Written Answers Nos. 345-364
345. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of male and female qualified horticulturists employed by the OPW as of 13 October 2025. [56885/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOPW employs a number of qualified Craft Gardeners at heritage sites around the country.
These qualified staff are employed in a number of grades including Craft Gardeners, Chargehand Gardeners, Horticultural Forepersons and Foreperson Grade 1 (Horticultural). OPW also have a small number of horticultural assistants and one horticultural graduate currently as per the table below:
|
Job Title |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Craft Foreperson (Horticultural) |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Foreperson Grade 1 (Horticultural) |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Gardener |
15 |
30 |
45 |
|
Gardener (Chargehand) |
7 |
14 |
21 |
|
Horticultural Assistant |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Horticultural Graduate (12 Months) |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Total |
28 |
52 |
80 |
346. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on the lengthy delay in the OPW sourcing a suitable site for a new Garda station at Carndonagh, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57043/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has prepared a Preliminary Business Case for the acquisition of nine sites nationwide, including a site for a new Garda station at Carndonagh, County Donegal.
Consistent with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, an appraisal process will now be conducted to determine the suitability of each site.
Following the outcome of this appraisal process, and the subsequent project prioritisation by An Garda Síochána; the Office of Public Works will progress sourcing a suitable site for a new Garda station at Carndonagh, County Donegal.
347. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has been notified of a proposed development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57059/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is listed as a prescribed body in the appendix of the An Coimisiún Pleanála Direction, which states that the proposed development constitutes a strategic infrastructure development. Notice of a planning application was received in correspondence dated 26th September 2025.
348. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total number of service contracts awarded to private consultancy firms, broken down by projects in IT, management, accounting and auditing, Department and cost, each year to date since 2000, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57099/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
349. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [57116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the vacant buildings under the remit of the Office of Public Works in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W are listed in the table below.
|
Address |
Postcode |
Approximate Size (square metres) |
Status |
|
94 Merrion Square |
D02 CK82 |
400 |
Refurbishment at planning stage |
|
10/11 Castle Street, Dublin 2 |
D02 K062 |
250 |
Under discussion with Dublin City Council |
My Department and the other bodies under its aegis do not have any vacant buildings in the areas specified.
350. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide the Abridged Estimates Volume for Budget 2026 for Vote 11, including the provisional sub head and programme level allocations. [57194/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government published the Budget 2026 Expenditure report on 7 October, 2025. This contains the Abridged Estimates for Vote 11 on page 170 and the report is available at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/12e55341/Expenditure_Report_2026_hlgh_edit.pdf.
The subhead and programme level allocations will be detailed in the 2026 Revised Estimates which is expected to be published in December 2025.
351. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will review the operation of the revised spouses’ and children’s pension scheme (2004) as it applies to teachers and other public servants, and to address the issue of compulsory contributions by single members with no dependents, who cannot benefit under the scheme, and for whom contributions are not refundable on retirement or death; and whether this constitutes discriminatory treatment of single employees compared with married or partnered colleagues. [57238/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department has overall responsibility for public service pension policy, including the policy pertaining to Spouses’ and Children’s schemes.
I am aware of concerns raised regarding the operation of the Revised Spouses’ and Children’s Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to compulsory membership of the scheme and the requirement for single members without dependents to make contributions to the scheme.
The original widows’ and orphans’ contributory pension schemes were first introduced in parts of the public service from 1968 and were open to male employees only; membership was subsequently extended to female employees, and the schemes were renamed Spouses’ and Children’s (S&C) schemes. At the time of their introduction for each cohort, membership was made optional for serving staff and mandatory for new entrants. In the Education sector the original scheme was introduced for male teachers in 1969 and female teachers in 1981.
Revised S&C schemes were introduced in the public service from 1984 onwards and replaced the original schemes for all new entrants on or after their operative date(s). The Revised Scheme relevant to the Education sector was introduced following recommendations of the Commission on Public Service Pensions 2000 and implemented via Department of Education Circular PEN14/05. Membership of the revised scheme is compulsory for new entrants from 1 September 2005, and like the original S&C scheme, contributions are set at 1.5%. Member contributions are compulsory under Revised S&C Schemes and there are no exemptions available based on marital or family status. In certain circumstances where a member has in excess of 40 years' service, they are entitled to a refund in respect of the excess period only, starting with the initial contributions paid.
