Brian Stanley
Question:138. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will condemn the illegal invasion of Venezuela, and the kidnapping of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. [1813/26]
View answerForeign Policy
Questions (138)
Written answers
In respect of the events of January 3, Ireland has been clear in underlining that full respect for international law and the UN Charter is essential.
Along with 25 EU Member States, I endorsed the EU HRVP statement of 4 January recalling that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. Members of the United Nations Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold those principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.
The UN Secretary General also made clear his deep concern that the rules of international law were not respected with regard to the 3 January military action. His view was reiterated at the emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on 5 January. I share those concerns. During my visit to Washington this week, I expect to have the opportunity to discuss the current situation in Venezuela with Congressional and Administration interlocutors in Washington.
While Ireland did not recognise the results of the July 2024 Venezuelan elections, we have been consistent in advocating for a peaceful and negotiated transition to democracy in Venezuela, led by the Venezuelan people. We have supported all international efforts to that end.
Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only durable solution to the crisis. Ireland will continue supporting the people of Venezuela and Venezuelan refugees through the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNHCR Regional Migrant and Refugee Plan for Venezuela.
Foreign Policy
Questions (139)
Brian Stanley
Question:139. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will actively support Denmark and the authorities in Greenland to defend the sovereignty of their country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1814/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland and other EU Member States stand fully behind Denmark and Greenland on this issue and have been proactive and public in our support. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, myself and my colleague Minister Thomas Byrne have all issued statements underlining our steadfast solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. These statements have been welcomed by both Denmark and Greenland.
The Government has been crystal clear that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. Peace and security depend on all UN Member States abiding by the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of other States is non-negotiable, and we have been unambiguous in our position on this. We have been consistent in our approach to emphasise the need for dialogue and de-escalation.
There has also been a strong display of unity among EU Member States on the principles of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty, in solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, and with the six EU Member States who were threatened with increased tariffs from the US. We stood united against the threats of unjust tariffs and I believe that this unity proved important in finding a resolution.
The EU is continuing, in a prudent manner, to internally prepare appropriate responses in case they are needed in the future. We remain vigilant against the possibility of future escalation and as such, I, my colleague Minister Byrne, and officials in my Department will continue to engage closely with our Danish counterparts and European partners.
North-South Ministerial Council
Questions (140, 141)
Brian Stanley
Question:140. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government is making the case for the North/South Ministerial Council to meet more regularly; and if the areas of co-operation dealt with in this forum be expanded. [5972/26]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:141. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work that is being done to increase the number of the all-Ireland implementation bodies to cover more co-operation between North and South [5971/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
The North South Ministerial Council meets in a number of different formats - plenary, institutional and sectoral - and since the restoration of the Good Friday institutions in 2024, there has been a full and busy schedule of meetings. Since then, a total of forty (40) NSMC meetings have taken place across the three formats, namely four (4) plenary meetings, two (2) institutional meetings, and thirty-four (34) sectoral meetings (thirteen (13) in 2024; fifteen (15) in 2025 and six (6) so far in 2026).
At these NSMC meetings, a wide and evolving range of topics are discussed, within the framework of the agreed areas of cooperation.
At the last plenary meeting of the NSMC for example, in October 2025, Ministers had a first opportunity for a collective cross-government, cross-border discussion on Emergency Planning and Preparedness. They also discussed topics from previous plenaries that remain pertinent, including considering how agreed collaborative approaches can contribute to the promotion of economic growth on the island, and tackling gender-based violence. Addressing climate change and loss of biodiversity has also been identified as a cross cutting theme, with all work sectors of the Council asked to look at this issue at the plenary meeting in April 2024.
The sectoral meetings give ministers from both jurisdictions the opportunity to meet with their counterparts across the twelve work sectors, namely Agriculture, Education, Environment, Health, Tourism, Transport, Trade and Business, Special EU Programmes, Inland Waterways, Language, Aquaculture and Marine, and Food Safety. The work programmes in those different Areas of Co-Operation have recently been updated with the agreement of both Administrations.
In the education sector, for example, ministers agreed to extend the work programme to include areas such as digital and artificial intelligence, while in the environment sector, air quality and climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development have been included. Updated work programmes are available to view on the NSMC website: www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/
I would also like to acknowledge the wide-ranging work that is being done by the six North South Implementation Bodies, operating under the overall policy direction of the NSMC.
The Government will continue to work to maximize the scope and scale of the work that is being undertaken within the framework of the North South Ministerial Council. It is also possible to explore the expansion of areas of cooperation and the work of the North South Implementation Bodies, in line with the Good Friday Agreement. It should be borne in mind, however, that any such expansion would require the agreement of the NSMC, as well as endorsement by the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 140.
