Tuesday, 10 Feb 2026

Written Answers Nos. 1-175

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Climate Action Plan

Questions (44, 45)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

44. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach for an update on the first progress report of Climate Action Plan 2025. [5896/26]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

45. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach for an update on the first progress report of the Climate Action Plan. [5975/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

The Department of the Taoiseach tracks the delivery of actions committed to by Government Departments in the Climate Action Plan and publishes quarterly progress reports.

The progress report for Quarter 1 of the Climate Action Plan 2025 was published in July 2025.

The latest progress report was published last month and is available on my Department's website. It details progress made on actions due for delivery in Quarters 2 and 3 of 2025. The report also covers progress on actions delayed from Quarter 1 2025, as well as delayed actions from 2023 and 2024.

In total, 23 of the 39 new actions due to be completed during the two quarters were delivered on time. Of the 54 high impact actions delayed from 2023 and 2024, 10 were completed by the end of Q3 2025.

The progress report for the final quarter of 2025 is currently being compiled and will be published following consideration by the Government.

Questions Nos. 46 to 63, inclusive, resubmitted.

National Economic and Social Council

Questions (64)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

64. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach his assessment and response to the NESC report, 'Connecting People to the Energy Transition'. [5897/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland.

The NESC Report - Connecting People to the Energy Transition – was published and submitted to Government last August.

It examines how households can share in the economic, environmental and well-being benefits of the energy transition while protecting the most vulnerable from negative impacts.

In the report NESC outlines five areas of action:

Energy Affordability, Energy Poverty, Monitoring and Targeting;

Scaling Energy Efficiency and Clean Heat;

Helping Households Reap Electricity Benefits;

Place-Based Energy Resilience and Local Production; and

Strengthening Energy Connections.

The Council concludes that households and communities can potentially play a very significant and immediate role in making energy savings, generating renewable energy, and building energy resilience if enabled to do so.

Government is committed to building Ireland’s energy resilience and ending energy poverty:

• We are working at speed to rollout more renewable energy infrastructure (onshore and offshore wind and solar). This is already helping to bring down the cost of electricity and is the long-term solution to high energy bills.

• We are making it easier for people to improve their energy efficiency and produce their own energy with a range of grants to install solar PV on homes, businesses and farms, with Budget 2026 providing a record capital allocation of €558 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes

• And, we have established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.

National Economic and Social Council

Questions (65)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

65. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach his response to the recent NESC report, 'Building A Virtuous Demographic Cycle'. [5898/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland.

NESC Report 171, Building a Virtuous Demographic Cycle, was submitted to Government last December.

It examines the demographic changes occurring in Ireland, including the decline in the birth rate, the reduction in the number of children, the projected contraction of the workforce, and the ageing of the population.

It argues for a virtuous cycle which views demographic growth as an opportunity and invests accordingly, and that Ireland actively shapes demographic trends to the country’s advantage.

The Council identifies six key policy levers that Ireland can use to prepare for—and actively shape—demographic change:

• Fiscal Preparedness

• Strategic family support policies

• Pro-active migration and inclusive integration policies.

• Better work and increased participation

• Health care & healthy aging

• Balanced regional development

The Council’s report complements the Future Forty work by the Department of Finance and is very useful in highlighting the need and potential of shaping future demographic trends to Ireland’s advantage.

Questions Nos. 66 to 91, inclusive, resubmitted.

Disability Issues

Questions (92)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

92. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the first meeting of the Delivery and Monitoring Committee for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which he chaired on 8 December 2025. [5808/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Delivery and Monitoring Committee, which I chair, oversees implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. This strategy, published last September, is the Government’s plan to advance the realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with the goal of ensuring that disabled people are supported and empowered to live full lives of their own choosing.

The Delivery and Monitoring Committee is part of robust monitoring structures which have been established for the Strategy. These structures have been co-designed with stakeholders to ensure oversight and accountability and will involve disabled people centrally so that their voice can be heard.

The first meeting of the Delivery and Monitoring Committee took place on 8 December 2025. It was attended by government ministers responsible for delivering the strategy, including Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, and Minister of State for Disability, alongside representatives of Disabled Persons’ Organisations, and disability and civil society organisations.

To mark the inaugural meeting a number of additional Ministers attended including the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion; and Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy.

The first meeting of the Committee considered the First Programme Plan of Action for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. This plan, which covers the years 2025 and 2026, details initial measures that are to be taken in order to progress deliver of commitments made to ensure disabled people experience real progress in their everyday lives. Following consideration by the Committee, the Plan of Action was subsequently published.

