Written Answers Nos. 201-221
201. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will confirm if a person (details supplied) is eligible for Irish citizenship based on their parent's citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The 2008 Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, naturalisation or post nuptial citizenship.
With regards to the Deputy's query, the applicant is eligible for citizenship through FBR. The Passport Service has been in contact with the applicant's parent about their application and has provided guidance to assist them with their application.
FBR applications are currently being processed within the normal turnaround time of 9 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
By its nature, FBR is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service Customer Service Hub has dedicated agents to deal with FBR application queries. The contact number for urgent queries is +353 1 568 3331. Further information is also available on the Department's website.
202. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government has taken to ensure that the new UK Ireland framework replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 fully meets human rights standards, including provision for independent oversight, timely inquests, and proper disclosure of information; and how Ireland will support victim families in Northern Ireland who have called for truth and justice, including funding, access, and legal guarantees. [51345/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Government will table draft legislation in this Dáil session to give effect to the new UK-Ireland framework on the Troubles' legacy; whether Ireland will insist on full access to all documents held by UK State agencies; the safeguards in place to ensure victims' voices are central; and the projected budgetary and administrative implications for Garda, legal services, and victim support bodies. [51830/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the new joint legacy framework being advanced by the Irish and UK governments, if he will publish the legal text or draft legislation under consideration; to confirm if Irish citizens access to UK archives and military records will be guaranteed; and the resources (staffing, legal support, victim assistance) Ireland will allocate to support victims’ families, including in Northern Ireland. [52108/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 202, 205 and 208 together.
On 19 September, together with Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I announced publication of an agreed Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles.
The Joint Framework sets out a comprehensive package aimed at providing truth and accountability for victims and families who lost loved ones during the Troubles. It represents a clear break with the 2023 UK Legacy Act, which was opposed by all political parties, victims and survivors groups, and wider civil society in Northern Ireland. The Framework is a welcome return to partnership by the two Governments on Northern Ireland, working as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Framework will deliver fundamental reform of the Legacy Act 2023 and some of the most the important changes to that legislation are outlined below.
The ICRIR will be renamed the Legacy Commission and a suite of changes will ensure the independence of the Commission. These include: a statutory Independent Oversight Board; Statutory conflict of interest provisions; and an independent appointments panel advising on senior appointments. There will also be a statutory Victims and Survivors Advisory Group to ensure that the voices of all those affected will be represented and that the needs of victims remain central to the work of the Legacy Commission.
The Legacy Act’s prohibition on inquests will be removed. Inquests which had commenced but were halted by the Legacy Act will recommence. Inquests that had been ordered but had not begun will be subject to a further decision by the UK Solicitor General on how these will be dealt with. Some may continue as inquests and others may move to the Inquisitorial Mechanism. Clear criteria for this decision will be set out in statute.
A new Inquisitorial Mechanism will be established within the Legacy Commission. Hearings under this mechanism will be presided over by judges. It will be equipped to hold public hearings and, if necessary, private hearings to consider sensitive information. Provision will also be made for next of kin representation. The Government has committed to a financial contribution of €25 million over three years to support this engagement of victims and families with the new legacy processes.
On disclosure, the Joint Framework states that the Legacy Commission’s processes will be approached in a spirit of openness and transparency. The disclosure provisions in the Legacy Act will be changed.
The two Governments will establish a standalone, cross-border information retrieval body, as foreseen in the Stormont House Agreement, on a pilot basis. The body will aim to afford families the opportunity to seek information relevant to the death of a loved one when the investigative route has been unable to recover that information.
The Framework is underpinned by a commitment to reciprocal cooperation. It commits the relevant Irish authorities to cooperating with the Legacy Commission. This includes an undertaking by the Government to legislate, if required, to enable cooperation by relevant authorities with the Legacy Commission once established. The detail and timeline for the enactment of any legislation will be dependent on consideration of the legislation to be brought forward by the UK Government to reform the Legacy Act.
