Ivana Bacik
Ceist:136. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [32275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (136)
Freagraí scríofa
I met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 8 May.
We discussed a range of EU and international issues and I briefed President von der Leyen on the priorities of the Irish government.
Our discussion included a focus on economic competitiveness and trade issues, and I expressed support for the measured approach the European Commission has taken in response to the imposition of tariffs by the US. I advocated for a negotiated solution that would bring benefits to firms in both the EU and US, and that recognises the closely integrated nature of global supply chains.
I also highlighted the need for an ambitious strategy for the single market, reducing red tape and administrative burdens, and making progress on the Savings and Investment Union.
I raised issues facing the agricultural sector, and that a vibrant sector is essential for our food security, the rural economy, and to meeting our environmental and biodiversity objectives. I stressed the importance of a strong and well-funded Common Agricultural Policy in the post-2027 EU Budget.
In our discussion of international issues I reiterated Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine. I also raised the deeply concerning humanitarian situation in Gaza, the unjustified blockade of humanitarian assistance, and the need for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (137)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:137. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Taoiseach to provide a schedule of the amount expended by his Department, and bodies under his aegis, on external training, simulations and advice in advance relating to appearances as witnesses at Oireachtas committees, from 2021 to date in 2025; if the supplier of services will also be provided, with a brief outline of services provided, indicating for which Oireachtas committee the services were utilised. [31503/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A comprehensive learning and development programme is implemented by the Department of the Taoiseach to ensure that employees at all levels have the required skills and knowledge to perform their individual roles and deliver the strategic objectives of the Department. The programme includes training courses provided by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) which is responsible for OneLearning - the learning and development system which provides training on the core skills and capabilities for the civil service.
The details requested by the Deputy are outlined in the below table:
|
Year: |
Course: |
Supplier: |
No. of Attendees: |
Cost: |
|
2025 |
Preparing to appear as a witness in front of Oireachtas Committees |
IPA/OneLearning |
1 |
€110.00 |
|
2025 |
Preparing your colleagues to appear at Oireachtas Committees |
IPA/OneLearning |
1 |
€110.00 |
|
2 |
€220.00 |
The delivery of this training was not in respect of any specific committee.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of the Department, did not incur any expenditure on such training in the period specified.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (138)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:138. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach the total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried out prior to approving these changes. [31950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach was not renamed or rebranded therefore no associated costs have been incurred.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (139)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:139. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the State earning minimum wage; the number of employees in the State earning €1 over minimum wage; the number of employees in the State earning €2 over minimum wage; and the number of employees in the State earning €4 over minimum wage. [31767/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) data source Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS) is a survey that collects earnings, labour costs, hours and employment data from enterprises each quarter. The estimates from EHECS are restricted to employments in enterprises with at least 3 employees in NACE Rev. 2 sectors B-S. The figures for this response use Q4 as the reference period for the year.
- In 2022, there were 91,100, or 4.2% of employees earning NMW or less;
- In 2023, there were 90,700, or 4.1% of employees earning NMW or less;
- In 2024, there were 102,200, or 4.5% of employees earning NMW or less;
Timely estimates of employees earning the National Minimum Wage are available from EHECS. However, EHECS only provides statistics at an aggregated enterprise level. Therefore, it is not possible to get disaggregated hourly pay for individuals. This data available from the official source of median hourly pay statistics the Structure of Earnings Survey (SES), with the most recent data available for reference year 2022.
The Structure of Earnings Survey (SES) is a survey of employees in Ireland conducted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to provide detailed structural information on earnings and factors influencing earnings. The survey is carried out every four years with the latest results from 2022. It includes both public and private sectors, there are no restrictions on firm size, it includes NACE Rev. 2 sectors B-S and excludes the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector (A). The minimum wage in 2022 was €10.50. The number of employees aged 15 and over by their hourly wage in 2022 is as follows:
- There were 163,385, or 6.8% of employees earning between €11.50 - €12.49;
- There were 142,002, or 5.9% of employees earning between €12.50 - €13.49;
- There were 130.442, or 5.4% of employees earning between €14.50 - €15.49;
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (140)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:140. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach for an update on the work of the housing and infrastructure unit within his Department. [32520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing and Infrastructure Unit is part of the Economic Division within my Department. It supports me and the Government in delivering relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.
