Written Answers Nos. 466-486
466. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average delay in the delivery of PPP-funded infrastructure projects of a value of over €70 million, for each of the past five years. [28726/26]
View answer468. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average cost overrun in the delivery of PPP-funded infrastructure projects of a value of over €70 million, for each of the past five years. [28728/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 468 together.
Securing 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 rigorous processes are in place in their Department and any bodies under their aegis and that they are compliant with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the management of capital budgets overall, and the management of budgets at an individual project level.
PPPs offer an alternative model for delivering infrastructure that can be effective in particular circumstances. However, the long-term nature of the financial commitments arising under PPPs require that the use of such arrangements must be carefully planned in order to ensure that they are used to address infrastructural needs in a manner that is sustainable in the long term and which the public finances can afford, as well as providing value for money for the taxpayer. The procurement, delivery and management of PPP projects is in the first instance a matter for the relevant sponsoring authority.
My Department has not procured any projects through Public Private Partnerships in the last 5 years, so the question is not applicable to my Department.
469. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps Failte Ireland are taking to promote fishing tourism within the State. [28009/26]
View answerFáilte Ireland promotes fishing tourism through a combination of strategic planning, targeted marketing, business and capital supports, and sustainability measures. These actions are aimed at growing fishing tourism in a way that supports rural economies, protects natural resources and enhances Ireland’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Fáilte Ireland also promotes fishing tourism through its place-based destination brands, such as Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Dublin and the Hidden Heartlands. These brands highlight Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal environments, where angling experiences can be enjoyed as part of a broader holiday offering that also includes culture, heritage, food and outdoor activities.
Fáilte Ireland works closely with Tourism Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland to support the promotion of Ireland’s fishing and angling tourism offering, particularly in key overseas markets. This is achieved through international publicity and targeted media engagement, helping to position Ireland as a high-quality angling destination within the wider tourism proposition.
Fáilte Ireland has an ongoing rolling agreement with Inland Fisheries Ireland to support international media activity focused on angling tourism. International journalists are regularly invited to experience Ireland’s angling product first-hand, which is a key element of the broader tourism offering to overseas visitors. In 2025, Fáilte Ireland welcomed specialist and mainstream media from Germany, Great Britain, France, the United States, the Benelux countries and Italy to experience what Ireland has to offer.
Fáilte Ireland also supports angling tourism through engagement with significant events that deliver tangible economic benefits for local communities. In 2023, Lough Muckno in County Monaghan hosted the 6th World Feeder Fishing Championship for Clubs. The scale of this international competition delivered a strong and sustainable angling tourism boost to the local economy, with an estimated 2,000 bed nights booked by travelling anglers and their associates.
Finally, Fáilte Ireland promotes fishing tourism through its Discover Ireland website. The site provides comprehensive information on things to see and do across the country, including listings for fishing and angling activities, events and attractions. The platform aims to provide practical planning support for short breaks and holidays in Ireland and includes dedicated content highlighting Ireland’s best fishing spots and experiences.
470. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 2202 of 14 April 2026, to provide the exact asbestos concentrations levels (ppm or percentage) of asbestos found at a location (details supplied); the type of asbestos identified (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, and so on); the testing methodology and laboratory standards used the risk assessment calculations that led to 'low risk' determination; and the comparison data, that is, what constitutes 'low' versus 'high' risk levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28316/26]
View answerIn Ireland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory authority responsible for market surveillance, product safety enforcement, and product recalls in respect of toys and other consumer products. The CCPC operates independently in the performance of its statutory functions.
The CCPC has issued a number of recall notices for products where laboratory testing indicated that the sand may contain asbestos, as outlined on their website under 'Asbestos-related product recalls'. Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals. It is a banned substance across the EU because it poses a risk to health. The asbestos may have entered the play sand as a natural occurring impurity due to its presence in the raw material from which the play sand was originally mined or processed. Current information indicates that sandpit sand is not affected by this issue. Where products available on the Irish market have been identified as potentially affected, the CCPC has acted by issuing product recalls or safety information notices, advising consumers to stop using the product immediately and follow safe disposal instructions.
Regarding the Smyths Toys recall of Dig Products, testing of all products was undertaken by Smyths Toys and the recall was business led. Testing of the ‘Gold Dig it Kit’ indicated the presence of asbestos. Another 10 products (10pcs Dig It Out Dinosaur Eggs, Gem Dig Kit 12 Gem Pack, Dig It Up Pirates 13 Treasure Set, Pocket Play Gold Treasure Chest , Gem Dig Kit 8 Pack) were confirmed to be of the same material, and were therefore not tested but recalled as a precaution without testing. Testing of the ‘Dino Dig Sensory Bin’ also indicated the presence of asbestos.