The Framework also commits the UK to reciprocal cooperation with authorities in this jurisdiction on the same basis and in the same spirit.
A dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána will be established by the end of the year as a single point of contact for cross-border cooperation on Troubles-related cases and as a central point of contact and coordination for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána. Its full operation will be dependent on the progress of the legislation reforming the Legacy Commission and that body becoming fully operational.
The two key tests I set over the course of these negotiations were, first, that any reformed legacy architecture be compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and, second, that it can secure the confidence of victims and survivors. I believe that the package I announced on 19 September can meet those tests if the Joint Framework is faithfully implemented.
203. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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. [51364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a large global network for ICT services. As part of digital transformation, some of these services are delivered using cloud technology. The specific costs for Microsoft Azure cloud storage elements in the years requested are:
|
YEAR |
COST |
|
2020 |
N/A |
|
2021 |
N/A |
|
2022 |
N/A |
|
2023 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
€17,089 |
|
2025 |
€28,769 |
|
Total |
€45,858 |
204. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, and when it is expected that the Bill will come before the Houses for First Stage. [51456/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 24 June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade held a number of hearings on the General Scheme, and received submissions representing a range of views and perspectives.
Pre-Legislative Scrutiny is an important part of the legislative process and I have thanked the Committee for its report. Detailed work to analyse the report and its recommendations is well underway with a view to getting the best and most robust piece of legislation. The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, will be considered by Government shortly.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action should be taken at EU level and I continue to pursue this.
In advance of the June Foreign Affairs Council I joined nine other EU Foreign Ministers in writing a letter to the High Representative calling for the EU to undertake a detailed review of its compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ. On 26 August, HR/VP responded that Commission services are currently conducting analysis on the extent to which the ongoing agreements follow the provisions of the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion, and that she hopes to share the outcome in the near future. Together with my counterparts, I will continue to press for an urgent conclusion to this analysis.
I welcome the recent announcements by the Slovenian, Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch governments that they intend to follow Ireland’s lead and take steps to enact a similar ban on the importation of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
I also welcome that the European Commission has now proposed a package of measures including a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement on trade-related matters. This builds on the Commission proposal to suspend part of the EU’s Horizon funding to Israel.
Ireland has welcomed these proposals, which are long overdue and follow sustained action by the Government.
The EU now has an opportunity to demonstrate to its international partners, and crucially to its citizens, that it is ready to act in the face of the catastrophic situation in Gaza, and to stand up for its core principles and respect for international law.
206. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of Ireland’s response to the attacks on the global sumud flotilla, which currently has a number of Irish citizens onboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51913/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and reiterate that no unlawful or violent act should be taken against those involved. With this in mind, earlier this month I issued a statement alongside 15 other Foreign Ministers to express my concern about the security of the flotilla. Alongside my counterparts, I called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
On 24th September, while in New York, I spoke directly with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and to EU counterparts about collectively raising our concerns in Tel Aviv and consider what can be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those on board the flotilla.
I also raised the matter publicly in my intervention at the United Nations during the Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting.
I am keenly aware of the number of Irish citizens who are participating and understand that the peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
While my Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department.
In this case, my clear priority, and that of my Department, is to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens. Officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consular Assistance Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.
207. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland's 1980 position endorsing Palestinian statehood, and resolving not to make comment "good bad or indifferent" as to the political beliefs of organisations that are "in a position to negotiate on behalf of the Palestinian people," still applies (details supplied); in particular noting that the relevant beliefs included support for the military destruction of Israel; or whether Ireland's 2024 recognition of Palestinian statehood downgrades the standing of a prospective Palestinian state and introduces a role for the Irish Government, or other non-Palestinian Governments, in determining an appropriate government for the Palestinian people, in light of recent comments from the Taoiseach indicating that an organisation could have no role in the future of a Palestinian state, whatever the views of the Palestinian people themselves; and that this was on grounds that the organisation calls for the military destruction of Israel, and that Ireland has resolved that said organisation offers no future to the Palestinian people. [52054/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 May 2024, the Government decided to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State, within the territory defined by the 1967 borders referenced in UN Security Council resolution 242 (1967).