The Committee will meet twice a year, and future meetings are expected to have a thematic focus on specific issues that will be identified with stakeholders in advance. The next meeting of the Committee has not yet been scheduled.

Questions Nos. 93 to 97, inclusive, resubmitted.

Departmental Reports

Questions (98)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

98. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on implementation of the well-being framework published by his Department. [5809/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Ireland’s Well-being Framework is a cross-Government initiative to measure progress and policy impact in Ireland in a more holistic way.

The Framework consists of 35 indictors grouped under 11 dimensions which reflect different aspects of well-being. It is supported by a dashboard, hosted by the Central Statistics Office which brings together all the Framework’s economic, social and environmental statistics in an integrated way.

Each year, ‘Understanding Life in Ireland’ is published, which assesses Ireland’s Well-being performance across these 35 indicators. An updated analysis will be published before the summer.

The 2025 assessment shows that Ireland’s overall performance is positive, in particular, in areas including work and job quality and our social connections and community.

Only two of the eleven dimensions, the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity dimension, and Mental and Physical Health dimension, showed a negative performance.

The analysis also highlights that there is more work to do. In particular, there are some groups in our society for whom progress is unequal across multiple areas of well-being, including: people with long-term illness or disability, single-parent households, unemployed people, younger people in the workforce, households with lower incomes, and households in rented accommodation.

To assist expenditure policy making, we continue to integrate the Framework into the Budgetary process. The Well-being Framework was featured at last year’s National Economic Dialogue and as part of the Summer Economic Statement.

The Well-being Framework was also part of the documents and analysis underpinning Budget 2026, this included:

• Analysis of the dashboard in Budget-day documentation, and,

• A paper showing how selected expenditure measures in Budget 2026 are enhancing well-being, published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

Departmental Reports

Questions (99)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

99. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the implementation of the Well-being Framework published by his Department. [6069/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

Ireland’s Well-being Framework is a cross-Government initiative to measure progress and policy impact in Ireland in a more holistic way.

The Framework consists of 35 indictors grouped under 11 dimensions which reflect different aspects of well-being. It is supported by a dashboard, hosted by the Central Statistics Office which brings together all the Framework’s economic, social and environmental statistics in an integrated way.

Each year, ‘Understanding Life in Ireland’ is published, which assesses Ireland’s Well-being performance across these 35 indicators. An updated analysis will be published before the summer.

The 2025 assessment shows that Ireland’s overall performance is positive, in particular, in areas including work and job quality and our social connections and community.

Only two of the eleven dimensions, the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity dimension, and Mental and Physical Health dimension, showed a negative performance.

The analysis also highlights that there is more work to do. In particular, there are some groups in our society for whom progress is unequal across multiple areas of well-being, including: people with long-term illness or disability, single-parent households, unemployed people, younger people in the workforce, households with lower incomes, and households in rented accommodation.

To assist expenditure policy making, we continue to integrate the Framework into the Budgetary process. The Well-being Framework was featured at last year’s National Economic Dialogue and as part of the Summer Economic Statement.

The Well-being Framework was also part of the documents and analysis underpinning Budget 2026, this included:

• Analysis of the dashboard in Budget-day documentation, and,

• A paper showing how selected expenditure measures in Budget 2026 are enhancing well-being, published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

Questions Nos. 100 to 102, inclusive, resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (103, 104, 105)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

103. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach for a report on his attendance at the European Council on 18-19 December. [74070/25]

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

104. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Taoiseach for a report on his attendance at the European Council on 18-19 December. [74072/25]

Shay Brennan

Question:

105. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach for a report on his attendance at the European Council on 18-19 December. [74074/25]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 104 and 105 together.

I attended a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 18 December. I also attended an EU–Western Balkans Summit the previous evening, 17 December.

At the European Council, Leaders discussed Ukraine; Middle East; the next Multi-annual Financial Framework or MFF; European security and defence; enlargement; migration; and geo-economy and competitiveness.

Other items covered included the pact for the Mediterranean; antisemitism, racism and xenophobia; and disinformation.

On Ukraine, we agreed to provide a loan of €90 billion for 2026-27 to Ukraine. As not all Member State wished to participate, 24 of us will proceed by way of enhanced cooperation.

On the Middle East, we welcomed adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2803 and called for its full implementation.

