Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach 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. [67471/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of the Taoiseach is in the process of developing a strategy and governance structure on the use of AI, informed by the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service and by the National Cyber Security Centre guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies.
The Institute of Public Administration - the central provider of training to Civil Service organisations - has made the following two on-demand eLearning courses available to staff on the OneLearning platform in 2025:
• Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service; and
• Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service.
Staff of the Department are also engaging in conferences/webinars/masterclasses, etc. to explore and better understand the potential for, and impact of, AI.
2. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach if his Department will consider the joint proposal from Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for financial support from the Shared Island fund to invest in important community amenities in their council areas. [66770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Programme for Government commits to working with local authorities across the island to advance projects on an all-island basis. This has been and remains an important feature of the Shared Island Initiative to date, including through the Shared Island Local Authority Development Scheme, and as part of the Community Climate Action and Creative Ireland programmes.
Local authorities’ knowledge of local context, delivery of local services, and strong working relationships at regional levels means they are well-placed to take forward impactful cooperation projects, working with relevant Departments and Agencies, North and South.
The Shared Island Fund supports delivery of Shared Island investment objectives, as set out in the Programme for Government, and in the National Development Plan Shared Island Sectoral Investment Plan that was published on 18 November.
Shared Island investment priorities are taken forward by Ministers and their Departments, working with Northern Ireland Executive and British Government counterparts, and with local authority, education and civil society partners across the island.
Consideration of any proposal for the Shared Island Fund is a matter for the relevant line Minister and Department in the first instance, with reference to sectoral policy, all relevant funding sources and developing impactful cooperation with Northern Ireland counterparts.
My Department’s Shared Island Unit recently met with Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and discussed this process, and will continue to regularly engage with Local Authorities across the island on opportunities to develop and deliver projects on a cooperative basis as part of the Shared Island Initiative.
3. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; and the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form. [66937/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither the Department of the Taoiseach nor the National Economic and Social Development Office - the only body under the aegis of the Department - administer any funding schemes, grant programmes or financial supports.
4. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming. [67057/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023 requires public sector bodies to put in place a Climate Action Roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, and increase the improvement in energy efficiency to 50% by 2030.
The Department of the Taoiseach’s Climate Action Roadmap, which is kept under review, is published on gov.ie. It sets out an analysis of the Department's 2030 greenhouse gas target and estimates a current gap of 28 tonnes of CO2 from our 2030 target of 231 tonnes i.e. we are currently 12% short.
The Roadmap also identifies current and planned actions to bridge that gap. An important part of the bridging the current gap will be retrofit works to Government Buildings to be undertaken as part of the Office of Public Works (OPW) overall plan to make public buildings more energy efficient.
The Department established a Green Team in 2019 which has overseen implementation of a range of actions to reduce energy consumption and the Department’s emissions which include:
- Increased energy awareness among staff through communications;
- Actively supporting the Optimising Power at Work and Reduce your Use campaigns;
- LED /retrofit lighting inside and outside the building;
- Installation of sensor lighting where appropriate in the building;
- Replacement of hand dryers in bathrooms with energy efficient models;
- Reduction of energy usage in ICT server rooms; and
- Roll-out of Climate action training and its inclusion in the induction training programme for all new starters.
5. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the hostage situation in Nigeria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned at the of the abduction of over 300 children, and 12 teachers, from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State in Nigeria on Friday 21 November. The Government joins all calls being made for the swift and safe release of the children and staff. We also condemn other abductions of school children which have taken place in recent weeks in Nigeria.
Many parts of Nigeria, particularly rural and semi-urban areas, do not have a significant police presence, which makes the task of providing security to populations in those areas challenging. Ireland, bilaterally and as a Member State of the EU, works with the Nigerian authorities and with UN and international partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups and insecurity. I understand that all efforts are being made to locate and secure the release of the abducted students and staff members of St Mary's School.
The severity of last Friday’s event, and the sharp escalation in violent attacks and mass kidnappings which has been experienced in Nigeria over recent weeks, has been recognised by the Government of Nigeria. Following his decision not to attend the G20 Summit and the African Union-European Union Summit in order to focus on a response to the security situation, President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in Nigeria on 26 November and ordered the recruitment of additional police and army personnel.
Ireland has a long history in Nigeria, not least through the work of many Irish missionaries. St. Mary's School has close links to Irish missionaries. The Ambassador and officials at our Embassy in Abuja are monitoring the situation engaging closely with the Nigerian authorities on developments, as are our EU partners.
