Written Answers Nos. 195-215
195. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications processing 6+ months; 12+ months; 18+ months, 24+ months, as of October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57068/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is successfully responding to demand, and has issued over 805,000 passports to date this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times.
The turnaround times for passport applications are:
• 10 working days for simple online adult renewals
• 15 working days for complex or child online renewals
• 20 working days for first time online applications
• 8 weeks for post passport or paper applications
The vast majority of applications are processed within these turnaround times. Turnaround time applies to fully complete and correct applications, and begins from the date that supporting documents are received by the Passport Service, not the date the online application is made. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete will take longer to process.
Since 2022, the Passport Service has operated a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
An application is valid in the Passport Service system for a period of 6 months from when the online application is made. From the time that the supporting documents are received, the Passport Service works with the applicant to process the application and ensure all required documents have been submitted to prove the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship, to verify their identity, and in the cases of children, to ensure that consent of guardians is verified.
In a small number of cases, it can happen that all required supporting documents are not received by the Passport Service during the 6 month validity period. In such cases, the application will expire and a refund will issue to the applicant.
It has not been possible for the Passport Service to compile the requested figures in time for the Parliamentary Question response. The Passport Service will follow up with the Deputy directly with the requested information.
196. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the vacant buildings owned by his Department or by agencies under the remit of his Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W, including, the address and size in square meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57111/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not own or lease any properties within this jurisdiction. The Office of Public Works is responsible for all accommodation utilised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade within the state.
197. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the means by which Ireland’s Action Plan on Market Diversification will reduce the country’s over-reliance on key trading partners such as the US, UK and EU; the concrete benchmarks and timelines for its implementation and success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57145/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overarching goal of Government Action Plan on Market Diversification is to support Ireland’s businesses, through concerted actions by Departments and State agencies, to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening their engagement in existing markets. It arose out of discussions at the Government Trade Forum chaired by the Tánaiste on the need to review, and where necessary strengthen, the supports available internationally to help Irish business.
The Action Plan is a ‘whole of government’ approach containing over 100 actions to be delivered over a short period, anchored around four core objectives:
• Supporting Exporting Businesses and Market Access,
• Deepening and Broadening Ireland’s International Engagement,
• Delivering Trade and Tourism Missions for Strategic Impact
• Enhancing Domestic Readiness for Economic Engagement and Partnership.
The Government Trade Forum is monitoring implementation of the Action Plan, and will ensure that the commitments made are delivered.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade received an additional funding allocation of €2.5 million in Budget 2026, to support Market Diversification, to reinforce Ireland’s diplomatic footprint across the USA and strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world.
Traditional markets such as the EU, US and the UK remain vital to Irish exporters. These strong established trading relationships are underpinned by strong political and people-to-people connections and it is important that we continue to invest in these relationships and maximise the value from these markets. We are committed to maintaining and strengthening, where possible, these relationships.
We will also invest in our relationships in new and emerging markets and identify and avail of the opportunities they offer to businesses in Ireland. The Government has already made a significant investment in this regard with significant additional diplomatic and State agency resources in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Gulf under Global Ireland 2025. Ireland is now represented with diplomatic missions in over 100 cities around the world, all of whom have trade promotion as one of their core priorities
198. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the risk to Irish exports given ongoing tensions in transatlantic trade for example, US tariff threats and supply-chain disruptions; the contingency strategies his Department has developed to shield Irish businesses from sudden shocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government welcomed the publication of the Joint Statement with the US and the degree of stability and certainty it brings in what has been a very difficult period for Irish and European exporters. However, we are also acutely aware of the impact of higher tariffs and the existing difficulties that many Irish exporters have already faced this year, as well as possible implications for the all island economy.
Importantly, the Joint Statement leaves the door open for negotiation of further tariff reductions in the future on products of strategic common interest. At both political and official level, my Department is in very close contact with the European Commission to see what further carve outs can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters. I also had the opportunity to discuss the the implementation of the Joint Statement with Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and the prospects for expanding the list of goods that are exempt from tariffs, during our meeting in Washington on 26 September last. I have also previously spoken to USTR Greer on these issues.
