Written Answers Nos. 350-371
350. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the details of Mayo County Council's current derelict and vacant homes activation strategy; the targets for bringing such homes back into use and the level of compulsory purchase order activity undertaken in 2025 and in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67932/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated, and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan outlines the range of initiatives and funding mechanisms that have been introduced in recent years and these measures are successfully reducing the levels of vacancy and dereliction right across the country, including County Mayo.
One of the key measures in the Action Plan is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, introduced in July 2022. The grant provides up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. To end of Q3 2025 in Mayo County Council, 871 applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant have been received, with 617 approvals and 159 grants paid with a total value of over €8.5 million.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the grant will be improved and expanded, with a new 'Above the Shop' grant and a new Expert Advice Grant to support property owners to bring these vacant upper floors into use as homes.
The CPO Activation Programme was launched in 2023. This requires local authorities, including Mayo, to take a proactive, systematic approach to identifying and activating vacant and derelict properties. It includes use of their compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act and the Housing Act, when engagement with the owners of these properties is not successful in bringing them back into use
My Department has published data for 2023 and 2024 on the CPO Activation Programme on its website, which includes the number of properties that entered the Programme, the number of compulsory purchase/acquisitions commenced and the number of compulsory purchase/acquisitions completed per local authority. This data can be accessed at the following link: Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) Activation Programme. https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/bdfef028/CPO_Activation_Programme_-_LA_use_of_CPO_powers.pdf. Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, data on the CPO Activation Programme will be published annually on local authorities’ achievements in progress and delivery.
All 31 local authorities have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacant Homes Office teams. My Department provides annual funding to each local authority to reinforce their capacity to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
Another focus is the active and timely use of the Derelict Sites Act, increasing the number of properties on the Derelict Sites Register and increasing and enforcing the collection of levies. Information on the number of properties Mayo County Council have acquired under the Derelict Sites Act is included in the attached table.
A Derelict Property Tax was announced in Budget 2026 and it is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in 2026. When it comes into effect, the tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. The new tax will support the many existing measures introduced to tackle dereliction by providing a deterrent to those who allow their property and land to fall into disrepair and to remain so.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local Authority |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice / demand under the Act issued |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2020 |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice / demand under the Act issued |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2021 |
|
Mayo |
265 |
0 |
0 |
€ - |
119 |
0 |
0 |
€ 10,383.00 |
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local Authority |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice / demand under the Act issued |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2022 |
No. of sites in respect of which a notice / demand under the Act issued |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2023 |
|
Mayo |
225 |
0 |
4 |
€ 11,024.00 |
268 |
0 |
1 |
€ 14,700.00 |
351. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to allow the use of private waste water treatment systems for developments in locations where there is inadequate or no public infrastructure provided by Irish Water; if large scale housing projects and such developments as nursing homes will be included for consideration; his plans to provide financial support for domestic and commercial developments of this kind to assist in meeting the rigorous standards that may be required by Irish Water; if he will ensure that funding is made available for housing developments in particular to assist with such costs and to prevent an uneven divide between sites serviced by public infrastructure and those developed with the use of private treatment systems; and if he will give a timeline indicating the indicative date for implementation of the new measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced a developer-led wastewater infrastructure initiative to support housing delivery in areas where public wastewater services provided by Uisce Éireann are insufficient or not planned in the near term. The initiative is directed primarily at new housing rather than commercial or other non-residential developments.
The new arrangements will allow the private sector to deliver wastewater infrastructure in collaboration with Uisce Éireann, particularly in smaller towns and villages where capacity constraints have limited development. Uisce Éireann will oversee the design and construction ensuring all infrastructure meets required standards and will assume ownership and operational responsibility once completed.
Developers can now fund and deliver the required infrastructure, with Uisce Éireann available to work with them, providing guidance and ensuring regulatory compliance. Uisce Éireann may contribute to costs where the infrastructure being built provides strategic capacity for future housing or wider service needs.
The policy framework has been agreed with key stakeholders, including Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency, and preparatory work for implementation is under way. I hope to have all the necessary measures in place by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
This will provide a clear and practical pathway for advancing urgently needed housing projects in areas affected by wastewater constraints.
352. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidelines in place for battery storage units, to protect communities, similar to the guidelines that have been in place for wind energy; if he is aware of local resident's concerns when planning for such facilities are sought; the safeguards which are in place for communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68008/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future commits to ensure the managed development of solar energy and battery power through the development of national planning guidelines. It also commits to advance battery development and take-up to allow portable energy and reduce grid dependence and reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 8 GW of solar capacity connected to the grid by 2030, to assist with meeting the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables.
Therefore, my Department will prepare a new National Planning Statement on Solar Energy, which will consider developments that include battery storage, under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024. My Department has begun an initial scoping process to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of the National Planning Statement for solar energy development, including consideration of any appropriate environmental assessment and public consultation requirements and other relevant European obligations such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), which will determine the timeframe for publication of said guidelines.
As part of the initial scoping process by the Department to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of a National Planning Statement for solar energy development, the Department is considering factors for consideration in the National Planning Statement, to include solar energy developments that use battery storage as part of the development.
It is important to note that many of the issues concerning battery storage are more appropriate for consideration under building control and fire safety codes, and may be more appropriately dealt with by way of best practice guidance issued through these codes rather than by way of a National Planning Statement.
This scoping process remains at an early stage but I am satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system, supported by Government policy more generally, provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the rollout of solar energy development, including solar energy developments that use battery storage as part of the development, in a sustainable manner and to assist with meeting our renewable electricity requirements while balancing the perspectives of local communities and allowing for public and stakeholder engagement.
In the interim, there are currently no statutory planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy or battery storage development. Proposals for individual solar energy developments, including developments that include battery storage, are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the Planning and Development Act 2024, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Coimisiún Pleanála on appeal.
The Programme for Government also committed to a Land Use Review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant Government decisions. The second phase of the Land Use Review, which is currently underway, will seek to identify the key demands on land (both public and private) to inform policies for land use across key government objectives, improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are working towards the conclusion of the second stage of the review. Any National Planning Statement on solar energy development or battery storage will take into careful consideration any finding of the Land Use Review.
354. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the first consolidated national report on homes delivered under the Town Centre First policy, including the number of units delivered in each local authority area; and if this data has already been compiled. [68046/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my reply to Question No. 646 of 18 November 2025 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
355. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given the Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable rural enterprises and the economic value of the Natura 2000 network; if his Department has signed the master licence agreement with the European Commission (DG Environment) to implement the commercial licensing scheme for the Natura 2000 logo in Ireland, as established by the Commission Decision of 4 June 2021; and if not, the specific timeline for signing this agreement and establishing the necessary national sub-licensing mechanism to allow compliant Irish businesses to use the logo for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, the European Commission (DG Environment) adopted a licence agreement allowing Member States to use the Natura 2000 logo for goods and services, under certain conditions.
The licence agreement allows a Member State to sublicense the logo to producers of goods or providers of services — but only if those goods/services meet strict criteria (e.g. products/services must originate from or be provided in a Natura 2000 site, and be compatible with conservation objectives).
To date, Spain is the only Member State to have signed a licence agreement and it intended to use this for the purposes of sustainable ecotourism. My Department has not yet considered signing a master licence agreement to implement the commercial licensing scheme for the Natura 2000 logo in Ireland.
356. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to develop a construction specific funding model for the AHB sector to allow the sector to increase its direct delivery capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68097/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist local authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to acquire and construct social and affordable housing units.
Certain AHBs within the sector have sought the introduction of a ‘construction-specific’ funding model to address alleged issues of viability, including but not limited to funding construction interest payments, as well as a mechanism to reflect the payment of management costs that are applicable on the date of completion of housing schemes.
In this regard, my Department operates the Payment and Availability - Capital Advance Leasing Facility (P&A-CALF) Funding Scheme, which provides finance to AHBs, via local authorities, for the acquisition, construction and maintenance of social housing units.
A project is currently underway within my Department to examine the overall financial impact of the P&A-CALF Funding Scheme on the main AHBs that have utilised the Scheme since its establishment in the year 2011. Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants have been appointed by my Department to assist in this research, and an element of Indecon's work is to examine whether a construction-specific funding model for AHBs should be developed to help mitigate the construction risk process and enhance construction viability for the AHB sector.
The consultants are due to report in April 2026, and I will further consider the merits or otherwise of a construction-specific funding model for the AHB sector when this work is to hand.
357. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will meet with landowners prevented from cutting turf at bogs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and/or Community Liaison Officers engaged by my Department have previously met with turf-cutters from the bogs referred to and remain available to discuss matters around the restrictions on turf cutting and restoration of these protected sites.
My office will respond to meeting requests in due course.
358. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the analysis carried out by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on behalf of the Minister found that the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is having a significant impact on the private rental market; if data supporting this finding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68115/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the findings of the analysis carried out by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for the Minister on the impact of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) has had on the private rental market will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 359 together.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is managed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration (DJHAM) and is payable to those providing pledged accommodation to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) through the Irish Red Cross (IRC), the local authority-led Offer a Home (OaH) scheme and private arrangements to BoTPs.
ARP is a tax-free payment for each property and is set at €600 per month. The scheme is provided for in Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and is referred to under the legislative title of the Financial Contribution for Hosting Temporary Protection Beneficiaries Scheme and in March 2025 the scheme was extended to 31 March 2026, at which point it will cease if not extended.
Following concerns raised by my Department on the possible impact of the ARP on the private rental market, in August 2024 the RTB carried out an analysis of properties in receipt of ARP that were also registered with the RTB since scheme began. The analysis has been conducted on a number of occasions since this time and clearly indicates that a significant number of former rental properties are now signed up to the ARP scheme. There are no plans to publish this internal analysis at this time.
Given already severe constraints on the availability of private rental sector accommodation and the impact that further reductions on supply could have on homelessness as well as schemes such as HAP and RAS, in July 2025 the Government approved amendments to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, limiting the eligibility of certain properties for ARP and amending the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide for necessary data sharing. In effect, rental properties will not be eligible to avail of new ARP applications. These changes are made with a view to safeguarding such accommodation for tenants and to address any potential for impact on the rental market.
Officials will continue to work collaboratively to advance legislative amendments to give effect to this change and it is expected that a memorandum to Government will be submitted in the coming weeks seeking the Government’s approval of the publication of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which will include the legislative amendments to the ARP scheme.
360. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered giving the LDA greater borrowing powers; if he will outline any other borrowing models that have been considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the LDA’s role is being expanded to include delivery across a wider geographical area, working in partnership with housing developers of all sizes to deliver more homes across all tenure types, including social and private. This will involve the LDA acquiring more private and state land, investing in infrastructure delivery to unlock additional homes, and supporting planning and delivery of new communities. The LDA will also be playing a fundamental role in the Starter Homes Programme.
As part of this new plan, the Government has committed to providing additional equity funding of €2.5 billion to the LDA, giving it access to total capital of €8.75 billion, including €1.25 billion of borrowing capacity. It is intended that the LDA will extend the impact of the additional equity funding by sourcing external finance, including debt, to support its objectives.
My Department is currently drafting a General Scheme which will amend the Land Development Agency Act 2021 to give effect to this expanded remit. In collaboration with the Agency and relevant Government Departments, my Department will consider increasing the statutory limits on LDA borrowing.
361. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline each metric his Department is using to monitor the impact of the Planning and Development Act 2024’s provisions; the breakdown of any data available on the impact of enacted provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68166/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has overseen considerable legislative and structural reform of the Irish planning system over the past two years.
The National Planning Framework has been reviewed to reflect Ireland’s housing and infrastructure goals associated with a growing population and economy, and provides the planning system with a strategic plan to shape the future growth and development of our Country to 2040.
In addition, the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act) represents the most significant update of planning legislation in a quarter century and contains many impactful reforms. These reforms include the introduction of longer-term, more strategic Development Plan Making and enhanced alignment of the tiers of plan-making, including the introduction of Government approved National Planning Statements.
It is proposed to commence the Act in 4 phases, with the first group of commencements in 2025. Given the complexities associated with the implementation of the new legislation, and the requirement for the development of revised secondary legislation, the commencement timeline will be updated regularly and confirmation of specific dates will be issued in advance of any provisions coming into effect.
The Act was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. In the meantime, the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (Act of 2000), and associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001 remain in force until the relevant sections of the Act are commenced and the corresponding sections of the Act of 2000 are repealed.
Alongside the above reforms, my Department is also currently revising exempted development Regulation and implementing the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources, which covers a range of measures to address resourcing challenges across the sector.
A new Strategic Performance and Innovation Unit has been established within the Planning Division in my Department to examine improvement and performance within the planning system. This Unit will develop a National Planning Excellence Framework (NPEF), which will highlight best practice in the public planning system, while also identifying areas in need of support and improvement.
