Written Answers Nos. 144-163
144. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department are reviewing current forestry policy and land use to ensure afforestation levels are proportionate across all counties, in order to achieve programme for Government targets. [69305/26]
View answer145. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm if afforestation is the largest land-based climate mitigation measure available to Ireland. [69304/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
The Government’s target of 8,000 hectares of new forestry per year is set out in the Climate Action Plan, which sets a roadmap for halving carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions no later than 2050. It identifies different climate change mitigation measure available to Ireland and the 2024 Climate Action Plan recognised that afforestation is one of the largest land-based, long-term climate change mitigation measures available to Ireland.
The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 provides the implementation mechanism through financial incentives and a range of different forest types available to landowners for afforestation. There are no targets set out at an individual county level, as afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners and levels will vary depending on demand.
The Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve also identifies the most cost-effective pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in the Agricultural, Land-Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry sectors. Several forestry actions have been identified, including increased afforestation; management of the age profile of our forests to improve carbon efficiency; redesigning peatland forests; and supporting sustainable forest management interventions across the entire forestry sector. There are also other land-based activities in the agriculture sector that have the capacity to make significant contributions such as water-table management on peat soils and grassland management.
Last year, my Department prepared a Forestry Opportunities Map which incorporates environmental considerations and associated mapping layers relevant to the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. The Forestry Opportunities Map fed into the Land Use Review (Phase 1 and 2) which forms part of the Programme for Government. The map identifies areas most suitable for planting, primarily based on environmental considerations and soil productivity.
Ireland’s forestry sector has made a positive contribution to climate change mitigation by acting as a vital carbon sink and long-term carbon store. Work on the Forestry Programme post-2027 is underway and my Department is committed to continuing to support opportunities to expand forestry as part of a diverse farm or landholding enterprise, while also contributing to Ireland’s climate objectives.
146. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the extension of the fuel income support scheme that consideration would be given to amending the terms and conditions of the scheme, in particular where it sets out that no aid is payable in respect of applications where the total claim is less than €100, in view that many smaller farmers and contractors missed out on the initial payment owing to this clause and wish to benefit from the scheme going forward,. [69347/26]
View answerThe Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Payments to farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors commenced on July 22nd and continue to issue as cases are cleared. As set out in the terms and conditions of the scheme payment is calculated based on the assumed usage in the 5 months from March to July 2026, multiplied by 20 cents. This is calculated using the full marked gas oil usage figure for 2025 supplied at application time.
In practical terms this means that a farmer/contractor who used 12,000 litres in 2025 is assumed to use 5,000 litres ( 12,000 divided by 12, multiplied 5) in the March to July period in 2026 and will be paid €1,000 (5,000 litres multiplied by 20 cents ) under this scheme.
A minimum payment of €100 is standard across schemes operated by my Department, and this has been the case for many years. This minimum payment amount is reflective of the cost of processing and issuing small sums through payment systems.
I am acutely conscious of the pressures arising for the agriculture sector as a result of prolonged high fuel prices and input costs, and will be engaging further with Minister Chambers on options in this regard as part of Budget 2027 negotiations.
147. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to expedite the implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy in order to make Ireland less dependent on imported fossil fuels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69071/26]
View answerMy Department co-published the National Biomethane Strategy, with the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment (DCEE), in May 2024. The Irish Government is committed to supporting delivery of up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030, as set out in the National Climate Action Plan. The National Biomethane Strategy will play a key role in achieving that target.
The Strategy sets out the necessary policy and regulatory measures, for Ireland to develop a sustainable biomethane sector and a roadmap to achieve the Climate Action Plan targets. Within the Strategy there are 25 key strategic actions and the Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by DCEE, was set up to oversee the implementation of these actions.
Some key deliverables have already been achieved under the Strategy, including the publication of the Sustainability Charter and the roll out and conclusion of my Department’s Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme. As part of that scheme approximately €19 million in funding was issued to 7 successful projects delivering an additional 620 GWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum.
Another signification step in achieving the Climate Action Plan target and the objectives of the Strategy is the second round of grant funding secured by my colleague the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. A fund of up to €200 million will be available from 2026 to 2030 under the National Development Plan.
The additional funding can build on the momentum generated from my Department’s Scheme and highlights the whole of Government commitment to the development of a sustainable biomethane sector in Ireland. The benefits of an indigenous biomethane sector go far beyond energy production and represent a clear opportunity for our farmers to diversify their incomes while also contributing to reducing agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions.
148. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will introduce a dedicated capital funding stream for family resource centres to acquire or build suitable accommodation or improve existing buildings. [69039/26]
View answer149. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to increase funding available to family resource centres for therapy and counselling services in view of growing waiting lists; and to ensure timely access to support. [69037/26]
View answer150. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will introduce 255,000 euro core funding per family resource centre to meet staffing needs and operating costs. [69035/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 149 and 150 together.
Following on from core funding increases and the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2026, made possible through Budget 2026 funding, I will continue to pursue the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme through the budgetary process and in line with the Programme for Government commitment to work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. Improvements to core funding for Family Resource Centres will also remain under consideration.
On counselling and therapeutic supports, I want to acknowledge the range of supports that are offered through Family Resource Centres. Tusla continues to invest in counselling and therapeutic supports. It recognises that Family Resource Centres are able to reach clients who, in many cases, would not be able to access such services, which are delivered at low to no-cost to recipients. These supports have a strong focus on early intervention, affordability, and a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for all ages. I was pleased that over the last number of years the Department secured additional funding for family support services counselling providers around the country, many of which were Family Resource Centres. I hope to see this investment continuing.
In relation to the proposal for a dedicated capital funding stream, neither the Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support Family Resource Centre infrastructure proposals, including the building of new or refurbishment or extension of existing Family Resource Centres, or refurbishing vacant or derelict buildings. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations. Capital funding may be accessible through relevant local authority mechanisms, or Government schemes such as Rural Integrated Development schemes operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
I was however very pleased to announce earlier in September a €1.36 million once-off capital investment in Ireland’s network of 136 Family Resource Centres, with each FRC Programme member to receive €10,000 to support locally identified capital, premises, equipment, ICT and infrastructure priorities. This builds on the Government’s significant investment in the Family Resource Centre Programme.
151. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if any funding is available through her Department to support the continued operation of a children's charity (details supplied), which provides free books to more than 5,000 children across Dublin 24, but which faces significant funding pressures. [69106/26]
View answerTo date, the Department has concentrated on developing a close working relationship with Libraries Ireland to deliver national book gifting initiatives including the Little Library programme and Story Streets.
Each year, Little Library provides a free book bag for every child starting school that includes books on friendship and the transition to school and resources for parents. Every year to date, this has resulted in 20,000 children joining their local library. Also part of Little Library is the Little Book at Bedtime initiative where each local library offers a free bedtime story book to children under 4 years and a chance for the family to join the library giving them access to a lifetime of books. These initiatives are advertised through local early learning and childcare services, primary schools and community organisations.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality also funds the Story Streets programme which links Family Resource Centres with local libraries to offer families who might be reluctant readers the opportunity to come together and have supported reading for parents and children. This has proved very successful and feedback from families is very positive.
The Department's work with Libraries Ireland has resulted in over 3900 annual events aimed at young families and many of these are targeted at families experiencing disadvantage.
It will not be possible to provide funding for Childhood Development Initiative's Dolly Parton Imagination Library at this time.
152. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of the second report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 pursuant to Section 10 of that Act; when the report was received from the National Disability Authority; the reasons for any delay in its publication; when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69134/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question. The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 provides for the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL), its use in legal proceedings and obligations related to the provision of interpretation into ISL by public bodies.
In July 2025 and in accordance with Section 10 of the Act, I requested the National Disability Authority to prepare the Second Report on the Operation of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017. The Report was received by my Department in March 2026. Since then, the findings, recommendations and issues raised in the report have been under review by officials within the Department and the report will be published once all stages of this process have been completed.
Government is committed to advancing implementation of the ISL Act. In particular, increasing the numbers of interpreters is a specific policy area spotlighted for targeted action under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and a Working Group on Irish Sign Language has been established to further this objective. A number of subgroups have also been established to identify priority actions for the Second Programme Plan of Action for 2027-2028, including addressing barriers to ISL interpreting and ISL teaching, exploring tertiary education pathways, advancing the recommendations of the First Report on the Operation of the ISL Act and delivering on improved access to essential and emergency services for the deaf community.
