Written Answers Nos. 166-190
166. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on current processing times for general and critical skills employment permit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30463/26]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to the domestic labour market. The system enables appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill genuine skills and labour shortages that cannot be met from within the Irish or EEA workforce and is structured around the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists, which are regularly reviewed to ensure continued alignment with labour market needs.
In recent years, my Department has implemented a range of measures to improve processing times, including the deployment of additional resources and the adoption of more efficient processing methods to ensure the system remains responsive to sustained demand across all permit types.
The Department has already introduced a new employment permits IT system, representing a major step forward in modernising the service. Work is now progressing to Phase 2 of this digital transformation, which will further enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve the overall user experience as part of a multi-stage programme of modernisation.
The current processing times for new general employment permits and critical skills applications (which account for about 90% of all permits issued) are as follows:
• Critical Skills applications in 10 working days
• New General and other Employment Permit applications in 40 working days
Current processing dates continue to be published and updated regularly on the Department’s website to provide transparency to applicants - Current processing dates - DETE (https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/)
These dates reflect the point up to which applications are being assessed across each respective permit category, including new applications, critical skills, and renewals.
Our Self-Service Portal provides real-time updates on an employment permit application status. A dedicated mailbox for Oireachtas members is also available at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
My Department continues to monitor processing times closely and remains focused on ensuring that the system is efficient, modern, and capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic labour market.
167. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider putting early years on the critical skills list to encourage professionals to come to Ireland to work in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29881/26]
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.
Eligibility for employment permits are subject to review, incorporating stakeholder submissions and informed by labour market data, vacancy and earnings trends, analysis from relevant skills bodies. This includes research and analysis from bodies such as SOLAS, Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). This ongoing analysis incorporating stakeholder participation and the observations of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy, 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.
The current review commenced with an open public consultation during the Summer of last year. It attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders in the early childhood care and education sector. During the course of this review, my Department engaged with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality which has policy responsibility for the early years care sector, to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of meeting appropriate service demands and policies.
An occupation may be considered for change on the occupation’s lists, or eligibility by quota, where evidence suggests:
• 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.
My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupation lists will be published in the coming weeks.
168. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the practical governance tools his Department intends to make available to assist SMEs in meeting their obligations under the EU AI Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/26]
View answerA wide range of supports are available to help businesses, particularly SMEs, in their digital and AI journey. These range from grant funding, tailored consultancy and advice to hands-on support from Ireland's four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).
My Department is investing in AI Act compliance readiness across industry, with a strong focus on SMEs. In collaboration with CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for AI, we developed a free online training course – “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act” – to help businesses understand what AI is, and what the Act means for them.
We also engage regularly with providers and deployers of AI through industry events, meetings with companies and representative bodies, and through guidance and tools available on the Department’s website. There is also a further compliance resource available through the EU AI Act Service Desk's Compliance Checker.
These measures are aimed at both raising awareness of upcoming regulatory obligations and ensuring our enterprises can move quickly to align with the new framework, thereby reducing friction and cost when the Act is fully applicable.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department leads national implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) which came into force on 02 August 2024.
The Department has made strong progress on implementation, adopting a distributed model, allowing businesses to work with regulators who understand their sectors, making compliance more practical and effective. The provisions of the AI Act will apply progressively, with a full roll-out by 2 August 2027.
The AI Act offers us a balanced approach – one that supports innovation while establishing clear guardrails for high-risk applications. The government is fully committed to the comprehensive implementation of this landmark legislation which will provide clarity and certainty for businesses and help guide businesses develop adequate AI governance framework.
Budget 2026 secured €1.5 million in start-up funding to establish the AI Office of Ireland by August 2026. This Office will be the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act, promoting transparent and safe AI adoption to help Ireland remain a trusted and competitive place to do business.
The Office will also oversee a national AI regulatory sandbox, providing a supervised environment, balancing innovation with oversight, so that innovators can test solutions with compliance experts before market deployment. This oversight will help ensure that AI systems comply with EU rules, especially those related to fundamental rights, health, safety, and risk mitigation.
Ireland’s approach to AI governance mirrors global best practice, positioning itself as a place which encourages innovation while embedding strong oversight.
169. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific supports his Department is currently developing or enhancing to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in light of ongoing global economic uncertainty, including rising costs, supply chain pressures and geopolitical instability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been a significant issue for firms in recent years, driven by wider inflationary pressures, particularly energy costs. The Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy.
