Written Answers Nos. 90-103
90. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plans to expand or restructure Ireland's diplomatic and trade missions abroad, particularly in emerging markets, including the budget allocated, the timeline for implementation, and expected benefits for trade and diplomatic engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeepening Ireland's global engagement and driving trade and prosperity are priority actions for my Department.
Since 2017 as part of the Global Ireland 2025 strategy my Department has opened twenty-five new diplomatic missions around the world with two further Consulates due to open early next year in Melbourne and Malaga. The potential to strengthen Ireland's economic connections with each location and to support greater trade and investment is a key consideration when the Government decides where to open new diplomatic missions.
We are currently in the final year of Global Ireland 2025 and the Government is committed to developing a new Global Ireland 2040 strategy as an overarching masterplan on how to enhance Ireland's influence and partnerships in a more challenging global environment.
Global Ireland 2040 will continue the Government's consistent emphasis on economic promotion and supporting Irish businesses in their market diversification ambitions. This is already reflected in the commitments in the Action Plan on Market Diversification, published in August, to conduct in-depth review of Ireland’s overseas presence with a view to expanding and deepening our presence where needed to support Irish economic priorities. The Action Plan also commits to including market diversification as a key pillar of the new regional strategies to be developed under Global Ireland 2040, and to enhance the Government's approach to trade missions.
As part of Budget 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was allocated €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s mission network across the USA and to strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of our market diversification action plan. Budget 2026 also provides funding for market diversification to other Government Department and the State agencies.
91. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures in place to support Irish emigrants wishing to return to Ireland; whether an economic and social assessment of barriers to return has been completed and acted upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in the Programme for Government, I am committed to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for our diaspora.
The 2018 Indecon Economic Report: Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants, which was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, identified a number of economic and social barriers to return. Since its publication, the Department has engaged with other Government Departments and Agencies on the issues facing returnees.
Progress has been made on a number of issues and I will ensure that we continue to prioritise this important work in the Government's new diaspora strategy which will be published next year.
The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, which I chair, has identified the provision of information, advice and assistance as an area where more could be done for those looking to return home. returning emigrants. The Department provides annual funding to Crosscare and Safe Home, both of which assist returning emigrants. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we also fund the Citizens' Information Board's "Returning to Ireland" portal. This portal contains a wide range of practical information and advice for returning emigrants.
I am also conscious that a number of those returning may wish to start their own business and the Department also funds the Back for Business initiative, which provides peer guidance to early stage entrepreneurs who have returned, or plan to return, to Ireland. The initiative has been very successful, helping new businesses find their feet and create employment in different parts of the country.
Access to driving licences is another issue that has come up regularly. Ireland currently allows licence exchanges with 21 jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and seven Canadian provinces. As exchange agreements with the US have to be concluded on a State by State basis, our focus initially is on those states with a significant Irish population. Engagement is currently underway with New York State.
In recent months, as part of the development of the next Diaspora Strategy, I have hosted a series of consultations with Irish communities around the world to inform its drafting. These in-person consultations have been supplemented by an online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer, and asked participants for their views on barriers to return to Ireland. These are important discussions which have highlighted areas where the Government can support our diaspora in returning home, and these views will feed into the development of the new strategy.
92. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions Ireland has taken with regards to the recent surge of violence and internet shutdowns in Tanzania; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very concerned at the violence and deaths in Tanzania during and following general elections on 28/29 October. There are credible reports that over 1,000 people were killed following a brutal response by the Tanzanian security forces. There have been other troubling developments including disappearances of the bodies of those killed, arbitrary arrests of young people and political opposition figures, and increasing restrictions on the right to convene.
The narrowing of political space in the run-up to the elections, including the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and reported human rights abuses, are also a matter of serious concern. We note the preliminary statements of the South African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union electoral observer missions which express concern on the conduct of the elections.
We strongly support the statement by the EU High Representative expressing concern at the events surrounding the elections, including the lack of a level playing field in the pre-election period. Along with other EU Member States, Ireland expects swift investigation and resolution of all cases of arrest, including the release of opposition figures arrested before the election. We echo the call of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for investigations into allegations of human rights abuses and for those responsible to he held to account.
Ireland underlines the need for reconciliation and national dialogue as a means to address the division in the country. We note that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established a Commission of Inquiry into the events following the elections, but we note that genuine reconciliation can only take place by acknowledging responsibility for the actions of the security forces, and that any reconciliation process must include credible opposition voices.
Before the election, Ireland, with our EU partners, met with the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs. We expressed deep concern about the shrinking democratic space and human rights abuses.
During the election, officials from our Embassy in Dar es Salaam participated in an observation mission, along with EU and other missions. We are also providing support for human rights monitoring and Human Rights Defender organisations providing legal aid to those affected.
With our EU partners, we will continue to express concern at all levels to the Tanzanian authorities. the Department and our Embassy are closely monitoring developments, including the progress of the Commission of Inquiry, and the Tanzanian Government’s reconciliation process.
93. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66392/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing of a new Honorary Consul application requires a vetting process to be cleared by the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána before any approval can be given.
Protocol submitted Mr Khurshid's application to the Department of Justice in April. Protocol has actively been following up with the Department of Justice for an update on this application. To date, the vetting process for Mr Khurshid is still pending.
94. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on progress in implementing the commitment to increase the share of official development assistance directed to education, particularly girls’ education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's policy for international development, A Better World, commits to scale up support for quality education, with a focus on girls’ education. There was a pledge to provide at least €250 million, between 2020 and 2024, which was achieved and exceeded.
In 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided a total of €52.3 million in support to inclusive and equitable, quality education, particularly education for girls and those furthest behind. While final figures are not yet available, support in 2025 is expected to be at same the level, or higher. This support is programmed through a range of reinforcing channels. These include direct support for education programmes delivered by NGOs and UN agencies, allocations to multilateral funds specifically focused on education, and funding for the Ireland Fellows Programme.
Budget 2026 provided for an increase of €30 million in the funding provided to the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Irish Aid. The budget for 2026 will be €840.3 million, the highest ever level since the establishment of the aid programme. While the full details of the allocation of expenditure for 2026 are still being developed, the Department will maintain its commitment to prioritising support for quality education for girls and the furthest behind. Our programmes will continue to be informed by the clear evidence that inclusive and equitable, quality education is critical to achieving gender equality and sustainable development. Quality education is a prime driver for development, and for the empowerment of women and girls.
95. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if in preparation for Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency from July to December 2026, that venues outside of Dublin (details supplied), such as Killarney, Tralee, Kenmare or Dingle have been considered as locations for the summit meetings of EU senior officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. During the six-month Presidency, Ireland will be responsible for driving the EU policy agenda and advancing work on EU legislative and policy initiatives. Irish Ministers and officials will chair most meetings in the framework of the Council of Ministers, and will represent the Council in its relations with other EU institutions, notably the European Parliament.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency, and indicates that the Government will seek to bring some of the high-level meetings of our Presidency to cities and counties across Ireland, ensuring the entire country benefits from the profile the Presidency brings.
My Department is working closely with relevant Departments and agencies across Government to plan the range of meetings and events to be hosted in Ireland during the Presidency. This planning work includes assessment of the suitability of a wide range of locations as possible venues for Presidency meetings and events, taking account of specific criteria. Final decisions on the list of Presidency meetings and events to be hosted in Ireland, and the locations for those events, will be made in the coming months.
96. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out in detail the obligations that will apply to Ireland under the European Democracy Shield, including all monitoring, reporting, data-sharing, or participation requirements foreseen for Member States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the European Democracy Shield will require Ireland to participate in any EU-wide systems for identifying, reviewing or classifying online communications, including content linked to domestic political debate; and to outline the legal basis that would permit any such participation. [66557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the European Commission has accepted Ireland’s position that electoral regulation and political debate must remain under full national competence, and to detail how this will be protected during the implementation of the European Democracy Shield. [66558/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97 and 98 together.
The European Democracy Shield (EDS) is a non-legislative initiative and does not impose any new legal obligations on Ireland beyond those established in existing EU Treaties, Directives, Regulations and Recommendations. The Commission Communication of 12 November 2025, confirms the essentially voluntary nature of Member State engagement with the EDS. The proposed European Centre for Democratic Resilience, one of the principal measures in the Communication, will be developed progressively based on Member State’s voluntary participation, their input and their needs for support and co-operation.
The EDS does not establish any new mandatory systems for identifying, reviewing or classifying online content linked to domestic political debate. Existing obligations under the Digital Services Act and the AI Act continue to apply, and any enhanced co-operation this area remains voluntary. The legal basis for existing measures derives from the relevant Treaty provisions under pinning those instruments.
The Commission has consistently acknowledged that the organisation and conduct of elections remains a Member State competence. The Communication explicitly states that co-operation through the European Co-operation Network on Elections (ECNE) will respect applicable legal frameworks and independence of existing national structures. Ireland’s emphasis on respecting national competence in electoral administration and media regulation is reflected in the Communication on the EDS, which focuses on enhancing co-operation and sharing best practices rather than establishing regulatory requirements.
Obligations on Member States will build on pre-established commitments, which may be enhanced to address contemporary challenges. For example the ECNE, which already brings together national authorities with responsibilities for domestic electoral matters, will foster strengthened co-operation to share best practices based on national election experiences.
99. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has completed any risk assessment since 1 September 2025 on the impact of unilateral UK changes to the Windsor Framework on cross-Border trade, regulatory stability and market access for Irish exporters; and if she will provide the findings of that assessment. [66577/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department’s current assessment of the level of exposure for exporters in the Cork port-region arising from possible UK regulatory divergence under the Windsor Framework; and if she will outline any contingency measures being developed for affected sectors. [66578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position her Department has taken in the EU Working Party on the United Kingdom and in the Specialised Committee meetings since the European Commission raised concerns about UK unilateral actions; and if she will provide any briefing notes or submissions supplied by his officials to those forums. [66579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100 and 101 together.
