Wednesday, 1 Jul 2026

Written Answers Nos. 135-159

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Company Closures

Questions (135)

Ann Graves

Question:

135. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in light of the collapse of a company (details supplied), if he supports a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and accountability from all parties responsible for any wrongdoing or failures in oversight, greater transparency regarding the sale of assets and the liquidation process; if he will support a review of the regulation, promotion, and distribution of these investment products, stronger protections for investors to prevent similar losses in the future; and if he will support every possible avenue for financial recovery and redress for those affected by the company's collapse. [50107/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Central Bank is the independent regulator for financial services determines what measures or actions need to be taken in relation to any potential, or actual, wrongdoing by regulated financial service providers.

European and Irish legislation requires the regulation of financial services firms providing investment services in relation to investment products. The law lists the various types of regulated investment services and investment. Regulated firms may also sell investment products which are not specifically mentioned in the law (i.e. unregulated products). Where they do so, certain investor protections, which apply to regulated activities do not apply.

The Central Bank recently reviewed the Consumer Protection Code (CPC) and this included a review of the rules around the sale of unregulated products by regulated entities. As part of the review, the Central Bank held a public consultation and changes came into effect in March 2026.

Under the Code’s Standards for Business, firms are required to ensure that all information they provide to customers is presented in a way that seeks to effectively inform the customer.

Firms are also required to take appropriate steps to mitigate the risk that a customer will understand an activity to be, or to carry the protections of, a regulated activity where this is not the case. There are additional disclosure requirements to ensure firms enable customer understanding of the status of unregulated products and services provided. This includes the requirement for website information on regulated activities to be kept separate, and the requirement for firms to have systems and controls, processes, policies, and procedures to achieve certain outcomes for consumers.

Consumers may have recourse to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) in relation to financial services provided to them by regulated firms. If a consumer wishes to pursue a complaint in relation to a regulated financial service provider, they must firstly make a complaint to the provider. If the complaint is not resolved, they can then make a complaint to the FSPO.

Tax Credits

Questions (136)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

136. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of renters who claimed the rent tax credit in 2023, 2024 and 2025; and the overall value of the claims in each year. [50165/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Rent Tax Credit (RTC) was introduced by the Finance Act 2022 and may be claimed by taxpayer units in respect of qualifying rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2028. A taxpayer unit is either an individual with any personal status who is singly assessed or a couple in a marriage or civil partnership who have elected for joint assessment, in which case they are counted as one taxpayer unit.

The value of the credit for 2022 and 2023 was €500 for a singly assessed individual and €1,000 for a jointly assessed couple. For later years, the value of the credit increased to €1,000 for a singly assessed individual and €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple.

The extent to which a taxpayer unit benefits from a tax credit, through a reduced tax liability and/or receipt of a refund for overpayment of a tax liability, is determined by their gross tax liability and the use of other tax credits and reliefs. Taxpayers who claim the RTC may not benefit from this credit as a result of other reliefs, deductions and tax credits already reducing their net tax liability to nil.

I am informed by Revenue that 313,980 taxpayer units claimed the Rent Tax Credit (RTC) for 2022, with 273,160 of these taxpayer units benefitting from it, resulting in an estimated cost of €156.4 million.

In relation to 2023, 354,110 taxpayer units claimed the RTC, with 315,030 taxpayer units befitting from it, which resulted in an estimated cost of €183.5 million.

379,020 taxpayer units claimed the RTC for 2024, with 335,030 of these taxpayer units benefitting from it, resulting in an estimated cost of €363 million. These numbers include both PAYE and self-assessed taxpayer units.

Data on claims by self-assessed taxpayers are not yet available for 2025 as the filing deadline in relation to 2025 is in November 2026. As a result, information on the total cost of this credit for 2025 will not be available until mid-2027, once returns are processed and the data is available for analysis.

The following RTC statistics for 2025 refer only to claims by PAYE taxpayer units. Revenue further advises that 303,590 taxpayer units have claimed the RTC for 2025, with a total credit claim value of approximately €315m. The data represent the claims as of 15 June 2026. As the Deputy will be aware, PAYE taxpayers have four years after the year end in which to file a F12 tax return and make a claim for credits and reliefs to which they are entitled.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (137)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views that targeted tax reliefs can be an effective means of supporting strategically important sectors, as evidenced by existing tax credit schemes operated by the State; and whether similar measures are being considered for pubs as part of Budget 2027. [50214/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Government is conscious of the challenges facing all businesses in the current economic climate, including the pub sector. The Cost of Business Advisory Forum is working to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them.