The Strategy also commits to a review of the ISL Act as part of a broader review of existing disability legislation with the objective of considering where a need for new legislation may exist, ensuring that relevant legislation appropriately advances the rights of disabled people in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
153. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the staffing establishment of the CDNT team based in Clonmel, County Tipperary; the number and category of posts filled; and the number and category of posts vacant. [69062/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
154. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an organisation (details supplied) with an additional €1.4 million in Budget 2027 to sustain existing direct services. [69045/26]
View answerI thank the deputy for his question. I acknowledge and greatly appreciate the work that Barnardos does in providing important services to children and families throughout Ireland and recognises the challenges they face.
Discussions on the 2027 estimates process are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment on the funding arrangement ahead of the Budget.
155. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reasons for the delay in Ireland’s Implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive (2023/970); a specific timeline for its transposition; whether the State faces fines or penalties for missing the June 7th deadline. [69193/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to the complete and meaningful implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive. The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 transposed a large portion of the Pay Transparency Directive, particularly in relation to Article 9 on Gender Pay Gap Reporting. The implementation of the Gender Pay Gap Information Act and associated regulations require employers to report their gender pay gap each year, and the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.
The Department is engaging actively with the European Commission to advise of the ongoing work to transpose the Directive as soon as possible, with partial transposition already notified to the Commission. The EU Commission has not launched any infringement proceedings against Ireland at this point.
Work is ongoing to develop the necessary legislation to transpose the remaining provisions of the Pay Transparency Directive as soon as possible, including the obligation for employers to carry out Gender-Neutral Job Evaluation, to categorise employees and calculate the gender pay gap in such categories. A dedicated Irish Employer Gender-Neutral Job Evaluation toolkit, based on the recently published European Institute for Gender Equality toolkit, is being commissioned by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Employers will be invited to attend training workshops based on this adapted toolkit.
The Department will also continue to work with employers, employees and their representatives to support to enable implementation of the Directive, which will be on a phased basis once the passage of the legislation is complete.
156. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether consideration will be given to providing flexibility or an exemption to parents with fixed shared-care arrangements under the National Childcare Scheme, so that children alternating between households can attend different childcare providers and retain their childcare place during periods of non-attendance, to ensure that eligible families can effectively avail of their National Childcare Scheme. [69185/26]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides both universal and income-assessed subsidies to help parents to meet the cost of early learning and childcare. All families can receive a universal subsidy, but the highest subsides are provided to families with the lowest levels of income through the income-assessed subsidy. The NCS is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family. Under the NCS, subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, up to a maximum number of 45 hours a week for which the subsidy applies.
The NCS is a national scheme, and the funding follows the child. Families who apply for the NCS in respect of their children will receive a CHICK code in relation to their child which they can then bring to the provider of their choice. Once the provider registers the CHICK and the parent confirms the details, the funding will go directly to the provider. Once a parent has a CHICK, it can be used in multiple providers, if appropriate. A parent could choose to use one provider in term, and another out of term, or different providers on specific days of the week, once they do not exceed the maximum 45 hours.
Parents who are separated and share custody of the child may make separate applications for subsidies in relation to the hours for which each of them has custody of the child. If parents are separated and each is awarded a subsidy in relation to the same child, the parents receive different CHICKs.
Where a parent shares custody with a grandparent or other relative acting in loco parentis, two separate applications may be made. In all such cases, each parent (or person acting in loco parentis) is only eligible for a subsidy for the hours each week that the person has custody of the child.
When separated parents make separate applications for subsidies, the hours of childcare claimed at registration by each parent must not overlap, and the combined hours of subsidy of the two parents cannot exceed the limits specified under the NCS in respect of a child.
Parents can contact the NCS Parent Support Centre, which provides dedicated assistance to parents and guardians in relation to their applications and any queries they may have. The Parent Support Centre can be contacted by telephone at 01 906 8530, or via the online contact form available at www.ncs.gov.ie, where staff are available to provide guidance and support.
157. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken to increase funding and capacity for specialist disability services, including community physiotherapy and targeted transport supports for patients attending hospital appointments. [69236/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
158. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to increase funding in Budget 2027 for the early childhood sector to provide pay parity for graduates, increased graduate premium and in-service training. [69048/26]
View answerPay is one of a number of challenges impacting the early learning and care and school-age childcare workforce. The level of pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners does not reflect the value of their work for children, families, society and the economy.
Although the Government is the primary funder of the sector, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions for any staff in the sector.
The Joint Labour Committee is the formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates, which are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and is independent in its functions.
