Written Answers Nos. 234-257
234. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the case of an international protection applicant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13209/26]
View answerWhile I cannot comment on individual cases, I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my Department are aware of this case and it is receiving attention.
In order to protect the privacy of people applying for international protection, the Department does not provide operational information about relocations between International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres.
During their period in IPAS accommodation, people may have to move to alternative centres for a variety of reasons, including family needs, renovations, regulatory or compliance issues at their accommodation, and pressures on capacity within the system overall.
On arrival at an accommodation centre, people seeking international protection are provided with the ‘IPAS House Rules’ which explains the rules and procedures that are designed to make reception and accommodation centres safe and effective.
Should there be a breach of house rules, Section 6 of European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 sets out measures that the Department may take when an individual “has committed, or is committing, a serious breach of the house rules of the place of accommodation”.
Usually there are a series of reminders about the house rules and or warnings. If breaches continue, it can be necessary to relocate people following repeated warnings.
Guidelines are in place for IPAS staff and Department officials in relation to responding quickly to any incidents, taking action to ensure people are safe.
Centre management in all IPAS centres all have an ongoing working relationship with the local Gardaí. If there is ever any concern in relation to acts of violence or other criminal activity in any IPAS setting, An Garda Síochána are contacted.
The IPAS House Rules policy can be found at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/house-rules-and-procedures/
In some instances, residents may be asked to move accommodation as part of a documented process to support health and safety of residents and manage breaches of agreed rules within the accommodation centre.
Finally, should international protection applicants have any concerns in relation to any element of their accommodation, they can contact IPAS directly via a dedicated helpdesk at: ipasinbox@justice.ie
235. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the policies in place in the event that a resident in an IPAS centre commits an offence in breach of their reception conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13210/26]
View answerThe safety and wellbeing of all residents and staff in our accommodation centres is a priority for the Department and all International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) teams.
An IPAS accommodation centre is a person’s home while their application for international protection is assessed. On arrival at an accommodation centre, people seeking international protection are provided with the ‘IPAS House Rules’ which explains the rules and procedures that are designed to make reception and accommodation centres safe and effective.
Should there be a breach of house rules, Section 6 of European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 sets out measures that the Department may take when an individual “has committed, or is committing, a serious breach of the house rules of the place of accommodation”.
Usually there are a series of reminders about the house rules and or warnings. If breaches continue, it can be necessary to relocate people following repeated warnings.
When any incident occurs, IPAS teams and centre management and staff work to ensure that residents involved can be supported, and that staff are trained and ready to respond in the right way, seeking support from officials and other agencies as needed.
Staff and centre management are also equipped to support other people affected, including any family members or friends of the resident in the centre.
Guidelines are in place for IPAS staff and Department officials in relation to responding quickly to any incidents, taking action to ensure people are safe.
Centre management in all IPAS centres all have an ongoing working relationship with the local Gardaí. If there is ever any concern in relation to acts of violence or other criminal activity in any IPAS setting, An Garda Síochána are contacted.
The IPAS House Rules policy can be found at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/house-rules-and-procedures/
236. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 861 to 864, inclusive, of 10 February 2026, to confirm that all relevant staff involved in this process are appropriately trained and fully informed regarding the requirements and criteria for short-term study visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13405/26]
View answer237. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 861 to 864, inclusive, of 10 February 2026, the number of received, approved and refused application rates for the months of October, November, December 2025, January 2026, and to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13406/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
I can confirm to the Deputy that all Visa Officers are appropriately trained and fully informed regarding the requirements and criteria of the various visa categories. The Visa Office in Dublin is the main processing centre for Irish visas and is the training centre for all Visa Officers before they are posted to one of the seven overseas Visa Offices. It is also the location of pre posting visa training for colleagues from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before they go overseas.
Table 1 below provides details of Type C Short Stay Visa applications received from Russian nationals together with the number of applications granted and refused at first instance.
Table 1. Type C Short Stay Study Visa Applications – Russian nationals
|
Year |
Russian Federation Received |
Russian Federation Approved |
Russian Federation Refused |
|
Oct-25 |
10 |
7 |
< 5 |
|
Nov-25 |
8 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
|
Dec-25 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
11 |
|
Jan-26 |
40 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
|
Feb-26 (13/02/26) |
98 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* A decision made in a particular month may relate to an application received in a previous month.
* In some instances an applicant may apply for and be issued with a visit tourist visa when they were coming for short stay study. These figures cannot be extracted from the overall visit visas and are not included in the above table.
