Wednesday, 21 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 25-45

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Departmental Inquiries

Questions (26)

James Geoghegan

Question:

26. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The draft Heads of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 ( www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/heat-networks-and-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2024/ ) were approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The legislation is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector, including the appointment of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as regulator for heat networks with responsibility for ensuring consumer protection for the sector.

The Bill is currently being drafted with support from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). To progress the Bill, officials from my Department are actively engaging with the OPC drafter, the Department's own legal team, and external stakeholders such as the CRU.

In terms of economic and customer protection regulation of the district heating sector, the CRU currently has limited powers under S.I. 426 of 2014 and its amending provisions. However, the sector is for the most part unregulated. The provisions contained in the upcoming Heat Bill will enable the CRU to offer regulatory protections related to charges or pricing for district heating networks. Once the Heat Bill is enacted, the CRU will have the powers to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for regulating all heat networks, including measures around complaint handling, metering, billing, and rules for heat cost allocation.

The target is to have the Heat Bill enacted later this year.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (27)

Paul Lawless

Question:

27. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total SEAI budget allocated for non-domestic renewable energy supports in each of the past three years; the proportion of that budget that remained unspent; how he reconciles this underspend with the fact that the Department of Agriculture; Food and the Marine is rejecting approximately 75% of farmers applying for solar PV support due to budget constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4656/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The primary scheme to support renewable energy in the non-domestic sector is the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme (NDMG) which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of my Department as part of a suite of business energy supports.

The scheme has been very successful in allowing businesses a rapid approval approach to reducing electricity costs and emissions. For the period 2023 to 2025, the scheme had a budget of €42 million. As at the end of 2025, €23.3m of this budget has been expended and an additional €22.5 million of commitments had been made through grant offers, indicating the full budgetary allocation is either spent or committed to be spent.

Budgetary allocations for individual schemes under the remit of the Department Agriculture, Food and the Marine are a matter for that Department.

In relation to NDMG, an annual allocation breakdown is provided in the table attached.

Allocation Breakdown

Environmental Policy

Questions (28)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Question:

28. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to introduce a levy on single-use cups as provided for in the Circular Economy Act 2022; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.

In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).

Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.

Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.

Legislative Measures

Questions (29)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

29. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide a progress update on the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4731/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The draft Heads of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill ( www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/heat-networks-and-miscellaneous-provisions-bill-2024/ ) were approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The legislation is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector, including establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime that ensures consumer protection.

The Bill is currently being drafted with support from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). Officials from my Department are actively engaging with the OPC drafter, the Department's own legal team, and external stakeholders to progress the Bill. Stakeholder engagement will continue as we develop the Bill, with the target being to have it enacted later this year.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (30)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

30. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if it is the Government's position that Ireland's carbon budgets to 2030 will not be met; and if so, whether this is due to insufficient implementation of Ireland's climate action plans, or if the plans themselves are considered inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4738/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The EPA's most recent inventory report, Ireland's Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2024, published in July 2025 shows that Ireland has recorded overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for a third consecutive year, and now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years.

This is significant in the context of demographic and economic growth over that period, including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.

Our momentum in emissions reductions reflects the progress we are making to deliver key measures across sectors, for example:

• The 2025 target for electric vehicles sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025;

• The milestone of over 2 gigawatts of installed solar capacity was achieved in November last year;

• The very positive results of the offshore wind auction for the Tonn Nua site in the same month, which will produce enough energy to power almost one million homes; and,

• Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport.

However, as Minister, while recognising the progress made and the future investment commitments, I must also be cognisant that the current projections serve to highlight the urgent need to build on this momentum. To address the gap to target, we will need to significantly accelerate the delivery of Climate Action Plan measures across sectors.

A number of cross-departmental taskforces are driving delivery in renewable energy and heat, retrofit, transport and agriculture, including the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce and the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. In September of last year, the Taoiseach and I announced the establishment of an Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House to reinforce the work of the existing Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, especially where issues require an additional high-level intervention from the centre of Government.

