Darren O'Rourke
Question:151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she plans to visit Denmark prior to Ireland holding the presidency of the Council of EU. [7376/26]
View answerEU Presidency
Questions (151)
Written answers
Ireland has ongoing, high-level engagement with Denmark. We are likeminded on many issues across the EU agenda, including the rule of law, improving the security, sustainability, and competitiveness of Europe, and support for Ukraine. I regularly speak with my Danish counterpart, Foreign Minster Lars Løkke Rasmussen, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and have personally expressed Ireland's support for Denmark and Greenland to him. My colleague Minister Thomas Byrne spoke with the Minister of European Affairs for Denmark, Marie Bjerre, on 15 January to discuss the situation in Greenland and convey Ireland’s steadfast support for Denmark and Greenland. Minister Emer Higgins will visit Denmark next month as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day programme to promote Ireland, Irish values and Ireland’s interests across the world. Also, Danish officials have been very generous in sharing lessons learned during their own EU Presidency term which finished at the end of 2025.
The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and many senior Ministers and Ministers of State all visited Denmark during the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of last year. We expect a similar level of engagement with Danish Ministers during our own Presidency. I am hoping to visit Denmark before Ireland assumes the EU Presidency and I look forward to deepening cooperation with Denmark as we prepare to take up the role. The high level of engagement Ireland has with Denmark underscores our shared commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Ukraine War
Questions (152)
Ciarán Ahern
Question:152. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the aid Ireland is providing to Ukraine in order to assist in repairing their electricity grid [7390/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and its people.
Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022, the country’s critical energy infrastructure has been targeted for attack repeatedly. Since mid-2025, Russia has engaged in an intensified campaign of large-scale systemic attacks on fuel storage, energy generation, and distribution infrastructure in Ukraine. This month, in freezing winter conditions, the intensification of attacks against energy infrastructure has been causing widespread blackouts and disruption to heat, electricity, and water supplies for hundreds of thousands of civilians across Ukraine. These conditions are causing great hardship to Ukrainians during the unforgiving winter, with serious consequences for the already difficult humanitarian situation. Ireland supports initiatives that aim to address these urgent and growing needs.
During President Zelenskyy’s visit to Dublin in December, the Government committed to providing €25 million to support the restoration and protection of Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the provision of essential energy supplies. This is an important element of the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership document which was signed by the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy.
In fulfilment of this commitment, we announced last week that Ireland will immediately contribute €25 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which is managed by the Energy Community Secretariat. The Fund allocates financial resources for the procurement of high-priority items and services needed by Ukrainian companies active in the energy sector to restore and maintain the energy system. The focus is on urgently needed items essential for the restoration, repair, and maintenance of energy infrastructure damaged by hostilities to ensure continuous electricity and heat supply to the Ukrainian population. This contribution builds on the €2 million contribution which Ireland made to the Fund late in 2025.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (153)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:153. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the location and nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Irish Embassies in 2025; and the location and nature of refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Irish Embassies in 2026, in tabular form. [7420/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages a network of missions overseas that includes embassies, consulates general and representation offices to multilateral organisations.
As part of its commitment to deliver safe, secure and sustainable workplaces to realise the ambition of the Global Ireland initiative, the Department carries out a programme of refurbishment works on a number of Department offices overseas each year. Such refurbishment works carried out in 2025 and currently scheduled for 2026 are as follows:
|
2025 |
|
|
Bogota Embassy |
Extension of chancery space |
|
Lusaka Embassy |
Upgrade to security systems |
|
Paris Embassy |
Painting works |
|
Copenhagen Embassy |
Replacement of windows |
|
Rome Embassy |
External painting |
|
Addis Ababa Embassy |
Security Upgrade |
|
Embassy Riga |
Minor security upgrades |
|
Embassy Ankara |
Minor security upgrades |
|
Consulate General Austin |
Minor security upgrades |
|
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
Canberra Embassy |
Upgrade of mechanical and electrical installations |
|
Lisbon Embassy |
Minor refurbishment works |
|
Kuala Lumpur Embassy |
Minor refurbishment works to reception area |
|
Geneva (UN) |
Minor refurbishment works to public areas |
|
Paris Embassy |
Refurbishment of lift and general maintenance works |
|
Maputo Embassy |
Minor refurbishment works |
Passport Services
Questions (154)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:154. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a passport will be issued for a person (details supplied). [7449/26]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, further supporting documents for this application were received on 22 January 2026. Turnaround time from the receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days.
