Tuesday, 27 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 413-429

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Public Sector Pay

Questions (413, 414, 415, 416, 417)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

413. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total number of serving Ministers and Ministers of State who were identified by the National Shared Services Office as having been overpaid by the State arising from payroll or pension deduction errors following Government formation in early 2025; and the number of those individuals who, as of the most recent date available, have entered into repayment arrangements. [6043/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

414. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the aggregate gross amount identified as overpaid to serving Ministers and Ministers of State arising from payroll or pension deduction errors identified in early 2025; the aggregate amount repaid to date; and the aggregate balance outstanding, noting that no individual-level or personal data is sought. [6044/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

415. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the range of repayment periods approved by the National Shared Services Office for serving Ministers and Ministers of State arising from payroll or pension deduction overpayments identified in early 2025; and whether any standard repayment framework or guidance was issued by his Department in respect of such cases. [6045/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

416. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the repayment terms and timelines approved for serving Ministers and Ministers of State arising from payroll or pension deduction overpayments are equivalent to those applied to members of the public who receive overpayments from the State; and if not, the policy basis and authority for any difference. [6046/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

417. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the payroll and pension deduction errors affecting serving Ministers and Ministers of State were first identified by the National Shared Services Office; when the Department was first notified of those errors; and the reasons repayment arrangements did not commence until June 2025. [6047/26]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 414, 415, 416 and 417 together.

I propose to answer questions PQ 6043/26 – 6047/26 together.

The matters identified in the NSSO’s review as outlined below are pension related over-deductions and under-deductions, and not salary overpayments.

The errors concerned were identified by the NSSO following Government formation in January 2025. The NSSO commenced a review to clarify the matters which were distinct and complex. As part of this review, the NSSO carried out a comprehensive review of its processes and worked with its Client Departments and with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Some early and initial matters identified in the review were communicated to DPER in March 2025. Once these matters had been clarified, engagement then commenced and has been ongoing with those impacted since 10 June 2025. Throughout the process, the NSSO has engaged on an individual basis to address queries and clarifications.

The matters identified in the NSSO review were pension related over-deductions and under-deductions. As standard in cases of pension under-deductions, the NSSO and/or the employer works with the individual to resolve the under-deduction. Impacted individuals can pay back in-full, or they can enter a payment plan agreed with the NSSO.

In relation to current cohort, the majority of persons impacted have signed up to a recoupment plan and work is ongoing by the NSSO to finalise the remaining plans or arrangements.

Payment plans are agreed on a case-by-case basis.

The NSSO is fully committed to ensuring that all monies owed to the State are fully recouped and will continue to follow-up with individuals to finalise payment plans. Since June, all current Ministers on NSSO systems are on the appropriate pension schemes and associated ASC rate.

The NSSO is a processor for HR, payroll, pension, and finance shared services for public and civil servants on behalf of our Client Public Service Bodies. It does not process payments for members of the public.

Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 413.

Question No. 415 answered with Question No. 413.

Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 413.

Question No. 417 answered with Question No. 413.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (418)

Brendan Smith

Question:

418. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of funding for a project (details supplied); the timeline for the allocation of funding and approval to enable the scheme to progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6305/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The National Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA), a requirement of the EU ‘Floods’ Directive (2007/60/EC), sets out to identify areas where the risk associated with flooding might be significant. These areas, referred to as Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk (APSFRs), are where detailed flood maps must then be prepared and measures developed to manage and reduce this risk where possible. Under the first cycle of implementation of the EU ‘Floods’ Directive, the PFRA was completed in 2012 following public consultation.

To deliver on Ireland’s commitments under the EU 'Floods' Directive, and to establish those communities that are at risk from significant flood events, the Office of Public Works (OPW) completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State in 2018: the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 new and additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.

The 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) were a key output of CFRAM, identifying proposed flood relief measures nationwide. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk.

Options to manage the flood risk in the communities designated as APSFRs, and for which the risk was confirmed as being significant through more detailed analysis, were examined under the CFRAM Programme. For some communities, a technically viable flood relief scheme would have been identified, but the economic appraisal of that scheme indicated that the potential scheme was not economically viable (i.e., it had a benefit to cost ratio below one). As the CFRAM Programme was a strategic programme, it was recognised that the estimates of costs and benefits of a scheme were only indicative, and it was considered appropriate to undertake a more detailed examination to review whether a viable scheme could be identified. Celbridge (considered with Hazelhatch) is one such community for which a Scheme Viability Review is being progressed; this process is nearing finalisation.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme) was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the Scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Applications for funding from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost-benefit ratio. I recently announced that an increase in funding supports is to be made available to local authorities under the Minor Works Scheme, including an increase in the upper Minor Works threshold from €750,000 to €2,000,000, subject to qualifying criteria. The OPW intends to share the revised criteria with local authorities imminently.