In line with our Programme for Government commitment, enhanced implementation governance arrangements, to support these groups accelerate delivery, have been put in place in 2025 to streamline structures, ensure key strategic projects are supported and that corrective action is taken quickly where delivery is at risk.

I now chair the Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB) which met late last year. The Climate Action Programme Board (CAPPB) has also been established to provide co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan. It met regularly last year. The Programme Board encompasses the chairs of climate delivery taskforces from across sectors to bring an overall cohesion and alignment to climate action, and to provide oversight and support to taskforces in delivering their work programmes. It assesses progress on delivery, monitors risks, and considers the requirement for corrective actions for underperforming or at-risk actions and deliverables as set out in the Climate Action Plan.

It is vital that we continue to focus on the delivery of our highest impact climate measures to achieve the mitigation needed to achieve our climate goals, moving towards focussed and targeted action.

In my recent statement I made reference to the fact that Ireland is currently projected by the EPA to miss its 2030 emissions reduction target of 51% (compared to 2018 emissions). The EPA's latest report from last May, projected an overall emissions reduction of 23% by 2030. While the EPA have identified a gap to our 2030 target, is important to note that these are projections based on current data and trends. This Government is working to close that gap.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (31)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

31. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details of the community energy projects supported by his Department that were delivered in 2025. [4790/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government is fully supportive of community initiatives that encourage wider adoption of energy efficiency measures. My Department funds a number of supports and schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under which communities can be supported. These include:

• the Sustainable Energy Communities which supports communities, through local mentors and co-ordinators, on their decarbonisation journey and to undertake Energy Master Plans identifying energy projects in their local areas;

• the Community Energy Grant Scheme which provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings including insulation, heat pump systems, solar PV, energy-efficient lighting, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades; and

• the Micro-generation Support Scheme which can provide support to community organisations for renewable installations.

Information on SEAI supported community grants can be found at: www.seai.ie/grants/community-grants. Furthermore, I note that the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that requests for scheme-specific information and queries can be addressed directly and promptly in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is: [e-mail].

My Department also supports local community groups through the Community Climate Action Programme administered by Community Climate Action Officers (CCAO) in our Local Authorities. The programme’s two strands support communities, large and small, rural and urban, to build low carbon communities in a considered and structured way. Community groups should contact the CCAO in their Local Authority for more information.

Departmental Websites

Questions (32)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

32. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4811/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired.

The Department’s website is published on the gov.ie platform which is developed, maintained and governed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). Accessibility is managed in line with OGCIO guidance and standards, including compliance with the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies Regulations 2020, and the forthcoming EU Accessibility Act 2025. It meets the WCAG 2.1 AA international accessibility standards, and work is underway to transition to WCAG 2.2 AA.

Accessibility is monitored continuously through automated testing, manual reviews and regular audits carried out by the National Disability Authority (NDA) under the statutory monitoring framework. In collaboration with the NDA, OGCIO has issued comprehensive accessibility standards for documents, videos, images and other online content, including requirements for alternative text, captions, appropriate heading structure, colour contrast, and avoiding PDFs where possible.

My Department supports the framework by ensuring that our content across gov.ie and our social media channels complies with accessibility guidance. We also provide an accessibility statement and contact details for the access officer responsible for providing, arranging or coordinating assistance to persons with disabilities who wish to access our services.

Departmental Websites

Questions (33)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

33. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [4829/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

My Department does not currently use an AI-enabled chatbot on any of its websites or platforms.

The Department’s website content is published on the gov.ie platform and is managed in line with the guidance and standards set by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)

I am advised that 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. I understand that a public beta test of the gov.ie chatbot is planned for the first quarter of this year.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (34)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

34. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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). [4848/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The information requested is currently being compiled, and the Department will forward a full response within the statutory timeframe.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

Please see attached letter

PQ 4848/26 Response

Data Centres

Questions (35)

Réada Cronin

Question:

35. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the safeguards in place to ensure that a data centre (details supplied) will not hinder electricity and water demand for existing and future residents in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5015/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

This is a private development and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

Questions regarding the planning process are matters more appropriately directed in the first instance to the relevant Local Authority. Operational matters regarding the grid should be directed to both Eirgrid and ESB Networks. Water usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. These matters are not ones in which I, as Minister, have a function. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly. ESB and EirGrid may be contacted via email at [[e-mail]] and [[e-mail]] and Uisce Éireann via [e-mail].

