Written Answers Nos. 219-239
219. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is a minimum period that exists for the renewal of a valid passport that has not been lost, where the applicant seeks a change of name on their passport; if not, the reason the Passport Service may have advised an applicant (details supplied); the process for the renewal of passports in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52362/26]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.
Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person’s birth certificate is permitted under the Act, in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc., where civil, or legal documents are available to verify this change.
If an applicant has already been issued with a passport in their birth name since marriage, when making an application in their married name, the Passport Service requires two years' proof of usage of their married name along with the original marriage certificate.
In order to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against passport and identity fraud, while allowing for genuine cases where name changes have occurred, it is important that a passport is issued in the name used by the applicant. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance.
More information on adult passport applications is available on my Department's website at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/adult/#change-information.
In addition, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Customer Service Hub can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/
With regard to the specific case about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the customer to provide assistance.
220. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review a case (details supplied); if she will expedite the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52397/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 04/06/2026. The turnaround time for first time applications is 20 working days from receipt of supporting documents. Further supporting documents were requested by the Passport Service on the 25/06/2026 and received on the 29/06/2026. The turnaround time following receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days. Therefore, this application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
221. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 11 June 2026, if officials will make contact with Irish citizens (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52483/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated crisis protocols to ensure a coordinated approach to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda. This approach includes contingency planning with all missions across the region, including our Embassy in Nairobi, and close cooperation with the Department of Health and the HSE.
My Department, including through our missions in the region, is cooperating with relevant local health authorities, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and other partners to closely monitor the situation. We have updated our travel advice for the DRC and Uganda, as well as for neighbouring countries, including Kenya, to reflect public health advice regarding Ebola. Our embassies are also liaising with local partners and other donors across the regions affected by Ebola, which, for now, do not include Kenya.
My Department is in contact with Irish citizens and our NGO partners in the region to provide advice and updates. At this time, no specific outreach has been made to Irish citizens in Kenya in relation to Ebola. This approach reflects the fact that there are currently no confirmed cases in Kenya. Should the situation change, our Embassy stands ready to engage with our citizens. Citizens that wish to be kept informed of any major updates affecting Irish citizens in Kenya are advised to register with the Department at www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/citizens-registration/
In the case that the citizen referred to by the Deputy requires consular assistance or advice, her family can reach the Embassy in Nairobi through the website at www.ireland.ie/en/kenya/nairobi/contact/ or by phone on +254 020 513 5300 or +254 716 353 999.
More broadly on Ebola response, Ireland has provided €3 million for the WHO General Programme of Work so far in 2026. This is used to support the WHO’s health protection function, specifically for the detection of and response to infectious disease outbreaks, including this Ebola outbreak. An additional contribution of €2 million has also been provided for the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies. This Emergency Fund has released €3.3 million to support the government-led operational response in the DRC and in Uganda in relation to infection prevention and control. Ireland’s NGO partners have also drawn down contingency funding and accessed items from our humanitarian stockpiles.
My Department will continue to monitor developments closely and will maintain contact with Irish citizens across the region.
222. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a detailed report in regard to matters (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52531/26]
View answer223. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to give a detailed response in relation to claims of breaches to the UN Charter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52533/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
At a time of increasing challenges to multilateralism and to the international legal order, Ireland remains committed to upholding the United Nations Charter and the rules and principles it enshrines.
The international legal order, with the UN at its centre, is a long-standing pillar of our foreign policy and has underpinned our security, prosperity and wellbeing as a small island nation.
Multilateralism grounded in international law, including the UN Charter and universal respect for human rights, must prevail to avoid a world of power politics and the law of the strongest.
We believe that the UN remains essential to the promotion of human dignity and well-being, and to efforts to resolve and prevent conflict around the world.
Ireland is clear in our commitment, working alongside fellow EU Member States, to continuing to cooperate with partners who share our determination to defend and uphold international law.
Through the Foreign Affairs Council, and working closely with the High Representative/Vice President, Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU will seek to strengthen the EU’s role as a principled global actor guided by respect for, and defence of, international law.
Maintaining the EU’s firm commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations and the international legal order, as well as the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, will be central to the work of the Irish Presidency.
224. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently address concerns regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52534/26]
View answerIreland stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine and has contributed extensive political, humanitarian, non-lethal military, and economic support to Ukraine since February 2022.
