Written Answers Nos. 45-64
46. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has engaged with the Low Pay Commission regarding concerns that the current methodology for calculating the living wage, based on 60% of median earnings, may disproportionately reflect earnings levels in high-paying multinational and technology sectors; and whether a review of the methodology is under consideration. [67454/26]
View answerThe Government's approach to the Living Wage, based on 60% of median hourly earnings, was adopted following detailed consideration and recommendations by the Low Pay Commission, supported by independent research. The 60% of hourly median wages benchmark, is an internationally accepted benchmark and provides a transparent, consistent and objective measure of the adequacy of the minimum wage. Eurostat data show that eight EU Member States had minimum wages at or above 60% of median gross earnings in 2024. The widespread use of the median wage as a reference point demonstrates that this is an established approach to assessing minimum wage adequacy across Europe.
The Low Pay Commission is an independent statutory body which makes recommendations to Government in relation to the National Minimum Wage. In doing so, the Commission is required to consider a broad range of economic and labour market factors, including employment, competitiveness, productivity and developments in earnings. Its objective is to assist as many low paid workers as is reasonably practicable while ensuring that the minimum wage remains fair and sustainable and does not have significant adverse consequences for employment or competitiveness.
The Living Wage methodology does not rely on earnings developments in any particular sector. In estimating median hourly earnings, the Commission draws on multiple data sources covering labour market earnings, including CSO Labour Force Survey data matched with PMOD earnings data derived from Revenue tax returns and the CSO Structure of Earnings survey. The Structure of Earnings Survey covers employments across almost all NACE sectors and includes variables relating to occupation, employment, hours worked and earnings. The Commission’s analysis also takes account of wage developments and wider economic forecasts from sources such as the Department of Finance, Central Bank of Ireland and the European Commission. This provides a robust economy wide evidence base for the Low Pay Commission's work.
It is particularly important in this context to note that the 60% benchmark is based on median rather than average earnings. The median identifies the midpoint of the earnings distribution and is therefore less affected by higher earnings at the upper end of the wage distribution. An increase in the earnings of those already above the midpoint does not, in itself, increase the median. This is an important feature of the current methodology. Using median hourly wages ensures that the Living Wage benchmark reflects broad developments in earnings across the labour market rather than being driven by high levels of pay among a relatively small number of workers.
Data from the OECD also shows that the difference between mean and median disposable income in Ireland is similar to many other European countries meaning that wages are not significantly distorted by high earning individuals relative to EU counterparts. Using median hourly wages ensures the calculations underlying the National Minimum Wage and the target to reach a living wage reflects broad wage trends across the economy and are not distorted by very high earners.
It would not be appropriate to exclude particular sectors or regions from an economy wide measure of median earnings. The National Minimum Wage is a single national rate applying to all sectors and regions, and it is appropriate that its benchmark should be based on an objective measure of earnings across the economy as a whole. I am conscious of the cost of living pressures faced by workers, particularly those on lower incomes. These pressures are not confined to workers in any one sector and the movements in the cost of goods and services are experienced across the economy. Workers across sectors participate in the same national economy and are exposed to the same economy wide movements in the cost of goods and services.
The current methodology of the Low Pay Commission, the breadth of the evidence it considers, the use of multiple earnings data sources and the use of the median rather than the mean, all provide important inputs in the calculation of the living wage. There are no plans to seek a review of the methodology on the basis suggested in the Deputy's question.
The Commission will continue to review the trajectory to a Living Wage independently and to assess economic, earnings and labour market developments in making its recommendations to Government.
47. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to encourage employers to recruit and retain younger workers in the retail sector; and whether targeted incentives are under consideration as part of Budget 2027. [67453/26]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the contribution of the retail sector to the economy of every city, town and village in Ireland. The sector provides highly important employment with over 220,000 people directly employed in retail.
Attracting and retaining staff can be a challenge for any business large or small. People increasingly want to work for organisations that share their values and contribute positively to the local and global community.
Promoting ‘retail as a career of choice’ is an important priority for the sector, both to attract new talent and to support the development and progression of its existing workforce. This is supported by investment in training and education through organisations such as Retail Ireland Skillnet, which offers a range of programmes, including the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision.
The Programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses. The broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, can be found on the National Enterprise Hub website.