Our recognition of Palestine was a concrete step, taken along with trusted international partners. Since then we have been working closely with Arab and Gulf partners, as well as partners in Europe and beyond to promote implementation of the two-State solution.
Ireland has consistently argued that the only just and sustainable solution, for both Palestinians and Israelis, is a two-State solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
Hamas is a terrorist organisation which offers the people of Gaza no future. Hamas is listed by the European Union as a terrorist organisation, unanimously agreed by all Member States. Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas and its terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, and has consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.
The New York Declaration, the outcome document of the International Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York in July, states clearly that "In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State." The New York Declaration was endorsed by 142 UN member states in a vote at the UN General Assembly on 12 September, including Ireland which was a Co-Chair of one of the International Conference Working Groups.
Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for a revitalised Palestinian Authority. This includes regular discussions on democratic and political renewal. I was pleased to attend the first ever EU-Palestine High Level Dialogue in Luxembourg in April. The Dialogue provided an opportunity for the EU to engage directly with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. At the meeting, I welcomed the programme of reform being undertaken by the Palestinian Authority and commended progress made to date in what is an extremely challenging environment.
The importance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and democratic legitimacy, including elections, was discussed during the meeting between my predecessor, then Tánaiste Micheál Martin, when he met with President Abbas during his visit to the oPt in September 2023.
209. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his immediate plans to protect Irish citizens on a non-violent mission to bring aid to Gaza, given recent Israeli attacks on the flotilla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by reports of attacks on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and reiterate that no unlawful or violent act should be taken against those involved. With this in mind, earlier this month I issued a statement alongside 15 other Foreign Ministers to express my concern about the security of the flotilla. Alongside my counterparts, I called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
On 24th September, while in New York, I spoke directly with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and to EU counterparts about collectively raising our concerns in Tel Aviv and consider what can be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those on board the flotilla.
I also raised the matter publicly in my intervention at the United Nations during the Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting.
I am keenly aware of the number of Irish citizens who are currently involved or have participated, including you Deputy. I fully appreciate that the peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
While my Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department.
In this case, my clear priority, and that of my Department, is to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens. Officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consular Assistance Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.
210. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the nature of the issues preventing snap fishing in the Inistiog area of Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51286/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe River Nore, near Inistiog in Kilkenny, is one of Ireland’s salmonid rivers meaning it naturally supports salmon and trout populations. Ireland’s salmonid fisheries are managed on a river-by-river basis using robust scientific advice on conservation limits.
A conservation limit is the minimal number required to ensure a stock remains sustainable. Harvesting (i.e. removal of fish) is only permitted in rivers which are above their conservation limit, so that the viability of the stock in that river is not negatively impacted. Where a river does not meet its conservation limit, restrictions are put in place. Those restrictions, which may include closure, bag limits, gear restrictions or catch-and-release systems, are determined each year for each river based on the latest scientific advice.
The River Nore is currently below its conservation limit and operates under a catch-and-release regime. Fishing methods, such as snap-net fishing, which would remove fish from the river are therefore not permitted.
211. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of approvals for and drawdowns of the home energy upgrade scheme loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51725/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme (HEULS), which launched in April 2024, is intended to play a crucial role in helping homeowners invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills. It was developed by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the European Investment Bank Group.
The scheme is available nationwide and homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years at significantly lower interest rates to those currently on the market. Rates start from as low as 2.99% with price varying depending on the finance provider. PTSB was the first lender to join in April 2024, with AIB and Bank of Ireland joining in June 2024. In 2025 the group of participating lenders has been expanded to include Avant Money (in partnership with An Post) and seven credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions.