I have and will continue to actively engage with businesses to understand their concerns and see what Government can do to support them. In addition, I will continue to convene meetings of the Government Trade Forum which brings together members from across Government, as well as from bodies representing employers and employees, to discuss the implications of US tariffs and the new transatlantic trade and investment relationship.
The new international trading reality also brings into sharp focus the need for Ireland and the EU to diversify our markets with new global partners. While we want to continue to do business with the US and indeed want to grow business, it is important that we take every opportunity to identify these new markets. Ireland has always had this goal in mind not only in securing the network of free trade agreements already in place, but also in the ongoing negotiations for new deals. The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification was published on 25 August and seeks to support this.
199. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with EU counterparts in regard to Russian cyberattacks, disinformation, and political subversion aimed at weakening democracies and dividing societies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU remains unwavering and unequivocal in its strong condemnation of the persistent malicious activities posed by Russia. These form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its Member States and its partners. These acts include disruption to critical infrastructure, cyber-attacks, spreading misinformation and disinformation, and attempts to interfere in electoral processes.
Like other Member States, Ireland is susceptible to these malicious acts and the Government takes the risks posed extremely seriously.
The EU continues to take a strategic approach towards Russia’s hybrid threats. Building on the development of the Hybrid, Cyber and FIMI (Foreign information and Manipulation Interference) Toolboxes, which establish a framework for a coordinated response to hybrid and cyber campaigns affecting the EU and its Member States, in October 2024 the EU introduced a new set of Restrictive Measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. A Hybrid Rapid Response Teams concept has also been developed to support EU Member States and partners. Ireland supports the full use of all means available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid and cyber activities – including through sanctions. Ireland welcomes new initiatives to support Europe’s readiness and protection, including the publication of the Preparedness Union Strategy. We look forward also to the introduction of a European Democracy Shield later this year, to enhance the ability of the EU and Member States to combat disinformation and malign online manipulation by foreign powers in Europe. Ireland’s membership of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki contributes to Ireland’s capacity building with regards to countering hybrid threats.
Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures at national level to strengthen our resilience and combat threats from state and non-state actors. This includes measures to safeguard the electoral system and address disinformation through the Electoral Reform Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act which provide for the establishment of An Coimisiún Toghcháin and Coimisiún na Meán respectively. These have specific powers in relation to countering disinformation. A National Counter Disinformation Strategy has also been published. Ireland has also increased investment in cyber security, including strengthening the role and resources of our National Cyber Security Centre, and enhancing our network security.
200. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered appointing a trade envoy to Ukraine to build relationships for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is engaged on fostering economic investment and trade with Ukraine where possible, and is supportive of examining opportunities for private sector investment and cooperation, particularly in the context of the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
Ireland was represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on 10 July by Neale Richmond T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This annual event is important in terms of mobilising continued international support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernisation of Ukraine. At the conference, Minister Richmond delivered a national statement, setting out Ireland’s commitment to maintaining its support for Ukraine, including for its recovery and reconstruction.
In addition to economic promotion work carried out by our embassy in Kyiv, Enterprise Ireland’s office in Warsaw is active in these efforts and is preparing for The Rebuild Ukraine: Construction and Energy Conference and Exhibition, to take place in Warsaw on 13 – 14 November.
Ireland is not currently considering such an appointment for Ukraine.
201. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his recent engagement at EU level with regard to suspending the EU Israel Association Agreement; if he will push for full suspension of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission put forward a number of proposals in September, one of which was to suspend the core trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Ireland, along with a number of other Member States, has long argued for this measure, as the Agreement provides that the relations between the parties will be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which constitute an 'essential element' of that Agreement.
On 14 February 2024, the then Taoiseach and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain were the first to write to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council, should it find that Israel is in breach of its obligations.