As the Deputy notes, targeted tax reliefs can be an effective means of supporting certain sectors. However it must also be noted that targeted measures are likely to be considered State aids and there are strict limitations on the abilities of Member States to introduce such measures.

It is also worth noting that direct expenditure supports such as grants, innovation vouchers and Enterprise Ireland funds, in line with State aid rules, can sometimes be more effective in achieving policy objectives, particularly for smaller businesses. A range of direct expenditure supports are available to businesses, and details can be found online on the National Enterprise Hub.

There are a number of existing tax supports available to all businesses, including the pub sector. These are intended to encourage investment in the economy and in particular in indigenous SMEs. These measures provided for by Part 16 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 include the Employment Investment Incentive the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs and the Start-Up Capital Investment.

In addition, the Government announced two energy support packages earlier this year which included temporary excise rate reductions for auto fuels and Marked Gas Oil and an enhancement to the Diesel Rebate Scheme. Government also announced the deferral of the planned 1 May carbon tax rate increase until 14 October 2026. While no Government can fully insulate against energy price shocks, these measures provide support to households and the broader economy by alleviating some of the financial pressures arising from fuel price increases.

It is also worth noting that there has been no general increase in excise duty rates for alcohol since in 2014. While the retail price of beer has risen over that period, the excise duty has remained unchanged and, therefore, the total tax as a percentage of the retail price of each pint is now lower than it was more than a decade ago.

Notwithstanding the above, issues concerning the sector will continue to inform ongoing policy considerations in the context of the budgetary process.

Departmental Data

Questions (138)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

138. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 23 June 2026, the estimated first and full year cost in 2027 of not proceeding with a schedule for carbon tax increases this year or next. [50232/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that increases in the carbon charge, as per the trajectory set out in Finance Act 2020, take effect on different dates depending on the fuel type. For petrol and auto diesel, the increase is applied in October each year. For all other fuels the increase is applied from 1 May of the following year.

I am advised by Revenue that the estimated cost of not proceeding with any scheduled increases to the carbon charge in 2026 or in 2027 is set out in the following table.

Carbon tax increases

Departmental Data

Questions (139)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

139. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 744, 745, 746, 747 of 29 July 2025, to provide updated figures in relation to the cost of abolishing local property tax excluding the LPT paid by local authorities and AHBs and all landlords (second and more properties). [50233/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to isolate properties owned by landlords in the LPT return data as this information is not required for the administration of the tax. Additionally, it is not possible to identify the principal private residence from other properties owned by a multi-property owner. As such, the estimate below reflects all properties owned by multiple property owners rather than of second or more properties owned by landlords.

I am advised by Revenue that the cost of abolishing Local Property Tax (LPT) with the gradual exclusion of Local Authority (“LA”) and Approved Housing Bodies (“AHB”) owned properties, multi property owners, and properties valued above €1,050,000 is provided in the table below. These costings are based on the year 2026 and data as of March 2026.

I am further advised by Revenue that the grouping of LA and AHB refers specifically to the exclusion of 31 LAs and 7 of the largest AHBs.

LPT Scenarios	Cost € Million(s)
Abolish LPT	557
Abolish LPT - excluding Local Authority/AHB owned properties	537
Abolish LPT - excluding Local Authority/AHB owned properties, multi property owners	389
Abolish LPT - excluding Local Authority/AHB owned, multi property owners, and properties valued above €1,050,000.	360

Central Bank of Ireland

Questions (140)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

140. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the financial regulator in Luxembourg the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) has confirmed to the Central Bank if they will take on again the role of assessing for approval the prospectus of Israeli war bonds this September. [50234/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Central Bank are the competent authority when it comes to the issue of prospectus approval and transfer.

The EU Prospectus Regulation provides for the transfer of the approval of a prospectus to the competent authority of another EU Member State; however, the Central Bank of Ireland cannot comment on individual supervisory engagements owing to its professional secrecy obligations.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the Central Bank, as the financial regulator, is independent in its functions from the Government as is necessary in any well-functioning democracy.