* Please also note that it is the policy of my Department not to release numbers where there are less than 5 in respect of any nationality, as there is a possibility that a person may be identifiable by releasing such information.
238. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s current policy approach to the development of a sustainable seaweed sector in Ireland; his assessment of the Marine Institute’s socioeconomic study on seaweed harvesting funded under the EMFF Seafood Development Programme; if any policy or strategic measures are being considered in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12973/26]
View answerThe Marine Institute’s socio-economic study on seaweed harvesting primarily focuses on wild seaweed harvesting. The report was prepared to inform the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) which is under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment. Wild seaweed harvesting is undertaken under consents issued by Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). As such any measures to be considered in relation to the wild harvesting of seaweed are a matter for my colleague Minister Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment.
As regards the aspects of the report relating to seaweed cultivation and seaweed processing, I can assure the Deputy that the government recognises the potential to develop our farmed seaweed industry, particularly in the context of our emerging bioeconomy. I am equally mindful of the key inter-dependency between production and processing, and that it is important that we seek to develop both processing and production in tandem.
The government is fully committed to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030 (NSPSA). The NSPSA sets out the vision for Ireland's aquaculture sector in the coming years, and includes specific actions in relation to seaweed aquaculture. Developing processing capacity in respect of low trophic aquaculture species, including seaweed, is included as an action under the NSPSA.
The development of measures to support the seafood processing sector, including seaweed processors, will also be considered and addressed in the course of the development of the five-year Fisheries Strategy outlined in the Programme for Government.
239. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated to NGOs by his Department in 2025; the funding allocated to NGOs by agencies and bodies under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13076/26]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that all funding allocated to NGOs by my Department in 2025, is set out in the table at the link below.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
240. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forest owners in receipt of annual premiums, by county; the total number of forest owners in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13153/26]
View answerThe grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax free premium payment for applicants, and these are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.
The table at the link below details the number of forest owners who received a premium by county in relation to 2025 and the total number of forest owners recorded in each county for 2025 (in receipt of premium, or having already received their final premium). It should be noted that premia are paid on application by the forest owner annually and some forest owners choose to apply for multiple years periodically.
Forest owners who have not submitted their online applications so far, can still apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website (www.agfood.ie). This facility remains open all year, and the department will continue to process online applications for forest premiums as they are received, with payments issued on a weekly basis.
Further information and detailed statistics on the forestry sector are available on my Department's website on the Annual Forest Sector Statistics page to be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/collections/forest-statistics-and-mapping/#annual-forest-sector-statistics
241. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of inconclusive animals identified under the TB programme between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13155/26]
View answerAn inconclusive animal is where the skin test did not provide a clear negative or positive result. In 2025 there were 1,094 animals identified as inconclusives (this figure is provisional as full statistics for 2025 are being finalised). Inconclusive animals are at a higher risk of carrying TB and may prolong a bovine TB breakdown. In addition to movement restrictions these animals are also subject to additional testing. It is recommended that inconclusive animals are removed from herds to protect other animals. These animals are restricted to the same herd for life and can only move out to slaughter or to a restricted feedlot for movement to slaughter.
On 9 September 2025, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’.There are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise in this action plan.
1. Support herds free of bTB to remain free.
2. Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB.
3. Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown.
4. Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity.
5. Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB.
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme in the context of putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle, and transmission between cattle. Farmers and all stakeholders will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
I have secured an increased budget allocation in Budget 2026 for the bTB programme which is vital in addressing bTB and I am confident it will help drive down the incidences of bovine TB levels in future years.
242. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any helplines to report incidents of animal cruelty. [13231/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
243. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to strengthen governance in Bord Bia and to ensure the chair and board members of Bord Bia do not have commercial arrangements that cut across Bord Bia’s mission to promote Irish food and higher standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13245/26]
View answer244. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of recent controversy, the way in which he intends to protect the integrity and meaning of the Bord Bia quality mark, in order that consumers can have genuine confidence that it stands for something better than the minimum legal standards for imported meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13246/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
On the Governance of Bord Bia, my Department is guided by both the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (the Code), and the Bord Bia Acts.
The Code provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by all State bodies, both commercial and non-commercial.
Appointments to the Board of Bord Bia are made in accordance with the Code, Bord Bia’s Governing Acts and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reforms - Guidelines on Appointment to State Bodies (November 2014).
All board members also complete conflict of interest returns annually.
I am satisfied that all requirements of the Code are being met at both appointment stage and during members terms on the board, and that these Governance arrangements fully protect the statutory role of Bord Bia.