The Revised S&C Schemes prevailing across the public service, which were introduced in agreement with staff interests, extended the benefits payable to include post-retirement marriages and also extended the children's benefit to include a broader category of eligible children, including adoptive, post-retirement/resignation and non-marital children of the member. S&C schemes operate on a similar basis to any group insurance scheme, whereby each member pays a contribution to ensure coverage, but not every member will receive a benefit from their scheme. The nature of the schemes is such that they provide for contingent benefits to each member. S&C Scheme benefits only become payable in the event of the member’s death; if a married member is pre-deceased by their spouse/civil partner, no spousal benefit is payable. Children’s benefits are only payable where the child is under 16 years of age or under age 22 and in full-time education or where the child is dependent (due for example a disability), and the disability occurred before the child reached age 16 or 22.
The Revised S& C Schemes do not provide for refunds of contributions to single members without dependents at retirement. This reflects the scheme’s structure as a collective risk-pooling arrangement, where contributions partially fund benefits for eligible survivors across the membership base. Furthermore, it is not possible to determine that a person will never benefit from the Revised S&C schemes as the schemes provides for marriage/civil partnership after retirement and or children outside of marriage, stepchildren of marriages after retirement, children adopted after marriage etc.
All public service S&C schemes, both original and revised, are contributory in nature, regardless of whether the relevant main pension scheme required pension contributions. Members of the original scheme receive a full refund of contributions on retirement if they remain unmarried throughout their period of membership, as post-retirement spouses/civil partners and children are not covered under that scheme. Members of the revised scheme do not receive this refund because the scheme is designed to cover post-retirement marriages/civil partnerships and a broader category of children.
For public servants appointed on/after 1 January 2013, Survivor Benefits and associated contributions are embedded in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The applicable Survivor Benefits are in keeping with those available through membership of a revised S&C Scheme.
All public servants hired after a scheme relevant date are enrolled in the applicable scheme on a mandatory basis, regardless of their marital or family status. Contributions are payable at the same rates by all scheme members, and marital or family status does not impact upon the members’ benefits within the main pension scheme; the pension benefits payable for any public service scheme are calculated in the same manner for all members regardless of this.
While the scheme does not differentiate contribution rates based on marital or parental status, it is acknowledged that some members may not ultimately benefit from the survivor provisions. However, this does not constitute unlawful discrimination under current pension legislation, as the scheme applies uniformly and is based on actuarial principles common to defined benefit arrangements. Public service S&C Schemes are not in contravention of equality legislation, and any refund mechanism, other than those permitted under the scheme rules, is not possible.
As mentioned above, Public Service S&C schemes are structured on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members. I have no plans to review these arrangements.
352. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [57296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Reports of the nature specified in the PQ |
Name of consultants |
Cost of each report (inclusive of VAT) |
|
2024 |
Life Events: Births – Concept Report |
Deloitte |
€189,728 |
|
|
Life Events: Drivers – Concept Report |
Deloitte |
€189,728 |
|
|
Employee Engagement Survey |
Institute of Public Administration |
€3,690 |
|
|
Consultancy on design of Life Events |
Deloitte |
€113,836 |
|
|
Review of MyGovID on eIDAS Level of Assurance |
Deloitte |
€49,500 |
|
|
Customer Journey Maps findings report |
Frontend Usability |
€36,488 |
|
|
Co-Design workshop findings report |
Engineering Ltd trading as Frontend.com |
€17,515 |
|
|
Undertaking of Management Verifications on EU funded projects required as part of EU funding conditions |
KOSI Corporation Limited |
€151,260 |
|
|
Subject Matter Expert – Professional Practice Competency Framework |
Kathleen Halligan |
€23,062 |
|
2025 to date |
Life Events: Students – Concept Report |
Deloitte |
€189,727 |
|
|
Life Events: Global Service Offer – Concept Report |
Deloitte |
€189,727 |
|
|
Life Events: Accessing Social Housing – Concept Report |
Deloitte |
€189,727 |
|
|
Life Events: Accessing Social Housing – Target Service Offer |
Deloitte |
€323,060 |
353. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the proposed flood relief works for Inchigeelagh, Cork which is included in the CFRAM plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State, was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. The CFRAM programme studied 80% of Ireland's primary flood risk and identified measures to protect over 95% of that risk. The 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were a key output of CFRAM, identifying proposed flood relief measures nationwide. The Government is committed to funding these projects through the €1.3bn available under the National Development Plan.
