Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of his engagements with the embassy and government of Bahrain with regard to a human rights defender in custody in that country (details supplied). [6756/26]
View answerI note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy.
The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
We consistently discuss human rights with Bahrain and other partners through the most appropriate and effective channels, including at a bilateral and European Union level, and through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
In bilateral engagements with Bahrain, we regularly discuss human rights, including prison conditions. In relation to this specific case, I note that officials from my Department previously engaged with the family of the individual and raised the family's concerns directly with the Embassy of Bahrain in London. I have asked my officials to raise the matter again with the Bahraini authorities.
At EU level, we have supported the promotion of human rights through the EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue, the latest of which was held in Bahrain in December 2024. The dialogue covered a broad range of topics, such as freedom of expression and association, rule of law, the right to a fair trial, including certain individual cases, and the death penalty.
At Bahrain's most recent UPR in 2022, Ireland recommended that Bahrain create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for civil society organizations and human rights defenders, including children human rights defenders. Ireland recommended that Bahrain immediately release all opposition activists, journalists, human rights defenders and other individuals arbitrarily arrested, including for exercising their right to freedom of expression or association.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to engage with Bahrain on these matters.
2. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); if he will consider allocating targeted funding for this project as part of Ireland’s wider financial support for Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6772/26]
View answer3. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the matter of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied) at an EU level to propose direct funding for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6773/26]
View answer6. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider facilitating a meeting with an Irish based engineer that is part of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6923/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 3 and 6 together.
Since the launch of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ireland has been a steadfast and consistent supporter of Ukraine. A key part of Ireland’s response to the war has been through the provision of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance, which has amounted so far to some €173 million. This funding has been provided for a wide range of humanitarian and stabilisation supports designed to provide the most effective assistance possible to the people of Ukraine.
Our humanitarian response has primarily been channeled through long-standing trusted partners including UN agencies and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Ireland’s flexible support helps humanitarian partners to reach the most vulnerable people, whether they remain close to frontlines, are displaced elsewhere in Ukraine, or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
As part of this work, we have partnered with both the UNFPA and the international development programme of Estonia to deliver sustainable health care facilities in Ukraine. These supports are intended to target specific needs, including the continued provision of maternal and perinatal care during attacks, the refurbishment of an Intensive Care Unit, and the provision of training for health care professionals. We have also partnered with UNHCR on the construction of core homes for people whose houses have been destroyed; and we have partnered with Lithuania on the construction of shelters for schools, so that children can remain in education in areas experiencing missile attacks.
In considering how Ireland can provide the most effective assistance to the people of Ukraine, potential projects are subject to in-depth and thorough appraisals, to ensure that, where possible, they reach the most vulnerable and respond to clear, demonstrable and well-defined needs. For projects in the areas of health and medicine, there is an assessment of alignment with the needs identified by recognised local and international structures, including those of the World Health Organisation.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine approaches, the Government remains fully committed to responding to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, for as long as is necessary. Officials are ready to meet with those promoting the proposal referred to. All assistance to Ukraine this year will continue to be assessed within the framework of providing the most effective supports to achieve the greatest impact for those most in need.
4. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the State has recognised any of Northern Cyprus, Kashmir, South Ossetia, Transnistria, or Western Sahara to be "occupied territories";; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6812/26]
View answerIn international law, a territory is considered occupied when it is placed under the authority of a hostile army. The occupation extends only to territory where this authority has been established and can be exercised, thereby coming under the effective control of the occupying power.
Ireland, along with EU partners, only recognises the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with the respective UN Security Council Resolutions.
Officials in my Department are monitoring developments in Kashmir closely. I hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully, and support the UN’s calls for restraint and the EU’s position, which is in favour of direct dialogue.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Ireland has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports a comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders.
The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter. Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
5. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has spoken formally with the Dutch ambassador to Ireland since her appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6819/26]
View answerIreland truly values its warm and dynamic relationship with the Netherlands, which is grounded in our shared values and cultural, economic, and people-to-people links. This relationship is underpinned by our common membership of European Union.
To this end, my Department has strong and regular engagement with our Dutch colleagues across a range of issues, including regular engagement with the Dutch Embassy here in Ireland.
As Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet formally with the Dutch Ambassador to Ireland. I look forward however, to engaging with the Ambassador and indeed all members of the EU’s Diplomatic Corps in Ireland as we prepare to take on the Presidency of the European Union this year.
7. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether research has been undertaken to assess the anticipated costs to the consumer that will result from the renewable heat obligation; the details of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/26]
View answer8. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether research has been undertaken to assess the costs to fuel suppliers of complying with the renewable heat obligation; the details of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key priority for my Department. Following Government approval of the General Scheme of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025, priority drafting of the primary legislation required to administer the scheme is now underway.
Given the potential impact the RHO could have on end consumers, energy affordability and the impact on household energy bills were key considerations in developing the scheme.
Based on the currently proposed obligation rates of 1.5% in year one and 3% in year two, and costs socialised equally across an obligated party’s whole consumer base, the impact on a typical household energy bill will range between 0.4% and 0.7% in year 1, depending on fuel type.
In year 2, this will range between 0.9% and 1.4%. Any increase to obligation rates from year 3 will be subject to a further review of market conditions and scheme performance, and take into consideration the most cost effective and affordable way to achieve our renewable energy and climate targets.
My Department has also carried out extensive analysis and stakeholder engagement activities, including with energy suppliers, to ensure final decisions taken in relation to the scheme are evidence-based and supportive of its successful introduction.
Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including the full assessment carried out on anticipated costs to end consumers, and the cost of meeting the obligation is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/.
9. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a small-scale oil slick at a location (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that any damage to the biosphere is limited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6763/26]
View answer10. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding Ireland’s preparedness for a large-scale oil spill off the coast that impacts on both water and land wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6764/26]
View answer11. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take to engage with Uisce Éireann in relation to preparedness for a large-scale oil spill off the coast that impacts on both water and land wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6765/26]
View answer12. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the actions he will take to engage with local authorities in relation to preparedness for a large-scale oil spill off the coast that impacts on both water and land wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6766/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 10, 11 and 12 together.
It is my understanding that the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) was made aware of a potential oil pollution incident on Killiney Beach on December 30th 2025. I understand, as the relevant authority, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has responded to the incident in accordance with its own pollution emergency (spill contingency) plan, as provided for the in National Maritime Oil/HNS Spill Contingency Plan.
The Sea Pollution (Amendment) Act 1999 anticipates a requirement on coastal local authorities to develop and implement oil and/or HNS spill contingency plans. The National Maritime Oil/HNS Spill Contingency Plan establishes Ireland’s national framework and strategy to coordinate marine pollution preparedness and response. All relevant entities, such as coastal local authorities, harbour authorities or operators of off-shore facilities, must have a pollution emergency (spill contingency) plan and incident management plans, including for wildlife care. The IRCG, as the competent national authority, ensures oversight and approval of these contingency plans. The IRCG works closely with relevant local entities to ensure they have plans in place and that the personnel involved are adequately trained. The IRCG holds regular training and exercises in maritime pollution incidents to support preparedness in local authorities, harbours and principal emergency services.
There is a comprehensive incident command system in place to handle incidents of incremental scale. Following international practice and guidance, Ireland has implemented a three-tiered approach to all aspects of marine pollution readiness and response. This approach means an appropriate response capability is identified and available to deal with spills commensurate to the risks.
The IRCG’s new fixed wing service provides additional maritime environmental protection measures, including investigation of pollution reports and pollution monitoring capabilities. The IRCG also maintains a national stockpile of oil spill response equipment. The principal stockpile is situated in Blanchardstown, just outside Dublin and two smaller stockpiles are maintained in Killybegs, Co. Donegal and Castletownbere, Co. Cork.
In the event of a major maritime event within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Ireland can utilise the provisions of the Sea Pollution Acts to request assistance from neighbouring States. As an EU Member State, Ireland can access a range of services from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to help respond quickly, effectively, and efficiently to oil or chemical marine pollution incidents from ships within Ireland’s EEZ. Ireland is also party to a number of international agreements that can provide assistance and support in the event of a major pollution incident. Furthermore, the IRCG has contractual arrangements in place to support response to pollution incidents.
13. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if Gardaí have access to data on the NVDF via their mobility device on whether a disqualified driver surrendered their licence or learner permit to the RSA; and if that data is in real time for Gardaí to access at the roadside. [6643/26]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that on receipt of a surrendered licence, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) records the date of surrender on the Department of Transport's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database. My Department share daily driver files with the Garda Síochána that include driver disqualification details which also indicate if an associated licence has been surrendered.
My Department has worked closely with An Garda Síochána to enhance the existing data exchanges to provide real-time road side access to NVDF data, but the operational deployment of data and technology is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if the cost of the NTA dispatch operator licence is the same for large, corporate taxi apps as it is for individual drivers (details supplied). [6675/26]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including dispatch operator licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
15. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the bus route proposed by the NTA in the Connecting Ireland Mobility Plan, between Nenagh and Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/26]
View answerAs 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.
16. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the 33A bus service is frequently cancelled without prior notice on the Transport for Ireland real time information app; the measures which are being taken to ensure that real time service information is accurate and timely; and the steps his Department is taking to reduce the level of cancellations on routes 33/33A so that commuters are not left without public transport options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/26]
View answerAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I can assure the Deputy that the performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. For example, if a bus service doesn’t operate due to circumstances within the operator’s control, a deduction is applied equivalent to the cost of the cancelled service.
On cancellations, the NTA acknowledge there have been challenges - often due to traffic congestion, driver or mechanic shortages, or unforeseen incidents. My Department is working closely with the NTA to try to address these issues through initiatives such as the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to address recruitment challenges for drivers and mechanics; and planned improvements to the vehicle location system under Next Generation AVL, which will enhance the accuracy of real-time passenger information.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
17. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason the final scheduled bus service from Rush and Lusk train station departs before passengers from the last train service have adequate time to board; whether a review will be undertaken to improve timetable integration between rail and bus services at this station; the plans which are in place to ensure that passengers are not required to walk long distances or incur taxi costs due to lack of synchronisation between services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/26]
View answerAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
18. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department or the National Transport Authority has considered establishing a dedicated shuttle bus service linking Rush and Lusk train station with Rush on a timetable aligned with train arrivals and departures; whether such a service has been evaluated in terms of improving accessibility and reducing private car dependency; the steps which will be taken to provide improved multimodal connectivity in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6706/26]
View answerAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
19. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason the 33N night bus service must serve Swords and Dublin Airport despite Swords having access to a separate twenty four hour bus service; whether the National Transport Authority has assessed alternative routings, including the option of using the Dublin Tunnel, in order to shorten journey times for passengers travelling to Rush; whether route reform of the 33N is being considered to provide a more direct and efficient night time public transport option for Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6707/26]
View answerAs 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is a plan to reduce the number of daily journeys on the M50; the target for daily journeys at the achievement of that plan; the means by which this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport is a core priority under the Programme for Government.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) plays a central role in achieving this, as they have statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The NTA, in conjunction with transport operators, continuously monitors key performance indicators, including punctuality, reliability, demand, and passenger feedback. Where necessary and feasible, routes and timetables are adjusted to help address issues like congestion and improve service performance. Recent announcements for changes to routes introduced under Phase 7 of BusConnects demonstrates the NTA’s commitment to ongoing monitoring and responsive service adjustments.
The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940 million represents a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
Crucially, this allocation will also allow for the continued delivery of targeted fare initiatives, including the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9, and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA’s National Fares Strategy. These measures help ensure effective and high-quality public transport service provision.
As well as investment, there is also a need for considering options to reduce overall transport ‘demand’ and to encourage an incremental behavioural shift towards more sustainable modes in circumstances where feasible alternatives are already available or are being delivered.
Transport Infrastructure
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes DART+ Southwest, the Luas Finglas extension and MetroLink.
The Review of the National Development Plan published in July 2025 allocated €22.3 billion in Exchequer resources to the transport sector from 2026 to 2030, with an additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support the development of MetroLink.
This is an unprecedented level of investment in the transport sector, will help to address issues of congestion, and represents an almost 87% increase as compared to the last five-year period under the previous National Development Plan.
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 working days.
Roads
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to managing traffic on the M50.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
