Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the truck driver shortages in Cork; if his Department has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) regarding ongoing concerns they have with driver shortage; the impact that shortage will have on Christmas supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51671/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I am keenly aware of the problems caused by the shortage of HGV drivers, particularly given the very important role that the road haulage sector has in our economy. The HGV driver shortage is not confined to Ireland; it has been a growing issue across Europe and globally for a number of years now. It is a multifaceted issue with a range of different contributing factors. My Department and I are committed to supporting the road haulage industry.
Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022-2031 is a 10-year strategy that fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to produce the first-ever government strategy dedicated to the haulage and road freight sector. The strategy focuses on generating efficiencies, improving standards, securing jobs, and helping the road freight sector move to a low-carbon future. A particularly important action arising from this Strategy is the establishment of the Road Freight Forum, a new body that has formalised engagement between the Government Departments, agencies, industry and academics. This forum brings stakeholders together to coordinate the delivery of the Strategy.
The Strategy is complimented by the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) Work Programme 2024-2027. Both the Strategy and Work Programme include measures to tackle labour shortages and address skills gaps in this sector.
Ireland has licence exchange agreements for HGV drivers with five countries outside of the EEA – South Korea, Japan, Australia, South Africa and Georgia. The quota for employment permits for HGV drivers outside the European Union/European Economic Area (EEA) was removed in 2021. While recruitment from abroad can help to alleviate the HGV driver shortage in the short-term, it is not the full solution. That is why my Department has introduced longer-term measures to address the driver shortage in a fully sustainable way and encourage people already living in Ireland to consider a career in the supply chain sector.
In recent years, a number of new training and educational opportunities have been developed, including the Transport Operations and Commercial Driver Apprenticeship Scheme, where young people and new entrants can earn as they learn with leading transport businesses, as well as a Logistics and Distribution 1-year traineeship, where participants will be on practical placement in the industry for 12 weeks, in various blocks, over the duration of the year.
Another important educational opportunity is the Professional HGV Training Programme, which is a 7-month course designed to offer a pathway for new entrants into the profession of commercial driving. It is fully funded by the SOLAS Traineeship Scheme and is offered by Education & Training Boards (ETBs) across the country.
A full list of the available educational and training opportunities in the sector can be found in the ‘Overview of Existing Education and Training Provision in Logistics and Supply Chain’ https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/overview-of-existing-education-and-training-provisions-0ce4736a-cb4b-4bba-aec7-b84228c.pdfdocument, which is continuously being updated and can be found on the gov.ie/LSCSG webpage. A full list of publications by the LSCSG can be found at Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group Publications. (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/publications/logistics-and-supply-chain-skills-group-publications/)
The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) was established in 2019 to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors in Ireland. The Group includes relevant Government Departments, education and training providers and industry representatives, including the IRHA It is currently chaired by my Department. The LSCSG Work Programme 2024-2027 contains 12 priority actions to support the promotion of careers, education and skills development, and sustainable employment in logistics and supply chain activities and can be viewed [here]: (www.flipsnack.com/FF5BA9DD75E/lscsg-work-programme-2024-2027-final/full-view.html)
In March 2023 my Department launched the first ever Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week (Logistics Week), to highlight career and educational opportunities in the sector. This weeklong initiative has become an annual opportunity to continue to promote careers in this sector and planning is underway for the fourth iteration to be held from 16 to 23 April 2026.
Since 2024 Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week has included the LogisTYcs Skills Expo which is designed specifically for Transition Year (TY) students. The second LogisTYcs Skills Expo was held on Thursday 3 April 2025, where I personally attended and met with TY students from across the country who got the opportunity to engage with potential future employers from the logistics and supply chain industry, as well as educational providers. A third LogisTYcs Skills Expo is in the planning stages for 2026.
182. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress of the N24 Cahir to Waterford scheme, including timelines for planning, detailed design and delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50980/25]
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.
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.
183. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his work in the establishment of transport policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51681/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to reassure the Deputy that work in my Department is ongoing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
This work involves making measured and informed decisions regarding the appropriate model for the Transport Security Force, which is currently being carefully examined by all the key stakeholders.
The commitment under the Programme for Government is to create a Transport Security Force under the NTA, which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers. It is important to note that that neither the Airport Police, nor Customs Officers, have the powers provided to An Garda Síochána, and the introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation, which can have a significant lead time. However, it is a priority for my Department that this work will be progressed as quickly as feasible.
While the last few years have seen significant progress on investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious issue, and it is those who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents on the network. The establishment of the Transport Security Force will play a central role in helping to tackle this important issue.
In the interim, the Government commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and the ongoing work on public transport safety, will continue, as will the continued support and funding for operator measures.
184. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the actions being proposed within his Department following the publication in October 2024 of the light rail feasibility study for Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis in the form of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
The Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA on 30th October 2024. The Light Rail Feasibility Study is not a stand-alone document and has been published for information only. The Feasibility Study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The Feasibility Study does not identify a preferred alignment for light rail in the study area and is only intended to explore issues and potential feasibility. The indicative route options presented in the final report would need to be explored further, following any decision to further progress light rail for the city.
