Brian Stanley
Question:273. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government plans to make a submission to the European Court on Mercosur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6720/26]
View answerTrade Agreements
Questions (273)
Written answers
The Programme for Government, published in January 2025, stated that the Government would work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal.
On 9 January 2026, EU Member States voted on the EU-Mercosur Agreement. That vote was carried by a qualified majority. Ireland voted, clearly and unambiguously, against the approval of the Agreement.
Furthermore, I and other Government Ministers – including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Minister for European Affairs and Defence, among others – along with officials have engaged extensively at EU level to voice our concerns with the Agreement. That engagement was sustained over time and took place across multiple forums and in both formal and informal settings, with fellow EU Member States and with the European Commission. These included European Council meetings, sectoral Council meetings, bilateral engagements in EU Member State capitals, numerous phone calls at ministerial level, working party-level meetings, and direct dialogue with the European Commission, including during a focused visit by Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic to Ireland in October last year and a Commission senior officials visit to Ireland to meet with stakeholders in May last year.
It is in this spirit of engagement that the Government acts in good faith within the Council of the EU to promote Irish interests and to seek to address Irish concerns in discussions with other Member States and with the European Commission in its role as negotiator of trade agreements on behalf of the EU.
As a result of efforts made by Ireland and like-minded Member States in the Council of the EU, it is important to state that hard-won improvements have been made to the overall Agreement package, including a new legal act to operationalise bilateral safeguards to protect sensitive products, a financial safety net for farmers, strengthened sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls along with a 50% increase in audits and checks, and commitments on the alignment of production and SPS standards, notably on pesticides and animal welfare. The Commission also committed on 7 January to enhance the availability of CAP funding to farmers and rural communities under the proposed new MFF.
We take note of the decision of the European Parliament to refer the deal to the European Court. The Government will continue to engage with the Commission and with other EU Member States.
Trade Agreements
Questions (274)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:274. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has raised legal concerns with the European Commission regarding the plan to designate humanitarian assistance as a benefit accrued under a trade agreement in the case of the amendments to the EU-Morocco Association Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10346/26]
View answerWritten answers
On 4 October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld the ruling of the General Court of 29 September 2021 annulling a 2019 Council decision approving the 2018 agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Court set a deadline of 4 October 2025, in that it maintained the effects of the Council Decision until that date. The Commission thus worked to negotiate a new agreement between the EU and Morocco by that date. During discussions at working level in Brussels on the new agreement, Ireland registered significant concerns with the Commission’s handling of this process, from both procedural and substantive perspectives, including about the control mechanism intended to enable verification that the benefit granted to the people in question under that agreement is correctly received. Ireland also asked the Commission to provide clarity on a number of points including in relation to the envisaged increase in humanitarian aid.
As the Deputy is aware, the EU and Morocco signed a new Agreement on 3 October 2025 and its provisional application began.
A Declaration of the EU, made when the new Agreement was signed, commits the EU, in accordance with the 2024 Court judgment, and in order to provide specific, tangible, substantial and verifiable benefits for the people of Western Sahara, to first provide funding for the region focusing on key sectors, in line with the principle of sustainable development. The joint assessment mechanism provided for in the new Agreement will, the Declaration states, be implemented by the parties. In the Declaration the EU goes on to commit that at the same time, it will increase its humanitarian aid to the Tindouf camps. This aid will be channelled through relevant EU and UN mechanisms, and will be subject to the same operational arrangements that have always been in place for humanitarian action. Moreover, the EU will support suitable programmes in sectors such as education, culture and skills. The Declaration further notes that a regular control mechanism will be established in accordance with the above-mentioned Court judgment, including the joint assessment mechanism.
The process towards adoption of a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the EU of the new Agreement with Morocco has not yet reached its conclusion; the next step requires the consent of the European Parliament.
Ireland continues to advocate for high levels of EU humanitarian assistance that is principled and needs-based and our strong focus on forgotten and underfunded crises will continue during Ireland's EU Presidency. The European Union has contributed to humanitarian aid operations in support of Saharawi refugees since 1993, allocating over €306 million to UN agencies and NGOs. In 2025, the EU committed €9 million in humanitarian funding to the Tindouf camps.
The principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are fundamental to humanitarian action. Ireland believes that those principles should be applied to all humanitarian assistance provided globally, including EU assistance.
Throughout the process, Ireland has made clear our view that the compatibility of the Agreement with the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination should be paramount in the implementation of the EU-Morocco Agreement.
Middle East
Questions (275)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:275. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland has raised at EU level the Knesset bills introducing a form of racialised capital punishment against the Palestinian people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10347/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is very concerned about proposed legislative measures to expand the scope of the death penalty and revive its implementation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. The right to life is a fundamental human right and Ireland is strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. The final and irreversible nature of the death penalty underlines the impropriety of its use as a criminal punishment. Accordingly, Ireland continues to seek its abolition, in Israel and universally.
Last December, the EU Ambassador to Israel delivered a démarche to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the draft Death Penalty legislation on behalf of the EU and its Member States.
Ireland urges Israel to withdraw the proposed legislative amendments and to maintain the longstanding de facto moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty entirely.
Ireland will continue to press for appropriate EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. Ireland has made clear our view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table.
Wildlife Conservation
Questions (276)
Michael Cahill
Question:276. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to assist Cromane and Brandon fishermen in regard to the salmon conservation measures for 2026 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9351/26]
View answerWritten answers
The continued decline in salmon stocks is of great concern to me. In their 2026 Catch Advice, TEGOS (the Technical Expert Group on Salmon) report that the number of wild salmon returning to Ireland has progressively declined from well over 1 million for much of the 1970s to under 200,000 in recent years.
Last week I announced a second public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations which set out the proposed conservation measures that will apply for 2026 season.
For the Kerry Fishery District, the main changes for the commercial fishery include closure of the Owenmore River and the opening of the River Ferta. The catch options for the remaining commercial fisheries are proposed to be as per 2025. Schedule 2 of the draft Regulation set out the quotas allocated to these rivers and, as per previous years, the split in quota between the angling and commercial net fishing sectors will be informed by the relevant Fishery District Committee. This Committee comprises representatives from commercial fishermen, salmon anglers, rated occupiers and an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
It is also proposed that the commercial fishing season is realigned to commence on 1 June and ending on 31 July, in the interest of conserving spring fish (i.e. 2 Sea Winter and Multi Sea Winter fish) during their most vulnerable and biologically important period.
I would encourage all stakeholders, including commercial fishermen, to make a submission in response to the public consultation so that any concerns may be taken into consideration before the Regulations are finalised.
Electricity Grid
Questions (277)
Barry Heneghan
Question:277. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether planning requirements, management company approval processes or electricity grid connection arrangements have been assessed as barriers to the deployment of plug in or small scale solar generation in apartment developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9562/26]
View answerWritten answers
On 9 January 2026 the European Commission published a guidance note on the promotion of innovative technologies and forms of renewable energy deployment, including a section on plug-in mini solar systems.
Officials from my Department have engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the New Electricity Market Design Directive (2024/1711), including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through an online consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Broadly speaking, responses to the optional provision to promote plug-in mini solar systems were negative. Concerns arose where such mini systems could be purchased and installed but do not meet the required manufacturing, installation, or operational standards. This was also noted in the European Commission Guidance Note (C/2026/17) on innovative technologies and forms of renewable energy deployment. It was noted that substandard systems might result in an elevated risk to health, safety, and the operation of the distribution network.
Current microgen supports are predicated on minimum safety and quality standards being adhered to, via a code of practice for such installations, including very clear electrical wiring standards. Plug-in mini solar systems by their very nature are portable, so it is difficult to predict how and in what circumstances they would be used. Some form of regulation may be needed were plug-in mini solar to be promoted.
In light of the potential safety and other issues arising, further consideration of this matter with relevant Agencies and Regulators, including with ESB Networks in its role as the system operator, is required.
