Written Answers Nos. 292-314
293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Public Appointments Service records the nationality or country of qualification of applicants for consultant posts advertised through PublicJobs.ie; if not, whether there are plans to collect such data for workforce planning purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41298/26]
View answerI have been advised that publicjobs currently records a candidate's citizenship, the country where they obtained their primary degree and the country where their specialist training was completed for Consultant posts run through publicjobs
294. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total number of applications received through PublicJobs.ie in 2025 and to date in 2026, broken down by sector (health, education, civil service, local government, and other); the number of those applicants who progressed to interview and appointment in each sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/26]
View answerPublicjobs have advised me that the office does not use the exact sectors as the Deputy has to classify applications and activity, but have provided information as close as possible to the Deputy's request.
|
Sector |
Applications |
Attended Interview |
Assigned |
|
Professional, Technical and other bespoke Civil Service campaigns |
12,120 |
2,719 |
1,057 |
|
Justice |
13,535 |
5,502 |
4,132 |
|
General Grades (Civil Service) |
51,085 |
7,779 |
5,126 |
|
Medical Consultants |
1,885 |
602 |
201 |
|
Local Government |
7,075 |
1,506 |
402 |
|
Senior Executive Recruitment (Civil & Public Service) |
1,700 |
355 |
48 |
|
TLAC |
2,017 |
295 |
38 |
|
State Boards |
2,491 |
222 |
233 |
|
Non-State Boards |
216 |
20 |
11 |
|
Total |
92,124 |
19,000 |
11,248 |
(Above figures are reflective of the period 01/01/2025 – 30/04/2026)
Please note the following caveats:
“Attended Interview” figures above are comprised of main interviews and preliminary interviews. (For more senior level roles, there are usually two rounds of interview).
The figures for “Attended interview” and “Assigned” also include candidates from campaigns advertised before 2025 as Civil Service panels, for example, can last up to 24 months. Therefore, there is no direct correlation between the number of applications, those that attended interview and the number of those assigned in the above table. The figures represent overall activities during the reported period.
publicjobs runs different types of recruitment campaigns. For most campaigns, the role of publicjobs is finished when it recommends suitable candidates. It does not have information on candidates that are eventually appointed and therefore figures provided refer to assignments.
The “Sector” column above is aligned with the areas of recruitment that publicjobs carries out and reports on.
Figures for assignments for Civil Service general grades do not include figures from its new recruitment system so may be higher once that data is available.
publicjobs has recently run two large general grades campaigns (Executive and Clerical Officer) which are reflected in the application numbers but have not yet translated into interview and assignment numbers.
295. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide a report on the progress made implementing the Programme for Government commitments within his remit and on the achievements since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has made significant progress in implementing its Programme for Government commitments throughout 2025 and to date in 2026, as set out in the attached table summarising progress across relevant actions.
I am pleased to draw the Deputy’s attention to some of the key achievements to date.
From an expenditure policy perspective, my Department is playing a central role in shaping Ireland’s fiscal and budgetary landscape. Informed by the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Budget 2026 placed an increased emphasis on what is being delivered to ensure real outcomes for citizens and prioritising service delivery in an efficient manner. The Expenditure Report published for Budget 2026 sets out key reforms proposals for 2026. The Department also bolstered how it manages expenditure in year. This year, Government decided on 21 April to allocate additional funding to the Department of Education and Youth. To deliver on agreed ceilings whilst accommodating this, a levy will be applied to Departments from 2027 and will require them to implement reforms and efficiencies.
To ensure effective budget oversight through strong governance and a focus on value for money, the Department has published Circular 21/2026, outlining an escalation process that will ensure a formalised and consistent escalation framework for managing expenditure overruns.
We are also reviewing the Public Financial Procedures to enhance accountability and value for money for all public money.
My Department has strengthened its infrastructure mandate by establishing a dedicated Infrastructure Division led by a Deputy Secretary General. The Department published a revised National Development Plan in July 2025, allocating €275.4 billion in capital investment to 2035. This is the largest investment programme in the history of the State.
To accelerate the delivery of infrastructure, the Department published an Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in December 2025, following a public consultation on barriers to infrastructure delivery. The Plan is designed to address the key barriers to infrastructure development and drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland by progressing reforms across four key pillars: Legal Reform; Regulatory Reform and Simplification; Delivery and Coordination Reform; and Public Acceptance. The plan is being implemented at pace and all Q1 2026 actions committed to in the plan have been delivered.