Data Protection

Questions (419)

Albert Dolan

Question:

419. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department's open data policy and guidance on procurement transparency envisage that procurement-related payment and purchase order data should be published in machine-readable formats; whether this expectation applies to statutory bodies and agencies funded by Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6488/26]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The 2023-2027 Open Data Strategy was launched by my Department in 2023 and provides the framework for the actions that the Public Service will take on Open Data over the period to ensure best use of data across all public sectors. A key goal is to create easy access to high quality government data, promoting trust and stimulating innovation. For example, there are almost 15,000 datasets from almost 150 publishers hosted on the Open Data Portal which are all freely accessible to the public.

With regard to procurement-related data, the Office of Government Procurement routinely publish, on a quarterly bases, all tender information issued on the eTenders platform dating from 1 January 2013. This dataset contains details on tender notices including estimated values, contract awards including estimated Contract Award Notice (CAN) values, as well as supplier information.

A significant enhancement to this dataset followed the introduction of Circular 05/2023 by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (now the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation). This circular, which replaced Circular 10/2014, introduced strengthened measures designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing public procurement opportunities. One of the key requirement mandates that all contract award details over €25,000 (excluding VAT) must be published on the eTenders website upon contract signing—even if the procurement process was conducted outside the platform.

The dataset is publicly available through both the OGP website and the national Open Data Portal.

With regard to the statutory bodies and agencies funded by Departments, and their approach to 2023-2027 Open Data Strategy and wider guidance on procurement transparency, this is a matter for the relevant Accounting Officers to address.

Employment Data

Questions (420, 440, 441)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

420. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of multi-agency inspections or operations carried out in the past five years in fishing harbours to check immigration status, work permits and labour standards of non-EU crews; the outcomes of those operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/26]

Erin McGreehan

Question:

440. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the Workplace Relations Commission monitors compliance with working time, pay, and accommodation standards for crew on Irish-registered fishing vessels, particularly non-EU workers; the number of inspections carried out in the past five years; the number of breaches identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/26]

Erin McGreehan

Question:

441. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has received complaints of exploitation of migrant workers in inshore fisheries, including excessive hours, sub-minimum pay and unsafe living conditions on vessels; the actions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 440 and 441 together.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, and conciliation services.

As part of its remit the WRC Inspectorate is authorised to carry out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with the Employment Permits Act 2024. Under the Act, it is a criminal offence to employ a worker in the State without either an employment permit or the appropriate permission issued by immigration services, or to be in employment without either an employment permit or the appropriate permission issued by immigration services. Where non-compliance is detected by the WRC and undocumented workers are encountered in the course of an inspection, the employer may be prosecuted for breaches of the Act and any other breaches of employment law detected.

Over the last 5 years the WRC has carried out some 343 inspections in the fisheries sector with 170 breaches recorded across 89 employers. Three of those 343 inspections were conducted as part of multi-agency operations with one breach of the Employment Permits Act recorded.

There have been six specific fisheries related complaints received through the WRC’s single complaint form. Complaints can also be transmitted to the WRC via stakeholders or other sources.

In the course of an inspection, in addition to the Employment Permits Act 2024, the WRC inspector will also check for breaches of employment law as they relate to the employment of non-EEA fishers. Compliance checks include compliance with the national minimum hourly rate of pay and annual leave entitlements. The inspector also checks for any unauthorised deductions, failure to keep records, failure to issue pay slips and or failure to issue contracts of employment. The WRC inspectorate works with the employer to achieve compliance with employment law. However, the WRC may prosecute employers where compliance cannot be achieved.

Matters relating to hours of work/hours of rest or the accommodation standards of employees in the fishing sector are reported by the WRC to the Marine Survey Office at the Department of Transport, as those issues fall under their remit.

Northern Ireland

Questions (421)

Cathy Bennett

Question:

421. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the breakdown of funding budgeted for 2026 in relation to the Shared Island Fund; what it will be used for; amount budgeted for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5441/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Government’s Shared Island initiative is administered by the Department of the Taoiseach and aims to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding across the island of Ireland, by delivering practical, outcome-focused, collaborative initiatives, across a range of sectors.

Under the Shared Island Fund, my Department is responsible for overseeing the delivery of two Tourism projects, through collaboration between the three tourism agencies on the island, which will support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector across the island of Ireland.

The Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project, with a budget allocation of €7.6 million aims to strengthen the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the North West of the island. This project is being delivered on a cooperative basis by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. One of the key work programmes in this project is a €3 million small grants scheme, which is aimed at greatly enhancing the visitor offering and visitor experiences along the routes. Applications for the small grants scheme are now closed, and details of the successful grant recipients will be announced in the coming weeks. The budget allocation in 2026 for the Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project is €6.105 million.

