Written Answers Nos. 361-380
361. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the works completed under the OPW’s measured term maintenance contract with a value greater than €250,000 in the year 2023; the initial estimate and total cost to completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled by the OPW and will issue directly to the Deputy.
362. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme is permitted to be availed of for the repair a road that leads to a public amenity, such as a popular beach; if not, the reason; whether there is other funding available for such works through the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works, or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. As such, the repair of a road that leads to a public amenity is outside of the scope of this flood mitigation ad coastal protection scheme.
There are not any other funding sources available through the OPW for such works.
363. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the revised voted capital expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial vote group in 2025 following the publication of the revised NDP, in tabular form; to confirm that approximately €17.1bn will be spent on capital expenditure in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52102/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGross capital funding of €16.585 billion has been allocated to Departments in 2025. The following table sets out the allocations for each Ministerial Vote Group.
|
Ministerial Vote Group |
2025 Allocations €,m |
|
Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
337 |
|
Children, Disability and Equality Group |
100 |
|
Climate, Energy and the Environment |
770 |
|
Culture, Communications And Sport |
620 |
|
Defence Group |
215 |
|
Education and Youth |
1,602 |
|
Enterprise, Tourism and Employment |
712 |
|
Finance Group |
39 |
|
Foreign Affairs and Trade Group |
50 |
|
Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science |
720 |
|
Health Group |
1,460 |
|
Housing, Local Government & Heritage Group |
5,969 |
|
Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Group |
473 |
|
Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Group |
366 |
|
Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht |
258 |
|
Social Protection |
17 |
|
Transport |
2,877 |
|
Total |
16,585 |
The Summer Economic Statement reflected an estimated end-year provision of €17.1 billion for total capital in 2025, of which only the above €16.6 billion has been allocated to Departments.
It should be noted that the figures represented above include estimates for the Housing, Local Government, and Heritage Vote Group and the Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration Vote Group that are only in the process of being formally Voted through the Dáil at this point, but are reflective of Government decisions. Further estimates may be brought in due course following any further Government decisions.
364. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm the total voted capital expenditure ceiling for 2025 has now increased to €17.1bn; if not, the additional revised estimates which still have to be passed by the Oireachtas; where the increased capital allocation has been provided and for the purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52103/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Summer Economic Statement (SES) was published in July and set out a revised capital ceiling of €17.1 billion, an uplift of €2.2 billion over the original capital ceiling for 2025. This increase in the capital ceiling allows for planned additional spending for 2025 to fund in-year decisions and to further support the delivery of key social and economic priorities.
Of the €2.2 billion of capital funding being provided in 2025, it is estimated that approximately €1.7 billion is required for decisions taken to date this year with respect to:
• Progressing a number of social and affordable housing projects in the Department of Housing
• Supporting school building projects in the Department of Education
• Purchase of CityWest by the Department of Justice
The allocation of the remaining additional capital funding is under consideration as part of the ongoing Estimates process. Further estimates will be brought to reflect any additional capital allocations to individual departments following Government decisions.
365. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 23 September 2025, the purpose for which the two properties owned by the State (details supplied) were used, in each year from 2010 to 23 September 2025. [52104/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose for which the two State owned properties on Spa Road in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 were used from 2010 to September 2025 is as follows:
Property 1 was vacant from 2010 to 2016. It was under refurbishment during 2017 and 2018 and was used for residential purposes from 2018 to 2025.
Property 2 was used for residential purposes from 2010 to 2024. It has been vacant since 2024 and is in need of refurbishment.
366. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline he has in place for the Civil Service Regulation and Public Service Management (Amendment) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52147/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose of the Civil Service Regulation and Public Service Management (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 and the Public Service Management Act 1997 to provide that disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in the Civil Service can be assigned below the level of the head of the organisation (Appropriate Authority) and other miscellaneous amendments to modernise the legislation based on the General Scheme (2018).
My officials continue to review the detailed policy considerations. Drafting of the Bill is ongoing, and it is at an advanced stage. Once the drafting process is complete, Government approval will be sought to publish the Bill. The Bill is included on the list of priority legislation.
367. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that textiles, clothes or materials which are imported into Ireland are not made using forced labour in any jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he has taken to ensure that products manufactured using forced labour in other jurisdictions are not imported into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that textiles, clothes or materials which are imported into Ireland are not made using forced labour in any jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra376. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he has taken to ensure that products manufactured using forced labour in other jurisdictions are not imported into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51559/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368, 375 and 376 together.
Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 prohibits the placing and making available of products made with forced labour on the EU market, as well as their export from the EU, regardless of the origin, sector, or company involved. The Regulation entered into force in December 2024 and will apply from December 2027. Ireland is fully committed to implementing this Regulation and is actively preparing to meet its obligations under the new framework.
Under the Regulation, the European Commission will lead investigations into products suspected of being made with forced labour outside the EU, while National Competent Authorities in each Member State will be responsible for cases within the EU.
My department, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading preparations for implementation. This includes collaboration with Revenue (Customs) and other relevant bodies to ensure effective enforcement at the border and within the internal market. Work is ongoing to designate Ireland’s National Competent Authority or Authorities by December 2025, as required by the Regulation.
Preparatory work also includes Ireland’s participation in the Union Network Against Forced Labour Products, which will facilitate cooperation and information-sharing between Member States and the Commission.
369. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has received reports of independent retailers facing closures in Cork city in 2024 to 2025 due to rising insurance costs, crime, or employment pressures; and if any supports are being considered. [51156/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra370. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has assessed the number of small retail closures in Cork city centre in 2024-2025; and the supports planned to address rising insurance and energy costs. [51172/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra377. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has assessed the number of small retail closures in Cork city centre in 2024 and to date in 2025; and the supports that are planned to address rising insurance and energy costs. [51645/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 370 and 377 together.
The Programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses and I am aware of the issues facing retailers across the country.
The establishment of the Small Business Unit within my Department is a recognition of the importance that the Government places on small businesses. We have simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub and are ensuring the Local Enterprise Offices are properly resourced to help small businesses.
There are currently a broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding, to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail that can be found on the National Enterprise Hub. Two such supports are the Energy Efficiency Grant which now offers grant assistance of up to a maximum of €10,000 and the Grow Digital Voucher which offers up to €5,000. The Green for Business and the Digital Business schemes are also open to small businesses across all sectors at no cost to the businesses themselves.
In 2024, the Government introduced the Power Up grant and Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme which paid out over €400 million to businesses right across the country. Included in this was a second ICOB payment and €4,000 Power Up grant for businesses in the retail sector.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum, a Programme for Government commitment, comprises of SME & Industry representative organisations, Regulatory/State Bodies and Government Departments who will jointly consider issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses at a regional and national level in Ireland. The Forum held its inaugural meeting in June; and examined Energy Costs and the Security of Supply in July’s meeting. At present, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum is focusing on a review of feedback from the September’s meeting on insurance costs, which was well attended by Forum Members and stakeholders across different areas. The remainder of 2025 and early 2026 meetings will examine, Regulatory Burden, Planning, and Infrastructural Delivery. Water Costs, Legal Services and Reporting and Compliance. The final objective of the Forum is to present a report to Government in late Q1 2026, that will outline its findings and highlight those steps that can be taken to mitigate issues arising from increased costs or any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach.
The Programme for Government also commits to publishing a Retail Crime Strategy with targeted actions to reduce retail crime and support affected businesses. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has commenced preparation of this Strategy.
371. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if Fáilte Ireland has considered a flagship anchor attraction for Cork city comparable to Kilkenny Castle or the Cliffs of Moher; and his Department's plans to support regional tourism. [51173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provides that the Government will work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, promoting and advancing the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin. This will involve continued Government investment in the tourism offering to attract overseas and domestic tourists.
I am advised that Fáilte Ireland has established localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) to activate these brands. The DEDPs are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans for a destination, which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and maximise their chance for success.
The Cork City, Harbour and East Cork DEDP launched last November provides the strategic framework to prioritise tourism development projects that will attract more visitors to the region and encourage them to stay longer. Fáilte Ireland has assembled a group of stakeholders consisting of Local Authority representatives, industry representatives and community representatives to collectively oversee the implementation of this five-year DEDP.
As part of the Cork City, Harbour, and East Cork DEDP, Fáilte Ireland has identified a gap in Cork’s tourism offering due to an absence of a compelling, stand-out attraction capable of drawing significant visitor numbers and motivating visitors to prioritise Cork as a destination.
Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Cork City Council, recently published a tender inviting suppliers to support the development of concepts for a potential new visitor attraction in Cork City.
