Written Answers Nos. 222-240
223. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has received complaints or reports regarding the treatment of vulnerable ESB customers in arrears. [51965/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity sector is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is responsible for oversight of the system operators, such as ESB Networks. Issues regarding the regulation and direct oversight of the System Operators associated with their obligations are a matter for the CRU. The CRU have contact details in place for Deputies, of which they are aware, who issue to raise matters with them and in this instance this query should be directed to the CRU email oireachtas@cru.ie
CRU has a process for members of the public to refer complaints to them so that complaints are addressed and that they are legally binding between a consumer and their energy provider or network operator.
The first part of the process is for the consumer to deal with their energy provider. See the link for more details Complain to the CRU | CRU.ie www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint/complain-to-the-cru/.
The rationale for this is that as the regulator CRU in the first are investigating the service providers complaint handling process and when they approach the service provider, they are looking for a formal complaint as a starting point for their investigation.
224. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 8 September 2025, the specific issues that led the meeting to be suspended without agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52021/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing 10 days of negotiations, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, adjourned early on 15 August without consensus on a text of the instrument.
The goal of INC-5.2 was to agree on the instrument’s text and highlight unresolved issues requiring further preparatory work ahead of a diplomatic conference. Despite intensive engagement, negotiations could not fully resolve several key issues, including whether the treaty should focus solely on plastic waste reduction or address the entire plastic lifecycle (from design to the phasing out of harmful chemicals). However, the Committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced. The meeting adjourned with a clearly expressed desire by EU Member States to continue the process, recognizing the significant difference of views between States.
Whilst it is regrettable that the treaty text could not be agreed as hoped for,? the process is not over and will resume at a yet to be determined future date. In this regard, Ireland continues to be a strong and active supporter of the INC process and its aim. Ireland views the multilateral system as the only viable route to addressing the triple planetary crisis, which poses an existential threat the global community and will participate in the next round of talks (INC5.3).
225. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide further detail on the review being undertaken by his Department of extended producer responsibility and the producer responsibility initiatives for the WEEE and batteries sectors; and to outline the scope, objectives and expected timeline for the completion of this review. [52126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is conducting a review of the performance of the WEEE and Batteries extended producer responsibility sector. The review is intended to ensure that the producer responsibility organisations (PROs) are contributing effectively to Ireland's transition to a circular economy. The review will assess their performance and examine the experience of having competition in the compliance sector.
At present, any PRO may apply to operate the EPR scheme subject to assessment by the Department. The presence of more than one PRO means that producers have a choice as to their compliance option, while collections of WEEE and waste batteries are managed on the basis of a geographical split.
The review will consider whether the operation of more than one PRO makes a net positive contribution towards circularity in the management of WEEE and waste batteries.
The Department will assess the operating models of the two PROs to ensure that they are performing optimally with respect to, inter alia, target achievement, quality of compliance solution offering, the value of competition and choice, and the transition to a Circular Economy.
The review will take account of the views of the PROs, and the views of the wider producer and waste management sector will be invited through a consultation process. The review is scheduled to conclude in summer 2027.
226. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence 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. [51360/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) published a Cloud Computing Advice Note in 2019, with an update published in May 2025, to help public service organisations understand matters to consider relating to cloud computing services. My department follows this advice and is making use of a range of cloud services.
The total spend on cloud services from 2021 to 2024 and to date in 2025 is provided in the table below.
|
- |
Total Spend (ex VAT) |
|
2025 to date spend: |
€36,547 |
|
2024 Spend |
€45,233 |
|
2023 Spend |
€27,652 |
|
2022 Spend |
€8,392 |
|
2021 Spend |
€4,169 |
|
Total Spend: |
€121,993 |
For operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise the Department's cybersecurity efforts.
227. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department uses and/or has purchased products developed by a company (details supplied); if he will provide a schedule of the products utilised; and if he will provide the amount expended on same. [51406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Department of Defence does not utilise, nor has it purchased, any products developed by the companies Cognyte or Verint Systems in the last seven years.
228. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to ensure that Army Reserves continue to receive fair remuneration; whether he will reconsider the reported decision to end pay for reserves, given that current rates already fall below the national minimum wage once taxes are accounted for, and that removal of pay would result in reservists incurring out-of-pocket expenses to attend training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for the Tánaiste is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process. The Regeneration and Development Plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education and integration and deployment.
The conditions under which reservists are paid for certain activities are set out in Defence Force Regulations (DFRs). There is no question of reservists losing payment for their activities or cut backs to activities that attract a sanctioned payment.
In 2023, the Defence Forces issued a letter of instruction (LOI) relating to such payments. The LOI was regrettably not consistent with the regulations.
Reservists are an integral part of the Defence Forces and should be remunerated appropriately. In that regard I have directed that the Defence Forces submit a robust business case to clearly set out exactly which reserve activities should attract payment. Any proposed changes to paid activities may require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and a regulatory amendment. While this work is ongoing, the Defence Forces are working on possible solutions for Members of the RDF.
All eligible RDF activities in 2024 were paid for, reflected in the fact that the original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was increased by 36 per cent during the year;
This additional spending reflected the higher than anticipated levels of activity and a welcome increased interest in the RDF during the year.
229. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the position regarding the development of a naval base in Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51567/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, I instructed a team consisting senior military officers, led by the Chief of Staff, and my senior officials to conduct a detailed workshop with the Naval Service. I am advised that on foot of same, a Naval Service Regeneration Plan will be submitted to me shortly by the military authorities for my consideration. The issue of additional Naval bases, on the East Coast or elsewhere, will be considered in the context of that awaited plan and recommendations arising from same.
In the interim, my Department is seeking to enter into a lease arrangement to secure the use of berthage in Dun Laoghaire, I am advised that discussions are well advanced and agreement in principle has been reached.
230. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on a television programme (details supplied) of 18 September 2025 in which it was alleged that the phones and geolocation of defence force personnel, while on duty and/or in defence forces campuses, can be tracked by a third party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51568/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government affords the highest priority to the State’s security and to the security of individuals.
in particular, the safety and security of its personnel is paramount to Óglaigh na hÉireann. The Defence Forces implements a broad range of measures to ensure security is maintained in both the physical and cyber domains. Cyber security awareness is one of the operational pillars in the DF’s Cyber Defence Strategy with cyber hygiene briefings, best practice and procedures an integral feature of the DF’s operational culture.
The Defence Forces take several proactive steps to ensure security is maintained in sensitive locations including minimising electronic footprint in these areas. The Defence Forces ensures it is capable of tapering the electronic footprint of their personnel and operations depending on the nature of any operations they conduct.
The Defence Forces will continue to review and update their policies and procedures in relation to emerging technologies and ensure that their personnel are kept up-to-date to any potential risks that may face them and how to counter them.
Under EU and national law, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) is the State body which has regulatory authority in the area of privacy and data security. Location data can reveal a significant amount of information about individuals, including information about an individual’s habits and personality, and information that is inherently sensitive. Information about an individual’s location can also pose a serious risk to their security and wellbeing.
In relation to the disclosures made in the media recently, the DPC is currently working to identify the data broker in question. If they are headquartered in Ireland, the DPC will take action themselves. and, if they are headquartered in another EU country, it will engage with the relevant Data Protection authority to deal with the matter.
231. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of recorded vessels that unlawfully entered Irish territorial waters during each of the years 2023 and 2024, and to date in 2025. [51802/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Defence Forces monitor activity within Irish territorial waters and the Irish EEZ on a continual basis. It is important to note that The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows for all vessels, including military vessels, to transit through the territorial waters of coastal states when conducting innocent passage (as defined by art. 19 of UNCLOS).
Furthermore, naval vessels are permitted to conduct exercises outside of territorial waters in a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone so long as this does not unduly interfere with the Coastal State. Any vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.
For security and operational reasons the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further.
232. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider setting up a grant scheme to help landowners with the costs of cutting roadside hedges, as a health and safety measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51509/25]
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.
Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. This responsibility includes 'the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question.
As such, the implementation of the legislation and the management of hedge cutting operations is a matter for local authorities and landowners, and I am not in a position to introduce such a grant scheme.
233. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the total number of recorded aircraft that unlawfully entered Irish airspace during each of the years 2023 and 2024, and to date in 2025. [51801/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated to the Deputy, in response to his parliamentary question no. 276 of 29 May 2025, the right for air operators to operate in and through Irish airspace is governed by a range of agreements and conventions of which the State is a party.
The Convention on International Civil Aviation1944 (Chicago Convention) confers the right for non-scheduled flights to both overfly and make stops for technical purposes in the territories of its contracting parties. 193 States are party to the Chicago Convention. The International Air Services Transit Agreement 1944 affords these same rights to scheduled flights, approximately 135 States are party to this Agreement.
The movement of commercial traffic, passengers and cargo, by air is managed through a framework of bilateral or multilateral agreements that the State is party too, which grant rights to operate commercial air transport between the contracting parties. Privately operated and general aviation flights operate outside of these agreements are not within scope of any of the aforementioned agreements and do not require authorisation.
The operation of foreign military aircraft in Irish sovereign territory is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
To provide a picture of the quantum of aircraft movements that take place, in 2024, AirNav Ireland ensured the safe and efficient operation of over 380,600 overflights in Irish controlled airspace. It continues to manage similar volumes in 2025.
234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the N72-N73 Mallow relief road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2025. It is expected that the project will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in April 2026.
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.
236. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if every intercity rail journey has at least two customer service agents onboard; if not, the estimated costs needed to ensure that every intercity rail journey has at least two customer service agents onboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
237. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport the capital funding allocated to public transport projects in the National Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government commits to investing in diverse transport options, including public transport. In particular, there is a commitment to progress all key public transport infrastructure projects in the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects in the review of the NDP.
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 and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months. A sectoral plan is expected to be published by the end of November 2025.
238. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter regarding national car testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to examine issues with the NCT outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 259 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) Service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level or in individual cases.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputies questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputies may wish to note that Ireland is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified technical standards and intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles under EU law and the NCT is operated in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EU. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended. These Regulations also give effect to the EU Directive in respect of testing methods and pass/fail criteria. Vehicle roadworthiness standards in Northern Ireland are a matter for the UK and Northern Ireland authorities.
239. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Transport if extra carriages will be added to the morning and evening train from Rosslare to Dublin, to help with over-crowding and reduce cars usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51144/25]
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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
240. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the N/M20 Cork-Limerick motorway project; the projected total cost; and the extent of EU funding secured to date. [51153/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €4.5 million has been allocated for the N/M20 Cork-Limerick motorway project in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