In all cases of asbestos reported in play sand products the HSE National Health Protection Office advice is that, consistent with other jurisdictions, there is low risk to human health based on current information. The HSE does not recommend clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with these sand products.
My department will continue to be informed of relevant developments. The CCPC will continue to publish updates on its website as appropriate and will coordinate with national and international regulatory authorities as appropriate.
471. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28431/26]
View answerMy Department recognises that tourism is a vital economic driver for South Kerry, supporting employment and enterprise across communities along the southern section of the Wild Atlantic Way, including the Dingle Peninsula, the Skellig Coast, and the wider Iveragh Peninsula and south-west seaboard. This region is a core component of Ireland’s visitor offering and plays a critical role in attracting overseas visitors, supporting dispersed tourism activity and sustaining rural communities.
In December 2025, my Department published the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which sets the strategic framework for tourism development to 2031. The policy supports sustainable, inclusive growth in regional and rural areas and places strong emphasis on competitiveness, skills, digitalisation, connectivity and the green transition. It sets ambitious targets to grow tourism revenue and employment nationally, with particular benefits for regions such as South Kerry that depend heavily on tourism activity.
Ireland’s four Regional Experience Brands are underpinned by five-year Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDP), which support sustainable, regionally balanced tourism growth. In this context, a new DEDP for South Kerry is underway, building on the Skellig Coast Visitor Experience Development Plan and supporting key initiatives including the UNESCO Transatlantic Cable project, improved mobility on Valentia Island and expanded Dark Sky tourism areas.
Kerry continues to benefit from targeted Fáilte Ireland investment in tourism infrastructure, festivals and destination development. Recent projects include the opening of Bray Head Tower on Valentia Island following a €2.13 million investment, the first section of the South Kerry Greenway, and the development of a new water sports facility in Fenit. In addition, Samhain Chiarraí is supported under Fáilte Ireland’s pilot programme, receiving €100,000 annually for three years.
Further key commitments under the new Tourism Policy include sustained support for tourism SMEs, strengthening year-round tourism, and addressing accommodation and capacity constraints in popular destinations. The development of a Tourism Accommodation Strategy and a dedicated Culinary Tourism Strategy will support destination development in areas such as South Kerry, enhance the visitor experience and help spread tourism activity beyond the peak season.
Budget 2026 provides €71.4 million to the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund, supporting Tourism Ireland’s market diversification approach. This investment will assist in driving demand for regional destinations such as South Kerry. A new Strategic Air Access Fund will also support access to the region, including through Kerry Airport, which is critical to sustaining overseas and domestic visitor numbers.
Recently, my Department published its Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030 under the National Development Plan. This commits €4.7 billion in capital investment over five years, including €400 million for tourism development and promotion, with €77 million allocated to overseas marketing and €200 million to tourism product development across all regions.
I remain committed to supporting a strong, sustainable tourism sector in Kerry and will continue working with State agencies and local stakeholders to achieve this.
472. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will review and amend the current eligibility criteria for general employment permits in light of ongoing labour shortages across key sectors; the extent to which his Department has assessed the impact of existing permit thresholds and conditions on employers' ability to recruit non-EEA workers; whether consideration will be given to introducing greater flexibility in salary thresholds, eligible occupations, and labour market needs tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28565/26]
View answerI am acutely aware of the challenges experienced by employers across the economy in securing talent. My Department takes an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages through reviews of the eligibility of occupations for employment permits, ongoing engagement with government departments, sector representatives, and research experts ensuring that the permits system remains responsive to current and emerging skills and workforce requirements, particularly where shortages are sustained or structural in nature.
These reviews are informed by labour market data, vacancy and earnings trends, analysis from relevant skills bodies, and submissions received from stakeholders. This includes research and analysis from bodies such as the SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The reasoning and decision making process in determining changes or extensions to quotas is considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which includes representatives of key policy government departments.
The employment permits system is grounded in legislation that sets clear and objective criteria for minimum salary thresholds, qualifications, and the eligibility of occupations. These criteria ensure that permits are issued only where there is a demonstrable shortage and that the system remains fair, transparent, and responsive to Ireland’s labour market needs. The labour market needs test (LMNT) is a core safeguard within the system. It ensures that job vacancies are first made available to Irish and EEA nationals before an employer may recruit a non EEA national.
At the end of last year my Department published the Employment Permits: Minimum Annual Remuneration – Outcome of the Roadmap Review 2025, which sets out the policy rationale, evidence basis, and the revised phased roadmap for implementation of the thresholds applicable across the employment permits system. The review was undertaken in response to a range of structural changes in the labour market since MAR thresholds were last comprehensively updated including sustained inflationary pressures, increases in average earnings, rising costs of living, and changing labour market dynamics. The review was also informed by a public consultation process which received over 150 submissions from employers, permit holders, trade unions and representative bodies, the views of which were carefully considered in shaping the final approach.