In looking to resolve the current impasse in relation to Bord Bia, I convened a key stakeholder meeting for Friday 13 February. This meeting included a discussion on the specific issues concerning Bord Bia, where all participants had the chance to express their views.
As a result of these discussions, Bord Bia in consultation with my Department has committed to:
• Revisit the focus on farmer experiences with audits, as we move towards the end of the criteria review process in the Technical Advisory Committees.
• Establish a farmer forum on Quality Assurance Schemes to improve farmer engagement and two-way feedback on the work of Bord Bia.
• A dedicated information campaign, with stakeholder input, to better inform the general public about the Origin Green and Quality Assurance Schemes and what that means for consumers in Ireland and elsewhere.
My Department will also undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink and an understanding of labelling and food information for the consumer requirements.
I have asked all parties to engage with this process in good faith, and to provide further feedback.
245. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to develop a Traveller employment, enterprise and employment strategy with targets, accountability and protections for those who identify openly as members of the Travelling community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13237/26]
View answerThe National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024 – 2028 (NTRIS II) and accompanying first Action Plan 2024-2026 were launched by the then Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman T.D., on 31 July 2024.
The Strategy is arranged into nine key thematic areas, which were identified as priority areas for action during the extensive consultations on the development of the Strategy held with Traveller and Roma organisations, Government Departments and Agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Theme 5: Employment and Enterprise in the first NTRIS II Action Plan sets out a range of actions, including one on the development and implementation of a Traveller and Roma Training, Employment, and Enterprise Plan, which was a commitment from the previous 2020 Programme for Government.
It is intended that the new employment and enterprise actions to be proposed for the second NTRIS II Action Plan 2027-2028 will effectively deliver the new Plan. Those actions will be informed by the progress made on the employment actions to date under the present Action Plan, and through consultations with the NTRIS II Employment Subcommittee.
The existing NTRIS II employment actions are being implemented by the Departments involved in the area of training, employment and enterprise; these Departments provide updates on progress to the NTRIS II Employment Subcommittee and to the NTRIS II Steering Committee by reference to key performance indicators and deliverables specific to each action, as set out in the Action Plan. The Departments concerned are:
• Department of Children, Disability, and Equality;
• Department of Social Protection, which oversees and provides secretarial functions to the NTRIS II Employment Subcommittee;
• Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment;
• Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation;
• Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht;
• Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.
246. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied) who has recently transitioned from children’s disability services upon reaching the age of 18 and is currently without access to respite supports; the steps being taken to ensure appropriate adult respite provision is identified in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13274/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
247. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a breakdown of the amount of money paid to each agency the HSE used in 2025 to hire agency staff across all public residential facilities for children with disabilities, and adults with disabilities in 2025; the total number of staff used in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13357/26]
View answerAs this question refers to operational matters, I have requested the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
248. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views on the adequacy of existing supports for single mothers in the weeks and months after giving birth; if any review of the State support structures can be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12938/26]
View answer249. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider providing for a nominated support person (details supplied) leave in lieu of paternity leave in situations whereby the father of a child is not supportive to the mother; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12940/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
I acknowledge the significant challenges faced by one-parent families and reaffirm the commitment of Government to continue to address these. There have been significant developments in entitlements for parents of working families in recent years. The Government is committed to supporting workers, including by extending paid leave for parents to allow them to spend more time with their child during their earliest years.
Under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, working parents are entitled to nine weeks of paid parent's leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child, as required by the EU Work Life Balance Directive.
It is important to note that the entitlement under the 2019 Act is for each parent in their own right and is not an allocation per family. The Act was drafted to take account of the broad complexion of family life, including one parent families, and allows for an entitlement for the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the parent. Parents do not have to cohabit to be eligible for the entitlement. However, the leave is non-transferable to ensure that fathers as well as mothers are supported in their caring roles and to support women's equal labour market participation. The principle of non-transferability is also required by the EU Work-Life Balance Directive because of the importance of ensuring that the provision of family leave does not serve to disadvantage mothers participating in the labour market.
Under the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to 26 weeks’ unpaid parental leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis'.
It should be noted that the legislation only sets out the minimum entitlement to parental leave. Depending on an individual’s contract of employment, they may have more extensive rights to parental leave, as employers have the option to offer more than the entitlement set out in the legislation.
Government is acutely aware of the additional challenges faced by one-parent families and their greater risk of poverty. Government will continue to address the challenges through taxation and welfare systems and the range of services provided. There is also a commitment in the Programme for Government 2025, ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’, to continue to prioritise and enhance supports for lone parents.