Recent increases in fuel costs, arising from geopolitical developments, are impacting sectors to varying degrees, depending on their reliance on fuel and transport. The Government is conscious of the pressures this volatility is placing on businesses, particularly SMEs, and recognises the importance of reducing the exposure to such shocks. This underlines the need to accelerate the transition towards greater energy independence. Significant investment is being made in renewable energy, electricity grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency, with reducing reliance on fossil fuels central to improving resilience against current and future energy price shocks.
A range of measures is in place across Government to support businesses in managing energy costs and improving efficiency. For example, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a suite of supports aimed at reducing energy demand and costs. Through the “Easy Wins” campaign, businesses are being encouraged to adopt practical, low-cost measures with rapid payback, including energy management training and energy audits.
For its part, my Department also continues to monitor and promote the supports spanning digitalisation, sustainability, innovation, productivity, and capability-building which are provided to small and medium sized enterprises through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.
In addition, the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme provides long-term, low-cost financing to SMEs and small mid-caps, including those in agriculture and related sectors, with loans ranging from €25,000 to €3 million over terms of up to 10 years, including unsecured lending of up to €500,000.
More broadly, the Government is addressing business costs through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025, which sets out 85 actions across six themes to strengthen national competitiveness. In parallel, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum has been established to bring together stakeholders across sectors to identify cost pressures and consider practical measures to address them. The report by the Forum is expected to be published in the coming months.
171. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has concerns in relation to the increased use of youth subminimum wages by employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30446/26]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, the National Minimum Wage Acts allow for lower, or subminimum rates of the minimum wage for those employees aged under 20. Those aged less than 18 years can be paid 70 per cent of the full minimum wage rate, while those aged 18 years and 19 years can be paid 80 and 90 per cent of the full rate, respectively.
Since the current system of youth rates is based on a percentage of the full minimum wage; when the minimum wage increases, these subminimum rates also increase, with young people in receipt of these rates seeing a commensurate increase in their wages.
Since 2020, the National Minimum Wage has increased by 40%, from €10.10 to today’s rate of €14.15 an hour.
In 2025, there was a significant uplift of 6.3%, or €0.80 in the minimum wage, and this year the minimum wage increased by €0.65, an increase of 4.8%. Both of these increases were ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about substantial and real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.
Our current rate of €14.15 an hour means that Ireland now has the second highest monthly minimum wage in the EU, second only to Luxembourg, and among the highest in the world. When adjusted for purchasing power standards, we have the fifth highest minimum wage in the EU.
Last year, as part of measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness, the Government made agreed to defer a decision on subminimum youth rates until 2029.
This decision should be considered in the context of the significant increases in the minimum wage and wider improvements in statutory employment protections.
A recent study produced under the Low Pay Commission ESRI Research Partnership found that the incidence of those under the age of twenty paid subminimum youth rates has increased from 20% in 2019 to between 26% and 30% in the first half of 2025.
It is important to put this figure into context. This means that over 70% of those that could be paid youth rates paid on the full minimum wage rate or higher. According to the ESRI report, youth rate employees represent approximately 1% of all employees and over 90% of those on subminimum youth rates work part time.
While the incidence of subminimum youth rate employment remains low, it is important to note that these employees tend to be concentrated in a small number of sectors. According to the most recent Low Pay Commission report, the Accommodation and Food and Retail sectors employ nearly 55% of those who report earning the National Minimum Wage or less.
The Government remains committed to ensuring fair wages for youth workers. The recent increase in the usage of subminimum youth rates merits continued monitoring before making a decision on this important issue in 2029.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the use of subminimum youth rates to ensure they do not undermine fair pay or progression for young workers, while also safeguarding employment opportunities as part of the scheduled review in 2029.
172. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions he is taking to maintain and increase Ireland's economic competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30427/26]
View answerIreland currently holds a strong competitive position globally. This is reflected in our current position as the 7th most competitive country in the IMD Competitiveness Rankings. However, there are still significant challenges and it is important that we do not take our strengths for granted. The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity was published on the 10th of September 2025 which was a commitment under the Programme for Government, and, in response to international economic developments, its delivery was expedited.