Sufficient remuneration thresholds operate as a key protection, ensuring that the recruitment of non-EEA nationals does not place downward pressure on wages or conditions, or undermine employment opportunities or career progression for the domestic and EEA workforce. The review found that applying indexation is essential to prevent MAR thresholds from becoming eroded over time by inflation or wage growth and to ensure that they continue to serve their intended policy purpose. Following the conclusion of the roadmap period, indexation will apply on an ongoing basis across all permit categories, providing a transparent and evidence-based mechanism for maintaining alignment with earnings trends.
The effect of these policy instruments ensures that the employment permits system remains fair, legally robust, and economically credible, supporting enterprise needs while protecting employment standards and preserving the integrity of the wider labour market.
473. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of applications for general employment permits that have been refused in the past 12 months; the primary reasons for such refusals; and the sectors most affected; and if he will outline any planned policy changes to address skills and labour shortages where suitably qualified candidates are available from outside the State but are currently deemed ineligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28566/26]
View answerThe General Employment Permit (GEP) plays a significant role in enabling employers to meet genuine skills and labour shortages in the State while maintaining a balanced and managed employment permits system.
The total number of employment permits granted in 2025 reached 31,000, while 2,546 applications for General Employment Permits were refused.
These refusals were spread across a wide range of economic sectors, with the concentration of refusals higher in sectors such as Health and Social Work, Accommodation and Food Services, followed by Construction and Agriculture. The full sectoral breakdown of refusals is set out in detail in the table attached.
The most common reasons for refusing a General Employment Permit include instances where the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) has not been fully completed; where the occupation applied for is ineligible for an employment permit; the remuneration proposed in the employment falls below the minimum annual remuneration threshold; immigration-related issues; and cases where the required EEA to non-EEA employment ratio has not been satisfied.
The criteria prescribed in the legislation that determine the grant of a permit are designed to ensure that employment permits complement the domestic and EEA labour supply, protect employment standards for non-EEA workers and promote preferable terms and conditions of employment among employers.
My Department has recently concluded a review of the occupations lists, following a public consultation conducted last year. This review examined a broad range of occupations and sectors where recruitment challenges and labour shortages have been identified. The findings are currently being finalised and will be brought forward shortly, with any approved changes to the occupations lists to be implemented in line with established procedures.
Further flexibility to the employment permits system must be carefully balanced against the need to maintain appropriate labour market protections and the integrity of the employment permits regime. The eligibility of roles for the General Employment Permit continues to be actively monitored and reviewed to ensure it remains responsive to economic needs while supporting fair and sustainable employment.
Total GEPs Refused – 2025
|
Economic Sector |
Number Refused |
|
Total GEPs refused 2025 |
2,546 |
|
A – Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing |
158 |
|
B – Mining & Quarrying |
2 |
|
C – All Other Manufacturing |
113 |
|
C – Manufacture of Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals |
5 |
|
C – Manufacture of Computers, Electronics & Optical Equipment |
1 |
|
C – Manufacture of Food, Drink & Tobacco |
42 |
|
C – Manufacture of Medical Devices |
3 |
|
D – Electricity & Gas & Air Conditioning Supply |
12 |
|
E – Water Supply – Sewerage Waste Management & Remedial Activities |
1 |
|
F – Construction |
188 |
|
G – Wholesale & Retail Trade |
101 |
|
H – Transport & Storage |
142 |
|
I – Accommodation & Food Services Activities |
541 |
|
J – Information & Communication Activities |
17 |
|
K – Financial & Insurance Activities |
23 |
|
L – Real Estate Activities |
5 |
|
M – All other Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities |
47 |
|
M – Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities of Head Offices, Management Consultancy Services |
14 |
|
N – Administrative & Support Service Activities |
15 |
|
O – Public Administration & Defence |
1 |
|
P – Education |
39 |
|
Q – Health & Social Work Activities |
867 |
|
R – Arts, Entertainment and Recreation |
12 |
|
S – Other Service Activities |
193 |
|
T – Domestic – Activities of Households as Employers |
3 |
|
No Economic Sector Entered |
1 |
474. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with employer representative bodies regarding difficulties in recruiting staff due to restrictive employment permit criteria; whether his Department is considering reforms to better align the permit system with current labour market demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28567/26]
View answerThe purpose of the employment permits system is to support enterprise growth and economic activity, while at the same time ensuring that employment opportunities for the domestic and EEA workforce are protected. The system is designed to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating access to international labour where genuine shortages exist and maintaining safeguards for the domestic and EEA workforce.
I am acutely aware of the challenges experienced by employers across the economy in securing sufficient labour. My Department takes an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages through periodic reviews of the eligibility of occupations for employment permits, ongoing engagement with government departments, sector representatives, and research experts.