EU Regulations
Questions (278)
John Connolly
Question:278. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position Ireland has taken in EU discussions regarding the European Commission’s proposal to impose a daily limit of three pollock per angler on the charter boat and recreational sea angling sector; if his Department has carried out any socio-economic assessment of the impact this measure would have on coastal tourism and charter angling businesses; if he has engaged with representatives of the sector; the scientific evidence underpinning the proposed restriction; and whether Ireland intends to seek amendments or exemptions for the charter angling sector in view of its very low impact on pollock stock levels compared to large commercial trawlers, and its significance to rural coastal economies. [9182/26]
View answerWritten answers
The advice on fish stocks, including Pollack, published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in setting out Total Allowable Catches and recreational fishing bag limits for the stock.
The European Commission has sole competence to negotiate with Third Countries, including the UK, on behalf of the EU in the setting of fishing opportunities. The bilateral consultations with the UK on setting fishing opportunities for shared fish stocks took place last Autumn.
Ahead of this, the Council set down the Commission's mandate for these negotiations. Ireland inputted into the development of this mandate and throughout the negotiation process, in order to raise our concerns and priorities. However, conservation measures are informed by the scientific advice provided by ICES which indicates that recreational catches account for a significant portion of the fishing mortality for this stock.
Given the impact of recreational catches on this stock, management measures for recreational fishing were agreed at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meeting in December 2025, with a mandatory maximum of 3 specimen of pollack to be caught and retained per fisher per day. This measure will apply to both EU and UK fishers without exemption.
I fully recognise the importance and contribution of charter angling businesses. During engagement with the EU, Ireland did, inter alia, raise the potential impact of recreational bag limit restrictions on the tourism/charter boat sector and the concerns of this important sector. In fact, the initial EU position proposed regarding pollack were significantly more restrictive regarding the bag limit and potential seasonal closures. The final negotiated and agreed position is more favourable, notwithstanding the impact these measures may have on the charter angling sector.
Housing Schemes
Questions (279)
Niall Collins
Question:279. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he can advise in relation to an application for the warmer homes scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/26]
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 carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to the SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. I am advised that no other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application, either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address: pq@seai.ie.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
As of 2 March, a higher fixed-amount grant for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation will be introduced for homeowners who are on qualifying Department of Social Protection payments. This will allow qualifying homeowners at risk of energy poverty to get these works done using their own SEAI-registered contractor in a shorter timeframe. Eligible applicants can keep their place on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list while carrying out these works. Further details on how to apply for this grant will be available at the beginning of March.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• the Department of Social Protection'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 (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: 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 here: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/.
Departmental Funding
Questions (280)
Claire Kerrane
Question:280. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports or grants that are available to a single mother working part time who owns a BER G rated property with a gas boiler to replace this boiler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9283/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings. This includes SEAI part-funded schemes which offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as fully-funded energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme. The grants are available to all homeowners for a range of house types, including those reliant on fossil fuel boilers for heating, who meet programme criteria.
In line with the Programme for Government commitments and following Government approval at Cabinet last month, I published a National Residential Retrofit Plan with an enhanced set of measures to increase delivery of home energy upgrades.
Grant supports under the part-funded schemes are available for installing heat pumps in place of fossil fuel heating systems. As part of the new measures, the Heat Pump System grant has been expanded for a possible total grant value of up to €12,500 (depending on the dwelling type). This includes a €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus grant for homeowners swapping out their existing oil/gas boiler, solid fuel heating system or electric storage heating system with a Heat Pump. More information can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/individual-grants/heat-pump-systems.
Under the fully-funded Warmer Homes Scheme the worst performing homes (BERs of E, F and G) are prioritised for upgrade works. For each eligible home, where a heating system upgrade is required under the Building Regulations where a major renovation is taking place, the SEAI will assess the suitability of the home for a heat pump, and other renewable heating technologies, which are compliant with the revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Under the EPBD, Member States cannot provide financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels. An unprecedented budget of €340 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 11,500 home upgrades.