This Action Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to the domestic drivers of competitiveness and focuses on areas that are firmly within our national control. Its development was informed by extensive consultation across Government Departments and with external stakeholders. In particular, officials from my department undertook a series of bilateral engagements with key Government partners, including in the areas of infrastructure, housing, research and innovation.
Accountability, monitoring and oversight will all be key to the successful delivery of the actions set out in the Action Plan. Each of the 85 actions is assigned a specific owner and a timeline for implementation. Just under half of the actions are due for delivery in 2026 – the remaining actions were delivered in 2025 or are scheduled for delivery across 2027 to 2030.
It is intended that there will be regular progress reporting to Cabinet regarding the implementation of outstanding actions. It is also intended that progress on the implementation of the Action Plan will be discussed as part of the Government’s annual Competitiveness Summit in July 2026, with a first implementation report to be submitted for discussion at the Summit. Given that the Action Plan has only been in effect for seven months, the vast majority of actions are regarded as in progress.
In particular, there are a number of key actions from the Action Plan which have already been delivered or are due for completion in the coming months:
• Action 5, on tax-based support for SME adoption of innovative technologies: Budget 2026 committed to the publication of a Research & Development Compass — a road map meant to explore more targeted reforms to the R&D Tax regime, including a review of the current restrictions on outsourced work; and broader definitions of qualifying expenditure. The compass was published earlier this month.
• Action 13, on the R&D Tax Credit: Budget 2026 increased the rate of the R&D Tax Credit from 30% to 35% and increased the first-year refund threshold by €12,500 (up to €87,500). It also committed to the publication of a Research & Development Compass.
• Action 41, on incentivising investment into start-up and scaling companies: Budget 2026 amended the Revised Entrepreneur Relief lifetime limit for which gains can qualify for relief from the current €1 million limit to a limit of increased limit of €1.5m from 1 January 2026. And, subject to European Commission approval, KEEP was extended until end-2028.
• Action 60, on the work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce: The final report from the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce was published in December.
• Action 64, on the passenger cap at Dublin Airport: Draft legislation has been approved by Cabinet that will provide for amendments to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy capable of withstanding shocks, building on our strengths and developing our indigenous enterprise base while continuing to attract investment and talent from abroad.
173. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of bed nights available in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30508/26]
View answerThis Government recognises the central importance of tourism to Ireland’s economy and to the vitality of communities nationwide. A strong, sustainable and regionally balanced accommodation base is essential to a competitive and resilient tourism sector. Accommodation underpins the visitor experience and perceptions of value for money, while strengthening the wider tourism ecosystem and supporting businesses of all sizes to grow.
The forthcoming Tourism Accommodation Strategy, a key commitment under A New Era for Irish Tourism, will set out a clear framework to strengthen, diversify and expand Ireland’s accommodation offering. The Strategy will focus on improving accessibility across a range of price points, unlocking development in areas with untapped tourism potential, and supporting balanced regional growth with sustainable, year-round economic benefits. I published a public consultation to inform the Strategy yesterday (27 April, 2026) and it is accessible via www.enterprise.gov.ie.
Access to robust, reliable and comprehensive data is essential to effective policy development and long-term planning of tourist accommodation and the Strategy will address our future data requirements in this regard.
Fáilte Ireland currently maintains accommodation registers under the Tourist Traffic Acts and the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF), providing a strong evidence base for the sector. These registers currently record 227,192 tourism bedplaces nationally, demonstrating the scale of the industry, with the national total broken down by county in the attached table.
In parallel, Fáilte Ireland has developed a Tourist Accommodation Capacity and Pipeline Monitor. This strategic tool tracks existing capacity and monitors development projects as they progress through planning, construction and delivery. The monitor supports early identification of supply pressures, provides insight into regional and sectoral trends, and supports evidence-based decision making by policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Based on Q3 2025 data, the pipeline monitor forecasts that 12,750 new bedplaces will be delivered nationally across 2026 and 2027. In addition, planning permission has been granted for a further 37,550 bedplaces. The monitor will be refreshed with Q1 2026 data early this summer.
To further strengthen the tourist accommodation data framework this year, a statutory register for all Short-Term Letting (STL) accommodation will be introduced following the introduction of necessary legislation. This measure will significantly enhance transparency and visibility across the full accommodation spectrum, ensuring a more complete and robust dataset to inform tourism policy and investment decisions in rural, urban, island and emerging tourism destinations.