Through the Irish Aid programme, Ireland provides some €2.5 million annually for humanitarian and development projects in Nigeria, implemented by Christian Aid, Misean Cara, the International Service for Human Rights and others. We will continue to prioritise the strengthening of peace and security in Nigeria and the broader region, as well as addressing persistent poverty levels. In the coming days and weeks we will work with all relevant partners in the country to support St Mary's School and all those affected by this terrible situation.
6. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens who have sought consular assistance from Irish embassies or consulates in Britain in each of the years 2023 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67325/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs has a long and proud track record of providing high quality consular services to Irish citizens abroad. This is a vital public service and a key priority of my Department.
Consular assistance was provided in 543 cases by the Irish Embassy in London and the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh since 1 January 2023. Our Embassy in London and Consulate General in Edinburgh work closely with a number of partner organisations in the Britain to provide consular assistance.
The numbers of cases recorded, disagreggated by year and the Embassy or Consulate which provided the assistance, is outlined below. To note, Embassy London carries consular responsibility for all of England and Wales. 68% of all cases recorded since 2023 are related to the death of Irish citizens.
|
Consulate General of Ireland, Edinburgh |
|
|
Year |
Cases |
|
2025 |
7 |
|
2024 |
5 |
|
2023 |
5 |
|
Total |
17 |
|
Embassy of Ireland, London |
|
|
Year |
Cases |
|
2025 |
144 |
|
2024 |
187 |
|
2023 |
144 |
|
Total |
526
|
7. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if contributions to the World Bank count towards Ireland’s official development assistance target; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67450/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's contributions to the World Bank count towards our Official Development Assistance.
The Minister for Finance is the lead on the Government's engagement with the World Bank and represents Ireland on the World Bank's Board of Governors. The Department of Finance publishes an annual report on Ireland's participation in the IMF and the World Bank Group which sets out all Irish funding to the World Bank and is available on the Oireachtas Library website.
8. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the type of training provided to staff within her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [67463/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe civil service digital learning hub, One Learning, has introduced a training module on AI which includes information on obligations under the EU AI Act. This training is available to all staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department has a policy in place on the use of Generative AI in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. ICT policies, including the policy on the Use of Generative AI and the policy on Appropriate Use of ICT, are available to all staff. Familiarisation with these policies form part of induction training provided to new entrants to the Department.
The Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the policy and security considerations that arise. The Department is currently reviewing its existing policy to update it, in light of developments in AI and to take account of the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service. Further training needs are being considered in the context of this review.
9. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to persons with addresses in Northern Ireland; for each year from 2015 to 2024, and to date in 2025. [67481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is responding well to demand and so far this year, has issued over 886,000 passports to Irish citizens.
The numbers of passports issued to persons with dispatch addresses of Northern Ireland are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Passports Issued to NI –Based Residents |
|
2015 |
54,321 |
|
2016 |
67,227 |
|
2017 |
80,568 |
|
2018 |
83,053 |
|
2019 |
117,982 |
|
2020 |
44,745 |
|
2021 |
44,630 |
|
2022 |
115,636 |
|
2023 |
113,588 |
|
2024 |
117,998 |
|
2025, to date |
101,284 |
10. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland’s current and proposed role in the talks toward a Ukraine peace agreement, including Ireland’s participation in the coalition of the willing; the commitments that have been made on Ireland’s behalf; and the position the Government intends to take on any final settlement that might include limits on Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial concessions, or changes to the European security order. [67521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt this critical juncture for Ukraine, after almost 4 years of brutal Russian aggression, I want to emphasise Ireland’s unequivocal support and solidarity with Ukraine.
I welcome the ongoing efforts of President Trump and the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.
It is more important than ever that Europe and the United States continue to work together to achieve this.
The emerging US proposals, as well as plans for further negotiations, represent a step forward. I welcome the progress made at meetings between US and Ukraine. I look forward to these talks continuing in a positive manner and to further progress being achieved.
Ukraine is engaging positively and constructively in these discussions despite the ongoing Russian military assault on its towns and cities, ports and critical energy infrastructure.
It is crucial that any agreement upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force must be upheld.
Any agreement must also protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security. That means strong, credible guarantees that ensure Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to avoid a repetition of the past.