The Windsor Framework, an agreement reached between the EU and UK in 2023, acknowledges the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland within the context of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016. Through it, the gains of the Good Friday Agreement have been protected, while also providing certainty and clarity for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. The agreed upon safeguards and facilitations contained within the Windsor Framework ensure that Northern Ireland, while remaining part of the United Kingdom’s internal market, also retains access to the EU’s single market for goods. Crucially, this avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and protects the all-island economy.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I will continue the work of my predecessor, the Tánaiste and now Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, in raising the importance of the full, timely and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework, recognising that it provides certainty and clarity for people and businesses across the island of Ireland. My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, similarly continues to raise this matter in his engagements with his EU and UK counterparts. At the most recent meeting of the General Affairs Council, Minister Byrne stressed the importance Ireland attaches to the full, timely and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework. Minister Byrne similarly raised this with the UK Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, when they met recently in Dublin.
Within the Windsor Framework, and the wider EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, there are clear procedures and mechanisms in place to address any issues that may arise, including legislative developments. Specifically, the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework, chaired by the EU and UK, meets regularly to monitor progress on Windsor Framework implementation. Through these committees, my officials are afforded the opportunity to deliver an intervention on behalf of Ireland in recognition of the unique circumstances that exist on the island of Ireland as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Moreover, as the Deputy rightly noted, Irish officials regularly raise the importance of the full, timely and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework at the Working Party on the United Kingdom. Through this Working Party, my officials engage regularly with the European Commission and fellow Member States, and continue to advocate for Ireland’s interests . The next meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework will take place on 3 December and Ireland will, once again, deliver an intervention noting the continued importance Ireland attaches to the implementation of the Framework.
On the issue of cross border trade, since the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, successive Irish governments have continued to support the growth of the all-island economy. In that regard, I am pleased to note that InterTradeIreland has reported that the total volume of trade (in goods and services) between Northern Ireland and Ireland in 2023 reached approximately €15bn, an increase of €3bn as compared to 2022. Cross-border trade in goods in 2024 reached €10.6bn, an increase of 5% on 2023. I wish to commend the work of InterTradeIreland, which has consistently supported SMEs on both sides of the border in navigating the challenges that emerged from Brexit. To date, it has supported over 60,000 businesses and remains well positioned to support them through any future challenges.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I will continue to closely monitor developments and advocate strongly for Ireland’s interests across all EU forums.
102. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a detailed list of all categories of infrastructure falling within the policy remit of his Department under the Climate Action Plan 2025, National Planning Framework, National Marine Planning Framework and renewable energy programmes, including grid development, offshore renewable energy, electricity system reinforcement and energy security projects; and to outline which Department holds statutory responsibility for the delivery of each category. [66544/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its agencies and bodies under its aegis, works to deliver climate action, the transformation of our energy systems, the protection and resilience of our environment, and a resource–efficient economy. As set out in my Department's NDP Sectoral Capital Plan, published on www.gov.ie on 12 November, my Department will provide up to €5.64 billion in capital funding between 2026 and 2030 for investments in essential infrastructure to support the wider economy, including the delivery of secure and sustainable supplies of energy, a robust system for the regulation of Ireland’s energy markets and infrastructure, and the protection of Ireland’s environment and reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions. The Sectoral Capital Plan sets out indicative funding envelopes to individual programme areas under my Department’s policy remit over the next five years.
My Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan also sets out planned ESB and EirGrid investments of up to €18 billion that will be leveraged by the State's equity investment of €3.5 billion based on the CRU's draft determination for Price Review 6. This equity investment is additional to my Department’s NDP capital ceilings for 2026-2030 and is being provided to the companies through separate statutory processes.
My Department operates a multifaceted approach to delivery of its programmes in accordance with the needs of each programme, primarily through its aegis bodies and through other public sector partners such as local authorities and in line with the statutory mandate of the body in question.
103. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review correspondence regarding a person (details supplied); if, in view of the circumstances the person will be eligible for a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66683/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrants of up to €1,800 are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support solar PV installations for houses built and occupied prior to 2021. Between 2022 and the end of September 2025, over 90,000 homes received solar PV grants totalling €196.7 million resulting in over 450 megawatts (MW) installed and 93.2 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide saved. This has supported households to make significant savings on their energy bills and cut their emissions.
This high level of demand indicates that the scheme is working well, that citizens recognise the significant benefits of investing in solar PV and, critically, that the solar industry and supply chain has gown to meet market demand. The current scheme built on the success of a previous pilot grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, and in order to increase access to the new scheme, the eligibility criteria was changed so that houses built prior to 2021 could receive grant support. Prior to the change, grants were only available to houses built before 2011.
It is important to note that new build houses must follow Part L of the Building Regulations which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. There are options to meet this requirement by including heat pumps and/or solar PV, with the cost of installing solar PV systems during the new build process lower than for existing homes. Consequently, houses built since 2021 already enjoy significantly higher energy performance, compared to older houses.