My Department is also working with a broad range of public bodies on the implementation of the Better Public Services Strategy to deliver agreed flagship programmes under the three pillars of Digital and Innovation at Scale, Workforce and Organisation of the Future and Evidence informed policy and services designed for and with our public. This programme is focused on providing inclusive, high quality and integrated service provision that meets the needs and improves the lives of the people of Ireland. I would highlight, in particular, the publication of the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. This plan commits to the digitalisation of 189 applicable key public services across 17 Life Events (e.g. Birth of a Child, Becoming Employed / Unemployed). The plan also commits to a service design methodology whereby services will be redesigned after extensive user research. The plan sets a pathway to delivering on two key targets for 2030: (i) 100% of key public services available online; and (ii) 90% of key public services consumed online.
My Department launched the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service in May 2025. These guidelines form a practical framework aligned with the EU AI Act to support responsible AI adoption in the public service. My Department is also advancing digital transformation through the completion of the State Data Centre and updates to the Digital Inclusion Roadmap.
Aligned to the delivery of Better Public Services, my Department is well advanced in the process of developing a first ever National Public Procurement Strategy. As part of the work to prepare for the Strategy, Ireland’s Strategic Procurement Roadmap (2025), a joint project with the European Commission, reported on the barriers and challenges that public buyers and suppliers face and was the initial pre-consultation scoping exercise for the strategy. The Roadmap provided the initial evidence base and insight for the public consultation which has resulted in the solutions and actions that will be addressed in the Strategy once finalised. My Department also led on Ireland's first cross-government all-island supplier expo, supporting SME access to public procurement opportunities.
I would also like to point to a number of other areas advanced during 2025. For example, Ireland’s position on EU Cohesion Policy post 2027 was articulated through a public consultation, Stakeholder Forum and the finalisation of position paper. Civil service reform continues with new workplace policies and updated guidance on CEO remuneration. The Department supports innovation in public service delivery and is advancing a new digital wallet. Ireland also strengthened its leadership in digital government and open data, placing among the top countries globally in both EU and OECD assessments for 2025. In addition to AI usage guidelines referenced above, my Department introduced new skills development initiatives including the ICT Apprenticeship Scheme and the Commercial Skills Academy Strategic Action Plan. Sustainability and legislative reform were prioritised through the approval of a Green Public Procurement Circular and the enactment of the Statute Law Revision Act 2024. Recognition of excellence was achieved with awards and certifications for ethical procurement and data governance, and public engagement was enhanced through initiatives such as the WhereYourMoneyGoes.gov.ie survey.
Progress will be further detailed in my Department’s Annual Report for 2025, which is due to be published in the coming weeks.
296. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a breakdown of funding that has been allocated through the Climate And Nature Fund to date, broken down by project, in tabular form. [41409/26]
View answerThe Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 established the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICN Fund).
The purpose of the ICN Fund is to support the economy in times of exceptional need and to support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy through the funding of designated environmental projects. A total of €2 billion will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14 billion.
Designated environmental projects will be those that contribute, either directly or indirectly, or are likely to contribute to:
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• an improvement in water quality,
• an improvement in nature and biodiversity objectives.
More detailed criteria are outlined in Section 20 of the Act.
As outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, the review of the National Development Plan in July encompassed all public capital investment, including that available from the ICN Fund. The NDP Review confirmed the following indicative allocations to Departments over the period 2026-2030:
• €2 billion for the Department of Transport to support low-carbon transportation, such as MetroLink;
• €500 million for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (D/CEE) to fund projects/programmes that support climate mitigation and renewable energy development;
• €650 million for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (D/HLGH) for projects and programmes that will support improvements in water quality.
The specific projects and programmes to be funded from within these allocations are matters for the relevant Ministers who must prioritise eligible projects and programmes to fund from within their allocations, having regard to their sectoral priorities and the criteria for designated environmental projects as outlined above.
The designation process commenced in end-2025, and informed a new Appendix included in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which outlined total allocations from the ICN Fund for 2026. The relevant Ministers must formally designate, in writing to the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the environmental projects that they intend to fund and this process remains underway.
