Written Answers Nos. 203-223
204. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is concerned that the increase in notices of termination recorded by the Residential Tenancies Board during Q1 2026 may lead to a further reduction in rental supply; whether he intends to introduce measures aimed at retaining existing landlords in the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50312/26]
View answerOn 1 March 2026, the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 came into operation. The Act provides for a national rent control and significantly strengthens security of tenure for tenants. The new national rent control limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments and student-specific accommodation, however, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation (CPI) only.
The policy and legislative reform of the rental market was introduced to both protect tenants while also ensuring that the regulatory system will support investment in the rental market. This investment is key to increasing the supply of properties, and over time, reducing rents.
While the latest data published by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shows that an increase of Notice of Terminations (NoTs) were received in Q1 2026, registered private tenancies rose by 2.44% annually to 246,477 in Q1 2026. This is an increase of 1.2% from Q4 2025. There were 16,548 new tenancy registrations confirmed for Q1 2026. This figure serves to highlight the consistent churn within the rental market. The latest RTB data also shows a growing number of landlords in the sector, the number of private landlords rose by 1.3% annually to 105,847, indicating increased participation in the rental market.
The Government remains focused on growing the supply of much-needed rental accommodation by keeping existing landlords in the market and attracting new landlords, while ensuring strong and balanced tenancy protections for both tenants and landlords. Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that the rental market is an important element of a well-functioning housing system.
205. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if following admission of a care recipient to long-term residential care, his Department is considering the introduction of a 12 week continuation period for recipients of carer's benefit, similar to the transition period that is currently afforded to carer's allowance recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49939/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the vital role that family carers play and remains committed to supporting them, as reflected in the Programme for Government.
Carer's Benefit is a payment made by my Department to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their hours to care for someone in need of full-time care. It is payable for a maximum period of 104 weeks for each person being cared for. There are currently 4,900 people in receipt of Carer's Benefit and expenditure on the scheme is estimated to exceed €76 million this year.
Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment, and the legislation provides for a 12-week continuation period after the person being cared for has been permanently admitted to long-term residential care. This reflects the fact that Carer’s Allowance is an income-support payment for people providing full-time care where caring is expected to last for at least a year.
Unlike Carer's Allowance, a person may qualify for Carer’s Benefit for a period of six weeks for example, and the care need does not have to be long-term in nature. Once the person being cared for enters long-term residential care, the qualifying condition of providing care is no longer met. Extending Carer’s Benefit would be a significant policy change and would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and carer policy context having regard to the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund and it's impact on employers.
206. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the State Pension (contributory) and the State pension (non-contributory) respectively, in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50065/26]
View answer212. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the State Pension (contributory) and the State pension (non-contributory) respectively, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50168/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 212 together.
State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment from age 66 based on an individual’s PRSI contribution record. State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 or over who do not qualify for, or only qualify for a reduced rate of State Pension Contributory.
The breakdown of recipients by year are given in the table below. Please note that the May 2026 numbers include a number of claims which are awarded in advance which will enter into payment when the person turns 66.
|
Year |
State Pension (Contributory) |
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
|
2021 |
468,761 |
95,004 |
|
2022 |
484,541 |
97,727 |
|
2023 |
506,724 |
100,201 |
|
2024 |
530,954 |
99,134 |
|
2025 |
558,414 |
100,926 |
|
May 2026 |
570,060 |
101,315 |
207. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection his response to the 'at risk of poverty rate' for persons aged 65 years and over, recorded in the Central Statistics Office Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50066/26]
View answer213. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection his response to the at risk of poverty rate for persons aged 65 years and over, recorded in the Central Statistics Office Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50169/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 213 together.
The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) provides the official poverty data for Ireland. The most recent survey results (SILC 2025) were published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on 11 March 2026.
SILC 2025 shows that the at risk of poverty rate for older people (aged 65 years and over) was 14.8%, which is above the at risk of poverty rate for the whole population (12.6%).
However, when combined with the enforced deprivation rate (9.8% for older people), the consistent poverty rate for older people is 3.4%. This is lower than the national rate of 4.7%. Indeed, SILC data also show that the consistent poverty rate for older people has been repeatedly lower than that for other ages groups since 2020.
Data from SILC 2025 also highlights the protective effect that social transfers have on the at risk of poverty rate for older people. Without social transfers, the at risk of poverty rate would have been 61.4%. Social transfers reduced this rate to 14.8%. This represents a 75.9% reduction on the at risk of poverty rate for older people in 2025. Ireland is consistently one of the best performing EU countries in reducing poverty through social transfers.
It should be noted that SILC 2025 data is based on 2024 incomes; therefore it does not take account of Budget 2025 or Budget 2026 measures, which included increases to the weekly rate of all state pensions.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026–2030 is the national strategy for poverty reduction and social inclusion. It aims to reduce consistent poverty to 2% or lower by the end of 2030; reduce income inequality; and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the European Union.