Passport Services
Questions (155)
James Lawless
Question:155. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to examine a request for a passport (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7716/26]
View answerWritten answers
All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008 ("the 2008 Act"), as amended. The 2008 Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 ("the 1956 Act"), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. The 1956 Act is under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.
When processing a first time application, the Passport Service must validate the identity of the applicant and confirm their entitlement to Irish citizenship.
The citizenship of persons born on the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 is determined by the citizenship or residency status of one of their parents at the time of the person’s birth.
Regarding the application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has liaised with relevant colleagues in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in order to assist the applicant in obtaining their outstanding documentation. Once the Passport Service has received this outstanding documentation, the application can be progressed.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (156)
Carol Nolan
Question:156. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total humanitarian aid provided by Ireland to conflict-affected regions in Africa in 2025; the monitoring processes to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7860/26]
View answerWritten answers
The number and complexity of humanitarian crises has increased significantly in recent years, with a rise in violent conflicts and violations of international humanitarian law devastating the lives of civilians. The UN estimates that over 300 million people were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance last year. Half of the numbers of people targeted for humanitarian assistance were in sub-Saharan Africa. Conflict continued to be the most significant driver of increased humanitarian needs in Africa, and globally.
The Government's development programme, Irish Aid, prioritises the provision of needs-based, principled humanitarian aid. We focus on the largest humanitarian crises such as in Sudan and Gaza, but also to crises which receive less attention, in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. In 2025, for instance, Ireland provided over €70 million in humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected regions in Africa.
Our humanitarian assistance in Africa has been channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross Family and NGOs. In addition to funding provided through Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, support is also provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,. Last year, €10 million of that Departments funding to the World Food Programme was earmarked for countries in the Horn of Africa. Ireland was also the 8th largest contributor to the Central Emergency Response Fund, the United Nations global emergency response fund, which in 2025 allocated over $200 million to countries in Africa.
Our humanitarian response is subject to strong accountability to crisis-affected people and ensures involvement and ownership by national and local actors in affected countries, to make aid more effective and cost-efficient.
All our partners are subject to the governance, audit and compliance conditions set out in the Department's Standard Approach to Grant Management. These included a detailed analysis of partner capacity, reporting and audit. This is complemented by the Department’s counter-fraud policy, legislation and procedures on protected disclosure, information on whistleblowing, and appropriate monitoring.
Partners are also subject to robust internal and external controls, including audit and evaluation, managed by the Department's independent Evaluation and Audit Unit and validated by the external Audit Committee. The Comptroller and Auditor General also assesses this Department's internal controls.
Trade Relations
Questions (157)
Carol Nolan
Question:157. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on trade relations with countries involved in ongoing human rights concerns; the criteria for imposing sanctions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7861/26]
View answerWritten answers
The EU's common commercial or trade policy is an exclusive EU competence. Ireland supports the efforts of the EU to promote values-based trade, linking trade to sustainability issues such as climate change, labour standards and human rights.
The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for trade and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
The Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland: Values for the World emphasises trade as a powerful driver of prosperity, well-being and improved living standards while recognising in parallel that civil society demands an increased focus on environmental, social and governance dimensions of trade.
Ireland does not impose unilateral sanctions. It implements UN and EU sanctions. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime was adopted in 2020 and targets individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, no matter where they occurred. It applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations or abuses. Other human rights violations or abuses can also fall under the scope of this sanctions regime, if they are widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU common foreign and security policy.