On Security and Defence, we called for efforts to strengthen EU resilience and protect critical infrastructure to be accelerated.

On the MFF, we called for work to continue with a view to a timely agreement. Agreement before the end of 2025 would allow for adoption of legislative acts in 2027. We will aim to facilitate this work during our Presidency in the second half of the year. For my part, I set out Ireland’s priorities including a fully-funded, ring-fenced CAP and CFP.

Questions Nos. 106 and 107 resubmitted.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (108, 109)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

108. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2025-2028. [74527/25]

John Connolly

Question:

109. Deputy John Connolly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his Department’s Statement of Strategy for 2025-2028. [74528/25]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

The Department of the Taoiseach's Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 was approved by Government on 7 October 2025 and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 10 December 2025.

The Statement of Strategy outlines the Department’s vision, mission, values, core responsibilities and key activities, and policy priorities over the period 2025 – 2028.

The core responsibilities and key activities of the Department encompass:

• Executive Leadership and Government Coordination;

• Legislative, Parliamentary and Constitutional Duties;

• Policy Coherence and Whole-of-Government Perspective;

• State Protocol and Commemorations;

• Public Communications and Information, Emergency Management and Civic Engagement; and

• Civil/Public Service Leadership and Renewal.

Supporting the implementation of the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future – is at the core of the Department's mission.

The policy priorities outlined in the Statement of Strategy – which align with the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – are as follows:

• Children and Education;

• Disability;

• Health;

• Justice, Migration and Social Affairs;

• Economy, Trade and Competitiveness;

• Housing;

• Infrastructure;

• Climate Action, Environment and Energy;

• Water Quality;

• EU and International Affairs;

• Northern Ireland; and

• National Security.

The Strategy sets out how the Department will progress work in all the above areas, including through the Cabinet Committee structure and its related Senior Officials’ Groups.

The Department's Annual Reports (2025 - 2028) will provide a mechanism to report progress made on the policy priorities outlined in the Statement of Strategy.

The Statement of Strategy is published on gov.ie in English at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/organisation-information/department-of-taoiseach-statement-of-strategy/ and in Irish at www.gov.ie/ga/roinn-an-taoisigh/eolas-eagraiochta/department-of-taoiseach-statement-of-strategy/ .

Questions Nos.110 and 111 resubmitted.

Official Travel

Questions (112, 113)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

112. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to China on 4 to 8 January 2026. [1108/26]

Martin Daly

Question:

113. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit to China. [3769/26]

Written answers

Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.

I travelled to China from 4 to 8 January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai.

In Beijing I met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji. We discussed Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China, including our important economic and trading relationship; EU-China relations, including Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026; and shared global challenges, including conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere. I stressed the importance of an effective international rules-based order, and the need to strengthen human rights and international law. I also raised the question of access for Irish beef to the Chinese market. In Shanghai I met with Mayor Gong Zheng. Our discussions included the links between Cork and Shanghai which recently celebrated 20 years of being twinned. During my visit, I also met with Irish and Chinese business leaders in a variety of sectors including financial services, tourism, food and beverages and education.

Further information being processed for publication.

Question No. 114 resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (115, 116, 117, 118)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

115. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [3770/26]

Tom Brabazon

Question:

116. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [3772/26]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

117. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [3783/26]

Catherine Ardagh

Question:

118. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [3790/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116, 117 and 118 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs oversees the implementation of Programme for Government commitments that are in relation to matters under those areas.

It was established in February 2025 following the appointment of the new Government in January. Its first meeting was on 10th April 2025 and met most recently on February 9th 2026. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in due course.

The Cabinet Committee covers a range of policy areas, including Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, policing and justice reform, migration and initiatives tackling local area disadvantage.

Amongst other items, it also oversees the development and delivery of the whole of Government response to migration and integration, including through a National Migration and Integration Strategy.

In addition to meetings of the Cabinet Committee, I have regular engagements with Ministers at Cabinet and individually to discuss issues relating to their Departments.

Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, resubmitted.

Child Poverty

Questions (122)

Rory Hearne

Question:

122. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty. [6126/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office was established in the Department of the Taoiseach in 2023 to prioritise action across government in areas that will have the greatest impact for children and families experiencing poverty. The Programme Office was retained in the Programme for Government to continue the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.

Published in 2023, the Programme Office’s initial Programme Plan, From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025, builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.

These focus areas are:

• Income assistance and joblessness;

• Early learning and childcare;

• Reducing the cost of education;

• Family homelessness;

• Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;

• Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.

The Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives published in early 2025, provided updates for the focus areas, acknowledged challenges and highlighted emerging lessons and priorities. The report also highlighted that the Programme Office has strengthened the cross-government focus on addressing child poverty. A copy of the report can be found on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/progress-report/.

The next multi-annual Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Plan and the second Progress Report are currently under development and will be published in the coming months.

Annual Summit and Cross Government Network

Last September, I hosted the Programme Office’s second annual summit on child poverty and well-being in the Aviva Stadium.

The Summit brought together leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and change-makers from across sectors to explore how we can drive systemic change that delivers results for children.

It highlighted collaborative approaches, examined what is working, and surfaced bold ideas that are needed to address the structural barriers that keep children and families in poverty.

Children’s participation was an integral part of the day and included an art exhibition, a specially written musical performance from Jimmy Maguire of Music Generation, and engagement with our Youth Advisory Group on Child Poverty and Well-being.

The discussions and outcomes from the Summit will feed directly into the development of the Office’s second Programme Plan.

A report on the Second Annual Child Poverty and Well-being Summit was published in December and is available on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/summit-2025/#summit-report.

To deepen cross government coordination, the Office established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. To date, there have been six meetings of the Cross Government Network. At the sixth meeting of the Cross-Government Network (CGN), space was created for practical exploration of how a more creative, ambitious, and responsive public sector can better support children and families through Action Learning Sets.

The results of this session will be explored at the next Cross-Government Network which will take place in Q1 2026.

The new Child Poverty Target

In September 2025, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, the Government agreed a new Child Poverty Target - to reduce the child consistent poverty rate to 3% or less by the end of 2030. This target is ambitious, representing a reduction of 5.5 percentage points, or nearly 60%, from the current rate of 8.5%.

While consistent poverty is a very important metric, it is not the only way we have of measuring how children are doing.

Given the multi-faceted nature of child poverty, both targeted income measures, and non-income measures, such as housing, education, childcare and health services, are key in reducing child poverty, as well as high quality and sustainable employment.

To support a multi-dimensional view of child poverty, the Programme Office on Child Poverty and Well-Being is compiling a Dashboard of Indicators that will be used alongside the new Child Poverty Target.

Budget 2026

An important strategic initiative of the Programme Office on Child Poverty and Well-being is the cross-government focus on child poverty and well-being in the annual Budget.

On 30 December, I published Breaking the Cycle: New Measures in Budget 2026 to Address Child Poverty and Promote Well-being. This is the third cross-government report on child poverty spending in the annual Budget – and the first Budget of this Government’s term.

Budget 2026 moves away from cost-of-living payments towards permanent targeted payments to support those most vulnerable. A €320 million social welfare package for children includes the largest increase ever in the Child Support Payment, increased income thresholds for the Working Family Payment, and the extension of Fuel Allowance to those on the Working Family Payment. Other new or enhanced allocations in Budget 2026 to address child poverty through provision of services include:

• An additional €5.14 million for Equal Start - a 30% increase from the 2025 allocation

• An additional €16.5m (€48 million full year cost) to the Department of Education and Youth to implement a new DEIS Strategy and the new DEIS Plus scheme

• A 22% increase of €7.3m for Youth Justice supports

• €3.2m of additional funding to expand and strengthen the national network of Family Resource Centres, with the addition of ten new centres, bringing the national total to 136, and

• Expansion of the income thresholds for the National Childcare Scheme, which will reduce the costs of childcare for lower-income families.

Analysis from the Economic and Social Research Institute shows that the permanent measures taken in Budget 2026 are progressive and prioritise protecting the incomes of the poorest families.

This targeted approach is a strategic decision by Government to close the gap for children and families most at risk in our society. The 2026 Budget report is available on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/annual-budget/#budget-2026-report.

Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan

The Government’s new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face and introduces a number of key measures to address homelessness.

One such measure relates to the development of a dedicated cross-Departmental and agency led Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan.

Given the importance of this issue for child poverty and child well-being, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together on this Plan, supported by relevant Government departments and State bodies.

Questions Nos. 123 to 131, inclusive, resubmitted.

Disability Issues

Questions (127, 128)

Martin Daly

Question:

127. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the 'Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability' report recently published by his Department. [3768/26]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

128. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the' Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability' report recently published by his Department. [3771/26]

Written answers

Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

The Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability report was published by my Department in December 2025. This is the first Budget spotlight report prepared by the Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, established to bring a renewed focus, urgency and weight to disability issues.