Funding for the Shared Destinations project was announced in February of last year, with a budget allocation of €23 million. Over the period 2026 to 2030, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland will work in partnership with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism amenities across the border region in three project areas – Carlingford Lough, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh. The budget allocation also covers marketing campaigns for each shared destination, including an industry development programme, which aims to maximise the economic impact for each region. The budget allocation in 2026 for the Shared Destinations programme is €3.5 million.

In February 2024, the Irish Government announced €800m of funding for Shared Island priorities including €30m towards the establishment of a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Through inter-agency collaboration, three thematic areas were developed focusing on women’s entrepreneurship across the island, all island clustering and networks and a collaborative “Green” investment Scheme focusing on the development of alternative energy solutions.

Shared Island Allocations in 2026 for the three respective bodies are set out in the below table:

Body	Amount
Intertrade Ireland	€2,455,813.93
Contribution to Invest NI	€6,310,461.63
Enterprise Ireland	€1,784,000
Total	€10,550,275.56

The allocations to Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest NI in 2026 will allow for the continued delivery of the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant Scheme. This scheme was developed through collaboration between Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland, and is supporting firms across the island of Ireland in taking forward capital projects that integrate sustainable technologies to decarbonise industrial operations. The scheme is funding disruptive and diverse projects, spread across the island of Ireland, that will ensure that enterprises are well placed to capitalise on emerging and growth sectors while delivering on net zero commitments, decarbonisation and digital transformation.

InterTradeIreland will continue to roll out further programmes promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship across the island building on the strong demand already demonstrated for such programmes. In 2026 InterTradeIreland will rollout further iterations of its WE (Women’s Entrepreneurship) to support over 350 female entrepreneurs to grow, build and scale their businesses. InterTradeIreland will also launch additional programmatic supports in this area as the year develops.

Data Centres

Questions (422)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

422. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the average number of people employed in a data centre, post construction, long-term in the data centre itself, in the hinterland and remotely, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5452/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Data centres represent essential infrastructure within Ireland’s modern digital economy, enabling online services used daily by citizens, businesses and the public sector, as well as supporting remote working arrangements. Data centres also support sectors in Ireland that depend on data centres for delivery of their core functions. While the majority of Ireland’s data centres are concentrated in the Greater Dublin Area, a smaller number also operate in regional locations.

As stated in the Government’s Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) published on 13 January, companies that operate data centres in Ireland, whether as part of their own infrastructure requirements or as a provider of services to other users, account for approximately 21,000 direct employees. This is according to IDA data in respect of information provided by its client companies within the most recent Annual Employment Survey published in February 2025. It does not include likely additional employment in respect of data centres operated by non-IDA client companies or in respect of the construction of data centres in Ireland.

As noted in LEAP, the expertise that has been developed by indigenous enterprise around data centres has given Irish data centre construction, engineering, design and electrical specialist subsectors a significant global advantage, supporting indigenous employment and exports. Likewise, critical digital infrastructure, such as data centres, have anchored other valuable activities in the Irish economy and strengthened Ireland’s position as a strategic knowledge-intensive regional hub, including within the ICT sector, which accounted for around 180,000 employees during Q3 2025.

To further our understanding of the economic impacts of data centres in Ireland, my Department has commissioned an independent study which will look to examine:

• the economic impacts associated with data-centre construction and operation;

• the economic impacts across sectors that rely on data centres for their operation; and

• the role of data centres in attracting and retaining foreign direct investment.

This work is well advanced and is expected to conclude in Q1 2026.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (423)

Alan Kelly

Question:

423. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount his Department has spent on legal fees for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [5535/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department and its Offices spent a total of €7,620,170 on legal fees in the past six years ( see attached table).

2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
1,674,339	2,306,932	928,820	1,694,707	660,022	355,350	7,620,170

Industrial Development

Questions (424)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

424. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list maintained by the IDA of Texas headquartered companies with operations in Ireland. [5553/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Central to IDA Ireland’s strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29’ is an emphasis on partnering with the existing base of 1,800 clients from across the globe to identify opportunities to safeguard and strengthen their long-term investment in Ireland. IDA supports clients to increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations through investment in research, development & innovation, digitalisation, talent development and sustainability, positioning them to capture new growth opportunities.

The strategy also includes an ongoing focus on identifying new opportunities associated with FDI growth drivers of AI & digital, semiconductors, sustainability and health. These growth drivers are well aligned to the core sectors and territories in Ireland’s existing FDI base and will help shape IDA’s continued focus on attracting new investment to Ireland.

IDA Ireland enjoys strong partnerships with US investors and these partnerships have been built over many decades. In 2025, there were 216 investments from North American companies, accounting for over 11,800 new jobs, and including 43 first time investments from new name companies.

Currently, there are approximately 1,090 North American client companies in IDA’s portfolio employing over 228,300 people directly in Ireland. 42 of these are companies are headquartered from Texas, employing more than 10,120 people throughout Ireland. Through increased VC investment, Texas is developing a growing presence in Technology, Content Consumer & Business Services and Engineering sectors, predominantly located around Austin, Dallas & Houston.