The Roadmap acknowledges the need to ensure income adequacy for those most impacted by poverty, and commits to protect core social protection rates including for older people. This commitment aims to see at risk of poverty rates for older people reduce over the duration of the Roadmap.
208. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of carers allowance who are providing care to a person aged 65 years and over, in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50067/26]
View answer209. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of carers allowance who are providing care to a person aged 65 years and over, nationally and in County Cork, in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50069/26]
View answer211. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of carer's allowance who are providing care to a person aged 65 years and over, nationwide and in County Cork, in each of the years 2021 to 2025, and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50108/26]
View answer214. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of carer's allowance who are providing care to a person aged 65 years and over, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50170/26]
View answer215. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of carer's allowance who are providing care to a person aged 65 years and over, nationally and in County Cork, in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50172/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 209, 211, 214 and 215 together.
Carer’s Allowance is a payment for people on low incomes who are caring for a person who needs full-time care and attention because of age, disability, or illness. The overall number of Carer's Allowance recipients providing care to a person aged 65 or over, and the number of those in Cork, are provided in the table below. Figures refer to the 31st December in each of the years 2021 to 2025, and at the 31st May 2026.
Table 1: Carer's Allowance recipients caring for a person aged 65 or over, by year
|
Year |
Total |
Cork |
|
2021 |
35,219 |
3,475 |
|
2022 |
35,247 |
3,481 |
|
2023 |
36,389 |
3,631 |
|
2024 |
37,030 |
3,662 |
|
2025 |
39,231 |
3,946 |
|
2026 (end May) |
40,268 |
4,065 |
210. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a response regarding an overpayment from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50077/26]
View answerCustomers who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled. Overpayments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended).
An officer in the central debt unit of my department has been in contact with the customer referred to by the Deputy in respect of the overpayment and the options for repayment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
216. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the Programme for Government Commitment to establish a cyber security centre of excellence around a cluster of third level education facilities and related industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42218/26]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in my Department, is leading on the development of a Cyber Security Research Centre of Excellence, as agreed in the Programme for Government. The Centre will:
• operate from both a dedicated physical facility and a robust virtual platform;
• provide a focal point for researchers across the State to collaborate; and
• drive cutting-edge cybersecurity research, nurture emerging talent and accelerate innovation to address national challenges.
The NCSC has established a Steering Group of key stakeholders to oversee and guide the project, including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
The NCSC is carrying out a strategic assessment of the project at present to validate an already advanced proposal, with a view to bringing a detailed project outline to Government.
217. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage regarding the future use of modular accommodation developments currently being used to house persons under temporary protection, including the Haywood site in Clonmel, in light of the recent Government decision to wind down commercial accommodation contracts for Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/26]
View answer218. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to the future housing role of modular accommodation units developed for temporary protection purposes, including whether such units could subsequently be repurposed for social or affordable housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.
The rapid build modular units, including those in the location referred to by the Deputy, were built to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. In total there are 654 units across 11 locations, accommodating 2,640 people in family units of four with children.
Each of the 11 rapid build sites are currently exempt from planning permission requirements as the units are being used to accommodate families who are fleeing the war in Ukraine. The units can, therefore, only be used for this purpose currently. This exemption will apply for as long as the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) is in place. The proposed winddown of this accommodation type will be in line with the ending of TPD to avoid pressures on areas where there may be local commercial accommodation in the midst of a winddown phase.
The rapid build homes are durable units with an expected 60-year lifespan and are highly energy efficient, with an A2 rating. All 11 sites were developed in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure long-term use and to enhance the local areas. Future use of these units following the end of TPD has always been an integral element of the rapid build project in order to provide value to the State and local communities.
To determine the long-term strategy for the sites post TPD, a multi-stakeholder process commenced in March 2025, chaired by officials from my department and including representation from the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). In tandem with the consideration of the feasibility of potential future uses, this work involves exploring planning regularisation at each site. To date, there has been no final decision made on long term future use, as discussions are ongoing with the need to explore all potential options within the local areas. However, these options include Social Housing and lower cost affordable housing such as Cost Rental.
While the units comply with social housing size requirements for a one-bedroom apartment, modifications are possible to convert two units into one larger three- bedroom unit to accommodate a family of five.
One of the first steps to securing planning regularisation is to ensure that all sites are zoned as residential where this is not currently the case. I understand that the Local Authorities are in the process of completing this phase in their Local Development Plans under a variation process. Work is also underway to determine the appropriate planning application process for each of the sites.
219. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of legislative provisions to restrict the disclosure of counselling notes in rape and sexual offence trials; the expected timeline for enactment and commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49373/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the deep distress that can be caused to victims and survivors by the disclosure of counselling records in criminal proceedings and is committed to minimising intrusion into their privacy to the greatest extent possible, while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, including the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.
The Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 contains significant reforms to strengthen protections for counselling records. The Bill is currently at committee stage in the Seanad and is continuing through the legislative process. It is hoped the Bill will be enacted before the summer recess begins. Subject to the completion of that process, it is my intention that the relevant provisions will be commenced as soon as practicable following enactment.
The Bill provides for the deletion of the waiver provision currently contained in section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992, as amended by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, thereby ensuring that no disclosure will take place without a disclosure hearing. The Government has also approved further amendments to introduce a statutory presumption of non-disclosure and to strengthen protections for other sensitive personal records.
Under the proposed framework, counselling records will not be disclosed unless a court, following a disclosure hearing, is satisfied that disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice or to avoid an unfair trial. The court will be required to balance the privacy and dignity rights of the complainant against the accused person’s constitutional right to a fair trial. Disclosure will therefore be the exception rather than the rule, and will only arise where a judge determines that the statutory threshold has been met and that disclosure is strictly necessary.
220. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of an IRP renewal application (details supplied); when the IRP card will issue to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49925/26]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy applied to renew their immigration permission on 31 March 2026 and this application is currently in the queue for consideration.
The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department provide a live application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: Renewing your registration permission if you live in the Republic of Ireland - Immigration Service Delivery (www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/)
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity.
The Registration Office is open seven days a week to facilitate customers to process both first time registration appointments and online renewals. Additional staff have been assigned to this work, which has now begun to reduce the processing time for renewals. For certain categories of renewals, the processing time is now approximately 6 - 8 weeks from the time of initial application, with no category exceeding a wait time of 16 weeks.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: Notice to Employers - Immigration Service Delivery (www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/notice-to-employers/)
If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
221. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of an IRP renewal application (details supplied); when the IRP card will issue to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49926/26]
View answerThe application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. The applicant should receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within 10-15 working days from the date of approval.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
222. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will ensure stamp 4 IRP renewal (details supplied) is issued without further delay. [49962/26]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy applied to renew their immigration permission on 23 March 2026 and this application is currently in the queue for consideration.
The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department provide a live application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: Renewing your registration permission if you live in the Republic of Ireland - Immigration Service Delivery (www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/)
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity.
The Registration Office is open seven days a week to facilitate customers to process both first time registration appointments and online renewals. Additional staff have been assigned to this work, which has now begun to reduce the processing time for renewals. For certain categories of renewals, the processing time is now approximately 6 - 8 weeks from the time of initial application, with no category exceeding a wait time of 16 weeks.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: Notice to Employers - Immigration Service Delivery (www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/notice-to-employers/)
If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
223. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether, in light of the proposed new stamp 4 pathway for beneficiaries of temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals, consideration is being given to introducing a waiver, exemption or alternative eligibility criteria for applicants with documented long-term illnesses, disabilities or other significant health conditions who may be unable to satisfy standard employment-related requirements through no fault of their own; the way in which such applicants will be assessed under the proposed scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49968/26]
View answerI have recently received Government approval for measures to support people displaced by the war in Ukraine to transition from Temporary Protection status, in line with the EU Council Recommendation for a coordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the European Union.
It should be noted that Ireland intends to continue to support people from Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection and that this will continue for as long as the Temporary Protection Directive remains in effect.
The proposed Temporary Permission Transition Scheme is intended to provide an alternative immigration permission for those beneficiaries of temporary protection who wish to move to another status and who satisfy the relevant eligibility criteria. It is not intended to replace Temporary Protection and is not a requirement for beneficiaries of temporary protection.
Persons who are unable to satisfy the eligibility criteria for the proposed scheme, including those with documented long-term illnesses, disabilities or other significant health conditions that may prevent them from securing employment, will continue to be entitled to and benefit from Temporary Protection for as long as the Directive remains in effect.
In addition, ongoing supports for people with particular circumstances that may make independent living challenging will continue to be provided. As part of the phased withdrawal of commercial accommodation, individuals who require continued State accommodation will be able to apply and provide evidence of their circumstances.
Recommendation No. 5 of the EU Council Recommendation encourages Member States to facilitate access to alternative legal statuses where appropriate and to ensure that beneficiaries of temporary protection are provided with clear information regarding the rights and conditions attaching to those statuses. The proposed Temporary Permission Transition Scheme is consistent with this objective by providing an additional pathway for eligible beneficiaries who wish to avail of it.
Ireland is not currently implementing a programme of involuntary returns to Ukraine. Subject to developments at EU level and the prevailing security situation, my Department is engaging on the possibility of development of an EU supported voluntary return and reintegration programme for those beneficiaries of temporary protection who may wish to return to Ukraine in the future.
Coordinated work between my Department, the Irish Red Cross, the International Organisation for Migration and other relevant stakeholders will ensure that individuals are supported in making informed decisions regarding their future options in Ireland with as much clarity as possible.