It is not possible to progress all 150 new and additional flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the required professional and specialised engineering skills in the OPW, local authorities, and in the consultancy market. Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning or construction in Tranche 1.
To date, the OPW has completed nine flood relief schemes in County Cork. This includes the Bandon, Clonakilty, Douglas, Dunmanway, Fermoy North, Fermoy South, Mallow North, Mallow South & West, and Skibbereen flood relief schemes. These completed schemes protect 1,750 properties from flooding.
Currently, there are ten major flood relief schemes at development and design or construction stage in County Cork: Ballinhassig, Ballymakeera/Ballyvourney, Bantry, Blackpool, Carrigaline, Glashaboy, Cork City (Lower Lee), Macroom, Midleton, and Morrison’s Island. Once completed, these ten projects will provide protection to a further circa 3,800 properties. The OPW is funding nine engineering staff in Cork County Council to support its delivery of flood relief schemes.
Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on some 50 Tranche 2 flood relief schemes. Planning for the delivery of these schemes has commenced through the Tranche 2 Pilot. Ultimately, the Pilot will inform the delivery model to be applied for the future tranche of schemes and in doing so, will be relevant to all schemes nationwide. There are a further nine proposed flood relief schemes in Tranche 2 throughout County Cork, including Inchigeelagh.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme) was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) 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 or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Applications for funding from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost-benefit ratio.
I recently announced that an increase in funding supports are to be made available to local authorities under the Minor Works Scheme, including an increase in the upper Minor Works threshold from €750,000 to €2,000,000. Details of these revisions to the Scheme are to be made available to local authorities over the coming weeks.
To date, some €7m has been approved for over 50 projects in County Cork under the Minor Works scheme. Further details are available at www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/.
354. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports, financial or otherwise, that would be available to a start-up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56555/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegarding this specific case, officials in my Department have confirmed that the company in question has received mentoring advice from LEO Tipperary and assistance in preparing their application for the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme.
The LEOs are the first stop shop for every business in the country and provide a signposting service for all government supports available to the SME sector and their services are still available to help develop this business concept. LEO Tipperary business advisors are well versed in the wide range of supports available to small businesses and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
For more information on the supports available through the LEOs or any other Government bodies, I would encourage this business owner to visit the National Enterprise Hub (NEH).
The NEH is an all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports. The hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 32 different Departments and State Agencies.
355. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [56691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic infrastructure is not typically delivered by my Department and, as such, there was no expenditure to conduct tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in the years in question.
356. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will identify the locations and completion dates for each advanced building solutions delivered under the IDA Regional Building Programme, in tabular form. [56744/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland prioritises balanced regional development and is aiming for 550 of its 1,000 new investments under its strategy "Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29" to be in regional areas. Additionally, suitable property availability can play a key part in winning investments from both new-name and existing client companies. In this regard, in locations where little or no suitable property solutions are available for FDI, and where market failure has resulted in a lack of private sector-led advanced solutions, IDA Ireland intervenes through its Regional Property Programme.
The key objective of the Regional Property Programme is to deliver agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to IDA clients in advance of demand. This includes delivering Advance Building Solutions, collaboration with Local Authorities on advance planning permits and investment in infrastructure projects across the portfolio to meet evolving business needs. Furthermore, the IDA is also focused on acquiring new landbanks and strategic sites to support future projects across all key sectors. This targeted forward-planning is vital to provide certainty and ensure that IDA has a competitive offering that meets the evolving needs of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland clients.
During the IDA's 2021-2024 strategy period, 19 Advanced Building Solutions were progressed across 15 regional locations. Ten buildings were completed in Monaghan, Sligo (2), Limerick (2), Dundalk, Waterford, Carlow, Athlone, and Galway.
