Written Answers Nos. 169-193
169. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total area of State-owned forestry under the control or management of Coillte; the proportion of this area planted with native species and non-native species respectively; and if he will provide a breakdown by species type for the past ten years. [28979/26]
View answer170. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any policy targets are in place to increase the proportion of native woodland on State-owned forestry lands; the current percentage of native woodland within the State forestry estate; and any planned timelines or targets for expansion. [28980/26]
View answerThe National Forest Inventory (NFI), carried out by my Department, provides an objective, statistically robust assessment of Ireland’s forest resource, and covers the composition and extent of Ireland’s forest estate, including private and publicly owned forests. As of 2022, the NFI registered 411,484 ha (50.9%) of forests in private ownership and 397,364 ha (49.1%) in public ownership.
Coillte currently manages 440,000 hectares of land (7% of the total area of the State), of which 396,000 hectares consists of forests. The NFI 2022 shows that native trees account for 20.2%, and non-native 79.8%, of the Coillte estate. By comparison, the figures from 2006 indicated a 15% broadleaf/85% non-native split, while 2017 figures showed 18.7% native / 81.3% non-native trees.
In accordance with Coillte’s Forest Estate Land Use Plan, the organisation aims to increase the area of its forest estate being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 50% in the long term, by enhancing and restoring biodiversity and planting new forests, half of which will be native woodlands.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 in Ireland has set an ambitious annual target for broadleaf planting, increasing it to 50% of total annual planting. This is a significant rise from the 30% target in the previous 2014-2020 Programme. A 20% minimum broadleaf component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types.
Aiming at progressing afforestation on lands in public ownership, my Department is leading a focused Planting on Public Lands initiative as part of the implementation of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. The Planting on Public Lands initiative has progressed from awareness raising to active delivery, with 33 public bodies formally engaged to date.
171. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has conducted or commissioned any assessments of the biodiversity impact of monoculture forestry plantations, including Sitka spruce; and if he will provide details of any such assessments and their findings. [28981/26]
View answerA detailed assessment was undertaken between 2001 and 2006 to provide information on biodiversity in Irish plantation forests. This study, entitled BIOFOREST, was funded by COFORD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was undertaken by University College, Cork, Trinity College and Coillte. The project found that such forests can support diverse species assemblages over the forest cycle, but these contain a large proportion of generalist species and few species of conservation importance. However, mature stands develop a characteristic woodland flora and support forest specialist spiders and hoverflies. The results of BIOFOREST fed into the development by my Department of guidelines, including the current guidelines Environmental Requirements for Afforestation. A further study involving the same partners and called FORESTBIO, set out to derive management strategies for biodiversity in a range of Irish forest types, including Sitka spruce plantations.
Furthermore, the process undertaken in relation to any individual licence application submitted to my Department for afforestation and tree felling assesses the biodiversity impact of the proposed project, and identifies any mitigation that may be required to avoid impact of various aspects of the environment, including biodiversity. As species selection (in terms of afforestation or reforestation) is a core part of such projects, it is considered accordingly and if necessary, adjustments are stipulated which may alter species composition in varies parts of the site.
The current (and recent) Forestry Programme does not permit the creation on new forests comprising monocultures. In fact, the most commercially orientated afforestation option – Forest Type 12 – is aimed are creating new Sitka spruce forests for timber production, but these forests must include 20% broadleaves and up to 15% open space (in the form of environmental setbacks alongside streams, habitats, archaeological features, roads and dwellings). Similarly, while my Department’s Felling and Reforestation Policy allows for reforestation with conifers, a broadleaf and/ or diverse conifer element must be included to protect various sensitivities that may apply to the site, including water, landscape and adjoining dwellings.
The assessment process applied to each individual licence application for tree felling assesses proposed species selection and its impact (alongside other project parameters) on biodiversity (and other environmental receptors), and if needed, adjustments are stipulated.
172. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which current forestry policy takes account of long-term carbon sequestration outcomes associated with different forestry models; and whether comparisons have been made between native woodland systems and commercial plantation forestry in this regard. [28982/26]
View answerIreland’s current forest policy is guided by the Forest Strategy 2023-2030. Its overriding objective is to urgently expand the national forest estate on both public and private land in a manner that will deliver lasting benefits for multiple objectives, including climate change. The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is key to the implementation of the Forest Strategy and provides for a diverse range of both conifer and broadleaf forest types.
In relation to comparing the sequestration capacity of native forests to commercial forests, there are several factors to consider. All forests, both conifer and broadleaves, sequester carbon dioxide but the overall carbon balance will depend on a number of factors including tree species, soil type, site conditions and management practices. Conifers generally sequester carbon dioxide at a faster rate than broadleaves on similar soils. However, over the long term, the total amount removed from the atmosphere is similar. Comparisons are not solely made based on carbon when deciding on native woodland systems and commercial plantation forests when deriving current forest policy.
