Written Answers Nos. 228-247
228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps her Department is taking to ensure that the forthcoming amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, due to take effect in March 2026, achieve a fair balance between landlord and tenant rights; and if she will publish any equality or economic impact assessment carried out prior to their introduction. [54459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the forthcoming amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 will include statutory service-level targets for the Residential Tenancies Board in resolving rent arrears and anti-social behaviour cases; and the targets and resources allocated to achieve them. [54460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department will introduce standardised evidence templates and procedural guidance for both landlords and tenants in termination cases under the March 2026 legislative changes, to minimise procedural errors and ensure fair and efficient dispute resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54462/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 228, 229 and 230 together.
On 10 June 2025, the Government approved policy measures including modifications to rent controls to come into effect on 1 March 2026 in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The changes agreed will also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market across the country. Further information is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/government-to-introduce-major-reforms-to-the-rental-sector/.
The modifications to rent controls have been informed by the findings of the Housing Agency Review of Rent Pressure Zones and Potential Policy Options and its preferred recommendation to modify the existing operation of the current RPZ rent controls. The report can be accessed here: www.housingagency.ie/publications/review-rent-pressure-zones-report.
Legislation is being prepared, informed by the Programme for Government commitment below, and will be published later this year to give effect to these policy measures. It is not practice to publish Memoranda for Government or underpinning policy and legal advices.
The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future commits to protect renters and landlords from abusive practices by enhancing the enforcement powers of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and establishing statutory timelines for dealing with complaints.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2025 (the RTA) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The RTB was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2025, to operate a national tenancy registration system, to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants and to provide information to tenants and landlords. My Department will support the RTB in the provision of guidance to the sector, as necessary, and assist in securing adequate resources in the context of the impending legal changes from March 2026. In 2026, the Exchequer funding allocation for the RTB will be significantly increased by over 70% to €22.8m.
231. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has assessed the impact of private landlord exits on overall rental supply and rent levels nationally; if such assessments are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has reviewed the cumulative effect of rent controls, registration costs and regulatory compliance requirements on the viability of small-scale landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 233 together.
The Government remains focused on growing the supply of much-needed rental accommodation by keeping existing landlords in the market and attracting new landlords, while ensuring strong and balanced tenancy protections for both tenants and landlords.
The RTB's Profile of the Register shows that registered private tenancies and landlords increased year-on-year since its introduction in Q2 2023, but remained relatively static from Q1 2025.
• 240,798 registered private tenancies, an increase of 3.2% annually and an increase of 0.08% from Q1 2025.
• 104,072 private landlords, an increase of 0.24% annually (down 398 landlords or 0.38% from Q1 2025).
It is worth noting that there were also 14,742 new tenancy registrations confirmed in Q2 2025. This figure serves to highlight the consistent churn within the rental market.
In line with a commitment in Housing for All, a review of the Private Rental Market was undertaken by my Department and published in July 2024, which included significant consultation with stakeholders. One of its recommendations was that a comprehensive examination of the current RPZ system should be undertaken. This report is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/private-rental-sector-review/.
Following on from this recommendation the Housing Agency was tasked with completing a review of RPZ’s. The aim of this review was to assess the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It was also to consider whether RPZs should continue without change or be removed, modified or replaced.
The review involved engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the RTB. The Housing Agency submitted its report, Review of Rent Pressure Zones and Potential Policy Options, to my Department at the end of April and advised that its preferred recommendation was to modify the current RPZ rent controls. This report is available here: www.housingagency.ie/publications/review-rent-pressure-zones-report.
Taking account of the Housing Agency report and its preferred recommendation, the Government has approved changes to rent regulation, which will be introduced nationally from 1 March 2026. The Government also approved stronger tenancy protections, which would apply to tenancies created from 1 March 2026. As new properties enter the rental market, and there is turnover of existing tenancies, the proportion of tenants who benefit from the protections will gradually increase over time.
Legislation is being prepared and will be published later this year to give effect to these policy measures. Further information is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/government-to-introduce-major-reforms-to-the-rental-sector/.
The RTB Rent Index report, published quarterly, is designed to measure developments in rental prices faced by those taking up new tenancies in the private rental sector and more recently, utilising Annual Registration data, existing tenancy rent price developments. These are available on the RTB data hub at: https://rtb.ie/data-insights/rtb-data-hub/.