At the EU level, at every single Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland has been at the forefront of calling for the EU to take meaningful action. Notwithstanding the positive and welcome recent developments with regard to a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Ireland has made clear its view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed by the Commission in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table. In her State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission was clear on the rationale for tabling the package of proposals, which remains valid.
In addition, on the wider issue, together with many of my EU counterparts, I have stressed the need to ensure that the concept of a two-state solution resulting in a viable, contiguous Palestinian State in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, remains front and centre in the EU's approach, and that all future phases of the current agreement are conducive to its implementation.
202. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide the Abridged Estimates Volume for Budget 2026 for Vote 28, including the provisional sub head and programme level allocations. [57198/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have not published 2026 Abridged Estimates Volumes for Votes 27 or 28. They have published the 2026 Expenditure Report (
The Department has three programmes and their 2026 gross expenditure allocations are as follows:
Vote 27 Programme A - Work on Poverty and Hunger Reduction €840.3 million
Vote 28 Programme A - Advancing Irelands Foreign Policy Goals €351.5 million
Vote 28 Programme B - Passport Service €71.2 million
203. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of trips he took part in during 2025; and the destinations of those trips. [57270/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy nature of my Department’s responsibilities, I am obliged to undertake a significant amount of official travel overseas. This includes visits to key bilateral partners and multilateral commitments, including attendance at European Union and United Nations meetings. The information you have requested regarding travel to-date in 2025 is provided in the table below.
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose |
|
26/01/2025 -27/01/2025 |
Brussels |
EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting |
|
14/02/2025 - 15/02/2025 |
Munich |
Munich Security Conference |
|
19/02/2025 - 22/02/2025 |
Johannesburg |
G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting |
|
23/02/2025 - 24/02/2025 |
Brussels |
EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting |
|
06/03/2025 |
Liverpool |
Ireland – UK Summit |
|
14/03/2025 -19/03/2025 |
Philadelphia & New York |
Saint Patrick’s Day Visit |
|
07/04/2025 |
Luxembourg |
EU Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Meeting |
|
08/04/2025 - 10/04/2025 |
Washington D.C. |
Bilateral Visit |
|
14/04/2025 |
Luxembourg |
EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting |
|
25/04/2025 -26/04/2025 |
Rome |
Funeral of Pope Francis |
|
15/05/2025 |
Brussels |
EU Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Meeting |
|
22/06/2025 - 23/06/2025 |
Brussels |
EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting |
|
03/07/2025 |
Swansea |
Ireland - Wales Forum |
|
04/07/2025 |
Berlin |
Bilateral Visit |
|
28/08/2025 - 30/08/2025 |
Copenhagen |
Informal EU Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich) Meeting |
|
05/09/2025 |
London |
British Irish Association Conference |
|
21/09/2025 -26/09/2025 |
New York & Washington D.C |
United Nations General Assembly meeting |
|
19/10/2025-20/10/2025 |
Luxembourg |
EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting |
204. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of all reports, including consultancy reports commissioned by his Department from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that could be categorised as not for external publication or marked for internal use only; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57291/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two votes - Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
My Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available internally and in particular where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagement, these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department.
As the Deputy will see from the table below, Vote 27 expenditure includes reports on Ireland’s international development programme (Irish Aid). This programme is managed by the Development Cooperation and Africa Division (DCAD), coordinating with our missions abroad implementing bilateral development programmes, predominantly in Africa, but also in Latin America and South East Asia, with Political Division and with other Government Departments. It is shaped by the whole-of-government policy, A Better World, adopted in 2019 and framed by commitment to Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
External expertise has informed, and continues to inform my Department's strategies and policies and the effective delivery of our programme in a transparent and accountable manner representing value for money, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objectives.