Forests provide a range of multiple objectives and collectively all forest types provide a range of functions. Conifer forests are important for providing timber for house construction and reducing our reliance on concrete and steel. Native forests are important for biodiversity and the current forestry programme provides higher financial premiums for these forests.
Teagasc have developed a Forest Carbon tool which is freely available on their website and does provide landowners with information on the potential carbon sequestration for different types of forests grant aided under my Department's Forestry Programme.
173. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a review of the mandate, governance structure, or operational model of Coillte is under consideration; and if he will outline any proposals to rebalance its commercial and environmental objectives. [28983/26]
View answerCoillte was established as a commercial state company with private limited status under the Forestry Act, 1988, to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate.
The company's mandate is set out in Section 12 of the Forestry Act 1988 and provides, inter alia, that one of its principal objects is to carry on the business of forestry and related activities on a commercial basis, and in accordance with efficient silvicultural practices. Coillte currently manages 440,000 hectares of land (7% of the total area of the State).
Over time Coillte's role has evolved in accordance with Government policy to include the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the forestry sector and our rural economy.
Coillte's Strategic Vision for Our Future Forest Estate sets out its high-level ambitions for its forest estate to 2050, which aims to balance and deliver the multiple benefits of forests for climate action, biodiversity and recreation, while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood product industry. A guiding principle of delivering on this vision is the ambition to increase the area of its forest estate being managed for nature from 20% to 50% in the long term.
The Shareholder letter of Expectation issued to Coillte on 2nd June 2022 clearly defines the terms of the State body’s relationship with the Department and includes balancing Coillte’s commercial remit with national environmental objectives. This letter is published on gov.ie. Discussions between Coillte and my Department on an updated Shareholder Letter are currently progressing.
174. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what oversight mechanisms exist in relation to forestry-related educational materials distributed in schools; whether such materials are subject to departmental approval or review; and if any guidelines are in place to ensure balance between commercial forestry and environmental perspectives. [28984/26]
View answerMy Department does not directly approve or review forestry-related educational materials that may be distributed in schools.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is designed to provide lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, and employment alongside enhancing societal benefits. The programme includes 14 Schemes and a range of supports to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest, ongoing support to existing forest owners, and the restoration of native tree areas. The current programme has set an ambitious annual target for broadleaf planting, increasing it to 50% of total annual planting which represents a significant rise from the 30% target in the previous 2014-2020. A 20% minimum broadleaf component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types.
Further, my Departments Forestry Communications & Engagement Strategy centres on promoting all schemes and supports to deliver a culture of forestry based on forest values for climate, nature, wood, people, and the economy and rural development promotion.
175. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how forestry policy is being aligned with national biodiversity and climate strategies; and what measurable indicators are used to assess the environmental performance of State forestry. [28985/26]
View answer176. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the supports available to employers and employees to promote remote and flexible working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28896/26]
View answer177. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views on whether existing legislation and regulations are sufficient to support workers that are seeking reasonable allowances for flexible working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28897/26]
View answer178. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any work ongoing within her Department that seeks to further strengthen the position of workers that are seeking reasonable allowances for flexible working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28898/26]
View answer179. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her views on the merits of creating a campaign that seeks to encourage businesses to allow for increased flexible working practices, particularly in the context of increasing fuel prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28899/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177, 178 and 179 together.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 complements existing family leaves by providing additional flexibility to ensure that parents and carers are supported in balancing their work and family lives.
The Act introduced important entitlements for workers, including five days leave for medical care purposes and an extension to the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks. It also introduced the right to request remote working for all employees and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers in line with Article 9 of the Directive EU 2019/1158.
Remote, hybrid and flexible working represent a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market and society, particularly for people with caring responsibilities, people returning to the workforce, older people, people with disabilities and people facing long commutes in the context of high fuel costs. This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and hybrid options representing powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention which improves economic performance and labour market access overall.
The Government is also prioritising further work-life balance measures through new National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030, which was published on the 18th of November 2025, and includes a number of objectives to empower women in decision making and leadership roles, support women in and returning to the workforce and also to bring a much needed focus on sharing of unpaid caring responsibilities between women and men.
The first Action Plan under the new Strategy is currently being developed and will include actions to support working families in balancing the competing demands of family and work. The Strategy also supports flexible working options and one’s right to avail of these so that both women and men are afforded greater choice in terms of how they manage the interaction between their caring and work responsibilities.
Under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, there is a provision for a review of the Right to Request Flexible Working provisions. This review is currently being scoped and is due to be undertaken in the coming months. It will also include further research into what additional flexibilities could be introduced for parents and carers and will consider the extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees.
