Written Answers Nos. 196-215
196. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current capacity and frequency of public transport services bus and rail between Cork City and commuter satellite towns such as Mallow, Blarney and Glanmire; the investment scheduled over the next two years to expand frequency, accessibility, and active travel connections; and the Government’s plan to ensure congestion is mitigated during periods of growth. [49505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is significant investment and development planned for the Cork City and County region over the next few years to both address existing demand and to prepare for future potential growth.
BusConnects
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). BusConnects is a key intervention to reduce congestion in our cities.
In Cork, following a public consultation, the new BusConnects network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented on a phased basis in the coming years.
Another key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors ran from November to December 2023.
The NTA submitted the Preliminary Business Case for Cork BusConnects to the Department of Transport in January 2025. In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the business case has been reviewed by the officials of Department of Transport and by the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG). The MPAG’s final report on the business case is expected in the coming weeks, after which it is intended to bring BusConnects Cork to Government. If approved by Cabinet at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, this will allow the programme to enter the planning process.
Park and Ride Sites
Currently, the NTA is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nationwide.
The NTA established the Park and Ride Development Office in February 2020, which had been included as an action in the Climate Action Plan 2019. The function of the Office is to enable the delivery of park and ride sites by the NTA in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport operators such as Iarnród Éireann, across the country. Through the Park and Ride Development Office, full-time specialist resources are now employed on such projects.
Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme
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 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.
Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy
With regard to addressing potential congestion associated with growth, I also would like draw the Deputy's attention to the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) which was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council. The strategy sets out a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Cork Metropolitan Area up to 2040.
CMATS provides an evidence-based framework to support the development of individual projects and is consistent with the spatial planning objectives in the National Planning Framework and the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.
Since its publication in 2020, there has been good progress on key elements of CMATS, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, BusConnects Cork, Cork Light Rail and the Active Travel Programme. It is currently anticipated that the NTA will commence the review process of CMATS in 2027.
Specific matters such as the capacity and frequency of the public transport services in Cork and commuter towns are best addressed by the NTA and so I have referred your question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
197. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the regional airports programme; if there will be a consultation on the programme; if not, the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49554/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with National Aviation Policy, Government provides substantial annual funding under a Regional Airports Programme. This Programme, which is administered by my Department, supports Ireland’s smallest regional airports, those that provide scheduled passenger services and handle fewer than one million passengers per annum. Kerry Airport along with Ireland West and Donegal airports are currently eligible for funding under this Programme.
The current Programme, for the period 2021-2025, has a budget of €18 million for allocation this year. This funding will support vital safety, security and sustainability operations and activities at these airports. A Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Donegal and Dublin airports is also supported.
A mid-term review of the current Programme was undertaken with the high-level outcomes announced in July 2024. A public consultation was undertaken by my Department at that time to inform this review. While the primary focus of this review was on the performance of the Programme to date, it was recognised that recommendations and proposed actions on foot of the review may contribute to the development of policy on future appropriate and cost-effective support measures for regional airports in Ireland, including the development of any future Programme.
The Programme for Government commits to continue to invest in regional airports and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. While the immediate actions announced under the mid-term review have already been delivered other actions are currently being considered in the development of this new Programme, which is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.
198. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on reports of Israeli munitions travelling through Irish airspace; if he is aware of these reports; if he has ever been warned or informed about Israeli munitions flights in Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49555/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his Department's investigation into Israeli munitions travelling through Irish airspace; when the report into the investigation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
Since October 2023 and to date in 2025 no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war to a point in Israel.
I am aware of the media reports that have alleged that a number of air operators carried munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory without the appropriate permission to do so.
As a result, my Department has been engaged in an examination of this matter, this work is still ongoing at the present time.
200. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 29 July 2025, if the exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant, under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme is available for people to apply and access immediately; if so, the way in which a person applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on the use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. A Primary Medical Card holder can avail of the exemption from motor tax and the Fuel Grant under the DDS. The motor tax exemption can be applied for at a local Motor Taxation Office. The Fuel Grant is claimed through Revenue's online service myAccount. Further information on the DDS and it's reliefs can be found using the following link: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/transport-and-disability/tax-relief-for-disabled-drivers-and-disabled-passengers/
It is a condition of the scheme that applications for fuel grant claims must be made retrospectively at least 12 months after costs have been incurred and costs incurred up to four years previously may also be claimed, where they have not previously been claimed.
201. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if ##income earned under the room for a student local authority tenancies scheme qualifies for rent-a-room relief up to fourteen thousand euro per year, subject to the conditions of the Revenue Commissioners; and the exclusions that apply to social housing tenants. [49335/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent-a-Room relief, which is provided for in section 216A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), was introduced in 2001 with the aim of increasing the availability of rented residential accommodation. The relief acts as an incentive to encourage individuals to let rooms in their principal private residence as residential accommodation in order to bring about an increase in the availability of rental accommodation.
Section 216A TCA provides that, where an individual rents a room or rooms in their home as residential accommodation, and the gross rent received (including sums for food, laundry or similar goods and services) does not exceed €14,000 in the tax year, they treated for income tax purposes as having neither profits nor losses from the payment for that accommodation.
As a general rule, Rent-a-Room tax relief may be claimed regardless of whether the claimant is a homeowner or rents their principal private residence (including where the tenancy is a local authority tenancy). However, questions relating to the conditions of local authority tenancies (other than tax matters) are more appropriate to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
202. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the ongoing work of the EU’s Retail Investment Strategy; when he expects it to be finalised; the means by which that strategy will impact Ireland’s plans to increase retail investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Retail Investment Strategy (RIS) is a major file related to the Capital Markets Union (CMU)/Savings and Investment Union (SIU) initiative. The key aim of the RIS is to foster an environment conducive to increased participation of retail investors in capital markets in Europe.
The European Commission first adopted the RIS in May 2023, and both the European Parliament and Council (comprising 27 Member States) reached their respective negotiation positions in the first half of 2024. The file is currently in the trilogue stage of negotiations with the European Parliament. Negotiations from the Council’s side are currently being led by the Danish Presidency.
It is too early to predict when negotiations with the European Parliament will be finalised. There are many key, political areas, which need to be agreed upon, such as a way forward on the client journey, Value for Money assessments, and how to treat inducements. Moreover, I understand that efforts are ongoing to simplify the proposals within RIS, as many stakeholders currently view agreements reached as overly-complex, and this will take time. It is my view that such a willingness to improve the RIS reflects a healthy recognition that meaningful, lasting reform must be evidence-based, proportionate, and oriented around users’ real needs.
Ireland strongly believes that the RIS has the potential to be transformative in contributing to the broader goals of boosting retail investment, and the objectives of the SIU in general. We will continue to play a constructive role throughout the negotiations and look forward to a political agreement being reached in the near future.
Under the current Programme for Government, we have committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026, taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations, to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. I should point out that certain recommendations have already been delivered and many others are in progress or and under active consideration.
203. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to continue the exemption householders with solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid whereby they can earn up €400 tax free beyond December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised by eliminating the tax free exemption for householders selling energy to the grid via their solar panels of earnings up to €400; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49403/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
Micro-generation of electricity is the small-scale production of electricity by consumers who generate electricity at their own homes for their own consumption and sell the excess electricity produced to the grid.
Section 216D of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that profits of up to €400 per year arising to an individual from the generation of electricity from renewable, sustainable or alternative sources of energy at the individual’s sole or main residence for the individual’s own consumption (referred to as the micro-generation of electricity) is exempt from Income Tax, USC and PRSI. The profits which are exempted are those profits arising from the domestic generation of electricity which is supplied to the national grid. The tax exemption is currently due to expire on 31 December 2025.
Where the calculated profit from micro-generated electricity for a tax year is in excess of the exempt amount of €400, that excess must be declared on an income tax return and will be subject to income tax, USC and PRSI in the usual manner.
Given that that income qualifying under this relief (up to €400 per year) is not required to be declared by micro-generators to Revenue, there are no data available on the uptake or cost to-date of the measure. However:
• Budget 2022 introduced the disregard of up to €200 from the micro-generation of electricity from income tax, the projected cost of the measure was estimated at €1 million for the full year cost.