Thus, drawing on the public consultation feedback, enhanced statutory data, the forthcoming STL register and the capacity and pipeline monitor, the Tourist Accommodation Strategy will take an integrated, data-driven approach to long-term accommodation planning. This will ensure Ireland’s tourism infrastructure evolves informed by and in line with changing consumer preferences and global travel trends, safeguarding the resilience and competitiveness of the sector nationally and at community level.
April 2026 – National Quality Assurance Framework(NQAF) bedplaces in Ireland
|
County |
Total No. of Units / Pitches |
Bedplaces |
|
Co. Carlow |
630 |
1,762 |
|
Co. Cavan |
1,079 |
2,669 |
|
Co. Clare |
3,251 |
9,072 |
|
Co. Cork |
7,367 |
20,043 |
|
Co. Donegal |
4,098 |
11,475 |
|
Co. Dublin |
28,649 |
64,054 |
|
Co. Galway |
7,025 |
17,921 |
|
Co. Kerry |
8,123 |
22,707 |
|
Co. Kildare |
1,666 |
4,031 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
1,581 |
4,253 |
|
Co. Laois |
574 |
1,647 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
628 |
2,453 |
|
Co. Limerick |
2,551 |
6,195 |
|
Co. Longford |
657 |
2,940 |
|
Co. Louth |
1,442 |
3,245 |
|
Co. Mayo |
3,532 |
9,617 |
|
Co. Meath |
1,605 |
4,641 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
365 |
972 |
|
Co. Offaly |
440 |
1,314 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
474 |
1,378 |
|
Co. Sligo |
1,769 |
4,921 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
1,303 |
3,821 |
|
Co. Waterford |
2,478 |
7,867 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
1,261 |
3,308 |
|
Co. Wexford |
2,412 |
7,342 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
2,687 |
7,544 |
|
Total |
87,647 |
227,192 |
174. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to the Programme for Government commitment to establish a Small Business Unit within his Department, and a Cost of Business Advisory Forum, if he will provide an update on the work of both bodies to date; the issues they have examined or progressed; and the way in which small businesses are being engaged in shaping their outputs. [30413/26]
View answerI am pleased to inform that the Small Business Unit was established in my department last year, fulfilling a Programme for Government commitment. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this Unit and my Department will use to enable its work.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies. Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025. The Advisory Forum brings together key representative bodies across enterprise, industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and agrifood sectors, alongside senior officials across Government departments, regulators, and State agencies. The Forum has met regularly over the last eight months with each meeting devoted to a distinct thematic area of concern to businesses such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance regulations as well as banking, payments, and financial services.
Representatives across different sectors reiterated the real world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day to day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises. At its most recent meeting (22 April), Forum members discussed the draft final report and its recommendations, members stressed the importance of presenting a report that will articulate both immediate practical actions and longer-term policy considerations, which are measurable and impactful in reducing operational costs and regulatory burden on SME’s.
I attended the last meeting of the Advisory Forum alongside Minister Dillon and Minister Smyth, and noted the significant work completed by the Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing this report to Government and giving full consideration to the Forum’s findings. The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross government collaboration is expected to be presented to Government before the summer recess and it will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government and my Department have been and are still committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
176. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the impact of the proposed Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025 on rural tourism. [30527/26]
View answerIn April of last year, I obtained Government approval for the general scheme of the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. Once enacted, this Bill will provide a statutory framework for regulating the short-term letting (STL) sector, including the establishment of a national register.
The new Housing policy, proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., and also approved by Government on 15 April 2025 proposes to generally preclude new planning permissions for STL in cities and larger towns. Further to this, on 9 February last, the Cabinet Committee on Housing proposed to apply this to towns and cities with populations over 20,000 persons at the latest census. These policies are part of a broader Government strategy to tackle the housing shortage by ensuring that as many suitable properties as possible are available for long-term rental.
This agreement provided that, following the introduction of the STL register, accommodation providers based in towns with a population of 20,000 or less at the last census based on the census town boundaries defined by CSO will have two years to meet planning compliance requirements, and accommodation providers based in towns with a population of more than 20,000 at the last census will need to confirm planning compliance on registration with no further lead-in period if they wish to register with Fáilte Ireland. It will still be possible to sub-let an entire principal private residence on a short-term basis for a cumulative period of 90 days. Where the 90-day threshold is exceeded, planning permission for a change of use is required. Where it can be proved that a residential property has an established use as an STL unit for at least 7 years and where no enforcement action has been taken by the planning authority, then planning permission for retention may be sought in line with existing established rights.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is drafting a National Planning Statement under the Planning and Development Act 2024. Once agreed, this will be brought to Government for information and will provide a clear overall policy approach both at national and local authority level to enable planning authorities to determine planning applications for short-term lets across the country.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that approximately 34,020 STL properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025 based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as entire houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022.