Later this year, relevant Departments will be required to submit an update on their ICNF expenditure and project delivery for Q1. This will serve as an initial update on expenditure to date.
Funding for designated environmental projects will be confirmed in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) in each year between 2026 and 2030.
297. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a sectoral economic assessment has been undertaken regarding the growth of vape and smoke retail outlets within Irish town and city centres over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40873/26]
View answerThe retail sector directly employs over 220,000 people and contributes to the economy of every city, town and village in Ireland.
My Department has not carried out a sectoral economic assessment regarding the growth of vape and smoke retail outlets.
298. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider adding dental nurses to the critical skills list for obtaining an employment permit in order to address staff shortages in dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40921/26]
View answer299. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider extending eligibility to dental nurses to apply for a general employment permit in order to address staff shortages in dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40922/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
Ireland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.
The current review of the occupation lists commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders from the dental health sector. The role of Dental Nurse is not currently eligible for an employment permit however its eligibility was considered during the review process through engagement with the Department of Health - which has policy responsibility for the dental sector - and the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.
My Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Health to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of meeting the health and dental service demands. This engagement is focused on evaluating current service level and availability and identifying alternative pathways aimed at contributing domestically to addressing any shortages of skilled candidates in all health services in addition to access through the employment permits system where justified.
In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport capacity, healthcare, and other public services.
I announced the outcome of this Review on Tuesday 26th May, giving approval for 32 changes to eligibility for roles for employment permits. The review report can be accessed on the Department's website at: Employment Permits Occupations Lists: Report of the Review 2025 (www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/employment-permits-occupations-lists-report-of-the-review-2025.html).
[]I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with key national priorities including, importantly, the delivery of essential health and dental services.
300. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the online process for registering a company with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) is fully compliant with the provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021; if all information on the CRO site, including dropdown menu options, is available through Irish for business owners; if not, if he will instruct the CRO to make the necessary updates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40923/26]
View answerThe Companies Registration Office (CRO) is committed to meeting its obligations under the Official Languages Acts. An Irish version of the new CRO website has been developed; reminder letters and enforcement documentation are provided in Irish and English; requirements for social media posts and advertising through Irish are being met.
I understand that it is not currently possible to fully complete, through Irish, an application for incorporation of a company. I have been advised by the CRO that they have been working to address this issue with their software developers and it is expected that the required functionality will be available in the coming weeks.
301. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there are job creation targets at county and/or municipal district level for agencies under his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40924/26]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s strategy Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025-2029) sets a target to increase jobs in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland to 275,000 by 2029, with two thirds of jobs created to be outside of Dublin. This target represents an increase of approximately 40,500 over the five -year period.
There were 232,425 people employed in Enterprise Ireland–supported companies at end-2025, with 69% of new jobs created outside Dublin. Enterprise Ireland does not set individual county or municipal district level job creation targets.
IDA Ireland does not set county or municipal level job creation targets. As part of its Adapt Intelligently strategy for 205-2029, IDA set a target to secure 1,000 FDI projects, of which 550 are regional investments, which will lead to creation of an additional 75,000 jobs.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) report to the Department annually on the number of persons employed and net jobs gains at county and regional level. These statistics apply to small businesses supported by the LEOs that were in receipt of grant funding in the previous year.
My department provides an overall target of 3,500 as the total net number of jobs created in LEO supported companies at a national level each year. County level targets are set based on the local authority banding structure, with county level targets ranging from 91 to 175 net new jobs.
302. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to consider implementing a dedicated tourism marketing support package for those towns and villages transitioning from housing BOTBs back to tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40927/26]
View answerTo date the Government has made significant progress in returning tourist accommodation in use for humanitarian purposes back to the sector. Fáilte Ireland analysis shows that the proportion of registered tourist accommodation under contract to the State has reduced from 13% nationally in May 2023 to approximately 5% by November 2025, with continued reduction expected. This is helping to increase overall capacity and support the recovery of affected destinations.
As the Deputy will be aware, the government agreed a range of measures in relation to Ukrainian citizens with Temporary Protection status on 26th May, including the phasing out of the contracting of state accommodation, which will take place between August 2026 and March 2027.
