Written Answers Nos. 378-397
378. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact of local property tax decisions on local authority finances over the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67126/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Property Tax (LPT) is administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners and subsequently transferred into the Local Government Fund (LGF). The funds are redistributed, by my Department, to local authorities in accordance with the Government’s allocation policies.
In overall terms, LPT broadens the tax base and reduces the level of central funding required by local government, freeing up resources for expenditure in other areas. Funding allocations are decided in advance of collection, based on estimates (from the Revenue Commissioners) of the LPT yield in individual local authority areas for the following liability year.
Five years ago, the annual LPT allocation to local authorities (for 2020) was €516.8m, whereas the allocation currently stands at €696.7 million for 2025 and will further increase to €767.1 million for 2026. Over the intervening years, there have been a number of changes in the LPT allocation policies, as summarised below, all of which have had an impact on the finances of individual local authorities.
Apart from the yield, there are three other factors that ultimately determine the annual LPT allocation for an individual local authority; namely, the local authority’s LPT baseline (minimum funding requirement), the amount of any surplus above an authority’s LPT baseline used to self-fund certain local housing or roads services, and, finally, the local adjustment factor.
Under the LPT allocation model, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline. If the estimated LPT yield in a local authority area is lower than an authority’s baseline, the authority is topped-up or equalised to that baseline by the Exchequer. Since 2023, local authority allocations were impacted by the following changes;
• From 2023, the allocation model was changed to allow those authorities with an LPT income above their baseline to retain a greater portion of the surplus for their own use, increasing from 20% to 22.5% of overall yield. This is further increased to 31% of overall yield in 2026.
• Following a review in 2023, baselines for each local authority were adjusted in accordance with five criteria: population, area, deprivation levels, an authority’s locally raised income and achievement of National Policy Priorities, with every authority receiving a minimum increase of €1.5m. This led to an overall baseline increase of €75.4m in 2024.
• Building on the baseline increases of 2024, there will be a further increase of €42m in 2026, in line with the expected increased yield from revaluation expected in each local authority area. This, along with the increased surplus retained (i.e. 31%), will lead to an overall increase in own use funding in the sum of €85.4m
Local authorities may vary the rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) in their administrative area by up to 15% of the basic rate of the Tax. The decision to vary must be taken by resolution of the Council. While recent changes to the LPT legislation will allow elected members to adjust the Local Adjustment Factor (LAF) upwards to a maximum of 25%; due to the timing of the legislation, commencement of this section will be delayed until the 2027 LPT liability year.
If a local authority decides to vary the LPT basic rate upwards; 100% of the resultant additional income is available for the authority's own use. Similarly, if an authority decides to vary the LPT basic rate downwards (by up to 15%), the resultant loss in LPT income is reflected in reduced LPT funding to the authority. The power to vary LPT rates enables elected members to directly influence the level of LPT income they have to meet their expenditure requirements. 25 local authorities resolved to increase their LPT rates above the basic rate for 2026, whereas 3 local authorities decided to reduce the basic rate locally. The overall net gain arising from the variation decisions for 2026 is €23.2m.
Detailed information regarding LPT allocations for each year, taking account of any local variation decisions, where applicable, is published by my Department at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/ea27d-local-property-tax-allocations/ .
380. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the proposed new fire stations within County Galway for which his Department are providing capital funding; and other support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67185/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo new fire stations at Athenry and Loughrea were prioritised for inclusion in the 2021 – 2025 fire services Capital programme. The new Athenry fire station was officially opened in November 2024. In October 2025 the Council was approved to seek tenders for the construction of a new fire station at Loughrea.
In correspondence with my Department, Galway County Council has indicated several new fire station projects at Galway City, Portumna and Ballinasloe as priority projects the Council is proposing for inclusion on the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026 – 2030.
It would be premature to comment on the proposed Fire Service Capital Programme 2026 - 2030 prior to finalisation of a new fire services capital programme, following consultation with all local authorities.
My Department will work closely with Galway County Council to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
381. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's involvement with Dublin City Council's pilot scheme to provide cost-rental accommodation for key workers on Middle Abbey Street and North Frederick Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67219/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department understands that Dublin City Council is exploring possibilities to provide Cost Rental housing as part of a broader plan to bring vacant and derelict city centre buildings back into use.
Working to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The plan also reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent, including for those who may be categorised as key workers.
