Written Answers Nos. 85-104
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the developments undertaken in his Department to progress the implementation of a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; his engagement with the Department of Transport in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10885/26]
View answer87. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on developments undertaken in his Department to progress the implementation of a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; his engagement with the Department of Transport in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10953/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 87 together.
The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.
The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.
Department of Finance officials have ongoing engagement with Department of Transport officials to discuss the review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme and the development of the new scheme by the Department of Transport.
As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.
Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.
This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.
86. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will intervene and come to the assistance of families who are finding it impossible to get home insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/26]
View answerAs Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, I have policy responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial services regulation, including for the insurance sector. The issue of homeowners who are unable to secure insurance is one the Government recognises as deeply challenging for affected households.
Insurance companies operate independently when determining the availability and pricing of their products, and neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland has the legal authority to compel insurers to offer cover for specific risks. These restrictions derive from the EU’s Solvency II Directive, which expressly prevents Member States from intervening in insurers’ pricing or underwriting decisions.
Insurers rely on their own claims’ histories, risk assessments, and cost projections when deciding whether to provide cover. Factors such as inflation in building materials and labour are also influencing premium levels across the sector. The Government is also taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to improving competition in the Irish insurance sector, through the efforts of the Office for the Promotion of Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM). The OPCIM continues to prioritise increased competition and capacity across the insurance sector and plays a key role in engaging with insurers, brokers and a wide range of sectoral representatives to address gaps in insurance availability and encourage new market entrants.
In the context of Storm Chandra and recent flooding events, I would like to acknowledge the serious damage caused, and the impact these events have had on families, communities, and businesses across Ireland.
A total of €1.3 billion has been committed to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2030. This will protect approximately 23,000 properties across various communities from river and coastal flood risk.
Where Government has invested in flood defences, industry should improve the level of cover in areas where flood defences exist. In order to address the issue of flood coverage levels in areas with demountable defences, continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders is key. Officials in my Department, the OPW and the Department of Housing Local Government; along with other stakeholders engage constructively with this process on how the levels of insurance cover might be improved in areas where flood defence works have been completed.
Homeowners having difficulty obtaining insurance, flood or otherwise, should note that assistance is available through Insurance Ireland’s Information Service and Brokers Ireland. Brokers Ireland has access to a wide range of providers and products and offers advice for customers in sourcing various types of cover. Additionally, Insurance Ireland operate an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints, or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance.
The Government is firmly committed to addressing the cost and availability of insurance, including home insurance, through its insurance reform agenda and will continue to engage with industry to encourage a responsive approach.
88. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost in 2026 of increasing the renter tax credit for the year 2026 by €250. [11049/26]
View answer89. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the rent tax credit with the credit equivalent to 8.3% of an individual's annual rent with a minimum credit of €1,250 and a maximum credit of €2,500, per year, clarifying both the full cost and the net cost if the Government has any funding allocated for rent relief in 2026. [11050/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The Rent Tax Credit (RTC) was introduced by the Finance Act 2022 and may be claimed by taxpayer units in respect of qualifying rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end of 2028. A taxpayer unit is either an individual with any personal status who is singly assessed or a couple in a marriage or civil partnership who have elected for joint assessment, in which case they are counted as one taxpayer unit.
The value of the credit for 2022 and 2023 was €500 for a singly assessed individual and €1,000 for a jointly assessed couple. For later years, the value of the credit increased to €1,000 for a singly assessed individual and €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple.
I am advised by Revenue that the estimated cost to the Exchequer of increasing the RTC, by €250 to €1,250 for a singly assessed person and by €500 to €2,500 for a jointly assessed couple, on a first and full year basis, is approximately €55m and €60m respectively. This cost is based on the current policy arrangements, where the tax credit is allowable at 20% of the rent paid, subject to the maximum credit values.