Working in conjunction with the SEAI grants to support affordability, the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, with new lenders joining in 2025, is enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 2.99%.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place delivered through Local Authorities which may be of assistance. More information on these can be found on the Citizens Information website at: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing-grants-and-schemes/local-authority-housing-grants-and-supports/.
Departmental Staff
Questions (281)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:281. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of staff directly responsible for cybersecurity, as distinct from IT, within his Department; if a threat analyst, vulnerability manager and a cyber infrastructure engineer are employed; if not in-house, if this work is outsourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9425/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has a dedicated cybersecurity team with overall responsibility for cybersecurity risk, threat analysis, vulnerability management and cybersecurity infrastructure.
For operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate to disclose further details of my Department’s Cyber Security arrangements.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (282)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:282. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the extent to which his Department examines third party supply chain vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. [9443/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department assesses its cybersecurity risks in line with the NCSC Cyber Security Baseline Standards. These Standards cover the identification and mitigation of risks arising from third-party suppliers, ensuring that supply-chain vulnerabilities are examined as part of the Department’s overall cybersecurity approach.
With the forthcoming NIS2 legislation my Department is in the process of reviewing its current third-party risk management processes to ensure it meets new requirements within this legislation.
Departmental Data
Questions (283)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:283. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide a breakdown of national gas demand, by sector included from data centres for the years 2023 to 2025; if he will provide data on the changes in demand for each sector over the past two years; and his views on the implications of this demand for Ireland’s energy and climate goals. [9520/26]
View answerWritten answers
The figures of gas demand for power generation, residential and industrial & commercial are published on the Central Statistics Office website:
• Networked Gas Consumpsion 2024 - Central Statistics Office (www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ngc/networkedgasconsumption2024/) for 2024; and
• Networked Gas Consumption 2023 - Central Statistics Office (www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ngc/networkedgasconsumption2023/) for 2023.
The CSO are due to provide figures for 2025 in October 2026.
The Government is committed to meeting our climate goals and targets and ensuring we remain an attractive location for inward investment to provide jobs and prosperity. Natural gas is a vital transition fuel to provide back-up to intermittent renewable power generation technologies to provide the energy need of citizens and business.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (284, 293, 294, 299, 303)
Barry Heneghan
Question:284. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether grid congestion, delays in renewable energy connections and gaps in offshore wind infrastructure delivery have been assessed in terms of their impact on electricity costs for households and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9563/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:293. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total public and consumer costs arising from electricity system constraints in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9705/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:294. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the cost to consumers of delayed renewable deployment has been compared with the cost of accelerating grid, storage and renewable infrastructure investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9707/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:299. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the cost of delayed renewable deployment and electricity grid reinforcement has been assessed in terms of impacts on wholesale electricity prices and consumer bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9720/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:303. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated financial cost of electricity grid congestion and delayed renewable connections to the State, consumers and businesses in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9749/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284, 293, 294, 299 and 303 together.
EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for the management of dispatch down and any associated compensatory payments. EirGrid is independent of me, as Minister, in such matters and operates under the supervision of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas. The CRU has responsibility for, inter alia, the regulation of the electricity market and the economic regulation of the Electricity System Operators, including EirGrid. The legislative framework for dispatch down comes from European law, specifically Article 13(7) of the Electricity Regulation 943/2019.
Issues regarding the operation and development of, and connection to, the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks (ESBN). EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESBN, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network, both of which make up the electricity grid.
The pathway to connection to the electricity grid is dependent on the nature and scale of the project seeking connection. The management of, and matters related to, connections to the electricity grid are matters for ESBN and EirGrid respectively, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). I am advised that connection applications are dealt with on sequential first come first served basis.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with EirGrid and ESB Networks in this matter. EirGrid and ESB Networks have dedicated email addresses for queries from Oireachtas Members, oireachtas@eirgrid.ie and oireachtas@esb.ie.