While some towns and villages may find it challenging to transition from the use of tourist accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection back to core tourism activity, I can assure the Deputy that the range of supports provided by Fáilte Ireland continue to be available to tourism accommodation providers in these towns and villages.
Fáilte Ireland already has a comprehensive marketing strategy in place, which is strongly aligned with the objective of supporting regional recovery and balanced tourism growth. Its focus is on inspiring domestic consumers to take short breaks across the country, thereby driving demand into towns and villages, particularly outside the traditional peak season. The domestic market represents the strongest opportunity in this regard, as Irish residents are more likely to travel year-round and explore a wider range of destinations, supporting regional dispersal of tourism activity.
In March 2026, Fáilte Ireland launched its new national campaign, “Find Yourself on a Short Break”, which is specifically designed to increase demand for short breaks and to promote a compelling, year-round tourism offering. This campaign is being delivered across advertising, digital, partnerships and social platforms, and highlights the breadth of experiences available across all regions, including those areas that are now transitioning tourist accommodation back into the market.
In addition to national marketing activity, Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Local Authorities, support local recovery and development through its Destination and Experience Development Plans, which provide a structured, collaborative framework to extend the tourism season, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen towns and villages as attractive visitor hubs. These plans emphasise the promotion of local culture, heritage, and natural assets while advancing priority projects that support sustainable growth.
Local Authorities play a central role in this process by understanding the distinct needs of each area and working with communities to address key priorities such as infrastructure and sustainability through targeted, place-based approaches, ensuring balanced and long-term tourism development. The Local Authorities themselves also develop and implement their own tourism strategies, which are intended to consider and respond to the specific needs and challenges of the towns and villages in their area.
Looking ahead, my Department is progressing a Tourist Accommodation Strategy, as committed to under A New Era for Irish Tourism. This strategy will provide a clear framework to strengthen and expand Ireland’s tourist accommodation base, improve accessibility across price points, and support balanced regional growth. It will play an important role in ensuring that those towns and villages transitioning back to tourism are well-positioned to benefit from future demand. A public consultation is currently open to inform the development of this Strategy, details of which are available on Public consultation on the development of a Tourist Accommodation Strategy The closing date for submissions is the 29th May.
I am confident that the collective impact of the measures I have outlined above, such as Fáilte Ireland’s targeted domestic campaigns, destination development supports, and broader strategic initiatives, will help to ensure that communities are actively supported in rebuilding and growing their tourism offering in a sustainable way.
303. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following the announcement by a company (details supplied) that it plans to cut up to 350 jobs in Ireland, if his Department has examined the risk that data centres could play a role in job losses in the tech sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40936/26]
View answerThe recent launch of Government’s Digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects our continued ambition to harness the full potential of digital and AI technologies to drive productivity, support economic growth, and deliver modern, efficient public services.
Data centres are central to this ambition, as they form part of the critical infrastructure required for our digital economy to thrive. Their presence strengthens Ireland’s position as a strategic international location for enterprise activity, particularly in the ICT, financial services, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Research commissioned by my Department estimates that approximately 20,000 jobs were linked to the construction and operation of data centres in 2024 in Ireland. However, their wider economic importance is significantly greater, underpinning core activities across a broad range of sectors in Ireland.
On that basis, it is clear that data centres are key enablers of employment across our economy.
In relation to the matter raised by the Deputy, decisions taken by individual companies regarding employment levels are typically driven by a range of global commercial and strategic factors, including changes in business models, technological developments, and international market conditions. There is no evidence available to my Department to suggest that data centres are contributing to job losses in the technology sector.
The Government will continue to engage closely with enterprise to support employment, while ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location for investment and innovation in a rapidly evolving global digital economy.
304. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the assessments carried out on job losses in other parts of the economy due to data centre growth, for example, through higher energy bills or pressure on electricity supply for small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40937/26]
View answerData centres play a critical role in supporting Ireland's digital economy, and Government is aware that this importance will only grow with the development of Artificial Intelligence.
Ireland’s Digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects the Government’s determination to harness the full economic potential of digital and AI technologies to drive economic growth and deliver modern, efficient public services.
Analysis commissioned by my Department indicates that data centre construction and operations contribute positively to the Irish economy, accounting for approximately 20,000 jobs in 2024. This headline figure does not capture their wider economic significance. The research demonstrates that data centres in Ireland support core activities across multiple sectors, underpinning a significant proportion of Ireland’s GDP and hundreds of thousands of jobs across the broader economy.
