Written Answers Nos. 203-212
203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if we will address the disadvantage smaller businesses are facing with deposit return scheme machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was established to run primarily on a return-to-retail model. There are currently over 3,700 retail return points, about 75% of which are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), providing a high level of coverage across the country. To date, just over 2.1 billion containers have been returned through retail collection points. Retailers can avail of exemptions from participating in the scheme and the terms and conditions of these exemptions can be found on the Re-turn website here: https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/Take-Back-Exemptions.pdf.
Re-turn has advised that there are currently 2,814 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) installed across Ireland, including 8 bulk machines installed more recently.
All retailers receive a handling fee from Re-turn, the DRS operator for providing a take-back service. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.
In October 2024, Re-turn launched a RVM Grant Scheme to assist small retailers. The purpose of the scheme is to help offset the cost of purchasing and operating RVMs. Eligible retailers can receive up to €12,000 per RVM, distributed over a three-year period, depending on the machine's usage and availability. The grant is intended for retailers whose RVMs processed 250,000 or fewer containers per year, with a minimum availability threshold of 80%. The scheme supports both existing RVMs and the introduction of new machines, particularly in areas where coverage is currently low. To date, 1,161 applications have been received under this scheme, applications remain open until 31 Dec for those who purchased RVMs prior to Nov 2024.
In June 2025, Re-turn launched the Bulk Stimulus Program to encourage retailers to invest in Bulk RVMs to improve the container return experience for consumers. These machines are particularly important for the easy return of containers by sports and community groups who deal in large volumes of materials and who have contributed significantly to the success of the scheme. The Bulk Stimulus Program is for all retailers. Approximately 30 retailers, a mix of small and large, have expressed an interest in the program. Retailers can apply to be part of the program any time before 31 December 2025.
204. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of participants in the civil defence in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67099/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
CD Unit |
ACTIVE FOR DUTIES |
INACTIVE |
|
Carlow |
20 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
89 |
29 |
|
Clare |
67 |
4 |
|
Cork City |
59 |
35 |
|
Cork N&E |
66 |
8 |
|
Cork West |
49 |
6 |
|
Donegal |
41 |
10 |
|
Dublin |
270 |
52 |
|
Galway |
159 |
29 |
|
Kerry |
62 |
26 |
|
Kildare |
65 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
42 |
5 |
|
Laois |
63 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
18 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
45 |
8 |
|
Longford |
26 |
5 |
|
Louth |
54 |
17 |
|
Mayo |
41 |
10 |
|
Meath |
119 |
34 |
|
Monaghan |
61 |
9 |
|
Offaly |
28 |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
41 |
15 |
|
Sligo |
103 |
24 |
|
Tipperary |
82 |
26 |
|
Waterford |
59 |
32 |
|
Westmeath |
45 |
7 |
|
Wexford |
92 |
11 |
|
Wicklow |
48 |
2 |
|
National |
1,914 |
421 |
|
Overall total |
|
2,335 |
205. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to outline plans to ensure that cadet pay is ahead of the minimum wage and that the Defence Forces remain an attractive career path. [66902/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
There has been significant progress made in terms of pay and conditions for the Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last six years.
The starting pay of a school leaver cadet, on commissioning, was €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 August 2025 a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning to 2nd Lieutenant, is paid over €45,700, an increase of 49%, or over €14,900, in the past six years.
After 2 years at the rank, they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to above €51,000.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at over €51,000. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance.
I am aware that a claim has been received from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) in relation to this matter. The Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme (C&A Scheme) for members of the Permanent Defence Force and is the subject of correspondence between the Department and the Representative Association. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the C&A Scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time
Interest has increased in 2025 with the total number of applications up to the end of October 2025 was 14,879 with 1,819 of those being for cadets competitions. These numbers are greater than the overall number of applications for the entirety of 2024.
206. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Defence to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by her Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66925/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total gross budget allocation for the Defence Vote Group in 2026 is €1.49 billion, comprising of €1.173 billion on Vote 36 (Defence) and €317 million on Vote 35 (Army Pensions).