Further details in respect of the RTC, can be found at the following links:
• Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-11A - https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/ 15-01-11A.pdf
• Revenue website - https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-credit/index.aspx
90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost in 2026 of reversing the carbon tax increase in October 2025 and not proceeding with the increase in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11057/26]
View answer91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost in 2026 of reversing all the carbon tax increases since October 2024 and not proceeding with the increase in May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11058/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
The application of carbon tax to fossil fuels is provided for in three separate legislative frameworks. Carbon taxation of liquid fuels and vehicle gas is applied as a component of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT). Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT) applies to natural gas used for non-propellant purposes, such as domestic and industrial heating, and Solid Fuel Carbon Tax (SFCT) applies to coal and peat. Current and historical MOT, NGCT, and SFCT rates are published in Revenue’s Energy Products and Electricity Taxes Excise Duty Rates Tax and Duty Manual available at https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/excise/excise-duty-rates/energy-excise-duty-rates.pdf.
Legislation providing for annual carbon tax rate increases was introduced in Finance Act 2020. This fulfilled the 2020 Programme for Government commitment to increase the basis of carbon tax rates from €26 to €100 per tonne of carbon dioxide by 2030. Carbon tax rates on petrol and auto-diesel are legislated to increase at Budget time each October up to and including 2029. To allow for the passage of the winter heating season the increase on other fuels, such as heating kerosene, natural gas and coal, is delayed until 1 May annually up to 2030 when the final rate increase is legislated to occur. The additional revenue generated from increases in carbon tax rates since 2020 are used in targeted expenditure programmes.
Exclusive of VAT, each MOT carbon component rate increase has added 1.7 cent to a litre of petrol and approximately 2 cents per litre to auto-diesel, heating kerosene and marked gas oil. Each NGCT rate increase has added, exclusive of VAT, just under €15 annually to the average domestic gas bill, based on usage of 11,000 kilowatt hours. Annual SFCT rate increases have added, exclusive of VAT, just under 80 cents to the cost of a 40kg bag of coal.
I am advised by Revenue that the estimated costs in 2026 of reversing certain carbon tax increases are shown in the following table. This assumes the reversal of previous increases with effect from 1 March this year, that rate increases legislated to come into effect on 1 May 2026 would not proceed but that increases legislated for 14 October 2026 would be implemented.
|
Revert to rates pre |
Carbon Tax €m |
VAT €m |
Total €m |
|
8 Oct 2025 |
90 |
9 |
99 |
|
9 Oct 2024 |
191 |
19 |
210 |
92. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 20 January 2026, which provided data on passenger kilometres travelled for work-related travel by public servants, if data is available for the total number of individual journeys undertaken using private road vehicles for work-related purposes in the most recent year available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10522/26]
View answer93. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 20 January 2026, the average cost per kilometre to the Exchequer of work-related travel undertaken by public sector staff; the total aggregate cost of such mileage in the most recent year available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10523/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
In the case of my Department in 2025, the number of individual journeys using private vehicles was 980, the number of kilometres travelled was 194,063 and the total cost of the mileage was €108,205. The average cost per kilometre in 2025 was 56 cent.
94. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeframe for the Athlone flood alleviation scheme, including original planned completion date; revised expected completion date; and reasons for each delay to date. [10600/26]
View answer95. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current percentage of works completed on the Athlone scheme; and the expected dates for remaining elements. [10601/26]
View answer96. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the itemised cost breakdown of the Athlone flood alleviation scheme; to provide the original budget; current projected cost; the reasons for cost increases; and confirmation of whether cost overruns have impacted delivery timelines. [10602/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 95 and 96 together.
The Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is being led by Westmeath County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Construction of the Scheme is also being undertaken directly by the OPW. The overall scheme has eight individual flood cells and the work has been carried out on a cell by cell basis. The total number of properties to be protected by the scheme is 554.