• Budget 2024 increased the amount of exempted income from €200 to €400 and was estimated to be an additional cost in the order of €4.5 million for the full year for the measure.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances. It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance in view of the September 2025 warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council about Government overspending relative to agreed targets, the immediate measures being taken to contain expenditure within sustainable levels; and if he will detail the contingency planning in place if corporate tax revenues fall short of expectations in 2025/2026. [49508/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail the contingency planning in place if corporate tax revenues fall short of expectations in 2025/2026. [50020/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 209 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, public expenditure is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
In respect of corporation tax revenues, I have stated on many occasions that the growth we have seen in this revenue stream over the last number of years cannot be relied upon. Addressing the risks around volatile corporation tax is a central pillar of Government’s fiscal strategy. By the end of this year, we will have invested some €16 billion in ‘windfall’ tax receipts – not linked to the domestic economy – into the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, setting aside some of these potentially transient revenues to prepare for future structural costs.
At the same time, we must continue to pursue an appropriate budgetary strategy. The best way to ensure our public finances remain resilient to any shortfall in corporate tax revenues is by running headline budgetary surpluses and ensuring that our income tax and VAT base remains stable.
206. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49572/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, in October 2024, following approval by Government my predecessor published the ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’. This was an important and wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector in Ireland. The Report sets out recommendations across a wide range of areas to support growth in the funds and asset management sector.
The Programme for Government has committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026 taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. Detailed consideration is therefore being given to the best way to support a greater level of retail investment in capital markets. It is likely given the breadth of the Funds Sector 2030 review that the delivery of associated tax measures may take place over multiple Finance Bill cycles.
This work will also take account of developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union. In particular, we look forward to the Commission's recommendations on savings and investment accounts, which are expected in the coming weeks.
It is worth noting that some key recommendations of the Funds Review are already being delivered. The Central Bank has delivered the recommendations relating to Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) regulation and transparency. They have also published a consultation on changes to the Alternative Investment Fund Rulebook (AIF Rulebook) to facilitate private asset fund growth.
207. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider abolishing the eight-year deemed disposal rule in the capital gains tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2024, my predecessor Minister Chambers published the ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’, a wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector. The Funds Review Report sets out a series of recommendations to ensure that, in pursuit of continued growth in the funds and asset management sector, Ireland’s funds sector framework remains resilient, future-proofed, supportive of financial stability and a continued example of international best-practice.
The Funds Review Report includes eight recommendations to promote increased retail participation in capital markets. Recommendations 22 and 23, which concern taxation, include consideration of the removal of the eight-year deemed disposal rule for Irish domiciled funds and life products.
In the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations related to enabling more retail investment. Recognising the complexities within the current regime for the average retail investor, Department officials are actively reviewing options for measures that could be taken to promote increased retail participation in capital markets. It is likely, given the breadth of the Funds Review Report and the work involved, that where appropriate tax measures are identified, the delivery of those measures may take place over multiple Finance Bill cycles. This work will also take account of developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings Investment Union.
208. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is considering any measures to expand investment opportunities in capital markets for the average retail investor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49574/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, in October 2024, my predecessor Minister Chambers published the ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’, a wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector. The Funds Review Report sets out a series of recommendations to ensure that, in pursuit of continued growth in the funds and asset management sector, Ireland’s funds sector framework remains resilient, future-proofed, supportive of financial stability and a continued example of international best-practice.
The Funds Review Report includes eight recommendations to promote increased retail participation in capital markets. The 2025 Programme for Government has committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for the Funds Review for consideration in Budget 2026, taking into consideration the recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland.
I have heard the feedback about the need to modernise the existing taxation regime as it applies to retail investment, and I acknowledge the complexities in the current taxation regime for an average investor. I recognise the growing importance of the funds sector as an employer within our economy and I recognise that the products the sector makes available are being considered by more and more citizens. I believe, therefore, that we should look at how we can support that.
This is a complex area of taxation that encompasses a wide breadth of tax legislation on domestic funds, life assurance products and offshore funds. Detailed consideration is therefore being given to the best way to bring about the necessary reforms and to support a greater level of retail investment in capital markets.
It is likely, given the breadth of the Funds Sector 2030 Report, and the work involved, that where appropriate tax measures are identified, the delivery of those measures may take place over multiple Finance Bill cycles. This work will also take account of developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings Investment Union.
210. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the OPW plans in place for the vacant Garda station in Templederry, Nenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW is advised by An Garda Síochána that Templederry Garda station is an operational Garda Station under their management.