As regards accelerating renewable generation, storage and infrastructure please note that cross Government work is ongoing to accelerate critical infrastructure. My Department is either leading on or part of numerous taskforces focused on delivering critical infrastructure for our citizens including the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce and the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
Environmental Policy
Questions (285, 286, 287)
Barry Heneghan
Question:285. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reasons the sectoral emissions ceilings for the period 2026 to 2030 have not yet been finalised, notwithstanding the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021; when these ceilings are expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9571/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:286. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has assessed the impact of delays in finalising sectoral emissions ceilings on sectoral planning, infrastructure investment decisions and project delivery across the energy, transport and housing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9572/26]
View answerBarry Heneghan
Question:287. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has examined the implications of delayed sectoral emissions ceilings and delivery pathways for Ireland’s ability to meet its legally binding 2030 emissions reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 286 and 287 together.
This Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day, and the rollout of retrofitting, renewable energy deployment, and more affordable electric vehicles continues at pace.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years, which is notable given concurrent demographic and economic growth including an increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030 and we are now prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity. This Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in Grid for the period 2026 – 2030 which is fundamental to the electrification of homes, businesses and transport. The 2025 ZEVI target for electrical vehicle sales of 195,000 was surpassed in October 2025 and I have just announced an unprecedented package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners across the country who are looking to benefit from home energy upgrades under the National Residential Retrofit Plan.
Following the process set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended), Sectoral Emissions Ceilings (SECs) for the periods 2021 to 2025 and 2026 to 2030 were agreed by Government on 28 July 2022 and have been published on the Government’s website. These SECs were developed on the basis of the first carbon budget programme.
Any revisions to the current SECs will need to be carried out in the context of the next carbon budget programme. The Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy has undertaken detailed scrutiny on the Climate Change Advisory Council’s proposals for this second carbon budget programme. Due to delays in the formation of new Oireachtas Committees in 2025, the work of the Joint Committee, and the delivery of its report, took place later than expected.
This Report, delivered in October of last year, outlines 38 comprehensive recommendations spanning multiple sectors including electricity, transport, just transition, buildings, and agriculture, extending beyond the proposals themselves.
The carbon budgets have very significant implications for our economy and society and, therefore, require careful consideration. They need to be considered in the context of ensuring that affordability, competitiveness and energy security are paramount, particularly given the fast-paced evolving international geo-political landscape. I expect to bring forward proposals for same to Government shortly and will examine any necessary revisions to the SECs thereafter.
Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 285.
Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 285.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (288)
Barry Heneghan
Question:288. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether regulatory or policy restrictions on private wire electricity connections have been assessed in terms of their impact on renewable energy deployment, including direct connections between generation and nearby demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9576/26]
View answerWritten answers
Having received Government approval for the Private Wires General Scheme on the 16 December 2025, my Department has commenced the drafting process. It is a commitment within the Programme for Government to expedite delivery of Private Wires legislation.
The private wires policy aims to unlock private sector resources to build new electricity infrastructure by expanding the rights of private undertakings to connect supply directly with demand. The intention is that private wires will accelerate investment in new electricity infrastructure, including renewable generation and storage, in a manner consistent with the guiding principles of private wire policy and the general scheme.
This Government recognises the vital importance of transitioning to a climate neutral and environmentally sustainable economy. I also acknowledge that this transition must be contextualised within Ireland’s broader energy security priorities. It is envisaged that private wires will contribute to these climate and energy goals while simultaneously attracting investment in our domestic economy.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (289)
Barry Heneghan
Question:289. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether limitations on private wire connections for large energy users have been assessed in terms of their effect on sourcing electricity directly from new renewable projects and the resulting demand placed on the public electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9578/26]
View answerWritten answers
Having received Government approval for the Private Wires General Scheme on 16 December 2025, my Department has commenced the drafting process of the Private Wires Bill. It is a commitment within the Programme for Government to expedite delivery of Private Wires legislation.