We as a Government believe that further action is necessary with respect to the EU's relationship with the State of Israel, which is why we are working with others to achieve co-ordinated action at EU level. Ireland will continue to call for concrete EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. This includes a call for a proposal to prohibit EU trade with Israeli settlements, to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, or at a minimum to suspend the trade elements of the Agreement as previously proposed by the President of the European Commission. It is expected that it is expected that the European Commission will bring forward options at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July, including on EU trade with Israeli settlements.

Earlier this year, I directed senior officials in my Department to engage with the EU Commission on this matter. Department officials subsequently liaised with their counterparts in the European Commission, drawing attention to the work of the Oireachtas, and in particular to the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s recommendation that the Prospectus Regulation be amended. This engagement reflected my view that the Commission should have regard to the report and its findings.

Officials outlined recent developments in Ireland and sought the views of the Commission on the possibility of a legislative initiative by EU Commission to address the Oireachtas Committee's issues. In response, the EU Commission officials indicated that they currently have no plans for a review of the Prospectus Regulation.

I have since specifically brought the JOC report and the Government’s views regarding the EU relationship with the State of Israel to Commissioner Albuquerque's attention, both in person and by letter. Ireland will continue to make its views know on this mater.

Central Bank of Ireland

Questions (141)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

141. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the role assessing for approval the prospectus of Israeli war bonds will default to the Central Bank if the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) declines to take on the role of assessing for approval the prospectus. [50235/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Central Bank are the competent authority when it comes to the issue of prospectus approval and transfer.

The EU Prospectus Regulation provides for the transfer of the approval of a prospectus to the competent authority of another EU Member State; however, Ireland remains the Home Member State for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

Furthermore it would not be appropriate for me to speculate as to the regulatory approach that mau be taken by a competent authority in another Member State.

It is also important to note that the Central Bank, as the financial regulator, is independent in its functions from the Government as is necessary in any well-functioning democracy.

We as a Government believe that further action is necessary with respect to the EU's relationship with the State of Israel, which is why we are working with others to achieve co-ordinated action at EU level. Ireland will continue to call for concrete EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. This includes a call for a proposal to prohibit EU trade with Israeli settlements, to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, or at a minimum to suspend the trade elements of the Agreement as previously proposed by the President of the European Commission. It is expected that it is expected that the European Commission will bring forward options at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July, including on EU trade with Israeli settlements.

I would also highlight that earlier this year, I directed senior officials in my Department to engage with the EU Commission on this matter. Department officials subsequently liaised with their counterparts in the European Commission, drawing attention to the work of the Oireachtas, and in particular to the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s recommendation that the Prospectus Regulation be amended. This engagement reflected my view that the Commission should have regard to the report and its findings.

Officials outlined recent developments in Ireland and sought the views of the Commission on the possibility of a legislative initiative by EU Commission to address the Oireachtas Committee's issues.

In their response, the EU Commission officials indicated that they currently have no plans for a review of the Prospectus Regulation.

I have since specifically brought the JOC report and the Government’s views regarding the EU relationship with the State of Israel to Commissioner Albuquerque's attention, both in person and by letter. Ireland will continue to make its views know on this mater.

Central Bank of Ireland

Questions (142)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

142. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when confirmation will be provided on whether the CSSF will again take on the role of assessing for approval the prospectus of Israeli war bonds this September. [50236/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Central Bank are the competent authority when it comes to the issue of prospectus approval and transfer.

The EU Prospectus Regulation provides for the transfer of the approval of a prospectus to the competent authority of another EU Member State; however, the Central Bank of Ireland cannot comment on individual supervisory engagements owing to its professional secrecy obligations.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the Central Bank, as the financial regulator, is independent in its functions from the Government as is necessary in any well-functioning democracy.

We as a Government believe that further action is necessary with respect to the EU's relationship with the State of Israel, which is why we are working with others to achieve co-ordinated action at EU level. Ireland will continue to call for concrete EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. This includes a call for a proposal to prohibit EU trade with Israeli settlements, to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, or at a minimum to suspend the trade elements of the Agreement as previously proposed by the President of the European Commission. It is expected that it is expected that the European Commission will bring forward options at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July, including on EU trade with Israeli settlements.