Please find the table below, which provides the details requested by the Deputy:
Vote 27
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Report |
Total Cost |
|
2024 |
ECDPM |
Strengthening Ireland’s Influence and Impact on EU Development Co-operation |
Part of a service delivery component of a larger contract with ECDPM. |
|
2024 |
INKA consultancy fees - Tranche 3 of 3 |
A guide to the Rio Marker Method & green development finance tracking |
€22,140 |
|
2024 |
Rachael Twinem |
Finalisation of guidance note for Vote 27 Strategy Implementation Plans |
€4,800 |
|
2024 |
Public Good Ltd. |
Review of the Africa Strategy and Innovation Fund |
€10,125 |
|
2024 |
KITE Limited |
Development of a Structured Ireland Fellows Alumni Programme |
€33,948 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Technical Support for Monitoring Visit to Sierra Leone (re GOAL) |
€21,583 |
|
2024 |
Ed Hughes |
Technical Support for Monitoring Visit to Cameroon (re PLAN Ireland) |
€17,488 |
|
2024 |
IOD PARC |
Specialist Support for Monitoring Evaluation and Learning on Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for A Better World (ICSP) |
€34,400 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd |
Financial Risk Management Consultancy Services for Civil Society Funding Schemes |
€26,882 |
|
2024 |
Southern Cross Consulting |
Technical Support to the Civil Society Fund |
€17,072 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
Technical Support to the Civil Society Fund |
€18,942 |
|
2024 |
Hornbill Consultants Ltd. |
Technical Support to the Civil Society Fund |
€6,500 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultants Ltd. |
Technical Support for Monitoring Visit to Tanzania (re World Vision Ireland) |
€13,145 |
|
2024 |
Rachel Twinem |
Monitoring visit to Missionary Projects in Kenya |
€27,085 |
|
2024 |
Edward Hughes |
ICSP programme monitoring in Cameroon |
€17,489 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
ICSP programme monitoring in Tanzania |
€14,646 |
|
2024 |
Gumfoot Consultancy LTD |
Impact review of Irish Aid supported research under COALESCE and SDG Challenges |
€28,628 |
|
2024 |
ODI |
Strategic Partnership producing a series of thematic or technical reports for Irish Aid |
N/A produced as part of on-going strategic partnership with ODI |
|
2024 |
Institute of Development Studies, UK |
Strategic partnership producing a series of thematic or technical reports on Social Protection |
N/A produced as part of on-going strategic partnership with IDS |
|
2024 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Irish Global Health Network Technical Review |
€11,050 |
|
2024 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Royal College of Surgeons Technical Appraisal |
€1,900 |
|
2024 |
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) |
-The impacts of global crises on poverty and food security in 2023 and outlook for 2024 (January 2024) -Impacts of shipping disruptions in the Red Sea on global good security (January 2024) -Global fertilizer markets adjusted to crises, though smallholder profitability was likely adversely affected (April 2024) -Sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action: An examination of the Emirati Declaration (May 2024) -Banking systems, capital markets, and financing the transformation of food systems: The role of macroeconomics, regulations, and incentives (August 2024) |
N/A produced as part of an overall payment to IFPRI |
|
2024 |
Genesis Analytics |
The Financial Review and Results Assessment of the Global Partnership for Education |
The report was commissioned in partnership by Denmark, Norway and Ireland. Of the total Cost €324,353, Ireland’s contribution was €97,500. |
|
2024 |
KITE Limited |
Review of Irish Aid Centre |
€13, 837 |
|
2024 |
KITE Limited |
Mid Term Review of GCE Strategy |
€4,613 |
|
2024 |
Deirdre Farrell |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€10,500 |
|
2024 |
Barbara Watson |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€8,839 |
|
2024 |
Vanessa Sheridan |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€4,500 |
|
2024 |
Adrienne Boyle |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€5,588 |
|
2024 |
KMQ Consulting |
Internal Review of Approaches to Mission Strategy Evaluations |
€31,119 |
|
2024 |
IDALIS BV |
Internal Review of Mission Expansion Programme 2018-2023 |
€23,626 |
|
2025 |
Barbara Wilson |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€5,513 |
|
2025 |
Adrienne Boyle |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€5,588 |
|
2025 |
Vanessa Sheridan |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€5,510 |
|
2025 |
Deirdre Farrell |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grant Partner Review |
€6,000 |
|
2025 |