My Department continually works with the RTB to keep the operation of the RTB, the Residential Tenancies Acts and the residential rental sector under constant review to ensure that an appropriately balanced policy and legislative framework is maintained.
232. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans to introduce any targeted measures or supports aimed at retaining small private landlords in the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54479/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains focused on growing the supply of much-needed rental accommodation by keeping existing landlords in the market and attracting new landlords, while ensuring strong and balanced tenancy protections for both tenants and landlords.
In order to boost the supply of homes available for rent, the Government approved modifications to rent controls, to come into effect on 1 March 2026. The changes will provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market.
In order to stimulate investment and keep existing landlords in the sector, rents for new tenancies may be reset to market value, unless the previous tenant has received a Notice of Termination, except where such a notice was issued because the tenant did not fulfil their obligations or if the property was no longer suitable. Landlords will be able to reset the rent where a tenant voluntarily laves a tenancy.
After 1 March 2026, annual rent increases in tenancies will be capped at the level of inflation (CPI) up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments, annual rent increases will be capped at the level of inflation (CPI). The RTB RPZ calculator (https://rtb.ie/compliance/check-rpz-compliance/rpzcalculator/) assists landlords to comply with the rent controls until 28 February 2026 and will be modified to assist with the implementation of the new rent control from 1 March 2026.
The policy proposals for stronger tenancy protections will apply to new tenancies created from 1 March 2026, which will significantly enhance the current provision of tenancies of unlimited duration with the introduction of tenancies of minimum duration (TMD), involving rolling 6-year tenancies by a smaller landlord (with three or fewer tenancies) with a new tenant.
In limited circumstances during a 6-year TMD, a smaller landlord will be allowed to end a tenancy. This would include where the landlord requires the property for a family member (spouse/civil partner/parent/child) or where the landlord is experiencing hardship and requires vacant possession. A smaller landlord will also be allowed to terminate a tenancy using the limited grounds under section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 (RTA) at the end of each 6-year period while the tenancy continues to exist.
All landlords will retain the right to terminate a tenancy where there is a breach of tenant obligations or where the dwelling is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household.
For existing tenancies (i.e. those in place on 28 February 2026), landlords will continue to have the right to terminate a tenancy in line with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2025 as they apply on 28 February 2026.
Legislation to give effect to these policy proposals is being prepared and will be published later this year.
234. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidance provided to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála to ensure wind turbine noise is properly managed to protect public health (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 25 March 2025, if he is aware of the EPA’s Pro-Health SEA research (ref. 2022-HE-1171), published February 2025, which recommends early engagement with public health experts in Strategic Environmental Assessment (details supplied); if he will liaise with the Department of Health regarding the potential health impacts of wind turbines; and if this has not been done, the reason. [54548/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 240 together.
The possible affect from wind turbine noise is the principal potential health impact attributed to wind energy developments. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise as well as setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department is working in conjunction with DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise policy remit, to finalise the guidance on the noise aspect of the review. As part of this work, DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. As part of their work, which is now substantially complete, the noise consultants have assessed the impact of human health from turbine noise having regard to international best practice and standards, including the current World Health Organisation (WHO) standards on noise.
My Department, in conjunction with DCEE, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.
With regards to the strategic environmental assessment (SEA), in line with EU Directive requirements, an SEA is being carried out on the draft Guidelines as part of the review process. In this regard, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
235. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the circumstances regarding grant aid for a property (details supplied); if the person is entitled to a vacant property refurbishment grant or any other funding in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application. Proof of vacancy is required to support a grant application. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.
The objective of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, bringing them back into use as homes. The grant is administered and managed by local authorities, who process and decide on applications in line with the scheme conditions and issue grant payments on completion of approved refurbishment works.
Information on the scheme and conditions is available for applicants on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
236. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the use of online bidding platforms and countdown clocks in house sales; his views on whether they are a positive innovation in the housing market; if he will seek to ban or regulate their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54528/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters in relation to the regulation and conduct of the property services sector in Ireland are the responsibility of the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PRSA). The PSRA was established on 3 April 2012 pursuant to the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011.
The PSRA, has a number of key functions including:
- the administration of a system of investigation and adjudication of complaints against Property Services Providers; and
- promotion of increased consumer protection and public awareness in the provision of property services.
Under the Programme for Government my Department took over responsibility for the PSRA from the Department of Justice, Migration and Home Affairs with effect from 1 August 2025.