The employment permits system is flexible and adjustment to eligibility is based on evidence and data on the workforce, shortages, challenges and current and future expansion plans of a sector. The reasoning and decision making process in determining changes or extensions to quotas is considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which includes representatives of key policy government departments.
Through this engagement, a key mechanism for achieving this responsiveness is the periodic reviews of the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List. These reviews are informed by labour market data, vacancy and earnings trends, analysis from relevant skills bodies, and submissions received from stakeholders. This includes research and analysis from bodies such as the SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). This ongoing analysis, incorporating stakeholder participation, informs policy development and supports efforts to ensure that the permits system remains responsive to current and emerging skills and workforce requirements, particularly where shortages are sustained or structural in nature.
An occupation may be considered for change on the occupations lists, or provision by quota, on the basis of evidence and provided:
• there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
• development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
• genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
• education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported; and
• the skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
Applicants for an employment permit are subject to a range of conditions including a bone fide offer of employment, minimum remuneration, appropriate skills and qualifications, minimum hours of work. A measured approach, such as the use of quotas, can also be taken to the grant of non-EEA labour supply in certain sectors or subsectors to ensure the testing of the labour market and the integration of a new cohort of workers in a balanced manner.
It is important to note that employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term. It is not intended to act as a long term substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling Ireland’s resident workforce, and is instead focused on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
In this context, my Department has recently concluded a review of the occupations lists, following a public consultation conducted last year. This review examined a broad range of occupations and sectors where recruitment challenges have been identified. The findings of the review are currently being finalised and will be reported shortly, with any approved changes to the occupations lists to be implemented in line with established procedures.
My Department will continue to engage closely with stakeholders and will actively review and refine the employment permits system to ensure that it meets labour market demands, supports enterprise and economic growth, and remains fair, responsive and aligned with Ireland’s wider economic and social needs.
475. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28656/26]
View answerI am pleased to report that since its publication in January 2025, my Department has made substantial progress in delivering on the commitments set out in the Programme for Government with significant progress achieved across a wide range of areas. Our focus has been on supporting enterprise, fostering innovation, strengthening tourism, and ensuring high-quality employment opportunities across all regions of Ireland.
The Irish labour market finished 2025 with strong, record-level employment figures that continued into the first quarter of 2026. Employment grew by 56,700 in the year to Q4 2025, bringing the total number of people employed in Ireland to a record high of approximately 2.83 million, with employment outside Dublin rising by 1.9% in the year.
Inward investment has remained robust. IDA Ireland announced a record 323 investments in 2025, a 38% increase on 2024, expected to deliver cutting-edge research and development and create over 15,300 additional jobs. IDA also launched its new five-year strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, aligning with Programme for Government objectives.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) continues to drive employment growth with employment in EI companies at 232,425 in 2025 an increase of 1.3% over the previous year. 69% of new jobs created were located outside the Dublin region. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) portfolio of 7,148 small businesses accounts for over 40,000 jobs across the country. In 2025, LEO supported companies created 7,261 new jobs.
Key policy initiatives have been advanced, including the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September, supported by €4.7 billion in capital investment over the next five years under my Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026-2030.
We launched the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, with the first progress report recently published. Six months on from publication of the Plan, ten actions have been fully completed, with the vast majority actively underway and progressing according to their timelines.
A Small Business Unit was established, fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment, and we convened several meetings of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum.
In line with the Programme for Government a key priority of mine is reducing red tape and simplifying processes for small businesses. Key highlights in this regard include:
• Grant simplification: The newly established Small Business Unit has reviewed all Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grant schemes, resulting in a reduction of application questions, down 47% for Business Expansion Grants, 30% for the Green for Business Grant and 28% for the Feasibility Grant with further reductions targeted.
• Faster approvals: Enterprise Ireland has been tasked with achieving a 24-hour turnaround time for grant application approvals.
• EU regulatory relief: Ireland was among the first in Europe to sign regulations exempting 80% of small businesses from the scope of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), with a two-year delay granted to others pending further EU negotiations.
• SME Test expansion: In 2025, 33 SME Tests were applied by 10 Government Departments. This compares to 26 SME Tests applied by 8 Government Departments in 2024. These tests assess the impact of new legislation on small businesses and propose mitigation measures. This figure is expected to increase with all departments mandated to apply SME Tests for new policies.
• Listening to businesses: My officials are actively engaging with stakeholders through the Enterprise and Retail Forums and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to identify high-impact burdens and opportunities for reform
• Digital transformation: 95% of filings with the Companies Registration Office are now online and the Workplace Relations Commission has implemented Robotic Process Automation to streamline complaint handling.
• Business support access: The National Enterprise Hub has now handled over 12,000 enquiries, simplifying access to over 250 supports from 32 departments and agencies.