This is not just vital for Ukraine - it is also vital for the European Union and all its Member States, including Ireland. It is welcome that assurances have been given that the EU and Europe will be involved in discussions on issues that directly affect us including enlargement and immobilised assets.
The visit to Ireland by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady on 2 December further brought into focus what the stakes are for Ukraine, Ireland and Europe.
In my interactions with President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha during their visit, I used the opportunity to recommit the support that Ireland offers Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s illegal war, and to agree pathways to a just and lasting peace, deeper economic cooperation, and progress toward EU membership. I underlined that our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.
On the occasion of the visit of President Zelenskyy, Ireland and Ukraine signed a 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership that includes additional financial support of €100 million for non-lethal military support and €25 million for restoring energy infrastructure.
Ireland has been equally clear in our engagement with our European partners. I reiterated these points at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November where Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha spoke about recent Russian attacks against Ukraine. Minister Richmond also reiterated these points at the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 November.
The Taoiseach and I will remain in close contact with our European and Ukrainian partners. Together with our EU partners, we remain steadfast in our support for a just and lasting peace and security for the people of Ukraine in the period ahead.
Ireland’s position remains clear. As the aggressor, it is for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards peace by halting its brutal attacks and agreeing to the proposed ceasefire, without conditions. It can do so at any time.
Ireland is committed to supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. The Taoiseach continues to participate in discussions around a “Coalition of the Willing”. Most recently he participated in a Leaders meeting on 25 November. The Taoiseach has stated Ireland’s openness to contribute to an appropriately mandated peacekeeping mission in the event of a ceasefire and our commitment to providing non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine.
11. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has engaged with members of the diaspora with a construction background who are disincentivised from returning home due to VAT rates applicable on the tools of their trade; if he has engaged with his Cabinet counterparts in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67549/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains specific commitments to reduce barriers for emigrants wishing to return.
Work on our new diaspora strategy is underway, and as part of its development I have led in-person meetings with community groups overseas, including in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada, the Middle East and beyond. I also hosted round-table discussions in Ireland, first to hear from my fellow Oireachtas members, and then later to hear from Ireland-based organisations that work with the diaspora. Our in-person consultations were supplemented by an online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which received over 10,000 responses. These consultations offered an opportunity to respondents to share their views on the barriers faced by returning emigrants, which will feed directly into the new strategy.
12. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person volunteering with a group (details supplied) can receive funding under the European Solidarity Corps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67558/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding under the European Solidarity Corps does not fall under the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and this question is therefore not a matter for my Department.
13. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of all overseas aid projects and funding amounts allocated to each of the G20 countries in 2024; the total amount combined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67594/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's international development programme focuses on providing support for countries and communities most seriously in need, with the objective of reaching the furthest behind.
Ireland’s total ODA for 2024 was €2.35 billion, or €1.72 billion, if ODA-eligible support for Ukrainian refugees in their first year in Ireland is excluded.
Our bilateral development assistance is delivered in our partner countries and other vulnerable locations worldwide. The G20 represents the world’s major economies, and only eight of the member countries are on the OECD list of countries eligible to receive Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The most significant ODA contributions to the G20 countries relate to:
• climate financing, including our support to Instituto Socioambiental and Fundo Socioambiental Casa in Brazil in their work fight against environmental degradation (€1,000,000)
• support to Irish missionary organisations most notably in India, working to provide humanitarian assistance for vulnerable communities (€836,593)
• Ireland’s development programme in South Africa, which focuses on three main policy areas: health, education, and gender-based violence
The ODA relating to China refers to support to human rights organisations, rights issues associated with the extractive industries in Africa, and small grant funding via our Embassy in Beijing for a project on minority rights.
Amounts of bilateral ODA in 2024 to the G20 member countries are set out in tabular format below:
|
G20 Country |
ODA Amount, € |
|
Argentina |
54,127 |
|
Australia |
- |
|
Brazil |
1,299,254 |
|
Canada |
- |
|
China |
26,246 |
|
France |
- |
|
Germany |
- |
|
India |
864,509 |
|
Indonesia |
81,386 |
|
Italy |
- |
|
Japan |
- |
|
Republic of Korea |
- |
|
Mexico |
79,386 |
|
Russia |
- |
|
Saudi Arabia |
- |
|
South Africa |
2,513,508 |
|
Türkiye |
91,521 |
|
United Kingdom |
- |
|
United States of America |
- |
|
African Union* |
600,000 |
|
European Union* |
- |
|
Grand Total - ODA to G20 Countries |
5,609,937 |
14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures she is taking to support International Criminal Court judges subject to sanctions by the USA (details supplied); and for details of her engagements with the US government and its embassy in Ireland on the matter. [67886/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. The Government is very concerned about the rising levels of threats against the ICC, its staff and those who cooperate with it. In particular the imposition of US sanctions against ICC elected officials, including the Prosecutor, two deputy prosecutors and seven judges, has been alarming. Such measures corrode the international legal order on which all states – but particularly small states like Ireland – depend. We call for all coercive measures against the ICC, and its officials, to be withdrawn and for the Court to be allowed to continue its independent and impartial work.
