Written Answers Nos. 71-100
71. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to attract non-energy intensive and environmentally sustainable industries and investment to Ireland, in line with efforts to decarbonise and meet our 2030 climate commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50799/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to work closely with IDA Ireland to ensure there is a strong pipeline of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ireland. IDA Ireland actively partners with FDI client companies to help them deliver on their sustainability and skills agendas. In 2024, this enabled IDA clients to commit capital investment of €117m towards sustainability investments and a further €118m in the training and upskilling of their workforce. In 2024, IDA Ireland approved 31 sustainability projects focused on carbon abatement and building Ireland’s Green Economy.
IDA Ireland launched its new strategy in February this year: Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29. IDA’s strategy identifies sustainability as a key FDI growth driver, alongside digitalisation and AI, semiconductors and health. Ireland’s existing strengths and IDA Ireland’s portfolio of client companies are aligned with these four strategic growth drivers. The strategy aims to realise green economy opportunities and embrace digitalisation and AI opportunities across all sectors, while partnering with clients to decarbonise their business.
IDA targets existing and emerging digital and AI opportunities, including those that align with and support Ireland’s green transition. Furthermore, IDA is targeting FDI in the offshore wind value chain, green hydrogen and emerging green economy investments of scale, supporting the Powering Prosperity national strategy. Ireland’s wind energy potential is one of the strongest in Europe.
Ireland’s efforts to attract sustainable investment are also supported by the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which I published this month. Improving competitiveness and productivity are central to Ireland’s economic prospects. They help to drive sustainable growth, support job creation, and are key contributors to improving living standards for all.
My Department launched a €300 million Environmental Aid Fund last year and the Action Plan on Competitiveness includes a commitment to utilise this scheme to the fullest extent in providing capital support grants to high-impact decarbonisation projects in manufacturing sectors through Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. In the coming months, I also propose to bring forward legislation providing for a new Environmental Protection Aid grant, streamlining the approval process for such grants and strengthening the ability of IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support sustainability projects.
My Department is ambitious about Ireland’s competitiveness position regarding FDI and will continue to develop new policies, strategies and the legislative toolkit constantly to ensure our objectives for this critical part of the economy are met.
72. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to simplify the application process for enterprise grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that there are a number of measures underway to simplify the application process for enterprise grants, particularly those administered through the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.
Following instruction from my Department the Local Enterprise Offices Centre of Excellence has completed a comprehensive review of application requirements for each of its grants. This has resulted in significant reduction in the number of questions across multiple grant schemes. For example, the questions in applications for Priming and Business Expansion grants have been reduced by 47%, the Green for Business grant by 30% and the Feasibility grant by 28%.
Enterprise Ireland is also driving progress through two major initiatives. The Service Delivery Transformation Programme has introduced a new operating model, along with advanced technology and data capabilities, to deliver service excellence. The Start Up Ireland Programme also is focused on creating a better journey for start-ups and entrepreneurs, strengthening ecosystem coordination, and enhancing both national and international connectivity. Together, these programmes will help deliver greater impact and support for Irish enterprise.
Work is also underway with the National Enterprise Hub to examine how it can be utilised to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs applying for Government supports. Scoping work is taking place to identify common data points in applications, starting with agencies under the DETE umbrella, and to consider how the NEH can be further developed in line with the 'once-only' principle of data provision.
These reforms are designed to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and make enterprise supports more accessible to business across the country.
73. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the proposed SME scaling fund will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a strong start-up ecosystem, but scaling remains a challenge due to limited access to finance.
In July 2025, I published the Report ‘Market Demand for and Supply of Scaling Finance in Ireland’, which identified a €1.1 billion funding gap for deals from €3 million and Series A+ rounds over the next 3–5 years.
To address these and broader challenges my department are finalising a Finance for Scaling Implementation Strategy. This Strategy will align with the commitments outlined in the Programme for Government and supports the specific actions set out in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The purpose of the Strategy is to move towards an ecosystem in which firms will have a reliable range of funding options throughout their enterprise journey. The Strategy will present a two-phased approach, with immediate market interventions to provide capital to the market in Phase One, including through an Enterprise Scaling Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The exact design features of the fund are currently being developed by my Department and Enterprise Ireland to have the fund in place as soon as possible. This work will be progressed over the coming months to have the fund in place in 2026.