• Regulatory modernisation: Updates to the Companies Act, the introduction of SCARP (Small Companies Administrative Rescue Process), and reforms to co-operative legislation are making compliance more flexible and accessible.
• EU engagement: My Department continues to shape EU policy through active participation in working groups, supporting simplification efforts such as the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and the forthcoming Digital Simplification Package.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, tourism policy has been strengthened with its functions transferring to my Department and with the launch of A New Era for Irish Tourism, Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy Statement, and the publication of the Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan 2025–2030, the first of its kind for the sector. These initiatives aim to ensure balanced regional development and resilience in the face of climate change.
Innovation remains central to our agenda. Under our Sectoral Capital Plan 2026-2030 (https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/sectoral-capital-plan-2026-2030.html) we will deliver investment for Technology Centres (€190 million), the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (€196 million), European Space Agency programmes (€170 million) and €120 million for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). We launched Ireland’s first Semiconductor Strategy, positioning Ireland as a key player in Europe’s semiconductor future. As part of this strategy, in February 2026 I launched I-C3, the National Competence Centre in Semiconductors for startups and SMEs which will provide resources, including funding pathways, training, design tools and pilot line facilities. I have also launched a public consultation on the new National Life Sciences Strategy, and received government endorsement of the strategic approach on developing Next Generation Sites to position Ireland to be competitive in winning high-value, employment-rich projects in future-focused sectors.
Additional commitments have been advanced through convening of the Employment Law Review Group, the publication of the Action Plan to Promote Collective Bargaining 2026–2030 and an updated Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working. The Employment Permits system was digitally transformed in 2025 facilitating the more efficient and secure processing of permits with critical skills processing times below 10 working days. This progress is critical given the service’s central role in enabling business growth and job creation. New categories of permits were issued including town planners, a seasonal permits scheme, and new quotas to support meat processing and dairy sectors. A project management team has been established to deliver the Single Permit Directive, a commitment under the Programme for Government.
There is a firm commitment in the Programme for Government to support the central role played by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment matters. A new chair of the Labour Court was appointed in April 2025 and the WRC continues to play a critical role in ensuring that employment rights are upheld for all, establishing a new division focused on outreach and information provision and also a new continuous improvement office, focused on driving efficiencies through digitisation and data informed change.
I secured Government agreement to adopt a distributed model of implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. This approach will build on the deep knowledge and expertise of the established sectoral regulators. Following this, in September 2025 a national single point of contact has also been established within the department to streamline coordination between Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders.
My officials have been putting in place the structures for a successful Presidency and have been working through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Interdepartmental Groups on Presidency Policy Priorities and Operation Planning on progressing Ireland’s policy priorities and operational planning for the Presidency. This work will continue right up to 1st July 2026 when Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. My Department’s Presidency Planning Team will continue to collaborate across government to ensure that all perspectives are heard and considered in a fair and inclusive manner.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government my Department continued work to strengthen the mandate of the Competition and Consumer Protection (CCPC) through the addition to and enhancement of its senior leadership team and a public consultation on proposed legislative measures under the Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill 2026. This includes reviewing the legislative framework governing consumer protection fines with future penalties expected to align with those applicable to competition law infringements, ensuring greater consistency and impact across the regulatory landscape.
Further progress includes commissioning research to inform the review of Personal Injuries Guidelines, launch of the new Action Plan for Insurance Reform which 11 actions for delivery by my Department and new mediation service from the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
Supported by Ministers Dillon and Smyth good progress is being made across all relevant commitments beyond the main achievements highlighted above, in fulfilment of the Programme for Government. Full details of last years’ achievements and ongoing initiatives will be published in the Department’s Annual Report for 2025.
476. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a teacher (details supplied) has been employed on fixed-term contracts even though, under current legislation, a teacher must typically complete two consecutive years of employment with the same employer to secure a contract of indefinite duration (CID); the action she will take to ensure teachers can get a CID; what this teacher must do to secure a CID; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27890/26]
View answerThe provisions of Circular 23/15 (Primary) and 24/15 (Post-Primary) set out the criteria for the award of a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID) to teachers.
Department Circulars 20/26 and 21/26 revise Circulars 23/15 and 24/15 to reduce the length of time for a teacher to qualify for the award of a CID from a period of two years continuous service to a period of 1 year continuous service, subject to satisfying the criteria set out in the Circulars.
In order for a school to award a CID, the teacher must satisfy the criteria set out in the circulars and a viable post must be available in the school.
Under the provisions of Circular 30/2018, where a teacher has been employed on a fixed term contract and they believe they fall within the terms of the circulars or are unhappy with the action taken by their employer in terms of the award of a CID, the teacher may appeal against the action of their employer, subject to the time limits set out in the Circular.
477. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of Bus Éireann buses on the school transport system that are eight-seater buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27898/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.
