Michael Cahill
Question:44. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Defence to protect Irish neutrality by preserving the triple lock (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38141/26]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (44)
Written answers
The purpose of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 is to consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. In effect, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding the so-called ‘triple lock’ mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an International United Nations Force.
It is important to note that the Bill also amends the Defence Act 1954 to provide for the suspension of members of the Defence Forces so as to give effect to recommendations in the 2024 'Ward report' on the management of members of the Defence Forces charged with, or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
There has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Bill, and I intend to bring the Bill to government for approval shortly.
Under the proposals in the Bill, the requirement for a UN Security Council mandate will be removed. I again wish to underline that the legislation that is currently in place allows members of the UN Security Council, by means of a veto or indeed threat of same, to bind this country's hands in its international peacekeeping engagement. Recent vetoes by a UN Security Council member on a proposed resolution for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza last June and September, as well as the challenges evidenced last summer with regard to the extension of the UNIFIL peacekeeping in southern Lebanon, as well as ongoing issues regarding UN mandated missions in the Western Balkans, are ample evidence of this.
With regard to the UNIFIL mission particularly, in the event that the UNIFIL mandate was not extended, Ireland would have been in the position of having to plan to withdraw its Defence Forces personnel from UNIFIL immediately following the expiration of the mandate. The extension of the UNIFIL mandate until the end of this year permits the continued deployment of Defence Forces personnel to the Mission, however, under the current legislative requirements, they must be withdrawn from then.
I am also keeping a very close eye on the UN mandate for the EU Mission Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean, which will expire on 24th May. Should that mandate not be renewed, we will have to withdraw our personnel from that Mission immediately.
I have been very clear therefore that it is untenable to continue with the current policy. Any considerations on engagement in international peacekeeping should be within Ireland's exclusive sovereign control and decision-making on this should be purely within the remit of the Government and Oireachtas, which have been democratically elected by the people of this country.
I do recognise, however, that in removing the UN Security Council mandate requirement, there will be a need to strengthen the democratic oversight governing the ongoing deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. Therefore, in parallel to removing the UN mandate requirement, text is included in this Bill which will require that the mandate of future operations be consistent with, and adhere to, the principles of the UN Charter and international law. These principles have been refined to ensure appropriate legal effect.
Once again, I wish to make it absolutely clear that the Government has no desire to alter our policy of military neutrality. The amendments proposed will do nothing to change Ireland's traditional position of military neutrality, which has always been characterised by Ireland's non-participation in military alliances. Our engagement overseas will continue to be firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and will, of course, require the consent of the democratically elected representatives of the people of Ireland.
Animal Welfare
Questions (45, 58)
Niamh Smyth
Question:45. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to address the misuse of animal-drawn vehicles, including sulkies on public roads and the penalties for misuse of the same. [38232/26]
View answerNiamh Smyth
Question:58. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will regulate the use of animal-drawn vehicles on public roads; if any such measures will include a complete ban on sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38231/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 58 together.
All road users, including drivers of animal-drawn vehicles, are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána.
Under section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. Under this section, road race means a prescribed class of race, time trial or speed trial on a public road involving persons, vehicles or animals. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section.
In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for An Garda Síochána to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993.
Participants in sulky racing are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit. In many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (46)
Ann Graves
Question:46. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce legislation to ensure those who buy an EV or hybrid car will have the proper charging infrastructure in place so they can charge from their own homes, and have access to the required grants, including SEAI grants to allow access to this fund for people without driveways; and if EV installation companies can deny the installation due no private driveway present (details supplied). [37962/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network, and the delivery of the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Over €120m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants, EV charging infrastructure, and grants for home chargers.
Funding and incentives for Electric Vehicles are under regular review by Departmental officials with a view to targeting exchequer funding which can deliver most effectively against Government priorities.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which sets out a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure, will identify the number and type of charge points required in each area, including provision specifically for residents without access to private off-street parking. While these strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is supporting pilot projects across a number of Local Authorities to deliver charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs.
The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority, and work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
The introduction of a private wires regime remains a priority for the Government. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.