It is important to note that the Enterprise Scaling fund is only part of a suite of instruments, to be delivered across two phases that will work to enhance the ecosystem and consequently reduce the gap in the market.
74. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the criteria for inclusion in the ICOB re-application. [50777/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICOB and Power Up Reclassification Appeals Process opened on 24th July, 2025 and following an extension closed to appeals on 29th August, 2025.
The eligibility requirements for the Reclassification Appeals Process are:
- A business applied for the original ICOB grant and were approved.
- A business is operating in the retail, hospitality, or beauty sector.
- A business was misclassified during the original ICOB application and was subsequently deemed ineligible for the second ICOB payment and the Power Up grant
- A business must be the direct ratepayer to the local authority. Businesses paying rates through a landlord are not eligible.
- Mixed-activity businesses will be assessed on the primary function of the business.
- A business must be rates compliant or have an agreed performing payment plan in place.
75. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to support indigenous SMEs to adapt to US tariffs and to insulate themselves from the impact of trade disruptions like tariffs in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50800/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe global trading environment has been evolving rapidly over the last number of years. Geopolitical tensions, shifting regulatory environments and supply chain disruptions are reshaping how and where we do business. The introduction of the EU-US tariffs presents notable challenges for many Irish businesses exporting to the US market.? Irish exporters are a vital economic pillar in towns and communities around the country. As has consistently been pointed out, international trade is critically important to the vitality of Irish businesses – both the market diversification and the market resilience agendas are central to the long-term prosperity and success of our enterprise base.
The Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, sets out a path to assist and support Ireland’s businesses, large and small, to adapt to this new environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening their engagement in existing markets. The Action Plan on Market Diversification has a series of initiatives designed to deepen and expand existing market relationships where possible, identify and cultivate new market opportunities, deepen agency support for companies seeking to diversify their export markets and promote and protect market access for Irish goods.
My Department through Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting indigenous SMEs to adapt to the impact of US tariffs and future trade disruptions through a combination of strategic engagement and targeted supports. The agency is working directly with affected companies to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies, supported by its teams in Ireland and across seven US offices. Two new financial supports have been introduced: the Market Research Grant (up to €35,000) to help companies assess tariff impacts and develop pricing and supply chain strategies, and the New Markets Validation Grant (up to €150,000) to support market entry planning. These measures are part of a broader response that includes access to expert advice, strategic consultancy, and market diversification initiatives through Enterprise Ireland’s global network.
76. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the average annual number of high potential start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland in the past decade; the year in which the most start-ups were supported; the year in which the least were supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland supported an average number of 90 High Potential Start Ups (HPSUs) per year from 2015 to 2024.
In total there have been 897 HPSUs across the 10 years.
The most HPSUs supported in a single year was 2015, when 105 HPSUs were supported
The fewest HPSUs supported in a single year was 2020, when 80 HPSUs were supported.
Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) offer is designed to support early-stage companies with strong growth potential in international markets. A HPSU is defined as a start-up that is innovative, export-oriented, and capable of creating at least 10 jobs and generating €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting operations. The programme provides a combination of financial and non-financial supports to help founders scale quickly and sustainably.
Financial supports include equity investment, typically through convertible loan notes or direct equity, and access to feasibility and innovation grants. Non-financial supports are equally critical: Enterprise Ireland offers mentoring, market research, and introductions to global networks of investors and partners. Start-ups also benefit from participation in accelerator programmes, trade missions, and access to Enterprise Ireland’s overseas offices in more than 30 countries.
The HPSU offer is sector-agnostic but prioritises high-value areas such as technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. By combining funding, expertise, and international reach, Enterprise Ireland aims to help Irish start-ups become globally competitive businesses, contributing to job creation and economic growth across Ireland.
|
Year |
No. of HPSUs Supported |
Year |
No. of HPSUs Supported |
|
2024 |
90 |
2019 |
91 |
|
2023 |
85 |
2018 |
82 |
|
2022 |
91 |
2017 |
90 |
|
2021 |
82 |
2016 |
101 |
|
2020 |
80 |
2015 |
105 |
77. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline his Department’s efforts to promote tourism in east County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50283/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I should clarify that regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. County Galway is included in Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategies 2023 – 2027. County Galway encompasses these two programme areas as follows; Galway City and the west coastline which is along the Wild Atlantic Way, while the east of the county is in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Fáilte Ireland has established localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) to activate these brands. The DEDPs are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans for a destination, which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and maximise their chance for success. The DEDP’s are highly collaborative in nature, involving all local stakeholders and this is reflected in the agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties.