Earlier this year, I directed senior officials in my Department to engage with the EU Commission on this matter. Department officials subsequently liaised with their counterparts in the European Commission, drawing attention to the work of the Oireachtas, and in particular to the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s recommendation that the Prospectus Regulation be amended. This engagement reflected my view that the Commission should have regard to the report and its findings.

Officials outlined recent developments in Ireland and sought the views of the Commission on the possibility of a legislative initiative by EU Commission to address the Oireachtas Committee's issues.

In their response, the EU Commission officials indicated that they currently have no plans for a review of the Prospectus Regulation.

I have since specifically brought the JOC report and the Government’s views regarding the EU relationship with the State of Israel to Commissioner Albuquerque's attention, both in person and by letter. Ireland will continue to make its views know on this mater.

State Savings Schemes

Questions (143, 144)

Emer Currie

Question:

143. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to allowing individuals and households who have already invested some or all off of their savings in existing investment products to transfer their existing investment to new personal investment accounts without a tax penalty. [50273/26]

Emer Currie

Question:

144. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if providers of new personal investment accounts will be able to reinvest the moneys invested in PIAs into other investment products; to outline who will be liable for the exit tax and deemed disposal taxation on any gains on the reinvested moneys; and if this will be passed onto the PIA investor. [50274/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

Ireland still does not have a sufficiently diversified savings and investment culture. Too much of people’s hard-earned savings remains in low-yield deposits, where inflation can erode value over time. Investment in capital markets can offer households another path to long-term financial wellbeing.

The tax treatment of retail investments was considered as part of a broader review into the funds and asset management sector in Ireland, which culminated in the ‘Funds Sector 2030’ report published in October 2024.

In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, Budget 2026 provided for a reduction in the rate of taxation on returns from Irish and equivalent investment funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance policies from 41% to 38% which took effect from 1 January 2026.

Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap in 2026, setting out the intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment. The roadmap will be published in summer 2026.

At the Savings and Investment Forum on 31 March, I announced the Government’s intention to introduce the legislative framework for an Investment Account in 2026. We want to make investing simpler, clearer, and more accessible for ordinary people, and help their hard-earned money work harder for them.

The aim is to legislate for the framework in 2026 and to allow accounts to be offered from 2027. The Government’s view that the account should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable across borders where possible.

When designing the model that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households, the views of relevant experts are being considered as well as learning from best international practices.

Officials in my Department are currently developing policy options regarding the investment account framework which will form part of the deliberations for Budget 2027 over the coming months.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 143.

Rental Sector

Questions (145)

Emer Currie

Question:

145. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to examine changes to the taxation of rental income, including the expansion of existing rental income reliefs, in order to encourage continued and new participation by private landlords in the residential rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50313/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

Landlords are an essential feature of a functioning housing market. Rising rents are driven by a shortage of supply, so stabilising and increasing the supply of rental properties should ease upward pressure on rental prices and make it easier for prospective tenants to find affordable homes.

Section 21 of Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 introduced the Residential Premises Rental Income Relief (RPRIR). It is an income tax relief at the standard rate of income tax for individual landlords of rented residential property. The purpose of this relief is to provide an incentive for landlords, specifically targeted at attracting and retaining small-scale landlords in the private sector.

The relief is as follows:

• €3,000 in the tax year 2024;

• €4,000 in the tax year 2025;

• €5,000 in the tax year 2026 and

• €5,000 in the tax year 2027.

This equates to a tax credit of up to €600 in year one, €800 in year two and €1,000 in years three and four. The relief is capped at the individual’s tax liability on rental income from residential property. The credit is available to individual landlords of residential rental properties.

The RPRIR is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2027. The Programme for Government commits to "continue the landlord tax credit".

As the Deputy will also appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market.

In relation to the residential rental market more generally, the taxation of rental income was considered by my Department as part of the 2022 Tax Strategy Group process. (Further details set out in chapter 7 of the "Property-Related Tax Issues Tax Strategy Group – 22/04 July 2022" paper, available at the following link:

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/tsg-22-04-property-related-tax-issues-4b78c888-4c5a-4642-9f8b-5a28c181ee1a.pdf.

Finally, my Department continues to monitor all aspects of the property market, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government to ensure that any further interventions in the housing market are appropriately calibrated, represent the best use of scarce public resources and boost the supply of housing in both the public and private sectors.