To the extent that the matter falls within the Department, I am committed to working with colleagues to support one-parent families through the development of enhanced and targeted supports for single parent families and am cognisant of the difficulties faced by lone parents and will examine where additional supports could be provided to them.
The One-parent family payment, which is a provision of the Department of Social Protection, is a payment for parents under 66 who are not cohabiting, and whose youngest child is under 7.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families. Policy on family leave entitlements is also mindful of the impact of the leaves on employers. The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to examine the possible extension of parent's leave and benefit and additional flexibilities. The first Action Plan for the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 is currently in development and any changes to available supports for one-parent families will be considered in this context.
250. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views of the adequacy of support services available to single mothers compared with two-parent families, particularly during pregnancy and the early months of their child's life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12942/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
251. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports available to an existing childcare provider looking to upgrade their outdoor facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12964/26]
View answerCapital funding has been allocated to this Department under the National Development Plan, including €197 million for early learning and childcare capital investment over the next five years.
Following on from the success of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme, which was operated in 2025 and 2026, a further Building Blocks scheme will open for applications in 2026. This round of capital funding will focus on funding extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered places on a full-time basis. Community and private providers who are currently Core Funding partner services will be eligible to apply for this scheme.
I expect to announce details of the next Building Blocks scheme in the coming weeks.
Separately, the Department is embarking on programme of capital investment in State-led early learning and childcare which will make investment in buildings to support the expansion of full day places, particularly for young children. This investment will constitute purchase and/or fit out of buildings depending on the specifics of particular projects.
The are no current plans to introduce a further capital scheme to fund the upgrade of outdoor facilities.
252. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason support services provided to foster carers by an organisation (details supplied) located in Fethard has been terminated by Tusla without any consultation with the stakeholders; if she will insist that the services be continued while all concerned are consulted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13022/26]
View answerOfficials from this Department contacted Tusla regarding its withdrawal of the foster care support service you have referenced, which I understand services the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary area. Tusla has advised that this decision was taken following a review of fostering supports across the organisation, in light of changes to its service provision.
As you may know, Tusla has embarked on a nationwide programme of reform of its services. As part of this reform programme, Tusla has stated that it has introduced a range of nationwide supports for foster carers, including the national foster care peer support service. The service has been expanded to include six peer support workers across the southeast and southwest regions. Tusla has advised that local peer support arrangements are also available where necessary. An out-of-hours contact line is also in place to support foster carers outside of regular working hours.
Tusla has further advised that it has improved its suite of training supports on a national level for foster carers, with access to online learning, webinars and in-person training and development available through Tusla’s online Foster Care Hub.
The Department has also overseen a significant increase in investment in foster care supports, including in relation to the Foster Care Allowance. The Foster Care Allowance is a weekly payment to foster carers in respect of the child in their care. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax. At the end of 2024, the allowance was increased to €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12. As a result foster carers now received €22,100 per annum in respect of a foster child over 12, and €20,800 per annum for a foster child under 12.
In 2025 the Government also introduced funding for the Initial Placement Payment to foster carers at the beginning of each initial foster care placement. Provision was also made for additional mileage support for foster carers who have significant travel responsibilities for children in their care.
I can also advise that the Department secured funding of €300,000 through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) Action Plan for 2026, to be directed towards foster care counselling and psychological supports. This measure will be used to provide counselling support for foster carers and foster children. This would help address the social disadvantage experienced by children in care and their foster carers. This is a one-year measure to help foster carers, children in care, and to inform future service provision.
The Programme for Government 2025 sets out the Government’s intention to provide further support for foster carers, including a commitment to examine pension provision for foster carers. I also plan to bring forward new measures to support foster carers under the Alternative Care Policy Framework, which is currently being developed within the Department.
While I appreciate that this change may have introduced uncertainty for foster carers and their families, Tusla has stated that it is putting transitional arrangements in place and will work directly with affected families during this period. Tusla has also said that the learnings from this particular service will continue to inform the development of its nationwide fostering supports.
253. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding allocated to NGOs by her Department in 2025; the funding allocated to NGOs by agencies and bodies under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13077/26]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
254. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way she intends to guarantee the independence of guardians ad litem under the new guardian ad litem national service, given that both Tusla and the new service will report to the same Minister; if she will outline the safeguards that will be put in place to ensure that advocacy for children in court proceedings is not restricted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13109/26]
View answerThe Guardian ad litem National Service is a nationally organised and managed service established to ensure that children’s voices are heard, and their best interests are independently presented to the court in child care proceedings, by an appointed Guardian ad litem. The Guardian ad litem National Service, as provided for under the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, will come into effect mid-2026, following Ministerial approval.