Foreign Policy
Questions (142)
Brian Stanley
Question:142. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to clarify the position of the State regarding military aid to Ukraine, and the implications for Irish neutrality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8645/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s policy of neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements.
Ireland’s military assistance to Ukraine and our support for assistance measures for Ukraine through the European Peace Facility do not contravene Irish neutrality.
Our support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself from Russia's brutal attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
As the Government has repeatedly underlined, Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.
Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine has caused immense suffering and loss for the people of Ukraine, and continues to transform the security environment in Europe.
It has undermined the foundations of the international rules based system on which the United Nations is based.
The principle that borders cannot be changed by force protects us all.
Ireland has consistently expressed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and, with our EU partners, we continue to provide Ukraine with the support necessary to exercise its right to self-defence.
Last year, the Government provided €200 million in bilateral, non-lethal military support for Ukraine. The bulk of this has been provided through procurement partnerships with Denmark and Lithuania, to provide elements of air defence purchased from Ukraine’s defence industries. This support will help Ukraine defend its towns and cities and its energy infrastructure from Russia’s brutal air and drone attacks.
This support is separate to non-lethal military equipment provided to Ukraine by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.
We continue to support also the use of the European Peace Facility to provide military support for Ukraine. In Ireland’s case, this is support is non-lethal in nature.
Ireland welcomes the agreement reached at the December European Council for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. Our support for the loan is entirely consistent with our ongoing position on support to Ukraine, which to date has included political, humanitarian, non-lethal military, and economic assistance.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (143)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:143. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department’s position on the digital omnibus, particularly relating to the proposed changes to the EU AI Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1737/26]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for her question. The Government strongly supports the EU’s competitiveness agenda. Simplification is a key enabler of this. Both the Letta and Draghi reports underlined the need to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on EU companies, particularly SMEs.
The European Commission put forward ten separate simplification Omnibus packages in 2025. Each package usually contains several legislative proposals relevant to multiple Government Departments. My Department has been coordinating Ireland’s approach across Government to these packages.
The digital simplification Omnibus package was published by the European Commission on 19 November last year. In the lead up its publication, Ireland strongly encouraged an ambitious digital simplification package that can support the EU’s strategic positioning as the location of choice for trustworthy digital innovation, while maintaining a central focus on protecting data privacy and fundamental rights of citizens.
The proposals are a first step, and an important element of the overall approach to improving competitiveness at an EU level, in line with the Draghi Report and related work. By reducing barriers to investment and innovation, balanced with clear and predictable protections for citizens, we can unlock growth opportunities from the rapid acceleration of technological developments.
Ireland recognises the importance of regulation to ensure markets operate efficiently and fairly, and to protect consumers. In this context, it is important that regulations are targeted and proportionate to the policy objective, whether it is to protect consumers and citizens, or to promote competition and innovation. Ireland has therefore advocated for a dynamic, ambitious and risk-based approach, focused on removing regulatory overlaps, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting compliance.
It will also be important to future-proof our EU digital regulatory framework, with the overall aim of increasing the coherence and effectiveness of the EU Digital rulebook. This means ensuring that forthcoming digital regulations are developed with the same objectives around simplification, harmonisation and coherence strongly to the fore. In this context, Ireland is also very supportive of the broader review of the digital rulebook that will be provided by the Fitness Check of the Digital Acquis.
The package contains two separate legislative proposals, which aim to simply and streamline the EU’s AI Act, the EU’s data rulebook and cybersecurity incident reporting. As regards the proposed changes to the AI Act specifically, they respond to practical implementation challenges highlighted by stakeholders and are aimed at increasing certainty for regulators, businesses and citizens, reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens, and supporting innovation whilst maintaining protections. By reducing barriers to investment and innovation, balanced with clear and predictable protections for citizens, we can unlock growth opportunities from the rapid acceleration of technological developments.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has lead responsibility for national implementation of the EU AI Act and is working closely with other departments and regulators to ensure comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act.
It is important to note that the digital simplification Omnibus package must now proceed through the EU’s ordinary legislative procedure, requiring review and approval by both the European Parliament and the Council. Ireland is actively contributing to these discussions and is consulting with relevant stakeholders.
Supplementary Q&As
Is simplification not just deregulation?
Let me be very clear.
The position of the Irish Government is that simplification has to be about better regulation, not deregulation.
We need to reduce the regulatory burden, in particular for SMEs, while maintaining high ambition in terms of environmental protection and other standards.