The Government’s approach to enterprise policy will be informed by the Programme for Government, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, and the recent published Cost of Business Advisory Forum report, among other considerations.
My officials and I regularly engage with other Government Departments and Ministerial colleagues on matters of Budgetary policy and will continue to do so as we approach Budget 2027.
48. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has carried out an analysis of the effect of rising labour costs on employment levels and investment decisions within the retail sector; and the way in which concerns regarding the future viability of jobs in regional retail businesses are being addressed. [67451/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that rising business costs, including labour costs, have placed significant pressure on firms, particularly SMEs, in recent years. My Department continues to closely monitor cost trends across the economy and is taking significant action to support enterprise resilience and competitiveness.
It is also important to recognise the significant contribution of consumer-facing labour-intensive sectors to employment, particularly in regional economies. In the second quarter of 2026, wholesale and retail employed approximately 311,000 people, while accommodation and food services employed a further 189,000. Together, these sectors accounted for almost 500,000 jobs, or around 18% of total employment across NACE sectors. Around three-quarters of this employment was located outside Dublin, with approximately 372,000 people employed across the two sectors in the regions.
In recognition of the challenges facing businesses, the Government agreed last year to extend the timeline for progression to a Living Wage from 2026 to 2029. This adjustment provides additional certainty for employers while maintaining the commitment to achieving a Living Wage equivalent to 60% of median hourly earnings. The Government's approach to future minimum wage increases will continue to be informed by the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission and by prevailing economic conditions.
The Government has also delivered on a number of Programme for Government commitments aimed at reducing the cost of doing business. These include the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum and the publication and ongoing implementation of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum's final report, published in August, contains 63 recommendations aimed at easing business costs, particularly for SMEs. These recommendations address a range of cost drivers including energy, insurance, planning and regulatory costs, banking and payment services, legal costs, water services and reporting requirements. Key recommendations include examining measures to reduce energy costs, promoting greater competition in banking services, and pursuing exemptions for SMEs from Enhanced Reporting Requirements.
The Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025, contains 85 actions designed to strengthen Ireland's competitiveness and support enterprise growth. Among the actions included in the Action Plan is the introduction of a Government-wide "Red Tape Challenge" to reduce regulatory burdens, and measures to support SME digitalisation and adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. The Action Plan also commits all Government Departments to strengthening application of the SME Test, ensuring the likely impact of proposed policy and legislative measures on SMEs is fully considered during policy development.
More broadly, it is important to note that labour market conditions remain strong, with the unemployment rate standing at 5.0% in August, compared with 4.9% a year earlier, which is consistent with near full-employment conditions.
I would like to assure that the Government and my Department have been and are committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the reason reported warnings from officials (details supplied) about the potential end use of weapons were overlooked in the approval of dual-use exports to armaments companies with links to the Israeli military. [67631/26]
View answerControls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
The bulk of dual-use exports from Ireland, including those to end users in Israel, are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software. They are categorised as dual-use items as a consequence of the fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes.
All export licence applications are considered by my officials in accordance with criteria set out within the relevant dual-use and military EU and National Regulations and with Ireland’s international obligations and responsibilities as members of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. Each application is assessed individually, considering the nature of the items, the destination country, the identity of the end-user, and the intended end-use. Ireland’s decisions are guided by the EU Common Position and its eight criteria, which include respect for human rights, international obligations, regional stability and risk of diversion to another end use or end user.
It is the responsibility of officials to raise any concerns that arise during the assessment of an application. Those concerns are then subject to detailed examination. In some cases, the concerns are upheld and, where the associated risks cannot be satisfactorily mitigated, the application is refused. In other cases, further investigation, additional information and appropriate mitigation measures demonstrate that the proposed export presents a low level of risk, allowing the application to be approved.
The risk profile of an application is impacted by current geopolitical factors, the end user, the items in question and their ability to be mis-used. Each application is treated on a case-by case basis. Reliable and verifiable information available at the time and the associated risk assessments can therefore change from application to application. A licence that may have been granted in one instance could be refused in a later, similar case where the relevant circumstances or risk assessment differ.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following the recent publication of an FOI request from his Department (details supplied) about the export of dual-use goods to armaments companies with ties to the Israeli military, to provide all documents and memos related to this approval, [67592/26]
View answerControls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.