In relation to the East Galway DEDP, a tender process for a consultant has closed and a consultant will be appointed in October 2025. Once launched the process will seek to develop a five-year tourism development plan for East Galway in collaboration with stakeholders including Galway County Council.
A regional Industry briefing event was also organised by Failte Ireland for the East Galway tourism sector in April 2025, which saw 45 Tourism Businesses in attendance. In June 2025, Failte Ireland's international publicity team met at the Bia Innovator Hub in Athenry to learn about East Galway tourism businesses and consider ways to incorporate East Galway tourism product on international media itineraries traveling from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way. Failte Ireland has supported the production of a map of local tourism businesses in East Galway, in conjunction with Galway County Council, which will be launched targeting visitors for the 2026 season. Failte Ireland is also promoting tourism in East Galway though Irelands’ Hidden Heartlands” Business 2 Business promotional videos. These videos have featured by Failte Ireland at key travel tradeshows and workshops during 2025; highlighting the region’s unique offerings and inviting both international and domestic visitors to explore the region. Additionally East Galway tourism businesses will be featured in Failte Ireland's upcoming Business to Business Roadshow in October 2026.
From a development perspective, in September 2024, Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour in Portumna following a €2.8m investment, marking a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan. The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour included a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in the harbour for public use which will further enhance the thriving boating and cruise hire sector in the region. The investment included the addition of canoe steps for access to the Lough Derg Blueway; additional onshore facilities such as seating and picnic areas; a new cycle and walking trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna town and Lough Derg Blueway; and additional parking facilities.
78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he is taking to support the tyre sales industry in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49709/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) based within the 31 Local Authorities continue to be the first stop shop for local businesses in Ireland. In the first instance LEOs provide a signposting service for all government supports available to all small businesses and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies.
The LEO Policy Statement 2024 -2030 commits to contributing to the White Paper priority of enabling the locally traded sector to thrive and steps have been taken to open LEO services up to more small businesses across all sectors of the economy.
LEOs provide training and advice on entrepreneurship and helping businesses to start, grow and deal with the challenges of running a business. To assist small businesses to become more productive and competitive, the LEOs provide consultancy and grants, in the areas of Lean, Green, and Digital, to small businesses across all sectors. These supports focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in small businesses. I would recommend that any small business owner contact their Local Enterprise Office and ask to speak to a Business Advisor about the supports available to them.
I also encourage any business owners looking to avail of government support to consult the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is an all-of-government free service, staffed by expertly trained advisers and is focused on helping business owners access a range of government supports.
To directly support retail and locally trading enterprises my Department introduced the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes, which paid out over €400 million to businesses across the country in 2024. Included in this was a second ICOB payment and €4,000 Power Up grant to businesses in the retail sector
79. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on Fáilte Ireland’s plans to develop a destination and experience development plan specifically for north Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50771/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I should clarify that regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Cork is represented by three regional tourism brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The Wild Atlantic Way follows the West Cork Coastline from Kinsale. The Wild Atlantic Region encompasses the west and north of the County. Cork City and East Cork (east of the M8) are represented by Ireland’s Ancient East and the Ballyhoura local development area sits in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
I am advised that Fáilte Ireland has established localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) to activate these brands. The DEDPs are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans for a destination, which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and maximise their chance for success. The DEDP’s are highly collaborative in nature, involving all local stakeholders and this is reflected in the agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties.
Fáilte Ireland has committed to developing a Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for North Cork. This initiative aims to enhance the region's appeal to both domestic and international visitors, ensuring sustainable growth and development in our tourism sector. In early 2026, Fáilte Ireland will engage a consultant to conduct a robust analysis of the North Cork destination. This analysis will form the foundation of a five-year plan, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, the tourism industry, and local communities. The plan will outline strategic initiatives to boost tourism, improve visitor experiences, and promote the unique attractions of North Cork. While Fáilte Ireland prepares for this significant project, they will continue to develop and refine itineraries that showcase the best of what North Cork has to offer. These itineraries will highlight the diverse experiences available to visitors, from cultural and historical sites to outdoor adventures and local culinary delights. Fáilte Ireland believe this plan will be instrumental in positioning North Cork as a tourism destination, and look forward to working closely with community and industry stakeholders to make this vision a reality.
80. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his view on how rural pubs fit into the tourism strategy and qualify for public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50757/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish pubs are a valued part of Ireland’s hospitality offering and contribute to the character and vibrancy of many communities across the country. They also play a role as local employers and contribute to the social and economic fabric of rural and urban communities alike.
As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland promotes and highlight pubs with a strong tourism element, such as a unique visitor experience or those with a food offering, through marketing channels, including international media trips and ambassador activity.
In relation to supports, Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) provide a signposting service for all government supports available to small businesses and provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols. To assist small and medium enterprises to tackle the rising cost of doing business, LEOs provide consultancy and grants to small businesses of all sectors, in the areas of Lean, Green, and Digital. These supports focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in small businesses.
In addition, enterprises can also contact the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) for assistance. The NEH is an all-of-government free service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping business owners access a range of government supports.
With regard to tourism policy, a Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030 was approved by the last Government in November 2024. I’ve asked officials to consider how commitments in the new Programme for Government (PFG) align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy Statement which reflects the PFG and other Government priorities. It will also reflect tourism’s new positioning in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Drafting of the new Policy Statement is at an advanced stage and I expect it to be finalised shortly. It will ensure a strong, resilient tourism sector which benefits every community in Ireland.
81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the progress made by his Department in respect of streamlining the employment permit application process, whereby a single application process for employment permits and entry visa applications would be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50832/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 13th December 2022, the Government agreed in principle to develop a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions, in line with the recast Single Permit Directive. Since then, my Department has engaged extensively with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) to progress this commitment.
A crucial step in creating a single application procedure between my Department and DJHAM is the interoperability of our systems. I am pleased to inform you that on Monday 28th April 2025, the new ‘Employment Permits Online’ system was launched, providing a secure, cloud-based system for the application, processing, and issuance of employment permits. This system, which sits on a Microsoft Power Platform, is based on similar technologies that the DJHAM’s various systems are expected to move to and will support the infrastructure required for a single application process across both Departments.
Building on this, over the summer, the ICT units of both Departments met to discuss potential options for delivering a streamlined, customer-centred single application procedure and the feasibility of these options is being explored. Work on deciding on the best mechanism for delivery will continue at pace in the coming months considering input from the policy, ICT and operational teams within both Departments.
In addition to this important milestone, the project management team, co-chaired by my Department and the DJHAM, have been laying the groundwork for the enhanced sharing of information between our respective IT systems, identifying any legislative changes required for this, and engaging with EU bodies and Member States with processes in place that are similar to what we are currently developing. With a modern, adaptable employment permit system now in place, this collaboration will continue in earnest over the next year, focusing on initial streamlining while working towards a fully implemented single application procedure.
With that in mind, on the 15th and 16th of September 2025, members of the programme management team from both Departments attended a single permit directive workshop with Dutch counterparts. Having a similar functional model as the Irish employment permit and immigration functions, both remaining in their respective ministries, this workshop provided insights into the process design of the Irish single application procedure.
These developments mark a necessary and significant step towards a more integrated and efficient employment permit and visa system, ultimately bringing us closer to our goal of a Single Permit application procedure. My Department remains committed to delivering a streamlined and customer focused service.
88. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Social Protection the means by which his Department plans on using artificial intelligence to speed up the processing of application forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50482/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Over 3.5 million scheme applications were processed in 2024, with performance metrics meeting or exceeding the published targets in the majority of areas. This was achieved despite an ongoing increase in demand for core services, which are currently 30% ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not currently used to assist with the processing of application forms. For many years, the Department has automated its processes as much as possible by programming scheme rules into its IT systems. This enables end to end processing of claims including Pensions, Back to School Clothing and Footwear and Child Benefit claims. It is important to note that no claim is disallowed using these automated systems. Any claim that is not awarded, is referred to a Deciding Officer of the Department for human intervention.
The Department consistently leads in the safe and secure adoption of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that every digital advancement aligns with robust security standards and best practice.
