Eoghan Kenny
Question:67. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the date for bus connects network to begin in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5090/26]
View answerBus Services
Questions (67, 68)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:68. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the date for publication of bus connects sustainable transport corridors in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5091/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
Following public consultation, the new BusConnects Cork network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years. Implementation will be subject to funding and resources available.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 67.
Bus Services
Questions (69)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:69. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has been held with Cork City and County Councils in terms of infrastructural changes needed to alleviate bus congestion now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5092/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
BusConnects is the NTA's to greatly improve bus services in five cities. It is a key part of the Government's policies to improve public transport, ease congestion and address climate change. The key infrastructural component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. As Deputy may be aware, I secured Cabinet approval for BusConnects Cork in October 2025. With that decision, the Government issued Approval Gate 1 approval in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing the three Sustainable Transport Corridor schemes to enter the planning system. These schemes will provide for a total of 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.
As with all public transport infrastructure planning matters, it is the responsibility of the NTA to engage with stakeholders, including local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Road Safety
Questions (70)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:70. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the engagement which has been held with his Department to progress the legislation for automatic camera enforcement at junctions and other problem areas in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5093/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to further expansion of cameras to encourage safer driving, with explicit reference to mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts. This commitment is reaffirmed by Primary Action 6 in the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
The framework for the future rollout of safety cameras will be guided by the first National Safety Camera Strategy. Work on the Strategy is progressing and is now at an advanced stage. My Department is working closely with all road safety stakeholders including the NTA, TII, RSA and An Garda Síochána on how best to implement the Strategy. The Strategy has an initial focus on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future. It is expected that the Strategy will be approved early in 2026. Once this strategy is in place, it will provide the framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences.
In addition my Department is developing the next Road Traffic Bill to fulfil Programme for Government commitments, including in relation to graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
Neither I nor my officials are directly involved in deciding on the locations of safety cameras or their installation or deployment. My Department has therefore had no specific engagements in relation to Cork City. The Deputy may wish to note, however, that the locations of average speed cameras, static speed cameras and camera vans are available on the Garda Website here: www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/safety-cameras-save-lives/ There is a static safety camera currently in place on the N22 in Cork.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (71)
Eoghan Kenny
Question:71. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the result of the AI camera on the 220 Bus targeting traffic infractions; if it will be done again on other routes in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5094/26]
View answerWritten answers
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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct response.
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.
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (72)
Mark Wall
Question:72. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current position regarding the primary medical certificate; the changes that have been made to the scheme; if any further changes are proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4795/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.
The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.
As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.
Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.
This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.
Revenue Commissioners
Questions (73)
Mattie McGrath
Question:73. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether it is appropriate that Revenue officials would attend and interrogate stall holders at Christmas craft fairs in County Tipperary before Christmas; if this is official Government policy to interrogate stall holders at Christmas craft fairs; if it is a policy that supports our arts, heritage and culture and the future of our traditional crafts; if it risks losing traditional crafts as crafters will have no avenue to share their crafts with the public without being penalised by Revenue; if these actions are likely to be repeated going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4567/26]
View answerWritten answers
Revenue’s mission is to serve the community by fairly and efficiently collecting taxes and duties and implementing custom controls. Revenue is independent in the operation of its functions.
I am advised by Revenue, that Chapter 4 Part 38 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 confers certain statutory powers, which permit Revenue to conduct unannounced site visits to business premises, including markets and other business venues The purpose of these visits is to promote voluntary tax compliance, educate and offer advice to businesses, assist with tax registrations, ensure equity for all businesses and support legitimate business creating a level playing field for all traders.
Revenue’s activities are reported upon annually in their published annual reports which includes full details on the range of outreach programmes and information campaigns, undertaken by Revenue annually, to strengthen voluntary compliance through education and awareness.
Revenue’s activities in facilitating compliance and confronting non-compliance are also fully reported upon in Revenue’s published annual reports.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (74)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:74. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 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. [4593/26]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm for the Deputy that officials in my department do not use Artificial Intelligence to write speeches or produce social media content.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my department follows the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, published in May 2025. In doing so, my department recognises the opportunities AI presents to help improve the delivery of public services to our citizens. In addition, my department follows guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) including “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies” released in June 2023. The NCSC guidance recommended that new technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business needs following an appropriate risk assessment.
I can also confirm that my department recently developed an Interim Strategy on the Adoption and Use of AI within the Department which has been circulated to all staff. As set out in the Department's “Interim Strategy on the Adoption and Use of AI”, Artificial Intelligence should not be used to generate official content, such as Memos for Government, responses to Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Representations, Ministerial speeches, and should only be used as an aid. Users should also disclose where AI- Generated content is used.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (75)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:75. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4611/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not have a paid subscription with social media company X.
