Written Answers Nos. 57-75
57. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach if there is a specific policy within his Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that he may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; and the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government. [52863/26]
View answerI appoint members to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006.
I also appoint members to the National Statistics Board (NSB) under the Statistics Act 1993.
As set out in the legislation, most of these board appointments are made on the basis of nominations from third party organisations or are public servants appointed in connection with their role and responsibilities.
Where appropriate and consistent with the legislation, vacancies on the NESC and NSB are advertised on stateboards.ie in accordance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
My Department does not have a policy that specifies exclusions from state board membership.
58. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Taoiseach to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through his Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; and the opening and closing dates for application. [53425/26]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not administer any grant schemes.
59. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the work his Department has undertaken on fine-scale spatial demographic studies to inform policy through high-resolution geolocated population data and GIS analysis. [52692/26]
View answerReferred to CSO for answer
The Central Statistics Office produces census Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) which is available for eight geographical boundaries. The most detailed statistics are available at neighbourhood level for Census Small Areas which contain 50-200 dwellings. There are 18,919 Small areas in the country and for each area we have published 15 themes of data which include 50 tables and 800 variables of demographic, housing and social economic data. This data can be accessed through our Interactive Mapping Tools. (www.cso.ie/en/census/censusinteractivemaps/) or through data tables at: data.cso.ie/
There are three geographical tools available to access this SAPS data:
• Census Interactive Map
• Census 2022 Urban Profiles on CSO Visual – which shows the small areas in towns
• Ireland’s Census Data Portal on Geohive – enables users to create maps
These applications allow users to find their location of interest by searching for an address/area or by pinpointing a location on the map ensuring the users can create powerful visualisations for statistical and statutory boundaries.
A list of the themes is included below.
Theme 1: Sex, age and marital status
Theme 2: Migration, ethnicity and religion
Theme 3: Irish language
Theme 4: Families
Theme 5: Private households
Theme 6: Housing
Theme 7: Volunteers
Theme 8: Principal status
Theme 9: Social class and socio-economic group
Theme 10: Education
Theme 11: Commuting
Theme 12: Disability, carers and general health
Theme 13: Occupations
Theme 14: Industries
Theme 15: Motor car availability and internet access
The CSO have also published 1km grid population data for Census 2022 data which is available at experience.arcgis.com/experience/b6c68d7e3a70461a82f42a4fb69dc3bd
All the outputs specified above are widely accessible and freely available to all users to inform policy development and other uses.
60. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost of hosting a dedicated housing summit as part of Ireland's EU Presidency; the budget line from which this will be drawn; and whether a value-for-money assessment has been carried out or is planned. [53224/26]
View answerIn her State of the Union address to the European Parliament in September 2025, the President of the European Commission announced an intention to convene a first EU Housing Summit, in order to ensure that delivery of affordable housing remains high on the EU’s policy agenda. The Government is discussing plans for a possible Housing Summit during the Irish EU Presidency with the European Commission. Pending a decision on the timing, location and arrangements for such a meeting, it is not possible to provide an estimate of associated costs.
The Irish EU Presidency will convene a meeting of EU Housing Ministers in Dublin in November, to advance discussions on the EU’s approach to housing policy.
In the delivery of all events hosted as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Government is committed to ensuring value for money, careful budgetary management and control, and prioritisation within existing resources.
61. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will raise the case of an individual (details supplied) at EU level, and demand their immediate release from captivity by Israel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52635/26]
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.
62. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount that her Department spent on providing foreign language training skills to Departmental officials being deployed to Irish Embassies and or Consulate General Offices worldwide where that country's first spoken language is not English in 2025 and to date in 2026; if there is a contract for an external company to provide these language skills; and if so, the name of the company that was awarded the contract. [52710/26]
View answerDeveloping and maintaining foreign language proficiency is an essential part of an effective diplomatic and foreign service and a range of language training supports are in place in my Department to ensure that language skills are developed and maintained. Language skills are necessary to promote and protect Irish interests and values, and to provide excellent services to citizens.
Staff preparing for posting to an Embassy or Consulate overseas are offered foreign language training in advance of their assignment abroad and for the duration of the assignment abroad. In addition, language training is offered to all staff in the Department with an interest in developing language skills for future assignments abroad or for the benefit of their work in headquarters.