The proposed Regional Building Programme 2025-2029 will consist of 23 projects across 21 locations in 8 regions, primarily manufacturing buildings. Over the next five years, IDA will aim to complete 6 buildings currently under construction, in planning or procurement stages from the previous Strategy cycle including Cavan, Letterkenny, Drogheda, Mullingar, Longford, and Castlebar. Additionally, 6 new builds will commence in Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Sligo, Galway, and Waterford, subject to successful, planning and procurement phases. IDA will also partner with local authorities to deliver 11 Advance Planning Permits in Letterkenny, Mayo, Tullamore, Mullingar, Kilkenny, Ballinasloe, Navan, Portlaoise, Tralee, Carrick on Shannon and Roscommon.
Given IDA’s clear focus on Sustainability, the proposed Regional Building Programme will maintain a minimum US Green Building Council Shell & Core LEED accredited target objective for all newly constructed IDA buildings. Where appropriate, however, following extensive market engagement, IDA’s Property Department also proposes, as an overarching ambitious principle, to adopt building designs capable of achieving a high level of carbon management.
The table below refers to all buildings completed during three strategy cycles since the inception of the Regional Building Programme.
357. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the work being done by his Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56786/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassy network, as well as other Departments, to implement the Government’s Diaspora Strategy, Global Ireland – Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025, which was launched in late 2020. The effective coordination of the implementation of this strategy across Government is carried out through the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, chaired by the Minister for the Diaspora, and Officials from my Department participate in this Committee. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads on the implementation of this strategy.
Global Ireland sets out a number of actions to strengthen our connections with diaspora communities and to harness the contribution from the diaspora to support our economy, including through promoting and facilitating the return of Irish emigrants.
The strategy recognises how returning emigrants bring with them skills and knowledge gained abroad that can help develop both the national and local economies. To support this, the Government also recognises the need to minimise the challenges faced by individuals and families returning to Ireland. The strategy commits to a number of actions to support the return of members of the diaspora. These include monitoring barriers to return and adopting measures to remove them where possible; the negotiation of reciprocal agreements with countries that are home to significant Irish diaspora communities, such as double taxation and social security agreements; improvement of the provision of information on returning to Ireland and providing information for Irish citizens living overseas, including the dissemination of information on skills needs; and the expansion of mutual recognition and the portability of academic or professional qualifications earned overseas.
As part of its ongoing work with the Department of Social Protection and EURES to support tourism employers to target talent pools, Fáilte Ireland’s tourism careers team is supporting EURES’ upcoming Online Job Day: Fáilte Back – Your Career in Ireland this November. This initiative aims to highlight employment opportunities in Ireland for Irish citizens living abroad who are planning or considering a return home. Fáilte Ireland is driving awareness of the initiative across the tourism industry so that businesses can promote their roles, as well as presenting the variety of career opportunities available in the tourism sector to returning Irish citizens.
In addition, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first stop shop for anyone looking to start or grow their own business and provide a signposting service for all government supports available to the SME sector. I would encourage any returning emigrants who wish to start their own business to contact the LEO nearest their hometown and enquire about the supports that are available.
358. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the conflict of interest disclosures that adjudicators of the Workplace Relations Commission are required to make prior to taking up their position; if adjudicators may engage in discussions with legal representatives prior to a hearing; and if such communications must be declared. [56872/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, and advisory services.
Adjudication Officers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest prior to taking up their position with the WRC. This is in line with public service standards and the constitutional requirement for impartiality in the administration of justice, as affirmed in the Zalewski v WRC Supreme Court decision.
Adjudication Officers are also required to complete annually an Ethics in Public Office Acts declaration. Such disclosures help ensure that Adjudicators do not preside over cases where their impartiality could reasonably be questioned. An Adjudication Officer may engage in discussions with legal representatives prior to a hearing. This may relate to how a hearing will run and any witnesses or evidence proposed by either party with a view to ensuring efficient and effective use of hearing time. Any material communication with a party or their representative outside the hearing process must be declared.
The WRC routinely copies correspondence or submissions received from one party to the other party to ensure that all parties are aware of material submitted.
359. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the next call for tourism projects to apply for The Shared Island Fund 2026 will come; and the way in which local groups hoping to establish cross-Border initiatives should apply for this funding [56932/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraShared Island unit in the Department of the Taoiseach acts as a driver and coordinator of this whole of government initiative.