The Army Pensions Vote provides for the payment of statutory pension entitlements to 13,500 former members of the Defence Forces and their dependants. The relevant terms and time limits for application for these entitlements are set out and payable in accordance with the relevant legislation under the various pension schemes and arrangements.
The Defence Vote allocation provides, inter alia, for the pay and allowances of up to 9,140 public service employees (including 8,100 members of the Permanent Defence Force), ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs and essential capital investment in equipment and infrastructure. It also provides operational grants to each local authority in relation to running costs for Civil Defence along with a grant to the Irish Red Cross towards its administration costs. The Department provides grant funding to Sail Training Ireland for youth development through participation on voyages organised by Sail Training Ireland.
My Department does not administer any funding schemes, grant programmes or other financial supports that require the submission of applications. As a result, there are no launch or closing dates for any such scheme scheduled for 2026 to be managed by my Department or its agencies.
207. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that have availed of the opportunity to continue working after the increase in August 2024 in the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62. [67036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the mandatory retirement age for Defence Force members increased from 60 to 62 on 19 August 2024, I can confirm to the Deputy that there are currently 20 officers and 83 enlisted personnel in this age group still serving who would have had to retire at 60 under the mandatory retirement age regulations in place prior to that date. I can also confirm that a further 19 personnel remained in service past the age of 60 since 19 August 2024, who since retired. Therefore, in total, 122 personnel availed of the opportunity to continue their careers after the age of 60 since August 2024.
As the Deputy is aware, prior to 29 March 2024, many Defence Forces personnel had a mandatory retirement age of less than 60. The age varied depending on rank. The initial increase in the mandatory retirement age to 60 has provided an opportunity for personnel to extend their careers in the Defence Forces. They may also continue to retire at their original mandatory retirement age without any impact on their pensions.
While still in the early days of reviewing the effectiveness of the increased mandatory retirement age on retention, initial reviews would suggest it is having a positive impact. In 2023, 755 members retired/discharged from the Defence Forces, in 2024 that number was 674 and up to the end of October 2025, 508 personnel have retired/discharged. A number of very positive retention measures have been introduced in recent years for members of the Defence Forces. The reduction in the numbers leaving is due to a multitude of factors. Given the numbers who are continuing their military careers past the previous retirement age, the increased mandatory retirement age would appear to be a contributory factor.
208. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of her Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence continues to take a proactive approach throughout all its buildings in progressing energy efficient initiatives and achieving its emission reductions targets.
The Department has achieved its 2030 energy efficiency targets ahead of schedule. Attention will now switch to carbon emissions and measuring the Department’s annual performance against our current gap to target.
Carbon emissions for Department buildings have recorded figures of 450,586 kgCO2 in 2024. While we have yet to reach our 2030 target of 213,854 kgCO2, the below table shows progress in C02 emissions since 2010. We continue to progress improvements to achieve our goals.
In 2024, the Department’s HQ succeeded in the elimination of gas network supply with the upgrade to a more efficient Biomass heating system. Further CO2 improvements will be realised from 2025 onwards.
In collaboration with the OPW, several buildings are earmarked for CO2 emissions improvements over the coming years. We will expect to see further reductions with the completion of a full energy retrofit of our Galway office (Renmore) in 2026, and an LED Lighting upgrade of our HQ in 2027.
It is expected that these projects will help us achieve our 2030 target of 213,854 kgCO2.