The figures below include the total spend on foreign language training in 2025 and 2026. They include figures for all staff who are studying foreign languages including those on posting abroad and staff serving at headquarters.
There is currently no single contract in place for these services. Providers are selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the language required, and the type of course required. Three quotes are sought for each contract to ensure value for money.
Foreign Language Training
|
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
€453,362 |
€182,839 |
63. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of State owned cars and vans attached to each Irish Consulate General Office in the US; the ages of each of those vehicles, in tabular form. [52711/26]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade purchases motor vehicles to facilitate the efficient functioning and smooth operations of the Department, including its Diplomatic Missions abroad. In particular, Mission staff are required to undertake a significant volume of travel in the performance of their official functions. This ranges from city journeys during the working day and in the evening, to long journeys of up to several hundred miles by road. As well as demanding schedules, in many cases there are also issues related to limited availability of public transport, security considerations and location. Official vehicles also provide an important logistical support to Missions. Below is a table setting out the requested information in relation to vehicles assigned to Consulates General of Ireland in the United States of America.
|
Location |
Number of Vehicles |
Year of Vehicle |
|
ATLANTA Consulate General |
1 |
2025 |
|
AUSTIN Consulate General |
1 |
2020 |
|
BOSTON Consulate General |
1 |
2024 |
|
CHICAGO Consulate General |
1 |
2025 |
|
LOS ANGELES Consulate General |
1 |
2020 |
|
MIAMI Consulate General |
1 |
2026 |
|
NEW YORK Consulate General |
1 |
2021 |
|
SAN FRANCISCO Consulate General |
1 |
2023 |
64. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is a specific policy within her Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards she may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52855/26]
View answer65. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to commit to preparing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment to State boards; and to set out the reasons such persons would be excluded. [52873/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
Appointments to State Boards are managed by publicjobs and relevant policy questions should be directed to my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation.
66. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53079/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 02/06/2026. 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 17/06/2026 and received on the 25/06/2026. 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.
67. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is possible to travel to other European countries on a passport that is due to expire within six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53104/26]
View answerThe validity required on an Irish passport for overseas travel depends on the location a person is travelling. For travel within the European Union (EU), a person's Irish passport must be valid up to their return date.
The passport validity required for countries outside of the EU, including countries in Europe that are not part of the EU, varies greatly. My Department recommends contacting the relevant travel agent or the embassy of the country the person is travelling to for the most up-to-date requirements.
My Department also publishes travel advice in respect of over 200 countries and territories. This advice provides an objective assessment of the risks our citizens might face while travelling, living, or working overseas, so that they can make informed decisions linked to their travel plans. Promoting this travel advice, including through social media and digital channels, is a key priority for my Department.
Further information can be found on my Department's website: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go/passports-and-visas/
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online. The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time. The Passport Service advises citizens to ensure their passports are valid before booking holidays and travel.
68. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will urgently intervene in the case of an international Irish passport application for a family (details supplied). [53198/26]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passports to the applicants.
69. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the criteria and sequencing that will determine which candidate countries make progress on EU accession during Ireland's EU Council presidency; and if any timeline commitments have been given to Ukraine that have not been given to Western Balkan candidate countries at similar or earlier stages of the accession process. [53242/26]
View answerIreland strongly supports EU enlargement, which is a key priority of our EU Presidency.
Ten countries []currently hold either EU ‘candidate’ (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) or ‘potential candidate’ status (Kosovo).
EU enlargement is a merit-based process. In order to join the EU, candidate countries must align their national legislation with the entire body of existing EU law. The Treaty on European Union sets out the conditions and principles to which any country wishing to become a member of the European Union (EU) must conform. These criteria (known as the Copenhagen criteria) were established by the Copenhagen European Council in 1993.
Under the current enlargement methodology, EU policy areas are organised into 33 technical negotiating chapters, which are grouped thematically into six clusters.
The progress that candidate countries make in their accession process is monitored by the European Commission, which publishes an annual report on the state of play of each candidacy. In these annual reports, the Commission identifies the main areas of progress achieved and provides recommendations to support further progress.
As Presidency, Ireland is committed to advancing the candidacies of all candidate countries in line with the existing merit-based enlargement methodology once the necessary conditions have been met.
70. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland's stated priority of supporting "substantial, historic" progress on Ukraine's EU accession during Ireland's EU Council presidency has been assessed against Ireland's policy of military neutrality; if any formal assessment of this kind has been conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53243/26]
View answerIreland remains steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine and we continue to provide political, financial, humanitarian and non-lethal military support.
During our EU Presidency, one of our main priorities will be to advance Ukraine’s EU accession path in line with the merit-based enlargement methodology. Ireland was one of the first countries to call for Ukraine’s EU membership. Ireland strongly welcomed the opening of negotiations on Cluster 1 on Fundamentals with Ukraine last month. We hope to make continued progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path throughout our Presidency.
The current geopolitical context underlines just how vital EU enlargement is, not only for Ukraine, but also for wider European stability. We believe that EU accession is a crucial element in securing Ukraine’s longer term security and prosperity.
Ireland’s policy of neutrality means Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy. The Government has also repeatedly underlined that Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself from Russia's brutal attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, a position that has been outlined in detail by the Government since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
71. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through her Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53417/26]
View answerMy Department has a range of programmes that provide support to non-governmental organisations, including community and sporting organisations that contribute to the realisation of key foreign policy priorities and the promotion of Ireland's values and interests.
Information on the Department’s main funding schemes, qualifying criteria, details of how to apply, notifications of when these schemes open for applications, and details of past grants awarded are published at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/services/department-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade-funding/
72. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the main initiatives taken to support Ireland's trading position since January 2025; her priorities for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53546/26]
View answerIn the changing global trading environment that we are experiencing, Government has taken a proactive and comprehensive approach to strengthening Ireland's economic resilience. Our approach is designed to maintain and, insofar as possible, enhance our trading position and ensure Ireland's continuing prosperity. Since January 2025, my Department has been working deliberately, responsively and comprehensively, in close coordination with other Government Departments, State Agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to this end.
Initiatives over the period in question include the establishment of the Government Trade Forum, the review of the National Development Plan and Budget 2026, and the publication of the Action Plans on Competitiveness and Productivity and the Action Plan on Market Diversification, which is led by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. These Action Plans are ongoing across Government Departments and the Agencies.
The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification is a core element to our response to current global trading conditions. The Action Plan supports Ireland’s businesses in adapting to changing trading environments through deepening engagement in existing core markets and expanding out into new and emerging markets high-growth markets for opportunities to build trade and investment. The Action Plan contains over one hundred actions for delivery before the end of 2027 to support enterprises, build market access for Irish businesses, enhance Ireland’s trade presence and visibility overseas and address some domestic barriers to building trade and investment.
Government is committed to driving strong implementation of the Action Plan under the Headquarters Market Team, which is chaired by senior officials from my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Minister Burke and I were pleased to present the first Implementation Progress Report to Cabinet in March this year. The Progress Report, available on Ireland.ie showed good progress on delivery, with ten actions completed and the majority of more medium-term actions underway.
Drawing attention to a number of the main initiatives delivered:
• Government delivered the largest St Patrick’s Day Programme yet in 2026, which had a strong economic diplomacy focus across global markets, including strong positioning of Ireland as an investor in core markets;
• Our first Joint Economic Commission with the United Arab Emirates and inaugural Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy, both in December 2025;
• Budget 2026 delivered resources to enhancing our trading position, including action on the Research and Development tax credit and €100 million to IDA to develop a ‘next generation site’;
• Enterprise Ireland introduced a number of responsive supports to Irish businesses, including financial and programme supports;
• In December, I announced a number of new market diversification focused diplomatic posts across our mission network and our State agencies have expanded their resources in South Korea, India, Switzerland and the Gulf region;
• Our first International Sports Diplomacy Strategy, launched last November, seeks to leverage Ireland’s sporting strengths as an economic driver while our new Diaspora Strategy is now more focused on involving diaspora in diversifying our markets;
• We held large Trade Horizons conferences for Africa (2025) and Latin America and the Caribbean (2026), which attracted great interest from Irish and target market businesses.
We look forward to delivering the second progress report after the summer and I am confident that we will see further progress according the priorities set out in the Action Plan. One key area to enhance Ireland’s trading position is Ireland engaging with the opportunities from EU Free Trade Agreements. Over 40 agreements, covering over 70 territories, provide access to markets beyond the already crucial Single Market. New agreements have been made with Indonesia, Mexico, India and Australia, which will be adopted in the near future. One of my Department’s actions is to ensure that we are well placed to identify and take trade opportunities from free trade agreements. Adding to the very successful report on the Ireland-Canada trade and investment relationship in “Beyond Barriers” (available online) we have a number of timely economic studies in the pipeline to help Irish companies navigate these new opportunities over this year and next.