Shared Island funding was announced in Budget 2021, with initial €500m in capital funding available between 2021-25, ring-fenced for investment in collaborative North/South projects. My Department has taken forward two Tourism projects:
• The Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project with an allocation of €7.6 million which was granted for an all-island tourism initiative in the North West to strengthen the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way. This project is being delivered on a cooperative basis by Tourism Northern Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
• In February this year, an announcement of up to €23million in Government funding from the Department of the Taoiseach, was made in relation to the Shared Destinations programme. Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland will work in partnership with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism amenities across the border region in three projects: Carlingford Lough, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh. The Shared Island Fund is also resourcing marketing campaigns for each shared destination, including an industry development programme, which will be developed and delivered over 2025-2030, to maximise the economic impact for each region.
Any further tourism projects over the lifetime of the Shared Island Initiative will be at the discretion of the Department of the Taoiseach.
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is an initiative to promote practical North-South cooperation and engagement through increased cross-border civic society connections. The Shared Island Civic Society Fund run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a €6 million three-year initiative, promoting practical North-South cooperation and engagement, primarily between grassroots community organisations across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.
Details on how to apply can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/services/shared-island-civic-society-fund/.
360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when applicants will learn if they have received funding under the strategic tourism festival investment scheme 2026-2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57095/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Fáilte Ireland has run a new competitive multi-annual “Strategic Tourism Festival Investment Scheme for 2026-2028”.
The scheme aims to support tourism festivals that are unique, place-based events that showcase Irelands culture, heritage and natural beauty.
These festivals will not just attract domestic visitors but international as well. They will boost regional economies, increase local spending and encourage an increase in overnight stays.
As the assessment process is now complete, I understand that Fáilte Ireland expect to be in a position to formally announce the successful applications in the near future.
361. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [57109/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not own any property. Accommodation for my Department is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW.
Details of any vacant buildings owned by agencies under the remit of my Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W is an operational matter for those individual bodies. I have asked these bodies to supply information in relation to this matter to the Deputy.
362. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports being put in place to attract new employers to County Wexford and the surrounding region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of our national enterprise policy, as set out in the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and its agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland has reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional development as a core pillar of its 2025–2029 strategy, 'Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation'. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 investments outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of all planned investments to 2029. IDA’s strategy focuses on partnering with the existing FDI base to retain and renew their Irish operations alongside an ongoing focus on identifying new opportunities associated with FDI growth drivers including AI & digital, semiconductors, sustainability and health. In practical terms this means supporting clients to increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations through investment in RD&I, digitalisation, talent development and sustainability.
Wexford is part of IDA Ireland's South-East Region which also includes Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow. There are 85 IDA client companies in this region, employing 15,580 people, with a further 12,464 people employed indirectly, with 25 of these in Wexford employing 3,606 and 7,232 respectively. Grant support totalling €261,398 was provided to IDA clients in Wexford in 2024.
The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 15%. The South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies which are complemented by research centres that help win new business and assist existing client companies with transformation. Counties in the South-East also benefit from direct and indirect ‘remote’ and ‘hybrid’ employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
IDA Ireland continues to deliver a competitive property offering to attract FDI and support the growth and expansion of domestic clients within the Enterprise Ireland portfolio and Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) clients. In that regard, I am advised that in terms of land holdings in County Wexford, the IDA currently owns 58 hectares of lands with approximately 4 hectares available for marketing across Wexford IDA Business & Technology Park, Wexford Business Park, and IDA Enniscorthy. IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in the South-East Region. Under its current strategy IDA has committed to deliver an Advance Planning Permit in partnership with Wexford County Council for an Advanced Technology Building during the lifetime of the 2025-2029 Strategy.
Innovative, ambitious start-ups are the bedrock of the Irish economy and will form the foundations of future enterprise success. Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with the 31 LEOs and the wider enterprise and innovation ecosystem, aims to stimulate and foster the next generation of Irish enterprise successes by supporting ambitious start-ups to access finance, build capacity, and grow domestically and internationally. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting the attraction and development of employers in County Wexford and the wider South-East region through a range of targeted initiatives and national programmes.