I was pleased to welcome President Zelenskyy to Ireland last week to mark the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The President’s visit for this occasion was a clear sign of our support for Ukraine.
As part of that support, Ireland supports strong EU sanctions against Russia. Sanctions are a matter decided on collectively at EU level. In reaching decisions on possible measures, the Commission and Member States take all factors into account - and it is right that they do. That includes the impact of any decisions on the intended target and elsewhere, including on European supply chains.
In the case mentioned by the Deputy, the Government is concerned by reports that anything exported from Ireland could end up supporting Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is undertaking an investigation on the matter. The investigation is ongoing and we look forward to receiving its conclusions. We will discuss the results and any other relevant information with the European Commission and with EU colleagues, and we will reach any decisions required together.
225. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the supports her Department provides, or can provide, to civil society organisations in Palestine and Israel that are working to promote peace, dialogue and mutual understanding between communities, and to foster more effective and progressive political representation; whether, in her role as President of the European Council of Foreign Ministers, she intends to advocate for increased EU funding and support for such peace-building and reconciliation initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52539/26]
View answerIreland remains committed to the implementation of the two-State solution as a pathway to lasting peace and security for Israel, Palestine and the wider region.
My Department works actively, including through our Missions in Ramallah and Tel Aviv, to support peacebuilding in the Middle East. This includes support for a range of civil society organisations based in Palestine, Israel and elsewhere who are dedicated to these issues. These organisations work to promote peace, dialogue and cross community relations and include groups promoting the role of women and youth peacebuilders - who we believe are central to any successful peace process.
Ireland also supports dialogue platforms that bring together Israeli and Palestinian civil society, experts and academics in an effort to foster dialogue and identify potential routes to strengthen peacebuilding and reconciliation. Ireland regularly hosts peacebuilders who are interested in our experience of peace building on the island of Ireland. In addition to these efforts, Ireland supports organisations working in the area of political accountability, political representation and where relevant has supported and participated in exercises to support and observe electoral processes.
The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict, will remain a key priority during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
We will reaffirm the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-State solution that guarantees the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and to live in peace and safety within secure borders.
We will ensure that focus is maintained on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza in EU discussions. Equally, we will ensure that the situation in the West Bank, where unilateral actions which threaten the viability of the two-State solution are causing further instability, remains on the EU Agenda.
The promotion of peace, reconciliation, accountability and implementation of human rights standards is central to our foreign policy in the Middle East, and we continue to work closely with the EU institutions, other member States, as well as the United Nations and other likeminded countries to advance these shared priorities.
226. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the case of a doctor (details supplied), who has been held for over 500 days in detention by Israel, mostly in solitary confinement, without charge or conviction, and who is now reported to be in a critical condition; the efforts she has made to raise this case with EU colleagues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52599/26]
View answerI am concerned about recent reports indicating a further deterioration in the condition of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. On 27 December 2024 the Israeli Defence Forces carried out an attack targeting the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, during the course of which Dr Abu Safiya was detained. As noted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in his report of 31 December 2024, the pattern of Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals throughout the conflict in Gaza raises grave concerns about serious crimes under international law.
Ireland is clear that hospitals must never be militarised or targeted. Deliberate targeting of health facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian workers must be protected at all times as they carry out their life-saving work. Ireland also condemns all forms of torture and ill-treatment, and calls upon all States to combat and prevent the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
Ireland, including through our Representative Office in Ramallah, will continue to monitor developments in relation to this case and continues to call on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including humanitarian law.
I continue to have grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with intolerable conditions. Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip.
I commend the bravery of the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals who continue to work in these appalling conditions to carry out their duties. Likewise, I note with admiration the continued advocacy of healthcare workers in Ireland for their counterparts in Palestine.
227. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will outline the supports, schemes, or alternative funding options that may be available to a homeowner who do not qualify for existing refurbishment or retrofit grants due to eligibility criteria; if he will address the broader issue of homeowners who are excluded from available schemes despite investing their own resources to keep older properties occupied and maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52321/26]
View answerMy Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) continue to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and rates are kept under review taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors, making appropriate changes as necessary.
The grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as best value for money for the Exchequer.