The records in question were released under the Freedom of Information Act, with certain information withheld in accordance with the provisions of that Act. I do not propose to release information that was redacted as part of the FOI process. While the Department strives to ensure transparency in decision making this must be balanced against the Department's responsibility to protect information provided by companies in the course of complying with export control and licensing requirements where disclosure may impact the commercial confidentiality and security of exporters, including their staff and facilities. This is a fundamental principle of how export controls are managed responsibly and in line with international best practice.
Where the requester is dissatisfied with a decision made under the Freedom of Information Act, including the application of redactions, the appropriate course is to avail of the review and appeal mechanisms provided for in the FOI legislation, which I understand the requester has done.
54. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to amalgamate two schools (details supplied) into a co-education school. [67347/26]
View answerMy department is not in receipt of a request from the schools in question in relation to a proposal for amalgamation.
I wish to advise that the decision-making authority for any change of status including amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned and it is open to any patron to submit proposals to my department for consideration.
Any proposed change involves extensive consultation at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.
The patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any change of status proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.
55. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the new campus for schools (details supplied); and if she will provide a projected date for completion of the construction. [67351/26]
View answerThe project referred to by the Deputy is a campus project and is devolved for delivery to Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).
The approved brief for Gaelscoil Riada provides for a new 16 classroom primary school building including a 2-classroom SEN provision.
The approved brief for Coláiste an Eachraidh provides for a new post primary school building with a long-term projected enrolment of 450 pupils, including a 3-classroom SEN provision.
The project is currently at Stage 3 (tender stage) of the architectural design process. A Letter of Intent has been issued, and the Design Team are currently preparing a Tender Report Supplement for submission to the Department for review. Upon satisfactory completion of this process, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued, enabling the project to proceed to the construction phase in due course.
Department officials continue to engage closely with patron bodies, management bodies and schools with respect to the timing of the progression of projects to tender and/or construction over the period 2026 to 2027. This includes continued engagement with GRETB with respect to the progression of this project.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
56. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the 2026 funding allocations from the climate action summer works scheme (details supplied). [67331/26]
View answerThe purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
In November 2025, my Department announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works.
My Department can confirm an application was received from the school in question however the school was not on the list of approvals in the first tranche. Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications. Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be announced in October 2026.
Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link;
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/.
57. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will advise an organisation (details supplied) as to how they can secure funding for a dedicated youth worker; if she accepts that the work of this organisation would be hugely enhanced with the appointment of a permanent youth worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67368/26]
View answerThe department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.
Funding for the provision of targeted youth services is administered on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth by education and training boards (ETBs), which allocate funding via applications to the UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) scheme. This scheme is aimed at young people between the ages of 10 and 24 who are, or are at risk, of becoming disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.
Over €54 million?has?been?allocated?to UBU in 2026. The scheme provides funding to 258 targeted youth services across the 16 ETBs which coordinate delivery of funding to the services in their local ETB areas.
Key to achieving the aims of the scheme is the development of the Area Profile and Needs Assessment Tool. The purpose of this tool is to allow each ETB to avail of quantitative and qualitative information to objectively identify the needs of young people within their functional area. This analysis leads to the development of a Service Requirement which is then used as the basis for discussion between ETBs and service providers in terms of service delivery to meet the needs of young people in the area. The approach ensures that the department can target funding and supports to the young people most in need of intervention and that funding is allocated based on evidence-informed need.
I advise that any service in the New Ross area wishing to apply for funding should liaise with Waterford Wexford ETB in the first instance.
58. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a child (details supplied) is unable to secure a place on school transport. [67366/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Children are eligible for school transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre, as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to has a different address on their system. Please note that if there is a change of home address or school that the child is attending, a new application for School Transport is required.
Bus Éireann has also advised that a ticket has now issued to this family with a pick-up point in the area referred to and the ticket should be delivered to the family in the coming days.
59. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for the latest update on the delivery of a project (details supplied). [67400/26]
View answer62. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a detailed chronology of the development of a school (details supplied); the stages completed to date; the date of each action or decision; the body or person responsible, including the school patron and the relevant unit within her Department; and the anticipated timeline, responsible party and next steps for progressing the project to completion, in tabular form. [67499/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 62 together.