In 2024, 5,943 people were employed across 130 Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Wexford, up from 5,776 in 2023, which represents an increase of 167 net jobs. In April 2025, EI client and global leader in the design and manufacture of medical device balloons, Hoop Medical, announced the official opening of its new, purpose-built facility in the Ardcavan Business Park, Wexford. This expansion supported by EI provides a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing space, more than tripling Hoop's current footprint to support the company’s continued growth and create new job opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland has also invested heavily in the B.A.S.S.E. accelerator programme, delivered by GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy. This supports SMEs with mentoring, strategic planning, and access to entrepreneurial talent to drive sustainable growth, with the objective of creating up to 300 new jobs in scaling EI client companies. More broadly, under its new five-year strategy Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025–2029), Enterprise Ireland aims to support 1,000 new start-ups, 1,700 new exporters, and increase employment in supported companies to 275,000 nationwide.
Enterprise Ireland also provides direct supports to businesses seeking to establish or expand in Wexford, including Employment Funding grants, Market Discovery Funds to explore new markets, and Key Manager grants to attract senior talent. These supports are designed to help companies start, compete, scale, and connect—ensuring that Irish enterprises can thrive locally while growing globally. Enterprise Ireland works closely with regional stakeholders, including Wexford County Council and the Local Enterprise Office, to ensure a coordinated approach to enterprise development and job creation.
Enterprise Ireland is an active member of the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan process which has brought together stakeholders in the South-East to develop initiatives focused on driving enterprise growth in the region and continues to invest in supporting infrastructure, innovation hubs, and collaborative projects that strengthen regional enterprise ecosystems. The South-East REP covers Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow and aims to leverage the established strengths of the region in terms of ICT, life sciences, engineering and financial services and build capacity in emerging areas such as offshore energy. Some of the projects supported through the South-East REP include the Ireland South-East Offshore Wind Partnership, and the Business Advantage & Sustainability South-East (B.A.S.S.E) programme.
Based on all of the above, I have every confidence that Wexford and the South-East region will remain an attractive location for both foreign and domestic investment and continue to be a thriving entrepreneurial hotspot well into the future.
363. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans in place to create more opportunities in order that persons can work closer to home in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a significant long-term shift in attitudes to remote work amongst both employers and workers throughout the country since the pandemic. Acceptance of remote and hybrid working is high, and the evidence suggests that they are here to stay.
Remote working represents a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market and enhanced access to high-quality employment opportunities for workers in their home communities. This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and flexible working options representing powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention which improves labour market performance and regional economic balance overall.
The most recent data from the Central Statistics Office show that in the second quarter of 2025, over 1 million persons reported working from home at least some of the time. Within this, over half a million (555,500) persons were usually working from home (relative to a peak number of 774,300 in 2021 Q2). In the South-East Region which includes County Wexford, 65,900 people were working from home (usually or sometimes) in the second quarter of 2025, down from a peak of 73,800 in 2022Q1.
The most recent labour force survey results also illustrate that our policies are working with record numbers of people in employment. Nationally, there were 2.8 million persons at work in the second quarter of the year, an annual gain of 63,900 jobs. Analysis undertaken by the Department of Finance in 2025 highlights not only the scale of Ireland’s employment growth since the pandemic, but also its spread, with job growth recorded in every region, including the South-East, which has seen employment increase by nearly 21% since just before the pandemic. Remote working has contributed to this regional job growth, by allowing people in places such as County Wexford to access employment in sectors amenable to remote working such as ICT.
Initiatives such as the Work Life Balance Act 2023, which establishes the right to request remote working for all workers, and the National Remote Work Strategy, reflect the Government’s commitment to facilitating these changes in a way which maximises their economic, social and environmental benefits. Development and delivery of the National Remote Strategy was overseen by the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group, based in my Department.
Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers.
In terms of Ireland’s evolving suite of policies and supports for remote working for employees and employers, I would highlight the following:
• The 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. Employers are obliged to have regard to the Code of Practice and the other requirements of the Act when considering requests for remote working. Employees have recourse to the Workplace Relations Commission if the employer fails to comply with the legislation. Providing a right to request supports and facilitating remote working in Ireland, and at the same time, supports a productive and competitive business environment.