Trade policy is one of the most important elements of the EU's toolkit for strengthening global, regional, and bilateral relations. Our Presidency will pursue an ambitious, open, rules- and values-based trade policy agenda with a reformed WTO at its core that supports European competitiveness, resilience and economic security, and strengthens our trade relationships with reliable global partners. I personally will take responsibility for driving this, in my role as chair of the Council of EU Trade Ministers.
With this in mind, we will work to strengthen our trade relationships and diversify our markets, advancing trade negotiations with important partners in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, as called for in the One Europe, One Market Roadmap.
Our Presidency considers the effective implementation of trade agreements as essential, and we look forward to progressing Council Decisions on the recently concluded FTA with Indonesia, as referenced above and sending this agreement to the Parliament for its consent. We also hope to follow the same track with India once the Commission has finalised the texts.
In a context where our trading landscape is shifting towards greater fragmentation, the EU’s priority must be to preserve a stable, predictable transatlantic trading environment. The Irish Presidency’s position remains that cooperation, engagement and dialogue is the best way forward to address the challenges facing both the EU and US and is committed to seeking the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement – by both sides.
It is important to consult regularly with stakeholders. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I engage directly with industry and other stakeholders to hear their insights regarding the changing trading environment, including at the Government Trade Forum. The Trade Forum is the primary mechanism by which the Government engages with business and other relevant stakeholders on the latest developments in international trade. The information and real-time feedback received from the Members is extremely valuable. Topics addressed at the Forum recently have included market diversification, Ireland’s global trade promotion efforts, economic impacts of global events and conflicts, and sectoral matters including defence, security and resilience.
Looking to the future, strengthening Ireland's trading position is at the heart of my priorities for my Department in 2026. Correspondingly, on 12th May 2026, I published my Department’s new Statement of Strategy which will guide the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the course of the next three years. There are six primary goals in the Strategy, with Goal number 5 in particular aiming to deepen our global engagement and drive our trade and prosperity.
In line with that Strategy, my Department will continue to implement the Action Plan for Market Diversification and engage directly with Irish stakeholders through the Trade Forum. Once again, deputies can find the first Implementation Progress Report on the Market Diversification Action Plan and the agendas and minutes of the Government Trade Forum on the Digital Ireland House, Ireland.ie.
73. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on how Ireland has enhanced its diplomatic capacity January 2025; her priorities for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53547/26]
View answer2025 marked the final year of the Global Ireland 2025 strategy. Under Global Ireland, Ireland’s diplomatic mission network has expanded by 27 to 107 missions. Since January 2025, new Embassies opened in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo, and a new Consulate General opened in Melbourne. The final diplomatic mission to open under Global Ireland 2025 is the Consulate General in Málaga. The Consul General has taken up duty and the mission is set to begin providing consular services in the coming months.
The Government has also continued to maximise the impact of our existing overseas offices through the development of Ireland House projects, involving the co-location of diplomatic missions and State Agencies in one premises, in strategic locations. New Ireland Houses were developed and opened in Tokyo and Chicago in 2025, and a new Ireland House was completed in Lyon in June 2026. New Ireland House property projects are underway in London and Toronto, with both expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
In addition to the new diplomatic missions and Ireland Houses, there has been significant expansion of diplomatic resources in key locations to support the objectives of the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. In December, I announced the decision to assign additional officers to our Embassies and Consulates General in the USA, in Europe, in the Gulf region and in the Asia Pacific region. We are also currently reviewing our attaché networks, and State Agencies are examining their global footprints in line with diversifying trade and investment markets.
Throughout the rest of this year, my Department will continue to deliver on priority issues in line with commitments under the Programme for Government and the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2029.
Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union commenced on 1 July and will continue until 31 December. We are taking forward an ambitious Presidency agenda, centered on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security. Core areas of focus will include the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' to enhance the Union's competitiveness, plans to progress EU enlargement, and the safety of children online. During the Presidency, Ireland will host 22 informal ministerial meetings as well as a meeting of the European Political Community and an informal meeting of the European Council.
