Written Answers Nos. 225-240
225. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has engaged with local authorities on the use of CCTV, drones and other technologies to catch those engaged in illegal dumping; the supports he has put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16082/26]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is an operational matter for each individual local authority to determine the most appropriate enforcement responses to incidents of illegal dumping, including the use of CCTV and other technologies, while taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
While the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping, including any decision to deploy CCTV or other technologies, lies with local authorities, the Department continues to engage with the local authority sector and provides extensive financial, policy and legislative support to support their enforcement efforts.
The Department has provided €23 million to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was launched in 2017, including €2.89 million in 2025, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Funding provided under the ADI can be utilised by local authorities to purchase CCTV and other Audio-Visual Recording (AVR) Equipment and to put in place enforcement measures involving the use of such equipment. A further €3 million will be allocated in support of the ADI in 2026. It is a matter for local authorities to apply for this funding through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs), who administer the scheme on behalf of the Department. Full details of projects supported and the amounts provided to local authorities under the ADI are available on the gov.ie website.
My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. Since this scheme was established in 2003, almost €160 million has been provided to local authorities by the Department in order to support the ongoing recruitment and retention of a network of waste enforcement staff across the country. A further €7.7 million has been allocated under this scheme in 2026.
226. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the basis on which the renewable heating obligation rates of 1.5% and 3% were determined; and whether these levels will result in additional renewable fuel deployment beyond current market activity. [15722/26]
View answer229. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the projected cost impact of the renewable heating obligation on households reliant on home heating oil, particularly in rural areas. [15725/26]
View answer230. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he plans to publish a trajectory of obligation rates beyond year two to provide certainty to industry and ensure the scheme delivers meaningful emissions reductions. [15726/26]
View answer231. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he will consider revising the proposed obligation rates to ensure the renewable heating obligation delivers genuine decarbonisation while protecting consumers from unnecessary cost increases. [15727/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 226, 229, 230 and 231 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for all consumers. The reliance of our heating sector on fossil fuels is a significant contributor to Ireland’s high energy import dependency and carbon emissions, and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key objective for me, as Minister, to help address these challenges.
Given the potential impact that the RHO could have on end consumers, energy affordability and the impact on household energy bills were key considerations when developing the scheme. As such, a number of scheme parameters have been designed to allow flexibility to obligated parties in meeting their obligations which will, in turn, reduce the overall burden on the end consumer.
Design of the RHO included two phases of analysis, stakeholder engagement activities, and extensive industry engagement. Feedback received informed a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, and the likely economic and social impact of the obligation. Results of this work informed final decisions taken in relation to the Government approved general scheme of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025.
Decisions made in relation to initial starting rates were based on an extensive examination of the scale of obligation required to meet Ireland’s renewable heat targets, and resulting impact on end consumer costs.
Based on the currently proposed obligation rates of 1.5% in year one and 3% in year two, and assuming costs are socialised equally across an obligated party’s whole consumer base, the impact on a typical household energy bill will range between 0.4% and 0.7% in year 1, depending on fuel type. In year 2, this will range between 0.9% and 1.4%.
Any increase to obligation rates from year 3 will be subject to a further review of market conditions and scheme performance and take into consideration the most cost effective and affordable way to achieve our renewable energy and climate targets. To provide certainty to developers and obligated parties, it is envisaged that indicative, long-term obligation rates out to 2030, will be published as part of this review.
Detail in relation to each phase of RHO analysis, including the full assessment carried out, is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/
227. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has assessed the risk that fuel suppliers may opt to use buy-out provisions rather than invest in renewable fuel blending infrastructure under the proposed obligation rates; and the implications this would have for emissions reductions. [15723/26]
View answerDesign of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) included two phases of analysis, multiple stakeholder engagement activities, and extensive industry engagement.
Feedback received informed a full impact assessment on the RHO structure, including consideration of key scheme parameters such as a buy-out provision, starting obligation rates and the likely economic and social impact of the obligation.
Based on an extensive examination of the level of obligation required to meet Ireland’s renewable heat targets, decisions made in relation to the Government approved Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 are considered sufficient to incentivise market participation in the RHO and support the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets.
Detail in relation to each phase of RHO analysis is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/
228. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated emissions reductions expected from the renewable heating obligation in each of the first five years. [15724/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to delivering a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. As our heating sector is very reliant on imported fossil fuels, it is a significant contributor to Ireland’s high energy import dependency and carbon emissions, and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key objective for me, as Minister, to address these challenges.
The primary objective of the RHO is to support an increase in Ireland’s renewable energy share for heat (RES-H) by the most economical means available. RES-H was the focus of the analysis underpinning the RHO and my Department has carried out an extensive examination of the level of obligation required to meet these targets.