This includes supporting the work of the Cabinet Committee on Housing which works to ensure a coordinated, cross Government, approach to the implementation of Programme for Government commitments regarding housing policy.
The Unit also supports the work of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure which was established when this Government came into office and oversees Programme for Government commitments in relation to infrastructure delivery.
As set out in the Programme for Government, Government is prioritising the delivery of housing and critical, growth enhancing, infrastructure. We recognise both as essential to our economy, our national competitiveness, and to meet the social needs of our country.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (141)
Emer Currie
Ceist:141. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach if the Carlingford Lough Commission is being considered for the shared island fund. [32616/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Maritime safety policy is a responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD. I am informed that that Department is not considering funding for civil society organisations involved in navigational safety, through the Shared Island Fund or otherwise, and engagement with such groups is a matter for relevant ports and local authorities in the first instance.
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade promotes practical North-South cooperation and engagement through increased cross-border civil society connections, and a call for applications is open at present, closing on 27 June.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (142)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:142. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case. [32648/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The below table outlines the amount spent by the Department of the Taoiseach on contracted communications and public relations services in 2024.
|
Company Name |
Work undertaken |
2024 Expenditure |
|
Q4 Public Relations Ltd. |
Support and advice in the development of effective public communication and engagement strategies [May - December 2023] |
€11,277.26 |
|
Q4 Public Relations Ltd. |
Media liaison and communication services for Citizens' Assemblies* |
€8,971.31 |
|
Zero-G |
Strategic design services for the communication of major cross-Government programmes. |
€27,980.30 |
*While funded from the Department of the Taoiseach’s Vote, Citizens’ Assemblies operate independently.
The National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, awarded one contract in 2024 to Carr Communications. This contract is for communications support, advice, and guidance services in respect of publications of reports and events throughout the year. The full costs paid to Carr Communications in 2024 was €6,457.50.
Judicial Reviews
Ceisteanna (143)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:143. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach the number of judicial review cases his Department has defended in each of the past ten years; the number in relation to which proceedings are pending or continuing; the number of cases which were lost and won, respectively, in the same period; the number of cases that settled in the past ten years. [32850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach has been involved in the defence of eight judicial review cases during the period specified. Five of the eight cases have concluded and three cases are continuing. Of the five cases concluded, two were dismissed, one was refused and the remaining two were referred back to the Department for fresh decisions to be made.
Trade Relations
Ceisteanna (144)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:144. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 10 June 2025, when the forthcoming action plan on market diversification, which is being developed jointly by his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be published; and if further clarification will be provided on the specific steps that might be taken to protect the pharmaceutical industry should US tariffs be increased on pharmaceutical products from the EU. [32248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government Trade Forum, established in February 2025 and chaired by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, comprises relevant Government Ministers, State Agencies, business organisations, trade union and other representative groups and was set up to facilitate engagement with key domestic stakeholders on latest and emerging trade developments and opportunities.
A clear message from discussions at the Government Trade Forum is the need for greater diversification in our export markets. This is in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government to further support enterprise over the lifetime of this Government.
To that end, the Government has agreed that the Departments of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Foreign Affairs and Trade will jointly develop an Action Plan on Market Diversification. The Action Plan provides an opportunity now for new ambition in our approach to market diversification.
The Action Plan will provide a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to enhance Ireland’s economic and trading relationships with new and emerging markets. It will also consider actions which can be taken in established markets where there is value to be maintained and potentially more value available.
Effective delivery will require concerted action across the whole of government and engagement with other key stakeholders including those in the Government Trade Forum, State Agencies and business representatives.
The draft Plan is well advanced and further consultations with Government Departments and stakeholders are ongoing, with a view to bringing the final Action Plan on Market Diversification to Cabinet in the coming weeks.