Large energy users, including data centres, have made a disproportionately large contribution to the provision of new energy infrastructure needed to deliver a secure and increasingly renewables led energy system.
For instance, large-energy-users have contributed the vast majority of costs associated with Ireland’s ‘Temporary Emergency Generation’ security of supply programme, with the data centre industry likewise making a sizeable contribution to the development of renewables through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs).
An example of this was the energisation of a new 126 MW onshore windfarm in April 2026, facilitated through a long-term CPPA between AWS and Bord na Mona. These CPPAs are in addition to the required payment of the PSO Levy by data centres, which is used to support further renewables development in Ireland.
Accordingly, the Government will continue to ensure that data centre development is aligned with Ireland’s economic, energy and climate objectives, in a way that supports sustainable growth and protects the interests of businesses and consumers alike.
305. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the protections for workers who might lose their jobs if data centre expansion pushes out other types of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40938/26]
View answerResearch commissioned by my Department estimates that approximately 20,000 jobs were linked to the construction and operation of data centres in 2024 in Ireland. However, their wider economic importance is significantly greater, underpinning core activities across a broad range of sectors in Ireland. On that basis, it is clear that data centres are key enablers of employment across our economy.
Decisions taken by individual companies regarding employment levels are typically driven by a range of global commercial and strategic factors, including changes in business models, technological developments, and international market conditions.
However, where redundancies are contemplated, Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation in place to protect and support potentially impacted workers.
Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, an employee with more than 2 years’ service who is made redundant may be entitled to a redundancy payment. The statutory redundancy payment is 2 weeks' pay for every year of service plus 1 additional week's pay. This payment is capped at €600 per week.
The Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended, places obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies, which arise when certain thresholds are met. Employers must carry out a 30-day consultation with employees’ representatives and notify the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the first redundancies take effect.
The Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, as amended, obliges employers to give a certain level of notice to employees prior to dismissal, with the length of such notice depending on the employee’s length of service,
The Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, as amended, protects employees with more than one year’s service from Unfair Dismissals.
Where redundancies occur which are outside the parameters of collective redundancies, employers are still legally obliged to conduct the redundancy process fairly and to use reasonable selection criteria in choosing to make people redundant. In accordance with the principles of fair procedures and natural justice, any such process should normally include a consultation with potentially affected employees.
If an employee believes their employment rights have been breached, they can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission under the relevant legislation. In general, complaints to the WRC must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach.
Government also provides a range of supports to any employees facing job losses. The Intreo service of the Department of Social Protection can assist with income supports and relevant employment and training opportunities where needed.
306. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment given that data centres already use a large and growing share of Ireland's resources but create relatively few permanent jobs, his views on the State putting so much of its digital infrastructure and employment risk into what could be called a "data centre basket"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/26]
View answerIreland has taken deliberate and strategic action to position itself as a leading digital economy through a coordinated policy mix encompassing national digital strategies, targeted foreign direct investment, and strong indigenous enterprise growth.
Ireland’s Digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects the Government’s determination to harness the full economic potential of digital and AI technologies to drive economic growth and deliver modern, efficient public services.
Research and analysis commissioned by my Department indicates that approximately 20,000 jobs were linked directly to the construction and operation of data centres in 2024. However, this does not capture their wider economic role. The same research finds that data centres underpin core activities across a broad range of sectors, supporting a significant share of Ireland’s GDP and many hundreds of thousands of jobs across the economy.
The Government recognises that data centres are energy-intensive and that their growth must be carefully managed in the context of energy security, grid capacity and climate objectives. A range of policies are in place to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach, including the Government’s Data Centre Policy Statement and the recently introduced Large Energy User Action Plan.
These initiatives promote the co-location of data centres with renewable energy sources, greater regional diversification, and a plan-led approach to infrastructure delivery. This approach is designed to support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy, while also strengthening regional development and alleviating pressure on existing infrastructure.
In this context, the Government is not placing undue reliance on any single sector. Rather, it is ensuring that data centres continue to function as enabling infrastructure for a broad and diverse economy, while proactively managing associated risks in a strategic and sustainable manner.