Loan applications are processed, validated and approved by the participating finance providers. Only loans that have been drawn down under the Scheme are uploaded by the finance providers to the SBCI's reporting system. The numbers of loans drawn down are reported by SBCI to the Department on a quarterly basis.
As of the end of June 2025, there were 580 loans drawn down to a value of €28.5 million.
In line with the Programme for Government, in addition to expanding the number of lenders under the scheme, a key focus of my Department across 2025 has been the continued promotion of the Scheme to drive uptake. The Department has engaged with the SEAI, the SBCI and several lenders to examine and identify opportunities to further promote the scheme. This also includes the progression of a marketing and communications campaign to scale up activity in the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
212. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if a systematic assessment will be carried out to quantify the number of fish killed in the recent River Blackwater incident; the engagement which has taken place with local stakeholders including angling clubs, farming bodies and community organisations; and when the resulting data will be reported and to whom. [51227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to acknowledge the seriousness of the fish kill that occurred on the River Blackwater and its tributaries near Mallow, Co Cork, and I fully recognise the enormous impact this incident has had on local communities, anglers and users of this important river catchment.
From the outset, I have been in regular contact with local councillors and public representatives and engaged directly with those mostly affected. I visited the site on two occasions, where I chaired a well-attended town hall meeting between agencies and stakeholders, principally anglers and their representatives. Officials in the Department also worked closely with the agencies involved to coordinate public updates, ensure results were issued as they became available and that timely updates were provided to local and national media. This approach ensured transparency and that all stakeholders were kept informed of progress.
A report of the investigation into the fish kill incident on the River Blackwater was published last Thursday, 25 September, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on behalf of the Inter-Agency Group established to coordinate an investigation into this incident. The report includes a summary of the work carried out by all the agencies involved and includes detailed reports of the investigations completed by the primary agencies - IFI, the Environmental Protection Authority and Cork County Council. All other data, including test reports, lab results and monitoring reports, was released as it became available throughout the course of the investigation. All publications relating to the incident are available on IFI’s website at www.fisheriesireland.ie/publications.
I can advise the Deputy that an assessment of the mortality numbers has been carried out by IFI. While it is not possible to determine an exact number, IFI’s estimate provides a scientifically robust range that reflects the likely scale of the loss. Details of IFI’s assessment is included in the Inter-Agency report.
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding remedial works on a bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities who need to carry out remedial works to alleviate damage from flooding, landslide, subsidence or other similar occurrences may do so under the Local Authorities (Works) Act 1949. Where such works come under the scope of fisheries legislation, the local authority is required to obtain permission, in the form of a derogation, from the Department. The process for obtaining a derogation is set out on the gov.ie website*.
I am advised that a derogation was issued to Kerry County Council in February 2024 for urgent remedial works at Foildarrig Bridge due to erosion along the northern embankment. This derogation approved the works proposed by the Council in their application, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the derogation.
*www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/services/apply-for-a-derogation-under-the-local-authorities-works-act-1949/.
214. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [51358/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are provided in the table below:
|
Year |
Data Storage Supplier |
Cost ex VAT |
Cost inc VAT |
|
2025 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
Esri Ireland |
€12,218 |
€15,028 |
|
2023 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
|
2022 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
|
2021 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
|
2020 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
The costs in 2024 were as a direct result of a Transfer of Function from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
215. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, through grants for the fabric upgrade of buildings, as well as solar PV and heat pump installation.
Overall, since 2019, the SEAI schemes provided €1.48 billion support to homeowners for 223,492 home energy upgrades. This year, a record budget allocation of over €550 million for the SEAI will support additional home energy upgrades and build on the momentum seen in recent years.
Under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS), a network of registered One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) provide an end-to-end service for homeowners who want to upgrade to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and install a heat pump. The service includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
The NHEUS is focused on deep retrofits, which are technically complex. For this reason, SEAI has set an appropriately high bar for companies to register as an OSS, to ensure the quality of the retrofit. It is open to companies operating in general construction/renovation to register as an OSS by applying to the SEAI.
