Written Answers Nos. 1376-1395
1376. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason some online full-time courses (details supplied) are no longer eligible for the €1,000 subsidy for student contribution fees, despite being eligible in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2730/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2025 included a package of measures to support households with the cost of education. These measures include a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students that are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative (FFI). This reduction followed on from similar once off student contribution reductions in Budgets 2023 and 2024 for free fees eligible students.
Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, responsible for setting the tuition fee rates and determining policies that may apply to students undertaking any part-time, flexible or fully online programmes. These courses are not part of the Free Fees Initiative and therefore are not eligible to benefit from the €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee introduced in Budget 2025.
In respect of the specific course to which the Deputy refers, I have been advised that some students may have benefitted in previous years from an administrative error in the institution. While the institution has decided not to seek recovery of back payments for previous years, it has rectified the error for the current academic year and notified students of the appropriate fees to be paid.
I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or other supports such as SUSI grants. Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which has been supplemented by a further €10m under the cost of education supports in Budget 2025. Students in need of support, can apply to the Access Office in their higher education institution. This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.
1377. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2762/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe brief that I received on my appointment as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is currently being reviewed for publication and will be made available on my Department's website in the near future.
1378. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to visit the east coast of the United States on an education trade mission before Easter 2025. [2895/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minster has no plans at this stage to undertake an education trade mission to United States.
1379. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a schedule of special advisers attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and or title held by that special adviser. [2999/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the requested schedule for Department of Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science, as at 29 January 2025.
|
Name |
Role |
Grade |
|
Ferghal Blaney |
Special Adviser - Media |
Principal Officer (Standard) |
1380. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider a conversion programme for graduates who have completed an intellectual disability nursing programme and wish to transfer to general nursing. [3074/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services, including nursing.
There has been a significant increase in the number of places available in Nursing programmes in recent years. Officials in my department continue to engage with the Higher Education Authority and representatives from the higher education sector on the provision of additional places in the tertiary education sector, with a focus on areas such as healthcare, where there is a need for more skilled graduates.
All avenues for widening the scope of entry pathways to healthcare disciplines, including nursing, are being explored by my Department with regard to workforce planning in healthcare professions. These include Tertiary Degrees, Apprenticeship and Graduate Entry programmes.
My Department will continue to work with the Department of Health, the HEA and the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
1381. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and/or service officer/security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3198/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy in regard to the cleaning services, service officers and security officer roles provided by private companies is set out in the table below.
|
Outsourced cleaning services |
Value of contract |
Length of contract |
|
|
Contract A |
€752,000(Ex Vat) |
3 Years |
|
|
Outsourced service officers |
Value of contract |
Length of contract |
|
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Outsourced security officers |
Value of contract |
Length of contract |
|
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
In regards to cleaning services, the contract is apportioned to multiple locations and includes services provided to Department of Education.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the following table, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with her query.
|
- |
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
|
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Trevor Purtill |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ireland |
oireachtasmembers@skillnetireland.ie |
tracey.donnery@skillnetireland.ie |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Research Ireland |
oireachtasqueries@researchireland.ie |
Donna McCabe |
1382. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy in regard to directly employed cleaners and service officers is set out in the below table.
|
- |
Number of staff |
Value of contract |
Length of contract |
|
Directly Employed Cleaners |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Directly Employed Service Officers |
2 |
As per Forsa Payscale |
Until Retirement/Transfer/Resignation |
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the following table, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with her query.
|
- |
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
|
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Trevor Purtill |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ireland |
oireachtasmembers@skillnetireland.ie |
tracey.donnery@skillnetireland.ie |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Research Ireland |
oireachtasqueries@researchireland.ie |
Donna McCabe |
1383. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total value of the annual mileage claims for each Minister of State assigned to his Department in 2023 and 2024 respectively; to provide a breakdown for each year of the individual claims; the annual cost of overnight allowances related to the civilian drivers of each relevant Minister of State in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mileage expenses for Minister of State Niall Collins have been published, please see the link below.
Link is as follows: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/fc035-ministerial-travel-expenses/
The Minister of State had two civilian drivers in 2023 and 2024. The annual cost of overnight allowances is set out in the tables below.