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide seven mainstream classrooms, one music room, one Design and Computer Graphics room, one Home Economics room, one Graphics room, two Engineering/Construction Studies/Technology rooms, two special education classrooms, two special education tuition rooms, and associated ancillary accommodation.
The project is being delivered on a devolved basis by Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB).
I can confirm that the Stage 1 (Preliminary Design) Report was received by my Department in February 2026 and is currently under review by officials in the Additional School Accommodation Section from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects are subject to the due diligence processes set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines before approval can be given to progress to the next stage.
Given the detailed nature of the evaluation process, the need to ensure full cost compliance and the requirement to align projects with the prioritisation framework under the National Development Plan (NDP), this review process is necessarily thorough. Managing timing, scope and cost is essential to ensuring projects can be delivered within the overall capital budget available.
A chronology of the project to date is set out in the table provided.
As with all school building projects, progression through the remaining stages will be considered in the context of the funding available under the National Development Plan and the overall prioritisation of projects within the Department's capital programme. While it is not possible to provide definitive timelines for progression at this stage, the project will continue to be advanced in accordance with the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines and the NDP.
|
Date |
Action/Decision |
Stage |
Responsible Party |
|
May-24 |
Approval of Brief |
Stage 1 - Preliminary Design |
Department of Education and Youth, DDLETB, School |
|
May 2024 – February 2026 |
Development of preliminary design proposals, assessment of site constraints, costs and risks |
Stage 1 - Preliminary Design |
Design Team, DDLETB, School |
|
Feb-26 |
Submission of Stage 1 Report to the Department for review |
Stage 1 - Preliminary Design |
Design Team, DDLETB, School |
|
Current |
Technical and cost review of Stage 1 Report in accordance with Infrastructure Guidelines |
Stage 1 - Preliminary Design |
Additional School Accommodation Section |
|
Next Step |
Meeting to be arranged on the outcome of the Department initial review and consideration of any recommendations arising |
Stage 1 - Preliminary Design |
Additional School Accommodation Section, DDLETB, School, Design Team |
|
Future |
Progression to Stage 2a (Developed Design), subject to satisfactory completion of Stage 1 review |
Stage 2a - Developed Design |
DDLETB, School, Design Team, Additional School Accommodation Section |
|
Future |
Planning, Tender and Construction stages |
Stages 2b-5 |
DDLETB, School, Design Team, Statutory Bodies, Additional School Accommodation Section |
60. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm when a decision will be made on the submission from WALK to extend and expand the WALK Peer Programme over the next four years. [67482/26]
View answer61. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress that has been made on the meeting scheduled by her Department (details supplied) to discuss the WALK submission; the number of meetings that have taken place on the matter; the subsequent engagement or feedback that has been given to WALK on their submission; and when is a conclusion envisaged. [67481/26]
View answer63. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm that interim funding will be provided to WALK to ensure that the WALK Peer Ability Programme will be able to support students in Louth and beyond for the full academic school year. [67480/26]
View answer64. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the Government will reverse the decision to end the WALK Peer Ability Programme. [67479/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 61, 63 and 64 together.
I want to thank the Deputy for allowing me the opportunity to clarify the position in relation to the WALK Peer Ability Programme and the request to extend and expand the programme over the next four years.
As you are aware the Programme for Government includes a number of commitments relevant to students attending special schools. This includes the development and strengthening of bridges from special schools into employment.
Over the past four years, my Department, in partnership with the National Council of Special Education (NCSE) and Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK), has been testing two different approaches to a transitions support model for students in special schools.
The in-school element of both pilot programmes finished in June 2026. WALK is fully funded until December 2026 to support the students who left school this year. I can also advise that an application under Dormant Accounts Fund 2027 to provide continued support for these students until June 2026 has been submitted and a decision is expected shortly.
My officials have met with WALK on a number of occasions to discuss the programme, in particular in relation to the scalability of the current model. I understand that WALK has also met with officials from DFHERIS and DCDE.
WALK confirmed to my officials that they would not be in a position to scale this programme to all special schools in the medium term. On that basis, my officials advised WALK that the proposal in its current format could not be funded as it would exclude the vast majority of special schools for an extended period.
My officials suggested to WALK that it look at the possibility of modifying or amending the programme to align with current provision and it has agreed to examine that possibility. A revised proposal from WALK is awaited.