Drawing on inputs received from Government Departments, the report outlines new or enhanced disability-related measures introduced in Budget 2026 that will support the implementation of the Government’s overarching strategy for disability, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

The report finds that Budget 2026 had a particularly strong focus on investment in both disability and mainstream services. A record €3.8 billion allocation to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for specialist disability services represents a 20% increase in funding for disability services, which will improve both sustainability of the sector and delivery of disability services for children and adults.

The increased investment will, amongst other outcomes, expand access to respite services for families, provide new places in day services, and enhance therapy services and other specialised supports through local Children’s Disability Network Teams.

Special education also saw record investment under Budget 2026, totalling €3 billion, which will see an additional 860 special education teachers appointed along with over 1,700 Special Needs Assistants.

Other initiatives outlined in the report include increased investment in housing adaptation grants and in the public transport retrofit programme, along with enhanced supports for employers for the employment of disabled people.

In addition, Budget 2026 also contained targeted and mainstream social protection measures which will support households with disabilities, including increases in weekly rates, expansion of eligibility to schemes, and amendments to income disregards for carers.

Budget 2026 is a first step in the Government’s ambition to deliver the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. I believe we have made a strong start in year 1 of our programme of work and investment. Future budgets are expected to build on this progress to ensure disabled people are supported, empowered, and enabled to fully participate in their communities and society.

Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, resubmitted.

World Economic Forum

Questions (132, 133, 134, 135)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

132. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. [6111/26]

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

133. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at World Economic Forum in Davos. [6112/26]

Shay Brennan

Question:

134. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. [6113/26]

Tony McCormack

Question:

135. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at World Economic Forum in Davos. [6114/26]

Written answers

Taoiseach (Deputy Micheál Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133, 134 and 135 together.

I attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos from 21-22 January. During my visit, I met with international and political leaders including Prime Minister Mustafa of Palestine who updated me on progress on the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and the difficult situation in Gaza and the West Bank. I also met senior representatives of multinational companies with operations in Ireland, including Meta, Apple, AstraZeneca, and Microsoft. I received updates on the progress of these companies with their respective Irish operations, and their future development plans. I gave an address at the annual IDA Ireland dinner to business leaders from various sectors, including manufacturing, chemical, technology, and finance. I also participated in a public panel on European growth and competitiveness which addressed economic challenges and opportunities for Europe.

Further information being processed for publication.

Questions Nos. 133 to 135, inclusive, answered with Question No. 132.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (136)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

136. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore energy clearing house. [6127/26]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I established the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House in September 2025. It is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and is composed of representatives of the Offshore Wind Energy Sector and the Secretaries General of those Government Departments that have a role in the successful deployment of offshore wind energy. It has met on two occasions and will meet again later this month.

Its objective is to seek to resolve identified impediments to the timely delivery of offshore renewable energy through providing attention at the centre of Government. It invites the heads of relevant public sector bodies to meetings to discuss relevant issues. The Clearing House supports and reinforces the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, especially where issues cannot be resolved at Taskforce level.

Questions Nos. 137 to 155 resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 156 to 168, inclusive, answered orally.

World Bank

Questions (169)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

169. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason former Minister for Finance chose to pledge €141.1million to the World Bank in 2025, €10 million more than the World Bank requested, given that the Department’s business case stated that the lower amount of €131.4 million was ‘in keeping with Ireland’s International development policy’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10051/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

Deputy from the outset let me say that for transparency, and to guide donor countries, the International Development Association (IDA) provided an illustrative contribution key for each donor to help secure the aggregate collective goal. These potential contributions developed by IDA are indicative, non-binding and do not constitute a request, per se. It is open to donors to opt for any, or none, of these potential indicative contributions, depending on their strategic objectives and financial situation.

As the deputy is aware, International Development Association (IDA), one of five organisations in the World Bank Group, provides funding for the poorest people in the world’s poorest regions. It currently works with over seventy countries, thirty-nine of which are in Africa and is the single largest donor for basic infrastructure and social services in these countries.

Since we joined in 1961, Ireland has been a long-standing and strong supporter of IDA which remains one of the most effective ways to deliver on Ireland’s global development priorities, uphold our commitment to multilateralism, and ensure that Irish resources generate real impact in the areas of greatest need.

IDA is well aligned with Global Ireland 2025, the Government’s strategy for doubling the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint and influence by 2025, recognised that international development cooperation amplifies, and sustains, Ireland’s place in an increasingly inter-connected world.