The national STL register will operate in compliance with the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation (EU) 2024/1028, which comes into effect on 20 May 2026. The register will be operated by Fáilte Ireland and will commence following the enactment of the necessary legislation.
Tourism is a vital part of the Irish economy, supporting 227,000 jobs and generating €6 billion in 2024. I fully recognise concerns about the impact on rural tourism and local economies of reducing STL availability. The approach agreed on 9 February will balance housing supply needs with the need to protect rural and regional tourism and jobs. These concerns are being addressed through continued engagement with all stakeholders.
179. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following his announcement of a €100 million allocation to a new scaling fund for Irish SMEs, the way his Department believes this funding will enable Irish SMEs to grow domestically and also reach international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30513/26]
View answerIreland has a strong start-up ecosystem, but scaling remains a challenge partly due to limited access to finance.
In July 2025, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment published the Report ‘Market Demand for and Supply of Scaling Finance in Ireland’, which identified a €1.1 billion funding gap for deals from €3 million and Series A+ rounds over the next 3–5 years.
To address these and broader challenges my Department is progressing targeted market interventions to increase the availability of capital, including through the proposed establishment of an SME Scaling Fund. As outlined in my Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan, published under the National Development Plan, the SME Scaling Fund is intended to support a well-functioning funding ecosystem for Irish SMEs as they scale.
The proposed establishment of the Scaling Fund is to ensure that there is sufficient capital available to high potential Irish companies to grow domestically and also reach international markets. While the exact design features of the fund are currently being developed, it is expected that the fund will increase the supply of capital for deal sizes from €3 million and above at funding rounds of Series A+ and subsequent rounds providing investment for the scaling and growth of Irish SMEs.
181. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of the review of the critical skills occupations list and ineligible occupations list; whether the review will take into consideration the availability of housing in addition to the needs of the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30068/26]
View answerAccess to employment permits is prioritised through the occupations lists identifying in-demand, highly skilled occupations (Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL)) and those for which a ready source of labour is available (Ineligible Occupations List (IOL)).
The lists are periodically reviewed to ensure that the system is responsive to changes in both economic circumstances and labour market conditions. The review process is overseen by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy which facilitates an integrated approach to addressing and assessing labour and skills shortages in the longer term.
My Department works with other Government Departments through the IDG and discussion is mindful of our current economic climate, the tight labour market, and the potential impact changes to eligibility for permits may have on wages in a particular sector. More broadly, through leadership of this group, my Department considers the implications of widening the scope of the employment permits system, and the impact that could have on many factors including accommodation, cost of living, and constraints across healthcare, childcare and other public services. Consideration is also given to other demographic pressures, key Government priorities, the green transition, and sustainable management of non-EEA national’s economic migration to Ireland.
The current review of the employment permit occupations lists examined a broad range of occupations and sectors where recruitment challenges and labour market pressures 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 through amendment to the relevant regulations.
While housing availability is not a formal criterion in determining eligibility for employment permits, employment permit policy is developed within a wider Government framework that recognises the interdependencies between labour supply, housing delivery and infrastructure capacity. This alignment will continue to be kept under review as part of ongoing cross Government work on workforce planning and housing delivery.
My Department will continue to 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. This approach will continue to align with cross-Government workforce and housing delivery planning to ensure that labour market interventions support, rather than constrain, housing supply outcomes.
182. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his assessment of deficiencies in regional infrastructure that are constraining enterprise growth and regional economic development; the specific measures being taken to correct these deficiencies and accelerate infrastructure delivery to ensure balanced regional development and to boost regional competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30494/26]
View answerBalanced regional development is a Government priority, and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. It is also acknowledged that the availability of appropriate and accessible infrastructure and related services is critical to support our enterprise development and competitiveness.