While my Department has not received any funding requests in relation to this specific proposal, the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to assist local authorities towards the cost of developing affordable homes where significant affordability needs have been identified.
The default system of allocation for Cost Rental homes under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 is a lottery of eligible candidates, however under new regulations Cost Rental landlords can employ Allocation Plans which may prioritise homes for those with a link to an area through residence, employment or education.
My Department is available to assist Cost Rental providers with the development of any proposed Allocation Plan for Cost Rental.
382. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline any involvement his Department will have with the special purpose vehicle established to implement the recommendations of the Dublin City Taskforce Roadmap for Delivery, as discussed in the recently published housing plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 59 of 25 November which sets out the position in this matter.
383. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on any recent tripartite engagements between his Department, Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress the delivery of affordable housing; if the number of Part V, social, and affordable units available in the first phase will be in accordance with the terms of the SDZ condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67221/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2022, Dublin City Council approved an application for the first phase of homes at the former Glass Bottle site. My Department has been working with Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress the delivery of social and affordable housing in this first phase of housing delivery, subject to agreement on the SDZ requirements and all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects.
Dublin City Council and Pembroke Beach DAC have concluded the negotiations on the Part V agreement for the Glass Bottle Site.
The Part V agreement is for 176 homes in a single block, which will be acquired by an Approved Housing Body under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility Funding Model. The Part V (10% requirement) for Phases 1A, 1B and 2, would be satisfied by 143 homes and the agreement provides for an additional 33 (Non Part V turnkey) homes towards the 15% SDZ social and affordable planning requirement.
With regard to delivery of affordable housing in accordance with the terms of the SDZ condition, the parties are not in a position to comment further until an agreement is finalised.
384. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department maintains a list of all of Part V dwellings which have been acquired by local authorities over the past three years to date; if this information breaks down acquisition cost, address, number of bedrooms; if this information is in the possession of his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67233/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. Information on Part V Delivery is also published. This data is available to the end of Q2 2025, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics/] .
My Department records local authority Part V delivery on a project basis, rather than on the basis of individual unit types. My Department is currently working with local authorities to obtain data on bedroom numbers. Further scheme level, granular data, should be available from the relevant local authorities.
Based on the funding drawn down by the local authorities from my Department, the table below sets out the average costs for Part V properties acquired by each local authority as new social homes in 2023, 2024 and up to the end of Q2, 2025.
Individual local authority and annual data can be influenced by individual transactions for Part V properties that might involve an unusually high number of properties or may involve costs that are notably high or low in an individual situation.
|
Local Authority |
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2025 |
|
|
|
Number Acquired |
Average Cost |
Number Acquired |
Average Cost |
Number Acquired |
Average Cost |
|
Carlow |
25 |
266,953 |
1 |
283,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
188,834 |
8 |
283,156 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
0 |
2 |
256,613 |
1 |
267,900 |
|
Cork City |
37 |
300,059 |
91 |
339,121 |
5 |
352,775 |
|
Cork County |
93 |
290,629 |
82 |
309,142 |
10 |
317,241 |
|
DLR |
177 |
361,667 |
104 |
341,274 |
31 |
416,828 |
|
Donegal |
19 |
201449 |
9 |
186,050 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
64 |
510,725 |
28 |
439,554 |
2 |
376,342 |
|
Fingal |
39 |
0 |
124 |
290,534 |
47 |
466,840 |
|
Galway City |
18 |
320,648 |
10 |
437,504 |
0 |
355,135 |
|
Galway County |
20 |
281,736 |
24 |
273,825 |
9 |
255,683 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
182,135 |
9 |
285,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
109 |
260,822 |
106 |
299,853 |
32 |
275,050 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
240,310 |
26 |
340,122 |
4 |
360,276 |
|
Laois |
12 |
276,187 |
28 |
295,163 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
7 |
252,447 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
24 |
329,214 |
13 |
259,747 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
25 |
324,686 |
49 |
228,986 |
27 |
336,011 |
|
Mayo |
6 |
249,167 |
8 |
349,063 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meath |
94 |
326,111 |
81 |
303,539 |
28 |
330,646 |
|
Monaghan |
4 |
299,792 |
4 |
301,456 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
19 |
253,234 |
19 |
298,945 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
313,694 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
14 |
235,534 |
6 |
335,242 |
5 |
323,329 |
|
South Dublin |
8 |
251,666 |
3 |
402,595 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
17 |
250,943 |
9 |
249,049 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
20 |
266500 |
14 |
283,964 |
2 |
293,724 |
|
Westmeath |
27 |
295,978 |
7 |
296,734 |
1 |
463,756 |
|
Wexford |
15 |
288,911 |
32 |
262,455 |
19 |
256,086 |
|
Wicklow |
27 |
303,763 |
65 |
321,670 |
13 |
311,642 |
385. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department maintains information on the number of staff assigned to Part V negotiations in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers and grades of staff allocated to specific work areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from the local authorities concerned.
386. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his response to reports of landlords looking to sell their properties in advance of new rules taking effect on 1 March 2026 next; if he has any concerns about this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 10 June 2025, the Government approved policy measures including modifications to rent controls to come into effect on 1 March 2026 in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The changes agreed will also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market across the country.
The modifications to rent controls have been informed by the findings of the Housing Agency review of Rent Pressure Zones and Potential Policy Options. This review was undertaken to assess the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It was also to consider whether RPZs should continue without change or be removed, modified or replaced. The review involved engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The review recommended a modification of rent controls. It also recommended allowing landlords to reset rents to market levels between tenancies and providing for stronger tenant protections to guard against economic evictions.
On 14 October 2025, Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025. This legislation is now subject to priority drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently conducting pre-legislative scrutiny.
For existing tenancies (i.e. those in place on 28 February 2026), landlords will continue to have the right to terminate a tenancy in line with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 (RTA) as they apply on 28 February 2026.
All landlords will continue to have the right, at any time, to terminate any existing or new tenancy if there is a breach of tenant obligations or where the dwelling is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household. All landlords will continue to have the right to sell a rented dwelling with the tenant in situ.
The enhanced tenancy protections will only apply to new tenancies created on or after 1 March 2026.
To offer greater protection to tenants, rolling 6-year tenancies of minimum duration (TMD) will apply for new tenancies created between parties on or after 1 March 2026. Such a new tenancy that continues for 6 months becomes a tenancy of unlimited duration, with rolling 6 year TMDs.
To mitigate the impact of TMDs on smaller landlords (i.e. landlords who have 3 or fewer tenancies and are not a company), they will be allowed to terminate a TMD during its 6 year term, if:
• the landlord intends to sell the rented dwelling due to financial hardship (to be prescribed in law) and does not wish to do so with the tenant(s) in situ; or
• the landlord requires the property for himself/herself or an immediate family member (spouse/civil partner, child or parent) to occupy as a principal private residence.
A smaller landlord will also, in advance of the end of each 6 year TMD, be allowed to serve a notice of termination with a termination date on/after the date of expiry of the 6 years, under any of the existing grounds for termination including:
• the landlord intends to sell the property;
• the landlord/family member requires the property for occupation;
• the landlord intends to substantially refurbish/renovate the property; or
• the landlord intends to change the use of the property.
Larger landlords (a company and/or a landlord with 4 or more tenancies) will not have the right to terminate a tenancy in the context of sale; landlord/family member occupation or change of use. A larger landlord will have the right to terminate a tenancy where the tenant is breaching tenancy obligations or the property is no longer suitable to the accommodation needs of the tenant household.
A detailed communications campaign will be undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the RTB, as soon as possible before the introduction of the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026.
Further information is available at:
Rental Market Reforms in Ireland | Tenant Protections & Housing Legislation Updates.
387. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce an emergency winter payment to offset the extra cost of disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will bring forward a cost-of-disability payment to replace the once-off measures provided for in Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66788/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 389 together.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures.
Government has been very clear that there would be no once-off measures in this year’s Budget. We are at the start of a five-year programme for Government and not everything can be done in year one.
However, my Department's Budget 2026 package contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people. These measures include:
• A €10 increase in the weekly rates of payment, bringing the personal rates of payment to €254 per week from January;
• A Christmas bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment, to be paid in December 2025;
• The highest ever increases in the Child Support Payment – an increase of €16 to €78 for children aged 12 or over, and of €8 to €58 for children under 12
• A €5 increase in the Fuel Allowance, bring it to €38 per week from January 2026;
• People moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work will be able to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for five years.
• People getting Disability Allowance or Blind Pension who have children will be eligible for Back to Work Family Dividend when taking up employment and moving off those payments.
• Expansion of the Wage Subsidy Scheme to people who acquire a disability while in employment and to those who transfer from Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit, and increasing the rates paid from April.