I will continue to engage with colleagues across Government to ensure that policy in this area maintains an appropriate balance between economic opportunity, energy security and environmental sustainability.
307. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare: if the Government has official figures showing the number of permanent, on-site jobs will be created once the facility is up and running, not including construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/26]
View answerI do not hold any specific details on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare, as the developer is not currently a client of the development agencies.
However, based on the typical operation of such facilities, it is expected that, once operational, a data centre of this nature would support a number of high-value roles. These would primarily include positions in engineering, technical operations, and across specialised digital functions, such as cybersecurity and IT systems management.
Research and analysis undertaken on behalf of my Department indicates that there are currently more than 3,000 people employed across operational data centres in Ireland. In addition to direct on-site roles, these facilities also give rise to approximately 3,000 indirect jobs through supply chains (such as maintenance, engineering services, and utilities) and a further 2,000 induced jobs in the wider economy through increased local spending, thereby supporting jobs in areas such as retail, hospitality, and services.
The recent launch of the Government’s Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects our ambition to harness the full potential of digital and AI technologies to drive productivity, support economic growth, and deliver modern and efficient public services.
Data centres play a crucial role in achieving these objectives, providing the core infrastructure required for a successful digital economy. Their presence reinforces Ireland’s attractiveness as a global location for investment and also enables the core activities of many of our existing sectors.
In this context, while specific employment figures are not available, developments such as the data centre campus in Ennis are expected to make a positive contribution to Ireland’s high-value employment base and wider economic and digital ambitions.
308. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether any assessment has been undertaken regarding the potential impact of AI-related job displacement on Irish workers in the technology, shared-services, financial-services, and customer-support sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40995/26]
View answer310. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether the Government intends to prioritise the retention and redeployment of Irish citizens and long-term resident workers in sectors identified as highly exposed to AI-related automation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40997/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 310 together.
I propose to answer questions 40995 and 40997 together.
My Department continually monitors the labour market and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). There are already clear impacts on the labour market and these will become more pronounced in time. My Department has been researching the area heavily – for example, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), which published research on the theme of AI and the labour market late last year. The paper ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’ highlighted the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI. The research noted that Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs but also has a strong performance in relation to the supply of AI talent.
We have seen a doubling in AI jobs and usage since 2023. While this is a fast-changing field – it shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the labour market here, and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. The paper used national level data to compare Ireland with other European and international economies but doesn’t specifically go into forecasting or net employment impacts. My officials will be updating this work over the course of the year and I will be more than happy to share any updated analysis and insights.
The EGFSN is also funding other AI related research work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. This report will be published this year and will identify skills needs and gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI. The EGFSN is also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market being done by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available in 2026 and will include work on AI and the labour market.
Work assets.gov.ie/static/documents/391b8952/Economic_Insights_Volume_1_2026.pdf also pointed to the fact that our labour market is highly exposed to AI given the composition of employment here, specifically in relation ICT, financial and professional services. The work also noted that AI may already be affecting employment patterns, with sectors more exposed to AI such as ICT and financial services recording significantly weaker employment growth in recent years.
A dynamic and competitive labour market, such as Ireland’s, will effectively redeploy talent, as people take up new opportunities, though there will be friction during times of faster change. The Government remains committed to retaining and attracting talent and ensuring that workers are supported to adapt through upskilling and reskilling as roles evolve. This approach aligns with the Government’s ambition to create up to 300,000 additional jobs by 2030.
At the same time, the new National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future (published in February), sets out a clear roadmap for advancing Ireland’s digital and AI capabilities in the years ahead, underlying digital competitiveness as a foundation for economic resilience. A key priority is to fast-track enterprise technology adoption to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Finally, it is clear that given the rapid advancement of AI technology the development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce will be necessary as it is very likely that new types of jobs will emerge. Key commitments include ensuring access to agile, and fit-for-purpose, high quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities; a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign; a new Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future; and a new National Skills Observatory to assist Government to develop national AI and jobs policy in the years ahead. I know the Department of Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science has been particularly busy in these areas.
309. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether participation in any proposed AI workforce transition or retraining programme would be linked to immigration or employment-permit status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40996/26]
View answerGovernment’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy – Digital Ireland: Connecting Our People, Securing Our Future outlines our plans for supporting workers navigate changes brought about by AI.