Ireland has joined several public statements regretting the impact of US sanctions against the ICC and reaffirming our strong support for the Court. This includes, most recently, a cross-regional statement by 59 States at the UN on 11 November. On 2 July 2025, Ireland hosted the President of the ICC, Judge Tomoko Akane, who visited Dublin as part of a series of official visits to ICC States Parties to elicit political support for the Court in the context of the US sanctions. The Tánaiste reaffirmed Ireland’s steadfast support for the Court during his meeting with President Akane.
Ireland has been actively engaged with EU Member States on how to best respond to the imposition of these sanctions and the Government believes that a coordinated EU response is the most effective way to protect the Court and its officials. We will continue to engage with the Court and our international partners on how we can best support the ICC and assist it in fulfilling its mandate to end impunity, including at the meeting of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, being held in The Hague from 1 to 6 December.
15. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the merits of prioritising leadership in climate change as part of our EU presidency commencing in July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently under development and will take into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU, as well as the recently agreed EU 2040 emission reduction targets as part of our commitments to implementing the Green Deal. Consultations with other EU Member States will also inform this process, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda throughout the current Presidency term of Denmark and that of Cyprus next year.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard. In this regard, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has undertaken a consultation process with domestic stakeholders, from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups, which will guide the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities.
An online, written consultation process was launched on 5 November and will close on 12 December. This will help to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties have the opportunity to participate in the development of Ireland's Presidency priorities.
Further to this, other Government Departments continue to engage in sector-specific Presidency consultations with stakeholder groups. This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of different policy issues, including those you reference, as our Presidency programme is developed.
Ireland’s Presidency policy programme will be finalised and published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026.
16. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if individuals who are resident in the North of Ireland and have been granted leave to remain are entitled to apply for an Irish passport if they do not have access to a birth certificate, his views on the case of an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67987/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended. Section 7(1)(a) of that Act provides that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for a passport to be issued. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit evidence that they are an Irish citizen and, as such, are entitled to a passport.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 ("the 1956 Act"), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. The 1956 Act is under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.
First time passport applications are necessarily complex to process. The Passport Service must validate the true identity of the applicant and take measures to confirm the applicant’s entitlement to Irish citizenship. It is the responsibility of the Passport Service to protect the integrity of the Irish passport. Accordingly, a rigorous analysis process is in place to verify the identity and citizenship status of first time applicants.
All first time applicants are required to provide an original civil birth certificate with their application. However, if an applicant provides evidence that they have taken reasonable steps to obtain a civil birth certificate and that it is not possible, the Passport Service may accept alternative documentation on a case by case basis.
Applicants with any queries can contact the Customer Service Hub for assistance at +353 1 671 1633, or via the webchat service: www.ireland.ie/contactpassportservice/
Agents are available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
17. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his engagements with the government of Togo and its embassy regarding a number of human rights abuses; and whether consular assistance is being offered to a number of individuals affected, including an Irish citizen (details supplied). [68013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that officials in my Department and the relevant Irish Embassy are aware of this case and are providing consular assistance to the Irish citizen involved.
As with all consular cases, a dedicated consular officer has been assigned to a family member of the citizen. The consular officer has provided support and advice to the family in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter.
I can further confirm that officials in the Embassy of Ireland, Abuja, are in regular engagement with the relevant authorities in Togo, as well as European Union colleagues, as part of efforts to assist the citizen.
I wish to assure the Deputy that officials in my Department, including in the Embassy of Ireland, Abuja, will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen.
In addition, Ireland has raised our concerns about the detention of the Irish citizen at both senior official level and directly with Togolese Ministers.
The Government is concerned about the current human rights situation in Togo, in particular in relation to freedoms of expression, freedom of association and the right to peaceful assembly, as well as the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders.