The tender is aimed at suppliers with expertise in visitor attraction planning, feasibility analysis, business modelling, and site appraisal. The appointed consultant(s) will develop outline plans and feasibility studies for three shortlisted concepts which have been selected for further development and appraisal:
• Rejuvenated and Reimagined English Market.
• National Science Museum.
• Indoor Wellness and Waterpark Destination.
These concepts were selected following a structured process involving the ideation of multiple concepts for a new Visitor Attraction of Scale for the City informed by international benchmarking with other successful attractions around the world. These concepts were tested with consumers in domestic and international markets, and a pre-feasibility screening exercise was conducted. The successful tenderer will build on this work to assess the viability of these three concepts across a range of criteria, including technical feasibility, affordability, and the availability of appropriate sites. As this project is in the early concept development stage, Fáilte Ireland has not committed any Government capital investment funding at this time.
Subsequently, if a decision is taken to proceed further with one or more of these Visitor Attraction concepts, a Preliminary Business Case will be developed by Fáilte Ireland in line with Government Infrastructure Guidelines. If none of the above listed concepts meet the required criteria to progress to the next stage, Fáilte Ireland and Cork City Council will seek to identify further concepts for an Attraction of Scale in Cork.
372. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [51362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departments ICT Unit has informed me that the vast majority of its data is stored on private internal storage or in the OGCIO Private Government cloud. A small number of public facing online systems utilize Microsoft Dataverse and SharePoint storage which is included in the Departments Microsoft Dynamics365 and Microsoft 365 licences. My Department does not currently pay directly for any other cloud storage solutions.
373. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to support the retail and hospitality sectors facing cost pressures; including through changes to VAT or PRSI, as signalled in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51443/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Government colleagues and I recognise that the cost of doing business has been an issue for many firms in recent years, including those operating in the retail and hospitality sectors. This has arisen from both the wider inflationary trends – particularly, energy costs – as well as Government mandated changes in the form of improvements to working conditions across a range of areas. It is, however, important to note that costs for firms - as measured through the CSO’s Wholesale Price Index - are declining. These are down 3% in the 12 months to August 2025.
Most recently, the Government has taken action to address business costs through the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in the last month, and the convening of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum. In each case, there represent delivery on key commitments under the Programme for Government.
The focus of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity is on actions that can be taken to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity by focussing on those areas within our own domestic sphere of control. The development of the Action Plan was informed by extensive consultation across Government and with external stakeholders. Key actions areas include better regulation, addressing Ireland’s high legal costs, and improving competition in our markets.
Complementary to this, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum has already met on four occasions so far. The Forums’ key objective is to examine and identify the concerns of enterprise around the impact of the rising cost of doing business in Ireland by creating a structured space where business owners and representative bodies can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of regulations, fees, and operational challenges.
The findings of the Forum will inform a report and set of recommendations to Government to address immediate to short term issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues to ensure businesses navigating today’s economic landscape remain a competitive, resilient and supportive environment for enterprise.
With regards to VAT and PRSI specifically, I would note that the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future makes the following commitment with regards to ‘Supporting Small Business, Hospitality and Retail’: The Government will bring forward measures to support SMEs, in particular the retail and hospitality sectors, acknowledging the increased cost pressures on these sectors and this will entail changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures. These measures will be implemented as part of the normal budget process.
Ultimately, changes to the VAT rate are the prerogative of the Minister for Finance and changes to the PRSI system are a prerogative of the Minister for Social Protection. I have, however, been engaging actively with my Ministerial colleagues on these matters and I have instructed my officials to do likewise.
374. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the options open to employees where employers are seeking to curtail remote working for existing employees, especially where employees have purchased homes in rural areas on the basis of a legitimate expectation of being able to work remotely; whether such attempts at curtailment could be tantamount to constructive dismissal as commuting long distances may make an employee feel their position is untenable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51446/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe right to request a remote working arrangement for all employees was commenced through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 on 6 March 2024.
Under the Act, employers are obliged to consider such a request having regard to their needs, the employee’s needs, and the requirements of the Code of Practice. Employees have recourse to the Workplace Relations Commission if the employer fails in this duty. The Code of Practice on the Right to Request Remote Working provides practical guidance to employers and employees throughout the application process.
Under the Act, an employee can apply for a remote working arrangement in writing to their employer. The employer must respond to the application in writing either approving the request and preparing a remote working agreement, or refusing the request and providing reasons for the refusal.