This government is committed to working collaboratively across the skills ecosystem to ensure that education and training provision is aligned with labour market demands, including supporting those most exposed to technological change to develop relevant and future-focused skills.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (D/FHERIS) is leading on the skills piece. For example, my colleague, Minister James Lawless, recently launched AIReady, a new national online AI skilling platform. This major initiative is designed to support people in upskilling and to help future-proof Ireland’s workforce for an AI driven economy. Additional commitments for D/FHERIS within the strategy include enhanced upskilling opportunities with SOLAS and Skillnet, a nationwide Digital and AI skills campaign and the development of a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future. Furthermore, a new National Skills Observatory will be established to analyse labour market dynamics and skills needs.
Ireland’s employment permit system is vacancy led and managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which my Department reviews on a regular basis. There are no plans to link participation in AI skills programmes to immigration or employment permit status.
311. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether any estimate has been made of the number of employment permit holders working in sectors identified by the Government as highly exposed to AI-driven workforce displacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41081/26]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system supports enterprise growth and economic activity, and is designed to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating access to international labour in key, high demand roles while maintaining safeguards for the domestic and EEA workforce.
Access to employment permits is facilitated through the occupations lists, identifying highly skilled occupations in science, medical, ICT, and engineering fields on the Critical Skills Occupations List. The system targets skills shortages in sectors critical to competitiveness and growth, facilitating employment in the State through the Critical Skills Employment Permit. On the Ineligible Occupations List are roles already well served by the labour market.
The occupations lists are subject to periodic review, informed by labour market data, vacancy and earnings trends, and analysis from relevant skills bodies. The review process is a delicate balancing act, overseen by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which facilitates an integrated, cross-government approach to informing policy development, and supports efforts to ensure that the permits system remains responsive to current and emerging skills and workforce requirements. Adjustments can be made to widen eligibility or to restrict access to employment permits for certain occupations or sectors based on evidence.
The current review of the occupation lists commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted submissions from stakeholders across the economy. A wide range of roles in the ICT sector are currently eligible for an employment permit. Discussion on the use of and impact of AI in sectors has also been considered through engagement with key policy departments and the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy. My Department also monitors the volume of permits issued by sector, and those statistics are available on the website.
I announced the outcome of the review today, giving approval for 32 changes to jobs now eligible for employment permits. The review report can be accessed on the Department's website at:
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/employment-permits-occupations-lists-report-of-the-review-2025.html
It should be noted that the employment permits legislation imposes restrictions on the grant of new employment permits where a role has recently been subject to redundancy. The employer cannot hire another non-EEA national via the permit system for that role for a period of 6 months.
Successive national strategy and economic action plans prepared in recent years reference clearly the need to attract and retain skilled workers from across the globe to deliver on our national industry, infrastructure, and broader socio-economic goals. My Department continues to review employment trends and refine the employment permits system to ensure that it supports our competitiveness on a global labour market, supports enterprise and remains fair, responsive and aligned with Ireland’s wider economic and social needs
312. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a report on the progress made implementing the Programme for Government commitments within his remit and on the achievements since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41384/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government has informed the development of my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 and is embedded within the annual business planning process, supported by ongoing monitoring and through structured performance reporting to me by the Secretary General and the Department’s Management Board.
With the support of Ministers Dillon and Smyth, substantial progress has been achieved across the full breadth of Programme for Government commitments. A comprehensive account of these achievements will be detailed in the Department’s Annual Report for 2025 which will be published in due course. I include below a summary of some of these achievements.
Ireland’s labour market remains exceptionally strong. Employment grew by 56,700 in the year to Q4 2025, bringing total employment to a record level of approximately 2.83 million, including a 1.9% increase outside the Dublin region. The number of people working in Ireland has never been so high. My focus as Minister is to ensure that Ireland continues to be a great place to live, invest and work.
In addition, inward investment performance has been particularly robust. IDA Ireland secured a record 323 investments in 2025, representing a 38% increase on the previous year. These investments are expected to support over 15,300 new jobs, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation and future-focused sectors. This activity is underpinned by IDA’s new five-year strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, which aligns closely with Programme for Government priorities.