The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), chaired by my Department, was established in June 2025 to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026, including new measures to further support householders as set out in the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades, in particular for lower-income households at risk of energy poverty, and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. The Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures (including targeted measures) to support households and businesses in meeting their energy costs. The Action Plan will be completed in Q3 of this year.
The SEAI launched a pilot scheme for the retrofit of traditionally built homes in September 2024. The initial pilot is limited to 100 dwellings with the objective of gathering data on technical issues, materials, products, and installation costs of the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance, Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers.
The pilot scheme is currently available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
Under the pilot scheme, home upgrades will be delivered for homeowners through registered One Stop Shops, supported by a home-owner appointed qualified traditional building professional. Under the pilot scheme, the grant supports for energy efficiency upgrade measures will be at the same level as currently available under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme as outlined on the SEAI website under National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop.
Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the network of One Stop Shops will be informed by the findings of the pilot scheme which are expected later in 2026.
228. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the marine protected areas legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52307/26]
View answerOn 12 November 2025, Government approved the preparation of a General Scheme of a Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill which will amend the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The proposed Bill will provide a legislative basis for the designation and effective management of marine protected areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.
On 7 July 2026, Government approved the General Scheme of the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill. This general scheme may be found at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/0343097c/General_Scheme_of_a_Maritime_Area_Planning_Marine_Protected_Areas_Amendment_Bill_2026.pdf.
My Department will be seeking priority drafting for this legislation and will work to publish the Bill at the earliest opportunity.
229. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish the general directives he has laid down pursuant to section 20 (4) of the Turf Development Act 1946, in accordance with which the power of Bord na Móna to develop bog that has been substantially cleared of turf must be exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52361/26]
View answerMy Department does not maintain a record of general directives laid down pursuant to section 20 (4) of the Turf Development Act 1946 since the introduction of this provision.
If the Deputy is aware of a specific general directive made under Section 20 (4) that has not been published, I would ask that this be brought to the attention of my Department for appropriate action.
230. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to clarity the implementation of grants for battery storage in relation to solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52395/26]
View answerThe Microgeneration Support Scheme provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 in 2026 for household installations.
Since its launch in 2022, the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has gone from strength to strength with:
• over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022;
• 22,214 in 2023;
• 28,000 in 2024; and
• over 33,000 last year.
Budget 2026 has allocated over €67m to this year’s scheme. So far this year over 15,000 homes have been supported.
This high level of demand indicates that the scheme is working well and that not only have citizens recognised the significant benefits of investing in solar PV, but that the solar PV industry and supply chain have adapted to the demands of our citizens. The scheme will be kept under review to ensure it is operating effectively and making the best use of Exchequer funding.
The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), chaired by my Department, was established June 2025 to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026 including new measures to further support householders contained in the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades, in particular for lower-income households at risk of energy poverty, and continued development of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. The Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures (including targeted measures) to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs. The Action Plan will be completed in Q3 of this year.
231. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the progress of the Tonn Nua offshore wind project off the coast of Waterford; whether any delays to the project have been identified to date; whether the project is currently expected to exceed its projected budget; and, if so, the estimated extent of any cost increases. [52551/26]
View answer232. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the tender and assessment process through which the Tonn Nua offshore wind project was awarded to the ESB-Ørsted joint venture, including the evaluation criteria applied, the number of bidders involved and the basis upon which the successful bid was selected. [52552/26]
View answer233. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the basis on which the Tonn Nua offshore wind project secured a 20-year Contract for Difference at a strike price of €98.72 per megawatt hour; and to provide details of the assessment carried out to determine value for money for the State and consumers. [52553/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231, 232 and 233 together.
In December 2025, I announced that Helvick Head Offshore Wind DAC, a consortium of ESB and Ørsted, had won my Department’s second offshore wind auction, ORESS Tonn Nua, and would be developing the 900-megawatt Tonn Nua site off the coast of Waterford.
The Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) was developed as a competitive auction-based process, through which support for offshore renewable energy generation is allocated. The ORESS Tonn Nua auction process opened in September 2025, with the pre-qualification stage. Bidders had to satisfy a number of requirements in order to qualify for the bidding stage. These requirements included providing a declaration of the applicant’s project experience and a declaration of financeability and were set out in the ORESS Tonn Nua Terms and Conditions. Publication of the ORESS Tonn Nua Terms and Conditions followed a year long process of engagement with stakeholders involving two consultations and several technical workshops.