Construction of the scheme commenced in 2017 on Flood Cell 6 (Iona) while the other flood cells were being progressed through the planning process with six of those flood cells receiving planning consent throughout 2017 and 2018. Defences are largely in place now in many areas of the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme with 99% overall of the flood defences constructed, and a number of the flood cell defences now complete. Re-instatement works are currently ongoing together with the completion of pumping station fit outs and the commissioning of the eight pumping stations. Five are now active and three are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of February 2026. Construction works in Flood Cell 1, Deerpark are well advanced following the granting of a compulsory purchase order, Works in Flood Cell 5, Marine View will be advanced subject to access agreements with the landowner concerned. It is anticipated the works undertaken to date in conjunction with the implementation of Westmeath County Council’s Emergency Response Plan would significantly reduce the risk to the town from flooding in the case of an extreme weather event.
The current estimate for the scheme to reach substantial completion is in Q3 2026 subject to progression of the works as programmed. This excludes Flood Cell 7, the River Al as an environmental impact assessment and planning consent is required before it can progress.
Delays to the scheme were incurred as a result of prolonged elevated water levels on the River Shannon and the introduction of high quality masonry finishes to the flood walls together with scope development during the construction phase. Co-ordination of flood alleviation works around the Main Drainage Scheme also resulted in numerous work fronts being rescheduled. Delays due to archaeological issues attributed to significant delay to works on Flood Cell 2, The Strand and Flood Cell 3, The Quay. Covid-19 dramatically impacted on works progress during 2020 and much of 2021 in terms of controls which affected efficiencies as well as lost time due to absences.
The budget for schemes is calculated at different stages of design, planning and pre construction. Given the staged approach by cell to this project, the projected budget has remained under review. To the end of 2025 some €31.5m has been spent on this project.
97. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Expenditure to provide a progress update on the Longford flood relief scheme, including stage of design or planning; the expected date for commencement of physical works; the projected completion date; and to provide an explanation if works have not yet commenced despite past flood events. [10604/26]
View answerThrough the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme, (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), in 2018. Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The CFRAM plans included a recommendation for a flood relief scheme at Longford Town which would involve construction of a 30m new flood defence wall and removal of the existing footbridge on the Camlin River upstream of the N63 Bridge, protecting 17 properties when completed.
A further Flood Relief Design Study for the Mall in Longford Town was completed in 2020, funded through the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This study recommended a series of flood relief measures including demountable barriers, maintenance and re-profiling of drainage ditches, a pumping system for surface water drainage network and building flood resilience measures.
Longford County Council in collaboration with the OPW are developing a consultant’s brief for the development, planning and design of the scheme. As part of the development of the consultant’s brief, the OPW are currently undertaking a review of the existing hydraulic modelling to further examine the flood risk on the Ardnacassagh Stream in Longford Town.
The review of the hydraulic modelling is scheduled to be complete in Q2 2026 and it is intended to procure a consultant in Q3 2026. Following this procurement process it is expected that a consultant could be appointed to the scheme in Q4 2026.
Once consultants are appointed consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme. Depending on the consultants programme it is envisioned that options for the scheme could be available by Q1 2028.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria and details for the scheme shortly, including an increase in the funding limits for each project from €750,000 to €2m.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €924,441 in funding under this scheme to Longford County Council for some 25 projects.
98. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for clarification whether minor flood mitigation works funded by OPW have been implemented in Longford town; and to provide details of such works, including locations and completion dates. [10605/26]
View answerCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out these works using their own resources. Longford County Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works, or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the scheme shortly.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €924,000 in funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to County Longford for some 25 projects. To date, the OPW has approved two Minor Works Projects for Longford town. In June 2018, the OPW approved €14,040 in funding for a study at The Mall, in Longford town. This study was completed in December 2019. In March 2021, the OPW approved €23,786 in funding to replace an existing road culvert and to raise the existing road levels at Farannyoogan, Longford Town. These works were completed in December 2021. The OPW welcomes applications for funding under the Minor Works scheme and is available to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
99. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group is engaging with Westmeath and Longford authorities to coordinate flood defence delivery and information flow to residents. [10606/26]
View answerThe Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by the Government in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce co-ordinated solutions that may have benefit in managing flood risk on the Shannon Catchment. The Group’s focus is the prioritisation of actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of flood relief schemes to provide flood protection for cities, towns and villages, either directly, or in association with relevant Local Authorities. Public consultation forms part of the design and planning stages of Flood Relief Scheme delivery. Updates on the schemes are available to the public at www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info/
In October 2025, I launched the Group’s website: www.rivershannongroup.ie. The website contains information for the public on the significant programme of flood relief schemes that the OPW is progressing in partnership with Local Authorities to protect communities in the Shannon Catchment. It also provides real time information on the management of water levels by ESB and Waterways Ireland. Minutes of the meetings of the Group and work plans can also be found on the website.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame and funding of 90 to 95% is available if depending on the nature of the application.
I remain fully committed to working with the Group and key stakeholders to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon.
100. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the specific projects under the National Development Plan that are currently behind schedule or over budget; the corrective actions being taken to ensure their timely delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10647/26]
View answerSecuring value for money is an ongoing priority for this Government and is at the heart of all decision making, at every stage of a policy, project or programme's lifecycle. Delivering value for money is about securing the efficient and effective use of public resources in the pursuit of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland.
It is the responsibility of each Minister and Department who spend public funds to ensure that they are achieving value for money, and it is a matter for each Accounting Officer to ensure that capital projects for which they have responsibility are managed and delivered effectively.
The Accounting Officer of each department must ensure that processes in place in their department/office/body (and associated agencies) are compliant with (i) the Infrastructure Guidelines, (ii) the management of capital budgets overall, and (iii) the management of budgets at an individual project level.
My own Department has a relatively limited capital budget and there are currently no projects behind schedule or over budget.
My Department is also responsible for the Infrastructure Guidelines. These set out guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget. The management and delivery of individual investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks including the Infrastructure Guidelines, is a responsibility of the respective Department and Accounting Officer.
As part of the capital appraisal process for projects under the Infrastructure Guidelines, Sponsoring Agents for the projects are asked to critically consider the potential schedule and cost implications of a project, which is further developed as a project progresses through the approval gates and more information becomes available. This includes detailed financial and economic appraisal, sensitivity analysis, accounting for behavioural influences such as optimism bias, consideration of appropriate levels of contingency, and detailed risk assessment.
This Government recognises the impact that delays to project implementation have on project costs and the timely delivery of critical infrastructure and has taken decisive action to address the reasons for these delays. A report published by my Department in July 2025 identified twelve key barriers to infrastructure delivery in Ireland. As a response to this, and after extensive engagement with the expert input of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, my department published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in December 2025. This Action Plan sets out 30 time-bound actions which will reduce costs and expedite the delivery of infrastructure projects across Ireland.
101. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if approval has been given for the expenditure of funds for the Mountmellick flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10648/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for flood relief schemes.
In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in 29 river basins (including the Barrow River Basin and the town of Mountmellick) and potentially viable flood relief works.
Following completion of the CFRAM programme, a partnership between the OPW and Local Authorities throughout the country has allowed for the progression of some 100 flood relief schemes currently at design, development and construction stages. This is in addition to 56 schemes already completed.
Under the CFRAM programme Mountmellick was identified as having potentially viable flood relief works. Laois County Council (LCC) agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead the further detailed assessment of the flood risk, design options and environmental assessments to support a planning application for a viable scheme. To progress the Mountmellick FRS, Laois County Council engaged the services of engineering consultants who carried out a very detailed and extensive analysis, environmental study and optioneering process following which a planning application was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála on 28 October 2025 under part 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended
The Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme (FRS), which has a total project budget of €20.8 million is funded under the Government commitment of €1.3 billion spend, to 2030 under the National Development Plan, to deliver flood relief schemes identified as part of the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
Accordingly the OPW, under the Infrastructure Guidelines, assess the viability of schemes as they progress through the project life cycle and as such Mountmellick FRS had been given approval to proceed to planning.