The table below lists the 42 Texas-headquartered companies with operations in Ireland.

Company

Alliance Strategies

Altair Global Services, LLC (Parent)

Ara Partners

AT&T Cybersecurity

Baker Hughes Incorporated

BMC Software

Crane Worldwide Logistics

Cyrus One

Dell Technologies Inc.

DeMars & Associates, Ltd.

Dimensional Fund Advisors

Ever.Ag (Dairy.com)

FileCloud

Flex Ltd.

Forcepoint LLC

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

HID Global

Hudsonadvisors LLC

Industrial Info Resources

Innowatts

Integer

Jacobs Engineering Group Incorporated

Loop1 Systems Incorporated

Match Group (Parent)

Maxio (formerly Chargify)

McKesson Corporation

National Instruments Corporation

North American Aircraft Services INC

Oracle

Overhaul Inc

Rochester Sensors Inc.

Simply NUC Inc.

SLB (Schlumberger Ltd)

SLS Consultants

Solarwinds Net Incorporated

TaskUs

Trailstone Group (Englehart)

Tricentis

Virtus Partners

Western Well Tool Incorporated

WP Engine

Wursta

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (425)

Gary Gannon

Question:

425. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a breakdown of expenditure by his Department and bodies, agencies or organisations under his remit on paid verification services on a platform (details supplied) or any other verified account products, for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of verified accounts held under each category; the annual cost per account; the total annual cost incurred; the procurement basis under which these services were purchased, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5624/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department has set out the total amount spent in paid verification of its account on X. This grey verification checkmark denotes a government entity, safeguards the account and reassures platform users of account authenticity.

2023	2024	2025	2026
€103.32	€103.32	€103.32	0

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

Industrial Development

Questions (426)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

426. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE digital marketing specialists employed by IDA Ireland as of 16 January 2026. [5754/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

I can confirm that, as of the 16th of January 2026, there were 4 WTE digital marketing specialists employed by IDA Ireland, as set out in the table below.

Role	Full Time Employee (FTE)
Digital Marketing Manager	1
Digital Marketing Executive	2
Digital Marketing Executive Assistant	1

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Questions (427)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Question:

427. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment If Tourism Ireland plans to re-establish the Global Greening Initiative for the upcoming St. Patrick's day events. [5838/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Tourism Ireland, the organisation with responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland overseas, continues to promote Ireland as a premier global tourism destination. With an ambitious strategy for 2026 and beyond, Tourism Ireland aims to attract visitors by elevating Tourism Brand Ireland, highlighting our iconic landscapes, rich culture and heritage, and deepening emotional connections through impactful creative campaigns, media activity and publicity across international markets.

As part of this strategy, Tourism Ireland will once again support the Global Greening initiative and deliver a substantial programme of media outreach, travel trade engagement and consumer promotions to harness Ireland’s heightened visibility around 17 March 2026. This activity will span key markets including Great Britain, Mainland Europe, North America and Australia.

Tourism Ireland will collaborate with selected landmark sites in priority markets, building on the strong success of the 2025 initiative.

Employment Rights

Questions (428)

John McGuinness

Question:

428. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following the signing into law by the President of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025, that provides that an employee may notify their employer that they do not consent to retire at the contractual retirement age, when she will sign it, in order that the act can commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5930/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was was signed into law by the President on 16 December 2025.

I anticipate that the Act will be commenced during 2026. It will allow employees who do not consent to retire at their contractual retirement age to remain in employment until they reach the pensionable age (66), should they wish to do so. The pensionable age is the age at which people may first access their State Pension. This is a significant step in helping to protect employees as they approach retirement.

As I have communicated in the course of the legislative process there will be an appropriate lead in time in advance of commencement. My department will continue to work with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to develop new guidelines for both workers and employers on the new rights and responsibilities arising from this Act. This approach will support a smooth commencement of the Act and ensure that the new right is implemented consistently and fairly.

Labour Court

Questions (429)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

429. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a Labour Court appeal of a case (details supplied) will be held; the reason the naming correction has not been processed; and the reason for no timeline for the case been given to the applicant despite repeated requests. [5950/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Labour Court is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department responsible for promoting industrial relations harmony in the State and being the sole appellate body in employment rights cases referred to it on appeal, from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Given the statutory independence of the Court, the Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister, I must have regard to that independence and not intervene when the Court exercises its statutory quasi-judicial functions.

I am informed that the Labour Court has consulted with the applicant and suggested next steps to him and it awaits hearing back from him.

In the event that the Court receives a request from both parties for an urgent hearing, it can consider such requests taking into account its resources and schedule.

• Written Answers Nos. 399-412
• Written Answers Nos. 430-446