IDA is also well aligned with A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development which commits to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGG), and in particular on reaching those furthest behind first.

Ireland’s contributions to IDA contribute towards our Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and, assist Ireland to deliver on the United Nations target of allocating 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) for ODA by 2030.

Amongst the projects which Ireland's contributions have contributed to are relief efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, in Sri Lanka, ongoing efforts by the Zambian Government's to address climate change and promote climate-resilient livelihoods and support green jobs in priority sectors, this funding is also vital to bringing clean and reliable electricity to nearly six million people in Ethiopia.

IDA is funded by member countries who are asked, usually on a three-year cycle, to make contributions to fully refresh its resources for the next three-year operating period. This is done under a negotiation process denoted as an IDA replenishment. Negotiations on the twenty-first IDA replenishment, IDA21, concluded in early-2025. This Replenishment covers a three-year period, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.

Based on likely support from donor countries, there was a consensus that an overall IDA21 package of $104.5 billion (c. €100 billion) was a realistically attainable collective goal. Donor country pledges of approximately $26.5 billion would be required to achieve this.

The Department of Finance prepared a detailed Business Case on a contribution to the IDA21 Replenishment, as required under the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation’s guidelines for public expenditure above €100 million. The Business Case concluded that a contribution of either €131.4 million or €141.4 million could be considered appropriate for Ireland, and in keeping with current budgetary policy, while meeting strategic objectives for Ireland’s international development policy.

While officials formally recommended that the Minister approve a contribution of €141.4 million, it was also noted that it was open to the Minister to consider a higher contribution of €150 million given the global uncertainty in relation to Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and support for IDA as a result of positions taken by international partners during early-2025. The Minister disagreed with this suggestion, and he did not demur from the recommended €141.4 million contribution.

It is important to note that Ireland is not an outlier in the IDA21 replenishment.

Of all the twenty-three EU Member States that contributed to the IDA21 Replenishment, the average increase in contributions from them over IDA20 levels is 34% in Currency of Commitment (primarily EUR) or 24% in USD terms.

The figures for Ireland are 1 percentage point and 2 percentage points below the average respectively, at 33% and 22%.

Derelict Sites

Questions (170)

Thomas Gould

Question:

170. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he has met with the Revenue Commissioners to discuss the proposed derelict sites charge. [10022/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

In Budget 2026, it was announced that a new Derelict Property Tax (DPT) would be introduced. The aim of this tax is to encourage the activation of derelict properties. It will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.

I have spoken to the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners on this matter and officials in my Department are engaging on an ongoing basis with Revenue on the design of this new tax. My officials are also engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the existing levy and the key role of local authorities, which will be crucial to the effective implementation of the new tax.

I intend to legislate for the new tax as part of Finance Bill 2026. There is much detail to be worked through in relation to the operation of the tax. The anticipated timeline is dependent on engagement between key stakeholders and readiness for change. It may also be influenced by any advice I receive from the Attorney General.

In order for the tax to be effective, it must apply in a consistent manner to all residential properties that are derelict. I am informed, by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, that local authorities need time and resources to identify properties in their areas so that preliminary registers of dereliction can be published in 2027. In parallel, Revenue will develop a new ICT system for this tax and the Derelict Property Tax will be implemented as soon as possible after the preliminary registers are published.

I want to assure the Deputy that there will be no delay in these matters, as we are agreed on both the need and intent behind introducing this new tax.

Once the Derelict Property Tax is operational, I am confident this will incentivise owners of derelict properties to take action to bring these homes back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock.

It is important that the Deputy does not see this tax in isolation as considerable work is already underway to end dereliction and vacancy.

Under the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, measures such as the Above the Shop grant and an Expert Advice Grant to support bringing vacant upper floors into use as homes will also be effective.

The expanded Living City Initiative which my Department is leading on as well as greater use of CPO powers by local authorities will also assist in tackling long term vacancy and dereliction.

Some key areas of progress in the past year include

• Successful delivery of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, through the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. To end of 2025, there were 4,500 grants issued, amounting to €247 million paid out to support people bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes.

• The €150 million Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which has been made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties and sites for re-use or sale. More than 1,300 vacant and derelict properties have now been identified and approved under Call 3 of the Fund, with an estimated residential yield of over 5,000 homes by 2030.

It is clear from this that across the country, cities and towns are being revitalised and vacancy levels are declining as more and more empty properties are being brought back into use as home.