Ireland has a vibrant pharmaceutical and life sciences sector employing over 50,000 people in indigenous and multinational companies. The success of this sector is underpinned by R&D capacity, outstanding regulatory compliance, a strong and high efficient manufacturing capability and a business friendly ecosystem with access to the EU Single Market.
The Government is committed to continued ongoing engagement with Ireland’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. They have engaged directly with the Government Trade Forum and I have also met the sector recently to discuss recent trade developments, including implications of potential tariff decisions by other Countries. We are also pursuing these issues at EU level with the European Commission who lead on the direct engagement with the US on current trade issues.
Foreign Birth Registration
Ceisteanna (145)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:145. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the latest processing times for applications to the foreign births register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32299/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with Foreign Birth Registration application queries. The contact number for urgent Foreign Birth Registration queries is +353 1 568 3331.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (146)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:146. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that the Government provides diplomatic assistance for the immediate release of the 12 activists from the Freedom Flotilla 'Madleen' from the Israeli Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32304/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the reply to PQ31536/25.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (147)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:147. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 10 June 2025, the number of passports issued to applicants using sworn affidavits as a form of identification in 2022, 2023, and 2024. [32451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended. Section 7 of the 2008 Act provides that before issuing a passport to a person the Passport Service shall be satisfied as to the identity of the person.
The Passport Service requires the submission of a long-form birth certificate as a key supporting document in all first-time passport applications.
Where an application is received from naturalised applicants born in countries with civil unrest, who may not be in a position to submit a birth certificate, the birth affidavit submitted to the Department of Justice, in support of their naturalisation application, may be accepted.
The Passport Service does not record the numbers of applications that are made using sworn affidavits, and therefore it is not possible to provide the figures requested.
Departmental Websites
Ceisteanna (148)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:148. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department’s website employs analytics tools (details supplied) that track website traffic using UTM parameters (for example, utm_source); if so, whether any visits have been recorded with a specific parameter or similar identifiers indicating traffic from ChatGPT; and to provide the monthly number of such visits, if recorded, for each of the past 12 months, in tabular form. [32500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's website analytics tools show that the following numbers of sessions (i.e. visits) had chatgpt.com as their origin, for each of the past 12 months, for ireland.ie and for my Department's content on gov.ie.
|
Month |
ireland.ie sessions |
gov.ie sessions (DFAT content) |
|
June 2024 |
5 |
No data available |
|
July 2024 |
5 |
2 |
|
August 2024 |
46 |
16 |
|
September 2024 |
120 |
42 |
|
October 2024 |
137 |
73 |
|
November 2024 |
553 |
36 |
|
December 2024 |
761 |
63 |
|
January 2025 |
1,470 |
63 |
|
February 2025 |
2,058 |
93 |
|
March 2025 |
2,387 |
133 |
|
April 2025 |
2,168 |
67 |
|
May 2025 |
2,360 |
175 |
|
June 2025 (1st to 11th) |
934 |
71 |
|
Total |
12,832 |
834 |
Middle East
Ceisteanna (149)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:149. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 10 June 2025, if he will confirm that the only material consequence in Irish policy between endorsement of a Palestinian state in 1980 and recognition of a Palestinian state in 2024 is a change in status for Palestinian diplomats in Ireland and Irish diplomats in Palestine. [32575/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 28 May, Ireland marked one year since the official recognition of the State of Palestine. Ireland, together with Spain and Norway, took that decision as an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of a State - including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security.
Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine, alongside a number of European partners, and with the endorsement of key Arab States, was carefully calibrated to build momentum behind efforts to implement the two-State solution. We took the decision as an expression of hope, and in the spirit of peace. A year on, we now see the question of recognition at the centre of the international debate.
Ireland has been intensively engaged, together with European and regional partners, on preparations for the UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. Ireland is the co-Chair alongside Türkiye, of a Working Group focused on preserving the two-State solution. Regrettably, the Conference has been postponed in response to developments in the region. It is important that the rescheduled Conference goes ahead when conditions allow. This Conference will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives towards implementing the two-State solution.