We are further advised by An Garda Síochána that Templederry GS forms part of the medium term operational plans for the division and as a direct result, the station remains under constant review, in line with the evolving requirements associated to the Garda Operating model.
211. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the approvals that are required before any severance or settlement is paid by the Dublin Airport Authority to a departing executive; to publish the applicable circulars and caps that would apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTerms and conditions of any severance arrangements are a matter for daa and the executive concerned and subject to the contractual agreement in place. Any requests for approval by my Department are assessed in the context of an individual's contract terms, which are agreed at the time of employment.
212. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in view of the September 2025 warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council about Government overspending relative to agreed targets, the immediate measures being taken to contain expenditure within sustainable levels. [49509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fiscal Monitor is published on the third working day of each month and can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/fiscal-monitors-2025/. The Fiscal Monitor provides both gross and net year-to-date current and capital figures for each vote group. The report also details expenditure against profile as well as year-on-year performance. It also sets the latest 2025 allocation for each Department.
As at end August, year to date aggregate gross spending was €0.5 billion or 0.7% ahead of the amount profiled to be spent by Departments. As part of regular expenditure monitoring, Departments are required to provide explanations for significant variances, identify emerging risks, and outline mitigating measures to ensure they remain with their budgeted allocation.
In addition to monthly expenditure monitoring through the Fiscal Monitor, my Department manages expenditure pressures and potential overruns through the annual Estimates process, which provides a structured framework for reviewing departmental allocations. During the preparation of Estimates Departments are required to submit detailed information on spending trends, emerging pressures, and any anticipated deviations from their original allocations. This process allows for a detailed assessment of funding requirements and facilitates the allocation of resources across areas, subject to Government approval.
Furthermore, my Department engages in regular bilateral discussions with Departments to assess the sustainability of their spending plans. Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is the responsibility of each Minister and their Department, who are required to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to facilitate financial control within budgetary targets. As part of my Department’s role supporting the appropriate use of public funds across government bodies, it establishes the governance frameworks, or rules, setting out the principles and procedures for how money should be spent. The aim of these rules is to support Accounting Officers in discharging their responsibility to ensure expenditure is managed in line with the Voted allocation and that services are delivered in an effective and efficient manner to support the achievement of value for money.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council provide a valuable input into the discussion on how we resource our growing population and economy, and how we tackle the challenges which we are facing. I welcome the publication of the June Fiscal Assessment Report and the September Pre-Budget Statement and note the key findings. My Department takes the need for accurate and credible budgeting seriously.
Government set out the parameters for Budget 2026 in the SES with voted spending of €116.6 billion planned for next year. In the context of the annual Estimates process, Departments have been asked to identify efficiencies and reforms with a view to delivering policies and services as efficiently as possible. Following the conclusion of discussions with Departments and Ministers, allocations for next year for each Department will be published on Budget day in the Expenditure Report.
213. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following recent Cork Chamber survey findings that 41% of businesses face significant challenges in international trade, the supports being provided specifically to SMEs in Cork city and county; the number of firms in Cork that have availed of Enterprise Ireland export assistance schemes in 2024-2025; and the additional measures are planned for 2026 to diversify markets and reduce over-dependence on UK trade. [49415/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a wide range of significant supports provided by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to assist small and medium-sized businesses in all sectors. Many of the available supports are specifically targeted at those engaging in international trade.
The LEOs play an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country. County Cork is supported by three Local Enterprise offices servicing the 3 local authority areas within Cork.
The LEOs offer direct grant assistance to small businesses that are specifically designed for growth or exporting and are aimed at those in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.
Following a review of the existing supports the LEOs now offer the Market Explorer Grant, which replaces the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant and enables clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. This support can be used to part-fund the costs that can be incurred investigating and researching export markets.
Changes have been introduced to this grant to make it available to Small Businesses in the Manufacturing and Internationally traded sectors, with up to 50 employees, and increasing the maximum grant available to €10,000 to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service. The maximum grant available is €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs over 18 months and is limited to 3 approvals per client.
In 2024, 77 cork based small businesses were approved for the TAME grant and thus far 18 cork-based businesses have been approved for the new Market Explorer grant.