The introduction of the new Derelict Property Tax (DPT) will be a further important measure to encourage the activation of derelict properties.

Economic Policy

Questions (171)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

171. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on his Department’s commitment to establish a savings and investments forum. [9548/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

Ireland hosts a thriving international financial services industry; we are a global centre of excellence with a key role as a gateway to the EU for asset managers and a distribution centre for funds worldwide. The latest estimate from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland indicate that just over 60,000 are directly employed in the international financial services sector. Furthermore, in terms of those working in the financial services industry (domestically and internationally focused) in Ireland, there are over 120,000 people employed, and these jobs are regionally spread throughout the country, employing highly skilled workers in almost every county.

The Funds Review 2030 was published in October 2024. The review identified forty-two recommendations to continue to grow this important sector of our economy. Number twenty-one on the list of recommendations was that an annual savings and investment forum should be established.

The Savings and Investment Forum will be led by the Department of Finance with support from the Central Bank of Ireland and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. It is anticipated that the attendees will be a mix of asset managers, wealth managers, financial planners, digital platforms, banks, insurance firms and pension firms, as well as Government and regulatory officials. The forum will provide the opportunity to discuss the current investment landscape in Ireland. My officials are currently finalising plans to host the first meeting of the forum, and I hope to announce a date for the event shortly with invites to be issued thereafter.

This Government is committed to ensuring the engagement with industry continues from the Funds Review. The new Savings and Investment Forum will meet annually and include engagement with all firms offering different forms of savings and investments. This will help us to formulate policy in the future to deepen our capital markets but more importantly to benefit Irish savers throughout their lifetimes.

Banking Sector

Questions (172)

Paul Lawless

Question:

172. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to increase competition in the retail banking sector following the withdrawal of several major banking institutions in recent years; the steps he is taking to ensure consumers, particularly in rural areas, have adequate access to banking services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Retail Banking Review, which was published in November 2022, considered competition in the market.

While there had been increased concentration in the market following the exits of Ulster Bank and KBC, the review found that sufficient competition would remain in the short to medium term, subject to continued strong regulatory oversight.

Since the publication of the review, new entrants into the market have included Avant Money, an Irish branch of Bankinter, and Monzo Bank, which was recently granted a full banking licence in Ireland.

In addition, recent changes to the Credit Union Act should help to allow that sector to play a greater role in the provision of retail banking products and services.

One very important Government commitment was to engage with the Central Bank to review credit union lending limits. This work has been completed and revised lending limits are now in place.

The amending regulations commenced in September of last year, permitting the sector to advance up to €6.6 billion in house lending and €3.3 billion in business lending.

This is a significant increase from the previously permitted lending limit of €2.9 billion.

The amendment of these regulations reflects the competence and capability of credit unions to grow their respective loan books in a prudent manner, and to futureproof their offering to support homeowners and businesses.

It will also allow credit unions to compete more effectively in the mortgage and business lending market.

Following a recommendation in the Retail Banking Review, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Central Bank of Ireland entered into a revised cooperation agreement in March 2025. This enhanced coordination allows for the sharing of perspectives, information, and experience on the orderly functioning of markets, consumer protection, and competition in the retail banking sector.

On foot of further recommendations in the Retail Banking Review, legislation was enacted last year to safeguard access to cash and help prevent financial exclusion, particularly for vulnerable consumers and those with limited digital access.

Criteria have now been set to ensure that, on a regional level, the provision of ATMs and cash service points ensures sufficient and effective access to cash. A cash service point is a designated, staffed location – typically a bank branch or post office.

The criteria range by region from 96% to 99% of the population being within 10km of an ATM; from 70 to 98 ATMs per 100,000 people; and from 99% to 99.7% of the population within 10km of a cash service point.

The Central Bank is also actively engaging with key stakeholder groups in relation to the implementation of the local deficiency guidelines and requirements for ATM operators. An open public consultation process is underway and will run until 4 March. This gives members of the public and interested stakeholders the opportunity to provide their feedback on the Central Bank's proposals.

The Central Bank is responsible for monitoring compliance by designated entities with the criteria.

As the Deputy will be aware Ireland will take over the rotating EU Presidency in the second half of this year. From the outset, Ireland has been a strong supporter of the Savings and Investment Union and this it will be a key priority for me during our term of the Presidency. In doing so, we will also create more opportunities for Irish savers.