KITE |
Midterm Review of the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Strategy 2021-2025 |
€3,000 |
|
2025 |
DDA Ltd |
Mid-Term Review of Ireland’s 2nd Strategy for Partnership with SIDS |
€9,800 |
|
2025 |
Aisling Swaine |
Academic consultant to develop material on prevention and accountability of conflict related sexual violence |
€3,690 |
|
2025 |
Mirsad Jacevic |
Consultancy in the development of Ireland’s fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security |
€21,000 |
|
2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy |
ICSP programme monitoring in Bangladesh |
€19,394 |
|
2025 |
IOD PARC |
ICSP programme monitoring in Nepal |
€15,880 |
|
2025 |
Gumfoot Consultancy Ltd. |
ICSP programme monitoring in Sierra Leone |
€20,544 |
|
2025 |
IOD PARC |
ICSP programme monitoring in Colombia |
€22,270 |
|
2025 |
IOD PARC |
Specialist Support for Monitoring Evaluation and Learning on Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for A Better World (ICSP) |
€28,840 |
|
2025 |
ODI |
Strategic Partnership producing a series of thematic or technical reports for Irish Aid |
N/A produced as part of on-going strategic partnership with ODI |
|
2025 |
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) |
Short report on the value of investing in nutrition |
N/A produced as part of an overall payment to IFPRI |
|
2025 |
Institute of Development Studies, UK |
Strategic partnership producing a series of thematic or technical reports on Social Protection |
N/A produced as part of on-going strategic partnership with IDS |
|
2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Global Health Actors Discussion Paper |
€2,600 |
|
2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Policy Paper |
€4,500 |
|
2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Refresh of the SRHR initiative |
€7,800 |
|
2025 |
Emma Simpson Consulting |
Humanitarian Unit Data Exercise |
€6,500 |
|
2024/2025 |
Adam Sweetman Consulting |
Evaluation Review of Africa Agri Food Development Programme and Recommendations Report |
€24,000 |
Vote 28
|
Year |
Name of Company |
Report |
Total Cost |
|
2024 |
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
Embassy Abuja - Business Case Advisory Services (1/1) |
€6,027 |
|
2024 |
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
Final Business Case Embassy Washington Residence & Chancery Project |
€23,780 |
|
2024 |
Irish Centre for Diversity |
Investors in Diversity Silver re-assessment |
€6,144 |
|
2024 |
University of Liverpool (Institute of Irish Studies) |
Manchester Community Needs Assessment |
€15,960 |
|
2024 |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd |
Governance Review of Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation |
€22,878 |
|
2025 |
PwC |
Review of Ireland’s Honorary Consul Network Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€57,140 |
|
2025 |
International SOS Services (India) Pvt. Ltd |
Expert assessment and review of indoor air quality at Embassy New Delhi |
€32,319 |
|
2025 |
The Diaspora Institute |
Support to Develop the Government’s New Diaspora Strategy |
N/A – total cost will be assessed on completion of the project, in line with the terms of the contract. |
|
2025 |
Stranger’s Guide |
Events Strategy for Community Engagement in Texas |
€2,902 |
|
2025 |
Red C Research & Marketing LTD |
Passport Online Qualitative Research Project |
€29,766 |
205. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he recognizes the State’s clear obligations to prioritize rapid and effective emissions reductions now in order to support and protect children’s rights; the plans to implement the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 26 through law and policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56627/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government fully recognises the State’s obligation to prioritise rapid and effective emissions reductions to protect the rights and welfare of children, in line with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Committee’s General Comment No. 26.
Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 provides a robust legal framework for emissions reduction, requiring a 51% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Delivery of the Climate Action Plan is being driven through strengthened governance structures, including the Climate Action Plan Programme Board and the Climate Action Delivery Board, ensuring coordinated implementation across all sectors. Significant progress has been made: coal and peat-fired electricity generation have been phased out; onshore wind now provides nearly half of national electricity; EV sales are set to meet the 2025 ZEVI target; and over 2,000 schools have installed free solar PV systems.