One element of my Department’s work towards balanced regional development has been the identification of the extent of infrastructural shortfall that may constrain enterprise development in a given region. As your question presupposes, issues with infrastructure are not uniform, and vary from one region to the next. The impact of otherwise similar infrastructural shortcomings can also vary across different regions of Ireland as a consequence of specific regional topography, demography or key enterprise sectors active in a region.
Given their activities across the country, my Department’s enterprise development agencies are well positioned to inform the Department of infrastructure issues they encounter affecting enterprise development at a regional level. Similarly, the network of Local Enterprise Offices have a presence in every county and can highlight or elaborate on specific issues encountered in a given region.
As you may be aware, my Department is also funding a programme manager working to develop a roadmap for the delivery of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at the Ireland West Airport (Knock). This work has included the identification of specific infrastructure issues that may affect the proposed development of the site in line with the Planning Scheme set out, and explorations of how best to address these issues.
More broadly, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is leading cross Government work to accelerate infrastructure delivery. As part of that work, it has recently published its Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, which identifies key barriers to infrastructure delivery and proposes actions to resolve them. Specific questions relating to this work may be more appropriate to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
183. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his proposals to cultivate cross-Border tourism. [30509/26]
View answerStrengthening cross-Border cooperation and connectivity is a central ambition of this Government, with tourism playing a key role in advancing this objective.
In addition to its commitment to working with Fáilte Ireland to support a more balanced regional distribution of tourism and to further develop the experience brands, the Programme for Government also includes a commitment to support Tourism Ireland to further integrate tourism offerings on an all-island basis.
The National Tourism Policy Statement ‘A New Era for Irish Tourism’ reaffirms the Government’s commitment to developing cross-Border tourism through Shared Island initiatives. In line with this policy, my Department, working in consultation with the tourism agencies, will continue to support Shared Island bids for joint initiatives that strengthen regional connectivity and deliver more cohesive visitor experiences across the island.
The Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project aims to strengthen the connection between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route and has made significant progress this year. In February, the Taoiseach and I, alongside Minister Archibald, announced the 13 successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme, which is advancing cross border tourism development and supports high quality, immersive visitor experiences across both jurisdictions.
The latest phase of the Shared Island Initiative was announced in February 2025 with funding of up to €23 million for the Shared Destinations Programme in the border regions. This programme will see Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland work in partnership with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism amenities across the border region at Carlingford Lough, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh and will also include an International Marketing Programme to optimise the economic impact for each region.
Through the All-Island Strategic Tourism Group, established under the North South Ministerial Council, the Department and the tourism agencies will also work closely with our Northern Ireland counterparts to identify and progress key areas of North-South coordination and cooperation, harnessing the full tourism potential of the island while delivering benefits for visitors and local communities alike.
184. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his Department’s efforts to promote tourism in east County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29993/26]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, who work in close collaboration with local authorities and tourism stakeholders. County Galway is included in Fáilte Ireland’s "Wild Atlantic Way" and "Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands" Regional Tourism Development Strategies 2023–2027. Galway City and the west coast are positioned within the "Wild Atlantic Way", while the eastern part of the county forms part of "Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands".
To activate these regional brands, Fáilte Ireland has established a series of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These are five-year sustainable tourism development plans designed to bring together public and private partners to prioritise tourism projects and maximise their delivery. The DEDP process is highly collaborative, with agreed action plans assigning responsibility across relevant stakeholders.
Work on the East Galway DEDP commenced in 2025, with the first working group meeting held last November. The development process will continue throughout 2026, and it is anticipated that a draft plan will be completed later this year.
Fáilte Ireland is working closely with Galway County Council and local tourism businesses to support the development of a dedicated East Galway tourism map. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration within the area and enable tourism businesses to better promote East Galway attractions and tourism experiences to visitors, helping to raise the profile of the region and enhance the overall visitor experience. The map is currently in development and is scheduled to be launched ahead of the 2026 holiday season.
Fáilte Ireland also supports tourism development in East Galway through initiatives such as the East Galway Tourism Networking Event. The first of these events was held in 2025, with 40 local tourism businesses in attendance. Delivered in partnership with Galway County Council, the event provided an important platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking across the region. Building on its success, plans are in place to host a further networking event later this year.
Finally, Fáilte Ireland recently launched a new domestic campaign,? "Find Yourself on a Short Break",designed to increase demand for short breaks in Ireland and support more balanced, year-round tourism. Throughout 2026, the campaign will be brought to life across advertising, partnerships, publicity, digital and social channels, highlighting the range of experiences around the country that support the restorative power of a short break.
185. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline the importance of developing next generation sites, in line with the Programme for Government commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30439/26]
View answerForeign Direct Investment continues to be one of the key components of the Irish economy, and as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I am determined that Ireland remains a leading location for FDI. However, as I have said before, we will not win future FDI of scale on yesterday’s terms and we need a new vision, hence Government's Next Generation Sites (NGS) proposals. NGS will signal Ireland’s determination and ambition to compete for the next wave of international investment.
NGS are critical infrastructure projects aimed at providing certainty for investors wanting to establish a sizeable operation in Ireland, crucial in today’s fast-moving international environment, providing, pre-permitted, master-planned land banks with clear pathways to power, water, gas, and transport. These sites will be in the range of 500-1,000 acres each. By preparing these sites in advance, we reduce risk and accelerate decision-making for investors thereby enhancing Ireland’s FDI value proposition. I anticipate that there will be 3 NGS developed over the next 15 years, in the West, East and South of the country.
NGS represents a major step forward in Ireland’s enterprise strategy, designed to ensure our country remains competitive in attracting large-scale, high-value manufacturing investments in sectors such as semiconductors, life sciences, and renewables. Global competition in these sectors has intensified and Ireland must offer certainty, speed, and scale to remain attractive particularly to strategically important mobile investment opportunities as well as providing options to any large indigenous investments. The sectors targeted by NGS provide quality and skilled employment, pay high salaries, and contribute to Ireland’s tax receipts.
I am pleased that Government has endorsed the approach to developing Next Generation Sites. This initiative is a key Programme for Government commitment and requires a whole-of-Government response. Delivery is underway on potential site identification, being led by IDA Ireland with my Department, and IDA Ireland will collaborate with other relevant Departments, Agencies and the associated planning, utilities and infrastructure providers over the coming period to deliver these sites. However, I am not at liberty to discuss individual locations at this time for commercially sensitive reasons.
186. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on his engagements with stakeholders in relation to a site (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29992/26]
View answerI attended a constructive meeting last December regarding Dunguaire Castle, with local representatives along with representatives of my Department, Fáilte Ireland, Galway County Council and the Department of Transport.
Fáilte Ireland provides supports to owners of cultural and heritage properties to support the development of their tourism offerings. Their objective is to enhance the visitor experience while safeguarding the cultural and historical significance of this exceptional landmark. At present, there are no suitable capital grant schemes open that could fund a project of the type that would be required in the case of Dunguaire Castle. When an appropriate new scheme becomes available, a funding application could be submitted by the current owners (Shannon Airport Group), provided all scheme criteria are met.
However, the matter of bringing this property into state ownership is outside the remit of my Department. It is a matter for either Galway County Council or alternatively for my colleague Minister Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to consider its designation as a national monument, which in turn could facilitate a transfer of ownership to the Office of Public Works (should such a transfer be deemed appropriate by that Office).
In the meantime I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to explore and advance opportunities for harnessing the tourism potential of State-owned lands, heritage sites, and cultural assets, and that Failte Ireland remains open to engaging with relevant stakeholders for this project to explore future possibilities for this property should its ownership or designation status change.
187. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider establishing a small business ombudsman to provide a dedicated avenue for engagement between Government and small businesses (details supplied). [26724/26]
View answerSupporting small businesses and ensuring they have a strong voice and effective engagement across Government, is a key priority for me and my Department.
In this regard, the Small Business Unit was established in my Department last year, fulfilling a commitment in the Programme for Government. This is in addition to the regular engagements that I have with representative bodies for small businesses bilaterally and also through the Enterprise Forum, the Retail Forum and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum.
The Small Business Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this Unit and my Department will use to enable its work.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate.
In 2025, 33 SME Tests were applied by 10 Government Departments. This compares to 26 SME Tests applied by 8 Government Departments in 2024. Since the establishment of the reporting framework in 2021, a total of 81 SME Tests have been applied across 14 Government Departments. I am keen for this number to grow every year, and my officials and I are looking at ways to improve enforcement of the SME Test.
Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies.
Since launching in July 2024, the NEH has handled over 12,000 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with over 1,000 queries received in December 2025 alone. My Department is working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.
Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices. We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.