The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road to adequately inform the development of the draft Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Once sufficiently developed it will be opened to full public consultation.
In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.
185. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to improve rail services on the Rosslare rail line south of Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
186. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport if there is a breakdown of investment per railway route, the current investment, and the investment per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.
Iarnród Éireann's are better placed to provide a breakdown on the funding allocated to individual projects or routes. As such I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
187. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the increase in the kilometres of cycle lanes across Ireland per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51602/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and delivery of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
188. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys per year, per route, on the Intercity city route to Galway from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51462/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
189. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Cork northern ring road and the northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51672/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme and for Public Transport.
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 the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formerly the Northern Ring Road) in Cork.
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.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Northern Distributor Road project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
190. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated timeline for delivery of the northern distributor road and the northern ring road in Cork. [51724/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme and for Public Transport.
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 the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formerly the Northern Ring Road) in Cork.
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.
The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Northern Distributor Road project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
191. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted an impact assessment of the recent changes to the Dublin commuter zone fare structure; and his views on the socioeconomic implications for commuters in Zones 2, 3 and 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51550/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
192. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys on the western rail corridor each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51613/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
193. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the increase in the number of routes on the rural transport/local link network each year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51463/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport I recognise the importance of increasing public transport connectivity in rural Ireland. In the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, this Government has committed to increasing Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities.
Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport service in rural areas I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport whether he will instruct the National Transport Authority to introduce a temporary change to taxi lifespan regulations, to allow taxi drivers with taxis registered in 2016 to have an extension of one year, as happened for 2014 and 2015 taxis, to prevent a good number of drivers being forced out of business, especially those nearing retirement age who cannot afford to invest in a new vehicle ahead of their retirement in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The NTA as the statutory, independent, regulator made regulations in 2010 that established a maximum permissible age of 10 years for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort, and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.
The Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 require the NTA to seek to promote the provision and maintenance of quality services by SPSVs and their drivers. The Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 continued the age limit for taxis and hackneys as, in general, less than 10 years old, and always of a condition and quality suitable to provide SPSV services. Wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys can operate up to 15-years old. No maximum age is set for limousines due to the vintage nature of many of these vehicles and their reduced mileage, due to their ceremonial and prestigious roles.
The NTA extended vehicle age limits during Covid-19, but this was a temporary measure, aimed at ensuring that no operator would be required to change their vehicle while passenger demand remained low due to the pandemic. The 2022 Regulations provide for a graduated return to the ten-year age limit; however, and as the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government 2025 contained a commitment to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service.' To address this PfG commitment, the Board of the NTA approved the making of a new Regulation which came into effect from 1 April 2025. One of the consequences of the 2022 Regulations was that taxis first registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014 could operate longer than those first registered in 2015. The 2025 Regulations largely address this anomaly, allowing 2015 taxis an additional year of operation, thus providing a 2026 final operating date for those taxis. The NTA does not anticipate introducing any further maximum permissible age extensions.
Grants, which are administered by the NTA, are available for drivers looking to purchase new vehicles. The wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant provides financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. Under the WAV Grant, applicants can avail of up to €17,500 in grant funding. In addition to the WAV grant, the eSPSV Grant Scheme is available to persons (individuals or companies) applying for new SPSV licences or existing SPSV licence holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement electric vehicle. Applicants can avail of up to €25,000 in grant funding under this Scheme. The Scheme provides grants towards new and second hand EVs, with a higher level of funding on offer where an older, existing vehicle, is scrapped. The 2025 iterations of these grant schemes are closed to new applications but they may re-open in early 2026, subject to the provision of funding.
A further avenue to help SPSV drivers financially is through Microfinance Ireland. Microfinance Ireland provides unsecured business loans up to €50,000 to both Start-ups and established businesses, that are having difficulty in getting access to funding through the usual credit institutions. Further details on loans that are available can be seen at this link: Small Business Loans - Microfinance Ireland (https://microfinanceireland.ie/).
195. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to expedite major improvement works to the main road in and out of Dingle and West Kerry, the N86, a critical national secondary road that is in a suboptimal condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51823/25]
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 N86.
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.
196. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the review into the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor; his position on advancing this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. The recommendations include a proposal to reinstate the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.
Moreover, the recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
197. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an update on the proposed National Security Strategy revision which has been called on to ensure the strategy reflects the changed geo-political landscape that Europe and Ireland confronts, in particular in relation to the threats to critical offshore assets and the steps that Ireland can take to better protect both existing and planned future infrastructure from hybrid risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49125/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in drawing up the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.
The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues and it will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats and including implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Earlier this year, I established the Ministerial National Security Council, which comprises the Taoiseach as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments.
The National Strategy for Resilience of Critical Entities, being delivered by the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence, will lay out the framework for the identification of critical entities in the essential service sectors in the State. The strategy will outline the specific obligations and resilience-enhancement measures required from each of the critical entities and a mechanism for information-sharing and developing a collaborative approach among key stakeholders to the resilience of the essential services.