The Policy Statement published last July and the General Scheme have been informed by public consultation and further industry engagement. The General Scheme provides for private electricity wires in four specific circumstances. It is not envisaged at this time that there will be limitations on private wire connections for large energy users, other than adhering to the criteria outlined in the General Scheme. The intention is to unlock private investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and storage.
As the Bill is being progressed, my Department will continue to work closely with the CRU and system operators EirGrid and ESB Networks to ensure private wires are regulated to high safety and technical standards and do not interfere with the efficient development of the national transmission and distribution grid.
This Government recognises the vital importance of transitioning to a climate neutral and environmentally sustainable economy. I also acknowledge that this transition must be contextualised within Ireland’s broader energy security priorities. It is envisaged that private wires will contribute to these climate and energy goals while simultaneously attracting investment in our domestic economy.
Electricity Grid
Questions (290)
Barry Heneghan
Question:290. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the adequacy of long duration electricity storage capacity has been assessed in the context of renewable curtailment, grid constraints and system security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9579/26]
View answerWritten answers
Grid scale electricity storage systems including battery electricity storage systems play a vital role in Ireland's energy transition by maximising the incorporation of renewable generated electricity, providing targeted demand flexibility to the grid, supporting grid build out and ensuring the proper functioning of the grid through system services.
As of November 2025, the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, report that electricity storage systems with the capacity of 1,048 MW (megawatts) are connected to the grid network. One pumped hydro storage facility, Turlough Hill Co Wicklow, accounts for 292 MW of this capacity with the remaining 756 MW provided by Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (S-BESS).
In support of Electricity Storage Systems, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland in July 2024 which included 10 Government actions.
Action 6 of the policy framework supports the immediate procurement of 500 MW of Demand Flexibility Products by ESB Networks and 500 MW of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) by EirGrid to meet specific network needs.
The first round of the ESB Networks Demand Flexibility Product, contracting 109MW of flexible capacity across 16 locations on to the distribution grid, is now live.
The EirGrid Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) product will incorporate electricity storage technologies with a minimum duration of 4 hours. The first contracts are expected to be signed in 2027, with the assets delivered by end of 2030. The delivery of further LDES capacity is key part of Ireland's energy transition.
Fishing Industry
Questions (291)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:291. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the proposed Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations for 2026 will alter the licence conditions applicable to traditionally licensed draft-net fishermen; whether such licence holders will be permitted to operate on the same basis as in the 2025 season; the consultation that has taken place with affected net-fishing licence holders in advance of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9668/26]
View answerWritten answers
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations were published for public consultation in November 2025. The Department received a significant response to this consultation, with 326 submissions being received from a range of stakeholders, including commercial licence holders. Last week I announced a second public consultation on the draft Regulations, providing stakeholders with a further opportunity to share their views before the regulations are finalised.
While the draft Regulations do not regulate licensing conditions for commercial salmon fishing, they do set out the proposed conservation measures, including the classification of rivers as open, open for catch and release or closed, and associated controls which impact commercial fishing.
Schedule 2 of the draft Regulations includes the proposed catch options and quotas on a river-by-river basis. The split in quota between the angling and commercial net fishing sectors will be informed by the relevant Fishery District Committee, which comprises representatives from commercial fishermen, salmon anglers, rated occupiers and an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
It is also proposed that the commercial fishing season is realigned to commence from 1 June and ending on 31 July in the interest of conserving spring fish (i.e. 2 Sea Winter and Multi Sea Winter fish) during their most vulnerable and biologically important period and to increase their chances of successfully reaching spawning grounds.
I would encourage all commercial licence holders to make a submission in response to the public consultation, so that any concerns may be taken into consideration before the Regulations are finalised.
Electricity Grid
Questions (292)
Barry Heneghan
Question:292. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the projected electricity demand, by sector to 2030 and the assumptions underpinning these projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9703/26]
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The forecasts of projected electricity demand are produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are not a matter in which I, as Minister, have a function. The Deputy may find the report below of interest and may wish to contact the SEAI for any underlying assumptions, revisions etc.
www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/National-Energy-Projections-Report-2025.pdf.
Furthermore, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.