Public Transport
Questions (47)
Emer Currie
Question:47. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the infrastructure investments which are planned or underway to support increased public transport demand arising from population growth in Dublin suburbs and surrounding areas. [38015/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. In the case of the rail network, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders
Public Transport
Questions (48)
Emer Currie
Question:48. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if there are planned policy or funding adjustments aimed at addressing capacity challenges caused by rapid population increases and dwelling completions in the Dublin west. [38016/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, as well as the responsibility for the planning and development of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Questions (49)
Emer Currie
Question:49. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the way in which long-term demographic forecasting is incorporated into transport planning to ensure sustainable and efficient public transport services over the next decade. [38017/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (50)
Emer Currie
Question:50. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the maintenance arrangements and associated costs for the electric buses delivered for Galway and Dublin; whether maintenance and warranty management differs for buses in storage compared with those in active service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38036/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning, development and regulation of public transport services, including the procurement and management of bus fleets.
Noting the NTA’s responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct and detailed reply regarding maintenance arrangements and associated costs. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
EU Presidency
Questions (51)
Cathy Bennett
Question:51. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism or fora of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union through which he plans to raise issues of reciprocal recognition of driving licences of third countries and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise that Ireland will continue to raise the issue of reciprocal recognition of driving licences from third countries with our European partners, through a range of forums.
The Deputy may wish to note that the new Driving Licence Directive provides for agreements, made by the EU Commission on behalf of Member States, on the EU-wide recognition of EU licences issued in exchange for licences from specific third countries with a driver licensing and road safety framework similar to the EU.
This may only take place after the Commission, together with Member States, assesses and decides on a country-by-country basis which third countries meet these standards. This process is expected to commence from 2028/29 and, crucially, must have a technical review of the third country's driver licensing and testing standards to support it.
Departmental Data
Questions (52)
Carol Nolan
Question:52. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 6 May 2026, to specify which specific provisions of the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann he was referring to in his answer. [38056/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that with respect to matters sub judice, the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann are clear that, whilst matters of public interest may be raised, where a matter is raised there is a continuing onus to avoid, if at all possible, comment which “might in effect prejudice the outcome of proceedings.” (Standing Order 70).
Road Safety
Questions (53)
Michael Cahill
Question:53. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide pedestrian crossings in Glenbeigh village as a matter of urgency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38137/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
National Transport Authority
Questions (54)
Emer Currie
Question:54. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38147/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Bus Services
Questions (55)
Emer Currie
Question:55. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on matters raised correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38148/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy has indicated, the 70 bus route will be replaced by other bus services as part of the implementation of BusConnects Dublin. These new services will include the L64, which will provide a frequent service between Dunboyne, Clonee, and Blanchardstown, and the P64 which will provide a direct bus service to Dublin City Centre for commuters.
Since the start of BusConnects, a core objective has been to provide a network of more frequent bus services with reduced wait times for all passengers. This sometimes requires transfer between frequent services. Opportunities will exist for transfers to very frequent bus services on the B spine to and from Dublin City Centre. Connections with Dunboyne rail station, for rail services to and from Dublin city centre, will also be available.
I would also like to highlight the benefits of these new services in the Littlepace area, including introducing significantly better all-day frequencies, not just during peak commuting hours, and better network connectivity options with the 90-minute Leap fare.
Departmental Projects
Questions (56)
Pa Daly
Question:56. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all capital transport projects under the aegis of his Department that have been completed on time and within budget in Kerry from 2015 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38188/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I refer the Deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects for the Deputy's information, as well as refer the Deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Kerry region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputy's question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Departmental Projects
Questions (57)
Pa Daly
Question:57. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all capital transport projects under the aegis of his Department that have not been completed on time and within budget in Kerry from 2015 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38189/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I refer the Deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects for the Deputy's information, as well as refer the Deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Kerry region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputy's question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 45.
Road Traffic Accidents
Questions (59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:59. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities in which alcohol was identified as a contributory factor in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38437/26]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:60. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities in which drugs or controlled substances were identified as a contributory factor in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38438/26]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:61. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities on rural roads in which excessive speed or speeding was identified as a contributory factor in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38439/26]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:62. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities involving male drivers aged between 16 and 25 in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38440/26]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:63. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of road fatalities occurring during night-time hours and at weekends in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38441/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 to 63, inclusive, together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a statutory remit to report on fatal, serious and minor injury collisions on public roads. The RSA receives collision data from An Garda Síochána and coronial data for this purpose, and produces official statistics to help develop evidence-based road safety interventions.
Given the RSA's role in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response on any additional relevant information it may hold. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
I would also direct the Deputy to the RSA's website, specifically the Road traffic collision data section which can be accessed at: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-traffic-collision-data
This section of the RSA website contains a number of relevant reports published by the RSA in relation to fatalities. In addition, the RSA website also contains research on the various killer behaviours and contributing factors of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. This information can be accessed here: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/research/reports/safe-road-use
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 59.