Annual cost of overnight allowances related to civilian drivers in 2023
|
Claimant 1 |
€167.00 |
|
Claimant 2 |
€2,004.00 |
|
Total cost in 2023 |
€2,171.00 |
Annual cost of overnight allowances related to civilian drivers in 2024
|
Claimant 1 |
€1,337.00 |
|
Claimant 2 |
€752.00 |
|
Total cost in 2024 |
€2,089.00 |
1384. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to list the composition of his private office, inclusive of the grade and increment of each civil servant assigned to the office; whether they are located in the private or constituency office; the value of any allowance paid to those individuals and the purpose of each allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3270/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTable 1 sets out the composition of the staff in both the private office and constituency office of Minister Lawless as at 4th February 2025.
The private office to Minister Lawless is comprised of seven staff while the constituency office is comprised of one staff whose salary is paid by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Private Secretary assigned to the Minister is at the grade of Administrative Officer and is paid on the salary scale for that grade plus the Private Secretary allowance. This allowance includes payment for all extra attendance, duties and expenses attaching to the post.
The current rate of the Private Secretary allowance, as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, is as follows:
• €23,706.92 per annum, if the officer is paying modified PRSI or
• €24,952.76 per annum, if officer appointed is paying full PRSI
Table 1
Minister James Lawless Private Office (Dublin)
|
Grade |
Allowance |
|
Administrative Officer (Private Secretary) |
Yes |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Office Manager) |
No |
|
Executive Officer |
No |
|
Executive Officer |
No |
|
Clerical Officer |
No |
|
Clerical Officer |
No |
|
Clerical Officer |
No |
|
Minister James Lawless Constituency Office (Naas, Co. Kildare) |
|
|
Grade |
Allowance |
|
Clerical Officer |
No |
Staff are paid increments on the first anniversary of their start date or the date when they started in their current grade. Increments are paid on an annual basis subject to the job holder achieving a rating of ‘satisfactory’ in PMDS and having a satisfactory sick leave record.
1385. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to the programme for Government commitment, if he will provide details as to how his Department will examine the provision of the personal assistants initiative for persons with a disability in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3477/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year my Department has secured funding of €2.85 million to start a pilot project to identify the most impactful interventions and supports for students with disabilities. This will inform the process of developing a policy framework on the design and implementation of more flexible, responsive and tailored model of supports, services and work experience opportunities for students with disabilities in the tertiary education and training system.
In addition, this year, my Department has increased the Fund for Students with a Disability by over 18% to €9,540,900.
The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist further and higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study. The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved further and higher education courses in Ireland.
Funding can be used to provide supports and accommodations for non-medical helpers (e.g. personal assistants, notetakers) and also in any of the following broad categories:
• assistive technology equipment and software (including student training)
• academic/learning support
• deaf supports (e.g. sign language interpreters, SpeedText)
• transport support
1386. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge/Irish-language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3936/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will take up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. This presents a real opportunity to promote Ireland’s own initiatives and to lead the European education, skills, research, innovation and science agendas. Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union in 2026 will include the negotiations on key policy instruments such as Erasmus +, Horizon Europe and European Social Fund +.
My Department has recently assigned a new Research and Innovation Attaché to the Permanent Representation in Brussels. The importance of this role, in particular, could not hold any more significance than in 2026. In addition, my Department has appointed two new Research and Innovation Attachés in the United States (San Francisco and Boston) as part of Team Ireland.
We are also finalising requirements for the strengthening of our teams in both Brussels and Ireland to deliver the EU Presidency. We will resource these roles in the first half of 2026, and this will be achieved firstly by an in-house skills analysis of the Department’s experienced and capable staff. These new opportunities also build a pipeline for the Government 'Career for EU' Jobs Strategy.
My Department has always encouraged the professional development of its staff whether by availing of career breaks, further education or by learning or improving their Irish language skills and will continue to do so.
1387. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of requests to his Department that have been granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that were refused; and the grounds on which they were refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date the Department of Rural and Community Development has not received any requests for career breaks for the purposes detailed. My Department is strongly committed to staff development, and staff within the Department are encouraged to apply for opportunities in the EU through the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) programme and the Erasmus programme. These are usually offered as secondment positions and do not require career breaks or special leave. In 2024, my Department had two staff members on secondments to EU institutions, one through the NEPT Programme and one through the Secondment of National Experts scheme. My Department is positively disposed to all such career development opportunities, including those that would require leave or career breaks.