Four parties bid into the auction with Helvick Head Offshore Wind DAC selected as the winner, having submitted the lowest offer price.
As a two-way contract for difference, the Tonn Nua strike price of €98.72 per megawatt hour serves to determine whether transfer payments are made by reference to wholesale electricity market prices. On days when wholesale prices are higher than the strike price, the supplier makes a transfer payment to the PSO, and vice versa when wholesale prices are lower than the strike price.
The Tonn Nua project is progressing well since completion of the auction. The project was awarded a Maritime Area Consent by MARA in March 2026. It is anticipated that the project will receive a planning determination in 2029 and energisation in 2033. No delays to the projects have been identified to date. The project budget is a matter for the project developers and is not determined or controlled by my Department.
234. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA are independently auditing the ledger of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52322/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
235. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to ensuring the EV scrappage scheme is accessible to disability allowance recipients and low-income households; the ways coordination with other disability supports is being factored in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52329/26]
View answerThe ICE2EV Pilot Scheme, which launched on July 1st, has committed the available €17M in funding, comprising of €10M for the scrappage grant and €7M for the EV purchase grant. Approximately 2,000 successful applications were processed within 75 minutes of the scheme opening, supporting the replacement of around 2,000 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles.
The ICE2EV scheme was designed as a demand-led and capped pilot, intending to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles, particularly among households that will face financial barriers to switching to EVs.
Approximately €170m has been allocated in 2026 to support the continued transition to EVs which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government's commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of specially constructed or adapted vehicles by drivers and passengers with a disability. Those eligible for this scheme are also eligible for the SEAI EV purchase grant and the scrappage scheme, where they meet the qualifying criteria.
Ireland maintains a generous range of incentives to support drivers’ transition to electric including home and apartment charger grants, benefit-in-kind tax reliefs for BEVs, VRT relief up to €5,000 for BEVs, and a low rate of annual motor tax. EV incentives are kept under regular review.
Also of significance in this regard are the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure, which support the roll out of universally accessible charging infrastructure across Ireland. These Guidelines, published in May 2024, provide clear direction to those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation, and operation of EV charging infrastructure. They present recommendations for the design of the charging station and the accessibility of the site for all users.
236. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the plans nationally or locally to phase out AVGAS100LL in favour of unleaded alternatives. [52366/26]
View answerI can confirm that there are no immediate plans, either nationally or locally, to phase out the use of AVGAS (aviation gasoline) in favour of unleaded alternatives.
That said, the transition to zero-emission and alternative fuel technologies is key part of our long-term planning to decarbonise transport systems. In this regard, the Programme for Government commits to increasing renewable energy and to supporting continued action on the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector.
For example, in August 2025 I published Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, which recognises the important contribution that SAFs can make toward decarbonising the aviation industry, and aims to provide the building blocks for the deployment of SAF in Ireland. Furthermore, from January 2025, the EU ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation requires a minimum 2% SAF blend in aviation fuel supplied at EU airports, marking the first step in a progressive mandate that rises to 70% by 2050 and the sector’s long-term transition towards lower-carbon aviation. Other actions being taken are aligned with the global approach to decarbonisation of the aviation industry, which is based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation's ‘basket of measures’.
237. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from a youth organisation (details supplied) to reduce the cost of public transport for young people in order to promote climate action and reduce the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52407/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Budget 2026 included funding for the continuation of public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare and provision to maintain targeted fare initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and reduction in fares for Young Adult Cardholders for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. Under this Strategy changes introduced in future determinations will reflect a more consistent and equitable approach, and one that is easier to understand for customers.
In this regard, public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures for improved affordability and accessibility. However they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO funding model.
In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue and ensure that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit to meet the needs of passengers, and in doing so encourage young people to make the switch, rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
238. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been conducted regarding the road safety risks associated with e-scooters being operated on footpaths and public roads by underage users; whether additional enforcement measures are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52426/26]
View answerIt is over two years since the first regulations and it is appropriate to look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and I met Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan on Tuesday 16 June to discuss potential measures, including requiring owners to register, insure and tax the vehicles. Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) on e-scooters and e-bikes will form part of any consideration. Any proposals for updated regulations will be subject to Ministerial decision.
239. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list from Irish Rail of all delays on the southbound DART services from 10 May 2026 to 10 June 2026 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52450/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