The restrictive measures consist of travel bans applying to individuals, and freezing of funds applying to both individuals and entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are prohibited from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. Derogations to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (158)
Carol Nolan
Question:158. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support provided to Irish missionaries operating in developing countries; the coordination with NGO partners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7862/26]
View answerWritten answers
The work of Irish missionaries across the developing world has long been an important part of Ireland’s work to help tackle global poverty and inequality. The Government is deeply appreciative of the significant contribution of Irish missionaries to Ireland's international reputation and to the welfare of some of the most vulnerable communities in Africa and across the developing world.
The Government has supported this work strongly since the establishment of the Irish Aid programme. Building on a legacy of practical support to the education and health of some of the most vulnerable people, we helped establish Misean Cara in 2004, as the link between Irish missionary organisations and Ireland's Official Development Assistance programme.
Misean Cara has 77 member organisations, operating in more than 50 countries and delivering a range of development and humanitarian projects in some of the most challenging environments.
In 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade renewed a four year partnership with Misean Cara, and committed to providing annual funding of €15.5 million in support of its members work on education, health, climate resilient agriculture and human rights. Through a collaborative model which sees members contribute up to 50% in matched funding to development initiatives, our funding supports more than 300 projects every year.
We also provide direct support to Irish missionary organisations in some circumstances, including through the Irish Aid in-country micro project scheme, managed by our Embassies to support work in developing countries where we do not have an official bilateral aid programme.
The Department supports and works closely with a wide range of Irish and International NGOs, and actively engages with them and the missionary organisations to pursue our development objectives, as set out in the Government's international development policy, A Better World.
United Nations
Questions (159)
Carol Nolan
Question:159. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the annual financial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions; the involvement of Irish personnel in current operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7863/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ensuring a strong and effective UN is a key objective of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations is an expression of our commitment and support for the primacy of the United Nations and its role in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Since its initiation, UN peacekeeping has been a cost-effective and impactful tool for preventing armed conflict, sustaining peace, and addressing threats to international security. Over the decades, UN Peacekeeping has adapted to meet the demands of different conflicts and a changing political landscape.
I am extremely proud of the contribution made by Ireland and by our well –respected and highly trained Defence Forces to UN peacekeeping missions. As of 31 December 2025, 399 Defence Forces personnel are serving in UN missions or UN mandated missions. Their dedication and service is a visible symbol of Ireland’s commitment to international peace and security and to a multilateral system based on respect for international law, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
The largest contingent of Irish defence forces personnel is currently serving as part of the UNIFIL Mission. Irish troops first began their service with UNIFIL in 1978 and they have made an essential contribution to maintaining the well-being and security of the people in Lebanon. The Taoiseach visited our troops in December 2025, in recognition of their important contribution to stability in the region. I look forward to paying a visit to the troops in the near future, in my capacity as Minster for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Irish personnel are also serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). In addition, our personnel are present in UN-mandates missions, EUFOR, KFOR and Operation Irini.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of the UN Charter, each UN Member State has a legal obligation to pay towards the costs of peacekeeping. The amount of each Member State’s contribution is based on a scale of assessments under a complex formula which is calculated on, inter alia, the average per capita gross national product of each Member State.
The UN General Assembly has agreed the formula to calculate respective contributions. The General Assembly has also agreed that the five permanent members of the Security Council are required to make a larger contribution to the costs of peacekeeping. This requirement is in recognition of their special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, given their permanent presence on the Security Council.
The UN peacekeeping budget cycle runs from July-June each year. The approved budget for UN Peacekeeping operations for the fiscal year 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025 was $5.6 billion and for the fiscal year 1 July 2025- 30 June 2026 it is $5.4 billion.
In the 2025 calendar year, Ireland made a USD $30,067,620 contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations.
Within the UN, the budget for peacekeeping operations covers the costs of 9 of the 11 United Nations peacekeeping missions and service centres in Uganda and Italy. Financing for the remaining two peacekeeping missions, the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) and the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) comes from the UN regular budget.