The Government recognises that climate action must be pursued fairly and inclusively. A Just Transition remains central to ensuring that the shift to climate neutrality protects vulnerable communities and promotes intergenerational equity. Over €550 million has been allocated in 2026 for energy upgrades and free retrofits for low-income households.
In parallel, Ireland continues to advance children’s rights through implementation of the UNCRC. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has commissioned a legislative review to align Irish law with the Convention. This work includes consideration of General Comment No. 26, which highlights the urgent need for States to act decisively to safeguard children from the harms of climate change and environmental degradation.
The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Young Ireland, embeds a child rights-based approach to climate policy, promoting climate literacy, child participation, and the inclusion of youth voices in national decision-making to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
206. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will arrange for an independent and transparent investigation into the recent Blackwater fish kill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn investigation into the Blackwater incident was carried out by the Inter-Agency Group, established at my direction to coordinate the investigation. This investigation was comprehensive and transparent and included over 40 site inspections, habitat surveys, water and pathology testing and advanced lab analysis, the results of which were published as they became available. All reports are available at [www.fisheriesireland.ie/publications].
While a specific source was not found, the investigation conclusively ruled out a range of potential causes such as disease, water quality and discharges and provided reassurance that this was a short-lived event, with no evidence of an ongoing pollution risk. A summary report has also been published by the Group which provides a clear account of the response to, and the investigation into, the incident.
My priority now is to learn from this event and to ensure that we are better prepared to prevent and respond to such incidents in the future. I have written to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IF), asking IFI to lead an independent review on behalf of the Inter-Agency Group. The purpose of this review would be to consider the actions taken during the Blackwater incident, assess their effectiveness and make recommendations on how prevention and response measures can be improved. The review will also benchmark existing response systems against recognised best practice, to ensure that our protocols are aligned with comparable models of environmental incident management.
207. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the recreational fisheries which will be subject to fishing authorisations and catch declarations in the future as per Article 55.4 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1224/2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 22 of 15 October 2025. The position is unchanged.
208. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans with respect to the transposition of Article 18 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, 2024 revision; and the way in which he intends to meet the objectives of a one-stop-shop for physical renovation as set out in the article. [57393/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will establish technical assistance facilities for the energy performance of buildings, in line with Article 18 of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), to assist all building owners and actors involved in energy renovations who wish to retrofit or renovate their building to achieve better energy performance with a focus on vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty and low-income households.
In line with the requirement to establish physical technical assistance facilities across the country, it is currently envisaged that a facility will be established in Dublin, Cork and Galway to comply with one facility established per NUTS 2 region.
The technical assistance facilities will provide independent advice and deliver streamlined information on technical and financial measures to support improved energy performance to building owners, as well as dedicated services to vulnerable households and individuals.
It is important to note that the technical assistance facilities that will be established under Article 18 of the recast EPBD differ from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland One Stop Shops, which are entities that offer and deliver an end-to-end service to advise on and carry out all aspects of a home energy upgrade/retrofit.
209. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department's allocation in Budget 2026 makes provision for the estimated €220m in national contributions to match the €663m in funding under the EU Social Climate Fund which can be drawn down from 2026; which vote this allocation will fall under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the public event planned as part of the Social Climate Plan (SCP) national consultation will take place; when the draft SCP will be published; the provision that will be made for those wishing to join online; how he intends to engage with anti-poverty and civil society organisations throughout the development of the SCP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56592/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Budget 2026 makes provision for Ireland’s required national co-financing contribution (estimated at approximately €220 million) to match the €663 million in EU funding available to Ireland under the Social Climate Fund from 2026; under which Vote or Departmental subhead this national contribution will be allocated; if he will report on the way in which this funding will support the implementation of Ireland’s Social Climate Plan and measures targeting vulnerable households and transport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which his Department intends to ensure that national co-financing for the EU Social Climate Fund is directed towards new or scaled-up measures targeting energy poverty, building renovation, and clean mobility for low-income households and vulnerable transport users, in line with the Social Climate Fund Regulation; and if he will outline how duplication or double-funding with existing schemes such as the Climate Action Fund and SEAI programmes will be avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56752/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Budget 2026 makes provision for Ireland’s required national co-financing contribution (estimated at approximately €220 million) to match the €663 million in EU funding available to Ireland under the Social Climate Fund from 2026; if he will confirm under which vote or Departmental subhead this national contribution will be allocated; the way in which this funding will support the implementation of Ireland’s Social Climate Plan and measures targeting vulnerable households and transport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56813/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which his Department plans to ensure that national co-financing for the EU Social Climate Fund is directed towards new or scaled-up measures targeting energy poverty, building renovation, and clean mobility for low-income households and vulnerable transport users, in line with the Social Climate Fund Regulation; the way in which duplication or double-funding with existing schemes such as the Climate Action Fund and SEAI programmes will be avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56814/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department's allocation in Budget 2026 makes provision for the estimated €220 million in national contributions to match the €663 million in funding under the EU Social Climate Fund which can be drawn down from 2026; which vote/ departmental subheading this allocation will fall under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when Ireland's draft Social Climate Plan (SCP) will be published; and how he intends to engage with anti-poverty and civil society organisations throughout the development of the SCP. [57224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the efforts his Department is taking to ensure that Ireland's Social Climate Plan will target vulnerable households explicitly; the research and data sets will be used to inform the definition of vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to match fund for the full allocation of the Social Climate Fund. [57357/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 210, 213, 214, 217, 218, 222, 223, 224 and 228 together.
My Department continues to oversee the preparation of Irelands draft national Social Climate Plan in consultation with relevant Departmental stakeholders and with the European Commission. On 11 September 2025, I launched a six-week open and public stakeholder consultation to inform the development of the plan. In addition to promoting the consultation on Gov.ie and on our social media outlets, over 200 relevant stakeholders, including those representing groups potentially at risk of energy and transport poverty, were directly contacted through Departmental stakeholder networks to advise them that the consultation was underway and to encourage participation. As the closing date approaches, a reminder issued to stakeholders last week.
An Inter-Departmental working group has convened to support the development of the plan. In developing the plan, the remit of the working group includes consideration of proposed measures and supporting data to help ensure appropriate targeting of measures to appropriate vulnerable groups, and to ensure that any measures under consideration are aligned with the governing Regulation. The inputs received from the public and stakeholder consultation will be considered by the group to further develop and refine proposed measures to incorporate into the draft plan.
A public event, hosted by my Department, with attendance by European Commission officials, is being planned. The date and format for this event will be finalised following the conclusion of the public consultation and with agreement of the European Commission. To ensure that the event is accessible to all interested stakeholders, both in-person and online attendance will be facilitated.
At this public event, a draft plan will be presented along with information on outcomes from the consultation and elaboration on how stakeholder input is reflected in the draft plan. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide further insights at this event for consideration in the final draft plan. This final draft plan will be submitted to Government for approval in advance of its submission to the European Commission for its final approval before the end of this year.
Policy responsibility for measures in the Social Climate Plan could potentially span a number of Government Departments. As per normal practice, allocations at subhead level will be finalised and published later this year in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026.
211. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the Taoiseach’s comments on 9 October 2025 in which he suggested that climate initiatives will not be fulfilled due to a risk of causing polarisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56628/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to achieving the climate ambition as expressed in the National Climate Objective and set out in the Programme for Government. This is something that I am very focussed on as Minister, and I will continue to work closely with the Taoiseach and other members of government to realise this ambition. I am also deeply conscious of the need to deliver a transition that is just and fair, and which keeps Irish citizens at its heart. The Government recognises that the scale and pace of this transition presents significant challenges and requires cross-societal engagement and consensus. It is, therefore, essential that this transformation is managed fairly and inclusively. The principle of a Just Transition remains central to our approach, ensuring that the journey to climate neutrality protects vulnerable communities, supports sustainable employment, and distributes the costs of climate action equitably.