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) continually monitor the performance of local authorities including in regards to their decision making functions. In December 2024, the OPR published ‘Planning in Numbers’, a five-year strategic review of planning trends and outputs in Ireland, from 2019-2023, while in September of this year, NOAC published ‘The 2024 Performance Indicator Report’ which measures the performance of local authorities against relevant indicators.
362. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people aged 16 to under 66 with a specified disability substantially restricting their ability to work. The person must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.
The Department received application for DA on 13 May 2025. This was initially disallowed due to insufficient medical evidence. The person concerned was informed of her right to request a review or appeal. Following receipt of further medical evidence, a review was conducted that upheld the original decision on 16 June 2025.
Subsequently, the person concerned successfully appealed this decision, and DA was awarded from 14 May 2025, with notification issued on 15 September 2025. Payments commenced on 8 October 2025.
Backdating can be allowed up to six months where good cause is shown, including incapacity due to illness or infirmity. Lack of knowledge alone is not sufficient but complex circumstances such as hospitalisation and medical incapacity will be considered. The person concerned was in receipt of an alternative welfare payment during the DA decision & appeal process, this would impact the amount payable in arrears along with the backdating review.
Officials from my Department will examine the details provided by the Deputy and see if backdating of the DA claim can be applied in this individual's case. They will contact the person concerned directly if any further information is required.
On the matter of the overpayment and the withholding of a portion of her DA arrears, the Department is obliged to recoup overpayments in a timely manner, including offsetting arrears against any debt owed, as permitted under statutory regulations.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
363. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for an emergency winter support for residents on disability allowance and similar schemes to offset the deficit created by the withdrawal of the 2025 cost of living measures. [67374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra364. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for the introduction of the cost of disability payment. [67375/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 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, which is the strategy's implementation plan, will be published shortly.
The work of this network, which will include disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to expedite this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of next year.
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 am meeting a number of organisations at 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.
365. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports in place for male victims of domestic violence whose domestic abuse payment cease soon. [67437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through a joined-up service delivery model provided by Cuan with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide. These services were formerly under the remit of Tusla.
The Rent Supplement scheme is administered by my Department. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided by Cuan-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast-track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to Rent Supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.
A list of national and local service providers for victim-survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence can be found on www.alwayshere.ie.
The standard Rent Supplement means test does not apply to these applicants for an initial three-month period. After three months, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual Rent Supplement means assessment.
After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment. As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the Housing Assistance Payment.
Furthermore, my Department may provide financial assistance under Additional Needs Payments to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income at this time.
A key Programme for Government commitment is to “Examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence”. I am very aware that my Department has a role to play in supporting victims of domestic violence and my officials continue to engage with Cuan to examine how we can improve the services available to such victims.
If the Deputy has concerns about a particular case, I would ask her to bring it to the attention of my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
366. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently developing guidance for staff on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
These guidelines will incorporate the principles highlighted in the "Interim Guidelines and Principles for the use of AI" published earlier this year by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Any updates in guidance for the public sector will be incorporated into the Department's guidelines as they are made.
The Institute of Public Administration (IPA), in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and industry experts in the field of AI, has developed a OneLearning course, “Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service”. In this course, learners explore the core principles and practical tools designed to support the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Irish public service. This course is open to all staff.
367. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of first-time pandemic unemployment payment overpayment letters that were issued in Q3 and Q4 2025; the reason these were issued now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67489/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced on March 16th, 2020, as a social welfare payment for employees and self-employed people who lost all their employment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The level of income supports provided was unprecedented in terms of volume and speed of response. Almost 942,000 individuals applied for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment indicating the unprecedented disruption which the Covid-19 pandemic caused to the labour market and society generally. The total scheme expenditure amounted to €9.1 billion over the period 2020 – 2022.
My Department has cross checked almost 30 million PUP payments week by week against Revenue records. Approximately 65,000 PUP customers were identified where there is an apparent overlap between PUP payment records and employer payroll returns to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (Revenue).
Approximately 13,800 letters in total have issued in Q3 and Q4 2025 to people who have an apparent overlap between PUP payment records and employer payroll returns.
A project team is working to follow up all cases and where overpayments are assessed these will be pursued for full repayment.