Museum Projects

Questions (146)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

146. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider the potential acquisition by the State of the military war museum located in Collon, County Meath; whether an assessment has been undertaken regarding its historical, cultural and educational value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49971/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Office of Public Works has no plans to acquire the Military War Museum in Collon.

National Planning Framework

Questions (147)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

147. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide and update in respect of the master plan for the future use and enhancement of a location (details supplied); if a public consultation will be initiated; and if consultancy has been sought in respect of the site. [50184/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The OPW is currently finalising a request for tender to appoint consultants to assist in the development of an overall masterplan for the Castletown and Donaghcumper houses and demesnes to consider future uses, conservation requirements and future enhancements.

I can confirm that a public consultation process will be undertaken as part of the of the development of the masterplan.

Consultants have not yet been appointed for this work. It is anticipated that a tender will issue for this work via eTenders, in the coming weeks.

Business Supports

Questions (148)

Emer Currie

Question:

148. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the work of the Finance for Scaling Implementation Group. [49950/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Ireland has a strong start-up ecosystem, but scaling remains a challenge due to limited access to finance. A key barrier is the lack of capital for firms at the scale-up stage. A July 2024 report by my Department, “The Use of Finance as a Catalyst to Develop a Scaling Ecosystem”, identified a suboptimal supply of capital in the market and recommended increasing State capital, incentivising private capital, and a review of tax policy to support growth.

To implement these recommendations, my Department established the Finance for Scaling Implementation Working Group, supported by expert input and a market study by SQW economic research consultants. Commissioned by my Department and published in July 2025, this study found a capital gap of €860 million to €1.3 billion for Series A+ funding rounds starting from €3 million.

The Implementation Working Group is continuing its work in progressing priority actions under the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, aimed at strengthening the scaling finance environment for Irish enterprises.

Business Supports

Questions (149)

Emer Currie

Question:

149. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has considered the feasibility and potential value of State agencies or funds investing more in public share purchases of Irish scale-ups as a means of incentivising the greater use of IPOs as a financing mechanising for scaling Irish enterprises. [49951/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, plays a central role in supporting the scaling of indigenous Irish enterprises, with a strong focus on export growth, productivity and international competitiveness.

A comprehensive range of supports is already in place for companies at all stages of their scaling journey. These include financial supports such as grants for research, development and innovation, as well as equity investment and access to venture capital through Enterprise Ireland and its Seed and Venture Capital Schemes.

These investments often come with the added benefit of strategic guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, helping start-ups navigate the complexities of scaling a business. By combining financial support with expert advice, Enterprise Ireland ensures that start-ups have the resources and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable growth and compete on a global stage.

Enterprise Ireland’s current mandate is primarily focused on supporting companies across the pre-seed to late-stage private investment phases and on broader enterprise development objectives.

Enterprise Ireland does not currently invest directly into publicly listed equities, and any such activity would represent a significant extension of its remit, requiring additional specialist investment expertise and enhanced governance arrangements. Any such proposal would need to be carefully considered in terms of its overall costs and likely impact.

Enterprise Ireland does support companies in preparing for and accessing public markets. It sponsors initiatives such as the Euronext IPO Ready Programme, which assists firms in building the governance, capability and investor readiness needed to pursue an IPO where appropriate.

My Department remains committed to supporting companies to scale and succeed, ensuring they have the opportunity to access the full range of appropriate funding pathways, including public markets where this aligns with their growth strategy.

Departmental Data

Questions (150)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

150. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Enterprise Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50035/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is the government agency which assists Irish businesses to start, scale, export and create employment across all regions of the country, through funding and grants, export support, and business advice and training. Total exchequer funding to EI under my Department’s vote for 2026 amounted to €437.552 million. This included funding for Science and Technology Development and also the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

The estimated cost of increasing 2026 EI funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% is outlined in the table below.

EI funding 2026 (€m)	Increase by %	Amount (€m)	Total Including Increase (€m)
437.552	5	21.88	459.432
437.552	10	43.76	481.312
437.552	20	87.51	525.062
437.552	25	109.39	546.942
437.552	50	218.78	656.332

Departmental Data

Questions (151)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

151. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing IDA Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50036/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

IDA Ireland was allocated €297,204m in funding in REV 2026.