My officials are examining the potential future use of AI technologies to enhance service delivery quality and efficiency. My Department has recently established an Innovation Hub, to allow the organisation to assess and evaluate the potential use of AI in a safe and secure manner going forward.
98. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the establishment of a working age payment as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently examining a new Working Age Payment and hopes to issue a public consultation on the issue later this year or early in 2026. An outline of a possible approach was already published in the consultation paper on the Pay Related Benefit model.
Noting the work already done, the Programme for Government commits that any new Working Age Payment will ensure that individuals will always see an increase in income when they work or take on additional hours. It will do this by addressing inconsistencies and anomalies in the current Jobseekers Allowance Scheme which may discourage people from taking up employment.
Currently if a person on a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment receives an offer of part-time work, they may end up worse off financially if their hours are spread over the whole of the working week, rather than concentrated in three days or less. This situation needs to be addressed.
A proposed Working Age Payment model would change the basis for payment, moving away from a ‘days of work’ approach to an income-based approach.
One approach under consideration is to base a person’s payment on a percentage of the difference between their income and a specified threshold for their family type. This is the approach currently used under the Working Family Payment and provides a more flexible approach that reflects modern working.
As already stated my officials are currently exploring a range of potential models for a new Working Age Payment and it is intended to publish a Strawman proposal for consultation later in the year or, at the latest, early next year.
99. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for a targeted child benefit payment. [50693/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes the commitment to explore a targeted child benefit payment and examine the interaction this would have with existing targeted supports like the Working Family and Child Support Payments.
Officials in my Department are working on this commitment. This work is complex and will take time to get right. We need to ensure that any potential second tier payment has the impact we want it to have and helps those families who need it most. The complexity of the issue is clear from the fact that the outline model used for costing and impact purposes by the ESRI involved a reduction in payment to about 100,000 children. We also need to consider the impacts any new second tier payment would have on work incentives and the labour market. While a second-tier payment is a complex piece of work and will take time to get right, the exploration of this proposal is underway. However, it will not be possible to complete this work in time for the Budget.
While a targeted child benefit payment is one approach to reduce child poverty, there are also existing schemes and mechanisms available to me to achieve this end. We know, based on ESRI research, that increases in the Child Support Payment and Working Family Payment are very effective at tackling child poverty. These payments provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income, thereby supporting low-income families with children. This is why payment rates of the Child Support Payment and weekly thresholds for the Working Family Payment were increased significantly in Budget 2025, amongst other measures.
The Government has approved an ambitious child poverty target, with a consistent poverty rate of 3% to be achieved by the end of 2030. This would mean a reduction of 5.5 percentage points from the current child consistent poverty rate of 8.5%.
While of course, no level of child poverty is acceptable, the new Child Poverty Target will guide our cross-government policies and ensure investment is targeted at the children who need it the most, so we can lift as many children as possible out of poverty.
100. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection since the introduction of updated regulations to modernise and streamline the social welfare appeals process implemented on 28 April 2025, if a reduction in processing times has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Regulations 2024 came into effect on 28 April 2025. These new regulations apply to appeals where both the notice of appeal is received, and the decision under appeal is dated on or after this commencement date.
The purpose of these updated regulations is to modernise and streamline the social welfare appeals process, providing greater clarity, improved consistency, and more defined timeframes.
The time limit for lodging an appeal has increased from 21 to 60 days, with provision for the Chief Appeals Officer to accept late appeals up to 180 days in certain circumstances. This will allow customers a longer period to prepare their appeal and gather any additional documentation.
The new regulations formalise the requirement for the scheme area within the Department to carry out a review of the initial Deciding Officer’s decision. This means that the Department must review the decision even if the customer does not specifically request a review. This means that the decision may be revised in favour of the customer at the earliest stage possible with no need for the decision to be considered by an Appeals Officer. In 2025 32% of decisions have been revised in this way.
Thus far, the new Regulations have led to a reduction in appeal processing times. In 2024, the average time to process an appeal was 23.5 weeks. At the end of Quarter 2 2025 the average time to process an appeal was 21.9 weeks. It is expected that this figure will reduce further as we approach the end of the year.
The Chief Appeals Officer continues to monitor processing times and every effort is made to reduce the time taken to process an appeal. However, the drive for efficiency must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and made in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation and regulations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