There are currently 25 OSSs registered with SEAI. The SEAI is actively working with other applicant organisations to support them through the registration process. The SEAI continues to actively engage with the wider construction sector, with the aim of getting more companies registered as One-Stop-Shops.
As more OSSs are registered this is creating greater competition in the marketplace as well as affording homeowners greater choice. It is always recommended that a homeowner speaks to several OSSs before making their decision, so that they can choose the company that best suits their budget, timeframe and other considerations, including the need for additional building works.
Information on registration as a One-Stop-Shop can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/ Or by contacting SEAI either by email to onestopshop@seai.ie or by phone to 01-8082004.
216. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of problems with the removal of clothes pods, where they have become hotspots for illegal dumping and are not being used regularly for the donation of clothes, as a result of the EU Waste Framework Directive, which requires each Member State to provide a segregated waste collection service; and if his Department will instruct local authorities to remove clothes pods which are not being actively used for the donation of clothes, and are instead being used for illegal dumping and have been damaged. [51612/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur textile separate collection system is currently under strain due to adverse international trading conditions caused by wars and currency crises around the globe. This is a complex problem being experienced across Europe at the moment.
Under waste management legislation, local authorities are responsible for waste management planning and this includes managing capacity issues and the provision of clothing banks. The local government sector is managing the situation actively to maintain business continuity in the collection and management of used textiles. The Department is working closely with local authorities and is providing necessary supports to ensure separate collection of textiles in line with our EU obligations.
This year I have made funding available to the local government sector for Anti-Dumping Initiatives, waste enforcement, and for communications and awareness raising around preventing waste and promoting reuse. Funding is being provided by the Department to the local government sector for a public awareness campaign to advise where and how people can discard their used textiles in a responsible way which will help curb illegal dumping.
A targeted amendment to the EU Waste Framework Directive is expected to be published by the end of 2025 which will provide for a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles to be in place in each Member State by 2028. The Department has started the foundational work for an Irish EPR scheme. It is expected that the establishment of this scheme will greatly assist in dealing with issues being experienced at present.
217. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the expected cost of the business energy upgrade scheme in it's first year since being launched in November 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Business Energy Upgrades Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by SEAI as part of a suite of business supports. In 2024 alone, SEAI Business Supports provided grant support of over €40 million to over 3000 businesses significantly supporting energy cost reduction, competitiveness, and emission reduction. The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme was opened for applications in November 2024, and offers businesses access to rapid approval grant funding for a range of retrofit measures for buildings such as hotels, offices, retail and restaurants. There has been strong activity on the application portal with a large volume of draft applications (over 550) as people review the potential options. Typically, some time is required by the commercial sector to prepare the necessary details before submitting the application. 150 applications have been approved with a combined total in offers of in excess of €2.7million supporting a total number of 277 measures. All 9 measures available are represented within this package of applications which is a good initial indicator of the public’s interest in the overall suite of technologies provided. The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme is critical to supporting a higher rate of commercial building retrofit and is expected to double the number of commercial building retrofits and heat pumps supported from 2024 to 2025.
218. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Government’s National Heat Policy Statement; when he expects that it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51734/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), contains detailed analysis that is being used to inform the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise Ireland’s heating and cooling sectors to 2050. A draft Heat Policy Statement, informed by the findings of the National Heat Study, has been prepared and has undergone extensive consultation with Government Departments and Agencies. The Heat Policy Statement will set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector. The draft statement encompasses the national heat-related policies currently in place relevant to households, businesses, energy suppliers, planning authorities, and developers.
It is a legal requirement to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to determine whether the draft Heat Policy Statement is likely to have significant environmental effects. An SEA screening and a screening for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) for the draft Heat Policy Statement has been completed. The SEA and AA screening reports resulted in a full SEA being required, but an AA not being required.