Enterprise Ireland has also delivered continued employment growth, with client company employment reaching a record 232,425 in 2025. Notably, 69% of new jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland were located outside Dublin, supporting balanced regional development. Meanwhile, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network continues to play a crucial role, supporting businesses employing over 40,000 people, with over 7,000 new jobs created in 2025.
Significant progress has also been made in policy development. The publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September 2025 is supported by €4.7 billion in capital investment over the lifetime of the Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030.
A Small Business Unit was established, fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment, and we have also convened several meetings of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum.
In line with the Programme for Government a key priority is reducing red tape and simplifying processes for small businesses. Key highlights in this regard include:
• Grant simplification: The newly established Small Business Unit has reviewed all Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grant schemes, resulting in a reduction of application questions, down 47% for Business Expansion Grants, 30% for the Green for Business Grant and 28% for the Feasibility Grant with further reductions targeted.
• Regulatory relief: Ireland was among the first in Europe to sign regulations exempting 80% of small businesses from the scope of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive with a two-year delay granted to others pending further EU negotiations.
• SME Test expansion: In 2025, 33 SME Tests were applied across 10 Government Departments. This compares to 26 SME Tests across 8 Departments in 2024.These tests assess the impact of new legislation on small businesses and propose mitigation measures. This figure is expected to increase with all departments mandated to apply SME Tests for new policies.
• Listening to businesses: My officials are actively engaging with stakeholders through the Enterprise and Retail Forums and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to identify high-impact burdens and opportunities for reform
Broader reform initiatives during 2025 included;
• Business support access: The National Enterprise Hub has managed over 7,500 enquiries, simplifying access to over 250 supports from 29 departments and agencies.
• Regulatory modernisation: Updating to the Companies Act with, the introduction of an updated audit exemption regime.
Tourism policy has also been strengthened, with the launch of A New Era for Irish Tourism. This is supported by the Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan 2025–2030, ensuring resilience and sustainable regional growth.
Innovation remains central to my Department’s agenda. The Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030 provides substantial investment, including €190 million for Technology Centres, €196 million for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, €170 million for European Space Agency programmes, and €120 million for IPCEIs. Ireland’s first Semiconductor Strategy has been launched, alongside I C3, the National Competence Centre for Semiconductors, to support start-ups and SMEs. Work is also progressing on a new National Life Sciences Strategy and Next Generation Sites.
There is a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to support the central role played by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment matters. A new chair of the Labour Court was appointed in April 2025. The WRC continues to uphold employment rights, including through the establishment of a new division focused on outreach and information provision and also a new continuous improvement office, focused on driving efficiencies through digitisation and data informed change. In recent months we have agreed an Action Plan on Collective Bargaining with the Social Partners; increased the minimum wage and the Minimum Adequate Remuneration; signed in new legislation to give workers the option of working longer, protecting their rights at insolvency, supporting health and safety protections; and we commenced further improvements to arrangements surrounding the legislation granting the right to request remote working, to give just some examples.”
I secured Government agreement to adopt a distributed model for implementing the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, building on the expertise of established sectoral regulators. A national single point of contact was established in the department in September to streamline coordination between Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, commencing on 1 July 2026. Coordinated efforts across Government are ensuring full readiness to drive forward key national and European priorities.
Further progress includes strengthening the mandate of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, ongoing insurance reform measures, and the introduction of a new mediation service through the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
313. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason reinstatement of the special education teacher diploma allowance for primary school teachers did not proceed given 78 branches supported this measure in an effort to ensure special education qualification are recognised. [41118/26]
View answer358. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria that was considered, and the engagement she had with representative bodies and the Department of Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the reinstatement of the special education teacher diploma allowance for primary school teachers. [41117/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 358 together.
The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.
In this regard, the Department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, who represent primary school teachers and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) The INTO elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with the Department and are outlined in Circular 54/2026. These measures are specifically targeted at addressing identified areas of challenge in recruitment and retention.
As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.
314. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated total cost per year of reinstating the special education teacher diploma allowance for all existing teachers in special education who hold the diploma and do not receive the allowance. [41119/26]
View answerThe current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.
In this regard, the Department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, who represent primary school teachersand the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The INTO has elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with the Department and are outlined in Circular 54/2026. These measures are specifically targeted at addressing identified areas of challenge in recruitment and retention.
As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.