Tax Code
Questions (76)
Emer Currie
Question:76. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his view on abolishing the eight-year deemed disposal rule in the capital gains tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4789/26]
View answerWritten answers
The question relates to deemed disposal, which applies to the taxation of investment funds and life assurance products. Capital gains tax is a separate system of taxation and deemed disposal is not part of the capital gains tax regime.
Deemed disposal is an anti-avoidance measure that applies to investments in Irish domiciled investment funds and life assurance products, as well as equivalent offshore funds and certain foreign life assurance products. Under deemed disposal, tax is levied eight years after an investment is made, and every subsequent eight years, regardless of whether or not a disposal has in fact occurred. The tax is levied on any gain in the value of the investment from the date of acquisition to the date of the deemed disposal. On the ultimate disposal of the investment, any tax paid is allowed as a credit against the final tax liability. The purpose of deemed disposal is to prevent the indefinite roll-up of income and gains and the associated loss of tax to the Exchequer.
I am committed to taking the necessary action to support retail investment in Ireland. The reduction from 41% to 38% in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, that was announced in Budget 2026, is an important first step in this regard.
I am aware of the concerns regarding the taxation of investment and the operation of deemed disposal in particular. It is important to ensure that any changes in this area achieve an appropriate balance between supporting retail investment and maintaining appropriate anti-avoidance protections. Work is continuing on the development of the road map for the taxation of retail investment, as announced in Budget 2026.The roadmap is to be published early this year and will set out an approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to further support retail investment while retaining necessary and important anti-avoidance protections in a proportionate manner. This roadmap will facilitate due consideration of the Funds Sector 2030 Report andtake into accountthe European Commission’s recommendation on Savings and Investment Accounts. I hope further progress can be made to address some of the existing obstacles to greater retail investment.
Insurance Coverage
Questions (77)
Claire Kerrane
Question:77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the financial and other supports that are available to small community groups in meeting the cost of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4792/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Community and voluntary groups are at the heart of local life, providing recreation, promoting social cohesion, and creating opportunities for people of all ages. It is essential that they have access to appropriate and affordable insurance so they can continue to operate and deliver meaningful benefits within their communities.
It is important to note that the decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover, and the price at which it is offered, is a commercial matter for insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and the need to make adequate provisioning to meet these risks. Neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to compel insurers to provide particular types of insurance or to provide it at a particular price. This is reinforced by the European framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
My Department, through the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM), continues to prioritise increased competition and capacity across the insurance sector, including insurance for community groups. The OPCIM plays a key role in engaging with insurers, brokers and a wide range of sectoral representatives to address gaps in insurance availability and encourage new market entrants.
There are signs that the market is responding positively to the Government’s insurance reform agenda. Insurers are increasingly entering areas that had previously experienced difficulties in obtaining cover, and the number of insurance ‘pinch points’ has reduced significantly. Insurance is now available in previously difficult areas such as: equestrian activities; classic car hire; inflatable hire; leisure activities; sports clubs, play centres, and high-footfall SMEs such as pubs.
Following the successful launch of its Community Insurance Scheme for Tidy Towns groups, Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance is also actively exploring opportunities to expand its offering to community and voluntary organisations. The company is currently focused on ensuring the existing Tidy Towns scheme is implemented smoothly and that any issues are addressed quickly.
Like all insurers operating in Ireland, IPB is subject to the EU Solvency II Directive, which imposes strict capital and governance requirements designed to protect consumers and safeguard financial stability. While this framework is important for maintaining trust and resilience, it does place constraints on the type and level of risk insurers can take on. Notwithstanding these constraints, I am encouraged by IPB’s continued engagement in the community and voluntary insurance space and by its commitment to explore further opportunities in this area.
Government policy remains firmly focused on creating a sustainable, competitive, and resilient insurance market. A key focus of the OPCIM will be building upon the previous Government's achievements in insurance reform, progressing the impact of these reforms and continuing to encourage increased capacity within the Irish market, to ensure that consumers, such as small community groups, can access affordable insurance cover.
Departmental Websites
Questions (78)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:78. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4816/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the deputy may be aware, my department’s website resides on the Gov.ie platform provided by 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.
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.
Departmental Websites
Questions (79)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:79. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 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. [4834/26]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm for the Deputy that my department is not currently using AI-enabled chatbots on any website, internal platforms or publicly facing platforms.