In the context of a very difficult financing environment for the UN and for peacekeeping as a whole, it is important that peacekeeping missions have access to predicable and reliable funding. Ireland takes pride in paying its budget contribution, to the UN regular budget and to peacekeeping on time and in full each year and it calls on all other Member States to do the same.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (160)
Carol Nolan
Question:160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic efforts to promote religious freedom internationally; the specific initiatives funded by Ireland in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7864/26]
View answerWritten answers
The protection and promotion of human rights, including the freedom of religion and belief, is a priority for Ireland. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (more commonly referred to as freedom of religion or belief) is a fundamental freedom, enshrined in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. Ireland is committed to advancing the freedom of religion or belief in our multilateral and bilateral engagements.
Ireland consistently raises issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which acts as a peer review of the human rights situation in all UN Member States.
Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee in October 2025, Ireland restated our concern for the persecution of people on the basis of their religion. In particular, we condemned all acts of hatred, including the oppression of Christians, Muslims and religions minorities, during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Within the EU, Ireland works with partners to address the persecution of religious communities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 (now extended to 2027) includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief.
Ireland is a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG), which was established in 2015. The purpose of the group is to encourage and deepen coordination between countries committed to advancing religious freedom. Since joining the ICG, Ireland has participated in bi-annual meetings to discuss ways in which the ICG can combine efforts in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (161)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:161. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department or any body under its remit has any contracts with an organisation (details supplied); or has contracted work from that organisation within the past two years. [7930/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not contracted work within the past two years, nor does the Department currently hold any contract with the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (162)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:162. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department or any body under its remit has any contracts with an organisation (details supplied); or has contracted work from that organisation within the past two years. [7948/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not contracted work within the past two years, nor does the Department currently hold any contract with the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
Trade Agreements
Questions (163)
Matt Carthy
Question:163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the proposed EU-India Trade Agreement includes a mobility agreement; and, if so, what this will mean for Ireland in terms of citizens from India moving to Ireland and Irish citizens moving to India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8149/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Government welcomed the announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of the conclusion of an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the 16th EU–India Summit which took place in New Delhi on 27 January.
At a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, driven by a dynamic geopolitical backdrop and a rapidly evolving landscape for international trade, it is vital that the EU and Ireland diversify our markets with new, global partners.
The EU-India FTA is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side and will deliver real opportunities for Irish exporters, offering improved market access with lower or eliminated tariffs in a broad range of sectors including agri-food, spirits, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and technology, as well as machinery and equipment.
Also at the Summit a ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and the Republic of India on a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility’ was concluded. It is distinct and separate from the FTA.
The MoU is a non-legally binding text setting out broad principles concerning the mobility of highly skilled workers, seasonal workers, students and researchers within existing EU migration rules. The text is clear that the MoU does not create new legal obligations or rights under international or domestic law, and that it is without prejudice to EU Member States’ competence regarding mobility and migration.
Irish Communities Abroad
Questions (164)
Alan Kelly
Question:164. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who have sought assistance from the Irish embassy in South Korea in the years of 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form.` [8294/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a long and proud track record of providing high quality consular services to Irish citizens abroad. This is a vital public service and a key priority of my Department.
Consular assistance was provided in 21 cases by our Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea since 1 January 2023. The numbers of cases recorded, arranged by year, is outlined below.
|
Year |
Number of Consular Cases |
|
2023 |
6 |
|
2024 |
6 |
|
2025 |
9 |
Civil Service
Questions (165)
Aidan Farrelly
Question:165. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the point at which, and level at which her Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General is at in respect of the civil service pay scales; the duration for same; and the plans to revise current remuneration arrangements [8467/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is on the Secretary General Level II salary scale. The Deputy Secretaries General of the Department are on the Deputy Secretary salary scale.
In relation to the revision of remuneration arrangements, Section 17 of the 1956 Civil Service Regulation Act provides that this a matter for the Minster of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
Consular Services
Questions (166)
Joe Cooney
Question:166. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on activities on the Irish Consulate General based in Munich including staffing resources. [8502/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Consulate General of Ireland in Munich was established in summer 2024, arising from a recommendation in the 2018 strategy ‘Ireland in Germany, A Wider and Deeper Footprint’. This document outlined the importance of intensifying our engagement with Germany, an indispensable EU partner, and highlighted the importance of the Bavarian capital in the economic and political spheres, as well as the opportunity for economic, education, and cultural promotion work.