The right to request a remote working arrangements for all employees is accompanied by a Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice which provides practical guidance for employers and employees on how to comply with the legislation.
As required by the legislation, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment recently concluded a review of the operation of the right to request remote working legislation. The review found that the legislation is highly effective in practice when used, with almost all (94%) of those using their right to request remote work being approved either fully (61%) or partially (33%).
However, the report highlights that public awareness of the legislative right remains low, with fewer than half of employees aware of their right to request remote work. As a result, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will launch a targeted national information campaign to raise awareness of the right to request remote working.
Both the National Remote Work Strategy and Our Rural Future, the Government's rural development policy, recognise the opportunity for more balanced regional development and the rejuvenation of communities across Ireland that remote and flexible working presents- particularly through expanding the range of employment opportunities available to people living in, or wishing to return to, communities outside Ireland’s larger cities.
The Government launched the National Remote Work Strategy, 'Making Remote Work' in January 2021. The Strategy identified 15 actions to be undertaken to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature of the Irish workplace, and all these actions have been successfully delivered.
The evidence suggests that our policies are working, and it is worth highlighting the contribution of remote and flexible working in achieving Ireland’s record levels of employment and female labour force participation.
Ensuring that the legislation underpinning remote and flexible work is effective is key to ensuring that their benefits are fully realised.
180. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to promote and advertise the Magdelene ex-gratia redress scheme, as commenced in 2013 and extended to further institutions in 2018 both in Ireland and abroad, given the low numbers of applicants to date (details supplied). [28784/26]
View answerThe Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme was established in 2013, following the publication of the Report of the Inter-departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries (the 'McAleese Report') and, subsequently, the Magdalen Commission Report (the 'Quirke Report'), which made recommendations on the establishment of a redress scheme to address the needs of the women who had been admitted to and worked in the Magdalen institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the Ex-Gratia Scheme applies to any eligible applicant who was alive on 19 February 2013 and who expressed an interest in participating in the Scheme; this was recommended by the Quirke Report. The number referenced in the question refers, in fact, to the finding of the McAleese Report that about 10,000 women entered Magdalen Laundries in the period 1922 to 1996. The McAleese Report also found that 61% of the women spent a year or less in the Laundries, and 35.6% of the women had a duration of stay of less than 3 months.
When the Quirke Report was published in 2013, it was estimated that, based on age profile and the period of time the Magdalen Laundries were in operation, up to 1,000 applications might possibly be received under the Ex-Gratia Scheme. It is important to note, however, that with the inclusion of two specific Domestic Training Schools (House of Mercy Training School, Summerhill, Co Wexford and St. Mary’s Training Centre, Stanhope Street, Dublin 7) that were added to the original list of 10 Magdalen Laundries, it was considered difficult to estimate how many additional applications might potentially be received in respect of the two Training Schools.
In 2018, following a recommendation by the Ombudsman, the Government decided that women who worked in the Laundries of the 12 Magdalen institutions identified in the Scheme but who were resident in one of 14 adjoining institutions, could also apply under an Addendum to the Ex-Gratia Scheme. Applications were received from women whose initial application under the Ex-Gratia Scheme had been refused, as well as from new applicants. No information is available on the number of additional applications that it was considered at the time might potentially apply under the Addendum.
Information on the Ex-Gratia Scheme has been made available widely, including with the assistance of advocacy groups in Ireland and the UK and through Ireland's network of embassies abroad. The Scheme remains open to new applications and my Department continues to engage with the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse, Ms. Patricia Carey, to ensure that those women who may be eligible but have not yet applied are made aware of the Scheme, how it works, and who they can contact. The Department is currently planning 2026 communications for the Scheme.
The vast bulk of applications were lodged in the early years of the Scheme, with only a very small number of new applications lodged in recent years. I would not consider that there has been a low number of applicants under the Scheme relative to the group of potential applicants, and I am not aware of any widespread view that information on the Scheme has not been made sufficiently available to Magdalen survivors.
181. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children’s disability network teams operating in each local authority area, including Waterford City and County Council, and for each team: the approved whole-time equivalent staffing complement by discipline; the current filled whole-time equivalent staffing, by discipline; and the current vacancy rate, for each of the past five years, in tabular form. [28811/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
182. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children referred to each children’s disability network team in each local authority area, including Waterford City and County Council, in each of the past five years; the number of referrals accepted; the number deemed more appropriate for primary care or other services; and the number currently awaiting initial contact, in tabular form. [28812/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
183. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average and median waiting times for initial contact, initial assessment and commencement of intervention for children referred to each children’s disability network team, including those serving Waterford City and County; and the national averages for each category, in each of the past five years. [28813/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
184. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children actively engaged with each children’s disability network team; and the number on waiting lists at each team, including those serving Waterford City and County; and the ratio of children to whole-time equivalent staff, broken down by discipline where available, in the most recent year for which data is available and for each of the previous four years. [28814/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
185. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of individual family support plans in place within each children’s disability network team, including those in Waterford City and County; the average number of contacts or interventions per child per year; and the proportion of supports delivered on a one-to-one, group, and programme basis, with national comparator data provided. [28815/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
186. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of complaints, incidents, or formal service concerns recorded in relation to each children’s disability network team, including those serving Waterford City and County, in each of the past five years; and the nature of such complaints, by category, in tabular form. [28816/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
187. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide details of the number of legal actions against her Department that have been resolved without going to court in line with the 2023 State Litigation Principles; if her Department is fully applying the State Litigation Principles in seeking to resolve any current or outstanding legal actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28828/26]
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.
188. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for civil servants in her Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28912/26]
View answer190. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if any review is ongoing in relation to her Department’s policy on flexible working and remote working for civil servants in her Department, particularly in the context of increased fuel prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28949/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 190 together.
The Department’s Blended Working Policy currently requires a minimum of two days attendance onsite as mandatory. This is pro-rated for staff on a reduced working pattern.
The Department’s Time and Attendance Policy sets out the arrangements for Flexible Working Hours (Flexitime) in accordance with central guidance. Eligible staff may, within certain limits, vary their arrival times, departure times, and lunch breaks. This applies when working in the office and remotely. Flexitime is available for staff up to Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade and its equivalents.
A review of the blended working model is being undertaken in 2026 under the Department’s People Strategy. There are currently no planned changes to the Flexitime arrangements.
189. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for staff that work for any agencies under the remit of her Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; if this policy is under the control of the agency itself or if it is directed by the Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28931/26]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that Department officials have asked agencies under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to respond directly to you on this matter.
191. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when she intends to publish details of the DCDE mapping of existing early learning and care services against projected need, to show the gaps in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29085/26]
View answerA forward planning model has been developed by officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to better understand the nature of early learning and childcare supply/demand misalignment and to inform decision making about capital investment. Analysis is ongoing of the data in this model in order to identify areas of greatest undersupply.
The analysis of the Forward Planning model provides a key input into the approach to the capital programme to be resourced through the allocation in the revised National Development Plan 2026-30. The forward planning model has been developed to provide analysis to the division for internal purposes, particularly to inform consideration of capital investment projects as well as wider supply planning.
The publication of any data or outputs has been considered in light of potential commercial impacts, the negotiating position of the Department, and the sensitivity of personal information that is contained in or could possibly be derived from the data. There is significant risk in making the data available more widely that it will contribute to price inflation of early learning and childcare properties in areas of high future demand which is likely to result in greater costs both for the State and other interested parties.
Aggregated childcare demand and capacity data, including data on enrolments, vacancies and waiting lists, is available on the www.pobal.ie/childcare/capacity/ Data on population and on expected future trends in population is available from the www.cso.ie/en/and the ESRI.
192. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the length of time it is taking to secure Garda vetting for new hires in childminding facilities and the knock on impact this is having for families who cannot access these services due to these delays; the actions she will take to address this concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29101/26]
View answer193. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any engagement she has had with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the delays in processing Garda vetting application for new hires in childminding facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29103/26]
View answer194. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any engagement she is having with the childcare sector regarding delays in processing Garda vetting applications for new hires and the knock on impact this is having for families who cannot access these services due to these delays; the actions she will take to address this concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29107/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 193 and 194 together.
In line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all employees, unpaid workers and contractors in an early years service are required to have Garda vetting/Police vetting prior to being allowed access to children. Garda vetting is also a legal requirement for all people working directly with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts, 2012-2016. This Act falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), who the Department funds to administer Garda Vetting for staff working in Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare settings, have advised that a standard fully complete Garda Vetting application currently takes 15-20 working days to process by the Garda National Vetting Bureau. If the applicant has lived and/or lives in another EU country or the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), their Garda Vetting application can take up to 10 additional working days for EU countries and up to 20 additional working days for the UK.
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate undertake the vetting for registered providers of early years services, Heads of Boards of management for services where the person is the Registered Provider and other persons assigned to carry out quality assurance visits on behalf of the chairperson.
Processing times for vetting applications reflect an EU Directive for enhanced police checks for sexual offences which came into force on July 7th 2025. These changes to the Garda Vetting process and additional timelines are designed to align with evolving best practices and legal requirements. I understand that these timelines are across all Garda Vetting applications and are not sector-specific.
The Department recognises the challenges for Early Years providers in recruitment and retention of staff in a competitive labour market. However, safeguarding children and ensuring their safety is a priority and appropriate vetting must be in place for anyone working directly with children.