It is important for our legislative approach to be in line with core better regulation principles and the inter-institutional agreement on better law-making, while prioritising smarter, simpler and more streamlined regulations.
Can you provide more detail on the concrete changes proposed to the AI Act?
The package includes proposed measures to streamline the operation of the EU AI Act, including: linking the implementation timeline of high-risk rules to the availability of standards; extending SME regulatory simplifications to small mid-caps; requiring the Commission and the Member States to foster AI literacy instead of enforcing unspecified obligation on providers and deployers of AI systems in this respect, while training obligations for high-risk deployers remain; increasing flexibility in post-market monitoring by removing the mandatory harmonised plan; reducing the registration requirements for AI systems in high-risk areas when used only for narrow or procedural tasks; centralising the oversight of many General Purpose AI-based and platform-embedded systems within the EU AI Office; expanding the regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing, including an EU-level sandbox, and clarifying the interactions between the AI Act and other EU laws.
A key challenge faced by Member States and businesses included the delay in the availability of technical standards and other support tools, such as guidance and codes of practice, that are necessary for the provision, use and regulation of compliant AI systems.
Ireland has welcomed the EU’s focus on simplification, having consistently advocated for targeted and proportionate regulation, ensuring the right balance between stimulating innovation, boosting competitiveness, and enforcing regulation when necessary.
How is implementation of the AI Act progressing domestically?
The EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act entered into force on 2 August 2024 and is designed to provide a high level of protection for people’s health and safety, and their fundamental rights, to promote responsible uses of trustworthy and ethical AI. The provisions of the EU AI Act apply in a phased manner over the period to August 2027.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has lead responsibility for national implementation of the EU AI Act and is working closely with other departments and regulators to ensure comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act. Government designated its national competent authorities during 2025, and the enforcement powers for competent authorities under the AI Act come into effect on the 2nd of August 2026.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, is currently developing primary legislation to provide for the national implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act, and the establishment of a central coordinating Office.
How will the digital simplification Omnibus proposals impact the implementation of the AI Act domestically?
Some critical provisions of the AI Act have already come into force and are currently applicable, including prohibited AI practices, rules governing general purpose AI models, and requirements for the designation of national competent authorities. Additionally, key provisions remain scheduled to come into effect in August 2026 as originally planned, including the requirement to establish a national AI regulatory sandbox, and rules on penalties and enforcement measures.
Ireland must be positioned to implement these provisions on time to ensure effective regulatory oversight regardless of any proposed simplification measures.
The simplification proposals do not alter the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s national implementation plan for the AI Act in Ireland. It remains the firm intention to have the primary legislation enacted before the 2 August 2026 deadline.
What is proposed in terms of simplification of the EU data rulebook?
The proposal merges four existing data-related acts into a single, consolidated instrument for Europe’s data economy. It incorporates elements of the Free Flow of Data Regulation, the Data Governance Act, and the Open Data Directive, into the Data Act, while simultaneously repealing those three instruments. This initiative aligns with the broader Data Union Strategy, which seeks to simplify and streamline the EU’s legislative framework. Among its aims, the proposal extends rules that facilitate compliance with EU data legislation for small and medium sized enterprises to also cover small mid-cap companies. It seeks to balance reduced administrative burdens with enhanced legal certainty and strengthened competitiveness, while also reinforcing safeguards against the risk of severe data leaks to third countries. In addition, it clarifies the scope of the business to government framework and reaffirms that the key provisions of the Data Act remain central to fostering a more open and competitive cloud environment.
The proposal also includes targeted amendments to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to harmonise, clarify and simplify certain rules to boost innovation and support compliance by organisations, while keeping intact the core of the GDPR, maintaining the highest level of personal data protection. It aims to clarify certain key definitions, for instance the notions of personal data; facilitate compliance, for instance by supporting controllers with respect to the criteria and means to determine whether data resulting from pseudonymisation does not constitute personal data; clarify certain aspects as to the processing of data for AI training and development; and address the lack of clarity about the conditions for scientific research by providing a definition of scientific research and clarifying that scientific research constitutes a “legitimate interest”.
The proposal also includes changes to the rules on “cookies” (e-privacy Directive). It seeks to simplify the interplay of the applicable rules whereby processing of personal data on and from terminal equipment should be governed only by GDPR. The proposal also paves the way for automated and machine-readable indications of individual choices and respect of those indications by website and mobile application providers and providers of mobile phone applications once standards are available. Where controllers ensure that their websites or mobile phone applications comply with such standards, they should benefit from a presumption of compliance.