Detail in relation to each phase of RHO analysis, including further detail on contribution to RES-H up to 2030 is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/
232. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 19 February 2026, if the information requested can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16135/26]
View answerI wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 19 February 2026 in which I advised that the information sought in the Question is being complied by my officials. I understand that my officials have engaged with the Deputy in relation to the scope of this request and it has been agreed that it relates to legislation over the past 10 years. The details from that period of time are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
233. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the actions his Department is taking to provide for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of nitrous oxide canisters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16144/26]
View answerUnder EU waste legislation, discarded pressurised containers of nitrous oxide should be classified and treated as hazardous waste. In addition, I am informed that nitrous oxide is subject to an ongoing opinion process under the regulations on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which may result in restrictions prohibiting its sale above certain concentration limits to the general public.
Used Nitrous Oxide canisters should not be placed in the residual waste bin or the recycling bin due to their hazardous nature and require a specialist hazardous waste disposal service for collection and appropriate treatment. Individuals and voluntary organisations should contact their local authority regarding disposal options in the first instance.
Under the Waste Framework Directive, since 1 January 2025, hazardous waste from households has to be collected separately. The Department is currently engaging with the local authority sector to ensure that there is an effective system in place to allow households to appropriately dispose of their hazardous waste in line with EU Waste Framework Directive requirements. Effective implementation of this measure, supported by EU Commission guidance, should contribute to reducing the presence of pressurised nitrous oxide containers in mixed municipal waste.
The Commission has stated that, if necessary, following Member State implementation of this separate collection obligation, they may consider additional measures to support the removal of nitrous oxide canisters from the mixed municipal waste stream.
234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the projected strength of the Permanent Defence Forces for each of the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, broken down by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and the projected inductions and projected discharges underpinning those projections. [15686/26]
View answerAs of the 31 January 2026, the latest date such figures are available for, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,767 personnel. Whilst figures provided by the Defence Forces for 2025, suggest a modest expansion in strength, greater recruitment is required to move towards the Commission on Defence Forces recommended target of 11,500 personnel, inclusive of a civilian component, by 2028.
It is very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025. It demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results.
The challenge now for the Defence Forces is to convert those applications into inductions.
I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.
A range of key enabling measures have been undertaken to tackle the recruitment and retention challenges over the last five years. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year while the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.
There continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered earlier this month with a further increase due in June.
Underpinning these and other measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum
In relation to specific recruitment and retention targets, I am advised by Defence Forces management that a Strategic Workforce Plan is currently in development with a view to setting out a clear pathway to the achievement of Level of Ambition 2. A detailed forecasting model is being developed that will use scenario planning based on different assumptions, for example where recruitment and attrition rates improve, remain stable or deteriorate. This will allow the Defence Forces to project strength across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, and to identify the inductions and discharges underpinning those figures. The approach will also allow for early identification of emerging risks and associated mitigation measures to be put in place. I am advised that work on this project, which commenced late last year is ongoing and progressing well.
While recruitment and retention remains challenging, significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure coupled with the many initiatives currently in train is illustrative of my commitment to the Defence Sector.
235. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the methodology used to calculate the “turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025”; the numerator and denominator used; and the turnover rate for each service separately in each of the years 2020 to 2025, [15687/26]
View answerStabilising and increasing the numbers of Defence Force personnel is a key focus for the government and for me as Minister for Defence.
As the Deputy is aware, there are multiple factors that influence retention levels and I am pleased that the extensive efforts made towards the modernisation of the Defence Forces, in addition to key enabling measures to support retention, are having a positive impact on strength numbers.
The Defence Forces’ data indicates that turnover rates have reduced over the last two years, with a turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025.
The methodology used by the Defence Forces in calculating the annual turnover rate is the division of a numerator expressed as the number of discharges in a 12 month period by a denominator calculated as an average of the whole time equivalent strength at the beginning and end of each year and expressed as a percentage.
The table below gives the Deputy as requested, the turnover rate for each service separately, as well as the total turnover rates from 2020 to 2025.
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2020 |
6.26% |
6.00% |
10.34% |
6.68% |
|
2021 |
7.75% |
6.68% |
11.59% |
8.06% |
|
2022 |
10.78% |
10.01% |
12.19% |
10.85% |
|
2023 |
9.78% |
8.45% |
11.56% |
9.84% |
|
2024 |
8.79% |
8.54% |
10.07% |
8.90% |
|
2025 |
7.79% |
7.43% |
6.35% |
7.61% |
An annual outflow of personnel from the Defence Forces is expected due to statutory retirement ages, completion of contracted service, medical discharges, discharging during the training period and other natural retirements. The objective is not to eliminate turnover, but to keep attrition as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining operational capability.
To mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability, several measures are being implemented, including: increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement; the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel; the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions; increases to Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and extension of the Naval Service tax credit to 2029.
The Defence Forces are currently developing a Strategic Workforce Plan that will provide a structured pathway to achieve Level of Ambition 2.
There continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered earlier this month with a further increase due in June.
Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including those for general service and for Direct Entry specialist roles, while the 2026 Cadetship competition recently opened for applications.
Underpinning these and other measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives to improve retention in key capability areas.
I want to reassure the Deputy that prioritising the attraction and retention of talented individuals across the entire Defence Forces is a priority and in an ever-buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.