In addition, the Department of Defence is leading the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy in consultation with national and international stakeholders. It is anticipated the Strategy will include a focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness and ensuring the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, including critical undersea infrastructure.
198. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Taoiseach the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025; and if he will provide the data storage supplier, in tabular form. [51372/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of the Taoiseach works with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to ensure that best practice is followed in the procurement and use of software programmes. The Department leverages technologies available from cloud service providers in line with the stated advice of the OGCIO.
Details of the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Total Spend |
|
2025 - to date |
€18,959 |
|
2024 |
€19,201 |
|
2023 |
€16,239 |
|
2022 |
€14,763 |
|
2021 |
€3,693 |
|
2020 |
€3,693 |
199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legislative basis of the Government's policy not to issue travel documents to non-nationals experiencing grave humanitarian disasters whose passports have been lost, damaged or destroyed as a consequence of the conditions they are seeking to be removed from (details supplied); and whether he will consider legislation which will allow Irish embassies issue travel documents to non-citizens whose passports have been damaged, lost or destroyed and where issuing these documents will allow a person to be evacuated from a grave humanitarian disaster. [51176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the start of the crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and their immediate dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. My Department has also supported the evacuation of other Palestinians seeking support from Ireland, including students, medical evacuation patients and individuals with work offers in Ireland. Overall, during this period, my Department has supported and facilitated the travel of more than 200 people from Gaza to Ireland, with further evacuations planned.
With regard to the query on the legislative basis regarding the non-issuing of travel documents to non-nationals, all passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act 2008, as amended (“the 2008 Act“). Section 7(1)(a) of the 2008 Act provides that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for the Minister for Foreign Affairs (“the Minister”) to issue a passport to that person. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit evidence to the satisfaction of the Minister, among other things, that that person is an Irish citizen and as such is entitled to a passport. Section 12(1)(a) of the 2008 Act states that the Minister shall refuse to issue a passport to a person if the Minister is not satisfied that the person is an Irish citizen. The entitlement of a person to citizenship is governed by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended (“the 1956 Act”).
There is no consideration for legislation to allow for the issuing of Irish passports to non-citizens.
I should also note that it remains possible to secure travel documents for those in Gaza. Indeed, so far this year, approximately 40 individuals seeking to leave Gaza and travel to Ireland have secured reissued Palestinian passports. With this in mind, I would advise anyone wishing to leave Gaza, but does not have the necessary travel documents to take the issue up with the Palestinian Authorities via the Embassy of Palestine in Dublin.
I fully appreciate the appalling conditions on the ground in Gaza, and how difficult a time this continues to be for those separated from their families. I can assure you that Ireland will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, and immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale into Gaza.
200. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of historical precedent for issuing travel documents to non-nationals outside of normal procedures during conditions of genocide (details supplied); and his plans to follow the precedent to enable the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza where they are seeking to come to Ireland.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the start of the crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and their immediate dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. My Department has also supported the evacuation of other Palestinians seeking support from Ireland, including students, medical evacuation patients and individuals with work offers in Ireland. Overall, during this period, my Department has supported and facilitated the travel of more than 200 people from Gaza to Ireland, with further evacuations planned.
However, facilitating an exit from Gaza is not straightforward. As I know you will appreciate, evacuations from Gaza are complex operations requiring close cooperation, and detailed planning across multiple organisations. Success is dependent on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, receipt of permissions from the relevant authorities. Much of this rests outside the control of the Government of Ireland.
My Department continues to explore options to assist individuals in Gaza, but unfortunately travel cannot be guaranteed, even for those that hold valid Irish visas.
I would like to thank you for sharing the example of humanitarian support during World War II. I note in the provided example that Chiune Sugihara provided visas to persons fleeing their homes, and I applaud the bravery demonstrated by this official to save the lives of many people at great personal risk. Officials in my Department are equally committed to supporting as many people as feasible to leave Gaza, and I can assure you that they have the full support of the Government to do so.
With this in mind, I would like to assure you that my Department has facilitated the lodging of visa applications from Gaza, including through the removal of administrative barriers that might otherwise have impeded this process. The Department of Justice has also facilitated the expedited processing of these applications.
Unfortunately, it is the case that while officials from my Department have granted several family groups all the necessary permissions to travel to Ireland, including long-stay visas, some have still been unable to leave due to absence of required permissions or travel documents from third countries. As I am sure you will appreciate, this is outside the control of the Government of Ireland. It is simply not legally possible to facilitate their travel.
I note that it remains possible to secure new travel documents, even for those in Gaza. Indeed, so far this year, approximately 40 individuals seeking to leave Gaza and travel to Ireland have secured reissued Palestinian passports. With this in mind, anyone without valid travel documents is advised to take up the issue with the Palestinian Authorities via Embassy of Palestine in Dublin
I fully appreciate the appalling conditions on the ground in Gaza, and how difficult a time this continues to be for those separated from their families. I can assure you that Ireland will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, and immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale into Gaza.