Data Centres

Questions (36)

Réada Cronin

Question:

36. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions being taken by his Department to reduce the demand data centres are making on our national grid; the safeguards that will be in place for data centres built in the future re same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5016/26]

Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

The Government is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Programme for Government contains key commitments such as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture for district heating to reduce their carbon footprint. These commitments have been operationalised through the prioritisation of a range of policy and energy infrastructure planning workstreams.

While in the near-term already contracted data centres will be accommodated on the grid, for the medium-term the Government continues to work with the electricity system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, to assess the various expected future demands on the system including from economic and population growth, housing, electric vehicle and heat pump targets and data centre growth, as part of their network development plans.

The Government has also prioritised an increased and unprecedented investment in our grid and expanding our energy generation, with a particular priority on renewable energy sources which will be advantageous for all customers.

The updated CRU Large Energy Users Connection Policy will provide increased transparency in respect of new data centre connections to the electricity network and establishes a pathway for connection, addressing security of electricity supply and network constraint considerations, while promoting Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions.

Government has also recently published a comprehensive Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) with robust measures that will, inter alia, accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes which will guide the development of data centres and other strategically significant energy intensive industries, in alignment with Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives and growing the knowledge-based economy. In particular, this will allow for greater co-location of energy-intensive sectors with the supply of renewable energy generation within green energy parks.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (37)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

37. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if her 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. [4590/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I can confirm that officials in my Department have not used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content or to issue responses to parliamentary questions.

In line with the National AI Strategy and the Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, my Department is actively exploring a range of opportunities to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business purposes.

As part of ongoing innovation and digital transformation efforts, my Department has established an AI Working Group. This group is responsible for exploring the strategic use of artificial intelligence across departmental functions, identifying opportunities for the use of AI, staff upskilling and ensuring ethical AI practices.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (38)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

38. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4608/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department does not have a paid subscription with the social media company concerned.

National Security

Questions (39)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

39. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to protect State undersea cables; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4723/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Defence Forces routinely carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft. In addition to at sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

It is clear that protecting critical undersea infrastructure requires collaboration within the State as well as collaboration with other European states to provide a broader understanding of what is occurring in the greater maritime space. This means that Government Departments and agencies, infrastructure operators, the Defence Forces, the private sector and academia all have a part to play. Safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach with a wide variation of parties involved.

To that end, my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in the 2024 Defence Policy Review. I anticipate that this new strategy will provide a roadmap over the next five years to safeguard Ireland’s sovereign maritime interests, ensure safe and secure seas and support international legal order in the maritime domain. I intend to bring this strategy to Government shortly.

Defence Forces participation in the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) was approved in 2025. Joining CISE will support better monitoring and surveillance of growing threats at sea and will help improve the Defence Forces maritime domain awareness. This will aid decision-making during complex maritime operational scenarios as well as the Defence Forces ability to share information with other EU maritime organisations.

Also in 2025, Government announced a new major contract with Thales DMS France for the provision of towed sonar capability. The sonar will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security. Another project has commenced that aims to provide the Air Corps with the capability to detect, localise, identify, and track sub-surface objects. This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets.

Ireland is actively participating in a number of EU PESCO (Permanent Structure Cooperation) projects including, Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection, Maritime Autonomous and semi-Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures and Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance. These collaborations will enhance cooperation with EU participating states thus benefiting Ireland in the protections of undersea critical infrastructure by enhancing maritime surveillance, situational awareness, response effectiveness and integration of systems.

Departmental Websites

Questions (40)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

40. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence how her ensures that all websites operated by her Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4813/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), provides the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for the gov.ie family of government websites, including that of my Department.

In addition to the Department of Defence website - www.gov.ie/defence - my Department is also responsible for two Civil Defence websites - www.civildefence.ie and www.civildefencecollege.ie.

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.