I can also confirm that my department’s IT systems and related and associated services are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), a division of the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure and Digitalisation. The OGCIO advise that it is developing an 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.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (80)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:80. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 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). [4853/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department did not make any payments to any social media, online platform or influencers between 2016 and 2025.
For transparency, between 2022 and 2025 my Department made contributions to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage towards the Residential Zoning Land Tax campaign. The Department of Finance did not manage the campaign and therefore it is not possible to establish if any part of those funds were used for social media, online platform or influencers as part of this campaign.
Tax Credits
Questions (81)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:81. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider a case (details supplied) where a person has been refused the mortgage interest tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4971/26]
View answerWritten answers
Finance Act 2023 introduced Mortgage Interest Tax Relief (MITR). MITR was originally made available for the 2023 year of assessment. Finance Act 2024, it was extended to include the year 2024. To continue the support, Finance Act 2025 provided for a further two-year extension on a tapered basis.
The relief is available to homeowners with an outstanding mortgage balance between €80,000 and €500,000 as of 31 December 2022. The relief extends to a qualifying property located in the State which is the sole or main residence of the individual’s former or separated spouse or civil partner or a dependent relative. Furthermore, the taxpayer must be compliant with Local Property Tax requirements.
The relief is available in respect of the increase in interest paid in 2023, 2024 and 2025 over interest paid in 2022. The amount qualifying for relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) is capped at €6,250 per property. This is equivalent to a maximum tax relief of €1,250 per property per annum. A reduced level of level of relief, a maximum of €625, will be available for the increase in interest paid in 2026 over interest paid in 2022, which can be claimed from 2027.
As the relief operates by way of a credit offset against the taxpayer’s income tax liability, an individual will only be in a position to benefit where they have paid sufficient Income Tax in the relevant tax year.
In relation to the specific case raised by the Deputy, I am advised by Revenue that the individual concerned did not have a sufficient income tax liability to set the credit against in 2024, therefore MITR cannot be used in that year.
This is the normal way in which tax credits operate.
Should the Deputy wish to contact Revenue directly on behalf of any taxpayer, he may do so via the Oireachtas Helpline, on (01) 858 99 99, Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 17:00 or by email to oireachtashelpline@revenue.ie.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (82)
Michael Cahill
Question:82. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [4557/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department did not purchase any products or services from Thailand in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (83)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:83. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [4599/26]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the roll-out of my Department’s Internal AI Strategy in June 2025, access to Microsoft Co-pilot Chat was made available to all employees in the Department. The strategy is fully aligned with the ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ published by my Department last May. Comprehensive training and guidance have been provided in tandem with the Internal AI Strategy, including online awareness sessions. These sessions covered a range of areas including guidance on AI use in the Department and governance and compliance requirements.
The Internal Strategy and accompanying guidelines set out that AI can be used for the purpose of initial background research in respect of relevant tasks but should not be used to generate material that will be included in Government activities including Memoranda for Government, responses to Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Representations, Ministerial speeches, etc. In summary, all content produced by the Department is created by skilled staff, who may make responsible use of modern AI tools to support their work and where there is robust human oversight.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (84)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:84. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4617/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not have any paid subscriptions with the company specified.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (85)
Paul Lawless
Question:85. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has received any request from the Department of Agriculture; Food and the Marine to increase the allocation in response to oversubscription for TAMS 3 solar PV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4659/26]
View answerWritten answers
The capital ceilings for the Department of Agriculture; Food and the Marine are set out in the Revised Estimates Volume.
It is a matter for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as to how funding is prioritised, allocated and managed within his Department's capital ceiling, for example to schemes such as this i.e. TAMS 3 solar PV.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have confirmed that no specific request for additional funding has been submitted to my Department for this scheme. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are best placed to answer any further queries in relation to the scheme.
Office of Public Works
Questions (86)
Claire Kerrane
Question:86. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will issue emergency funding to a 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. [4768/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the conservation, maintenance and presentation of 780 National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship. The statutory role of the OPW in respect of this estate is set out in the National Monument Acts 1931-2023. The OPW conserves and protects the Rathcoghan site working in partnership with colleagues in the National Monuments Service as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The OPW is funded by the Exchequer and six National Monuments Works Depots within OPW Heritage Services are allocated funds each year to support the conservation of Monuments nationwide. The OPW is not a funding agency for third parties. There is currently no mechanism to allow the Office of Public Works to issue funding to the Farming Group at Rathcroghan, as is suggested by the Deputy. However, it is my understanding that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage operates a range of community grant schemes. These include The Heritage Organisations' Support Fund and The Heritage Stewardship Fund, both administered through the Heritage Council of Ireland.