It is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply. Bus Éireann review all applications and payments after the closing date and assess the vehicle and contractor requirement based on the location of eligible applicants. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractor vehicles.
Bus Éireann does not operate any small capacity vehicles as referenced by the Deputy. Vehicles of this capacity are primarily small Public Service Vehicles (PSV) that are provided by Private Operators, under contract to Bus Éireann as part of the scheme.
As of the most recent data (Period 3 2026), there are currently 3,200 vehicles that fall within this category operating school transport services.
478. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth if additional schools in Meath west will receive DEIS status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27899/26]
View answerAddressing educational disadvantage in all schools is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programme is targeted at schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage. Schools that were included in the most recent expansion of the programme in 2022 were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme, and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools. A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie.
I recently announced the DEIS Strategy to 2035 which is the first long-term, whole-system approach to addressing educational disadvantage. This strategy recognises education as central to breaking cycles of disadvantage, expanding opportunity, and ensuring long-term security. It sets out a more flexible model of support, so that resources are aligned with each school’s level of need as it changes over time.
The strategy also acknowledges that students at risk of educational disadvantage are present in all schools. It therefore focuses on improving outcomes, encouraging innovation, and ensuring schools can access the right supports when needed. The DEIS Strategy to 2035 sets out actions under the strategic objective 2.2, to develop an agile resource allocation model to support children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage in all primary and post-primary schools. These actions focus on the continued enhancement of the data available to measure school level disadvantage and for the development of a more flexible resource allocation model that can react to change in school needs and provide the right resources at the right time. The increase in DEIS Grant and HSCL allocation for schools in the DEIS programme, and the allocation of HSCL on a pilot basis to a selection of schools that are not in the DEIS programme is a first step in the move to that more dynamic model. No schools are losing resources in relation to this work.
As work continues on these actions, we will continue to work closely with schools and the education stakeholders. Any future allocation of resources will be considered over the lifetime of the DEIS Strategy to 2035 and in the context of available resources.
There are also a range of universal supports available to all schools to support children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage. These include:
• National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological service to all primary and post-primary schools and special schools to support the well-being, academic, social and emotional development of all learners.
• The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation provides a unified allocation for special education support teaching needs to each school based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses an element of English as an additional language (EAL) support allocation. Under this SET model, schools are frontloaded with resources to provide support immediately to those pupils who need it without delay.
• Free schoolbooks are provided to all children and young people in the free education system.
• Inspectorate support helps improve education provision for all children and young people. They promote best practice and school improvement by advising teachers, principals and boards of management in schools.
• Through the Department of Social Protection, the School Meals Programme provides regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Hot School Meals Programme is available to all primary schools, meaning that approximately 3,700 schools and organisations and 682,000 children are now eligible for the Schools Meals Programme.
479. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria that was used to determine DEIS Plus status; if the results will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27900/26]
View answerI am pleased to have launched the DEIS Plus scheme on 25 March 2026. This scheme targets additional resources at a small cohort of 121 schools that have been identified as having the very highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage.
The DEIS Plus scheme is a key action in the DEIS Strategy to 2035, which sets the overall policy direction of my department to address educational disadvantage in all schools and to remove barriers that prevent children and young people from achieving their potential through education. This includes the development of more innovative and responsive approaches to supporting schools to address educational disadvantage, including the development of a more dynamic resource allocation model for DEIS that can more quickly adapt to the needs identified in schools.
DEIS Plus is part of an overall package of €48 million of additional targeted supports to address educational disadvantage. This package benefits over 700 schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS. It is the largest single year increase in funding for DEIS, bringing the overall annual allocation to €228 million from 2027. This allocation provides additional teachers, leadership posts, funding and enhanced access to professional learning and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for schools in the DEIS programme. It also supports access for those schools to the Home-School-Community Liaison scheme and School Completion Programme.
Schools have been identified for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme using the DEIS Plus identification model, an objective and data-based approach using nationally available indicators applied consistently across all schools. The identification model is underpinned by a range of administrative data on every child and young person enrolled in primary and post-primary school. This data includes:
• The Pobal HP Deprivation Index for the small area in which the child or young person lives, obtained through the child’s or young person’s address data provided by their school on the DEY Primary Online Database (POD) or the Post-Primary Online Database (PPOD).
• The child’s or young person’s ethnicity if provided by their school on POD or PPOD.
• If the child’s or young person’s address on POD or PPOD matches an address of State-funded homeless accommodation.
• If the child’s or young person’s address on POD or PPOD matches an address of an International Protection Accommodation Centre (IPAS) or Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC).
The DEIS Plus identification model includes the addition of a DEIS Plus index. The DEIS Plus index was developed by the department’s statistics unit to support the identification of schools for DEIS Plus. The DEIS Plus index uses the same factors as the Pobal HP Deprivation Index but places greater weight on lone parenthood and unemployment, which have been widely identified as key factors in persistent and intergenerational disadvantage.