This recommendation was taken up in the Government's Global Ireland 2025 Strategy, which increased Ireland's influence and international footprint.
The Consulate General is a two-diplomat mission, supported by two local staff. The Consulate General covers the two southern German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, which between them have a population of almost 24.5 million (29% of Germany’s total) and an area of 106,301 square kilometres.
The Consulate General provides support and assistance to Irish citizens in the states of Bavaria and Baden- Württemberg as well as a range of consular services. Since its establishment in 2024, the team has assisted citizens with emergency travel documents, provided witnessing services for marriage and citizenship applications, and supported Irish citizens in cases of imprisonment, death, and hospitalisation.
The Consulate General has actively engaged with local communities and regions in a political, economic, and cultural capacity. The diplomatic team have established, and are working to strengthen further, excellent relations with the state governments and parliaments of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, both of which states are important trade and investment partners for Ireland, as well as with members of the German federal parliament (Bundestag) and the European Parliament from those states.
In February 2025, the Consulate General supported the visit of two Irish delegations, headed by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, to the annual Munich Security Conference. In October 2025, working closely with colleagues from Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, the Consulate General supported a trade mission led by Minister of State Niamh Smyth to Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Along with the teams in the Embassy of Ireland, Berlin, and the Consulate General of Ireland in Frankfurt, the Consulate General in Munich also supported a successful visit of advisers of German political parties to Ireland in November 2025.
In the economic sphere, the Consulate General has established strong working relations and contacts with state agencies, as well as with the Munich and Stuttgart chapters of the Irish Business Network. The Consulate General has also established contacts with, and visited, numerous cities and towns in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, including several of those that have an Irish connection, whether through town twinning, business, educational, historical or otherwise.
In a cultural capacity, the Consulate General supported a number of events as part of the Zeitgeist Irland initiative, which presented a new generation of Irish artists across Germany. The team have also hosted multiple cultural events including film screenings, literature and sport-related events. In 2025, the Consulate General hosted a St. Brigid’s Day networking lunch for prominent Munich-based Irishwomen, with a second iteration taking place in January 2026 in Stuttgart, in parallel with an event in Munich to promote Irish women writers organised in cooperation with the Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Frankfurt.
On St. Patrick’s Day 2025, the Consulate General hosted its first national day reception, which took place at Munich’s city hall (Rathaus) and was well attended by official, diplomatic, business, community, cultural and other contacts.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (167)
Carol Nolan
Question:167. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a tender was involved in the production of the video published on the Irish Foreign Ministry account (details supplied) to mark St. Brigid's Day; the number of companies that applied; the total cost of the production to date; if the script for the video was provided by the winning company or her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8654/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally. This year, 65 Irish Embassies and Consulates are marking St Brigid’s Day, representing the broadest diplomatic support to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. This approach towards content on social media aligns to the approach of other Foreign Ministries in communicating key messages to international audiences. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have included multilingual content in up to 23 languages and have amassed tens of millions of views, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.
The video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign, highlighting the achievements of Irish women internationally, was produced under a live contract held by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Provision of Digital Content Production Services. This contract commenced in March 2025 following a public procurement competition, advertised on eTenders (Ireland’s National Tendering Website) and in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in late 2024, and conducted in accordance with the open procedure under the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument 284 of 2016). Three tenderers submitted a bid to supply the service and these were evaluated in line with the guidance provided by the Office of Government Procurement. The provision of advice on scripting is included as part of this contract and scripts are ordinarily developed on a collaborative basis. As the current St. Brigid’s Day campaign is currently live, the final cost is not yet available.
Wind Energy Generation
Questions (168)
Carol Nolan
Question:168. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the allocation of community benefit funds from wind farm projects in County Offaly in 2025; the way these funds are distributed to affected residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/26]
View answerWritten answers
Community Benefit Funds (CBFs) are mandated as a condition of support under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), and on a voluntary basis by developers outside of RESS.
The RESS mandates that each project participating in the scheme contribute a minimum of €2 per Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated annually to a CBF. The distribution of the CBF is allocated to household payments, sustainable development initiatives, and administration costs.