What is Ireland’s position on the proposed changes to the EU data rulebook?
Ireland welcomes the proposed amalgamation of the Open Data Directive, the Free Flow of Non-Personal Data Regulation, the Data Governance and the Data Act into a single consolidated Data Act as it will streamline the data framework and provide greater clarity and alignment of the data rulebook. Ireland further believes that strong safeguards regarding the use of personal data should remain in place in alignment with core objectives of the GDPR. Essential principles of public trust, transparency, data protection and improved public outcomes and public good are central to any simplification package.
Discussions in the Council on these proposals are at an early stage, and we will continue to engage constructively in these discussions.
What is proposed in terms of simplification of Cyber Security Incident Reporting?
The proposal seeks to introduce a single-entry point through which entities can simultaneously fulfil their incident reporting obligations under multiple legal acts and to require ENISA, the EU agency for cybersecurity, to develop the single entry-point. It seeks to mandate the use of the single-entry point for a series of closely interconnected incident reporting obligations set in the NIS2 Directive, GDPR, DORA, eIDAS Regulation, and the CER Directive. Other sectoral reporting obligations, such as those set out in the framework of the network code on cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows (NCCS) and the relevant instruments for the aviation sector, would also be brought under the single-entry point through amendments to the respective delegated and implementing acts that establish the reporting obligations under those frameworks. The proposal also aims at streamlining the contents of reported information by introducing empowerments for several legal acts, where such do not exist - and the Commission is supposed to take due account of the experience gained and the common templates developed under DORA.
What is Ireland’s perspective on the proposed changes to cyber security incident reporting?
On cyber security, Ireland welcomes the efforts to simplify the reporting of incidents as the complexity of incident reporting has been repeatedly highlighted by stakeholders as a major issue, particularly for SMEs. However, we have concerns on the proposal to develop a single-entry point (SEP) for incident reporting across a number of legislative files including non cyber security ones such as GDPR. One key concern is the interoperability of a SEP with existing incident reporting mechanisms in Member States and concerns it may encroach upon National Security, causing delays and fragmentation in relation to critical information flows.
Discussions in the Council on these proposals are at an early stage, and we will continue to engage constructively in these discussions.
Office of the Attorney General
Questions (144)
Sean Fleming
Question:144. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the necessary clearance and approval can be given to an Irish person who has been nominated for an MBE but, as an Irish citizen, requires approval from the Irish Government before this award can be made (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8809/26]
View answerWritten answers
Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
If a foreign Government wishes to make any such award to an Irish citizen, the standard practice is that the relevant accredited foreign diplomatic mission would notify my Department of the conferral of the award. It is noted that rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise rights, privileges or dignities as flowing from it. Under Irish law, such a title confers no rights, entitlements or dignities. Moreover, awards that provide for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one's name or involve the presentation of medals, ribbons or academic honours are not regarded as conferring a title of nobility or of honour in this context.
No facility exists for retrospective approval by the Government. My Department regularly reminds the relevant authorities that the prior approval of the Government should be sought where awards of the nature outlined in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution are to be conferred on an Irish citizen.
While my Department does not comment on individual cases in relation to the awarding of honours by foreign Governments, individuals subject to nomination for such awards may contact the Protocol Division in my Department for more information.
Foreign Policy
Questions (145, 147)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:145. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland has undertaken or participated in any formal review, assessment, or policy discussion, either nationally or within the European Union, regarding the downgrading, suspension, or closure of Iranian diplomatic missions as part of the EU response to ongoing repression within Iran and transnational intimidation attributed to Iranian state actors; and the reasons no such review has been undertaken. [8910/26]
View answer
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:147. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will address concerns about the current situation in Iran, raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9034/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 together.
In relation to the general situation in Iran, recent developments and Ireland's response, I refer to my earlier reply to Question no 68 today (ref PQ8625/86).
Further to that reply, it is the Government’s policy to maintain diplomatic channels with Iran. This includes the maintenance of resident diplomatic missions in both capitals.
We have many serious concerns about Iran, including about its malign regional influence, supply of weapons to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, its support for proxies in the Middle East, its nuclear programme, and its persistent abuse of human rights, including the repression of protests, denial of women’s rights and continued high number of executions.
We consistently raise these points with Iran bilaterally including via the Embassy of Ireland in Iran, as a member of the EU and in UN fora.
Having a presence on the ground strengthens our ability to do this, to monitor and understand developments in the country and to provide services to the small number of Irish citizens in Iran.
So far as I am aware, no EU partner is considering downgrading or breaking those diplomatic relations.