House auction bidding is regulated primarily through the PRSA which licenses and oversees auctioneers and agents, and by the bidding process rules followed by licensed firms, including requirements for proof of funds, bid recording, and transparent handling of offers.
As part of a broader package of measures to assist home buyers the Programme for Government committed to establishing an expert group to make the home bidding process clearer and more transparent, drawing on international best practices. Online bidding platforms are a relatively new phenomenon in the housing market and are likely to be considered in this context.
237. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider an exemption from planning permission for the installation of bike sheds in front gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the proposed planning exemption for small bike sheds in gardens; the work ongoing in his Department into this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54543/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. In the meantime, the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000), and associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Regulations of 2001) remain in force until the relevant sections of the Act of 2024 are commenced and the corresponding sections of the Act of 2000 are repealed. Unless specifically exempted, all development requires planning permission.
A review of the current Exempted Development Regulations is ongoing and a four-week public consultation period on the matter concluded on 26 August 2025. The consultation on exempted development regulations generated a significant response from the public, with almost 1,000 submissions received via the online consultation portal.
These submissions are currently being reviewed and will inform new draft Exempted Development Regulations, which must then be subject to screening for Environmental Assessment, before being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This will also necessitate engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
New Regulations under the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act of 2024) will be signed into law in tandem with the commencement of Part 2 and Part 4 of the Act of 2024 and the updated exempted development provisions will form part of the new Regulations. While the commencement of Part 4 of the Act of 2024 is currently scheduled for for the end of 2025 certain elements of the new exempted development provisions, including agricultural effluent storage arising from the need to facilitate compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive, will be progressed for advance inclusion in the current Regulations and will also be carried forward into the new Regulations.
239. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address the points raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54544/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Housing Guidelines were last issued in 2005 as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide that people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, on the basis of an economic or social need, should be facilitated in all rural areas. In areas under strong urban influence, the policy is to encourage urban generated housing to be delivered in cities, towns and villages. In a rural area suffering persistent and substantial population decline, the policy is to accommodate anyone wishing to build a house, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations.
Historically there has been a strong tradition of rural housing construction in Ireland, with approximately one-quarter of all delivery nationally for the last 30 years falling within this category. Rural housing continues to be an important component of new housing delivery with on average c.4,000-5,000 new rural dwellings being built annually.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the system.
Updated policy direction and guidance in respect of rural housing, initially in the form of a section 28 Guideline which will now be reviewed and prepared as a National Planning Statement, is currently being considered by my Department. The updated policy approach will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft National Planning Statement will set out relevant and consistent planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft National Planning Statement will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the provisions of the development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines or National Planning Statements, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect.
Unless specifically exempted all development requires planning permission. The proposal to exempt detached habitable accommodation within the curtilage of a dwelling is currently being considered in connection with the review of exempted development provisions in the Planning and Development Regulations, and once any draft regulations are finalised, they will be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and an appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be arranged. Only following Oireachtas scrutiny, and receipt of positive resolutions from both Houses of the Oireachtas, can any exempted development regulation be signed. New Exempted Development regulations made under the Planning and Development Act 2024 will only be signed once the relevant sections of the Act of 2024 are commenced.
In providing a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making these properties an affordable option for buyers across the country to turn these disused properties into a home. It has become a vital affordable support particularly in more rural areas, where supply of new housing is not readily available, as well as supporting the regeneration of towns and villages and areas of our cities
In addition, measures such as the First Home Scheme, and the Local Authority Home Loan are also nationally available to eligible first-time purchasers to make home ownership more affordable.
Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan launched in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Loan comprises a mortgage and a loan to carry out refurbishment works. The refurbishment loan is paid back using the grant when the works are completed.
The First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. In addition, since September 2023, the First Home Scheme now supports those who wish to build their own home. The scheme is available nationwide and more information can be found at www.firsthomescheme.ie/
241. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures being taken to reduce the level of waste under the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process.
The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
242. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection to extend the back to school allowance to all children in State care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54309/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the back to school allowance to all children in state care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54336/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 245 together.
This Government acknowledges the important role that carers, including foster carers, play and remains fully committed to supporting them. That is why I was really pleased to announce extending eligibility for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid.
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
In order to qualify for Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, an applicant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions, including the applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and the applicant’s household income must be within the relevant income limits. The income limits for the scheme are increased annually as part of the budget process.