Children and young people from ‘very disadvantaged’ or ‘extremely disadvantaged areas’ (HP score -20 under either Pobal HP Deprivation Index or the DEIS Plus index), residing in State-funded emergency accommodation, residing in IPAS or EROC accommodation or identifying as Traveller or Roma are designated priority cohorts within the model. Further information on the identification process is available on gov.ie/deis.
Following an assessment of the past three years’ data, only those schools identified as having the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage have been included in the scheme. If a school has not been identified for inclusion, this does not imply there is no disadvantage in the school community. While many schools experience significant need, not all will meet the statistical threshold for inclusion at this stage. Schools will continue to be supported through the range of additional resources provided through the DEIS programme.
My department is committed to ensuring that all schools are treated equally and fairly in the manner in which they have been identified for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme. Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS Plus identification model to their school enrolment data will have the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The appeals window will open after the Easter break and schools will have a period of four weeks to submit to the department for review. Schools will be given the opportunity to update their school enrolment data for the years 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 on POD and PPOD, where they identify that the information already provided is not an accurate reflection of their school enrolment for those years. Schools may also request that the application of the model to their existing data is reviewed.
The review process will be overseen by an appeals board, the members of which are independent of the initial design and implementation of the DEIS Plus identification model.
When all appeals have been processed, schools will be informed in writing by my department outlining the outcome of the appeal. It is my intention that schools will be provided with the outcome promptly.
A circular outlining the full details of the appeals process will issue to schools after the Easter break.
In relation to the publication of results, disadvantage scores can be an important tool for identifying need and directing support. However, the publication of these scores can lead to unfair comparisons as they do not reflect the different contexts in which schools operate. The publication of such data can also unintentionally reinforce stigma and risk the deepening of inequality. The department uses this data carefully and in context, focusing on ensuring resources and supports reach the schools that need it the most, while avoiding any potential harm to school communities. For these reasons, the department does not publish disadvantage scores.
480. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth the additional supports schools with DEIS status such as a school (details supplied) can expect in the coming years under new DEIS Strategy; and when these supports will be made available [27901/26]
View answerThe DEIS Strategy to 2035 sets out a whole-system, evidence-based approach to addressing educational disadvantage in all schools. It focuses on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to addressing educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
The strategy is underpinned by five key pillars:
Pillar 1 – Empowering children and young people impacted by intergenerational poverty and disadvantage to break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage through improved educational outcomes.
Pillar 2 – Identifying need, allocating resources and evaluating impact.
Pillar 3 – The school in partnership with parents and the community.
Pillar 4 – Attending, enjoying and participating in school.
Pillar 5 – Learning, developing and progressing.
Over 700 schools will benefit through immediate actions to expand supports and resources through implementation of the DEIS Strategy to 2035 and the introduction of the DEIS Plus scheme. The strategy also includes:
• Expansion of HSCL supports - There are an additional 120 HSCL coordinators under the new DEIS Strategy to 2035 and the DEIS Plus scheme, including a pilot to those outside the traditional DEIS programme. Following this increase, there will be 660 HSCL coordinators working to support 21% of all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
• Strengthened wellbeing, inclusion and community partnership supports
• Additional community link workers
• Increased capitation funding and additional supports for teacher professional learning
• Free period products in all schools by 2027
The DEIS Strategy to 2035 is a ten-year strategy which will be implemented through three consecutive three-year implementation plans: 2026-2028, 2029-2032 and 2032-2034. The final year, 2035, will be a review and redevelopment year. The new DEIS Strategy to 2035 will use evidence to drive improvement, ensuring that data, research and school experience shape how resources and teaching and learning supports are targeted for the greatest impact. A key objective under the strategy is the development and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track and measure the impact of the strategy to 2035. Annual progress reports will be published to track the delivery of the actions outlined in the implementation plans.
481. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of school closures that have been recorded over the past year in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27927/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy, that the decision-making authority for any change of status, including school closures, is the patron/trustees of the school concerned, and it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.
Any proposed change involves extensive consultation at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.
The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any change of status proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.
As referred by the Deputy, two primary schools have closed in County Donegal over the past year.
482. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will revisit the recent decision to increase the maximum driving age for minibus drivers to 72 years, specifically in relation to 12 and 14-seater vehicles; and if she will consider extending similar provisions to these larger minibuses in line with the recent announcement permitting drivers over the previous age limit to operate eight-seater minibuses (details supplied). [27949/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education & Youth.
The retirement age for school bus drivers has been set by Bus Éireann at 70 years of age, which also applies to all Bus Éireann road passenger services.
The Road Safety Authority, under the remit of the Department of Transport, committed to reviewing the upper age limit of drivers as it relates to larger vehicles/school buses. This review is now complete and is available on the Oireachtas website here: PAC - RSA report over 70s. Bus Éireann has no plans to amend the driver age limit for larger vehicles.