• The legislation provides for a review of the operation of the remote working provisions of the Act, not earlier than one year and not later than two years after the commencement of the Act. There are also provisions to conduct a review of the operation of the flexible working provisions of the Act and, as part of the review, consider whether the right to request a flexible working arrangement should be extended to all employees. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will be carrying out a review of the operation of the right to request remote working provisions of the Act by March 2026.
• The Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect was introduced April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission, followed by the introduction of an enhanced income tax deduction amounting to 30 percent of heat, electricity and broadband expenses for people working from home, announced in Budget 2022.
• My Department continues to update its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage for employees and employers to support the safe and successful adoption of remote working practices. In addition, the Government co-funds remote work skills training programmes, such as Leading and Hybrid Remote Teams provided by Laois Offaly ETB and Grow Remote, and The FORWARD Programme which provides SMEs personalised support to design, implement, and sustain effective remote work practices.
• The Government's commitment to promoting remote work is also evident through initiatives like the National Hub Network, facilitated by Connected Hubs. This initiative plays a vital role in supporting the National Remote Work Strategy by providing accessible, well-equipped remote working spaces throughout Ireland. With 393 hubs across the country, and plans to expand to 400 by the end of 2025, Connected Hubs is helping to build vibrant local economies, revitalising communities and offering diverse services to remote workers, SMEs, and start-ups. These hubs are essential in enhancing labour market participation and promoting sustainable, flexible work options in line with Government policy. 13 of these hubs are located in County Wexford.
• The Connected Hubs network is a key driver in Ireland’s push to support remote work and regional development. Aligned with policies like Our Rural Future and the forthcoming National Hub Strategy, the initiative empowers individuals to work remotely while staying rooted in their communities. Hubs provide essential infrastructure and services, from co-working spaces and conference facilities to specialist resources like podcast studios and maker spaces. Beyond workspace provision, they offer vital business supports such as mentoring, start-up accelerators, and sector-specific programmes. By promoting innovation and collaboration, Connected Hubs is shaping the future of work while contributing to balanced regional growth and sustainable development across Ireland.
• A national marketing campaign – In Good Company – is being launched in October 2025 to encourage SMEs to adopt flexible hub-based working models. The 2025 National Hub Summit, taking place in November, will bring together all relevant parties from across government, enterprise, community development and the hub ecosystem.
• Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy sets ambitious targets for the continued development of the digital infrastructure which enables successful remote working in Ireland. These targets include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030. The Programme for Government sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The Government continues to monitor the impacts of new ways of working. For example, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is co-funding to the Working in Ireland Survey which is currently being carried out by University College Dublin. This is the second iteration of the Survey, first undertaken in 2021, and aims to interview several thousand persons across Ireland about their experiences of working life - including remote working. This work is underway with the main outputs from the survey expected in 2026. In addition, the Department of Taoiseach has requested that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) undertake research into the Evolution and Impact of Remote and Hybrid Working in Ireland. A working group has been established to oversee the research, which is expected be completed by mid-2026. This research will inform wider debates around remote working policy.
Future trends in relation to remote and flexible working will be influenced by many factors, including the preferences of employers and employees, labour market conditions and the evolution of Ireland’s enterprise base. However, it is likely that remote work -underpinned by Government policy and investment – will continue to be a significant driver of job growth in communities across Ireland.
364. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps being taken to ensure that rural enterprises and businesses in County Wexford remain funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57203/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeveloping Ireland’s enterprise base remains a key focus for Government and my Department is committed to backing small businesses and start-ups, to help them to scale up and grow into exporting entities in every county across the country.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring Local Enterprise Offices are fully resourced to support local businesses. The importance of continuing to fund the LEOs is reflected in the steady increase in the annual budget allocation over the 11 years since their establishment.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Wexford continues to play an extremely important role, as part of this supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the county.
The LEO contributes to the development of economic strategies such as the Local Economic and Community Plans and ensures that an enterprise perspective is brought to bear on various Local Authority and regional plans and frameworks.
The LEO offers direct grant assistance to small businesses, specifically designed for growth or exporting, aimed at small businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. The LEO provide training and advice on entrepreneurship and helping businesses to start, grow and deal with the challenges of running a business.
To assist small and medium enterprises to tackle the rising cost of doing business the LEOs provide consultancy and grants, in the areas of Lean, Green, and Digital, to small businesses in all sectors. These supports focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in all small businesses.