The weekly household income limits for 2025 are:
|
No. of Children |
Income Limit |
|
1 child |
€694.00 |
|
2 children |
€756.00 |
|
3 children |
€818.00 |
|
4 children* |
€880.00 |
* Limit is increased by €62 for each additional child.
The household income includes weekly social protection payments, gross income from employment, minus employees PRSI and a €20 travel allowance and any other income the household may have.
Any income from Foster Care Allowance, Working Family Payment, Child Benefit, Rent Supplement, Back to Work Family Dividend, Guardian’s Payments, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Blind Welfare Allowance and Higher-Level Education grants is not assessable. Rehabilitative employment (up to €165 per week) is also not assessable.
Any proposed changes to the scheme would have to be considered in a wider budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
243. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider allowing older persons with disabilities to access disability allowance along with their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social welfare system generally operates on a "one-person, one payment" system and where a person has an underlying entitlement to more than one payment they receive whichever is the highest.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested social welfare payment for people who, because of their disability, are substantially restricted from doing work that would be suitable for a person of your age, experience and qualifications. The personal rate of payment is currently €244 per week but this will increase to €254 from January as a result of measures introduced in Budget 2026. Disability Allowance is a working age payment.
The State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66 and who satisfy the qualifying conditions.
Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €289.30, some €45.30 per week more than those in receipt Disability Allowance. Budget 2026 provided for a €10 increase which will bring this rate to €299.30 from January. So the differential will remain the same.
While people in receipt of the State Pension who also have a disability do not qualify for Disability Allowance, there were a number of improvements in Budgets 2026 which will benefit them including:
• A €10 increase in the maximum weekly rate of all State Pensions from January with proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate.
• €5 increase in Fuel Allowance from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026. This will provide an additional €140 during the annual fuel allowance season.
• A Christmas Bonus paid in December 2025.
All social welfare schemes are kept under review in the context of the annual Budget process.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
244. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to pension security for foster carers to recognise the years spent caring for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54335/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to foster carers, previously foster parents, are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
This Government acknowledges the important role that carers, including foster carers, play and remains fully committed to supporting them. The State Pension (Contributory) system already provides a range of measures to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment, such as PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards, and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate.
Foster carers are entitled to benefit from these measures on the same basis as other carers and parents. If they are not in receipt of Child Benefit, they can still qualify for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods provided the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla. Foster carers can register for up to 20 years caring periods for children under the age of 12, or for children over the age of 12 in the case of a child who requires additional nursing care.
Since January 2024, long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person requiring full-time care for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions are treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to fill any gaps in a person's contribution record, including satisfying the minimum 520 contributions, or 10 years, required for eligibility.
Foster carers who have cared for an incapacitated dependent or dependents for over 20 years also benefit from this provision.
These measures assist foster carers to access the State pension system and recognise the years spent caring for children in the same way as biological or adoptive parents, while ensuring that the system remains sustainable.
Any future changes to State Pension system would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context, including the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
246. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person with a private non-workplace pension can opt-out of the six-month auto enrolment pension. [54346/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of a pensions auto-enrolment system is a Programme for Government commitment, and one of my key priorities. The aim of introducing an AE system is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland, and to help provide for better retirement incomes for workers. The new system - to be known as My Future Fund - will commence from 1st January 2026. The implementation of My Future Fund will pave the way for around 800,000 workers to be brought into a retirement savings scheme for the first time and I look forward to its implementation.
Current and new employees aged between 23 and 60 years of age and earning €20,000 or above per annum (across all employments) who are not already in an approved supplementary pension scheme (whose contributions are paid through payroll) will be automatically enrolled into the new retirement savings system. Those who fall outside the age and earnings threshold, so those aged between 18 and 23 or between 60 and 66, and/or earn below €20,000, will be able to join the new retirement savings system voluntarily by opting in.
For those who are automatically enrolled, there is a mandatory six month participation period after which they may opt out during a two month window in months seven and eight. Those who are automatically enrolled and have a private pension not paid through their employer's payroll may opt out during this period. There are no provisions for opting-out outside of this window.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
247. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for long term carers contributions (details supplied) will be expedited. [54469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease be advised that officials from my Department are currently examining this case and a decision will issue shortly in relation to the Long Term Carers Contributions.