The first wind energy projects supported under RESS have recently begun to energise, and as a result, are now starting to submit their annual CBF reports to the CBF National Register: https://cbfnationalregister.seai.ie/.
This Register is maintained by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides a central source of information on the allocation and expenditure of CBFs for RESS-supported projects.
As projects commence generation and complete their first funding cycle, information relating to CBF, including those of wind farm projects in County Offaly, will become available on the National Register. Under RESS, however, CBFs are required to support initiatives in the vicinity of the relevant renewable energy project and expenditure of these funds is not constrained by country administrative boundaries.
In addition, some renewable projects operate voluntary CBFs outside of RESS. These voluntary schemes are not subject to the same reporting requirements and are therefore not obliged to report to the CBF National Register.
My Department will continue to work to ensure the information on CBFs under RESS is accessible as further RESS projects become operational and begin reporting.
Environmental Schemes
Questions (169)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:169. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 7 October 2025, the reason the deserted wives social protection payment recipients are excluded from the SEAI scheme given they are on similar means to single parent and also pension recipients and should be able to avail of the warmer homes scheme. [7741/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The situation has not changed. The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The Deserted Wives payments are not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes Scheme. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Invalidity Pension may also qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes Scheme, such as the Fuel Allowance. This would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment.
The scheme eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the DSP, to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the income support schemes offered.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• the DSP's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/; and
• the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/.
Recycling Policy
Questions (170)
Emer Currie
Question:170. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether withdrawals are anticipated from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund in 2026 to support electrical waste and battery recycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8747/26]
View answerWritten answers
In Ireland and across the EU, producers of batteries and electrical and electronic equipment are required to finance the environmentally sound waste management of their products through compliance schemes such those operated by WEEE Ireland and ERP Ireland. This is known as Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR. In fulfilling their EPR obligations, and as part of their remit to grow the circular economy, the compliance schemes collaborate with waste management operators and other stakeholders to support investment in appropriate recycling infrastructure for these waste streams.
There are no current proposals to access the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to support electrical waste and battery recycling infrastructure.
Energy Policy
Questions (171)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:171. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the proposed pumped hydro storage facility at Silvermines, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7357/26]
View answerWritten answers
Long-duration electricity storage projects, such as pumped hydro, can play a critical role in ensuring flexibility and security of supply in the energy system by facilitating the integration of renewable generation, supporting the grid, and shifting energy to the time when it is needed most.
The Silvermines Hydro Electric Power Station and Pumped Hydro storage (PHS) project is a private developer led project under development by Siga-Hydro Ltd in Co. Tipperary. Upon completion, I am advised that the project will have a generation capacity up to 296 Megawatts (MW) and have a daily storage capacity of up to 2,175 MWh.
The Silvermines project has been granted Project of Common Interest (PCI) status by the European Commission in line with the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulations. Having initially been included on the 4th PCI lists, Silvermines maintained its position and will be included in the forthcoming CION PCI/PMI list in Q1 2026.
PCIs are infrastructure projects which are considered essential in delivering EU objectives in the energy field, including improved interconnection between national markets, greater competitiveness, security of supply, and promotion of renewable energy sources. Designated PCI projects may benefit from EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding and can explore regulatory incentives intended to accelerate the development of PCI designated energy projects.
The CEF is a European fund for ‘boosting energy, transport and digital infrastructure’ that was set up based on the TEN-E regulation. As referenced above, a PCI status makes projects eligible to apply for union financial assistance for studies and works through the CEF Energy Programme. In 2023, the Silvermines project was awarded €4.3 million of CEF funding for environmental and design studies.
I am advised that the project is currently in the pre-permitting stage of the PCI process having been deemed sufficiently mature to commence the pre-application phase by An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) in February 2025.
Wildlife Conservation
Questions (172)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:172. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether section 14 authorisations under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 has ever been issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for the restocking of invasive pike greater than 85cm in length into Lough Corrib SAC during stock management operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7511/26]
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My Department has no record of a section 14 authorisation being issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for the purposes outlined in the question in relation to Lough Corrib SAC.