|
Parameter |
Thermal CO2 emissions |
Electricity CO2 emissions |
Total CO2 emissions |
|
Unit |
kgCO2 |
kgCO2 |
kgCO2 |
|
2010 |
719,422 |
868,425 |
1,587,847 |
|
2011 |
245,533 |
881,092 |
1,126,625 |
|
2012 |
140,720 |
935,208 |
1,075,928 |
|
2013 |
185,474 |
787,640 |
973,113 |
|
2014 |
181,928 |
706,483 |
888,411 |
|
2015 |
188,163 |
685,614 |
873,777 |
|
2016 |
198,402 |
651,710 |
850,112 |
|
2017 |
155,313 |
611,582 |
766,895 |
|
2018 |
174,096 |
522,265 |
696,360 |
|
2019 |
159,040 |
480,143 |
639,183 |
|
2020 |
122,394 |
351,929 |
474,323 |
|
2021 |
121,496 |
376,448 |
497,944 |
|
2022 |
119,756 |
352,409 |
472,165 |
|
2023 |
111,674 |
325,260 |
436,933 |
|
2024 |
106,204 |
321,407 |
427,611 |
209. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence whether the digital media presences, across multiple platforms, of a person (details supplied) are part of Defence Forces or Department of Defence communications; whether posts on these accounts are sanctioned by the Defence Forces or Department of Defence; whether the opinions expressed on these platforms align with the foreign, defence and security policies of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67082/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware that a number of digital media accounts purporting to be operated by a person (details supplied) and promoting recruitment to the Defence Forces regularly share content and opinions on political and international affairs, and if these accounts are not sanctioned by Government or the Defence Forces, the policy of Government in relation to the use of social media channels by and featuring serving members of the Defence Forces, in uniform, providing commentary on political and international affairs. [67084/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 211 together.
Staff of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces personnel are free to use personal social media accounts on their own time.
Personal social media accounts of Department of Defence staff or Defence Forces members and their digital media presence are not part of the official communications of either the Department or the Defence Forces.
Both the Department and the Defence Forces have social media policies, in which departmental staff and Defence Forces personnel are provided with guidelines in relation to the use of personal social media accounts.
In the case of staff of the Department of Defence, this includes guidance to ensure official information is not disclosed without appropriate authorisation and that they do not express opinions on matters of or the implementation of government policy. Staff are also advised to be clear about the difference between official departmental accounts and personal ones, particularly where there is any risk that any statements, images or material posted may be perceived as being posted on behalf of the Department of Defence or the Government of Ireland.
The Defence Forces also have robust social media policies in place to provide guidance on how to ensure members maintain an accurate, appropriate and apolitical presence on personal social media accounts.
Defence Forces personnel are directed not to comment on any issue relating to controversial, sensitive or political matters which would be incompatible with service in the Defence Forces and are directed not to attempt to speak or be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the Defence Forces.
In the case of the individual, whose details were supplied, the Defence Forces were not aware of the named accounts sharing content and opinions on political and international affairs and this will now be looked into.
210. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 17 June 2025, if she or her predecessor authorised the use of social media influencers by the Defence Forces for recruitment and communications; and her views on whether there may be conflicts of interest caused by social media accounts advertising careers in the Defence Forces while simultaneously sharing partisan content related to live conflict situations and international politics. [67083/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces’ have advised that apart from their participation in an episode of the podcast series, 'The Two Johnnies', broadcast earlier this year, they have not utilised social media influencers for recruitment or communications purposes, nor have any requests been made to the Minister or her predecessor for the use of social media influencers for these purposes.
In addition, and further to the response of my predecessor to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 17 June 2025, I wish to reiterate that the Defence Forces is an apolitical organisation and does not endorse the individual views of any person. Consideration of commercial arrangements with any organisation or entity take into account potential conflicts of interest. However subsequent actions by an individual, organisation or entity after an arrangement is concluded cannot be anticipated by the Defence Forces.
Personal social media accounts of members of the Defence Forces and their digital media presence are not part of the official communications of the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have robust social media policies in place to provide guidance on how to ensure members maintain an accurate, appropriate and apolitical presence on personal social media accounts.
All Defence Forces personnel are directed not to comment on any issue relating to controversial, sensitive or political matters which would be incompatible with service in the Defence Forces and are directed not to attempt to speak or be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the Defence Forces.
212. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Defence if any military personnel or Department officials attended a recent conference in Israel organised by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on their intensive multifront campaign over the past two years, or any recent training conference or seminars organised by the IDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Defence Forces and no members of the Defence Forces attended any recent event organised by the Israeli Defence Forces and I confirm that neither did any of my officials.