Additionally, in 2024, over 100 Cork-based businesses attended Local Enterprise Office-led Export Development Events. The Local Enterprise Offices in Cork continue to deliver a range of export development workshops and advisory services for businesses seeking to internationalise.
They have also partnered with Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Enterprise Europe Network to host export-focused events supporting Cork-based SMEs in accessing international markets, as well as co-hosting InterTradeIreland webinars on cross-border trade to further support these efforts.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to implement measures under the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification to reduce over-dependence on the UK and support Irish exporters in expanding their global reach. As part of this strategy, Enterprise Ireland has introduced two new grant supports: the Market Research Grant, which provides up to €35,000 to help companies assess the impact of tariffs, gain market insights, and develop mitigation strategies—even in markets where they already operate; and the New Markets Validation Grant, offering up to €150,000 to support the development of market entry strategies for new markets or new products. These initiatives are designed to build resilience, encourage diversification, and strengthen Ireland’s export footprint across the EU, US, and other high-potential regions.
In terms of regional engagement, 261 companies based in Cork (excluding infrastructural clients) received payments under Enterprise Ireland’s various client offers during the period 2024 to 2025 (YTD), reflecting strong uptake of export assistance schemes in the region.
The Deputy may also be aware that we have simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) which can be accessed through the website www.neh.gov.ie/ or by speaking to an advisor by phone (01 727 2100) or via live chat. The NEH lists over 250 different supports for businesses from 30 Departments and agencies. The supports include those listed under the heading of ‘Expand your business’ which includes supports aimed at helping businesses to ‘Sell into new markets’.
The supports included on the NEH are primarily available nationwide. The NEH has dealt with over 8,000 enquires since it was formally launched in July 2024. Many businesses have accessed the Energy Efficiency Grant and Grow Digital, both of which were amended last year to broaden eligibility criteria and the Local Enterprise Offices’ Lean for Business programme. Other top supports include LEO mentoring, and the Department of Social Protection Wage Subsidy and JobsPlus schemes.
Last year, the ICOB and Power Up grants paid out over €400 million to businesses across the country. The Local Authorities administered the scheme on behalf of the Department. Under both grant schemes Cork City Local Authority paid out €21.2 million to over 3,500 businesses and Cork County Local Authority paid out €25.2 million to over 5,500 business. In total over €46 million was paid to businesses in Cork.
The range of appropriate enterprise supports for small and medium-sized enterprises is kept under on-going review.
214. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department monitors the prevalence of shrinkflation in the Irish market; if there is a mechanism to publish a list of products affected; and the protections in place to ensure transparency for consumers. [49457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been tasked with monitoring shrinkflation trends; if not, if he will mandate the CCPC to investigate and publish annual reporting on the impact of shrinkflation on household grocery bills; and if the Government will consider compulsory labelling to highlight reduced product sizes. [49458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if Ireland has raised the issue of shrinkflation at EU level; if the Commission is considering EU-wide labelling or transparency measures; and if Ireland will support the introduction of mandatory disclosure when product size, weight, or content is reduced without a corresponding price reduction. [49459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215 and 216 together.
Shrinkflation refers to instances where the size, weight, or content of a product is reduced while the price remains unchanged, resulting in a higher unit price. It can occur across a range of products.
Directive 98/6/EC on price indication allows Member States to adopt more favourable provisions for consumer information, but these must remain consistent with broader EU obligations. I am aware that the European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against a Member State for introducing mandatory shrinkflation labelling, citing concerns about proportionality and the potential impact on the free movement of goods within the Single Market.
There is a risk that unilateral national measures could lead to fragmentation of the Single Market. I understand that the European Commission is considering options under the ‘farm-to-fork’ strategy that may include proposals to strengthen the EU framework on consumer information and food labelling. The European Court of Auditors has also encouraged the Commission to review the existing legal framework and address any gaps that may affect the clarity, consistency, or effectiveness of consumer information rules.
Ireland has not formally raised the issue of shrinkflation at EU level to date, but my Department is closely monitoring these developments. Should proposals emerge that support a harmonised EU-wide approach to shrinkflation labelling—balancing consumer protection with the integrity of the Single Market—they will be considered in due course and discussed with relevant stakeholders.
The CCPC continues to oversee compliance with consumer protection legislation. As the Deputy will be aware, the CCPC is independent in the carrying out of its functions, including any investigations.