All OGCIO managed websites are built and maintained in full compliance with Irish and EU accessibility legislation, including the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies Regulations 2020, and the forthcoming EU Accessibility Act 2025. They meet the WCAG 2.1 AA international accessibility standards, and work is underway to transition to WCAG 2.2 AA.

Accessibility is monitored continuously through automated testing, manual reviews and the regular audits carried out by the National Disability Authority (NDA) under the statutory monitoring framework. Accessibility statements are kept up to date, and any issues identified through audits or user feedback are addressed. Recent NDA assessments confirmed full compliance for gov.ie in the simplified review and a high score in the in-depth review. This places gov.ie among the most accessible public-service websites in Ireland.

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.

While OGCIO manages the technical platform and centrally maintained content, individual Departments and Agencies remain responsible for ensuring that their own published material is accessible. OGCIO provides ongoing guidance and communications to support this work. In collaboration with the NDA, OGCIO has issued comprehensive accessibility standards for documents, videos, images and other online content, including requirements for alternative text, captions, appropriate heading structure, colour contrast, and avoiding PDFs where possible.

Through this combination of legislative compliance, technical standards, continuous testing and independent audit, my Department ensures that its website meets high accessibility standards for visually impaired users.

With regard to the www.civildefence.ie website, which is maintained by an external contractor, this site also complies to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA – the same current level as www.gov.ie/defence.

Work has commenced on the planned redevelopment of the two Civil Defence websites. This work will include enhancing the websites by reference to current best practice, in particular by enhancing accessibility for the visually impaired, which will ensure that both meet the same standards as OGCIO-maintained websites.

Arrangements will be put in place to ensure that accessibility on the Civil Defence websites is monitored on a regular basis, similar to the arrangements that apply in respect of the Department's website.

Departmental Websites

Questions (41)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

41. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence 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. [4831/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Department of Defence is not currently using AI chatbot technology on its platforms. The Department of Defence website (www.defence.ie) operates as a page within the gov.ie platform which is managed by Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). I have been informed by the OGCIO that they are 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. A public beta test of the gov.ie chatbot is planned for the first quarter of this year.

In addition, the Department’s associated websites www.civildefence.ie and www.civildefencecollege.ie do not utilise AI-enabled chatbot technologies.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (42)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

42. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence 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). [4850/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The following table sets out the sums spent on advertising on social media and online platforms by my Department for each year from 2016 to 2025.

Year	Twitter/X	Facebook	Instagram	TikTok	YouTube	Public Appointments Service	Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland	Irish Association of Social Workers
2016	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2017	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2018	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2019	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2020	-	-	-	-	-	€3,446.28	-	-
2021	€9,816.56	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2022	€26,733.20	-	-	-	-	-	€300	-
2023	€7,861.95	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2024	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	€275
2025	-	-	€14,651.98	€4,012.47	-	-	-	-

Road Safety

Questions (43)

Robert O'Donoghue

Question:

43. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of any additional complaints from public transport providers, such as Dublin Bus, regarding the road use conduct of platform workers/drivers; if he is aware of any plans or campaigns to monitor and improve the adherence to road safety conditions of platform delivery workers/drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4515/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation, provision, and maintenance of the public transport and roads network.

The query raised by the Deputy in relation to public transport providers are operational and communications matters for the respective individual transport companies. I have therefore forwarded the question to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Transdev, and Go-Ahead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Public Transport

Questions (44)

Brendan Smith

Question:

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider the introduction of additional and improved services in Cavan and Monaghan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4543/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (45)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

45. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport 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. [4603/26]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The use of AI in my Department is overseen by an AI Steering Group and governed by strict guidelines aligned to the Government’s “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service” published in May 2025. These Departmental guidelines specifically prohibit the use of AI in the drafting of responses to parliamentary questions or public representations. Staff are provided with extensive training resources and supports to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to use the AI platforms available to them in a safe, appropriate and effective manner.

Approved AI tools may be used to produce first drafts of some documents, but all final outputs are fully reviewed, edited and approved by Departmental staff who remain fully accountable at all times.

My Department does not use AI to produce social media content.

• Written Answers Nos. 1-24
• Written Answers Nos. 46-66