Subject to planning consent, and following a period for detailed design, construction is expected to commence in Q1, 2027.
102. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if approval has been given for the expenditure of funds for the new Garda station at Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10649/26]
View answerApproval has been given for the expenditure of funds for the new Garda station at Portlaoise, County Laois.
An Garda Síochána received approval of a Final Business Case for the project from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in October 2024.
Subsequently, a Construction Contract was awarded by the Office of Public Works and construction began in November 2024.
103. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 420 to 422 of 4 February 2026, the aggregate amount of pension contribution under-deductions relating to serving Ministers and Ministers of State that remains outstanding as of 31 January 2026; the aggregate amount repaid to date; and the number of cases in which any balance remains unpaid, noting that no individual or personal data is sought. [10712/26]
View answer104. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the longest repayment period approved by the National Shared Services Office in respect of pension contribution under-deductions affecting serving Ministers and Ministers of State identified following Government formation in January 2025; and the standard maximum repayment period applied elsewhere across the public service for comparable pension under-deduction cases. [10713/26]
View answer105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether interest, surcharges, or other financial adjustments apply to pension contribution under-deductions recovered from serving Ministers and Ministers of State; whether the same financial conditions apply to other public servants in under-deduction cases; and if there is any difference, the policy authority under which that difference arises. [10714/26]
View answer106. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any repayment arrangements approved for serving Ministers or Ministers of State in respect of pension contribution under-deductions identified in early 2025 extend beyond the individual's current term of office; and if so, the number of such arrangements, stated on an aggregate basis. [10715/26]
View answer107. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date on which the pension contribution under-deduction issue affecting Ministers and Ministers of State was first identified by the National Shared Services Office; the date on which affected officeholders were notified; and the date on which corrective payroll measures were fully implemented. [10716/26]
View answer108. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has reviewed or audited the operation of payroll and pension contribution controls within the National Shared Services Office following the identification of pension under-deductions affecting serving Ministers and Ministers of State; and if so, the findings and recommendations, stated in summary form. [10717/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 and 108 together.
I propose to answer questions PQ 10712/26 to 10717/26 together.
The NSSO processes Ministerial allowances to Ministers/Ministers of State on behalf of their respective Departments.
Issues were identified by the NSSO following Government formation.
It became clear that some individuals had been placed on an incorrect pension scheme, incorrect ASC rate and/or not deducted ASC, giving rise to under/over pension deductions.
The NSSO commenced a review to clarify the matters which were distinct and complex. As part of this review, the NSSO carried out a comprehensive assessment of its processes and worked with its Client Departments and with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
As is standard in cases such as these, the NSSO resolves the under-deduction through a process of engagement on a case-by-case basis. Where there is an under-deduction of pension contribution, the NSSO applies a standard and consistent practice to all individuals and civil and public service employees with regard to repayment plans.
All current Ministers/Ministers of State were contacted on the 10 June 2025 and were placed on the appropriate pension schemes and associated ASC rate on NSSO systems that same week. The NSSO has reached agreement with all current Ministers and Ministers of State re. repayment.
First contact was made with former Ministers on September 25, following the completion of the review into this cohort. There has been ongoing engagement to address any queries. The NSSO has reached agreement with the majority of former Ministers/Ministers of State.
To provide any further breakdown would raise matters of privacy and confidentiality as they relate to personal pension information. This would have implications with respect to GDPR and the Data Protection Act, 2018.
The NSSO has been established by the NSSO Act 2017 and is independent in the performance of its functions. There is an independent audit of the NSSO’s pension and salary processes underway, which is expected to be completed in the first half of this year. This is being overseen by the Chair of the Advisory Board of the NSSO.