Throughout the Presidency, we will work with our EU partners to ensure that Ukraine’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and EU accession path remain at the forefront of the EU’s external agenda. We will continue political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military support to Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to advocate at EU and international level in support of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including in Israel and Palestine. I am also committed to passing the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026, which I introduced in Dáil Éireann on 10 June.
My Department remains committed to reinforcing and protecting the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. We will continue to promote human rights, including by seeking election to the Human Rights Council in October for the 2027-2029 term, and demonstrate leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals. We will also continue to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need and that country-level development programmes contribute to peace and security, sustainable development, reducing humanitarian need, gender equality, good governance, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.
Peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, sustained progress in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the strengthening of our relationship with the United Kingdom remain a core focus. The timely and faithful implementation of the Joint Framework on Legacy is a particular priority for the remainder of 2026.
Driving Ireland’s trade and prosperity is a major focus for this Government. I will promote trade diversification to advance our economic interests overseas, including through chairing regular meetings of the Government Trade Forum. Through our enhanced diplomatic capacity, we will continue to strengthen Ireland’s global influence, connections and visibility abroad.
74. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of infringement procedures currently initiated against Ireland by the EU for failure to transpose EU directives within the required timeframe; the details of each infringement procedure including the date of initiation and the Department responsible; the reason given for delayed transposition in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53676/26]
View answerWhen Member States fail to fulfil their Treaty obligations—whether through non-transposition, incomplete transposition, or incorrect application of EU law—the European Commission may initiate an infringement procedure under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
As of 9th July, there are currently 46 active infringement proceedings initiated by the European Commission against Ireland, of which 38 of these relate specifically to Directives. Administrative details, including the stage of the infringement proceeding, infringement number and responsible Government Department, are set out below.
|
Infringement case number |
Stage |
Department |
Subject (as alleged by Commission) |
|
INFR(2026)2124 |
8/07/2026 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DETE |
Alleged non-conformity of the Irish legislation with the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive (2019/1152) |
|
INFR(2026)2051 |
29/04/2026 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged insufficient marine Natura 2000 site designated and classified by Ireland for the protection of habitats and species under the Habitats and Birds Directives. |
|
INFR(2026)2037 |
29/04/2026 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged non-conform transposition of the Single Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 into Irish legislation. |
|
INFR(2026)2023 |
11/03/2026 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Non-notification to the Commission of Ireland's draft national building renovation plan as required by Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings |
|
INFR(2026)0181 |
26/03/2026 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Finance |
Alleged non-transposition of the Sixth Capital Requirements Directive by Ireland |
|
INFR(2026)0180 |
26/03/2026 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Transport |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive 32023L1544 by Ireland |
|
INFR(2026)0083 |
29/01/2026 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
DAFM |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive 32024L1438 by Ireland |
|
INFR(2026)0082 |
29/01/2026 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Finance |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive 32024L1265 by Ireland |
|
INFR(2026)0080 |
8/07/2026 Reasoned opinion Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Transport |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive (EU) 2023/2661 on the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport by Ireland |
|
INFR(2026)0079 |
29/01/2026 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Finance |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive 32023L2225 by Ireland |
|
INFR(2025)4018 |
17/07/2025 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged non-conformity of Irish rules on the provision of property services with the Services Directive |
|
INFR(2025)2190 |
11/12/2025 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Justice |
Alleged incorrect transposition of firearms legislation by Ireland |
|
INFR(2025)2005 |
7/05/2025 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged non-conform transposition of the Landfill Directive by Ireland |
|
INFR(2025)0332 |
20/11/2025 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged lack of transposition by Ireland of the recast Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency |
|
INFR(2025)0227 |
23/07/2025 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Justice |
Non-communication of transposition measures of Directive 2024/1226 |
|
INFR(2025)0226 |
23/07/2025 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged lack of transposition by Ireland of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources |
|
INFR(2025)0146 |
26/03/2025 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged lack of transposition by Ireland of Directive (EU) 2024/1711 as regards improving the Union’s electricity market design |
|
INFR(2024)2130 |
