facilities in reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4638/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 4637/26 and 4638/26 together.
Waste to Energy technologies will continue to have an important role in treating non-recyclable or ‘problematic’ waste streams as the EU and Ireland move towards a more circular economy, where waste minimisation is prioritised and policies are implemented to promote durability and recyclability in products, in addition to incentivising reuse and repair.
My Department will soon be publishing the second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy, which will enable our economy to retain the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible and ensure that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of circularity are fully realised.
Ireland’s municipal solid waste incineration (MSW) incinerators that are categorised under public electricity and heat production are currently included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for Monitoring and Reporting purposes only. The first year of reporting was 2025. The European Commission proposes to carry out a review of the ETS in the second half of 2026, which may extend the scope of the ETS to fully include such plants.
With regard to the referenced company, Ireland’s Climate Action targets are reviewed at national level and sectoral level, and information is not provided on individual companies.
I did not engage directly with the company outlined by the Deputy in relation to its energy recovery targets for the period 2022 – 2025. I am informed however that my colleague Minister of State Alan Dillon visited their facility on 15 May 2025 in relation to his remit of waste processing.
23. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of batteries recycled through the WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) scheme in Ireland in each of the past three years; the number of batteries that ended up in landfill over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4639/26]
View answerIreland uses the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system based on the principle of the ‘producer pays’ model to manage a number of waste streams such batteries.
Eurostat, as the statistical office of the European Union, is responsible for providing high quality statistics and data in Europe. It collaborates with the national authorities of EU countries and other partners to produce environmental statistics relating to the circular economy. On an annual basis, Ireland provides waste statistics to Eurostat. This is available on the Eurostat website: ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ENV_WASPB__custom_4715687/bookmark/table?lang=en&bookmarkId=bb58b5ed-5d2b-4109-8655-dee5f6a3121d&c=1675075644354
While the Environmental Protection Agency publishes details of municipal waste generated, managed and treated, and includes a breakdown of tonnages going to landfill, it does not include data regarding the number of batteries involved (www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/municipal/ ).
24. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the expansion of district heating in Ireland’s energy transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4643/26]
View answer25. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role envisaged for local authorities in the expansion of district heating; whether pilot projects are in place or planned; if there are any projects planned for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4644/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
Government policy is supportive of the expansion of district heating and recognises the contribution it can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report was approved by Government in 2023 and a Working Group has been convened to oversee implementation of the Steering Group recommendations.
The first efficient district heating project operational in Ireland is in Tallaght. It was developed by South Dublin County Council and supported through the Climate Action Fund (CAF). Phase 2 of this project is now being planned and evaluated by South Dublin County Council.
Dublin City Council (DCC) have also been progressing the Dublin District Heating Project which will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings in the adjacent area. DCC have been allocated €50 million through the CAF to support this project.
My Department has ongoing engagement with a number of additional Local Authorities who are working to develop district heating in their areas. My Department is also aware of a potential pipeline of further district heating projects, including private developers working in partnership with relevant Local Authorities and State Agencies.
In July 2025, I announced the allocation of €5 million through the Climate Action Fund to support pre-construction development costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland. This fund has been launched as a pilot fund to bridge the gap for district heating projects until more significant capital funding is in place. 40 expressions of interest have been received, and these are now being evaluated, with the detailed application stage expected to open in February 2026. The actual details of these expressions of interest are commercially sensitive, but they are geographically dispersed.
Under the National Development Plan, for the period 2026 to 2030, up to €100 million has been allocated to support the full development of district heating networks. This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to district heating as a core component of Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy.
In addition, the SEAI are leading on work to feed into the overall long-term strategy for district heating. This includes development of a national level assessment and a comprehensive advisory project, being conducted in partnership with the European Investment Bank's InvestEU Advisory Hub.
In tandem, my Department are working on the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to introduce a regulatory framework for district heating.