Since the announcement of Ireland's decision to recognise Palestine, an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.
Dr Jilan S.S. Abdalmajid presented her Letter of Credence to President Higgins on 17 December 2024, and, at that point, formally assumed the role of Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland.
Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah is treated as a full diplomatic mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the position of Head of Mission is an Ambassador-level post that – in common with other such appointments – is approved by Government decision. It has been the practice of other states that have recognised the State of Palestine and that have diplomatic missions there to maintain the title of Representative Office following the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Middle East
Ceisteanna (150)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:150. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 10 June 2025, if he will clarify the difference between endorsing a Palestinian state and recognising a Palestinian state. [32576/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 28 May, Ireland marked one year since the official recognition of the State of Palestine. Ireland, together with Spain and Norway, took that decision as an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of a State - including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security.Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine, alongside a number of European partners, and with the endorsement of key Arab States, was carefully calibrated to build momentum behind efforts to implement the two-State solution. We took the decision as an expression of hope, and in the spirit of peace. A year on, we now see the question of recognition at the centre of the international debate.Ireland has been intensively engaged, together with European and regional partners, on preparations for the UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the two-State Solution. Ireland is the co-Chair alongside Türkiye, of a Working Group focused on preserving the two-State solution. Regrettably, the Conference has been postponed in response to developments in the region. It is important that the rescheduled Conference goes ahead when conditions allow. This Conference will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives towards implementing the two-State solution.Since the announcement of Ireland's decision to recognise Palestine, an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.Dr Jilan S.S. Abdalmajid presented her Letter of Credence to President Higgins on 17 December 2024, and, at that point, formally assumed the role of Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland.Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah is treated as a full diplomatic mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the position of Head of Mission is an Ambassador-level post that – in common with other such appointments – is approved by Government decision. It has been the practice of other states that have recognised the State of Palestine and that have diplomatic missions there to maintain the title of Representative Office following the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (151)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:151. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is to operate competitive tendering as standard procedure in order to achieve best value for money. Procurement takes place in the context of Directive 2014/24/EU supported by the Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). These set out a range of procedures governing the procurement process through tendering to the award of contracts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not award any new contracts to communications and PR firms in 2024. There are also no agencies under the aegis of the Department.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (152)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:152. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give consideration to the opening of an embassy in Lima, Peru, given our strengthening relationship, since Peru have a resident Ambassador here since 2017, the growing trade and travel opportunities between both countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June 2018, the Government launched Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025. The strategy aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence.
Under the Global Ireland strategy, 27 diplomatic missions have been opened or have been approved and will open shortly. The Embassy of Ireland in Chile was opened in 2019 and provides the platform from which we are strengthening and deepening our relationship with Peru.
Ireland’s excellent bilateral relationship with Peru has also been strengthened through the implementation of the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, which seeks to enhance relations with the countries of the region across several key areas of engagement.
In 2024, Ireland and Peru marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with the then Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, travelling to Peru as part of the St Patrick’s Day programme and to mark this important milestone.
My Department maintains regular diplomatic contacts with Peru, primarily though our Ambassador in Santiago, who travels there frequently to meet the Irish community and with government, business and cultural contacts. The Department also has regular and positive engagement with Peru through its Embassy in Dublin.
The Government reviews the network of diplomatic missions on an ongoing basis, and will do so in the context of the successor to the Global Ireland Strategy agreed in the Programme for Government. In considering locations for new Missions, a range of factors are taken into account including the needs of Irish citizens overseas, our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (153)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:153. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied), a British citizen married to an Irish citizen, who has been imprisoned in Dubai for 17 years; if he is further aware of the work done by the UN arbitrary detention group on this case; if he is in a position to utilise our positive relations with UAE authorities to present a case for the release of this person who is 70 years of age and in ill health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32660/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the continued detention of this person. At my request, officials in my Department recently met with his wife and family members and representatives to discuss his ongoing detention.
As the Deputy has noted, the person in question is a United Kingdom citizen. It is therefore the UK authorities, and their Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, that hold the consular responsibility and standing in relation to his case. I understand they have been active on his behalf over a long period.