25/07/2024 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged bad application by Ireland of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive |
|
INFR(2024)2110 |
16/12/2024 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DFHERIS |
Alleged failure by Ireland to comply with the freedom to provide services due to unjustified prior checks of professional qualifications |
|
INFR(2024)2074 |
23/05/2024 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Finance |
Alleged lack of transposition of the amendments of the Motor Insurance Directive by Ireland |
|
INFR(2024)2037 |
24/04/2024 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Finance |
Alleged incorrect transposition of the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive by Ireland |
|
INFR(2024)0279 |
8/07/2026 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU - 260(3) TFEU |
Justice |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union by Ireland |
|
INFR(2024)0231 |
17/07/2025 Reasoned opinion Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged partial transposition by Ireland of the permitting provisions of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 on the promotion of energy from renewable sources |
|
INFR(2024)0160 |
23/05/2024 Formal notice Art. 258-260(3) TFEU |
Transport |
Alleged lack of transposition of Directive (EU) 2022/362 - charging of vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures - by Ireland |
|
INFR(2023)2178 |
7/02/2024 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged bad application of Council Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment (UWWT) in Ireland |
|
INFR(2022)4021 |
19/05/2022 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DETE |
Alleged non-conformity of Irish legislation with the European Works Councils Directive |
|
INFR(2022)2073 |
16/11/2023 Reasoned opinion Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Alleged bad application of the National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NECD) in Ireland |
|
INFR(2022)0370 |
16/11/2023 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU - 260(3) TFEU |
DCDE |
Lack of communication of complete transposition of Directive 2019/1158 on Work Life Balance by Ireland |
|
INFR(2019)4007 |
4/06/2026 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Implementation of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment in relation to peat extraction projects |
|
INFR(2019)2235 |
8/10/2025 Reasoned opinion Art. 258 TFEU |
Justice |
Alleged incorrect implementation in Irish legislation of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating child sexual abuse |
|
INFR(2017)4007 |
12/11/2021 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged exceedance of THM parametric value in drinking water in Ireland |
|
INFR(2015)2006 |
2/07/2020 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Designation of Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland - SAC Designation |
|
INFR(2014)4131 |
16/10/2014 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DCDE |
Working time of social care workers under the responsibility of the Irish Health Service Executive |
|
INFR(2013)2056 |
11/12/2025 Referral to Court Art. 260 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged bad application of Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment by Ireland |
|
INFR(2012)4028 |
31/05/2012 Formal notice Art. 258 TFEU |
DCEE |
Ireland's alleged failure to transpose and apply the access to justice provisions of Directives 2010/75/EU and 2011/92/EU. |
|
INFR(2010)2161 |
13/03/2024 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Peatlands in Ireland -Alleged bad application of Articles 6(2), 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC |
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INFR(2007)2238 |
26/01/2023 Referral to Court Art. 258 TFEU |
Housing |
Alleged incorrect transposition of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC by Ireland |
In the interest of transparency, since March 2026, details of infringement proceedings against Ireland are available on my Department’s website - www.ireland.ie/en/eu/implementation-of-eu-law-in-ireland/
It should be noted that the number of infringement procedures against Ireland has reduced steadily over recent years as a result of a consistent and sustained compliance effort. As of 9th July 2026, whilst Ireland has 46 procedures, this compares favourably with the EU average of 61 procedures and to the Member State with the highest number, 102.
75. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department utilises a central tracking or recording system for EU directives transposed into Irish law across each of the departments; whether records are kept on the extent to which each EU directive is transposed, that being to the minimum level required or above the minimum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53677/26]
View answerTransposition of EU Directives into national law requires systematic and sustained coordination across Government. While my Department monitors transposition in a coordinating capacity, responsibility for transposition of each Directive lies with the relevant Minister and his/her Department.
Records of transposition are kept by my Department and, in consultation with relevant Departments, regularly updated to support the Interdepartmental Committee on EU Engagement, chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs, which monitors transposition of EU Directives and infringement procedures initiated by the European Commission. The Committee is comprised of representatives across all Government Departments, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
In the interests of public transparency, my Department launched in March 2026 a new dedicated section on the Department’s website which highlights how Ireland implements EU law. This includes details on the 30 Directives which have transposition deadlines up to 31st December 2026. This is updated on a monthly basis at: www.ireland.ie/en/eu/implementation-of-eu-law-in-ireland/
I should note that Ireland’s rate of transposition has steadily improved over recent years. As of 5 December 2025, Ireland’s transposition deficit (Directives awaiting transposition) was 0.7%, better than the average of 1.1% across all 27 Member States and to the least performing Member State which had a rate of 2.6%.