1388. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the plans that are in place to tackle the chronic depopulation continually occurring in rural Kerry and as highlighted in a recent report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland, containing more than 170 commitments for delivery by government departments and their agencies.
The Government’s vision is for a thriving rural Ireland, which is built on the interdependence of urban and rural areas, and which recognises the centrality of people, and the importance of vibrant and lived-in rural places. Our Rural Future seeks to ensure that all rural areas are attractive to those people, particularly young people, who wish to remain or return to study, live, work and raise their families.
The measures outlined in the policy support short-term recovery, longer-term economic and social development, and environmental and cultural wellbeing. Updates on policy actions are provided through six-monthly Progress Reports. Annual Work Programmes allow for new measures and actions, in light of revised priorities due to emerging challenges and opportunities. Work Programmes and Progress Reports are published and available on my Department's website.
Work is currently underway to produce the 2025 Work Programme, and Seventh Progress Report, the latter of which will provide updates to the end of 2024.
Over the last 5 years, my Department has allocated funding of some €80m in County Kerry across its range of schemes and services. Most recently, 2024 saw significant funding provided to projects in County Kerry under the range of schemes in my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme, including:
• Over €8m allocated to projects approved under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town & Village Renewal Scheme,
• Almost €1.4m for projects approved under the CLÁR Programme
• €1.3m for projects approved under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and
• Over €1.5m for the Local Improvement Scheme to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads.
While much has been achieved under Our Rural Future, the new Government recognises the importance of continuing the level of supports and investment in rural areas.
The new Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future policy from 2026. The process of developing this successor policy has already begun. The new policy will be informed by an ongoing Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development review of rural policy in Ireland, commissioned by my Department, together with an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process.
Rural development will remain integrally linked to policies across many Government Departments and we will continue our whole-of-Government approach as we develop this next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy.
1389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he can provide any assurances that men's and women's sheds will not be impacted by the change away from the sustainability grant towards local enhancement programmes being managed by local authorities; if consideration was given to the fact that men's and women's sheds will now have to compete with other groups for funding prior to this change being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to both Men's Sheds and Women’s Sheds.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 was announced in November 2024, with funding of €7 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. Under the LEP, Men's and Women’s Sheds are eligible to apply directly to their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for funding under both capital and current funding streams. This will allow Men's and Women’s Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities.
The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by LCDCs across the country, with support from their local authority. I would encourage all Men's and Women’s Sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply for this funding.
Separately, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Men's and Women’s Sheds. To date, approximately 50 Men’s sheds received €58,825 and 13 Women’s sheds received €9,287 in SICAP 2024 – 2028 supports. This support is still available through SICAP.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration commenced on 1 July 2022 for a three year period. The scheme has been extended for a further 6 months from 30 June 2025 onwards to facilitate a review of the SSNO. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has been allocated total funding of €283,684 over the three-years and 6 month period of the scheme.
Also, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the LAG in the allocation of funding.
Organisations, such as Men’s and Women’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local implementing partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Departments website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/
My officials reached out to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) late last year with regard to funding and they advised that they were not in a position to submit a proposal for distribution of grants at that time, but that they would be in contact with my Department in 2025.
I am very aware of the growing interest in Women's Sheds and would urge them to work together with the goal of organising an overall group, similar to the Irish Men's Shed Association (IMSA). As Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under an overall organisation, my Department is unable to provide funding similar to that previously provided to Men’s Sheds via the IMSA. However, my Department has ring-fenced funding under various iterations of the LEP to help Women’s Sheds.
I would encourage all Men’s and Women’s Sheds to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their LCDCs, Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
1390. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the town and village renewal scheme in County Clare in 2024; the grant approved for each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. Of this more than €7.5 million has been allocated to 64 projects in County Clare.
In April 2024, funding of €20.4 million was announced to support 82 successful TVRS projects. These projects were in respect of applications received when the scheme was opened for applications in July 2023. Details in relation to projects funded in County Clare are set out in the table below.