This review has resulted in a reduction of application questions across all schemes - for example down 47% for Business Expansion Grants, down 30% for the Green for Business Grant and down 28% for the Feasibility Grant, with further reductions targeted.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government and my Department have been and are still committed to backing businesses and our priority is to ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
188. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any initiatives being considered to promote hybrid work practices in private businesses in the context of worsening traffic congestion and increased fuel costs for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29989/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the potential of remote and hybrid working to help tackle traffic congestion in our towns and cities, thereby reducing time and money spent on commuting in the context of increased fuel prices, improving work-life balance and contributing to the achievement of Ireland’s ambitions climate action goals.
Remote and hybrid working also represent a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market and society, particularly for women, people with caring responsibilities, people returning to the workforce, older people and people with disabilities. This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and hybrid options represent powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention.
The most recent data from the Central Statistics Office show that nearly a million persons were working from home (either usually or sometimes) in the fourth quarter of 2025 - a figure which has remained relatively stable since the pandemic.
The Work Life Balance Act 2023 and initiatives such as the National Remote Work Strategy reflect the Government’s commitment to facilitating remote and hybrid working in ways which maximise their economic, social and environmental benefits.
Development and delivery of the 15 actions outlined in the Strategy was overseen by the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group, based in my Department.
Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers across all sectors.
The right to request a remote working arrangement for all employees was commenced through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 on 6 March 2024. The legislation is accompanied by a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice which provides practical guidance for employers and employees on how to comply with the legislation.
Under the Act, employers and employees are obliged to have regard to the Code of Practice when considering applications for remote working arrangements. The Act also contains an obligation on the employer to consider both their needs and their employees’ needs when considering a request for a remote working arrangement.
As required by the legislation, my Department 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 or partially. 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. Awareness is particularly low in rural areas, and knowledge of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice on the right to request remote work is lower still.
A number of specific recommendations to further improve the effectiveness and uptake of the legislation, including greater awareness and guidance, will now be put in place to underpin the Government’s continued support for a balanced approach to remote working which benefits employees, employers and communities.
As a result, my Department will launch a targeted national information campaign to raise awareness of the right to request remote working. The WRC will also be requested to revise and strengthen the Code of Practice and to consider a range of elements identified in the review when doing so.
Ensuring that the legislation underpinning remote and flexible work is effective is key to ensuring that their benefits are fully realised.
In addition to our work on the legislation, the Government has developed and introduced an evolving suite of policies and supports for remote working, including:
• The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect by the Workplace Relations Commission in 2021.
• A tax deduction for home working. This was put on a statutory basis from 1 January 2022.
• The National Hub Network, facilitated by the connectedhubs.ie platform, was launched in 2021. Underpinned by significant Government investment, there are currently over 400 facilities across the country on-boarded to the online platform in communities across Ireland.
• The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, together with my Department, is leading the development of a National Hub Strategy which will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network.
• The Programme for Government also sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
• The Government also co-funds remote work skills training programmes, such as Leading and Hybrid Remote Teams provided by Laois Offaly ETB and Grow Remote, and The FORWARD Programme which provides SMEs personalised support to design, implement, and sustain effective remote work practices.
• Agencies under the aegis of my department are also playing their part in facilitating remote and flexible working. For example, Enterprise Ireland acknowledges the growing importance of flexible and hybrid work arrangements in enhancing business competitiveness, attracting talent, and supporting sustainable growth.
• Enterprise Ireland is actively assisting its private sector clients in adopting hybrid work models through strategic initiatives and funding programmes which support the digital transformation and leadership development within enterprise which underpin successful remote, hybrid and flexible working. Enterprise Ireland-funded enterprise centres also form an important part of the Connected Hubs network.
Finally, I understand the need to monitor the impacts of new ways of working. To this end, my Department is co-funding to the Working in Ireland Survey, undertaken by University College Dublin. This is the second iteration of the Survey, first undertaken in 2021, and aims to interview several thousand persons across Ireland about their experiences of working life - including remote working. I understand that the fieldwork has been completed and that we can expect research output in the coming months.
In addition, the Department of Taoiseach has requested that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) undertake research into the Evolution and Impact of Remote and Hybrid Working in Ireland. A working group has been established to oversee the research, which is expected be completed in mid-2026.
I think these pieces of research will be a really useful input into the debate which will help inform the direction of remote working policy over the next few years.