As requested by the Deputy, the table below outlines the estimated cost of increasing IDA Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%.

-	Total €'000	Change €'000
Total IDA allocation REV 2026	297,204	-
5% increase on 2026 allocation	312,064	14,860
10% increase on 2026 allocation	326,924	29,720
20% increase on 2026 allocation	356,644	59,440
25% increase on 2026 allocation	371,505	74,301
50% increase on 2026 allocation	445,806	148,602

Departmental Data

Questions (152)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

152. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing InterTrade Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50037/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

InterTradeIreland is funded jointly by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in Ireland and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. The budget allocation for 2026 is €15.802m. The estimated cost of increasing InterTradeIreland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% is set out in the table below.

Percentage increase	Total - Euros	Increase v Original - Euros
5%	16.59m	0.79m
10%	17.38m	1.58m
20%	18.96m	3.16m
25%	19.75m	3.95m
50%	23.70m	7.90m

Departmental Data

Questions (153)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

153. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Local Enterprise Office funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50038/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Alan Dillon)

My Department provides funding to the Local Enterprise Offices through the A8 (Enterprise Development) subhead. This funding is allocated to each of the 31 Local Authorities based on a distribution model agreed between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities.

Capital funding is used to support enterprise development through direct grant assistance, training, mentoring as well as Lean, Green and Digital productivity programmes. The non-pay budget is my Department’s contribution to the administrative costs of running the LEOs and includes a contribution towards the salaries of the Local Authority staff who work in the LEOs.The estimated cost of increasing this budget is set out in the table below:

Estimated cost increasing budget

Departmental Data

Questions (154)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

154. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50039/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the independent statutory body responsible for promoting compliance with and enforcement of competition, consumer protection and product safety law in Ireland.

The CCPC’s overall budget allocation for 2026 was €29.979 million which comprises pay, non-pay and pension funding. The estimated additional Exchequer cost of increasing the CCPC's funding is set out in the Table below:

% Increase in CCPC Funding	Additional Cost (€000)	Revised Total Budget (€000)
5%	1,498.95	31,477.95
10%	2,997.90	32,976.90
20%	5,995.80	35,974.80
25%	7,494.75	37,473.75
50%	14,989.50	44,968.50

Departmental Data

Questions (155)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

155. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Fáilte Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50040/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Peter Burke)

The funding provision to Fáilte Ireland is delivered under two subheads on my Department’s Vote, namely Subhead D3 – Fáilte Ireland (including Pay & Pensions) and Subhead D6 – Tourism Product Development. My Department has allocated a total of €133.889 million in respect of these subheads in 2026.

It should be noted that funding is also allocated to Fáilte Ireland under Subhead D5 for the purpose of funding Tourism Ireland and under Subhead D7 for the purpose of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) scheme(s) which Fáilte Ireland implements on behalf of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA). These allocations have not been included in the figures below as they do not form part of the agency’s core funding allocation.

The estimated additional cost of increasing the core funding allocation to Fáilte Ireland by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% is set out in the table below:

	REV Allocation 2026 (€,000)	5% Increase (€,000)	10% Increase (€,000)	20% Increase (€,000)	25% Increase (€,000)	50% Increase (€,000)
Fáilte Ireland D3	102,389	107,508	112,628	122,867	127,986	153,583
Product Development D6	31,500	33,075	34,650	37,800	39,375	47,250
Total	133,889	140,583	147,278	160,667	167,361	200,833

All figures are based on the 2026 core funding allocation of €133.889 million under Subheads D3 and D6.

Departmental Data

Questions (156)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

156. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Tourism Ireland funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50041/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Peter Burke)

The funding provision to Tourism Ireland covers two subheads on my Department’s Vote, Subheads D4 and D5, Tourism Ireland and the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund. My Department has allocated a total of €97.111 million in respect of these subheads in 2026. The cost of increases of 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% are set out in the table below:

Cost of increases

Departmental Data

Questions (157)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

157. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing the disruptive technology fund by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50042/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is one of four National Development Plan (NDP) 2018–2027 funds under Project Ireland 2040. It provides support for co-funded, collaborative projects focused on the development and commercial deployment of disruptive technologies that address national and global challenges. The Fund is managed by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.