Additionally, in August 2024, 53 Project Development Measure (PDM) projects to support the regeneration of town centres were approved as part of the approach to the rollout of the Town Centre First policy. These projects were also funded under the umbrella of the TVRS, and the details in relation to County Clare are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Scheme |
Town or Village |
Amount approved |
Description of Project |
Status |
|
2023 |
Main Scheme |
Querrin |
€221,400 |
Reinstating a schoolhouse as a multi-purpose community asset. |
Ongoing |
|
2023 |
Main Scheme |
Labasheeda |
€193,881 |
Works to conserve the character of the building (a former church) that will enable the centre to serve as a multi-functional community space |
Ongoing |
|
2023 |
Main Scheme |
Killaloe |
€225,000 |
Enhancement works to Tobermurragh park to provide the town with a central public green space. |
Ongoing |
|
2023 |
Main Scheme |
Ennistymon |
€495,000 |
The creation of an inclusive, attractive and vibrant outdoor public square. |
Ongoing |
|
2024 |
TCF Project Development Measure |
Sixmilebridge |
€50,000 |
Develop an overall design scheme for a pedestrian footbridge in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare across the O'Garney River along with associated public realm designs on either side of the bridge. |
Ongoing |
|
2024 |
TCF Project Development Measure |
Lisdoonvarna |
€50,000 |
Design of a wellness corridor to key features within the town. Project will complete design scoping and bring this project to the planning consent stage. |
Ongoing |
1391. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with a construction project in County Kildare (details supplied); the expected opening date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
Kildare County Council is the lead partner for the Shackleton Museum project. It has been awarded funding of just over €5.2 million under the RRDF. This project will transform the Athy Heritage Centre (former Town Hall) to become the Ernest Shackleton Museum, with Shackleton’s Cabin in place on site.
The Council has advised that the main building works, which include the glazed extension to the rear of the building and the renovation and upgrade of the existing building, are scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2025. This will then be followed by the necessary fit out. Preparation works relating to this are already underway off site and are scheduled to be completed by the end of May. The Council has further indicated that it expects the project to be opened during the Summer.
My officials will continue to engage with the County Council as to progress on the project.
1392. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with a construction project in County Kildare (details supplied); the expected opening date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2489/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future. RRDF funding is made available under two categories. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
Kildare County Council is the lead partner for the Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub. The project was allocated Category 2 RRDF funding of c. €312,000 in 2020 to develop plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Athy Model School, a protected structure.
Subsequently, further funding of just over €5.1 million was allocated in 2022 under RRDF Category 1 to substantially deliver the state of the art Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub that will provide a dedicated space for enterprise development, job creation and training in the region.
Kildare County Council has advised that construction works on the Food, Drink, & Skills Innovation Hub project is currently on schedule as per the procured Contractors construction programme. The Council project that the substantial completion date of the construction project will be September 2025.
My officials will continue to engage with the County Council as to progress on the project.
1393. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will allocate a major increase in local improvement scheme funding to County Carlow and County Kilkenny and all other local authorities that operate local improvement schemes to address issues the serious underfunding to local authorities in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government confirms a Government commitment to support rural communities including a commitment to increase funding under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). LIS supports improving non-public rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its establishment in 2017, almost €170 million has been provided by Government to local authorities for LIS. This funding has resulted in improvement works on nearly 4,500 roads, benefitting over 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Since 2017, Carlow has been allocated €4.38 million and Kilkenny €5.27 million in LIS funding. This figure includes a 2024/2025 allocation of €0.98 million for Carlow and €1.3 million for Kilkenny.
While the Department provides funding for the Scheme, it is administered by each local authority, who retain responsibility for the selection and prioritisation of roads and management of waiting lists. It should be noted that the ability of local authorities to meet demand under the scheme is not purely a function of available funding, as other factors such as weather conditions and the availability of contractors and labour are also relevant. Department officials continue to liaise closely with local authorities to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the scheme.
I am conscious of the important supports provided to rural communities under the LIS, and I will be engaging with my colleague the Minister for Transport to request that his Department make a contribution to co-funding the scheme.
1394. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a plan in relation to the steps that will be taken with XL bullies which cannot be rehomed by 1 February 2025; if so, the details of this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2550/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July last year, a ban on XL Bully type dogs was announced in the interest of public safety following a number of horrific attacks. The ban was implemented in the following two stages:
Since October 1st 2024, new regulations have prohibited the importing, breeding, rehoming and selling of XL Bully type dogs.