Economic Policy

Questions (173)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Question:

173. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of individual savings accounts, similar to those already underway in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10081/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The EU Savings and Investments Union aims to create better financial opportunities across the EU, providing people with more opportunities to invest and provide for their current and future prosperity. The project also aims to deepen the pools of capital available for investment in businesses across Europe, grow the European economy and benefit our strategic objectives. In March last year, the European Commission launched the SIU Strategy, which included a number of measures to advance the Capital Markets Union project. In September 2025, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation on increasing the availability of Savings and Investment Accounts in Member States and this included an outline of their key characteristics.

Ireland is committed to support initiatives that enhance retail investor participation in capital markets. As such, I strongly welcome the publication of this Recommendation. Savings and Investment Accounts (SIA) can offer a user-friendly account that will empower citizens to make informed decisions, strengthen investment culture across the EU and support citizens to prepare for big life events. While Ireland does not have a specific investment account for retail investors at present, the tax treatment of retail investments was considered as part of a broader review into the funds and asset management sector in Ireland, which culminated in the ‘Funds Sector 2030’ report that was published in October 2024.

In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, Finance Bill 2025 provided for a reduction in the rate of taxation on returns from Irish and equivalent investment funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance policies from 41% to 38%.

As part of Budget 2026, the government announced its intention to publish a roadmap in 2026, setting out the intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment in future Finance Bills. The roadmap will take into consideration developments at EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union, including the Recommendation on the availability of Saving and Investment Accounts and draw upon best practice in other countries who operate successful savings accounts. I look forward to receiving proposals on this shortly.

I am also acutely aware that part of the reason why retail participation in markets is limited, while at the same time Ireland is currently ranked as one of the top EU Member States in terms of savings held in deposit accounts, is owing to a lack of awareness of these products and in some cases the complexity of some of the products can also dissuade retail consumers. As such it will be a priority of the government to promote financial literacy and widen retail investment across the country. This will assist in ensuring savings could be invested for the benefit of individuals as well as the European economy.

Financial literacy is an essential life skill and important component of financial consumer protection. Ireland last February launched Ireland’s first National Financial Literacy Strategy. In this regard, Ireland welcomes the Commission’s financial literacy strategy, which will aim to empower citizens, raise awareness and increase their participation in capital markets, creating a more “investment savvy” culture.

As the deputy, will be aware Ireland assumes the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2026, with advancing the Savings and Investment Union (SIU) agenda as one of our key strategic priorities to drive European competitiveness, integration and growth.

These proposals, together with the roadmap which I have already mentioned will be key to providing Irish households with more and safer opportunities to invest in and increase the value of their savings.

Exchequer Savings

Questions (174)

John Lahart

Question:

174. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current value of the Future Ireland Fund; the current value of the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9542/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Future Ireland Fund (FIF) received Exchequer contributions of €4.1 billion in 2025, bringing the value of the Fund to approximately €12.7 billion as of 31 December 2025. The FIF is designed to serve as a long-term investment fund to support, in a consistent and sustainable manner, State expenditure from 2041 onwards. The Government has committed to the transfer of 0.8 percent of GDP, approximately €4.5 billion, this year following last year’s economic and fiscal assessment process.

This will help to deal with future recognised expenditure pressures including ageing, climate, digitalisation and other fiscal and economic challenges. It will support in a consistent and sustainable manner, State expenditure from 2041 onwards.

The Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) received Exchequer contributions of €2 billion in 2025, bringing the value of the ICNF to approximately €4.1 billion as of 31 December 2025. The ICNF’s purpose is to support State expenditure where there is a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State, and in the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects. An additional €2 billion is scheduled to be transferred by the Exchequer to the ICNF in 2026.

The January Exchequer returns published last week saw the first payments of the year into the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, with €1½ billion in ‘windfall’ receipts transferred.

It is estimated that the value of both Funds will reach approximately €46 billion by 2029 and over €55 billion in 2030 based on full contributions. This takes into account projected growth on investments of the Funds, as well as the expected drawdown of €3.15 billion from the ICNF for designated environmental projects between 2026 to 2030.

During 2025, both funds operated under interim investment strategies managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). Following the publication of the long-term strategies last month, the NTMA is now conducting the work involved in transitioning both funds from the interim investment strategies to their new long-term investment strategies.

Investment is in line with the long-term strategies being implemented on a phased basis over time, in order to manage the risk to public funds from potential short-term market volatility during the transition phase.

Question No. 175 answered orally.

• Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
• Written Answers Nos. 176-194