The cost of increasing the original NDP allocation of €500 million for DTIF by the percentages referenced is set out in the table below.

DTIF Funding Commitment under NDP	% Increase	Total
DTIF Funding Commitment under NDP	% Increase	Total
€500m	5	€525m
€500m	10	€550m
€500m	20	€600m
€500m	25	€625m
€500m	50	€750m

A total of €500 million was originally committed to the DTIF over the lifetime of the NDP, from 2018-2027. To date, across the first seven Calls, €530 million in funding has been approved towards 131 projects.

However, the Deputy should note that the expenditure outturn for each Call is usually less than the amount approved, due to factors such as project cancellations, ineligible costs, and underspends by consortium partners.

The funded projects to date involve collaborative partnerships between industry – particularly SMEs – and public research bodies, undertaking industrial research and/or experimental development across the revised Research Priority Area themes, including Health and Wellbeing, Energy and Climate Action, Food, ICT/AI, Advanced and Smart Manufacturing, and Life Sciences.

In early June this year, I announced that a further €40 million will be made available under an eighth DTIF Call, which will open for applications on 1 October and close at the end of January 2027.

Research Funding

Questions (158)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

158. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing research, development, and innovation funding under his Department by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50043/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Peter Burke)

Enterprise Ireland’s RD&I budget, Subhead B4.1, known as the Science Technology and Development Budget, provides direct and indirect research development and innovation supports for indigenous companies and supports the commercialisation of State funded research.

Activity 1 – Transforming R&D Activity in Enterprise - provides RD&I support for all stages of company development and innovation.

Activity 2 – Industry Collaboration with 3rd Level Sector – including Technology Gateways, Innovation Partnerships, Technology Centres, Innovation Vouchers and European Digital Innovation Hubs.

Activity 3 – Realising the Commercial Potential of Ireland's Research Community - comprising the Commercialisation Fund, KT Boost, Research Talent Development, and Innovators’ Initiative.

Activity 4 – Programme Support: Funds the central resource in EI to manage and facilitate its RD&I activities.

The RD&I Programme budget capital allocation for 2026 is €123,993,856 which includes European funding such as the European Regional Development Fund and funding for the European Digital Innovation Hubs. The table below shows the cost of increasing this funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50% and the total expenditure inclusive of the differing rates of increase.

		5% increase	10% increase	20% increase	25% increase	50% increase
Budget allocation for 2026	€123,993,856
Cost for various % increases		€6,199,693	€12,399,386	€24,798,771	€30,998,464	€61,996,928
Total cost including increases		€130,193,549	€136,392,772	€148,792,627	€154,992,320	€185,990,784

Investment in research, development and innovation is a key driver of enterprise competitiveness, productivity growth and economic resilience. Supporting increased levels of RD&I activity across the enterprise base remains a priority for Government, as reflected in ongoing investments to strengthen innovation capability, promote collaboration between enterprise and the research sector, and support the commercialisation of new ideas and technologies.

Living Wage

Questions (159)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current living wage as calculated by the Government’s formula at 60% of the median wage for 2026; the amount this works out at per year; the amount this works out at per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50044/26]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Low Pay Commission’s 2025 annual report notes that:

“Using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) matched with quarterly wage data from tax returns made available by the Revenue Commissioners, the Low Pay Commission has estimated a median hourly wage for 2024 as €23.08. Using the CSO’s Structure of Earnings Survey (SES) the Low Pay Commission has estimated a second median hourly wage of €21.68 in 2024.”

Their report further noted that:

“Using LFS data and average wage growth forecasts results in median wage forecasts of €23.96 for 2025 and €24.84 for 2026. Using SES data and average wage growth forecasts results in median wage forecasts of €22.51 for 2025 and €23.34 for 2026.”

Following the Low Pay Commission’s approach of using the midpoint of the LFS and SES provides an estimate of 60% of the 2026 median wage of €14.45.

The gross annual wage of an employee working 39 hours a week and 52 weeks a year and earning €14.45 per hour is €29,304.60.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates and projections only and are subject to change.

I expect that the Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report and recommendations will include updated estimates and projections of the median wage, based on new CSO survey data and revised wage growth estimates and projections.

The Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report is due to be submitted to me by the third Tuesday in July.

• Written Answers Nos. 113-134
• Written Answers Nos. 160-179