A public consultation on the SEA Environmental Report, the AA Screening report, and the draft Heat Policy Statement is required to take place before the SEA process can be finalised. The consultation is planned for Q4 2025. Following completion of the consultation process, the draft Heat Policy Statement will be submitted to Government for approval and publication.
219. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the expansion of the definition of ‘vulnerable customers’ to include financially vulnerable customers as committed to in the previous Energy Poverty Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51735/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definition of Vulnerable Customers is currently set out in Regulation 2 of Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 463/2011. Under this Regulation, energy suppliers must establish and maintain:
• a Priority Services Register of customers critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which shall include but is not limited to life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment; and
• a Special Services Register of customers particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) sets out the minimum service requirements, including customer protection measures, that energy suppliers must adhere to in their dealings with energy customers in the CRU Supplier Handbook. These rules are in place to ensure that customers experience a high standard of protection when interacting with energy suppliers. As part of its consumer protection role the CRU sets out obligations on suppliers through the Electricity and Gas Supplier Handbook and includes a Code of Practice on Vulnerable Customers.
The customer protections are complemented by the supplier led Energy Engage Code that provides a further level of security for domestic electricity and gas customers. This Code encourages customers, who are having difficulty in paying a bill, to engage with their supplier regarding the management of debt. Under this code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them and must provide every opportunity to customers to avoid disconnection.
The ESRI, as part of the Energy Policy Research Centre (EPRC), is conducting research to improve the measurement and monitoring of energy poverty in Ireland and provide insights that enhance policy design to protect vulnerable households. The ESRI research programme will lead to the development of a more effective way of measuring energy poverty that combines income, expenditure on energy, and energy efficiency of the home. This research programme is expected to run until June 2026. Key elements of the work plan include the identification of vulnerable populations, and the factors that increase the risk of falling into energy poverty.
In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. Taskforce members are currently working to finalise an interim report which will set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process.
This is in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan which will include a broad review of cost drivers in the energy sector and which will incorporate the work that has been done to date on energy poverty, including feedback from the consultation and stakeholder forum conducted in 2024. Specific engagement and measures to address those most at risk of energy poverty will also be a feature of the plan.
220. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of tonnes of farm plastic currently stored in Irish Farm Film Producers Groups approved yards; and where in the country are they stored. [51805/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of farm plastic that has been collected by Irish Farm Film Producers Groups from Irish farmers; the amount that has been recycled; the amount that has been incinerated; the amount that has been exported in 2023, 2024 and to date 2025, in tabular form. [51807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason Irish farmers have to pay a recycling levy when they buy silage wrap and also have to pay for it to be collected for recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51809/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 221 and 222 together.
The Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 require producers of farm plastics to either establish a deposit and refund scheme for farm plastic waste or to participate in an approved compliance scheme for its recovery and recycling. Since the introduction of the farm plastics extended producer responsibility (EPR) model, producers have chosen to participate in the compliance scheme which is run by the Irish Farm Film Producers' Group (IFFPG).
IFFPG is primarily funded by revenue raised by the relevant producers who levy a producer recycling contribution on farm plastic at the point of purchase. The group is a not-for-profit organisation. Revenue is also raised from a weight-based collection charge levied on farmers when the material is collected. This encourages the return of waste farm plastics that are as free from contamination as possible, thereby facilitating recycling. IFFPG publishes its accounts annually on its website at https://farmplastics.ie/publications/.
Operational and commercial decisions relating to the use of storage contractors are a matter for IFFPG and I have no role in this. IFFPG has, however, provided information to facilitate the reply to the Question. Approximately 24,700 tonnes of farm plastic waste are in storage currently and Table 1.1, attached, includes a breakdown per location.
Details regarding IFFPG’s collection and recycling rates are published in its annual report which is also available on its website. Table 1.2 attached details the farm plastic collected, recycled both domestically and abroad, and the tonnages sent for recovery in the years requested.
