Written Answers Nos. 176-195
176. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost for essential service commitment schemes for Naval Service and Army Specialist Corps cyber, ordnance and engineers. [49566/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of broad spectrum specialist retention scheme payments similar to that introduced by the Air Corps for ATC recently (details supplied). [49569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 179 together.
Recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel remains a key Government priority. The retention of highly skilled personnel is a challenge for Defence Forces management given their high level of specialism. Military management regularly review their existing recruitment frameworks to ensure they are fully optimised and responsive to the needs of the Defence Forces. My Department works closely with the Defence Forces in developing and delivering enablers to support both recruitment and retention.
The Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026 came into effect on 25 March 2024, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party. This is the agreed approach to public service pay for the period 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2026.
This agreement also provides for a Local Bargaining process. This mechanism will provide an avenue by which employers and grades, groups and categories of public servants can address issues involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service. The parties will be able to bring forward proposals, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay. The Local Bargaining element is up to a maximum of 3% of pay costs, to include allowances in the nature of pay, with 1% relating to this agreement and the balance will fall to be addressed in any successor pay agreement.
There are no current plans for the introduction of further service commitment schemes.
177. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost to provide the resources required for the staffing of C2 and service HQ structures. [49567/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
The Commission on the Defence Forces also made significant recommendations around command and control of the Defence Forces including command being delegated from the Minister to the head of the Military to be titled Chief of Defence (CHOD). Currently, military command is delegated from the Minister for Defence (on behalf of the Government) to five separate high ranking military Officers commanding Army Brigade units, the Naval Service and Air Corps (all Brigadier General rank).
There are a number of Government approved Commission recommendations contained in the report in relation to high level command and control and HQ structures. This work is on-going, significant, complex and sensitive involving a fundamental review of the current regulatory framework governing the relationship between the Minister for Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. The intention is to have a General Scheme approved by myself followed by submission to the Government in the near future.
There is no initial cost for this legislation as the post of CHOD will take over the post of Chief of Staff on the same remuneration. The Defence Forces are undertaking further work on the HQ structures below that of the new CHOD post and this work is on-going and subject to further analysis and subsequently any costs are not yet clear. The full costs of any HQ structure proposals will be subject to engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. It should be noted that there is currently an establishment figure for Defence Forces Headquarters staff and the new HQ structure will utilise and repurpose these staff as efficiently and effectively as possible.
A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place, coupled with progress to date, will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
178. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of funding the full implementation of the Working Time Directive welfare provisions (details supplied). [49568/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Working Time Directive was implemented in January 2025 across the Defence Forces and serving members now enjoy its protections, subject to certain exemptions. In addition, a wide range of protections are also in place, specifically in regard to recreation and welfare facilities, deemed necessary and approved by military authorities, where personnel are on duty for an out of scope activity or are on-call in barracks with respect to such activity.
Such provisions are funded from central funds. This is in addition to gym and training equipment, approved by Military Authorities, which will also be sourced from central funds.
Any funding requests from the military authorities beyond existing resources, for approved measures, are to be sought in line with normal estimates process.
The implementation of the Organisation of Working Time Act provisions remains a work in progress with many of the welfare measures at various stages of approval/ implementation, thus making it difficult at this stage, to give an accurate estimate of the full implementation costs.
That said, the military authorities have advised, that concerning one of the welfare protections in place, namely the provision of one home reunion flight to Ireland, for personnel on a 6 month deployment, in circumstances where it is determined by the military authorities that annual leave cannot be taken in the mission area due to the security environment assessment, the cost to-date is approximately €118k. In addition, the year-one cost for the implementation of a modern time and attendance management IT system to support implementation of the WTD is expected to be in the region of €1,100,000.
180. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the policy of the RSA and the NDLS with regard to the requirement for an eyesight report when renewing or replacing a driving licence; the circumstances under which such a report is required, particularly in cases where a driver has recently renewed their licence without the need for one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to inform you that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I have referred this matter to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply.
181. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his Department's plan on opening a new driving test centre in County Cork; the current test waiting times in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49351/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
182. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport whether he has had any engagement with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána or the Department of Justice, |Home Affairs and Migration on the Crowe Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister with responsibility for road safety, I welcome the publication of the independent Crowe review into An Garda Síochána's roads policing function. The Review highlights a number of very concerning issues around how some members of An Garda Síochána have carried out their duties.
Upon publication of this Review, I met with the Minister for Justice, Immigration and Home Affairs to discuss the findings contained in this report. Both I and Minister O'Callaghan are deeply committed to taking all necessary actions to keep our roads safe and I am informed that the Department of Justice, as the lead Government department, is continuing to engage with Garda management in relation to these matters.
In addition I recently met with the new Garda Commissioner and members of his senior leadership team to discuss key issues of importance to road safety. This included a discussion around the issues raised in the Crowe Review. It is essential that work to implement the key recommendations contained in this report is prioritised to ensure that the deficiencies identified are addressed fully. The Garda leadership team confirmed to me that it is committed to taking onboard the recommendations contained in the review.
183. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made to increase the availability of EV charging points across the country, and the various models being explored to achieve this. [49275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024.
The National EV Charging Network Plan outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs.
We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
In July 2024, the locations of 17 new high-powered recharging pools for electric vehicles were announced along the National Road Network.
Phase 2 of the ZEVI EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme programme, focusing on 1200km+ of national single carriageway roads, was launched in October 2024. In June 2025 the locations of 53 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under this scheme on the National Road Network were announced.
A total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
A third grant scheme was launched February 2025, focusing on approximately 3,000km of the remaining primary and secondary roads on the National Road Network outside of the TEN-T Network.
The Scheme is now closed to applications and evaluation is currently underway. Scheme results will be published when the process concludes.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed, including:
• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.
• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.
184. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of operational public electric vehicle charging points in Cork city suburbs, including Glanmire, Blarney and Mallow, as of September 2025; the expansion scheduled over the next 24-months; and if he will commit to publishing a detailed timeline for installation to match the rapid growth in electric vehicle registrations in Cork. [49411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
The number of publicly accessible charge points in Ireland increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to approximately 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each.
Currently, the Department of Transport does not track the number of publicly accessible EV charging stations by region. However, ZEVI is in the process of developing a Data Strategy that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure.
The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation.
Cork City has developed their EV Infrastructure Strategy and are currently developing site selection and implementation plans to meet user needs and EU/National targets. It is expected that EV users in Cork City along with other LAs will benefit from significant EV Infrastructure roll out over the coming years with support from schemes such as;
• the Shared Island Sports Scheme, which currently includes 14 eligible sites in county Cork.
• LDV1, LDV2, LDV3 in 2025 and 2026 that will provide en-route charging across the TEN-T network.
• the delivery of destination and neighbourhood charging under the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan from 2027 to 2030.
These schemes will be carried out in tandem with private schemes which are being delivered across the country at town centres, hotels and petrol stations.
185. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport further to recent media reports of tensions between the board of the Dublin Airport Authority and its chief executive, to set out all engagements his Department has had with the chair and the board since 1 June 2025, including dates, attendees and subjects discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra188. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to detail the communications between his Department and the Dublin Airport Authority regarding leadership continuity and contingency planning for airport operations during the peak travel period and the winter season, including designation of an interim chief executive if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 188 together.
My Department has ongoing and regular engagement with daa as is the norm in terms of the relationship between line Departments and Commercial State Bodies (CSBs) under their Minister's remit. While operational matters at CSBs are matters for the boards of those CSBs, and it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on operational matters, I can advise the Deputy that senior officials in my Department have been apprised by the Chairperson of daa on governance matters in the period since 1 June. I have been kept informed by my officials on those governance matters, as appropriate. With regard to the Deputy's question about contingency arrangements, the Board of daa has publicly confirmed that the current CEO is, and remains, CEO of daa.
186. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if a mediator has been appointed in relation to the dispute at the Dublin Airport Authority; the process by which the mediator was selected; the cost met to date by the company for mediation and associated legal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. Operations within State companies are matters for the Boards of those companies. I have forwarded your question to daa for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
187. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any proposed exit or settlement package for the current chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority will comply in full with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and with Government guidance on severance; to outline the approval pathway, including any role of NewERA and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra192. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the process and timeline for the appointment of a permanent chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority, including selection criteria, remuneration range within Government pay policy and expected date for advertisement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49431/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 192 together.
The appointment of CEOs to Commercial State bodies under the aegis of my Department must be made in accordance with establishing legislation of the agency and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and should be by means of an open recruitment process, undertaken by the agency.
Terms and conditions for the appointment of CEOs requires the approval of the Minister for Transport and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Any terms agreed will be in keeping with the salary bands provided under the recent Senior Post Remuneration Committee Review.
Any proposed exits or settlement schemes across our agencies will be considered by me in keeping with the relevant circulars, establishing legislation of the agency and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
189. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total legal and professional fees incurred by the Dublin Airport Authority in 2024 and year-to-date 2025, disaggregated by matter, including mediation, board advisory services and litigation related to the thirty-two million annual passenger cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49428/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. However, as the matters raised are a matter for daa I have forwarded your question to daa for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
190. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to publish the dates of all board evaluations of the Dublin Airport Authority since 2023, any external governance reviews commissioned and the actions arising from those reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
In line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, daa's annual report and financial statements include information on performance evaluations of the Board and its committees. The 2024 and 2023 reports as published on daa's website provide details on the evaluations which took place in those years and note any findings.
In relation to external governance reviews, the Code requires that an external evaluation proportionate to the size and requirements of the State body should be carried out at least every three years. The last external board evaluation was completed in 2023 and the process for the next review is due to be commenced this year.
191. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received any protected disclosures or significant complaints concerning the governance or culture of the Dublin Airport Authority since 2023; the way in which these were handled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. It is my Department’s policy not to comment on the nature of any Protected Disclosures which are received, to protect the identity of reporters and the integrity of any investigations under the Protected Disclosures Act. The Department provides general statistics on the number of reports received and the nature of wrongdoing reported within as part of an annual report published on the Department’s website however details of specific content are not included.
193. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to list any formal directions or consents issued by his Department to the Dublin Airport Authority in 2024 and 2025 under to the State Airports Act 2004 or other governing instruments, including the reasons for each decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
In 2024, in line with the requirements of relevant legislation, I provided four Ministerial approvals to daa. These approvals related to daa business proposals. In 2025, I provided five such approvals to daa. These related to business proposals, borrowing, pensions and service delivery restructuring.
194. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of scheduled tunnel closures for the Jack Lynch tunnel (N40), the Dublin tunnel (M50) and the Limerick tunnel (N18), by tunnel, for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; the total cost of the associated maintenance and other works facilitated by the closures over that period; the main reasons for the scheduled tunnel closures; if the TII is satisfied the number of closures is in line with international norms and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49439/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the Jack Lynch Tunnel (N40), the Dublin Tunnel (M50) and the Limerick Tunnel (N18).
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
195. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport when construction will commence and be completed on the Mallow relief road; the current status of planning, funding and delivery; and the way in which the Government will ensure that the approved 469 home development (details supplied) is supported by necessary road infrastructure, public transport and active travel links. [49500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
Any active travel links on the Mallow Relief Road will likely be completed under TII’s Active Travel programme.
Noting the above positions, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
With regard to public transport, as the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.
Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station which launched in April, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of up to eight new stations including Blarney/Stoneview and upgrades to existing stations including Mallow. In 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan, appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. A public consultation was for Phase 2 of the Programme was completed in July.
Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.