Since February 1st 2025, it is illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.
The ban was brought in over two stages to give XL Bully type dog owners who wish to keep their dog, the time to obtain a 'Certificate of Exemption'. There was a four month period between the 1st October 2024 and before 1st February 2025, where these owners were able to apply for a 'Certificate of Exemption'. Charitable organisations were also able to apply for ‘Certificate of Exemptions’ for XL Bully type dogs in their care if they wished.
As part of the regulations, any registered charitable organisation who had an XL Bully type dog in their care before 1st October 2024 had until before 1st February 2024 to rehome the dog to a new owner. Any new owner must comply with all of the 'Certificate of Exemption' requirements which will allow them to keep the dog until the end of its natural life.
If a person or organisation does not wish to keep an XL Bully type dog, they can surrender the dog to their local authority Dog Warden service where the dog will be euthanised in a humane manner.
Since the 1st February 2025, if the owner of an XL Bully type dog has a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ then no further action is required. They may be requested to present that ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to a Dog Warden or member of An Garda Síochána within 10 Days, if requested.
Since the 1st February 2025, if an owner is found to have an XL Bully type dog in their possession as determined by the dog warden in accordance with the XL Bully type dog physical conformation standard, without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ or proof of application for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’, the Dog Warden may seize the dog and have the dog euthanised in a humane manner. In addition such owners may be charged with an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
Further information on the criteria to qualify and frequently asked questions, is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
As you may be aware, a small number of Animal Welfare Organisations have sought a Judicial Review of the regulations and that Judicial Review is scheduled to be heard on 27th February 2025. As part of this process, the Organisations concerned had sought an injunction to extend the 1st February deadline for rehoming XL Bully type dogs in their care until the Judicial Review process was completed. This injunction was denied by the High Court. Therefore, it still remains illegal for these organisations to rehome an XL Bully type dog after 1st February 2025.
In addition, as part of the Judicial Review process, the Animal Welfare Organisations concerned sought a further injunction that would prohibit XL Bully type dogs in their care from being seized and/or euthanised until the determination of the Judicial Review. This injunction was granted on 31st January last.
Local authorities have been informed that they are not to seize and/or euthanise any XL Bully type dog from a relevant Animal Welfare Organisation pending the determination of the Judicial Review.
This is the only part of the regulation that is impacted by injunction. As outlined in the regulation, the only dogs that were permitted to be rehomed up to 1st February 2025 were those that were in the care of the relevant bodies before 1st October 2024.
It is illegal for any person or organisation to rehome an XL Bully type dog after 1st February 2025. This element of the regulation is not affected by the above injunction.
The injunction does not apply to members of the public or organisations, who are not “relevant bodies”.
A “relevant body” as defined in the regulations is as follows:
(a) the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or
(b) a registered charitable organisation, within the meaning of the Charities Act 2009, whose charitable purpose, within the meaning of that Act, is the prevention or relief of suffering of animals.
Members of the public must comply with the regulations. Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
It would not be appropriate to comment further with regard to the ongoing legal proceedings.
1395. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to introduce a grants scheme to enhance shop fronts in towns and villages across the country that will also cover a significant proportion of the cost of painting all properties, including derelict properties and private homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland by delivering a wide range of strategic interventions and investments throughout the country. These are underpinned by the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First policies whose key aim is to breathe new life into rural towns and villages making them thriving places to live, work and raise a family.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to local authorities for almost 1,800 projects. Of this almost €7 million has been allocated to 67 projects in Kerry.
TVRS supports town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration and has included a particular focus on town regeneration and enhancing our streetscapes. In April 2024, €20.4 million in funding was allocated for 82 successful projects under the 2023 scheme and this included streetscape enhancement projects. The 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is currently being prepared and it is anticipated that details of the scheme will be launched in the coming months.
The Town Centre First policy has been developed in conjunction with my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Falling within the parameters of this policy, I would refer to the publication ‘Bringing Back Homes’ which details over 20 incentives, funded measures and grants to support a reversal of housing vacancy and dereliction. Some of the main supports available and provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage include the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Conaithe initiative, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the Living City Initiative.
I am committed to ensuring that the range of capital investment schemes operated by my Department will continue to support rural regeneration and local communities.