The Department of Social Protection package also contained measures aimed at supporting carers, and recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance.
• Increase the Earnings Disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 for a couple from July 2026.
• The income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase by €375 to €1,000 per week from July 2026.
• €20 increase in the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance payment bringing the payment to €380 per month from January.
The Government also allocated €3.8 billion to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for disability services in 2026, including funding for Community Based Specialist Disability Services to ensure people with disabilities receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. This represents a 20% increase year on year and represents an overall increase since 2020 of €1.8 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment with a view to incrementally increasing this payment. In addition, under the recently published National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability. The First Programme Plan of Actions 2025 - 2026 will be published shortly.
My officials have already held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability. I will be meeting a number of organisations at the next meeting of my Department’s Disability Consultative Forum on 2 December at which the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network is the main agenda item.
My Department provides the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, for those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Under the scheme, the Department may make an ‘additional needs payment’ to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
388. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to review how Budget 2026 will impact disabled households over the winter months with rising fuel and living costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66786/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to deliver fair and adequate supports that reflect the real costs people with disabilities face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the way in which Budget 2026 will impact disabled households over the winter months, when fuel and living costs peak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to urgently review the implications of Budget 2026 in respect of persons with disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67182/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388, 409, 410 and 412 together.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
Government has been very clear that there would be no once-off measures in this year’s Budget. We are at the start of a five-year programme for Government and not everything can be done in year one.
Not all of the matters covered in the details supplied relate to my Department. For example, the one-off electricity credits provided over the past few years are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people, including:
• A €10 increase in the weekly rates of payment, bringing the personal rates of payment to €254 per week from January.
• A Christmas bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment, to be paid in December 2025.
• The highest ever increases in the Child Support Payment – an increase of €16 to €78 for children aged 12 or over, and of €8 to €58 for children under 12.
• A €5 increase in the Fuel Allowance, bring it to €38 per week from January 2026.
• People moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work will be able to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for five years.
• People getting Disability Allowance or Blind Pension who have children will be eligible for Back to Work Family Dividend when taking up employment and moving off those payments.
• Expansion of the Wage Subsidy Scheme to people who acquire a disability while in employment and to those who transfer from Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit, and increasing the rates paid from April.
The Department of Social Protection package also contained measures aimed at supporting carers, and recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance.
• Increase the Earnings Disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 for a couple from July 2026.
• The income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase by €375 to €1,000 per week from July 2026.
• €20 increase in the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance payment bringing the payment to €380 per month from January.
The Government also allocated €3.8 billion to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for disability services in 2026, including funding for Community Based Specialist Disability Services to ensure people with disabilities receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. This represents a 20% increase year on year and represents an overall increase since 2020 of €1.8 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment with a view to incrementally increasing this payment. In addition, under the recently published National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability. The First Programme Plan of Actions 2025 - 2026 will be published shortly.
My officials have already held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability. I will be meeting a number of organisations at the next meeting of my Department’s Disability Consultative Forum on 2 December at which the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network is the main agenda item.
My Department provides the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, for those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Under the scheme, the Department may make an ‘additional needs payment’ to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.
My Department will publish a social impact assessment of Budget 2026, with distributional analysis of the measures in this Budget.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
390. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department provides any financial supports to farmers who are injured and cannot work on their farm due to injury (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66862/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
In addition, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
391. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if matters will be clarified in respect of auto enrolment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67028/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income. The new system - to be known as My Future Fund - will commence from 1 January 2026. The implementation of My Future Fund will pave the way for around 750,000 workers to be brought into a retirement savings scheme for the first time and I look forward to its implementation.
Current and new employees aged between 23 and 60 years of age and earning €20,000 or above per annum (across all employments) who are not already in an approved supplementary pension scheme will be automatically enrolled into the My Future Fund. Those who fall outside the age and earnings threshold so those aged between 18 and 23 or between 60 and 66, and/or earn below €20,000 will be able to join the new retirement savings system voluntarily by opting in.