Passport Services
Questions (146)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:146. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a passport will issue for a person (details supplied). [8968/26]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 15 January 2026. These further supporting documents were received by the Passport Service on 29 January 2025. The turnaround time following receipt of additional documents is 15 working days, therefore this application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue-by date.
Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 145.
Foreign Policy
Questions (148)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:148. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had engagement with the US embassy in relation to the Catalpa sesquicentenary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9035/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Catalpa rescue of 1876, in which six Irish Fenian prisoners escaped from a British penal colony in Western Australia aboard the U.S. merchant ship Catalpa, occupies a distinct place in the history of Ireland's relationship with both Australia and the United States.
Past commemorations, at both official and community level in the U.S. and Australia, have marked the historical and cultural significance of the rescue mission. While I have not discussed the commemoration of the 150th anniversary with the United States' Embassy in Ireland to date, officials at our Embassy in Canberra are engaging regularly with the organisers of commemorative events due to take place later this year in Perth and across Western Australia.
My Department continues to engage with the United States' Embassy in Ireland on a wide programme of activities celebrating our shared history and heritage, including initiatives to mark this year's 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. I look forward to having further discussions on this during my visit to Washington this week.
Waste Management
Questions (149, 150, 152, 153)
Barry Ward
Question:149. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the research carried out into the merits of introducing a levy on disposable coffee cups;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8929/26]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:150. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the status of the proposal to introduce a levy on disposable coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8930/26]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:152. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of introducing a levy on disposable coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8932/26]
View answerBarry Ward
Question:153. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of engagement he has had with businesses that primarily sell coffee and other hot beverages that would be impacted by the implementation of a levy on disposable coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8933/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150, 152 and 153 together.
Legislative powers are in place, through the Circular Economy Act 2022, to implement environmental levies on a range of single use products including single-use cups, single-use containers and other forms of single-use packaging.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the merits of the introduction of a levy on single use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single use cup consumption effectively. As part of this RIA, organisations potentially affected by a levy on single use cups were consulted via a questionnaire. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps. Any future regulations will be subject first to a public consultation.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 149.
Waste Management
Questions (151)
Barry Ward
Question:151. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any assessment of the pilot project in Killarney related to the use of single use coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8931/26]
View answerWritten answers
Following on from the introduction of the Killarney Cup Project, the Department engaged the Munster Technological University (MTU) to conduct a study on the Killarney Cup Project. The aim was to examine how community-led reusable cup systems can operate effectively. The study resulted in a Project Information Kit designed to support other towns and communities across Ireland seeking to replicate this initiative. This toolkit can be found at the following link: https://localprevention.ie/topics/killarneycoffeecupproject/
In July, 2025, I met with representatives of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project to hear about their project and the opportunities and challenges they encountered in operating the scheme.
The Department continues to monitor the progress and outcomes of community-led initiatives, which support our wider efforts to promote sustainable consumption and reduce reliance on single-use products.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 149.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 149.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (154, 167)
Louis O'Hara
Question:154. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on his Department’s involvement in implementing a recent CIÉ pension scheme increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8972/26]
View answerLouis O'Hara
Question:167. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the updating of Statutory Instruments in relation to implementing a recent CIÉ pension scheme increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8971/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 167 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now underway.
Bus Services
Questions (155)
Mark Wall
Question:155. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has confirmed its budget for the local link service for this coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8771/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in the significant uplift provided to the PSO programme in 2026, c. €31m has been ringfenced purely for investment in the Rural Transport Programme.
However, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including allocating funding to Transport Coordination Units. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Pension Provisions
Questions (156)
Tom Brabazon
Question:156. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport his plans to set up a taskforce to deal with outstanding issues regarding aviation industry pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8814/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for this question. Although the Deputy has referred to 'aviation industry' pensions, I will take this to mean the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS). This scheme was established in the 1950s and is a multi-employer pension scheme for employees of Aer Lingus, Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and former SRT Technics. The operation, management and funding of the IASS is a matter for the Trustees, and I have no role in this.
By way of providing some context, the Scheme went into deficit during the recession and was closed to new members in 2009. Due to funding difficulties, the IASS was restructured by the scheme's trustees in December 2014 (following approval of the Pensions Authority) resulting in benefit reductions to members of the scheme.
In 2015, a representative group of pensioners commenced legal proceedings against Ireland and the Attorney General, claiming a breach of constitutional rights arising from the enactment of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014, and a failure by Ireland to transpose or implement appropriately the provisions of the EU IORPS Directive 2003/41/EC. Judgement was made in favour of the State on 25 June 2020, and the plaintiffs did not appeal the judgement.