236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department maintains a unit-cost model for recruitment and training of General Service Recruits; and if so, the most recent estimated cost per recruit by service and by cost heading. [15688/26]
View answerThe Department of Defence does not operate a unit-cost model in relation to the recruitment and training of General Service Recruits.
237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the estimated fiscal impact on the Defence Vote of recruits discharged by purchase within 90 days of induction in each of the years 2020 to 2025. [15689/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence ensuring that the Defence Forces are properly resourced to support recruitment and retention remains a key priority of mine. In this context, the Defence Vote Group has been provided with a funding allocation of €1.49 billion in Budget 2026. On the Defence Vote, there has been a €135m (13%) increase on the corresponding 2025 allocation, an increase which sees the Defence Vote increase significantly to €1.17 billion in 2026.
The pay and allowances allocation of €598 million includes a PDF pay allocation of €485 million, which provides for a prevailing PDF strength of 8,100, to include the recruitment of an additional net 400 PDF personnel in 2026, and the full impacts of the National Pay Agreement. The record investment provided under Budget 2026 underscores my commitment to bolstering recruitment and improving retention across the Defence Forces.
The financial impact associated with recruits discharging by purchase is incorporated into the overall budgeting process each year. Accordingly, with regards to the fiscal impact on the Defence Vote, the budget makes provision for the Defence Forces to grow by 400 personnel overall in 2026, notwithstanding the expected level of discharges.
I have set out in the table below the information provided by the military authorities on the number of recruits who discharged by purchase for each year from 2020 to 2026:
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
No. of Recruits who discharged by purchase |
150 |
160 |
131 |
90 |
123 |
157 |
26 |
*As of 31 January 2026
238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the distribution of the planned strength of 11,500 personnel across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and the date by which this target is planned to be achieved. [15690/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
I recently published the second Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission's recommendations approved by Government.
There are a number of Government approved Commission recommendations contained in the report in relation to high level command and control and HQ structures.
The Commission on the Defence Forces also recommended "The Chief of Defence to initiate an immediate force design process assisted by external experts with access to international military expertise, and to include a detailed force design process." The Defence Forces have established three Force Design teams within the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and an overarching Strategic Force Design office has also been established to look at the design of a Strategic HQ.
On completion of the force design work by the Defence Forces, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for review. This is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations. What is important for me as Minister is that any force design process will include a transitional plan with incremental steps beyond current numbers to the 11,500 force recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
As you will appreciate, this is a significant piece of work and will need a concerted effort by all involved. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place will ensure the successful delivery of a modern, fit-for-purpose Defence Forces.
In addition the Defence Forces are preparing a strategic workforce plan which is due to be completed towards the end of April. This will be combined with the strategic force design to decide the appropriate distribution of the planned strength of the Defence Forces.
239. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department has conducted a study of mortality of serving or former members of the Air Corps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16168/26]
View answerI have received an initial brief from my officials on the matter of Health and Safety in the Air Corps. I expect to have a detailed report from them by end Q1 of this year. I understand that the report will contain information regarding mortality rates of serving or former members of the Air Corps.
I will take the time necessary to consider this detailed report and determine the most appropriate next steps. This will likely involve additional stakeholder engagement, in particular with the State Claims Agency as the body with statutory responsibility for the management of the existing litigation where allegations of harm in the Air Corps have been pleaded.
It may also be necessary to seek the views of the Office of the Attorney General however as I have not yet had the opportunity to review the material, I cannot yet confirm what the most appropriate course of action will be.
Given that there is litigation currently before the courts, where there are historic allegations of personal injury in the Air Corps, it would not be appropriate to comment any further.
240. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the additional measures his Department implemented upon failing to meet the Phase 1 death reduction targets in Vision Zero; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16153/26]
View answerThe Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 has the target of halving deaths and serious injuries on our roads this decade. This means achieving no more than 72 deaths by 2030. Achieving this reduction based on an annual straight-line projection, the Phase 1 Action Plan noted that deaths in 2024 would have had to be no higher than 122. Regrettably, this end-Phase 1 figure was breached, with 171 road deaths that year.
Achieving our 2030 target will now require even greater efforts and a steeper rate of decline during Phase 2 and Phase 3. However, I must emphasise that Vision Zero remains national road safety policy and this Government is committed to improving road safety. It is imperative that we address the upward trend of recent years.
A range of work is underway during Phase 2 to help restore Ireland's long-term road safety progress, including:
• Expanding network safety analysis of the road network to identify high-risk locations and guide investment decisions
• Implementation of safer speed limits
• Reviewing and overhauling our learning to drive curriculum
My Department is also progressing a significant legislative programme to deliver on the Programme for Government. The National Vehicle and Driver File Bill is on the Priority for Publication list for the current legislative term and targeted for enactment by the summer. Among other measures, this legislation will restore direct collision data sharing with local authorities. The next Road Traffic Bill is also under development and will legislate for graduated speeding penalties and the camera enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
We are also bringing forward new regulations as a matter of urgency to strengthen current restrictions and fully ban the use of scramblers and similar off-road vehicles in public spaces.