Where an employee meets the criteria for automatic enrolment, they will be automatically enrolled into My Future Fund. The fact that an individual is here in Ireland as a consequence of the International Protection Act 2015 is not relevant to this determination.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
392. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the October lump sum fuel allowance payment did not issue to a person (details supplied); the steps that can be taken to issue them with a payment to cover essential fuel costs during cold weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66797/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel Allowance (FA) may be payable to certain households in receipt of long term social welfare payments. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted people. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
Entitlement to FA for the person concerned ceased on 17 July 2025 when the Department became aware that their household consists of another person who is receiving a Fuel Allowance with their own Social Welfare payment. In these circumstances, only one Fuel Allowance is payable, this remains in payment to the other FA recipient.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
393. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale for his Department to share carers income with the Revenue Commissioners; when this was agreed; the changes to carers arising from this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66808/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit are taxable sources of income.
Earlier this year, it was agreed between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners that, from 01 January 2026, information on these payments will be included in the Taxable Payments Report shared directly with Revenue. This equitable solution removes the onus on carers to contact Revenue themselves to inform them that they are in receipt of a Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit payment.
If Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit is a person's only source of income, they are unlikely to have to pay tax. This is because their tax liability may not exceed their tax credits.
394. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the claim for disability allowance was refused for a person (details supplied); the options available at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66824/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to medical assessment, a means test, and habitual residency conditions.
I can confirm the Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 01 August 2025. Based on all the information available to the Department, their claim was disallowed as they did not satisfy the qualifying medical criteria for the scheme. The person concerned was notified in writing of the decision on 11 September 2025. They were also notified of their entitlement to request a review and/or appeal of the decision.
The person concerned lodged an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The Department received notification of the appeal, and all the relevant information pertaining to the appeal were submitted to the SWAO on 07 November 2025. The person concerned will be notified directly in writing by SWAO regarding the outcome of their appeal.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
395. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the claim for carers allowance was refused for a person (details supplied); and the options available at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66825/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who provides full-time care and attention to a child or adult with a disability that requires such a level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 05 August 2025.
As part of the decision process, the application was referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor. The claim was disallowed as the Deciding Officer, having regard to the opinion of the Medical Assessor, decided that the information supplied did not show that the care recipient required full time care.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 12 November 2025. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A request to appeal this decision was lodged with the Department on 20 November 2025 and forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The file was sent to the SWAO on 24 November 2025 and is currently awaiting decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.
396. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing case (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that payment is sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department of Social Protection may be able to assist with certain funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the estate or by the family of the deceased person, or the claim applicant if not a family member, without causing hardship. The person who arranges a burial or engages the services of an undertaker is responsible for discharging the bill and can apply for assistance through our Additional Needs Payment (ANP) where required.
According to the records of my Department, an ANP application was submitted by a friend of the deceased person for assistance with the costs of a funeral service for him. A request for further information in support of the claim issued to the person concerned on 14/10/2025. As all requested documentation was not received, the application could not be progressed, and the claim was closed.
My Department through the Community Welfare Service may provide for an arranged burial of a person where no next of kin has been identified. Generally, an arranged burial is not undertaken in cases where a next of kin exists. Whether or not a next of kin exists, must be established (in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and the HSE. If a next of kin is identified and unwilling to take responsibility for the deceased an arranged burial can be considered, however, the next of kin must formally waive all responsibility. This is done by the next of kin swearing an affidavit.
An arranged burial provides only for the dignified burial of a person and all arrangements are made by the Community Welfare Officer who coordinates with the local authorities, funeral directors, Gardaí, hospital or care facility staff. Where families abroad seek for the deceased to be repatriated, the embassy of origin should be contacted to seek assistance as costs associated with the costs of repatriation are not covered by my Department.
An officer of my Department will pursue contact with the social worker in order to progress the funeral arrangements for the deceased person as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
397. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware that information relevant to an appeal of a refusal to award DCA to a parent can take time to obtain; if he is further aware that sometimes, parents need to submit additional information while the appeal is submitted and pending; if he can advise whether this can be done right up to the decision on the appeal being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew Social Welfare Appeals Regulations came into effect on 28 April 2025, these regulations increased the time limit for lodging an appeal from 21 to 60 days, with provision for the Chief Appeals Officer to accept late appeals up to 180 days in certain circumstances. This change allows customers a longer period to prepare their appeal and gather any relevant documentation prior to submitting an appeal. At any time during the appeals process, up to and including an oral hearing, if applicable, an appellant can submit additional information, which affords them the opportunity to strengthen their case.
Appeals functionality on MyWelfare means that appellants can now easily transmit documentation and evidence to the relevant scheme area and the Appeals Office electronically via MyWelfare at any time during the appeal process. In cases where the MyWelfare site cannot be accessed by an appellant, additional information may be submitted via post or email directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