When contacted about their overpayment, people are given the opportunity to provide clarification on the matter and/or submit relevant information. People are also advised of their right to seek a review of the overpayment decision and their right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which operates independently of my Department. In addition, people are informed of the range of options available to them in repaying the debt, including instalment plans, direct debit, standing order or by cheque. People also have the option of repaying their debt online if they have a MyGovID account.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
368. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider making rent supplement available to people living in accommodation provided by voluntary housing bodies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67551/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent Supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting 6,124 active recipients at the end of October 2025. The purpose of Rent Supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Broader responsibility for housing related issues rests with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Rent Supplement is not intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. The overall aim of Rent Supplement is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative or extension to other housing supports operated by the Exchequer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
369. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the approximate cost of extending child benefit for a period of six months and one year respectively, in the event of the death of a qualifying child based on available data from 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe death of a child is always a tragedy and the difficulties that parents and families experience as a result should not be underestimated.
The Department recognises the need for a transition period during which people can grieve and plan for a life following the death of a family member. If a person is in receipt of a primary social welfare payment which includes a Child Support Payment and, tragically, that child dies, the Child Support Payment will continue for six weeks after the child's death.
Whilst the Department is appreciative of the difficulties families face in such circumstances, currently there is no provision to pay Child Benefit after the death of a child. The Child Benefit payment ceases once the Department is notified of the death.
Our records show that there were 171 children in receipt of Child Benefit who sadly passed away during 2024.
Assuming that each child was a single birth, i.e. the parents were in receipt of €140 per month in Child Benefit, the approximate costs for continuance of payment for six months and a year respectively after their passing is shown in the table below.
|
Number of Beneficiaries |
Monthly cost at rate of €140/month |
6 month cost (€) |
12 month cost (€) |
|
171 |
€23,940 |
€143,640 |
€287,280 |
Where appropriate, the Department also provide Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. An application can also be made under the scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses.
Both the Child Support Payment and Additional Needs Payment are targeted measures designed to assist customers experiencing financial difficulty. In contrast, Child Benefit is a universal payment which is not dependant on means or PRSI contributions.
The Department regularly reviews all of its schemes in order to ensure that they are still delivering on their policy aims and objectives. Any changes to Child Benefit would have to be considered in a wider policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.
370. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the 5% pension increase recently granted to former Irish Rail staff; when this increase is due to be implemented; if his Department has assessed the impact of this increase on the eligibility of affected pensioners for Social Protection supports such as the medical card, fuel allowance and other secondary benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67612/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the aspect of the Deputy’s query on pension increases, the Department of Transport has advised that while the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, as a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is responsible for the provision of pension schemes for its employees. Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes, subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules.
With regards to assessing the impact of this pension increase on the eligibility of pensioners for Social Protection supports, my Department has not carried out any such assessment.
While my Department's schemes are reviewed on an ongoing basis as part of the Budgetary process, it would not be practical to carry out impact assessments following increases to public service or private pensions. Furthermore, my Department does not hold information on the relevant members of the Irish Rail pensions scheme, mentioned by the Deputy, or the increased rate of pension that the members will now receive.
Matters in relation to the Medical Card should be directed to the Department of Health.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
371. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of people who remain in receipt of the employment support scheme for people with disabilities, a predecessor of the wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 32 employers who remain in receipt of the Employment Support Scheme with 38 employees supported, as of October 2025.
The Employment Support Scheme offered financial support to employers to cover a disabled employee’s productivity shortfall. The employer paid 100% of the gross wage, then claimed between 20%-50% back, depending on, what was then described as the employee’s productivity shortfall.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme came into operation as a pilot scheme in September 2005. It replaced the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Employment Support Scheme, both of which were closed to new applicants at that time.
Following a review of its pilot phase, the Wage Subsidy Scheme was placed on a permanent non-statutory footing in October 2008.
Customers on the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities were absorbed into Wage Subsidy Scheme. Any employee in an employment subsidised under the Employment Support Scheme in 2005 when the scheme closed to new applicants was allowed to remain on the scheme, but only in that specific employment. If the Employment Support Scheme employment terminates, the employee cannot transfer their Employment Support Scheme to a new employment but can instead apply for the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
There are currently 1,509 employers availing of the Wage Subsidy Scheme with 2,538 employees supported through the scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