For this reason, we continue to target the most at need households through our carbon tax and Exchequer funded free retrofit programme with €558 million committed in Budget 2026 to the SEAI for residential and community energy upgrades, which includes the free upgrade Warmer Homes Scheme.
Managing the transition in this way is vital to maintaining the strong public consensus that already exists. Findings from Climate Conversations 2024 confirm that support for climate action among the Irish public is both deep and widespread. Government is committed to supporting people, households and businesses in turning that support into action.
To support the delivery of high-impact actions, I have strengthened our climate delivery structures including the newly established Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB) which is chaired by my Department and comprises relevant Assistant Secretaries from across Government. This new board will drive delivery and engage directly with the taskforces set up under the Climate Action Plan 2024, and before, including the taskforces on onshore and offshore renewable electricity, heat and the built environment, transport and agriculture. I am also now directly chairing the Climate Action Delivery Board which brings the heads of all key Government Departments together to provide enhanced and co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction across Government.
This work is helping to build on the significant momentum Ireland has established, with major progress in a number of areas including:
• Electricity generation from renewable sources has increased fivefold since 2005. Ireland removed peat fired electricity generation in 2023 and, in June 2025, Ireland successfully phased out coal fired power generation at Moneypoint marking a significant milestone in Ireland's energy transition.
• The 2025 ZEVI target for electric vehicle sales of 195,000 will be met in the coming weeks.
• The Solar for Schools programme has now been offered to every school in the country at no cost, with over 2,000 installations completed to date.
• Onshore Wind energy provided 48% of Ireland’s power last February, and last January Ireland hit the important milestone of 5GW of installed onshore wind capacity.
• We are also prioritising the development of offshore wind capacity through its delivery taskforce. There are presently 5 Phase One Offshore wind developments, all of which are being progressed through the planning system.
I am also focused on the delivery of a new carbon budget programme and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy has recently undertaken detailed scrutiny of the Second Carbon Budget Programme proposals.
The report it published is extensive, and a testament to the hard work and effort the Committee and its witnesses have put in. It has presented 38 comprehensive recommendations spanning multiple sectors including electricity, transport, just transition, buildings, and agriculture and extends to policy areas beyond the proposals themselves.
The Committee’s engagement, and the contributions of the many experts who appeared before it, has been an important part of the open technical engagement and democratic oversight envisaged under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act. It is critical, therefore, that we give the recommendations the necessary consideration before taking the next steps as it is important that we get it right for society and our economy.
212. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount that has been spent by his Department to conduct tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department did not undertake any tendering processes for public infrastructure projects during the 2020 through 2024, inclusive.
215. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps being taken by his Department to support the deployment of demand flexibility technologies in Ireland’s electricity system, with a view to reducing renewable energy curtailment and maximising the use of surplus wind power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56765/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraVarious steps are being taken by my Department and relevant bodies under its aegis to support the deployment of demand flexibility technologies. As referenced in the CRU led National Energy Demand Strategy, front of meter, grid connected electricity storage can assist with demand flexibility on the distribution system.
Action #6 of the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland supports the immediate incorporation of 500mw of demand flexibility onto the distribution system. In line with Action #6 and in conjunction with CRU, ESB Networks have developed a procurement mechanism for demand flexibility. The call for tender for the first batch of 109MW is now live, with further batches expected over the coming years.
Curtailment refers to the reduction in output of generation units because of system wide issues. Curtailment is one element of dispatch down which also includes constraint, local issues, and oversupply, generation exceeding demand. As Transmission System Operator, EirGrid have responsibility for the development of the transmission system and the management of dispatch down. EirGrid are independent of the Minister and operate under the supervision of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
EirGrid has produced data sets showing the likely locations, volumes, and load profile of surplus renewables on our electricity grid out to 2030 as per Action #1 of the National Hydrogen Strategy. The National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce will build on this work to develop the business case for producing hydrogen from surplus renewables.