The independence of Guardians ad litem in the performance of their functions is a legislative requirement and a core value of the role. The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 clearly states that Guardians ad litem must act independently in their professional judgment and function. The standards, code of conduct and other policies and procedures will put the structures in place to ensure this independence at an operational level. Guardians ad litem have been invited to contribute to these policies at in-person consultation events in February 2026.
Under the new model, Guardians ad litem will be appointed from an authorised panel, following a court order arising from childcare proceedings. This approach reinforces their independence from Tusla and other agencies. While both bodies operate within the remit of the Department of Children, their functions, statutory roles, and operational mandates are independent. The oversight and operations of Tusla and the Guardian ad litem Executive Office are currently and will remain separate entities.
This Department remains committed to ensuring that the new service will offer structural safeguards of a Guardians ad litem independence. Children, and their best interests, are at the centre of the Guardian ad litem National Service. I am committed to working with all stakeholders so there is a smooth transition for children into the new service.
255. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if children may be placed on waiting lists for guardian ad litem appointments under the new service; the way this aligns with the State’s obligation to protect vulnerable children involved in court proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13110/26]
View answerThe Guardian ad litem National Service is a nationally organised and managed service established to ensure that children’s voices are heard, and their best interests are independently presented to the court in child care proceedings, by an appointed Guardian ad litem. The Guardian ad litem National Service, as provided for under the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, will come into effect mid-2026, following Ministerial approval.
A recruitment campaign to appoint 65 Guardians ad litem is underway through the Public Appointments Service. A process to support the transition to the new service has commenced with direct engagement with all Guardian ad litem as set out in the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. The option to develop a panel of Guardians ad litem is also planned for the latter half of 2026. All of these measures are in place to ensure that there will be no delay in the appointment of a Guardian ad litem as directed by the Courts.
A project implementation plan has been developed for the commencement of the new service, and this includes capacity planning and resourcing measures to prevent waitlists and any other potential issues that have arisen in similar circumstances abroad. The Department is committed to maintaining timely access to Guardians ad litem for all children.
The Guardian ad litem National Service remains committed to ensuring that the new service will offer structural safeguards and responses within an appropriate timeline. This Department is committed to having a robust staffing model to provide the best possible service to children in Ireland.
256. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures the Government has taken to ensure that companies comply with the EU Gender Balance on Corporate Boards Directive, (EU Gender Balance Directive (2022/2381), implemented in Ireland via S.I. No. 215/2025), specifically the requirement that, by 30 June 2026, at least 40% of non-executive director positions or 33% of all board positions be held by women; if the Minister has designated a national authority responsible for promoting, monitoring, and supporting compliance with gender balance requirements and when will the results be available (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13319/26]
View answerAt a European level, EU Directive 2022/2381 (on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies and related measures) stipulates that at least 40% of the non-executive director positions in listed companies should be held by members of the under-represented sex by 2026. If Member States choose to apply the new rules to both executive and non-executive directors, 33% of all director positions should be held by under-represented sex by 2026.
This Department has fully transposed this EU Directive. The required Regulations to transpose the Directive applied the objective of relevant boards having 40% of all non-executive Directors from the under-represented sex. Relevant companies will also need to set individual quantitative objectives to improve the gender balance on their executive director level.
The Department has been designated as the Monitoring Authority under the Directive, with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) also designated as a body to support relevant companies in achieving the objectives. Reporting obligations will begin for relevant listed companies this year, 2026. These companies are required to provide information to the Department regarding the gender balance on their Boards via the Gender Pay Gap Portal, a centralised database, no later than 30 November each year. They will also have to publish the information on their own websites, and as part of the company’s Corporate Governance Statement.
Work is ongoing to begin engagement with and provide guidance to relevant companies to ensure they are aware of their new obligations, and what actions that they need to take to ensure they remain compliant. The Department is also procuring experts to prepare advice for companies on how to amend their selection process to comply with their legislation obligations.
Ireland has already made significant progress in this area. Based on 2024 data, of the 24 listed companies in 2024, 16 companies (67%) have already reached the objective of having at least 40% of non-executive director positions of the underrepresented sex as laid down in Article 5(1) of the Directive, and Regulation 3 of the European Union (Gender Balance on Boards of Certain Companies) Regulations 2025.
With regard to the gender balance on State Boards, the collection and publication of this information is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
257. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a breakdown of the amount of money paid to each agency Tusla has used in 2025 to hire agency staff across all public mainstream residential care facilities for children and young people; the total number of agency staff used in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13358/26]
View answerAs this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