Pay and conditions are improving. Through the work of the Joint Labour Committee and successive Employment Regulation Orders, minimum pay rates have now risen three times in four years, delivering an average 15% increase in minimum rates of pay. This marks significant progress in professionalising the workforce. The latest Employment Regulation Orders came into effect in October 2025 which saw an increase in minimum pay rates of, on average, 10% and is estimated to have increased pay for over 67% of staff in the sector.
Outcomes from the Joint Labour Committee process are supported by Government through Core Funding. For programme year 2026/2027, which commenced on September 1st, Core Funding has increased by 23% to €480 million. Included in this is €45 million that has been ringfenced from September to support services in meeting the potential costs of increasing rates of pay, contingent upon new Employment Regulation Orders being enacted following successful negotiations by the independent Joint Labour Committee. In addition, partner services receive a Graduate Lead Educator Premium and Graduate Manager Premium payment at the hourly rate of €4.44 in respect of their graduate-led ELC provision.
I have been made aware that the Joint Labour Committee has recently put forward new proposals for an increase to minimum rates of on average over 6% for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners. It is estimated that approximately 65% of those roles covered by the Joint Labour Committee may benefit from this increase which represents a significant step toward ensuring fair pay for educators and practitioners working in the sector.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Independent Joint Labour Committee in these negotiations. If these proposals are implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders, they will bring much-needed improvements in pay for these dedicated professionals, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to children across Ireland.
In line with the programme for government, I am committed to continuing to support the Employment Regulation Orders process to attract and retain early years educators.
Budget 2027 is currently being considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process, which officials in the Department are actively engaging in. Therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views on the decision of the HSE to not publish a report into disability services (details supplied); and if she will engage with the HSE on their decision in this regard. [69264/26]
View answerAs this question refers to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
160. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider the extension of paid paternity leave to eight weeks. [69150/26]
View answerThere have been significant developments in entitlements for parents of working families in recent years. The Government is committed to supporting workers, including by extending paid leave for parents to allow them to spend more time with their child during their earliest years.
The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 provides the relevant parent (other than the mother of the child) with 2 weeks paid Paternity Leave. Ireland's statutory Paternity Leave arrangements are fully aligned with the requirements of the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, which introduced a minimum standard for Paternity Leave across EU Member States.
Under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, working parents are also entitled to nine weeks of paid Parent's Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Parent's Leave is an individual separate entitlement and is non-transferable between parents.
Under the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to 26 weeks’ unpaid Parental Leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’. Both parents have an equal, separate entitlement to Parental Leave.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was enacted on 4th April 2023, and introduces important entitlements for workers, including leave for medical care purposes for parents of children under 12, and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers. It transposes the Work-Life Balance Directive which specifically prevents the transfer of paid leave between parents in the interests of gender equality and of encouraging fathers as well as mothers to take such leave. Otherwise, there is a risk that only mothers would take the leave, potentially creating labour market disadvantages for them and that fathers would not be encouraged to take a greater share of caring responsibilities.
A key priority in First 5, the whole of Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families (2019-2028) is to support parents to look after their babies at home for the whole of their first year given the benefits of parental care in that first year for children’s outcomes.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families and are also mindful of the impact of the leaves on workplaces.
The Programme for Government - Securing Ireland's Future commits to examining the extension of Parent's Leave and Benefit and additional flexibilities. The new National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 was published on 18th November 2025. The first Action Plan under the new Strategy was published on 5th August 2026 and includes actions to support working families in balancing the competing demands of family and work. Any initiatives in relation to Paternity Leave will be considered within this context.
161. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to ensure equitable access to care for people living with pulmonary fibrosis across all regions, including access to specialist multidisciplinary teams, timely diagnostics, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen services and appropriate community-based care; and whether gaps in regional provision have been examined. [69022/26]
View answerAs the matter(s) raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
162. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for reimbursement under the Cross Border Healthcare Directive and related treatment abroad reimbursement schemes that are currently awaiting processing for more than six weeks; the average processing time for reimbursement claims at present; the reason patients are being asked to resubmit documentation already provided; and the steps being taken to address reported backlogs in the HSE's processing of claims. [69021/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
163. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the recruitment freeze on midwives at Galway University Hospitals, despite 23 vacant midwifery posts; if she will clarify the basis for the current recruitment freeze; to provide clarity for recently qualified midwives of the employment opportunities they can avail of; the expected timeframe for the current recruitment freeze; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69003/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