During Togo’s Universal Periodic Review in January 2022, at the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland expressed concerns about the restrictions on freedom of expression and the excessive use of force against protestors in Togo, as well as reports of assault, arbitrary detention and torture of political opponents and human rights defenders. We urged Togo to release human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained without trial and to investigate allegations of torture, which I continue to reiterate.
18. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of raising the issue of aviation emissions as part of the EU emissions trading system as part of our EU presidency commencing in July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will take place in the second half of 2026, Ireland will set the agenda and drive policy and legislative work across all ministerial formations. My Department will lead our fellow Member States on issues of importance across the Energy and Environment Councils. In consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, officials in my Department are developing high-level thematic priorities which will guide policy development and our hierarchy of priorities.
Since 2012 the aviation sector has been included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Aircraft operators operating flights within the European Economic Area must monitor, report and verify their CO2 emissions and surrender allowances against those emissions.
The scope of the EU ETS is currently temporarily limited to flights within the European Economic Area, in order to support the development of a global measure by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This measure is known as Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In the context of the launch of CORSIA, this limitation has been extended several times.
This limitation on scope is due to expire at the start of 2027 and the European Commission has committed to carrying out an assessment by July 2026. This assessment will consider whether further action should be taken with regard to flights in and out of Europe, in line with the criteria set out in the EU ETS Directive (Directive (EU) 2003/87/EC). Further to this assessment the Commission will consider a legislative proposal to amend the Directive to ensure alignment with EU and global climate goals.
During its Presidency, Ireland will play a key role in advancing the review of EU ETS, scheduled for Q3 2026, and will ensure that appropriate consideration is given to the assessment relating to aviation and any legislative proposal made by the Commission.
19. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of home energy upgrades carried out under the warmer homes scheme to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68554/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the average waiting time for the warmer home scheme currently; the average waiting time for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67750/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra34. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of warmer home schemes completed to date in 2025, by county; the number per county for the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 33 and 34 together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme is driving increased levels of demand for the scheme with over 45,700 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end October 2025. The increase in depth of retrofit to an average value of just over €29,000 per home is also reflected in the waiting times as more significant works take a longer time per home to complete.
The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, to date in 2025 was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes. The represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
The reduction in waiting times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures. The SEAI are currently re-tendering for a new, expanded contractor panel for the scheme. This new tender will make it easier for successful contractors to engage sub-contractors and will enable a further significant scale-up in delivery of the scheme.
The SEAI publish indicative wait times on their website for each stage of the process. This is available here: [Warmer Homes Scheme waiting times]
The average waiting time and homes completed for the Warmer Home Scheme from January 2025 to end of October 2025, and for each of the past three years, is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 Jan-Oct |
|
Wait Times |
26 |
20 |
P1 Homes= 18 P2 Homes= 19 |
P1 Homes=21 P2 Homes=22 |
|
Homes Completed |
4,264 |
5,897 |
7,743 |
6,686 |
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to waiting times and homes completed on a county by county basis, are operational matters and are not routinely supplied by the SEAI to my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the SEAI directly in relation to these matters. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of fully-funded energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
20. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the process in place for individual homeowners, businesses or farms who are producing excess energy, for example through solar panels, to be able to supply that energy into the grid; the extent to which it is being done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67300/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraESB Networks data to end October 2025 indicates that approximately 162,550 domestic microgenerators have successfully registered with ESB Networks for an export grid connection. Of these, 151,211 have a smart meter installed which means they are eligible to receive the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) export tariff from their supplier for any excess renewable electricity they export to the grid.
Grid connections for up to 6 kW (single phase, usually domestic) and up to 11 kW (three phase, usually small farm or commercial settings) follow ESB Network’s simple and free of charge "Inform and Fit" process using the Microgeneration Installation Notification Form (NC6). This is normally completed and submitted by the registered Solar PV installer.
As of the end of October 2025, there has been 682 MW of micro-generation ( 50kW) capacity connected to the grid, along with an additional 120 MW of mini and small-scale (NC7/8, 50kW)) energised capacity.
This high level of demand indicates not only have citizens recognised the significant benefits of investing in Solar PV, but that the Solar PV industry and supply chain have adapted to the demands of our citizens and will support Ireland’s significant updated Climate Action Plan target of 1.6 GW of Microgeneration by 2030.