The Act provides a right to request and not a right to remote work. The decision remains with the employer, and it is not for Government to dictate the terms or operation of the employer employee relationship. The obligation on the employer is to comply with the requirements of the Act.
The legislation also makes provision for employers and employees to agree changes to remote working arrangements after it has been agreed between the employer and employee. The arrangement may be postponed, the period of the arrangement may be curtailed, and the form of the arrangement may be varied once both parties agree to the changes in writing.
The Act also provides that the employer may terminate a remote working arrangement in certain circumstances. An employer can terminate an approved remote working arrangement where they are satisfied that it is having or would have a substantial adverse effect on the operation of their business. Employers are required to consider the employee’s needs when making a decision to terminate the arrangement and are also required to have regard to the Code of Practice when making a decision to terminate a remote working arrangement.
The purpose of the Unfair Dismissals Acts are to protect employees from being unfairly dismissed from their employment by laying down criteria by which dismissals are to be judged unfair and by providing an adjudication system and redress for an employee whose dismissal has been found to be unfair.
Constructive dismissal occurs when an employee terminates their contract of employment, with or without prior notice, due to the conduct of their employer. The employer's conduct, however, must have been such that it would have been reasonable for the employee to terminate their contract without giving notice. In a constructive dismissal claim, the employee must demonstrate that they are justified in their decision and that they had no option but to terminate their contract.
If an employee believes that their employer has contravened the Unfair Dismissals Acts, they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission for resolution.
378. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the updated SME test, published in July 2025, is implemented in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the expected additional costs of the amendments made to the SME test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51701/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 379 together.
The SME Test is a tool that encourages policymakers across Government to consider the impact that any new measures may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. The SME Test was designed to invite consideration of less stringent compliance requirements for smaller companies, where appropriate and proportionate, including simplification of regulatory adherence through the use of templates, reduced regulatory thresholds for SMEs, and the use of exemptions where possible. The Test also acts as a reminder to policy makers of the “think small first” principle.
Officials from the Small Business Unit in my Department chair a cross-Government network on implementation of the SME test. This network meets on a quarterly basis to share best practice and discuss issues relevant to improving and enhancing application of the SME test.
In May last year Government commitment to ensuring an enhanced SME Test will be applied to all major new measures. Then, in October, Government approved the enhanced SME Test and Guidelines. My Department worked closely with the cross-government network when developing the enhanced SME Test and guidelines.
The Programme for Government commits to “rigorously implement the SME test to scrutinise every new piece of legislation and regulation for its impact on SMEs, ensuring that any obligations that increase business costs are phased in and that there is consideration of the broader implications of any decisions affecting businesses across government.”
The recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivityalso states that, “All Government Departments will apply the SME test to all measures, in particular to policy initiatives where it is proposed to increase costs on small business and include the SME test in the Government handbook.”
In 2024, 26 SME Tests were applied by 8 Government Departments. Since reporting began in 2021, and up to the end of Q2 2025, a total of 62 SME Tests have been applied across 13 Government Departments.
Responsibility for considering and applying the SME Test lies with the Department drafting the proposed measures. A list of the measures and Departments who have applied the test can be found at: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/the-business-environment/better-regulation/sme-test/departments-that-applied-the-sme-test/
To support implementation of the SME Test, my officials have delivered information sessions to several Government Departments. A training video was made available to all Departments in Q1 2025 through the OneLearning platform, and additional resources are being developed to be accessible to civil service policy makers at any time through OneLearning.
Each Department is also expected to publish SME Tests on their websites, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
My Department will continue to work with all Departments through the cross-Government network to support and monitor the application of the SME Test. There are no additional costs associated with this work.
380. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the cost of establishing the newly launched National Enterprise Hub in its first year and over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51702/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which is operated by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of my Department, was launched in July 2024 to make it easier for SMEs to engage with government supports.
The NEH is an online resource providing details of all government supports for business. It has directly supported over 8,000 SMEs since its launch and has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website. The NEH also provides a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone. The total cost of operating the NEH in its first year of operation was €1.58 million.
In line with Programme for Government commitments, there will be a continued focus on enabling faster and easier access to government supports, including through the utilisation of new technologies. The potential for further development of the NEH will be considered in this context. Budget allocations for the NEH for future years will be considered as part of the wider budget process.