Nonetheless, his continued detention is a matter of concern, and officials in my Department are in contact with UK authorities on this matter. At ministerial level, the UAE is aware of our interest in this case. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual cases.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (154)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:154. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of citizens that have sought permission from the Government to accept a title of nobility or of honour from a foreign Government, to date in 2025; and if he will state the respective foreign Government which sought to make the respective award in each case. [32664/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
If a foreign Government wishes to make any such award to an Irish citizen, the standard practice is that the relevant accredited foreign diplomatic mission (as opposed to the citizen concerned) would notify my Department of the conferral of the award. It is noted that rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise rights, privileges or dignities as flowing from it. Under Irish law, such a title confers no rights, entitlements or dignities. Moreover, awards that provide for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one's name or involve the presentation of medals, ribbons or academic honours are not regarded as conferring a title of nobility or of honour in this context.
Based on a review of records held by my Department, I can confirm that as listed in the table below, the Government has considered one award conferring a “title of nobility or of honour” this year. In this instance, the honour in question was extended to the citizen concerned before the conferral was brought to the attention of the Government. No facility exists for retrospective approval by the Government. My Department regularly reminds the relevant authorities that the prior approval of the Government should be sought where awards of the nature outlined in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution are to be conferred on an Irish citizen.
|
Date of Consideration |
Country Conferring the Award |
Title of Award |
Government Decision |
|
19/03/2025 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
No decision |
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (155, 156)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:155. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of temporary administrative and policy officers expected to be hired by his Department, in either Dublin or Brussels, in the lead up to and hosting of the European Presidency in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32666/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:156. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional budget being made available for the hiring of temporary staff to assist in the lead up to and hosting of the European Presidency in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32667/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
Our preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are now intensifying across both policy and operational strands of planning.
The Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026. As part of our preparations, my Department is recruiting for temporary positions in Dublin and Brussels to be filled in the lead up to, and during, the Irish Presidency. Some of those appointed will work in my Department while others will be assigned to work with other Government Departments.
In Dublin, temporary Presidency Policy Officers will take up duty on different dates between summer 2025 and June 2026. It is envisaged that they will conclude their roles by the end of 2026. Contract duration will, therefore, vary from between six months to eighteen months depending on start date. They will be remunerated at the first point of the Administrative Officer standard scale. At this stage in the planning for the EU Presidency, we anticipate hiring in the region of 80 temporary Presidency Policy Officers for positions in my Department and across Government.
In Brussels, my Department is also in the process of recruiting for a number of temporary EU Presidency Policy Officers and temporary EU Administration Officers. The people appointed to these positions will take up their roles in Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU, working on behalf of the range of Government Departments represented there. Their contracts will vary in duration from ten months to eighteen months.
The applicable rate of pay for these roles is in line with market rates for Belgium. The EU Presidency Policy Officers salary will be €49,806 and the EU Administration Officer salary will be €53,527. At this stage in the planning for the EU Presidency, we anticipate hiring in the region of 50 EU Presidency Policy Officers. The number of EU Administration Officers to be recruited is currently being assessed.
None of those recruited to fill these temporary positions in Dublin and Brussels will be entitlement to permanent positions within the Civil Service.
Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of our Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 155.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (157)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:157. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport application will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [32682/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra Reply not received from Department.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (158)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:158. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions taken by Ireland to support efforts to try to end Sudan's civil war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis as a result of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.
Working with like-minded EU member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.
At the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in April, Ireland raised the urgent need for increased and flexible humanitarian funding, and for sustained pressure in support of a cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. Ireland is also working to support the Office of the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa in its efforts to engage with all parties to the conflict. We continue to raise the crisis in Sudan at a multilateral level, most recently at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians on 22 May. We will continue to engage through all diplomatic channels available, and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.
Ireland provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024. Our assistance included funding channelled through UN partners and Irish NGOs, including support to Concern, GOAL and Trócaire.
So far in 2025, Ireland has provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. We will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring the much-needed democratic transition.