An independent review of the upper age limit of drivers as it relates to smaller vehicles has been completed. Following this review, Bus Éireann has advised of an extension to the upper age limit of drivers from age 70 to 72, for a trial period. This extension will apply to drivers of small public service vehicles (max 8 seats and driver), who are contracted by Bus Éireann under the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann further advise, this decision follows extensive research, stakeholder engagement and a thorough safety review undertaken by Bus Éireann.
The trial period for this extension of the driver age limit is for two years, beginning from the start of the new school year in September 2026 and ending at the conclusion of the 2027/2028 school year in June 2028. Under the revised policy, enhanced safety measures will be implemented whereby drivers over 70 years are required to undertake an additional 6-month medical fitness assessment. Contractor compliance with conditions associated with the change to this policy will be monitored by Bus Éireann for the duration of the trial.
Bus Éireann advise that this policy change will remain under continuous review throughout the two-year trial period, with a further evaluation conducted at its conclusion to determine whether the extended age limit should be maintained or discontinued.
As part of a national focus on driver requirements, the Department of Education and Youth has facilitated a working group with the Department of Transport, Bus Éireann, and Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to discuss the challenges and to action possible solutions to increase the availability of drivers. This group established a communications subgroup, enabled the continuation of a collaboration between Bus Éireann and ETBI at a local level.
Arising from the work mentioned above, the Department of Transport has established a Public Transport Workforce Taskforce to identify options to assist with resolving these issues.
The taskforce is chaired by the Department of Transport, which will meet on a monthly basis, and includes representatives from the school transport section in my Department, relevant transport operators and agencies, and training bodies.
The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues and put forward recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues.
483. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of plans to revise the salaries and allowances of liaison officers, youth workers, and senior youth workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27961/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I was pleased to announce that arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.
In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million will support existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.
My department, through the Youth Affairs Unit, provides core funding to youth services and organisations to support the delivery of youth work throughout the country, to offer a broad range of youth services and supports to young people aged 10-24 years, which are delivered by both paid youth workers and volunteers. Youth workers are employed by these youth services and organisations, who are responsible for all matters relating to pay, terms and conditions of employment, and compliance with statutory obligations. Any decisions on pay or conditions for staff employed by funded organisations rest with the organisations as the employers.
484. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount by which the fees for school transport have increased; if she will instruct her officials not to pass on any increase to parents until the current fuel crisis has abated; if not, the measures she will enact to protect families from increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27994/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Demand for school transport has grown significantly, with the number of students using the scheme rising from over 120,000 in 2019 to 181,100 in 2025. More than 24,400 children and young people with special educational needs now use SEN transport services, an 82% increase since 2018, reflecting the Government’s commitment to supporting safe and reliable school transport for all eligible students.
A recent review of the School Transport Scheme found that having a fee helps make better use of resources and prevents seats on school buses from going unused, helping to protect and sustain the scheme for all families who need it.
The School Transport Scheme will remain heavily subsidised by the State, with over 92% of the overall cost covered. For the 2026/27 school year, a primary school ticket will cost the equivalent of 55 cent per school day, and a post-primary ticket will cost approximately 60 cent per school day. No family will pay more than €1.32 per day, regardless of how many children use the service. Transport will continue to be provided free of charge for eligible medical card holders and all eligible children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) using transport services.
The Department fully appreciates the concerns given the recent global events and the impacts already being seen in fuel prices in Ireland. Government has announced a further reduction in excise on fuel which will be in place until the end of July. This is a national measure aimed at easing the financial burden on individuals at this time. The targeted measures are temporary and will continue to be reviewed subject to market developments.
485. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when construction works at a school (details supplied) will be completed. [27997/26]
View answerThe project for St. Catherine’s Special School is devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
The brief for this project comprises of the development of a new purpose-built, 25 classroom school for pupils with special educational needs. It is located on a greenfield site in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow.
The project is currently at stage 4 (construction) of the delivery process having commenced on site towards the end of Q4 2025. The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on several factors, including scale and complexity. The department has been actively engaged with the Design Team and WWETB throughout the process and will continue to engage to provide practical advice and assistance on this important project. WWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them fully informed of progress.
486. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when construction works at a school (details supplied) will be completed. [27998/26]
View answerThe large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 4 – Construction.
The project brief is for the construction of a new 1000 pupil Post Primary School building. The development will include the demolition of 6 existing buildings on the site; 5 of which are currently in use by the school, all will be demolished on a phased basis to accommodate the development.
The authorisation to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) was communicated to the Design Team on the 7th of January 2025 commencing the school building project.
The contract duration is an estimated 26 months with a projected completion date in Quarter 2 of 2027.
